Salford Tories told to go back to school.

Salford Tories have been told they need to go back to school after their leaflet  proclaiming six reasons not to vote Labour was given a zero grade by those in the know.

The following claims have been roundly dismissed:

CLAIM 1: The Council has written of £8 million debt.

TRUTH: This is money that the Council will try to collect but is finding it hard to do so – sometimes because the person owing money has died. All the Council has done is to make an accounting change so the books don’t show the money coming in this year. The Council shouldn’t pla n to spend money it can’t rely on coming in! The Tory chair of the Council’s audit committee said there was nothing wrong with these decisions.

CLAIM 2: The Council borrowed £17m to build a community stadium.

TRUTH: The Council borrowed the money but this will not affect Council taxpayers. The money will be paid back by the company which will run the stadium. Getting investment for a prestige public facility and having someone else pay sounds  like a reason to vote Labour.

CLAIM 3: The Council paid for a lease which it owns

TRUTH:  Completely wrong! The Council bought back a lease so it would own the freehold. This  will increase  the value of the land and  get a better deal for Council taxpayers when it is sold on. Another reason to vote Labour.

CLAIM 4: Car parking charges were introduced without consultation

TRUTH: The car parking charges have not yet been introduced.  Why? Because the formal consultation is taking place.

CLAIM 5: The council reduced Chapel Street to one lane

TRUTH: Chapel Street will have two lanes. It is one lane during roadworks. The work is being paid for by Europe and the Development Agency. It will lead to new jobs, new homes, new businesses and a better environment.

CLAIM 6: The Council gave planning permission for schools with no access.

TRUTH: A complete fiction! By law the Council has to decide at least whether a development is acceptable in principle and whether access is possible when considering giving ‘outline permission’.  The Council did this. Sometimes the Council has asked applicants if they can find a better access before seeking ‘detailed permission’. A sensible approach.