REDBRDGE Council is trying to “mislead the public” over its struggles with cuts.

Scott Wilding, of Wanstead, blasted Labour Councillor Kam Rai’s claim that Philip Hammond’s budget contained “nothing” to help local councils.

Mr Wilding, who will stand as a Conservative candidate in the local elections next May, claimed the council had money to spend but did not make the right choices.

The 37-year-old argued: I’m particularly angry as someone who worked for the council for 12 years to see Kam Rai saying we can’t afford to do important things when they can afford pools and communications officers.

“They are trying to mislead the public. They have choices to make but are not making the right ones and are being fiscally irresponsible by blaming the government.

“I understand the council is under pressure but it’s hypocritical that Kam said the budget had nothing in it for the council. 

“The fact he said they’re struggling but have funded swimming pools and restructured the council and employ communications officers at £80,000 a go. 

“I find it difficult to understand the hypocrisy when they say government has cut our funding, but we have money for pools.”

Cllr Rai, cabinet member for finance and support services, said local authorities were subject to budgets set by central government, leaving them with little room to manoeuvre.

Mr Wilding said that Labour’s control of London and the borough means they must bear responsibility. 

He argued: “All the bad choices are being blamed on others when Labour run London and Redbridge.

“Cllr Athwal (Labour leader of Redbridge Council) has decisions to make and he needs to stand by those decisions and not blame someone else.”

Mr Wilding praised the Chancellor’s move to cut stamp duty for first time buyers purchasing property under £300,000, which he predicted will draw more people to the borough.

The transport planner said: “The government’s put forward housing measures and cut stamp duty to stimulate growth.

“I think cutting stamp duty for first time buyers will help people. It’s predicted that more people will come to live here. Crossrail is coming next year which means greater house building across Seven Kings-Goodmayes-Ilford corridor. 

“More people will come to live in Redbridge as a result of stamp duty being cut.”

The council has forecast £73 million of cuts over the next five years. 

A total of £7.3m has been identified for the 2018/19 financial year.

Mr Wilding will stand in the Wanstead Village ward.