From our District Councillor
The Government Revenue Support Grant
The Council has been told how much Revenue Support Grant it might receive over the next three years. We had been expecting a 2.5% increase in grant in each of the next three years (reflecting an uplift for inflation and population growth and a deduction for efficiency). In the event, the Council looks set to receive increases of just 1% this year with slightly smaller increases in each of the following two years. Clearly, these are very disappointing figures representing a budget shortfall this year of just over £100,000 with the gap increasing to over £300,000 in two years time.
In order to keep Council Tax increases to a minimum, we had already formulated efficiency saving of £283,000 in this years budget.
Ely Masterplan
The Council is in the process of producing an Ely Masterplan. This will help formulate a clear vision for the future growth and development of the City. Significant issues being discussed include the future levels of population and employment growth that are appropriate, desirable, and achievable for Ely, and the transport linkages which need to be developed.
It has sometimes been suggested to me by local residents that as the Councillor for the Swaffham Ward, I should be looking more towards Newmarket as our centre (and also, by the two-fingered typing Editors, that Allen should get a typewriter. Eds) . Whilst several of us councillors (I bet they have typewriters. Eds) from the south of the district recognise the advantages of using Newmarket's facilities, particularly with their new swimming pool nearing fruition, we are none-the-less the East Cambs and not Forest Heath Councillors.
Neighbourhood Panels
I recently attended the first meeting of the South Area Neighbourhood Panel. This was held in Swaffham Prior Village Hall. The South Area covers fifteen parishes in the district from Burwell to the North, to Kirtling in the South. It is mainly comprised of County, District and Parish Councillors, together with representatives from the police.
It is not intended to be just another talking shop, but as a local forum to highlight parish concerns that can then be acted upon.
Recycling
The Environment and Transport Committee recently recommended the adoption of the countryside Waste Prevention Plan. This will investigate effective ways to encourage residents to minimise waste being put out for collection. It was also agreed that from the start of April the Council will reduce the number of replacement green sacks from 10 to 4. The Council do not intend to limit the number of sacks collected, additional sacks will continue to be available for residents to purchase at local stores.
Fly Tipping
Fly tipping appears to be on the increase. I would say to all those involved that it becomes costly for them Council to clear up, therefore a drain on the ratepayer. It is environmentally unfriendly, spoiling the look of our countryside, and can be a very real danger to wildlife.
It mainly appears to be household items that with a little care and consideration could be disposed of in the correct manner.