It gives me great pleasure to deliver the Conservative Party amendment to this budget. I would like to start by thanking officers that have assisted us with the preparation of the amendment, whether in Directorates in general or particularly in Finance.

At yesterday's Full Council, Cllr Paul Doughty addressed the issue of the rise in Councillor's basic allowance as well as Special Responsibility Allowances and the Leader of the Council's allowance. 

At this Thursday’s Full Council rather than address the issues with the roads, missed bin collections, the shocking state of weeds in the city or the issues facing adult social care; York’s Liberal Democrat Group decided to posture with political rhetoric about the EU referendum result.

Conservative councillor Martin Rowley has condemned the votes of Lib Dem and Green councillors at last night’s Full Council which denied him the chance to give just a three minute ‘right of reply’ to the Council Leader’s report.

Last week, Martin Rowley, the new Conservative Councillor for Osbaldwick and Derwent, made his maiden speech at Full Council. 

Our motion tonight is to task the council with how it can be more pro-active on minimising the use of non-recyclable or “single-use” plastics in York.