Winchester Guildhall. Inset: Cllr Neil Cutler THE political battle over Winchester City Council s latest budget surged on at a recent cabinet meeting. Councillors unanimously approved the spending plan – but not without heavy debate between the Conservatives and the Lib Dems. Leader of the Tories on the council, Cllr Caroline Horrill, opened debate with a scathing review. She said: Yes it has been a tough year for everyone. Our council is still supporting the arts, grants to community groups, providing sports and leisure facilities and still working towards the climate emergency. Yet we still have strong reserves – but residents must pay at every turn.