Today's decision by the Government to issue Somerset Council with a Best Value Notice is a damning verdict on the Liberal Democrat administration's handling of the council's finances after 4 years.
It follows 4 years of financial mismanagement that we have repeatedly warned about, poor delivery, poor responsibility, poor pace.
Since becoming a unitary authority, the Liberal Democrats have declared a financial emergency but spent over £19million on consultants, got rid of 500 job posts but splashed £40 million on temporary and agency staff, received a one-star rating out of a possible five for financial management from CIPFA, lost £90million on poor property sales, and now finds itself subject to a Best Value Notice.
Time and again, the Conservative Opposition has raised concerns about weak financial management, a lack of grip, poor governance and the failure to deliver the transformation the council promised. Rather than listening, the Liberal Democrat administration has too often dismissed legitimate concerns.
And residents are paying more in council tax while seeing services deteriorate.
This must be a turning point. The Liberal Democrat administration needs to stop making excuses, accept responsibility for where the council finds itself, and work with all councillors to restore sound financial management.
Somerset deserves better.
