Cornwall Council withdraws planned cuts to recycling center hours and a handyperson service after opposition and a grant.
The council’s Conservative group changed its mind due to opposition and a grant. The council needed to save about £50 million and had agreed to various cuts.
Some recycling centers would open fewer days. These centers are in several towns, and Launceston and other towns might follow. People and councillors disliked the plan, and staff learned about it from a news site.
The council claimed people knew about the plan, stating that a draft budget consultation gave details. Opposition councillors stated access was difficult, saying details were hidden in an online dashboard.
A councilor said the budget was hard to see and that people learned of risks in the news. She criticized the leadership, thinking it was not acceptable.
A councilor suggested an alternative budget. This saved recycling hours, the handyperson service, and a youth safety team. The council agreed to remove these cuts.
He wanted to protect advisors on violence and missing kids. The council said those roles were vacant and other services would cover them.
The council agreed to study a dangerous road junction and will put £250,000 towards it. The councilor was happy they backed down and wondered what else could be saved.
Another councilor was glad about the changes but also noted some ongoing cuts involving street cleaning and parking. Council tax will rise too, meaning residents will feel more pain.
A council leader explained how they found money by using a public health grant. This let them fund the services, and he gave credit to the opposition.
He said they looked into the concerns and money was found after the budget set. He was insulted by a comment about working harder, stating that staff worked long hours.