Conservative scrutiny of Labour's budget proposals has shown up gaps in their spending plans, with some ideas considered "undelieverable" and others where no money has been been found to fund them.

Labour recently unveiled a package of high profile new policies and were accused by Tory bosses of "vote grabbing".  Now it emerges the party has no way of paying for the plans.

At a meeting of the Scrutiny Committee, Conservative Leader Cllr Antony Little questioned the Labour plans to reward good tenants for looking after their homes and gardens - only to be told that no money was available for the plans and they had no idea what form the rewards would take.  Labour Councillors were forced to admit there was nothing in the budget for this plan.

Councillor Little said: "We warned at the time that Labour was all about spin and headlines and that there was no substance behind this.  We have been proved correct.  Labour are keen to announce plans but have no way of funding them and no idea what to do next."

In a further blow to Labour plans, they were also forced by Conservatives to admit they were unable to fulfill a pledge to create "at least 330 new jobs and 250 businesses."  Councillor Little said: "City Hall spending could support existing jobs or even prevent some jobs from being lost.  However they have no way of ensuring that new jobs are created or that any jobs they do create ar sustainable over the long term.  Once again we have a promise that sounds great on paper but with no substance to back it up."

8th February 2010