Southampton: Top politicians clash over council's cash woes

Cllr Lorna Fielker came under fire from the leader of the Tory opposition group, Cllr Daniel Fitzhenry, within hours of being elected at a special meeting of the authority.

Cllr Fitzhenry said the council was "moving closer to bankruptcy" and had just weeks to get its finances "sorted out".

But Cllr Fielker hit back, saying many other local authorities were facing similar challenges and accusing Cllr Fitzhenry of "petty political point scoring".

Cllr Lorna Fielker has succeeded Cllr Satvir Kaur as leader of Southampton City Council (Image: Supplied)

The previous leader of the council was Cllr Satvir Kaur, who has stood down to fight the Southampton Test seat at the next general election, which is expected to be held in the autumn.

READ MORE: New leader of Southampton City Council accepts 'challenging' financial situation

Cllr Fielker formally took office at a meeting of the full council on Wednesday.

Cllr Fitzhenry said in a statement: "As the council moves closer to bankruptcy, Labour have elected a new leader, who has been a complicit architect of the chaos the council finds itself in.

"Over the last year, in her previous role as deputy leader, she has closed a care home, signed off proposals to close catering facilities at a council-run care facility, and put forward proposals to scrap the Meals on Wheels food delivery scheme to our city’s older people to save under £40k, all whilst spending millions on pet projects on culture and a climate assembly.

"The Labour council has a matter of weeks to get its finances sorted out or face bankruptcy, unleashing an immediate 10-20% council tax increases and, judging by Cllr Fielker's recent record, huge savage cuts on the most vulnerable.

"Our city is entering dark times under Labour, and with Cllr Fielker now leading the council, it appears it could get a lot worse."

Cllr Daniel Fitzhenry is leader of the Conservative opposition group on Southampton City Council (Image: Newsquest.)

But Cllr Fielker said: "Southampton, like most other councils in the south east, provides much-needed services to vulnerable local communities. 

"Many councils are warning of the serious challenges they face to set balanced budgets next year."

READ MORE: Satvir Kaur resigns as leader of Southampton City Council to fight city seat at general election

Referring to Hampshire County Council she added: "Recently, Conservative-led Hampshire’s leader has said that their budgets are close to breaking point.

"That Cllr Fitzhenry is so unaware of what’s happening in local government demonstrates how unfit he is for any kind of political leadership role.

"My focus and priority is on meeting the budget challenge and delivering a modern sustainable council to serve the communities and businesses in Southampton rather than on petty political point scoring."