Southampton's new Conservative Administration has unveiled its political vision for Southampton. The vision sets out the key strategies and policies of the Conservative Council. It has been launched in conjunction with draft budget proposals for the city council.
Whilst Gordon Brown dithers and drifts, seeking to find a direction for his new Government, in Southampton, Conservatives are showing leadership and policy direction.
Click HERE to read the Vision in full.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Delivering On Our Promises
Southampton Conservatives today released their draft budget for the City Council.
Conservatives have broken with council tradition which is to keep budget plans under wraps until February and have launched their proposals early in order to consult with residents.
Southampton has suffered enormously over the last ten years as the Government has transferred vast resources from the city to fund its northern heartlands. This year Labour are set to cost local people millions of pounds of funding for public services.
Despite the background of chronic Government underfunding, Southampton's new Conservative Council Administration has made excellent progress.
Key highlights include:
1. Reaffirming commitment to keep Council Tax within inflation,
2. A 10% discount in Council Tax for pensioner households (where all occupants are over 65),
3. Scrapping Council Tax for local people who become Special Police Constables in Southampton,
4. An extra £1.7m a year into social services for vulnerable adults and children,
5. Another £3/4m a year into road repairs (part of a three year increase of £2.3m,
6. Over £5m of efficiency savings identified (£1m identified for each month the Conservatives have been in office),
7. An overall increase in money for Southampton schools. Earlier this year an extra £5m was given to secondary schools for improvements,
8. Bringing in free nationwide bus travel for seniors in April,
9. £300,000 extra for parks in the suburbs,
10. Investment into the city's heritage - money to refurbish Tudor House and to build a heritage centre at the civic centre.
Conservatives have broken with council tradition which is to keep budget plans under wraps until February and have launched their proposals early in order to consult with residents.
Southampton has suffered enormously over the last ten years as the Government has transferred vast resources from the city to fund its northern heartlands. This year Labour are set to cost local people millions of pounds of funding for public services.
Despite the background of chronic Government underfunding, Southampton's new Conservative Council Administration has made excellent progress.
Key highlights include:
1. Reaffirming commitment to keep Council Tax within inflation,
2. A 10% discount in Council Tax for pensioner households (where all occupants are over 65),
3. Scrapping Council Tax for local people who become Special Police Constables in Southampton,
4. An extra £1.7m a year into social services for vulnerable adults and children,
5. Another £3/4m a year into road repairs (part of a three year increase of £2.3m,
6. Over £5m of efficiency savings identified (£1m identified for each month the Conservatives have been in office),
7. An overall increase in money for Southampton schools. Earlier this year an extra £5m was given to secondary schools for improvements,
8. Bringing in free nationwide bus travel for seniors in April,
9. £300,000 extra for parks in the suburbs,
10. Investment into the city's heritage - money to refurbish Tudor House and to build a heritage centre at the civic centre.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Southampton Uni Conservatives Go from Strength to Strength
Last night I went back to my old university for the Southampton University Conservative Society's first social of the academic year.
The society at Southampton has always been really strong and the Conservatives have long been the biggest party on campus.
I was really amazed at just how many people came along.
I think now is a really good time to get involved in politics. The last couple of weeks have been really exciting. Conference season this year was really good, then there was the issue about whether or not Brown would call an election, then Cameron's come back speech and finally the knifing of Ming.
Southampton is also a great place to get stuck in politically. The Conservatives have just taken control of the city council for the first time in 23 years and one of the local Labour MPs has just become a government minister. Locally there is plenty of clear blue water between the parties, as Southampton's Labour party are the Labour party of old, the dinosaur left.
I am sure the university will get some great speakers down this year and will have some good socials. I hope that all those getting involved will have a fun time both in Southampton politics and also at the university.
Conservative Council wins praise from Government
What do the Government think of Southampton's Conservative Council.....? Well quite a lot actually.
Southampton has been praised for consistently performing well above what is expected. The council has also been praised for its ambition and its work on environmental and social matters.
Click HERE to read more.
Southampton has been praised for consistently performing well above what is expected. The council has also been praised for its ambition and its work on environmental and social matters.
Click HERE to read more.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Did Ming fall on his sword or was he knifed?
With the Lib Dems reeling from their dreadful local election results in May and trailing in the polls on 11% it was inevitable that Sir Ming Campbell would go. I am suprised at just how quickly it has happened. There were signs of obvious Lib Dem discontent, with Simon Hughes showing typical veiled disloyalty over the weekend, suggesting that Ming could "do better", and Vince Cable saying his position was "under discussion".
The two questions now being asked are 1) who wielded the knife and 2) who will be the new leader - the two front runners must be Nick Clegg or Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Planning Meeting 9th October
Click HERE to see the list of planning applications being considered by the City Council's Planning and Rights of Way panel on next Tuesday.
Applications in Freemantle Ward being considered are:
117-123 Paynes Road - 41 flats
118 Waterloo Road - 12 flats
Update 09/10/07 - The Waterloo Road application was rejected by the panel. The Paynes Road application was approved. I am very please the Waterloo Road one was turned down as the design was awful.
Applications in Freemantle Ward being considered are:
117-123 Paynes Road - 41 flats
118 Waterloo Road - 12 flats
Update 09/10/07 - The Waterloo Road application was rejected by the panel. The Paynes Road application was approved. I am very please the Waterloo Road one was turned down as the design was awful.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
A Waste of Public Money
I have just read the front page of Today's Daily Echo. I have to say I am quite annoyed.
The Southampton Partnership is planning to £120k of tax payers' money on a replica foam model of Southampton which it would like stored underneath the stairs in the civic centre art gallery. They also plan to spend £25,000 on 13 roads signs around the city.
The first I heard about this plan was just now when I read it in the paper. From the sounds of it the city council wasn't consulted either. Given that the Southampton Partnership is supposed to be a "partnership" I am surprised by that.
Reading the comments on Echo's website the majority of people are scathing in their criticism and quite understandably think that the decision is the council's. It isn't. The Southampton Partnership is body which is unelected and unaccountable to the public.
I blame the Government largely. When they talk about improving local democracy and local decision making, its precisely this sort of thing that they have in mind - bodies which bypass locally elected representatives, making public expenditure decisions.
The money itself to pay for this comes from SEEDA, another unelected body.
The only hand the Council has had in this sorry saga has been to propose its own idea. The new Conservative Council argued that the money should be spent on a bronze replica of a spitfire plane on the roundabout by the DeVere. This suggestion as rejected by the Southampton Partnership as not being sufficiently exciting. Well, it received almost overwhelming public support and in my view would have become a symbol of the city.
When the spitfire proposal was rejected, I didn't really expect any alternatives to be proposed instead. The SEEDA money I expected would be lost, as it needs to spent next year. No, in a last minute, desperate attempt, a new proposal has come forward. In my view its an abuse of public money!
The Southampton Partnership is planning to £120k of tax payers' money on a replica foam model of Southampton which it would like stored underneath the stairs in the civic centre art gallery. They also plan to spend £25,000 on 13 roads signs around the city.
The first I heard about this plan was just now when I read it in the paper. From the sounds of it the city council wasn't consulted either. Given that the Southampton Partnership is supposed to be a "partnership" I am surprised by that.
Reading the comments on Echo's website the majority of people are scathing in their criticism and quite understandably think that the decision is the council's. It isn't. The Southampton Partnership is body which is unelected and unaccountable to the public.
I blame the Government largely. When they talk about improving local democracy and local decision making, its precisely this sort of thing that they have in mind - bodies which bypass locally elected representatives, making public expenditure decisions.
The money itself to pay for this comes from SEEDA, another unelected body.
The only hand the Council has had in this sorry saga has been to propose its own idea. The new Conservative Council argued that the money should be spent on a bronze replica of a spitfire plane on the roundabout by the DeVere. This suggestion as rejected by the Southampton Partnership as not being sufficiently exciting. Well, it received almost overwhelming public support and in my view would have become a symbol of the city.
When the spitfire proposal was rejected, I didn't really expect any alternatives to be proposed instead. The SEEDA money I expected would be lost, as it needs to spent next year. No, in a last minute, desperate attempt, a new proposal has come forward. In my view its an abuse of public money!
£26m Boost for Council Services
On Monday over 550 Southampton City Council staff will take up employment with Capita to help transform the level of service that the Council offers its customers.
A ten year contract was signed a few weeks ago with Capita to deliver a range of services including, customer services, HR, IT and property services, over the next ten years.
The new Conservative Council has set a joint goal with Capita to make a saving of at least £48m; £26 million of which is being invested in the services. £33m of this total has been guaranteed by Capita.
A ten year contract was signed a few weeks ago with Capita to deliver a range of services including, customer services, HR, IT and property services, over the next ten years.
The new Conservative Council has set a joint goal with Capita to make a saving of at least £48m; £26 million of which is being invested in the services. £33m of this total has been guaranteed by Capita.
Lottery Grant for Tudor House
Southampton has been awarded over £334,000 for Tudor House. The award comes after the decision by the new Conservative Council to allocate £540,000 to support a project to reopen the building as a museum and herritage attraction. There is also a chance for Southampton City Council to be awarded with £3.5million.
Work is estimated to take two years to complete, opening its doors to the public in April 2011. It is aimed that Tudor House becomes an accessible and enjoyable experience for local people and visitors to the city. Lifts will be installed, along with a new café and displays will tell the fascinating stories of the building those who lived and worked there.
Alongside Tudor House, plans will be developed for King John’s Palace and the Tudor Merchants’ Hall to bring the full heritage of the old town back to life.
Click HERE for more news on Tudor House.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Greenpeace Welcomes the Conservative Energy Vision for Southampton
A week after Southampton's new Conservative Council Administration launched its green energy for the city, Greenpeace is teaming up with the City Council and energy company Utilicom to promote sustainable power and energy.
Tomorrow night the DeVere Grand Harbour will play host to over a hundred councillors, MPs and environmental experts who will be meeting to discuss how combined heat and power (CHP)schemes such as one in Southampton can be used to cut carbon emissions.
Councillor Gavin Dick (pictured above), Conservative Environment Cabinet Member said Councillor will be speaking at the event, promoting the work of Southampton City Council and encouraging others to back Southampton's green energy vision. He said: "Southampton is leading the way on sustainable energy thanks to the city`s CHP network, and we are delighted to be able to promote this success in the hope that other local authorities and businesses will learn from our own experiences."
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Celebrating Southampton's Heritage
RMS Titanic Later this month Southampton's new Conservative led Council will push ahead with plans for a heritage centre in the West Wing of the Civic Centre, to celebrate and displaythe city's colourful history.
Southampton has a heritage offer of international standing. The Titanic, the Spitfire, Jane Austen, King Canute, Henry V and the departure to the battle of Agincourt, D-Day, and cruise liners such as the Queen Mary II are of worldwide interest. Of more local interest the Roman, Anglo-Saxon andmedieval history shapes the city of Southampton today.
On 17th September the council will agree to apply for lottery funding to renovate the Civic Centre's Wing Wing, a grade 2 listed building, which includes the old magistrates courts and the police headquarters. The police are due to vacant the building 2010.
The new heritage centre will be open by 2012, the 100th anniversary of the fateful sailing of RMS Titanic from Southampton.
Full details of the council report being considered on 17th September can be found by clicking HERE.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Plans Unveiled To Make Southampton Britain's Greenest City
At Springhill School, the new Conservative Council Administration today launched its integrated energy vision for Southampton.
The vision will see the expansion of energy efficient combined heat and power (CHP) technology throughout the city and better use of renewable energy such as biomass.
The biggest change will be to require as part of the planning process, large-scale developments in the city (such as new schools and colleges and large scale residential developments) to incorporate district energy such as CHP . These large developments will then act as hubs to link in smaller developments and existing dwellings.
At the moment, the city's CHP network already supplies around 40 businesses including the West Quay shopping centre, The Quays Swimming Complex and Southampton Solent University, while similar small-scale CHP plants are in use at Southampton General Hospital and Southampton University.
Planning development costs for households wanting to put up solar panels or install small-scale wind turbine generators will also be abolished.
The vision will see the expansion of energy efficient combined heat and power (CHP) technology throughout the city and better use of renewable energy such as biomass.
The biggest change will be to require as part of the planning process, large-scale developments in the city (such as new schools and colleges and large scale residential developments) to incorporate district energy such as CHP . These large developments will then act as hubs to link in smaller developments and existing dwellings.
At the moment, the city's CHP network already supplies around 40 businesses including the West Quay shopping centre, The Quays Swimming Complex and Southampton Solent University, while similar small-scale CHP plants are in use at Southampton General Hospital and Southampton University.
Planning development costs for households wanting to put up solar panels or install small-scale wind turbine generators will also be abolished.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Action Taken to Protect Family Housing
On Monday the new Conservative Cabinet approved an initial draft for new planning rules for the city.
Included are the following measures to protect and promote family housing in the city:
The document called the Core Strategy can be found on the city council website by clicking HERE.
Included are the following measures to protect and promote family housing in the city:
- Developments should seek to complement the character of the local area.
- There should be no net loss of family housing resulting from redeveloping a site. This is aimed a preventing a family house being replaced by tiny one bed room flats. If a family home is removed it needs to be replaced as part as part of the redevelopment.
- New developments should include at least 30% family housing.
The document called the Core Strategy can be found on the city council website by clicking HERE.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Sign the Petition for a Refurendum on the EU Constitution
The government promised us before the last election that we would be given a vote on the EU Constitution. Gordon Brown now looks set to go back on his promise.
Click HERE to sign the Telegraph's online petition calling for the Prime Minister to keep to his word. I have just signed up and its on 76,586 signatures so far.
Click HERE to sign the Telegraph's online petition calling for the Prime Minister to keep to his word. I have just signed up and its on 76,586 signatures so far.
Friday, August 24, 2007
The First 100 Days of Conservative Administration
Today is day 100 for the new Conservative administration on Southampton City Council. The Conservatives took minority control of the council following the May local elections which saw the Conservatives top the poll across the city and form
Since May the new administration has been working tirelessly to improve the city and modernise the city council.
An enormous amount of hard work has been done in the past 100 days and the new administration has not shied away from taking bold decisions.
We have brought the secondary education review to a successful close. £5m has been awarded to secondary schools across the city and an education charity, Oasis, has been appointed to run two
Four years of discussion over the future of council support services such as IT, property and customer services has been ended and the Council has signed a £290m agreement with Capita to deliver these services over the next ten years. The partnership will transform and modernise these services, attracting over £25m of private investment, saving the tax payer millions of pounds, whilst securing jobs and creating the prospect of new employment in the city.
The uncertainly over the future of Eastpoint has been brought to an end and a decision taken to help facilitate
We have got to grips with the appalling state of the roads. The Lib / Lab legacy is a backlog of more than £500m in roads and pavements repairs! It is not going to be possible to find the money for this overnight but a strategy is being put in place to bring much greater investment into the roads.
The new administration is sticking to its election commitments. A pensioner council tax discount will be introduced next year. Tackling crime and disorder is a top priority for the administration and Council tax will be scrapped for Southampton people who sign up to become special constables in the city, to help make our streets safer. Free bus nation wide bus travel for seniors will be rolled out in April.
A citywide energy strategy is being put in place to make
Policies are being finalised to protect family housing in the city.
Daft policies such as the laser lights have been scrapped and we put forward our own suggestion for a wow factor in the form of a bronze spitfire on the roundabout by the DeVere; a proposal which attracted overwhelming public support. We are also progressing our plans to build a city heritage centre in the west wing of the civic centre, to celebrate the titanic and the city's trams. We will insure the city's £150m art collection which was scandalously put at risk by previous administrations. We will also ensure that this wonderful treasure is not left gathering dust in the civic centre basement. We are committed to delivering an ice rink as soon as we can strike the right deal with a provider and agree the site.
Major city developments are being pushed ahead. Carnival is on site and a planning application will soon go in for the redevelopment of Northern Above Bar.
We will be bring forward our draft budget proposals in October this year so that there can be a full public discussion before the city sets its final budget in February. We know that unpopular decisions may have to be made but by bringing up issues early we will enable true consultation and then hopefully make the best decisions for the city.
All this is being achieved against a backdrop of chronic under funding of
Only 100 days have so far passed but decisions are being taken, and the ground work is being laid for a bright future for
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
No To New College Development Plans
I have written and formally objected to Linden Homes' plans to develop the former New College / La Sante Union site.
Linden have submitted 7 planning applications which include proposals for 200+ flats.
I wrote objecting to Linden's plans when they first came to light at their presentation to residents back in February. Click HERE for details of my letter to Linden and HERE for their reply.
I have objected on a number of grounds:
1. Firstly the design is totally out of keeping with the character of the local area, which is designated a conservation area.
2. Secondly I am concerned that only minimal efforts have been made to make the proposed development environmentally sound and sustainable. I would very much like to see any development on the site link into the city's combined heat and power station and was disappointed that Linden rejected this idea.
3. Thirdly I am concerned that there are too many flats and not enough family housing.
4. Finally inadequte parking will lead to increased parking pressure on the surrounding area.
Click HERE for the recent Daily Echo story on this.
Linden have submitted 7 planning applications which include proposals for 200+ flats.
I wrote objecting to Linden's plans when they first came to light at their presentation to residents back in February. Click HERE for details of my letter to Linden and HERE for their reply.
I have objected on a number of grounds:
1. Firstly the design is totally out of keeping with the character of the local area, which is designated a conservation area.
2. Secondly I am concerned that only minimal efforts have been made to make the proposed development environmentally sound and sustainable. I would very much like to see any development on the site link into the city's combined heat and power station and was disappointed that Linden rejected this idea.
3. Thirdly I am concerned that there are too many flats and not enough family housing.
4. Finally inadequte parking will lead to increased parking pressure on the surrounding area.
Click HERE for the recent Daily Echo story on this.
Forthcoming Road Works
Below is a list of forthcoming road works in Freemantle Ward:
Hill Lane - Junction with Darwin Road
Nature of work: Gas main & water main works
Traffic Control: Temporary traffic signals
Start Date: 10th September
Duration: 4 days
Organisation: Southern Gas / Southern Water
Howard Road - Shirley Road to Stafford Road
Nature of work: Kerb & footway works
Traffic Control: Partial closure & temporary traffic signals
Start Date: 24th September
Duration: Four weeks
Organisation: Southampton City Council
Shirley Road - At Howard Rd Junction
Nature of Work: Gas Main Works
Traffic Control: Temporary signals Tied in with above
Start Date: 24th September
Duration: One week
Organisation: Southern Gas
Archers Road - Between Carlton Rd and The Avenue
Nature of Work: Highway alterations
Traffic Control: Partial Road Closure
Start Date: 8th October
Duration: Six weeks
Organisation: John Reilly Civil Eng
Howard Road - Shirley Road to Stafford Road
Nature of Work: Carriageway resurfacing
Traffic Control: Road closure
Start Date: 22nd October
Duration: One week
Organistion: Southampton City Council
Shirley Road - Junction Landguard Rd
Nature of Work: Gas main works
Traffic Control: Temporary traffic signals
Start Date: 29th October
Duration: Two weeks
Organisation: Southern Gas
The Avenue - Northbound from Northlands Road
Nature of Work: Carriageway resurfacing
Start Date: Feb/March 2008
Duration: 3 to 4 weeks
Organisation: Southampton City Council
Hill Lane - Junction with Darwin Road
Nature of work: Gas main & water main works
Traffic Control: Temporary traffic signals
Start Date: 10th September
Duration: 4 days
Organisation: Southern Gas / Southern Water
Howard Road - Shirley Road to Stafford Road
Nature of work: Kerb & footway works
Traffic Control: Partial closure & temporary traffic signals
Start Date: 24th September
Duration: Four weeks
Organisation: Southampton City Council
Shirley Road - At Howard Rd Junction
Nature of Work: Gas Main Works
Traffic Control: Temporary signals Tied in with above
Start Date: 24th September
Duration: One week
Organisation: Southern Gas
Archers Road - Between Carlton Rd and The Avenue
Nature of Work: Highway alterations
Traffic Control: Partial Road Closure
Start Date: 8th October
Duration: Six weeks
Organisation: John Reilly Civil Eng
Howard Road - Shirley Road to Stafford Road
Nature of Work: Carriageway resurfacing
Traffic Control: Road closure
Start Date: 22nd October
Duration: One week
Organistion: Southampton City Council
Shirley Road - Junction Landguard Rd
Nature of Work: Gas main works
Traffic Control: Temporary traffic signals
Start Date: 29th October
Duration: Two weeks
Organisation: Southern Gas
The Avenue - Northbound from Northlands Road
Nature of Work: Carriageway resurfacing
Start Date: Feb/March 2008
Duration: 3 to 4 weeks
Organisation: Southampton City Council
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Forthcoming Social Events
Below is a list of forthcoming social events for 2007.
Click HERE for full details.
Southampton Social Events
Monday 27th August
Freemantle Cream Tea, Elizabeth House Hotel,
3pm
£5 p.p
Thursday 20th September
Sunday 14th October
Thursday 20th September
Supper Club, Bowlers, Golf Course Road,
7.30pm
£15 p.p
Sunday 14th October
Clay Pigeon Shoot
details from Linda Norris 8076 8885
£30 p.p
Friday 23rd November
Friday 23rd November
Supper Club, Bowlers, Golf Course Road,
7.30pm
£15 p.p
The Case for a Referendum
SUMMER CREAM TEA
ON MONDAY 27 AUGUST 2007 at 3pm
at Elizabeth House Hotel, The Avenue, Southampton
ON MONDAY 27 AUGUST 2007 at 3pm
at Elizabeth House Hotel, The Avenue, Southampton
The guest speaker at this year's Freemantle Conservative Ward Summer Cream Tea is South East Euro MP, Dan Hannan.
A Daily Telegraph columnist (Click HERE to visit his blog) and Conservative MEP for South East England, will talk about the revived Euro-constitution and Labour’s attempt to renege on its promise of a national referendum.
Daniel was the first person in Britain to call for a referendum on the EU Constitution, back in 2001, and is President of the Referendum Group, a pan-European alliance campaigning against closer integration.
He is a co-author, together with a number of Conservative MPs from the 2005 intake, of Direct Democracy: An Agenda for a New Model Party, which was serialised in the Daily Telegraph.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Government Must give Southampton its Fair Share
Below is the text from a letter sent last month to the new Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alastair Darling MP asking that Southampton receives its fair share of government funding.
In the 2007-08 budget round, the government gave Southampton City Council £90.1m in grants - just 54.7 percent of the money it needs to serve the people of Southampton - equal to £403.20 per head. The rest has had to be made up from council tax.
Every year Southampton faces a severe financial squeeze as the government puts more obligations on us than it pays for in its grants. This means our council tax is pushed up and we are forced to identify millions of pounds in savings in every budget. In comparison, northern authorities receive considerably higher settlements than southern authorities such as Southampton.
This year we are planning for a zero percent increase in government grant. We may in fact get less. If inflation goes up again inline with the current trends our wage bill could increase by £2m. The grants will not. As Chancellor you cannot continue to put this pressure on local authorities, while expecting us to deliver safer communities, better transport networks and higher standards of education.
In essence it is a stealth tax. Increased public spending driven by the government is being engineered through council tax increases. As well as highlighting the unfair pressure upon the tax payer I call for you to look again at how local government grants are calculated.
As well as cutting our funding year on year, the government is also not taking into consideration our rapidly increasing population. Between 2003/04 and 2007/08 we estimate between 10,000 and 12,000 migrant workers have moved to the city. However, Southampton’s official population, which the government uses to calculate our grants, has only increased by 6,000 residents in the same period. That is up to 6,000 people who we are providing services for without adequate funding.
I estimate that just these two issues - inflation and inaccurate population calculations - are costing the city council, and ultimately the tax payer around £5m a year. This would be equivalent to a seven percent increase in the council tax bill. With this sobering fact in mind, I urge you to give Southampton its fair share.
Cllr Jeremy Moulton
In the 2007-08 budget round, the government gave Southampton City Council £90.1m in grants - just 54.7 percent of the money it needs to serve the people of Southampton - equal to £403.20 per head. The rest has had to be made up from council tax.
Every year Southampton faces a severe financial squeeze as the government puts more obligations on us than it pays for in its grants. This means our council tax is pushed up and we are forced to identify millions of pounds in savings in every budget. In comparison, northern authorities receive considerably higher settlements than southern authorities such as Southampton.
This year we are planning for a zero percent increase in government grant. We may in fact get less. If inflation goes up again inline with the current trends our wage bill could increase by £2m. The grants will not. As Chancellor you cannot continue to put this pressure on local authorities, while expecting us to deliver safer communities, better transport networks and higher standards of education.
In essence it is a stealth tax. Increased public spending driven by the government is being engineered through council tax increases. As well as highlighting the unfair pressure upon the tax payer I call for you to look again at how local government grants are calculated.
As well as cutting our funding year on year, the government is also not taking into consideration our rapidly increasing population. Between 2003/04 and 2007/08 we estimate between 10,000 and 12,000 migrant workers have moved to the city. However, Southampton’s official population, which the government uses to calculate our grants, has only increased by 6,000 residents in the same period. That is up to 6,000 people who we are providing services for without adequate funding.
I estimate that just these two issues - inflation and inaccurate population calculations - are costing the city council, and ultimately the tax payer around £5m a year. This would be equivalent to a seven percent increase in the council tax bill. With this sobering fact in mind, I urge you to give Southampton its fair share.
Cllr Jeremy Moulton
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
