Councillor Nigel Holdcroft

Marine Parade parking - the ongoing challenge

2012-02-03T08:08:00.002Z

The recent survey into parking stress across the Marine Estate has failed to highlight any clear messages.

The overall response rate of 45% was very high for a survey of this kind but of those responding 58.7% did not consider that there was any parking problem in their street and 59.8% said they would not be supportive of any type of parking controls being introduced.

This is very frustrating for those residents who feel strongly that action is required however it is important that any measures have the clear support of a majority of effected residents.There have been many examples in the past where a scheme appears to have support but following implementation the "silent majority" express their anger. This is even more relevant where funds are tight and where it is essential that the few schemes implemented have public support.

The survey did result in a number of more localised suggestions and we will continue to work to identify and implement changes which do have majority support and help to resolve the problems caused by excessive commuter parking and, rat running and speeding.

Scrutiny what scrutiny?

2012-02-03T07:58:00.003Z

The Administration's Draft Budget was considered by the Economic & Enviromental Scrutiny Committee last night in a discussion that lasted almost one and a half hours. Whilst we made some progress with the Lib Dems (see below) the Independent Party team of Messrs Terry & Woodley failed to cover themselves with glory. They failed to raise any issues, comments or queries on the main revenue budget at all nothwithstanding the suggested savings of £11M. In an overall council budget of approaching £500M they spent most of their effort concentrating on a small item on car parking charges which was agreed during last years budget without comment from them and in respect of which no change is proposed this year. We had the usual claptrap on the level of council borrowing - an argument they have lost many times in the past - and yet whilst complaining about borrowing they continue to refuse to identify any capital schemes which they would not pursue. At least Martin Terry acknowledged that after 9 years on the council he still didn't understand how to read the accounts which may explain why he constantly misinterprets them. My favourite part of the evening was Cllr Woodley's declaration that "I am a Conservative". Interesting but then he also claims to be a financial expert.

Who says we won't listen?

2012-02-03T07:51:00.002Z

Over recent years opposition parties have complained that it is not worth them making proposals as to budget amendments because the Administration does not listen. Events over the last week have proved them wrong. The Lib Dems have recently raised a number of issues including whether we can find funds to reintroduce limited free swimming for the over 65s. I have discussed this with cabinet and officers and identified that we can allocate some health funding for 2 years with a review in 18 months. We have also agreed that we will re launch the Advantage Card which can be accommodated within the existing budget and have agreed to request a paper on the financial and practical ramifications of offering council tax rebates to special constables.

I have repeatedly invited opposition groups to use our process of extended scrutiny of the budget to come up with budget amendments/suggestions which are either cost neutral or proposed with a corresponding saving on the understanding that we will carefully consider them and if we think they are reasonable accept them. I am pleased that the Lib Dem group have raised these suggestions, which have a negligible financial effect and which we are happy to implement. Perhaps other groups will follow this lead which has been sadly missing from all opposition parties over recent years.

Kaiser Chiefs

2012-01-31T16:35:00.002Z

Greatly enjoyed the Kaiser Chiefs at the Cliffs Pavilion on sunday evening - the venue continues to attract a great range of bands.The only downside is that as the years pass there is a creeping risk that I will find myself as one of (if not the!) oldest members of the audience. It is always a relief to spot someone clearly senior to me as was the case with a significant number of people on sunday. I am a bit more concerned whether this will also be the case when I see Florence & the machine and Noah & the whale later this year. Still if the music is good enough it is worth it!!

Budget Proposals

2012-01-20T15:37:00.002Z

This week the Administration has published its draft budget for the coming financial year.This will be considered in cabinet next week before being referred to all three council scrutiny committees and the Business Ratepayers Consultative Forum. Subject to any amendments which result from this process the draft budget will then go back to cabinet before being debated by full council when the final budget will be approved.

Obviously we face a significant financial challenge and these proposals reflect a massive amount of work by senior officers and my colleagues in cabinet.

It is also important that we do not under estimate the challenge that remains over at least the next 2 years. The Chancellor has made clear that we will have further reductions in funding over the remainder of current spending review period and that this is likely to continue for at least a further year after that!

Our proposed revenue budget is £130.3M. It requires savings of £11.8M.

The economies are being found from the four council directorates (£7.4M), corporately (£354K) and by new cross cutting work streams (£3.9M)which try to deliver greater efficiencies and new ways of working without direct effect on service delivery.

We are proposing accepting the government’s council tax subsidy which means that council tax for residents will be frozen.I am also pressing the government to accept that this subsidy should extend to more than one year.

We anticipate up to 120(FTE) job losses of which 49 are currently vacant.

The Dedicated Schools Budget is slightly increased and the effect for Southend Schools is that income will slightly increase (0.35%-0.95%) as will the Pupil Premium (£600 per pupil from £488).

Other than fees and charges prescribed by statute we have tried to maintain most culture fees at current levels and are also holding car parking charges (for the third year out of four).

Council rents will rise by an average of 8.05% in accordance with government aspirations to see convergence with housing authority rents and we are being required by the government to take over direct responsibility for our share of the HRA national debt (£35.27M) although this will be met from the HRA and not general revenue account.

New capital projects for 12/13 to 15/16 of £49.3M are proposed but this includes HRA investment and other new items including certain statutory obligations, the schools capital fund, the Pier, Cliffs Stabilisation and ICT investment.

I now await the input from opposition parties with interest. In my years as Leader we have only ever had one minor amendment proposed (The Lib Dem Leader trying to play party politics a few years ago)since which time the opposition councillors have failed to make any alternative proposals but with the majority voting against our budget!

Independent party politics – plagiarism, lies and bullying?

2012-01-05T20:40:00.000Z

I was feeling full of pre Christmas goodwill but this was tested to the full when I received my free copy of “Leigh Oracle” and made the mistake of reading an article written by Independent party member Ron Woodley headed “The True Cost of Local Bureaucracy?” It reached new levels of tosh and factual error - even for Ron whose misunderstanding of public finance continues to plumb new depths. Imagine my surprise when within a few days I received my copy of “Leigh Times” including an article allegedly penned by Independent party leader Martin Terry – the similarity of significant parts of the language and content was distinctly bizarre. Either one of them has been doing a spot of ghost writing or, if I was the author of the original piece, I would be making allegations of plagiarism! I will comment separately on a number of the major errors and inaccuracies made by them both however what was even more distasteful was Cllr Terry’s criticisms of the motivation and competence of council officers. Whilst he is free to make personal attacks on me and my political colleagues and the policies we pursue (which he regularly attempts with remarkable incompetence) he knows only too well that officers have no right to publicly respond to his cheap shots – in my book that is tantamount to bullying. However I will make Ron and Martin an offer – stop telling lies about our policies and I will stop telling the truth about your lack of policies!

Leigh Community Centre - Lib Dem spin

2012-01-05T15:11:00.003Z

Having tried to launch a constructive, open and early debate on the options available in Elm Road I was surprised to see the public stance adopted by Leigh & West Leigh Libs which bears no relation to their earlier comments to me. I have tried to raise the issue with Cllrs Crystal and Wexham - I am still waiting for a response. Here is my pre Xmas e mail to them. The silence of their response is deafening!

"Gentlemen
I am writing to express my extreme disappointment and indeed annoyance at your latest edition of “Leigh West Leigh Focus” which includes the banner heading “Save Leigh from the bulldozers” followed by a selective quote from my recent Leigh Times article and a covering comment that can best be described as misleading.

I have previously attended 1:1 meetings with both Alan and Peter on this issue (at your respective requests) during which I believed that you had accepted that no plans currently existed for the site but that with the inevitability of buildings becoming vacant or underused there had to be a full and adult discussion involving the community as to what the future of the site should be. We all accepted that this would be the last opportunity in the foreseeable future to control a significant site in the heart of Leigh and to see if it could help to address some of the ongoing challenges the area faces.

I accepted that Alan was keen to retain the Community Centre but was relatively unconcerned about the current police station whereas Peter felt that the police station could be retained for potential occupation by Leigh Town Council and with a new community centre behind, but had no desire to retain the existing Community Centre building.

We agreed that we needed to avoid turning the issue into a party political argument with unnecessary scaremongering. We also agreed that we needed to indicate that we retained an open mind to encourage others to do likewise to facilitate a proper and open debate. I confirmed I was willing to involve you both and Barry in the discussions from the outset together with various other stakeholders.

It was my understanding that we had reached agreement on a constructive way forward and I would therefore welcome an explanation as to why you have now allowed a leaflet to be distributed which wholly undermines our discussions and agreed approach. It is particularly ironic that Alan is pictured directly in front of Leigh Police Station and is quoted as referring to “handsome and irreplaceable” buildings notwithstanding his comment to me that this particular building had little architectural merit and should not be retained.

Why do you expect me to be open, transparent and inclusive on the issue if you are not?

I await your response with interest.”

Oh well - perhaps next time!

Shared Space & Exhibition Road

2012-01-04T16:24:00.002Z

Had a visit to the V&A museum over the New Year break to see the exhibition celebrating 50 years of Private Eye. Without planning it I found myself experiencing the new shared space scheme in Exhibition Road.Very dramatic and different. Bearing in mind the hassle we have had in Southend with our limited shared space scheme on the seafront it is a relief that Exhibition Road falls outside our jurisdiction! There is no doubt that a completely new road layout like this makes you stop and think and on my view it seemed to be accepted well by drivers, walkers and cyclists alike. Certainly vehicle speeds were down and everybody seemed more aware of what was going on around them. Early results from schemes across the county seem to show that they increase safety and hopefully as they become more widely introduced and understood this will continue and increase. We are now awaiting the report evaluationg the current operation of our City Beach with any recommendations as to possible improvements.

Happy New Year

2012-01-03T13:05:00.003Z

Best wishes for a Happy and hopefully prosperous new year to all residents and business' within south east Essex.Certainly for the council it is going to be challenging with further substantial cuts to be found whilst trying to maintain frontline services.

Red tape - that sounds like a good wheeze!

2011-10-14T15:00:00.002+01:00

One question raised at the Youth Council's Question Time event was whether the Council was proposing to cut "bureaucracy" to close the budget gap. It was a good question because it helps highlight one of the games our opposition parties will no doubt be playing over the coming months. The reality is that having cut about £50M from our revenue budget over the last 7 years or so there is not an area of the council's activity which has not been subject to intense scrutiny and review to a point where the Council is a lean machine delivering excellent value for money and financial efficiency. As we try to identify another £25M budget reductions over the next few years it will be impossible to avoid service cuts in some areas which no doubt the opposition groups will endeavour to distance themselves from. One cheap way of doing this is to make bland claims that massive sums can be saved by cutting bureaucracy or improved financial management! It is as though there are cupboards of red tape in the Civic Centre which can be easily removed with no effect on service provision. The reality is that a cut to "bureaucracy" means a cut to staff numbers or direct service provision which will have an effect on residents.So let's be up front and tell our voters how it really is - the debate is then which services do we stop providing, reduce or attempt to deliver in other ways.

Youth Council - Question Time

2011-10-14T14:51:00.003+01:00

I was on the panel of a special Question Time arranged by the Youth Council for local schools and colleges.Ages ranged from Year 6 to A Level students and there was a wide range of questions. The event was well run and was a great demonstration of the interest our young people have in the town and its challenges. Well done to the Youth Council for making the arrangements.The panel consisted of myself, 2 cabinet colleagues Mark Flewitt & Derek Jarvis, the 3 opposition group leaders and our local police Divisional Commander. It was slightly surreal to spot another member of council attending the event in the audience - not exactly a member of the target audience for the event and certainly too old to be an active member of the Youth Council. I would have thought that he heard enough of us at council meetings but let us hope he learnt something from our responses!

Zero Based Budgeting - that's an idea!

2011-09-16T09:36:00.001+01:00

It has been a running theme of mine that the problem Southend’s Independent Party faces is that having no common philosophical base they cannot offer the electorate a cogent alternative and must instead rely on scaremongering (eg the fight to prevent the closure of Westcliff Library which they knew had never been proposed!) or claiming the benefit for the achievements of others (eg the picture of Cllrs Chalk & Assenheim in the Echo appearing to claim credit for the Shoebury Heritage Centre). This is not surprising in a group that includes ex Labour candidates like Ann Chalk and Martin Terry but also the likes of Senor Delaney who had a reputation of being to the right of the Conservative party before he was dumped as a candidate. In these circumstances isn’t it just typical that when they do find a significant cross Borough policy which they appear to agree on they should choose a stinker like Zero Based Budgeting. In the words of the Council’s Head of Finance and Resources, who is a genuine expert in public finance : “Effectively ZBB is an old text book theory with relatively little practical implementation or empirical evidence of success in the UK public sector since its formation in the 1960’s and 1970’s when it was used within the United States of America.....undertaking detailed, resource hungry reviews across the Council will distract the organisation from delivering the required corporate savings target for minimal net benefit. It is therefore recommended that the Council do not proceed with utilising the technique of Zero-based budgeting as part of the Council’s budget process.” Oh dear – what “financial expert” dreamt that one up - well better luck next time!

Boundary reorganisation - a divided Leigh!

2011-09-13T10:46:00.002+01:00

So we now have the Boundary Commission's recommendations for the new parliamentary constituencies. Whilst I fully support the drive to reduce the overall number of MPs and to introduce constituencies with similar numbers of residents I am concerned by the effect of the proposals on Leigh. If approved the wards of Leigh and West Leigh will join Castle Point with Milton, Victoria & St Lukes moving from Rochford & Southend East to join with the remainder of Southend West. Rochford & Southend East will then be swelled by Hockley & Hawkwell. For Southend it would mean that as a relatively small unitary we would have representation from 3 MPs of which only 1 was representing Southend alone - the other 2 having the majority of their residents living outside the Borough. Whilst Leigh & West Leigh would share an MP the other "Leigh" wards including Blenheim & Belfairs, as well as Chalkwell would have a different MP meaning no single parliamentary voice for the community of Leigh.Whereas Southend & Leigh form very much one community I am not sure that the same can be said of Leigh & Canvey! With local authority boundaries unchanged it means that West Leigh residents could be voting on the same day for their Southend Councillor & Castle Point MP. It will be interesting to see how residents react to these proposals. It has been suggested to me that perhaps it is also signalling a blurring of the boundaries across south east Essex leading to an increasing demand for a single south east Essex unitary authority - or is that just mischief making!

Leigh Police Station (Part 2)

2011-09-01T12:40:00.002+01:00

You did not have to visit Mystic Meg to work out that any significant police restructure was likely to have implications for the front counter at Leigh Police Station. The reality is that the number of callers is small and in the face of the cuts required by the Coalition Government (who I assume Peter Wexham and his Lib Dem colleagues support) caused by the financial mismanagement of the last government (couldn't leave Labour out)decisions of this kind are unavoidable. For me I would rather prioritise a police presence on our streets rather than behind a police station counter as that is where the vast majority of us have day to day contact with our local force. If the Chief Constable can provide good cover on the streets of the Town by reorganising accomodation then in my view he is to be supported. However what I do feel remains important is that with the large number of restaurants, pubs and bars in Leigh and its thriving night time economy the police retain an obvious and outward presence, whether at the current station or otherwise, to provide reassurance to us all and deterence to those who seek to act irresponsibly. I shall continue to maintain pressure on the Chief Constable to achive this end.

Leigh Police Station Closure

2011-09-01T12:28:00.002+01:00

I was amused to read in the latest edition of Leigh Times that local Liberal Democrat Peter Wexham is trying to suggest that I am responsible for the closure of the front desk at Leigh Police Station. This interesting allegation is based on the fact that I have had the temerity to speculate that with the Adult College about to transfer from Leigh Community College to Belfairs School there is an opportunity to consider future uses for the significant area of land in Elm Road which is in public ownership and to query whether it could offer a solution to the ongoing parking stress which understandably frustrates residents, traders and visitors to central Leigh alike. Perhaps I should be pleased to think that my musing on the issue would have such an immediate effect on the Chief Constable's strategy for future policing in the town but no - come on Peter get real. Do you want to hold me responsible for the poor weather, global economy and recent riots as well! Whatever the future of the police station the remainder of the publically owned site offers opportunities which should not be lost on any local politician, particularly when in the same eiditon you are whinging that Leigh is losing out on highway investment to West Leigh.For my further thoughts on the issue of policing in Leigh see my next post.

Southend Bikeathon 2011

2011-09-01T12:23:00.004+01:00

Southend Bikeathon is nearly on us again with this popular annual event taking place this sunday (4th September). I am pleased to say that I am entering again this year and have persuaded some family and friends to join me as "The Saddle Soarers!".Let's hope the rain keeps off and in the meantime the event offers an enjoyable route, some exercise and the opportunity to raise money for a great charity.

Independent votes against allowance reduction

2011-07-18T15:44:00.002+01:00

At last thursday's full council meeting the report of the the independent panel on councillor remuneration was considered. The panel had proposed freezing the majority of allowances but also suggested some selective but significant cuts. By way of example (and unlike the other group leaders) my own allowances will reduce by £4K per annum. I thought the report was generally reasonable and properly recognised the economic challenges the council currently faces. However it was a surprise that leading Independent Ron Woodley was the only member of council to vote against the recommendations of the panel which, as no alternatives or amendments had been proposed by any member, would have blocked the proposed cuts.I am not sure whether this was his intention but if not it is surprising that even after 4 years as a councillor he can make such a straightforward error. No doubt he will say that he really wanted to reduce allowances - then why not make a proposal or amendment to that effect!

The HandyVan Scheme

2011-06-27T08:57:00.001+01:00

The HandyVan scheme is run by Age UK, fully supported by Essex Police and Southend CDRP and is aimed at residents of the Borough aged 60 and over. The scheme is not means tested.

The HandyVan fitter will visit the homes of referred residents meeting the above criteria, carry out a full security and safety survey and supply & fit the following items absolutely free of charge. These are high quality door and window locks (both 5-lever mortice and rim night latch), bolts, door chains, door viewers, carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, grab rails (for showers, bathrooms, toilets and to assist with entry and exit to the house), stair rails.

Referrals can be made direct to HandyVan on 0845 026 1055.

South Bank praise for Council exhibit

2011-06-26T13:01:00.002+01:00

I have previously mentioned Southend's contribution to the Festival of Britain exhibition on the South Bank however I was delighted to see an item in the Independent this Sunday which commenting on our exhibit says "First, directly in front of the Royal Festival Hall, there is a tribute to Southend, Essex's legendary beach resort. Springing out of the paving next to the vintage ice-cream van.........the Southend bed is a glorious celebration of the kind of municipal horticulture you usually get only by the seaside."

Do the Independent Party have a whip fetish?

2011-06-16T10:06:00.002+01:00

In his latest comment in the Leigh Times the Independent party leader embarks on another of his regular moans suggesting that local conservatives are "chicken" and that our leadership is bullying and a political dictatorship relying on an annually elected whip. Frankly I almost expected him to hold me personally responsible for global warming, the country's economic woes and problems with the England football team but at least he stopped short of that. It is interesting to note that he continues to focus on negative campaigning and misinformation of this type whilst still bemoaning the negativity of party politics - a pat on the back for anybody who can spot the inconsistency! The reality is that the policies which are put forward are those of the Conservative group and not just the cabinet and all members of the group have the opportunity to influence their development and do so in a constructive and effective manner.In addition in my 4+ years as group leader we have never enforced a party "whip" or instruction on any issue and recognising this the redundant position of whip was scrapped a couple of years ago.Still no point in letting a few factual inaccuracies get in the way of typical Independent claptrap. It is also a pity that rather that wasting a great opportunity to get his message across to the electorate he still fails to give any indication as to what his party would do differently. Wot no policies!!

Warrior Square Gardens

2011-06-16T09:58:00.002+01:00

Great that the massive improvement work to this popular area is now all but complete - with just the fitting out of the cafe and completion of the feature "petal" roof to be finalised. For too long the gardens had become a haunt for drug users and alcoholics lurking behind the old hedges and making the atmosphere sometimes threatening. By removing these areas and opening up the gardens it should now attract families and other visitors and continue to represent an important green lung in the town centre. Certainly when I visited a couple of days ago it was looking good and was being well used.

Easyjet comes to Southend

2011-06-16T09:54:00.002+01:00

Amazing news today that Easyjet are poised to commit to Southend airport and will start to operate as soon as the runway extension is completed and the new enviromental controls are in effect. Not only will this immediately create 150ish new jobs but it will also encourage others to invest in Southend and offer a great facility for those in the area who travel abroad and would like to avoid the journey to Gatwick or Stanstead. It will be interesting to see what destinations are on offer.

Southend churches - Big Society in action

2011-06-16T09:49:00.002+01:00

I had the pleasure of attending a meeting of the Southend Deanery Synod last night to discuss with them the funding challenges facing local government and the contribution that the church might play in helping us bridge the gap. It was a positive and stimulating evening and gave me food for thought as to how we can build on the community support which our churches (of all denominations) currently give.The concept of the Big Society has left many people cold but the reality is that the type of community involvement which it encourages is already strong and well in Southend through not only the churches but our strong voluntary sector. We need to build on and encourage this contribution as well as challenging other members of our community to join in.

London Naked Bike Ride 2011

2011-06-16T09:36:00.002+01:00

In London on saturday I encountered this years annual naked bike ride - whilst it had escaped my notice previously it involved over 1000 brave(!!) souls baring "as much as they dared" (which in most cases appeared to be everything) to cycle about 9 miles around central London and past all the main tourist attractions in the buff. The protest, which involved many thousands of participants at various locations around England and in many countries across the world, was intended to champion the need for safer cycling and highlight society's over dependence on oil and the motor car. The nudity was intended to demonstrate how vulnerable cyclists can be on our roads. It also meant that the sight of such a large group of naked bodies riding around Covent Garden etc could not fail to achieve maximum notice from the many thousands of visitors. Southend may have set a world record for its naked rollercoaster ride earlier in the year but I am not sure the town is ready for a naked bike ride yet! However the cause was a good one so well done to all the brave participants who seemed to attract a positive and enthusiastic response from the onlookers.

Southend on the South Bank

2011-06-05T13:08:00.002+01:00

Had west end theatre tickets on Friday (Betty Blue Eyes - very entertaining with great cast) and having decided to stay up in London for the night we wandered along the south bank on Saturday morning to see the Festival of Britain event. It is well worth the visit and particularly good to see Southend playing such a central part. Not only our display representing the Southend coastline but also in many other exhibits - particularly the row of beach huts with one containing many old picture postcards of the town and another remembering the floods of 53 when Canvey was cut off and partially flooded. For free entertainment it takes some beating and don't miss the museum display in the ground floor of the South Bank Centre - as my wife commented we have never been to a exhibition when it was so apparent that nearly all of the other visitors were being transported back to their own memories either of the festival itself, or for those of us too young to experience it, of the items of furniture etc many of which featured in the homes of our parents or grandparents as we were growing up.

Cabinet - the pros and cons

2011-06-03T09:07:00.002+01:00

I see another letter in the Echo today suggesting that the root of all evil is the cabinet system. I do not recognise the name of the writer and I suspect that, like many of the recent critics of the system, he has not had the pleasure of serving as an elected councillor. I have been a member, committee chair and opposition member under the committee system as well as a member, cabinet member and leader under the cabinet system so feel that I am well positioned to express an opinion. Firstly it is important to remember that the cabinet system was effectively imposed by the last Labour government and at present, other than an elected Mayor, there is no alternative - although we are promised change. The reality is that the differences between the systems, particularly as operated in Southend, are minimal.Our cabinet members have no executive powers and all cabinet decisions are subject to ratification by full council. Accordingly there is an opportunity to block or change decisions if a majority of members wish to do so. Under the committee system the committee chairs would replace the cabinet and would discuss and work up policy before presenting proposals on those items requiring specific decision to a committee. The aspirations and plans of the administration would remain un altered and the overiding power of the council as a collective body would remain as at present.The ability of individual members to influence policy would remain the same and is effectively undertaken by negotiation and discussion as policies are worked up and proceed through the system rather than necessarily and inevitably in formal meetings. I am also entertained by suggestions that the council has been ill served by the cabinet system. I invite anyone to look at performance across all service areas, relying on external inspection reports, peer inspection reports and performance against targets to justify such a bizarre suggestion.

Cllr Van Looy - the saga continues

2011-06-03T09:06:00.000+01:00

I see that Independent Party councillor Paul Van Looy is trying to justify his decision to sit on only 2 working parties and 1 outside body by suggesting that he can turn up to any committee and speak anyway. We were previously told that the delay was “…whilst he learnt the ropes” but now he seems able to advise us all on council procedure – except of course he is wrong. It is not the case that any councillor can just turn up to any committee, speak and then disappear off. The opportunity for such input is limited as otherwise we might as well just put all 51 councillors on everything! He also tells us that he is working with his group who will soon be issuing details of their policies. That should be interesting as we are always being told that they are not a formal party and have no common line or policies but are only in a formal group to obtain adequate representation on committees. Finally he suggests the Town has a record deficit and disastrous policies. The current borrowing level is in line with most other authorities and in accordance with government expectations. If he thinks it should be less then what are the list of council funded initiatives over recent years which he would not have undertaken – certainly no opposition was voiced by his party colleagues during past budget debates or when reviewing the regular treasury management reports. As for policies try reading the many recent external reports on council services before you make unfounded and incorrect assertions – alternatively you could earn your council allowance and actually attend some committees when you might find out the actual position.

Airshow hits heights again this year.

2011-05-31T10:45:00.002+01:00

I had an enjoyable afternoon at the airshow on sunday with many thousands of other residents and visitors. Whilst it was a bit windy at the top of the hills we found a sheltered spot and the show was as entertaining as usual with the wing walkers and red arrows representing my personal highlights.The roads ran smoothly and an excellent job was undertaken by Corys in cleaning up afterwards. When I ventured along the seafront on monday morning all traces and rubbish had been efficiently removed.

Independent angst!

2011-05-25T16:00:00.002+01:00

I see that my surprised response to new St Luke's Independent Party councillor Van Looy's refusal to sit on any of the council's scrutiny committees has resulted in the usual angst from his party leader when confronted with any criticism.

We are told that Cllr Van Looy has commented that "I just want to spend more time in St Luke's ward. My priority at the moment is to the residents who have elected me..". Meanwhile his party leader calls my comments "nasty" relying on his colleague being "...a complete novice.." who "... needs to learn to ropes...". Well for somebody who has run one of the most vitriolic and negative campaigns for years perhaps he should have learnt a little more about the role before being so forthright in his criticism of others.It is as important to be representing his residents in formal meetings as dealing with their personal concerns, and as an elected councillor he also has an obligation to contribute to the wider picture. Perhaps his leader should explain that as a member of a committee all that is required is to read the papers in advance, raise any queries with officers, listen to the debate, participate if he has anything relevant to say and , if required, vote. I am delighted that my new members are more than comfortable with doing so as well as dealing with their individual resident's concerns.

Over recent years many independent party candidates have chosen to concentrate on throwing metaphoric stones at sitting councillors and the administration - perhaps it is time to move out of your glass houses!

Low proifle for new Independent in St Lukes

2011-05-22T15:56:00.002+01:00

I was not the only person astounded when new Independent Councillor Paul Van Looy apparently declined any post on the council's 3 important scrutiny committees - either as a member or even as a substitute. In my time on the council such an approach from a new member is unheard of and certainly the 3 new members of the Tory Group, Adam Jones, Trevor Byford & James Courtenay have been anxious to immediatly play a full role in the affairs of the council. The scrutiny committees are important opportunities to review the actions of the administration without the time restraints and formality of full council meetings, and to investigate other areas of importance to the council. They also give an ideal opportunity for new members to get a real feel for the council's functions and activities. Cllr Van Looy has spent the last 3 years running negative campaigns criticising the Conservative Administration and its members who whilst doing an excellent job representing their ward residents have also stepped up to the wider role of working for the advancement of the whole town. Come on Cllr Van Looy let's be hearing your constructive proposals for the future - after all the rest of us have to enjoy the extended contributions of your party colleagues Terry, Woodley & Assenheim to scrutiny meetings - why should you escape!

What an ass!

2011-05-22T15:36:00.002+01:00

For about a decade my award for the most jaw dropping quote by a Southend councillor has remained in the safe hands of Liberal Democrat Alan Crystall. It dates back to when the Lib/Lab Administration was in power in the 90s and plans were announced for a possible demolition of a semi detached house in Leigh which was owned by the Council - it is the house in Elm Road currently occupied by Leigh Town Council. The owner of the attached semi was understandably miffed by the public suggestion of the house attached to his being demolished to which Cllr Crystall responded that he should be happy because he would be getting a detached house!Well not quite Alan. However I am pleased to confirm that the award has now passed to Shoebury Independent Party Councillor Mike Assenheim who in trying to defend his remarkable volte-face on Hinguar School is reported in the Echo as coming out with this peach "I don't think the council is as cash-strapped as it is implying." Frankly for somebody who has been a sitting councillor for 4 years and has sat through detailed budget discussions over the last 12 months to come out with this leaves me speachless. If he really believes it then the residents of Shoebury may consider they would be better served by somebody who has some elementary grasp of public finance. In the meantime he takes my award by demonstrating the ass in Assenheim!!

Hinguar School

2011-05-06T13:43:00.002+01:00

As I have mentioned in an earlier blog the Independents attack on the current level of Council borrowing is bizarre in circumstances where they have made no comment on the 3 monthly treasury management reports presented to them or sought to alter the capital programme. They have also still to identify the council funded capital projects which they would not have undertaken or to explain why they oppose investment in the town's infrastucture which has been anticipated in the funding provided by central government.

However the latest contradiction is their latest stunt on Hinguar School. Everybody agreed that there was an urgent need to build a new replacement school and that no external funding was available. Accordingly it was also agreed that a new school would be build and part funded by the sale of the current site. No objection was made at the time by members of the Independent Party. Now they have been encouraging residents to support a scheme to use the old building for community purposes. Ignoring the additional capital funds which would be needed to convert the old building or the revenue strain of operating it this would leave a massive hole in the funding of the new school which could only be filled by increased borrowing.

To adapt the wise words of George Orwell it would seem that all borrowing is evil but some borrowing is less evil than others - if it can be ignored or manipulated for political advantage.

If all they want to do is run populist campaigns without defending them in the council chamber or providing the necessary funding or plans for delivery why bother to stand for the council - just set up a pressure group. Oh wait a minute what about BERA?

Independent Party - crunch time approachs!

2011-05-06T13:18:00.002+01:00

No doubt the members of the Independent Party will be pretty happy after yesterday's elections having increased their tally by 2 councillors. The time to stop referring to them as a "party" is clearly over as in general terms their activities are indistinquishable from the other parties with coordinated campaigns, candidates, publicity and voting.

Of course there is one difference - they continue to have no common policies or vision for the future development or regeneration of the town. This is not surprising bearing in mind they comprise a group including a non adopted Conservative councillor, unsuccessful Labour candidates and others. Working for individual residents and helping with their problems is only one part of our role - the other is to develop a vision for the future whether as the administration or as a viable opposition.It is not enough to simply oppose everything on the doorstep - particularly without similar opposition in the council chamber or without a viable alternative.

The public tell us that they don't like negative campaigning.Maybe - but last night's results in St Lukes, Shoebury and elsewhere confirm that negative campaigning, mis information and personal attack can deliver short term gains for the Independent Party but for how much longer. We are told by councillors who only appear to have found a taste for an Independent Label when striving to gain an otherwise unachievable seat that the public are tired of party politics. I disagree -they may have believed the spin which has conveniently coincided with more general misgivings about the political sysytem, but any council officer will confirm that to function effectively and efficiently a local authority needs a clear direction and element of certainty - whatever the underlying party political direction. To move into the vacuum of independent policy would be a sure route to disaster in these financially challenging times.

Election news

2011-05-06T13:03:00.002+01:00

As usual election day was long and demanding yesterday starting with a stint of telling on Marine Parade at 7am and eventually finishing following the last declaration at Garon Park at 3.30am this morning! A day of mixed emotions - we retain our overall majority of 5 having lost 2 seats to the Independent Party and gained 2 seats from the Liberals. Bearing in mind that the Government is pushing through potentially unpopular measures to address the national deficit left by the last government, and that we have had to deliver over £15M in savings in Southend to balance the budget this is a great performance. However it is sad to see Anna Waite lose her seat. Whether you agree with her views or not no reasonable person can deny her total committment to Southend and its residents together with her tireless work, interlect and application. More particularly never has a local councillor in Southend had to face the level of personal vitriol which has been directed at her by some political opponents and others.Why would any sensible and successful local resident or businessperson want to subject themselves to this - unless all those involved in local government in this town show basic respect for other members and acknowledge that whilst we may differ on how to take the town forward we all share the same passion and concern, we run the risk of frightening off any quality candidates from standing for election - after all who needs it!. In West Leigh we are celebrating Gwen Horrigan's emphatic victory once again demonstrating the support she enjoys and we will be working hard to consolidate that support over the next 12 months. Elsewhere in the town Conservative candidates performed beyond expectation delivering healthy majorities in Belfairs, Eastwood, Chalkwell and West Shoebury and winning 9 of the 17 seats available.

Town Centre parking charge reversal

2011-04-26T14:19:00.002+01:00

I see our chums in opposition complaining about my cabinet colleague Mark Flewitt signalling an early intention to listen to public concerns and to reverse the decision to extend charging periods in some local car parks.Amazing - as part of the process we have to consult prior to introduction and this has resulted in many reasonable and justifyable concerns.It would seem that if we listen to the public our opposition friends don't like it but at the same time they are always moaning that we ignore public consultation. The truth is that when we consult we listen to what people have to say and reevaluate proposals in the light of their comments. A consultation is not a referendum but if valid objections are raised it is right and proper that we react.

City Beach and other projects

2011-04-26T14:14:00.002+01:00

On sunday I went to look at our four new road schemes in action. Traffic flow through Kent Elms Corner, Cuckoo Corner and Victoria Circus was good notwithstanding the high number of visitors drawn to the seafront for a hot bank holiday weekend. Meanwhile the central seafront was packed, with the atmosphere of the area transformed by the improvements. In particular the new fountains were a major draw as were the new lights as the evening drew in. All great news for the town and for our seafront traders. How about some of the moaners who have spent the last 18 months complaining accepting that the short term hassle was worth the long term gain.

Lb Dem straddles fence on new library

2011-04-26T14:05:00.002+01:00

It was entertaining to see Lib Dem Leader quoted in last week's echo doing his best to straddle the fence on a major issue as usual! The item was based on him questioning the plans for a new library whilst at the same time stressing that he was not saying that he was opposed to it. Come on make your mind up one way or the other - you have had every opportunity to see the proposals which will be to provide a joint public, further education & higher education library bringing together the resources of our library service as well as the resources of Essex Uni and South Essex College. Not only will this provide a facility suitable for a cutting edge library service being a ground breaking alliance between 3 public bodies but will also allow members of the public access to these academic resources and will reduce the revenue costs of all three organisations both because of the energy saving design but also by sharing the maintenance and operating costs. If you want to oppose this plan then say so but if not do not try to create doubts which are not justified on the basis of the information you have available to you. I suppose we should not be surprised - this is from the party who duringthe recent budget debate castigated the Labour group for the economies being unavoidable as a result of the actions of the last government, criticised the Conservative Administration for making the cuts identified but failed to make any amendments or alternative proposals.

In denial

2011-03-04T11:52:00.002Z

Why do the opposition groups struggle to come to terms with the fact that the council has made such giant strides over the last few years in service delivery and organisational performance? The facts speak for themselves! In all areas of the council we have seen improvements in the quality of services provided. Substantial parts of the organisation now perform at top quartile levels with continuing rises in both customer and staff satisfaction levels. A range of our teams have enjoyed national recognition to include those in Revenues and Benefits, Street Cleaning and cleanliness, museums and libraries, cycling, and housing. Our youth offending team is one of the best performing in the country and our family intervention project and work on autism have both received national recognition. The Care Quality Commissions assessment of our adult social care department demonstrates the transformation of this service over the last 4 years. These are only a few examples of cross organisational success which have been recognised by our short listing for the most improved council last year and our recent short listing for council of the year.
In addition we will have delivered capital projects with a value in excess of £100M to include the much complimented new swimming and diving pool at Garon Park, a modern and safe pay on exit town centre multi storey car park, and the four creating a better Southend schemes which notwithstanding the onerous time limits imposed by the previous government remain on time and on budget. Opposition councillors are good are "heartfelt" statements about council employees whose jobs are at risk but don't they understand that their constant nasty and inaccurate jibes about council performance are more damaging to staff morale than the cuts we are having to find. Come on - step up to your responsibilities as corporate employers and start giving our employees and the services they provide the credit they deserve.

Borrowing

2011-03-04T11:34:00.002Z

Cllr Woodley and his independent group have now decided that the next great issue is the level of council borrowing. Notwithstanding his self proclaimed status as financial guru Cllr Woodley expresses sudden concern and surpise at council borrowing levels as though he has just discovered the situation following some detailed investigation. Infact every member of council receives 3 monthly treasury management reports, an annual treasury management statement and details of funding linked to the capital programme which means that anyone who bothers to read the paperwork must be fully aware of our treasury management policy. He has been on the council for four years - did he not understand this information or if he did why did he not raise his concerns before. What he fails to mention is that in calculating local government funding the government has always included an allowance for the funding of capital borrowing realising that capital investment is essential. Previously this was seperately identified but more recently has just been included in the general pot. A failure to use this funding would result in significant underinvestment which was the case before we got a proper hold of the capital programme a few years ago. The cost of borrowing is about 2% of the council's annual budget which is less than many other authorities and is"prudent, affordable and sustainable" to use the words of our Head of Finance (who is qualified and experienced in public funding). So Ron why is this only mentioned now and without giving the full story and which capital projects which we have funded over recent years do you oppose? And the really frightening thing is that the Independents think that members should be micro managing the councils overall buget of £500M rather than make the policy relying on the expertise of our professional officers.

Budget Debate

2011-03-04T11:25:00.002Z

It was the budget debate last night and I continue to be perplexed by the attitude of our three opposition parties.Cllr Longley on behalf of the Lib Dems criticised the Labour Party for creating an economic situation where cuts of £15.5M were required and then criticised the Conservative Administration for making them, without giving any alternative suggestions or proposals of any kind. If he accepts that cuts have to be made and he doesn't have alternative suggestions it seems ridiculous to oppose our budget. Cllr Woodley on behalf of the Independents once again demonstrated (at considerable length) that he either doesn't understand public finance or chooses to mis interpret the information provided to him. Once again no amendments or alternatives but simply opposition to our budget without sensible reason. Finally Cllr Gilbert on behalf of the Labour Group, who is simply in denial that there is a national deficit or that it has anything to do with his party - once again no alternatives or amendments but just opposition. Tey even fail to acknowledge the progress the council has made in all areas of service provision over the last 4 years. So much for constructive opposition!

Airport latest

2011-02-10T14:05:00.002Z

We now have confirmation that having had her application for Judicial Review thrown out at the first hurdle the legally aided SAEN supporter is now asking for a review of the decision at an oral hearing. I don't know whether this latest step is also legally aided but if so let's throw some more public money at this! Whatever may be suggested to the contrary anybody who loses an application for JR at the this point may apply for a review hearing without any leave or approval of the court so long as the application is lodged within 7 days. This next step does not indicate that anybody (other than SAEN and their supporter(s)) thinks the original decision was wrong. In the meantime the majority of residents, whichever side of the debate they are on, want to move to the debate on the lease variation so that the choice is clear - airport expansion with runway extension and enviromental controls or airport expansion with no extension or controls. The planning decision was taken following the specialist advice of council planning officers, was reviewed by the then Secretary of State and approved, and how now been ratified by a High Court judge on a very clear cut basis.

The joys of pavement politics

2011-02-10T13:54:00.002Z

Was out last night delivering our latest In Touch to residents across part of the Highlands Estate. It is interesting delivering leaflets in the dark as it adds the perils of dark pathways (with hidden steps) and difficult to locate letter boxes to the usual challenge of dogs. It never fails to astound me how badly designed many letter boxes are, making the delivery of a leaflet tricky, never mind post or newspapers. You would think that when designing a letter box some thought would be given to how easy it is to post documents - that is after all the only purpose of it, but apparently no. It is also of concern that in increasing numbers of cases dogs leap aggressively at the letterbox whilst attempts are being made by the deliverer to beat the draft excluder and it astounds me that more injuries do not occur.I do wonder if owners are aware of their potential liability for the actions of their dog and whether any of their usual post is readable. And it isn't just because I am a politicial that they go for me because under the cover of darkness my identity is safe! Delivering leaflets is also a great way to keep a check on pavement and road conditions as well as any non working lights. I have sent my report in to council officers today and for residents of Braemar Crescent repairs to the road surface are due soon!!

Airport expansion & SAEN

2011-02-04T09:04:00.003Z

I was asked yesterday to comment on BBC Radio Essex about the High Court decision and was followed by Denis Walker - local supported of SAEN and Friends of the Earth. 3 things struck me from his comments. It was interesting that he regarded a decision by a specialist High Court judge that the claims were not even arguable as an unsurprising first step and further pursual of the matter with the backing of legal aid as apparently inevitable. He made much of the SAEN "community contribution" as justifying the financial support the organisation is giving to the application. I would be interested to know hom much this is in the context of the costs incurred to date. Finally he continued to argue that the majority of residents of the town are opposed to airport expansion.That is not borne out by my experience canvassing door to door, speaking at public meetings or from my e mail inbox.

Airport decision

2011-02-04T08:52:00.002Z

So after a delay of many months we have received the decision of a High Court judge on the legally aided application for a judicial review on the airport runway planning application. His view is that none of the the claimant (Laura Millard) grounds for a judicial review are arguable and the application has therefore been rejected.It is pleasing that the Judge has justified the process adopted by the Council although perhaps not surprising bearing in mind that great effort that was taken to ensure that the application was dealt with in a proper manner. The process was also reviewed and approved by the then Secretary of State. No doubt SAEN will press for a review of the decision and then there remains the issue of a possible appeal. My view remains that the sooner the Council moves forward to debate whether or not to agree to a variation to the lease to allow a runway extension to be built the better. The real decision is should the airport be allowed to expand as it wishes but with a strong package of enviromental controls or be forced to operate on its current runway without adequate enviromental controls. As a resident of Leigh I know which I would prefer. In the meantime the airport needs to be able to plan its future activities and generate employment whilst resident need the longstanding issue to be resolved once and for all.

Budget Challenge

2011-01-20T16:38:00.002Z

So the budget proposals have now been published. It has been the hardest challenge that I have faced since becoming council leader. £15.5M savings needed out of revenue to achieve a balanced budget of £135M. The difficult decision to reduce the council's workforce by 178(FTE) posts of which the only saving grace is that 70 are currently vacant. I remain hopeful that with natural wastage, voluntary redundancy and early retirement we can keep compulsory redundancies to a minimum.Bearing in mind the extent of the challenge it is remarkable that we have avoided scrapping any front line service although some will need to be centred on those in most need. Let's see what response we now get from the opposition parties but it is no good anybody highlighting and criticising any particular saving without suggesting an alternative. PS As I have mentioned previously no library closures (and in particular Westcliff Library remains open) - let's wait for the apology from Cllr Terry for scaremongering!

Budget Proposals

2011-01-17T12:18:00.002Z

Tomorrow is an important day with our budget plans for the coming year being formally released.For me it is a busy day with briefing meetings for other group leaders, the trade unions, the press and 3 seperate staff briefings. The papers will also be circulated to all members and published on the council's website. The proposals will be discussed at the cabinet meeting on wednesday of next week and, subject to any amendments will then be circulated to the 3 member scrutiny groups. This will give all members of the council to comment and proposed amendments before the final proposal is approved by the cabinet and then debated by full council.It will be interesting to see if members of other groups engage in the scrutiny meetings in a constructive way.

Independents - what is the point?

2011-01-13T15:54:00.000Z

I have still to be convinced of the relevance or contribution of independents in local government. Elected councillors have in my view two primary duties. The first is to aid ward residents in dealing with specific issues which may arise across a range of council run areas to include housing, planning, education, social care etc. There are many members locally from all parties who fulfil this role conscientiously and effectively, often benefiting for the assistance of more experienced party colleagues. The performance of each councillor relies primarily on their own skill and dedication and the colour rosette they choose to wear is relatively insignificant.

However the second important role is to collectively formulate policy and priorities and to oversee implementation by council officers. It is in the second area that successful local government remains dependent on party involvement.

Each party, whether mainstream or more fringe, offers a clear underlying philosophy on fundamental issues such as regeneration, adult social care, education etc. giving the electorate a meaningful choice. If elected the party group is able to rely on a basic and sufficient ideological cohesion and organisational unity to deliver its core values with responsibility being maintained by the existence of a credible opposition acting as a balancing force.

In Southend we have the unusual concept of a recognised group of independent councillors who cooperate and campaign in a manner similar to the other party groups but who have no shared ideological background, overriding issue or geographical base. This inevitably means that they must concentrate on specific ward sensitive local issues or pursue negative campaigning in that they lack any consensus on the more fundamental challenges facing local government.

They include an unsuccessful Labour candidate and a former Conservative councillor as well as others across the political spectrum. Whilst this is suggested by some as a strength the question remains as to what would happen if they were to hold the balance of power at some stage in the future. Which party administration would they support and how could they agree on the fundamental priorities of the council within their own group, never mind with their new political allies? They are seeking to build what is in all reality a party group without dealing with these fundamental issues.

Westcliff Library and petty party politics

2011-01-13T13:04:00.002Z

I note that once again the Independent Party are playing political games to try to frighten residents into supporting them. They have been suggesting to residents in Westborough that plans are afoot to close Westcliff Library. This is complete nonsense. At no time during the preparation of the budget for the coming year has any member of the Conservative administration or senior officer indicated any plan to shut Westcliff library.Having made up this scare story they will no doubt then suggest that they have had a part in "rescuing it". Don't be fooled. Strange isn't it that the party group who claim to be independent from party politics are inevitably at the forefront of stunts of this kind.

10 Downing Street

2011-01-13T12:59:00.002Z

I was delighted to be invited to meet the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street earlier this week. It was my first visit behind the famous black door and it was interesting to see what a large building it is and to walk up the famous staircase with photographs of previous prime ministers. No photograph of Gordon Brown as yet! It is clear that David Cameron is fully aware of the challenges we are facing in finding economies in Southend but maintaining front line services and his team has no shortage of exciting initiatives for the future. What a difference to have a dynamic prime minister who can really connect with the public.

Happy New Year

2011-01-13T12:57:00.002Z

Happy New Year to all as we embark on what I am sure will be an exciting if demanding 12 months. It is very exciting that Southend Borough Council has been short listed for the "Council of the Year" award. We will know the result later this year but being in the top few authorities in the country is further evidence of the progress we have made over the last few years.

Spending review

2010-10-22T14:41:00.002+01:00

So with the Chancellor's recent announcement the challenge we are going to face balancing the council's books over the next four years is a little clearer although we will not have all the small print and the final detail until december. It is going to be challenging but we cannot allow the public debt to continue rising as has been the case under the last government. If we listened to the Labour leadership our debt would be almost £100 billion higher by the end of the current parliament and we would be paying £4billion more in debt interest alone by the time of the next election. As it is under the last government they doubled the national debt and left us with the biggest budget deficit in the G20 with interest of £120M interest each day - that is just about Southend Council's entire annual revenue expenditure accruing in daily interest! It is madness and simply can't continue - it is simply not fair on our children and grandchildren who will end up paying the bill.So now the hard work really starts to find the necessary economies with as little effect on council tax payers as possible.

Airport expansion - an update

2010-10-22T14:39:00.000+01:00

What is happening about the continuing saga of the proposed extension to the airport’s runway. Whilst we were anticipating a debate by the full council in September to consider whether we should allow a variation of the airport lease to allow such extension, and if so on what terms, this has been delayed by court proceedings commenced by a local resident seeking a judicial review of the earlier planning decision. We are now faced with the ridiculous situation that through the legal aid system we as taxpayers are funding an expensive, and in my view speculative court action, and Southend council tax payers are also funding an expensive defence of the claim. This will result in a final bill for the public purse amounting to many tens of thousands of pounds whatever the outcome – hardly helpful in the current economic climate. In the meantime we are unable to move to the real debate namely do we block the runway extension and force the airport to expand on its present runway but with an absence of effective environmental controls, or do we allow the extension but linked to reasonable and effective controls on flight direction, flight numbers, volumes of cargo, increased radar provision etc. This delay only further extends the anxiety of some residents and the commercial uncertainty for the airport not helped by some council members who seem determined to cloud the true debate by misleading the public in suggesting that the Council can somehow stop any airport expansion or unilaterally impose restrictions on night flights, flight numbers or a range of other issues which we cannot. If we are to deliver improved environmental controls and indeed facilitate and harness the commercial benefits that airport expansion can bring we will only do so by being realistic as to our present negotiating position and concentrating on the effective controls that can be delivered.

Creating a better traffic jam

2010-10-22T14:38:00.000+01:00

The four major road schemes at Progress Road, Victoria Circus, Cuckoo Corner and the central seafront are approaching completion. These projects should improve traffic flow and in the case of the seafront give this important area a much needed face lift. However I would be surprised if you have not wondered why we have undertaken four such significant schemes at the same time, and also simultaneously allowed the utility companies to continue to cause disruption to other roads across the Town. You may even have sat in a traffic jam fuming at the incompetence of the Council.
Let me say a few words in our defence. We received confirmation from the government in late 2009 that we were being allocated over £25M to deliver the four schemes in question but that the money had to be spent in its entirety by no later than March 2011. There was no option but to undertake the schemes simultaneously or lose the money. Significant preparation was undertaken to try to keep disruption to a minimum to include working with contractors to keep carriageways open during rush hours, requests to the utility companies to avoid work at the same time, reduction of work on the seafront during the school holidays to reduce the effect on business, and an attempt to get as much done as possible to the carriageways prior to the pre Christmas rush. There has also been an ongoing publicity campaign to keep residents, visitors and businesses updated on the plans. Unfortunately we do not have the power to stop road works by utility companies and their activities during the last few months has been frustrating and annoying. However we are now well advanced with all four large and complex projects and remain on target and on budget. If we had rejected the money we would have been open to valid criticism so let us hope that this short term pain will be worth a long term gain.

Time to deliver!

2010-10-22T14:37:00.000+01:00

When I first stood for election in West Leigh some four and a half years ago it was a popular refrain on the doorstep to be asked when Southend Council was going to stop talking about exciting new plans using pretty artist impressions and actually start delivering some real improvements to the town’s infrastructure.
Well I don’t think anyone can dispute that things have changed. For the second year in a row we will be delivering over £100M of investment into the roads, schools and facilities of the town and we are seeing the imminent conclusion or significant progress to schemes as diverse as the new schools at Belfairs and Hinguar, the swimming and diving pools at Garon Park, the pay on exit multi storey car park under the University’s “lego building” providing safe and convenient town centre parking, the improvements to Warrior Square Gardens, the new visitor centre at Priory Park, the pier head improvement works and redevelopment, the reopening of the historic cliff lift, the new youth centre at Shoebury, the sea front cycle track, and so the list goes on. This represents real investment in the future of the Town making clear that we are open for business.

Budget challenges

2010-09-22T16:27:00.002+01:00

As Southend Council starts to consult with members and the public to identify significant budget savings for the coming year I was given food for thought by an e mail from a local resident who asked "..since you have now scrapped free swimming for the over 60s what are you going to do to ensure that those who can't afford to swim will exercise as otherwise there will be blood on your hands." Obviously I explained that the subsidy had been cut across the country by the Government and that in the present climate we could not fund it from the Council's resources, but it also got me thinking about what the public expects from the public sector. We live in a great place with good parks, long beaches and other green areas all around us. Is it unreasonable to suggest that there are plenty of places to walk or cycle which are great ways of getting or keeping fit and other than the cost of a pair of shoes or a bike are free.Surely the trick is to help people to help themselves and not expect everything to be delivered on a plate by the Government or local council. We can then concentrate on those who can't help themselves. On the same theme a resident complaining about the frequency of litter collection in his road seemed dumbstruck when I suggested that perhaps the real problem was how to educate or persuade people to not drop litter which would then avoid us all meeting the massive cost of getting a contractor to pick it up! Perhaps this is what they mean by the Big Society.

Village Green

2010-09-22T16:23:00.003+01:00

This Saturday will see the 3rd Village Green event at Chalkwell Park. This is a great cultural celebration which provides a fantastic day out for everybody. I visited the park yesterday to help hundreds of other residents generate some pedal power which will run one of the stages. If you have the time why not pop down for half an hour to do your bit. In the meantime let's hope for good weather on Saturday. This is another example of what makes Southend a special place to live and follows a succession of fun events throughout the summer.

Labour's budget games

2010-09-16T14:56:00.003+01:00

What a surprise! - The Labour Group on Southend Council has announced that it will not participate in the confidential member discussions on possible budget cuts for next year. In every budget debate the opposition parties whinge about the fact they are allegedly excluded from the budget process untill decisions have been taken by the Administration. This year they have been given the chance to contribute at the very beginning of the process and to influence where the difficult decisions are being made but have refused to do so.Perhaps they are too busy! What is the point of electing councillors who fail to take advantage of important opportunities to represent their residents? Of course they can always repeat their tactics of the last 3 years - make no suggestions or amendments to the proposed budget and simply vote against it. So much for constructive politics! Let us see if the other opposition parties take advantage of this chance.

West Leigh School traffic plans

2010-09-15T16:29:00.002+01:00

Proposals have been published which would be funded by KeyMed and are designed to make access to West Leigh School safer as well as reducing traffic stress in the area. They include preventing access into London Road by the lights next to the school which would allow the removal of a phase of the traffic light sequence and improve traffic flow along the A13. This works to the advantage of residents as the easier the traffic flow along this main road the less the incentive for rat running. Some residents are expressing concern so we await the outcome of the consultation with interest.

Leigh Marsh Car Parking

2010-09-15T16:24:00.003+01:00

The new extended car parking facility on Leigh marsh is now open but I am not convinced that the charging rate of £1 is right. All that it is doing is providing cheap commuter parking and undercutting the railway car park. Whilst the charges levied by the railway are, in my opinion, ridiculously high and hardly encourage usage, it was not the purpose of the extended council car park to provide cheap parking for commuters but to ensure adequate and safe parking for leisure users. I will be pressing for the rates to increase at the begining of the day but then to reduce. This should deter communter use (or at least get a reasonable return if this persists)and provide car parking for residents wanting to visit the area for walking or other leisure purposes.

Hospice on Belton Hills

2010-09-15T16:16:00.002+01:00

I have already raised my concerns on this blog with regard to the plans announced by Fair Havens to relocate their hospice from Chalkwell Avenue to the green belt on Belton Hills. As the plan becomes more widely known I have received contact from increasing numbers of residents who are opposed to it. Fair Havens does great work for the local community but to encroach on this important open space just doesn't make sense. I will continue to encourage them to find an alternative site which we can all support.

Lego building reaches completion

2010-08-11T16:13:00.003+01:00

Great to see that the new university accomodation building with public multi storey car park beneath is almost finished. The car park will be a great improvement on the old Farringdon site with safe and well lit provision and pay on exit. In the meantime the Uni has excellant purpose built flats for its students. Love or hate the design (and everybody seems to fall into one category or the other) it certainly can't be missed.

Victoria Gateway - the last tree goes

2010-08-11T16:01:00.002+01:00

I see that the conspiracy theorists are working overtime to suggest that the decision to remove a further tree from Victoria Circus was always the council's plan. What rubbish! If we could have saved the tree why would we have done otherwise? When the scheme was published it was intended to remove all trees but on the information originally received from the utility companies it seemed possible to save one, so the scheme was adjusted accordingly. Months later British Telecom then announced that if the road was built where now intended a fibre optic cable serving a substantial % of Southend would have to be moved at a cost of about £1M. Additionally the delay in carrying out the work would have resulted in the project over running and the Government clawing back a further £1-2M. The only solution was to remove the tree and avoid the cable. No choice - to save the tree would cost Southend council tax payers over £2M. Sorry that the protesters are cross that they were not given advance notice - if so they would no doubt have tried to repeat their actions at Cuckoo Corner resulting in massive costs and delay, which would once again fall to the Southend council tax payer. The scheme includes full landscaping and tree planting and the sooner it is completed the better.

Members allowances

2010-07-13T15:28:00.002+01:00

So the extended and expensive investigation into member expenses is now drawing to an end with a report from the Independent Remuneration Panel going to Full Council on Thursday. A particular target for some opposition members has been the claims for reimbursement of in-borough travel expenses. Claims for the 51 councillors amounted to about £7000 last year and the investigation and review has cost far more in officer time! It is now recommended that every member should receive £100 per year to reimburse in-borough travel expenses whether or not they incur them which it is argued will save officer time processing the claims - although these claims will still need to be submitted for out of borough expenses! I feel able to comment on this as I have never claimed travel expenses whether in or out of borough and do not intend to start now. I am not sure how a scheme involving a flat rate payment is just or equitable. If in-borough expenses are going to be paid then surely payments should reflect the expenses actually incurred rather than a system which could cost £5,100 (i.e 51 councillors @ £100)and where every councillor is likely to be either over reimbursed or under reimbursed. In addition by paying this flat rate it will be taxable so further reducing the effect but benefiting the taxman. I would have thought that we should either decide not to pay these expenses, or if we are, then we should acknowledge that different councillors undertake vastly different workloads and reimburse what they have actually incurred. I have said that I would support the recommendations of the Independent Panel which I will do, but I do struggle to follow the logic of their recommendations.

Budget cuts

2010-07-13T15:22:00.002+01:00

Cuts to funds previously allocated to the Council by the Government continue to hit us. The previous subsidy to deliver free swimming for the under 16s and over 60s has gone with free swimming for these groups disappearing from 1st August. A further sum of about £2.6M covering a range of revenue and capital projects has also been called back. Whilst the Government has protected the Council's basic formula grant, which is used to pay for the majority of our services, it is withdrawing other funds which were allocated to specific areas. These in year cuts are really difficult to deal with as they need urgent steps to stop spending money we know longer have. Whilst the cuts which we face for the next financial year will be far worse at least we will have greater control over which services should be prioritised and we will also have the opportunity to consult with residents and plan in advance.

A New Haven in the Green Belt?

2010-06-30T19:33:00.008+01:00

Fairhavens have released information suggesting that their prefered option for building a new hospice is on Belton Hills covering a 7 acre site on our precious green belt. Whilst no planning application has yet been submitted the site has been identified as providing an ideal location. There is no doubting the great job Fairhavens and Little Havens have done over many years, and clearly the current site in Chalkwell Avenue is too small and inflexible, however is there really no alternative to Belton Hills - one of the few green lungs in the Town. There are tight restrictions on developing the Green Belt so it will be interesting to see how any future application is presented however is the hospice a strong enough reason to build on such am important area and if granted will it be followed by further applications?

Leigh Folk Festival

2010-06-28T12:50:00.002+01:00

Spent some very enjoyable hours down in Old Leigh on Sunday enjoying a fantastic Folk Festival. Great music, fantastic weather, large crowds, enthusiastic performers and cold beer - who could ask for more! This follows on from another great Leigh Art Trail. These events really connect with local residents and demonstrate how effective it is when the community takes the lead. Congratulations and thanks to all those who organised both events - your hard work was worth it. If you didn't support these events then don't miss out next year. You will not be disappointed. Quite made up for the disappointment in South Africa. Anyone for cricket or tennis?

The West Lothian Question

2010-06-25T09:09:00.002+01:00

Spent a long and hot day yesterday doing a uni trip to Loughborough with my youngest daughter.As one daughter leaves uni the next one is looking to finalise her own plans and the whole process does raise the dreaded issue of tuition fees. A particular bugbear is that Scottish kids pay no fees whereas English kids do - even if attending uni in Scotland. Devolution is all well and good - and perhaps no bad thing for the English! - however how can it be right that decisions on matters relating only to England are taken by all members and therefore heavily influenced by members representing Scottish constituencies whose residents are not affected. As it is the Scottish are over represented on a per head basis, although we have been promised action on this by the Government. I also remain to be convinced that as English taxpayers we are not subsidising this benefit which is not available to our own children. It is time for a clear convention that if a parliamentary decision only applies in England it should be taken solely by MPs representing constituencies in England. We also need equal sized constituencies and clear confirmation that if one country within the UK decides on a cost bearing policy it will only be the residents of that country which bears the cost. In the meantime Loughborough was a great place although they were invovled in the development of the football being used in South Africa!!

Budget - first impressions

2010-06-22T14:20:00.000+01:00

No great surprises in the budget although with such a wide range of new intiatives the detail will need careful consideration. Clearly local government will be required to deliver substantial savings in expenditure so the hard work continues. The wage freeze for council staff was well signposted but good news that the exemption has been increased to exclude staff earning up to £21K. Many of these lower paid staff make a very important contribution to front line services and will feel the effect of other tax measures more than most. The freeze will help us make economies as against our original plans. Interesting that we will be receiving support to avoid a council tax increase next year, something which I welcome, but we need to see the detail. Also good to see the Government's plans to limit housing benefit thereby cutting public funding support to private landowners - this has been a running theme for some of our Indie members who seem unable to grasp those issues which are within our control and those which are not! However a Conservative chancellor has now started to grip the problem. Good to have a government which has a clear idea of where we need to go and how to get there.

Welcome

2010-06-21T09:59:00.000+01:00

Welcome to my new blog giving me the opportunity to share up to date information on what is going on in Southend and in Southend Council and also to consult on important issues in West Leigh. Clearly the next few months are going to be challenging for us all. We have already received confirmation of cuts to funding previously allocated to the town in excess of £1M with the withdrawl of funding for free swimming for the young and over 60s with effect from the end of July - and this is only the beginning! Now all eyes are on tomorrow's budget.

Nigel