RBWM’s Financial Future: Time for Real Solutions, Not Populist Spin

With the Government kicking the can down the road by limiting the proposed council tax increase to 9% and saddling RBWM with more debt, and the Windsor MP trying to claim the credit for limiting the Council Tax increase, it is important to consider the wider picture. 

We know historical decisions by previous administrations have left the council in very poor financial shape. 

Since coming to power, the Lib Dems and Independents in this Administration have very much been the adults in the room - we have strengthened governance, scrutiny and transparency. On the financial situation, we made a detailed assessment, which has taken time due to the hollowed out resourcing in the council, revealing a litany of problems and errors. 

We formulated a recovery plan which was approved independently by CIPFA.  Our spending plans for 2025/26 were accepted by the government. This all fed into the Budget proposals for 2025/26 which, while painful, would have put the Borough on a secure financial footing - the core objective. 

This administration is determined to fix the mess and create a sustainable council to effectively serve all Borough residents. Maybe it is time for a more mature approach to governing than putting out populist messages that show a fraction of the whole picture.

Cllr Mark Wilson

Chair, Windsor Liberal Democrats