War of words over consultation 'farce'
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A POLITICAL war of words has broken out over Moray Council’s looming budget deliberations.
The SNP opposition has attacked the ruling Independent/Tory administration for what it sees as a "consultation farce".
And they have accused the administration of treating Moray’s communities shabbily.
However, the depute convener hit back, accusing the SNP of using "emotive and totally unjustified language" to score political points.
The administration has announced there will be no community consultation this year ahead of the near £220 million budget setting process.
However, they put out a statement insisting that: "Next year there will be a consultation on how the council’s services are delivered and what residents see as their priorities, rather than on the budget that pays for them."
That has angered SNP group leader Pearl Paul who said the move had come as a complete shock.
"They are treating Moray’s communities pretty shabbily and they should think again.
"After consulting in previous years, they have given our communities an expectation that this is the process they will use but they are now just picking and choosing what to do when it suits them," claimed Councillor Paul.
However, Councillor Allan Wright, depute convener of the authority, said: "This emotive and totally unjustified language from the SNP is most unhelpful in conducting the council’s business.
"We will be consulting with the public but on the wider issue of service delivery for the future."
Councillor Wright said there was no attempt to ignore people’s views, or hide any figures from local communities.
The depute convener said the consultations with the public over the last two years had been vital in shaping council services.
