Reckless spending by Gordon Brown left the present Government with an appalling economic legacy to deal with. As a nation, we need to rein in our spending.

Bradford Council has less to spend than in previous years. We in the Conservative Group believe this shortfall can be made up by careful removal of waste, duplication and over-manning.

Bradford Council has an average of one manager for every four employees. It’s an excepted norm to have an average of one manager for every 16 employees.

This Bradford Council has more than enough waste and duplication to be reduced. The process was started in the previous Conservative administration but has slowed somewhat under the Lib-Lab coalition. We have instead seen premature cuts to frontline services such as libraries and swimming pools. Meals on Wheels costs have soared.

The situation in the Bradford district is mirrored throughout the country. Local residents have a clear choice. Labour councils are cutting front-line services for political gain while Conservative councils are delivering efficiency savings from waste. The Conservative group cannot support the Lib-Lab budget proposals as we remain committed to providing the frontline services which they will damage. I would urge residents to weigh up the options and their priorities and on May 5 vote to protect the frontline.

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, leader of the Conservative group