County Council and Conservative Group Leader, Councillor John Osman today struck back at Lib Dem Opposition tactics during a Somerset Council debate on 20th November 2013.
The Conservative Leader said "I struggle to understand the motivation of the Opposition Party, when we as a Council are heavily focusing on delivering essential services to residents and taxpayers, the Lib Dems have a sole focus on playing party politics with people who are in a vulnerable position".
"The motion on Payday Lenders was put forward from the Lib Dems, however the motion dealt with national policies upon which Somerset County Council has no control".
Cllr John Osman continued "The Lib Dems were asked to amend their motion by putting a more Somerset focus on the resolution and to provide a report on how the Council can make a difference in helping people who are caught in the loans trap. They failed to do this, seemly wanting to play a very odd party political game rather than addressing problems facing people".
"We have just gone through an extensive public consultation on the services we deliver. It seems very clear to me that residents and taxpayers want this Council to focus on what we can and should do, and not to spend time and other peoples hard earned money on grandstanding".
The Conservative lead County Council recently approved the 'County Plan' which clearly sets out that the Council will seek to protect vulnerable people where possible. On this, Council Leader Cllr John Osman said "We are always looking to protect vulnerable people within our remit and were we know we can make a real difference rather than a superficial one".
Concluding his comments, Cllr Osman said "I think the Opposition should sit down and think about how we can deliver key services as efficiently and effectively as possible. They shouldn't in my opinion, spend endless amounts of time plotting another gimmick which only benefits their own social media accounts".