Tim Farron took time out to talk with the volunteers at Walsall’s Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) prior to BBC’s Question Time from Walsall Town Hall last night.

Liberal Democrat leader Ian Shires had earlier briefed Tim on the arrangements that have been agreed between the Lib Dems and Labour groups to form a joint administration which should get the ok after next Wednesday’s Annual Council meeting.

The working arrangements include the budget commitments both Parties made when they come together back in February to kick out the Tory Budget proposals in favour of a joint Lib Dem/Labour alternative budget. Amongst other things the alternative Budget saved the seven libraries under threat from the Tories and reinstated most of the CAB’s grant monies that the Tories had planned to dramatically reduce. The agreement between the Lib Dems and Labour will enable CAB to continue to provide their valuable service to some of the most vulnerable in the borough.

After the visit Tim commented on the dedication shown by those he’d met at CAB making the point that the service they provide is vital for those seeking a lifeline when they are at their most vulnerable. “These people are not employees of the Council as many think. CAB is a Trust which operates within the voluntary sector and I am proud of the support that has been given to them by our Liberal Democrat Councillors on Walsall Council.”