From our Local County Councillor
Council Tax
The following council tax increases have been agreed for next year.
- County Council 5%
- Police Authority 5%
- Fire Authority 4%
- District Council 3.7%
The county part of the council tax will be £979.11 for a band D property but when combined with the district (£125.82), parish (£43.47), police (£156.87) and fire (£54.45) a band D property will pay £1359.72 for council tax in 2008/9 in Swaffham Prior.
RTPI National Planning Award success
At the annual award ceremony earlier this month, the Cambridge Waste Management Park at Waterbeach won the Climate Change category for 2007. The County Council worked closely with Donarbon to bring forward innovative proposals for the management of waste .By much reducing the methane produced in landfill, the new Mechanical and Biological Treatment plant will have a highly beneficial effect on global warming.
Concessionary Bus Fare Scheme
The new scheme will be countywide and a reimbursement rate has been agreed with the operators. The scheme is on track to begin on 1st April 2008.
Park & Ride
Off-Bus Ticketing
Ticket machines are now working at 4 of the 5 sites (Cowley will not have machines fitted).
Addenbrookes Access Road/Milton Park and Ride
These two major schemes are progressing but have suffered slight delays due to the bad weather in January and February. Completion dates may need to be revised, possibly to Autumn 2008 and September 2008 respectively depending on weather.
Sewage works move to Honey Hill
We heard in presentations on the Minerals & Waste Plan that the move of Anglian Water to Honey Hill, Horningsea, is now less likely. A consultants' feasibility report is due at the end of this month.
Surgeries
County Councillor Surgeries will be on the 2nd Saturday in the month (8th March, 12th April, 10th May) at Centre Peace on The Causeway from 10.30am - noon