COUNCIL bosses have been slammed for ‘burying’ the start of a budget consultation that will see £49 million cuts to services.

The Labour group on Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) says that the Conservative-led ruling group only revealed its proposed three-year budget at 5pm on the night before Christmas Eve, Labour Leader Clr Justin Madders said: “This Tory Council has plumbed new depths.

“To attempt to 'bury' a matter of this significance at a time when most people are preparing for Christmas is cynical in the extreme.

“There has been absolutely no scrutiny of these proposals prior to their release.

“Members of council gathered only a few days ago but no opportunity was taken to share this information with us.

“Do they think we aren’t watching what they’re up to?

“I want to know who took the decision to begin this consultation at such a bad time.

“Who is going to put their hands up to authorising such a cynical move?”

He added: “This budget means cuts of £49 million.

“Services will be affected, people will lose their jobs and the council will not continue as it is.

“This consultation paper provides a lot of big numbers but no detail about what this means in practice.

"This Tory council is trying to pull the wool over people’s eyes and their cynicism is breathtaking.

“They do not deserve to hold power when they abuse it in this way.”

For more information about the budget consultation visit cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/budgetconsultation.