Coventry Conservatives have welcomed Labour’s dramatic U-turn on a series of proposed budget cuts, after months of sustained pressure from Conservative councillors and local residents. In a significant policy reversal, Coventry City Council's Labour leadership has announced plans to abandon several controversial budget cuts initially proposed for the 2025/26 fiscal year.
This decision comes in the wake of sustained pressure from the Conservative opposition and widespread public outcry. Labour had planned to hike parking charges at the War Memorial Park, slash funding for fly-tipping clean-ups, and cut support for charities like Grapevine. However, following strong opposition, including three petitions submitted by Conservative councillors, Labour has now dropped these plans.
Councillor Julia Lepoidevin submitted a petition against parking charges at War Memorial Park, while Cllr Jackie Gardiner spearheaded efforts to protect funding for Grapevine. Councillor Tim Sawdon also backed a petition calling for the Council to reverse cuts to fly-tipping services, highlighting widespread concerns about the state of Coventry’s streets.
Commenting on the U-turn Councillor Peter Male, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group, stated: “This is a huge victory for the people of Coventry and proof that strong opposition delivers results. From the start, we’ve said these cuts were unfair and unacceptable – and Labour has now been forced to listen."
He added: "So, we welcome Labour’s change of heart, but let’s not forget, they were the ones who proposed them in the first place. They backed down because of the sheer weight of opposition from residents and campaigners who stood up to them.”
The budget will be voted on by Councillors on Tuesday 25th February when the Conservative Group will table an alternative budget.
