DRASTIC cuts described as "shameful" have been given the go ahead following a heated council meeting.

The Advertiser previously reported that Redditch councillors faced tough decisions in order to save a whopping £2.8m over the next four years.

The meeting, which saw the council set its budget despite a major reduction in its grant from the Government, saw a number of cuts and charges made, as well as passionate speeches from many members.

Vulnerable people who rely on Shopmobility, which currently costs the council £69,000 a year, will now be charged and there will be a council tax increase of £5, for Band D properties.

It was agreed to cut back on grass cutting, scrap pest control for those not on benefits, and withdraw funding for the current free pre-9.30 bus travel, which costs £85,000 a year.

Members also agreed to surrender interests in the Kingsley and Arrow Vale leisure centres and to look at moving towards an alternative arrangement for leisure provision, which may include a trust model.

Conservative Councillor Juliet Brunner described cuts as "shameful".

"This will bring no respite for the needy and no hope for the residents of Redditch," she said.

While fellow Tory Councillor Brandon Clayton accused the controlling Labour group of misleading the people of Redditch.

Conservative Councillor Gareth Prosser accused the group of wasting money on "frivolous donations" such as the town's recent spring artwork by artist Tim Tolkien saying it would have been prudent to use the money to offset some of the cuts.

"I have been approached by a number of people when I been leaving this building and I have faced comments and I quote 'the sculpture is a waste of money' and 'an eyesore'," he said.

"While I acknowledge the importance of respecting the history of the town it is also wise to recognise the needs of the present and future population."

UKIP councillor Paul Swansborough raised concerns regarding the recommendations to change the model of delivery for leisure services.

“The current proposal only includes the Palace Theatre, Abbey Stadium, Pitcheroak Golf Course, Community Centres, Forge Mill and Bordesley Abbey that account for a minority (23 per cent) of the Leisure Services Portfolio," he said.

“However, the savings figures produced by the independent consultant are based upon the entire portfolio that includes the parks, open spaces, allotments, management, marketing and support services. These account for the majority (60 per cent) of the current cost of service yet they are not being included as part of the trust package.

"The quoted figure of £440,000 is consequently not realistic or even remotely achievable.”

He added: “Putting that aside. Members should also be aware this figure is a predicted average saving over 10 years. As a council we need to make huge savings between now and 2020. If the calculations are correct the proposed trust model will only begin to make savings anywhere near £440,000 in year four of it’s operation.

“It would also appear that the consultant was a former pupil of Hogwarts. On studying the figures not a single cost increases over the 10-year period. According to the report the cost of utilities, water, staffing and general supplies will all go down while insurance policies and licence fees are both frozen, only achievable by a wizard in today’s world. It is therefore my opinion that the proposal to change the leisure services delivery model is unsustainable.”

He agreed that the council should surrender its interests in the Arrow Vale and Kingsley Sports Centres but questioned who will run them.

Several labour councillors pointed out that central Government was to blame for the savage cuts saying that the council is not the only one facing this problem.

Andrew Fry echoed this saying: "Any withdrawing of finances can be difficult. This is a budget that protects servies for the future.

John Fisher added the group had done "everything possible" to protect services as much as they could.

Leader of the council Bill Hartnett admitted it was with a "heavy heart" that he recommended the controversial budget.

"I know we are living in times of austerity but this budget has been set under the most difficult of circumstances," he said.

"We have set it with only draft figures from the Government."

He added: "I have been a councillor for over 30 years and I seen governments of all different colours and make up. This course of action set by the Government has to stop. I did not get elected to withdraw and reduce services.

"The people have had enough. Residents are now being adversely effected as a result of Government actions.

"This budget was written based on the decisions taken in West Minster."

The budget, which includes releasing £431,000 from balances over the next four years, was made at a full council meeting on Monday.

It was voted through 14 to 13 with all Labour councillors voting for the measure.

All Conservatives voted against, as did the sole UKIP councillor.