Lib Dem County Council budget proposals rejected

At last week's Lancashire County Council Budget meeting held at Preston the Liberal Democrat proposals were rejected these included:

* Investing £2m to support Small and Medium size Enterprises (SMEs) to capitalise on superfast broadband

* Investing £10m towards apprenticeship placements & support to SMEs to support the employment base.

* Injecting £2.6m into a capital Loan Fund to enhance support for the Enterprise Zones.

* Investing £5m in green energy generation ' invest to save' schemes over 3 years.

* Investing £3m for energy saving grants for residential care homes in Lancashire, run by SMEs and not-for-profit organisations

* Investing £3m in the enhancement of Youth services.

* Launch a £3m Jubilee Sports Development Fund

The County Council budget affects Rossnedale and Hyndburn but not Blackburn and Darwen as Blaclburn with Darwen is a Unitary authority and will set its budget on 5 March.