Central Beds Council has recently endorsed a budget strategy that includes a range of proposals to deliver the 28% savings that will be necessary next year and for the following three years. The coalition government wants the savings front loaded, rather than evenly spread over the four years, which makes economic sense, although it's painful.
To some extent, the Council is fortunate that we take a relatively low sum from central government, so the cut is not as deep as that in other local authorities.
My thanks to all the constituents who have contacted me already to share their concerns and thoughts. Do please keep you views coming. As I'm on the customer Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee, that is the area where I can make the most insightful comment, although I shall have my say on the full range of issues under debate. What do you like, and what should we stop doing to save effort and cost in your view?
You can view the strategy at our website http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/modgov/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=577&MId=3344&Ver=4. You can also comment on any of the proposals by visiting www.letstalkcentral.com and joining in with the online discussion or by writing to us at FREEPOST RSJS-GBBZ –SRZT, Budget Strategy, Central Bedfordshire Council, Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford, SG17 5TQ. Councillors will also be discussing the many of the proposals within the draft strategy through Overview and Scrutiny Committee during November . All of the feedback will be presented to the Executive before considering the final budget in February.
Please e-mail me your views at janet.nunn@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or come along to my monthly surgery at Barton-le-Clay library, 10-12am on the second Saturday monthly for a chat.
Saturday 20 November 2010
Consultation on school transport for 16-18 year olds closes 17 December
Central Bedfordshire Council is asking all residents to give their views on transport for students in further education to help shape future provision.
The consultation, which runs until 17 December, is on proposals to alter the provision for students aged 16 to 18, bringing it more into line with that for school aged children as well as new legislation and government guidance.
Proposed revisions to the existing Post 16 Transport Policy include changes to the maximum distance for which a student can receive free or subsidised travel. It also suggests new criteria for low income, medical and special educational needs and looked after young people, that are compatible with the current Home to School Transport Policy agreed by the Council in March 2010.
While it is not legally obliged to provide free transport for students aged 16 to 18, the Council does have to consider how it will help learners access further education and to have a Post 16 Transport Policy that reflects this.
You can find out more and respond to the consultation through Central Bedfordshire Council’s website: http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/surveys/transport/post16.htm
Copies of the papers can be obtained from Customer Services on 0300 300 8133.
For the academic year 2009/10 and 2010/11 Central Bedfordshire Council adopted the Post 16 Transport Policy previously operated by Bedfordshire County Council. This is now being re-evaluated and a new ‘Post 16 Transport Policy Statement’ for the 2011/12 academic year must be in place by 31 May 2011.
The Council will consider responses to the consultation at the meeting of the Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 25 January 2011 and at its Executive on 8 February 2011.
The consultation, which runs until 17 December, is on proposals to alter the provision for students aged 16 to 18, bringing it more into line with that for school aged children as well as new legislation and government guidance.
Proposed revisions to the existing Post 16 Transport Policy include changes to the maximum distance for which a student can receive free or subsidised travel. It also suggests new criteria for low income, medical and special educational needs and looked after young people, that are compatible with the current Home to School Transport Policy agreed by the Council in March 2010.
While it is not legally obliged to provide free transport for students aged 16 to 18, the Council does have to consider how it will help learners access further education and to have a Post 16 Transport Policy that reflects this.
You can find out more and respond to the consultation through Central Bedfordshire Council’s website: http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/surveys/transport/post16.htm
Copies of the papers can be obtained from Customer Services on 0300 300 8133.
For the academic year 2009/10 and 2010/11 Central Bedfordshire Council adopted the Post 16 Transport Policy previously operated by Bedfordshire County Council. This is now being re-evaluated and a new ‘Post 16 Transport Policy Statement’ for the 2011/12 academic year must be in place by 31 May 2011.
The Council will consider responses to the consultation at the meeting of the Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 25 January 2011 and at its Executive on 8 February 2011.
Sharpenhoe Road resurfacing and pavement repairs end Nov
Road closures imminent:
1) Sharpenhoe Road, Barton Le Clay which extends from the roundabout with Bedford Road, Barton to Barton Road, Sharpenhoe
2) Barton Road, Sharpenhoe which extends from Sharpenhoe Road, Barton Le Clay to Sharpenhoe Road, Sharpenhoe to Streatley.
These temporary closures are required to enable surfacing works to take place and shall apply to such extent as may from time to time be indicated by the appropriate traffic signs. Where possible access will be maintained to property and premises but may be restricted from time to time according to local signing.
It is expected that the works will take place on Monday 29 November and Tuesday 30 November 2010 between 8.00am and 6.00pm.
The alternative routes available for vehicles affected by the proposed Order are:-
From roundabout proceed south on Bedford Road then Luton Road joining A6 and continue on A6 to roundabout with Church Road, Streatley. Take 2nd exit and continue on Church Road turning right on Sharpenhoe Road to junction with Sundon Road. Turn left and continue on Sundon Road, Streatley then Manor Road to junction with Church Road, Sundon. Turn right and continue to junction with Common Lane. Turn right on Common Lane, Harlington Road, Sundon and then Sundon Road, Harlington to crossroads with Station Road/Westoning Road, Harlington. Proceed on Westoning Road to junction with Goswell End Road. Turn right and continue on Goswell End Road to junction with Harlington Road and site and vice versa except from A6 roundabout, continue on A6 to off slip road to Barton. Turn left and continue on Luton Road, Barton rejoining the diversion route.
The proposed Order will come into operation on 29 November 2010 for a period of four months or until the proposed works have been completed, as detailed above, whichever is the earlier.
For further information please contact Central Bedfordshire Highways, Tel: 0300 300 8049
1) Sharpenhoe Road, Barton Le Clay which extends from the roundabout with Bedford Road, Barton to Barton Road, Sharpenhoe
2) Barton Road, Sharpenhoe which extends from Sharpenhoe Road, Barton Le Clay to Sharpenhoe Road, Sharpenhoe to Streatley.
These temporary closures are required to enable surfacing works to take place and shall apply to such extent as may from time to time be indicated by the appropriate traffic signs. Where possible access will be maintained to property and premises but may be restricted from time to time according to local signing.
It is expected that the works will take place on Monday 29 November and Tuesday 30 November 2010 between 8.00am and 6.00pm.
The alternative routes available for vehicles affected by the proposed Order are:-
From roundabout proceed south on Bedford Road then Luton Road joining A6 and continue on A6 to roundabout with Church Road, Streatley. Take 2nd exit and continue on Church Road turning right on Sharpenhoe Road to junction with Sundon Road. Turn left and continue on Sundon Road, Streatley then Manor Road to junction with Church Road, Sundon. Turn right and continue to junction with Common Lane. Turn right on Common Lane, Harlington Road, Sundon and then Sundon Road, Harlington to crossroads with Station Road/Westoning Road, Harlington. Proceed on Westoning Road to junction with Goswell End Road. Turn right and continue on Goswell End Road to junction with Harlington Road and site and vice versa except from A6 roundabout, continue on A6 to off slip road to Barton. Turn left and continue on Luton Road, Barton rejoining the diversion route.
The proposed Order will come into operation on 29 November 2010 for a period of four months or until the proposed works have been completed, as detailed above, whichever is the earlier.
For further information please contact Central Bedfordshire Highways, Tel: 0300 300 8049
On Polish spirit
I do like and admire Polish people, their great resilience and character.
So I was pleased to learn recently that the Polish British Integration Centre project has scooped the young innovators award held by the East of England Development Agency (I thought they were being shut down?) and Government Office – East co.
I love the part of 'The Battle of Britain' film, where the Polish pilots keep saying 'Repeat please', then disobey their flight leader and enter battle with the German stukas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXf1bhEEXd0&feature=related
Life enhancing:-) just as my friendship with Polish people has been.
And by the way, I recommend Barbara Porajska's book, 'From the Steppes to the Savannah' of her real life experience as a child then teenager of her life being overrun by the Germans, then she was shipped out on cattle trucks with her mother, sister and others, to the Russian Steppes to eke out a near starvation living for two years until the Russians turned coat to work with the Allies. After that, their trip through Persia (now Iran) led to Uganda, where they lived out the war. Thereafter, family members went to Canada, Australia and Britain, never to return to Poland as their home had been appropriated by others who knew nothing of the history of its owners.
Barbara's husband Andrew died just a few years ago. A furniture designer and carpenter who made pieces for pop stars of the 1960s in swinging London, on retirement he volunteered at the Sikorsky museum in Kensington, London. Each year, he and other Poles who had fought in the Monte Casino campaign would meet up.
Ordinary people who lived extraordinary lives in those times. We are lucky to be in a peaceful Europe now.
So I was pleased to learn recently that the Polish British Integration Centre project has scooped the young innovators award held by the East of England Development Agency (I thought they were being shut down?) and Government Office – East co.
I love the part of 'The Battle of Britain' film, where the Polish pilots keep saying 'Repeat please', then disobey their flight leader and enter battle with the German stukas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXf1bhEEXd0&feature=related
Life enhancing:-) just as my friendship with Polish people has been.
And by the way, I recommend Barbara Porajska's book, 'From the Steppes to the Savannah' of her real life experience as a child then teenager of her life being overrun by the Germans, then she was shipped out on cattle trucks with her mother, sister and others, to the Russian Steppes to eke out a near starvation living for two years until the Russians turned coat to work with the Allies. After that, their trip through Persia (now Iran) led to Uganda, where they lived out the war. Thereafter, family members went to Canada, Australia and Britain, never to return to Poland as their home had been appropriated by others who knew nothing of the history of its owners.
Barbara's husband Andrew died just a few years ago. A furniture designer and carpenter who made pieces for pop stars of the 1960s in swinging London, on retirement he volunteered at the Sikorsky museum in Kensington, London. Each year, he and other Poles who had fought in the Monte Casino campaign would meet up.
Ordinary people who lived extraordinary lives in those times. We are lucky to be in a peaceful Europe now.
Get well soon, Tony!
My fellow Lib Dem Councillor for this ward, Tony Northwood, has been ill and while home from hospital now, is not expected to be able to resume duties until the new year.
Tony has been a long serving Councillor, having been on the South Beds District Council before it amalgamated with the mid-Beds one in 2009 to create Central Beds. His particular expertise is in planning matters, where I very much appreciate his experience and guidance.
Many of you will also know of Tony's great knowledge of local history and and interest in local sites of historic significance. He's been a stalwart of the Barton District Conservation Group for many years, whose work and walks I commend to you.
I'm sure you'll join me in wishing Tony a full and speedy recovery.
Tony has been a long serving Councillor, having been on the South Beds District Council before it amalgamated with the mid-Beds one in 2009 to create Central Beds. His particular expertise is in planning matters, where I very much appreciate his experience and guidance.
Many of you will also know of Tony's great knowledge of local history and and interest in local sites of historic significance. He's been a stalwart of the Barton District Conservation Group for many years, whose work and walks I commend to you.
I'm sure you'll join me in wishing Tony a full and speedy recovery.
Sunday 7 November 2010
European week for waste reduction
Waste Services at Central Bedfordshire Council are marking European Week for Waste Reduction from Saturday 14 Nov to Sat 27 Nov. During this time they are hosting a number of swap shops events, which will include two evening swap shop events for adults, six mums and babies swap shops and two school swap shops, to highlight two of the campaign themes 'A longer life for products' and 'Less waste thrown away'.
Swap shops promote reuse, helps save money and ultimately stops unnecessary waste going to landfill. CBC is also emailing parish councils asking for support in terms of displaying the poster on any noticeboards they have as well as contacting the editors of parish newsletters/ magazines with the press release as well as a copy of the advert.
If you have any queries regarding the campaign, contact Jennifer Sawford, Waste Awareness Officer,Central Bedfordshire Council
Technology House
239 Ampthill Road
Bedford
MK42 9QQ
Mobile: 07884 118262
DD: 0300 300 6587
Think budget - should we be doing this? Or is this one for people to organise themselves, Big Society style? Let me know your views please.
Swap shops promote reuse, helps save money and ultimately stops unnecessary waste going to landfill. CBC is also emailing parish councils asking for support in terms of displaying the poster on any noticeboards they have as well as contacting the editors of parish newsletters/ magazines with the press release as well as a copy of the advert.
If you have any queries regarding the campaign, contact Jennifer Sawford, Waste Awareness Officer,Central Bedfordshire Council
Technology House
239 Ampthill Road
Bedford
MK42 9QQ
Mobile: 07884 118262
DD: 0300 300 6587
Think budget - should we be doing this? Or is this one for people to organise themselves, Big Society style? Let me know your views please.
What are your budgetary priorities?
Central Beds Council needs to cut its cloth by 28% following the spending review. We'd been expecting to make cuts of the order of 20% and the merger between South and mid-Beds was originally driven with efficiency savings in mind. Luckily for it, Council tax accounts for a higher proportion of income than the average local authority, so it's less dependent on money from central government than other authorities.
The Council's Executive has issued a first proposal of service reductions to include:
1. Reshaping the youth services with a greater emphasis on volunteering.
2. Halting funding to the music service so that schools and parents meet costs.
3. Discontinuing mobile library services, whilst retaining the Library Link service for house-bound users and those in sheltered accommodation.
4. Turning off street lighting between midnight and 6am.
5. Closing a supported employment workshop.
The budget setting process will conclude in February next year. During the coming months, people need to give views on what they view as priorities for keeping and for cutting.
To find out more about the budget strategy, log onto letstalkcentral.com and look out for the council’s magazine, News Central later this month.
I've heard from people concerned about possible cuts to budgets for children needing special support for their education; from those concerned about cuts to our music service; from people vehemently opposed to lights being turned out after midnight. So what are your priorities? Keep your views coming, please.
The Council's Executive has issued a first proposal of service reductions to include:
1. Reshaping the youth services with a greater emphasis on volunteering.
2. Halting funding to the music service so that schools and parents meet costs.
3. Discontinuing mobile library services, whilst retaining the Library Link service for house-bound users and those in sheltered accommodation.
4. Turning off street lighting between midnight and 6am.
5. Closing a supported employment workshop.
The budget setting process will conclude in February next year. During the coming months, people need to give views on what they view as priorities for keeping and for cutting.
To find out more about the budget strategy, log onto letstalkcentral.com and look out for the council’s magazine, News Central later this month.
I've heard from people concerned about possible cuts to budgets for children needing special support for their education; from those concerned about cuts to our music service; from people vehemently opposed to lights being turned out after midnight. So what are your priorities? Keep your views coming, please.
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