“None of us went into local government to dismantle it”. That was the strong message from South Gloucestershire Liberal Democrats at the council’s budget meeting.

The council’s £190m budget was agreed unanimously. It included protections for the youth service, money devolved to Area Forums, and the continuation of free car parking in South Glos.

“In an area as diverse as South Gloucestershire, local decision making is vital,” said Liberal Democrat leader Ruth Davis. “What’s needed in Kingswood is not the same as what’s needed in Thornbury, or Marshfield”.

All councils get more money for six years after new homes are built – in South Gloucestershire, 25% of this is devolved to Area Forums to spend on local priorities. This means that in 2014/15, more money than ever before will be handed to the Forums, to spend on community groups, local parks, and other priorities that the local residents decide are most needed.

Lib Dems threw out options to cut key services, like the planning enforcement teams, and support to victims of domestic violence.

In addition, the Liberal Democrat group ensured that benefits would continue to be delivered speedily to those in need. “When the people who have nothing need help, it’s vital that they get a fast answer,” Cllr Davis said.

“This budget was put together in very difficult circumstances,” she added. “None of us went into local government to decide which bits of it to cut. The decisions will be made by the committees, in public, democratically and transparently. This council belongs to the residents of South Glos, not us, and this budget shows that we are here to serve them.”

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