Guildford Borough Council is in the process of imposing strict financial controls, with the prospect of a Section 114 notice - essentially declaring the Council bankrupt - looming on the horizon.
The Lib Dem administration is facing a £300 million debt, which is expected to rise, after years of negligence since taking control of the Council in 2019, and failing to properly manage projects and services for residents. Commenting, Cllr Philip Brooker outlined how previous Conservative led administrations always had due diligence, with "tight" budget control and passed on a sound legacy, stating: "It is laughable to suggest that this crisis was caused by the Conservatives."
Cllr Brooker pointed out, that largely due to incompetence, the Lib Dems have failed to review or manage major projects in the interests of residents, resulting in millions of pounds being lost or wasted.
Whilst former coalition partner Cllr Joss Bigmore, leader of the R4GV group, tried to play down the situation, stating that whilst a recent review of the Council's finances showed errors, the Council could still balance the budget as "it's just a matter of managing cash flow, to manage the interest payments."
Lib Dem David O'Mahoney, Councillor for Frimley, stated that it's a "Bit of a reach trying to place this onto the LibDems, who've been in power for 3 months !! But I guess it's easier than taking responsibility for the 13 years of Conservative austerity". David seems to forget that the Lib Dems have been running Guildford Borough Council since the local elections in May 2019, but perhaps he doesn't count coalition periods when it's an inconvenient truth for him.
Commenting on the current situation, the MP for Guildford, Angela Richardson, stated:
"Late this afternoon I met with the Chief Exec and Section 151 (Finance Officer) of Guildford Borough Council to discuss the financial situation at the Council. I know many residents will be concerned and there are questions that the current political leadership must answer and be accountable for.
"I will be working closely with the Conservative group on the Council to understand why the reserves have been so severely run down after the Conservatives left office, leaving healthy reserves in May 2019.
"Residents of Guildford deserve competent financial governance from their councillors to not put essential services at risk. I do not have confidence in the current Lib Dem administration to deliver for the people of Guildford."
A Special Budget is set to be presented to a Full Council meeting at Guildford Borough Council on Tuesday 25th July.
