Last night, Milton Keynes Council passed the budget for 2021/22, along with a key Liberal Democrat amendment that allocated money to areas that desperately need more support.

The Liberal Democrat amendment means the budget will now include:

• £100,000 to tackle child poverty
• £70,000 to help care leavers rent and purchase their own homes
• £65,000 for planning enforcement support
• £100,000 for additional neighbourhood litter bins
• £50,000 to tackle isolation of vulnerable people
• £15,000 for training and equipment for volunteer flood wardens

Liberal Democrat Group Leader, Councillor Douglas McCall, said: “I’m thrilled that the budget was passed along with our amendment. The Liberal Democrats have been listening to the concerns of our residents, and this funding will mean their concerns get addressed.”

Councillor Robin Bradburn, the Group’s Finance Spokesperson, said: “In these challenging times, this is a well-balanced budget, only achievable thanks to the careful management of previous budgets and having enough reserves.”

“Milton Keynes Council is increasing council tax by 2.5% – a small rise compared to other Councils. In fact, the Local Government Association has said around two thirds of social care authorities in England are planning to increase council tax by 5% this year. Nobody likes increasing tax, but it is necessary to balance the budget and keep appropriate levels of services and reserves in such difficult times.”