TRAFFORD Labour group continues to press the ruling Conservatives about how a budget shortfall of almost £7 million came about.

The council announced in June that it had failed to spot a shortfall of £6 million in its 2014/2015 budget – but earlier this month it became apparent that the figure was actually closer to £7 million.

At a full meeting of the council on September 17, executive member for finance, Councillor Patrick Myers, asked members to consider a report on the 2014/15 Children, Families and Wellbeing budget.

But Deputy Labour leader, Councillor Andrew Western, said his party could not vote for the "flimsy'"report which he claimed lacked detail and was "simply not good enough".

Cllr Western said: "The shortfall is now as much as £6.95 million – the message that this sends out rightly or wrongly is the council is losing control of it's budget – we have to get a grip on this.

"It's really important, given the position we find ourselves in, is that we get this right now."

The Priory Ward member said he had asked executive members a number of questions at a meeting two weeks prior and had yet to receive answers to many of them, particularly why the oversight came about and how the executive planned to prevent such a situation reoccurring in the future.

Thirty three councillors voted in favour of the report, while 24 voted against it and three abstained.

Speaking to Messenger after the meeting, council leader, Sean Anstee, said Trafford Council has undertaken an internal investigation into why the budget shortfall came about and the results of which are to be published shortly as part of the council's drive to be open and transparent.

But councillors continue to wrangle over the budget, with Cllr Western stating that there is still a projected overspend £817,000 for this year, in addition to the £6.95 million shortfall.

Cllr Anstee hit back: "Across Greater Manchester, social care budgets are under pressure and must respond to demand and so we are not unique in Trafford.

"Indeed, in Labour controlled Manchester, a forecasted overspend of £2.5m is indicated for their social care services.

"A Conservative-controlled council has underspent its overall budget for the last 10 years and is committed to doing so again this year.

"Unlike the Labour party, we are prepared to take the difficult decisions necessary to keep the council on a sound financial footing and ensure we pay for the care of our most vulnerable adult residents."