There was confusion about what relief Essex residents will get from Essex County Council, after two leading members of the Conservative ruling party gave opposite views on the subject at the same meeting. At a meeting of the full council (21 October) the leader of the council agreed with a Liberal Democrats proposal to use council tax money held in reserves to help people through the current economic slowdown. However, the cabinet member for finance said that she thought the proposals were irresponsible and that reserves should remain high.

Commenting, Cllr Tom Smith-Hughes, Liberal Democrats group leader said: “A direct conflict of statements between two senior figures in the same party is always odd, but when it involves such an important issue as this it is truly remarkable. The council leader agreed with us that help should be given to members of our communities who are struggling financially at the present time. Following directly after him, the finance cabinet member berated the Liberal Democrats for daring to suggest such a thing. Clearly one of them has gone off message.

“Unfortunately this nonsense distracted from the important issue of helping our neighbours through this difficult financial crisis which is likely to hurt many people over the coming weeks and months.

“The Liberal Democrats asked for the council to look at initiatives to help those on low and middle incomes. The included returning some council tax previously paid along with schemes to help pay rent, protect jobs and housing; grants for charities and help for small businesses. This was agreed.”