LIBERAL Democrats need make no apologies for opposing bad decisions made by Coun Simpson Laing and her colleagues, especially when she attempts to deflect such criticism by crude political attacks.

Labour has raised the eligibility criteria for access to social care. That was the choice of this cabinet, not an imposition, and we believe that it is wrong. Yet money could have been found, as our amendment to Labour’s budget demonstrated in February.

Other spending has been prioritised over adult social care. There is a £1 million per annum slush fund for the council leader, £1.5 million per annum repayments on £20 million of new debt, £1 million for a citywide 20mph zone, £250,000 for a quality bus partnership that has achieved nothing, increased costs for union officials to the tune of £124,000 and even £38,000 to fund extra cabinet members – all seen as “essential’”...

If James Alexander abolished his £1m fund, more could be invested in social care. It’s time this leader and his cabinet realised they were elected to manage the finances of this city responsibly.

Putting our most vulnerable residents at risk is just not good enough.

Coun Ian Cuthbertson, Liberal Democrat, Haxby and Wigginton ward, City of York Council .