Town hall 'dithering' over energy-saving is costing thousands, clams councillor (From Wirral Globe)

Town hall 'dithering' over energy-saving is costing thousands, clams councillor

12:02pm Monday 29th October 2012 in News By Geoff Barnes

Town hall 'dithering' over energy-saving is costing thousands, clams councillor

Taxpayers are losing £19,000 a month in energy costs because of council “dithering,” the Liberal Democrats claim.

Councillor Stuart Kelly said plans to install energy-saving solar panels at some council buildings – including the Williamson Art Gallery – had been victim of a local authority spending freeze.

He said: “On making inquiries I have discovered that the spending freeze coupled with indecision as to the future of some of the buildings involved has led to delay, and in turn the delay has meant that the savings expected are not likely to be delivered.

“If a decision were made tomorrow to proceed the savings lost would already be £19,000. Further delay can only increase the cost to the council and ultimately taxpayers.

“The (Labour controlled) cabinet say they need to make savings but why have they allowed these schemes to be caught up in their crazy expenditure freeze when they are designed to deliver savings.”

Councillor Brian Kenny, Wirral Council cabinet member for environment, said: “This project is subject to immediate action that has been taken to address the council’s budget situation, which includes freezing all non-essential spending and releasing reserves we no longer require.

“we are currently reviewing all the services we deliver, including the buildings we use and the council’s future asset strategy.

“We are asking council taxpayers for their views through the What Really Matters budget consultation and, in the light of this, it is only right that we await the final outcome of this process before committing substantial investment to particular buildings.

“In the meantime we are continuing to explore alternative options for energy saving and carbon reduction.”