Last night Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors voted for a budget that supports the people of Milton Keynes by putting residents and services first.

However the Conservative Group voted against the £200m budget, meaning they opposed:

• Nearly £19 million for mental health support for children and adults
• Over £16 million for direct cost of living support to struggling residents
• Half a million pounds to help residents during the energy crisis

The budget also tackles child poverty, funds projects such as a second Summer of Play for vulnerable children and young people, and puts money into making Milton Keynes accessible for disabled residents and people with dementia.

Cllr Pete Marland, Leader of Milton Keynes Council, said:“This is a budget that puts people and services first, and supports our residents during these tough times.”

“Energy bills are soaring by 75%, inflation has hit a 30-year high and the average worker in Milton Keynes is facing a £250 National Insurance hike thanks to a Conservative government that has let them down time and time again.”

“But here in Milton Keynes, the Progressive Alliance is putting people first with a budget that invests in essential services and supports our residents.”

 Cllr Robin Bradburn, Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “By voting against the budget, the Conservative group has shown they care more about headlines than the people of Milton Keynes.”

“Our budget invests in what our residents care about – stamping out fly-tipping and litter, maintaining weekly residual waste collections, tackling rats and other pests, supporting economic recovery, fixing more potholes and spending more on highways.”

“However, the Conservative group chose opposition for opposition’s sake and voted against a budget that would help their residents.”