Member

If the Government wish to defend the current position, they should do so explicitly by explaining why ever-increasing prudence, trapped surplus and rising employer costs represent good value for taxpayers and a sustainable future for local government. I suggest that these amendments represent a proportionate, reasonable and necessary attempt to restore balance to the system. I hope and expect that the Minister will provide detailed explanations of the points and questions that I have raised, but for the moment, I beg to move.