Lord Mayor, once again, we need to tighten the control rein on our finances – plus perhaps we need to critique what we have adapted in the Capital Works account such as the City Hall revamp. That we didn’t see these financial problems arise until now is short-sighted.

In addition, this report shows the poor state of the country’s finances. The drop in the collection of rates also shows that traders in the city are suffering, are as traders right across the country. The more we continue to do and we can do to stimulate trade the better for all. I would like to call on the government parties in the Council Chamber to relay the report back to the Cabinet.