Labour block vital Wakefield Lib Dem budget amendment

At Wakefield Council's annual Budget meeting on the 2nd of March, Lib Dem councillors Rachel Speak and Adele Hayes proposed an amendment which would have benefitted Knottingley as well as communities across Wakefield District.

The Lib Dem amendment set aside an additional £250,000 to tackle neighbourhood crime and £250,000 for fixing potholes and other road improvements (both district-wide). These would be funded by removing taxpayer-funded political assistants, reducing the size of the senior leadership team, and AI-related efficiencies in council administration. It would also amend the long-term capital programme by allocating £20,000,000 for a new sports centre and swimming pool in Knottingley. The Council's chief finance officer confirmed that the amendment would not materially change the Budget's overall financial robustness.

However, Labour councillors voted against the amendment, causing it to fall 3-44.

Wakefield Lib Dems group leader Cllr. Rachel Speak said: “These are not abstract ideas, they are the very issues residents raise with us time and time again on the doorstep. Crime. The condition of our roads. The lack of proper leisure facilities for families and young people. Labour councillors had a clear choice, back this investment in Knottingley or vote it down. They chose to vote it down. This amendment was about putting Knottingley first and beginning the long-overdue regeneration our town deserves. Instead, party politics took priority over practical action. We will continue to fight for the funding, facilities and fair treatment our community deserves. Knottingley should not be left behind.”