Scrap the crap, Ken

12.00.00am GMT Tue 21st Jan 2003

The Mayor's draft budget is full of re-election gimmicks and the proposed increase in the council tax precept places an unacceptable burden on London taxpayers.

At the London Assembly's meeting with the Mayor, they will insist that Ken Livingstone identifies areas of his budget where economies can be made without compromising investment in the police and transport system.

Graham Tope, leader of the London Assembly Lib Dems said: ""London needs more effective policing and better transport – these are priorities that should not be compromised. But the increase in the council tax precept must be fair and justified. The Mayor's proposal of a 39 per cent rise is wholly unacceptable.

"The Mayor needs to propose a more realistic budget that will provide adequate funding to ensure the effective delivery of services while refraining from imposing an unacceptable burden on taxpayers."

He added: "However, we will not back any increase in the precept without reassurances from the Mayor that the money is spent wisely and not squandered on re-election ploys."

"The Lib Dems will continue to keep a close eye on the Mayor and ensure that Londoners receive the public services they have been promised and what they pay for. The extra police officers must begin to have an effect on overall crime and to make London a safer place. The improvement in London's public transport services must continue. The Mayor will be held to account: we will expect to see results."