Lib Dem budget halves Mayor's Precept Increase - Tuffrey

6.01.00am GMT Wed 30th Jan 2008

London Assembly Liberal Democrats are today proposing an increase half that of the Mayor's 2.4% rise in 2008/9.

Liberal Democrats are proposing free bus travel one Sunday a month, as well as on public holidays and Christmas Day. They will also be pioneering a new policy to tackle the causes of crime by focusing on young people who are most at risk.

Other innovative measures introduced as part of their budget proposals include providing free cavity wall and loft insulation to 10,000 Londoners living in rented social housing, increasing cycling capacity in London and helping students to cope with high travel fares.

Mike Tuffrey, Leader of the London Assembly Liberal Democrats said:

"Our budget amendment provides a serious alternative to the Mayor's. We are seeking to cut unwanted and unnecessary projects, scrapping wasteful expenditure, while delivering beneficial new policy ideas. Most importantly, our budget does not call for high tax rises.

"Our amendments build upon our previous Liberal Democrat successes. The proposed measures will improve upon the services we can offer Londoners. We hope that other parties will support it. "

ENDS

Related Link:

Foreword for Liberal Democrat budget amendment