Tory leader ‘guarantees’ more unrest

TORIES claimed today that keeping a series of environmental services within the city council will lead to more industrial unrest.

Councillors agreed last week to reject plans to outsource services including bin collections, street cleaning and ground maintenance in preference for an “in-house” alternative.

It has estimated that the cuts within the in-house option will still save the council £45 million over seven years.

Conservative group leader Jeremy Balfour said: “I guarantee you we will be back in one year’s time with the trade union saying we can’t do this and we can’t do that. Why are the trade union just going to suddenly roll over and play?

“We will face a financial crisis and people are voting on political dogma. Some people are more interested in getting their leaflets delivered than doing what is best for Edinburgh.”