Lib Dem defends his no vote on privatising local services

A LIBERAL Democrat councillor has insisted that he was right not to tow the party line after rejecting proposals to privatise council services.

Gary Peacock backed an amendment by the Labour and SNP groups to reject proposals to outsource services, including school meals, porters and janitors, to private firm Mitie.

The Lib Dems, who had proposed accepting the bid after being persuaded by savings of up to £114 million on offer, were defeated after only managing to win the support of the Conservative group for their motion.

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Cllr Peacock, who represents the Craigentinny/Duddingston ward, said: “I believe it was right to reject outsourcing and go with the public sector comparator. That is why I voted accordingly.

“Although I respect the view of my Lib Dem colleagues, I think there must also be room in the party for those who believe that good quality core public services should be provided in-house.”