A SCATHING critique has been delivered on a Tory council for “knowing the value of nothing” and putting David Cameron's vision of the 'Big Society' in reverse.

Wycombe Labour this week lambasted Conservatives at Wycombe District Council over cuts to charities in the area.

The party's leader Councillor Victoria Groulef highlighted Wycombe’s Race Equality Council which has had its budget slashed from £70,000 to £10,000.

Other organisations which have been subject to what Labour claim are “disproportionate cuts” include High Wycombe Citizens Advice Bureau (17 per cent), Mediation Bucks, Relate Mid Thames and Buckinghamshire (50 per cent) and Wycombe Youth Action (17 per cent).

Councillor Groulef accused the council of “knowing the price of everything and the value of nothing with their disproportionate cuts to local charities”.

She told Tories at a meeting: “As you are aware, the Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles has hinted that he might have to amend the Localism Bill currently going through Parliament and penalise 'high-handed' local authorities if they cut funding to charities too much whilst trying to make savings.

“Pickles told voluntary groups they should not expect to suffer 'disproportionate' cuts when council budgets are reduced - by around 28 per cent over four years.”

She added: “At a time when Conservatives are banging on about their Big Society agenda, I feel these cuts are shocking.”

She said the Prime Minister's 'Big Society' scheme – aimed at increasing volunteering and aiding charitable organisations - had been “put in reverse” by the Tory council.

“We must remember that central government’s austerity cuts have forced people to need the services of voluntary groups more than ever before,” Cllr Groulef said.

“To cut funding now is outrageous.”

Cllr Steve Lacey, filling in for Cabinet member for Community Katrina Wood, said at the meeting: “Whilst this council does not have a statutory obligation to provide a racial equality service we remain keen to see the services in an effective form.

“This has been successfully achieved by working with Buckinghamshire County Council.”

He said the focus of her speech was “misleading” and said the council was dealing with facing a difficult financial future.

Further comment from WDC has not been available at this time.