THE argument about election promises between the Liberal Democrats and the Labour Party has deepened.

Iain Sharpe, current leader of Watford's Lib Dems, said the number of uncosted Labour promises was "breathtaking".

He dismissed as "rubbish" Labour's claim Liberal Democrat pledges would cost more than £3 million on Council Tax.

Vince Muspratt's Labour team had issued a lengthy document outlining where they said Dorothy Thornhill had made promises without taking the cost into account.

But speaking on Friday, April 12 Iain Sharpe, Lib Dem campaign strategist, said: "We have been very specific. There will be costs, the main thing will be our move towards doorstep recycling, which is something all Council's will have to do.

"But we have clearly identified areas of saving - publicity, corporate management, and there will be a budget review".

These savings would release the extra funding, he said.

Like all other parties, the Lib Dems have not ruled out Council Tax rises, even above the rate of inflation.

They all know it would be a promise too easily broken if Government cash to the Council were cut.

Councillor Sharpe pointed out Vince Muspratt's Labour run Council had overseen a 9.9 per cent tax rise this year, as part of the largest increase since the tax was introduced almost a decade ago.

He said Liberal Democrats would aim to bring Watford Council's portion of the tax "closer to the County average".

Among the costs he identified in Labour's pledges were £500,000 for concessionary fares, up to £400,000 for festivals, £750,00 for Crimebusting and up to £4 million to remove the flyover.

April 12, 2002 16:30