The opposition Conservative group at South Norfolk Council unveiled its alternative budget at last night's Council Tax-setting meeting at Long Stratton.

The Conservative proposals would limit the South Norfolk council tax increase to 2.9% in contrast to the 6.9% rise voted through by the Liberal Democrat administration.

Ronnie Hoare, leader of the Conservative group said "In previous years we have been criticised for not putting forward an alternative to the Liberal Democrat Council Tax demands, which have increased by over 200% in just eight years. Our budget for next year demonstrates that it is possible for the Council to live within its means, whilst limiting Council Tax increases to inflation or below. A Conservative administration would conduct a thorough review to establish value for money from the rapidly expanding number of activities in which the Council is involved and which do not relate to frontline services"

The Tory proposal accepts cost-of-living rises to the main items of expenditure but caps increases in many areas where even further increases in spending have been demanded.

Cllr Garry Whitely, Shadow Cabinet member for Resources explains "Our budget proposals do not involve cuts to frontline services because we have allowed for increases in inflation in every case. We haven't even begun to look at increases in efficiency yet. Our strategy has been simply to demonstrate the principle that the burden of Council Tax need not take an ever-increasing proportion of household income. Last year, the Liberal Administration collected more than it was able to spend as well as conducting a significant raid on precious reserves. By contrast, a Conservative Administration would collect only what was required for the Council to deliver its services."