On the 23rd December 2008, as most people were thinking more of the Christmas and New Year celebrations than local politics, the executive of Mole Valley District Council published plans for next year’s budget.

There were some shocks as the detailed figures were studied. The proposed budget included some above inflation increases in charges for council services, some for this financial year and some for next.

The proposed new charges for plots at our allotments were much greater than inflation but the detail which angered opposition councillors and allotment holders was the proposed abolition of concessions for pensioners, students and the unemployed.

Local businesses and the organisations which represent them have responded angrily to the proposals for increased parking charges. Dorking businesses have organised petitions asking for short stay rates to be decreased but saying that any increases are ‘bad for business’ in the town.

The reduction in the subsidy to Dorking Halls which would have - and perhaps already has had - a detrimental affect on the programmes has also been the subject of campaigns in the town to raise public awareness and influence council decisions.

The Citizen’s Advice Bureau, which in Surrey is funded by the districts, is also facing cuts in support, with the Leatherhead office lease being ended.

Paul Elderton says, ‘I shall be voting against this budget. I shall be continuing to work with other Liberal Democrat councillors to oppose these proposals both in public with petitions and demonstrations and in the council chamber during the budget debate’.