A planned 1.9 per cent increase in Birmingham council tax bills has been criticised as a "smoke and mirrors" budget with hidden cuts.
The comments came from Sir Albert Bore, leader of the Labour opposition group, who claimed the council's ruling Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition was not being honest about its true intentions.
Sir Albert (Ladywood) told a cabinet meeting that the 2006/07 budget was based on a need to make £21.6 million in efficiency savings.
The coalition had not said how the savings would be found but it was likely, according to reports drawn up by council officers, that £2.2 million would come from environmental and street cleaning budgets, he claimed.
At the same time, the coalition was claiming to be boosting its "cleaner and greener city" initiative by £5 million.
"There is a certain amount of smoke and mirrors here," Sir Albert said. "You want £21 million in savings, but where are they going to come from?
"There is reference to extra money going in to services but no indication as to where you are going to get these efficiency savings from?," he added.
Council deputy leader Paul Tilsley said cleaner streets was a major priority for most people.
"It comes up time and time again when you talk to people. They want a graffiti and rubbish-free environment in which they can feel safe. We have got to drive this forward," Coun Tilsley (Lib Dem Sheldon) added.
Mike Whitby, the leader of the council, said: "We will listen to what officers have to say but we have given a clear understanding that front line services will not be hindered or harmed."
