From our Local County Councillor
The Budget process is continuing and although the consultation has been on
whether a 4%, 5% or 6% increase is preferred by council taxpayers the cabinet
seem to be set on 5%. This will still mean cuts in services. It will be decided
at the February Council meeting but all budgets are going through the scrutiny
process at the moment.
Burwell Library has now opened and is worth visiting. There are number of events happening throughout March, which is Local & Family History Month., including talks, workshops and exhibitions.
The Mobile Library that visits Swaffham Prior has new times.On 14/2, 28/2, 14/3, 28/3, 11/4 and 25/4 it will stop at Cage Hill (ex post office) between 3.05pm and 3.45pm and at the Chapel between 3.50pm and 4.10pm.
On alternate Tuesdays the times are Cage Hill from 2.40pm to 3.30pm and at the Chapel from 3.35pm to 4pm.
For renewals or enquiries ring 0845 045 5225
The Village Benefits Advice Service operated by Cambridgeshire County Council for the last 11 years provides advice and help with Social Security Benefits. Many whom they help are elderly or disabled and home visits can be arranged.
Throughout the county incomes are being boosted by £2 million a year.
More information can be obtained on 01353 666990
More than 1.6 million people, a rise of more than 20% in the last year, now use the five Park and Ride sites around Cambridge. They have played a vital role in keeping traffic levels static in the city centre. Families can have free travel for up to three children if accompanied by an adult.
A £25 million Private Finance Initiative for Waste disposal is being evaluated at the moment.
I was fortunate enough to be one of a group of officers and members who visited the area around Hamburg in Germany to see a number of waste treatment plants to help inform our decisions.
We investigated technologies including Mechanical and Biological Treatment and Energy from Waste as well as becoming better informed about legislation.
Cambridgeshire is the top county in the country for re-cycling domestic waste, with 47% being diverted from landfill. The challenge will be to continue this upward trend but also press home the message of waste minimisation, then over the next year come to a decision about what happens to the residue.