THE Liberal Democrat budget plans make it clear that cuts to services are not about government funding reductions, but about choices the Labour-run council is making in York (The Press, February 26).

Labour is choosing to spend £3.3 million on city-centre schemes like King’s Square, millions on IT and £70,000 a year on a new assistant director of transformation.

We would reduce these to cut wasteful spending and excessive borrowing. We would focus money on things that matter to residents like fixing potholes, restoring fair access to care for vulnerable residents, cleaning the streets and keeping community centres open.

Labour is choosing to propose to reject a £778,000 government grant (for the third year running) and increase council tax by two per cent.

The Lib Dems would take this grant, freeze council tax and put the money back into the pockets of residents.

Since 2011, Labour has chosen to ignore public opinion and reduce the budget and power given to local ward committees. We would put power back in the hands of local residents through a new £500,000 a year community fund for local priorities.

The economic mismanagement of Labour nationally before 2011 is being repeated here in York. It is unfortunate that York’s Labour Council is making the wrong choices again and again.

Coun Keith Aspden Liberal Democrat group leader, City of York Council.