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.
Sunday, 7 November 2010
Sunday, 31 October 2010
The state of roads and paths in Barton ward
I'm pleased I completed the AA Street Watch this week, a survey over one hour (about two miles' walk), covering roads main, minor, residential and footpaths.
It forced me to consider in detail the precise state of our by-ways over a number of categories including potholes, kerb stones, iron inspection covers (all needing to be over 2" to be noteworthy by the AA's rules), uneven footpath, faded or not visible road signs, worn/faded road markings (not yellow or white lines), parked vehicle blocking footpath, litter and dog fouling.
The route I chose went along Manor Road past Ramsey Manor Lower School, down Hexton Road, then Sharpenhoe Road to the public footpath at the end and back on the other side of the road, along the main road to cut up the footpath past the Indian restaurant along Bradshaw's, left round Arnold Road, then along the final alleyway back to Manor Road.
Before I completed the walk, I'd have guessed that potholes and uneven footpaths to have been the greatest offenders; in the event, it was litter (no sweet wrapper sized items allowed; only larger ones such as beer cans, cigarette packs), faded road marking for schools and parts of potholes as our large potholes are usually only 1" deep, I was intrigued to note. No evidence of dog fouling, no illegally parked vehicles, blocked drains, roadworks. I was surprised and impressed.
As for what we need to do to ward off some of this a la Big Society: install a litter bin outside Ramsey school and one along Hexton Road towards Old Road, ditto another near the children's playground behind the Co-op.
But this was just my snapshot in time. Did you complete your own AA survey? Or have views on our by-ways? I'd appreciate your views if so.
It forced me to consider in detail the precise state of our by-ways over a number of categories including potholes, kerb stones, iron inspection covers (all needing to be over 2" to be noteworthy by the AA's rules), uneven footpath, faded or not visible road signs, worn/faded road markings (not yellow or white lines), parked vehicle blocking footpath, litter and dog fouling.
The route I chose went along Manor Road past Ramsey Manor Lower School, down Hexton Road, then Sharpenhoe Road to the public footpath at the end and back on the other side of the road, along the main road to cut up the footpath past the Indian restaurant along Bradshaw's, left round Arnold Road, then along the final alleyway back to Manor Road.
Before I completed the walk, I'd have guessed that potholes and uneven footpaths to have been the greatest offenders; in the event, it was litter (no sweet wrapper sized items allowed; only larger ones such as beer cans, cigarette packs), faded road marking for schools and parts of potholes as our large potholes are usually only 1" deep, I was intrigued to note. No evidence of dog fouling, no illegally parked vehicles, blocked drains, roadworks. I was surprised and impressed.
As for what we need to do to ward off some of this a la Big Society: install a litter bin outside Ramsey school and one along Hexton Road towards Old Road, ditto another near the children's playground behind the Co-op.
But this was just my snapshot in time. Did you complete your own AA survey? Or have views on our by-ways? I'd appreciate your views if so.
Sunday, 17 October 2010
Covanta waste - have your say by 19 Nov
Residents in Central Bedfordshire who are keen to comment on Covanta Energy’s plans for a Resource Recovery Facility at Rookery South Pit near Stewartby, can now register their interest with the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC).
In August the IPC accepted for examination purposes, Covanta’s planning submission, but now the public and interested parties have until 19 November to ensure that their views are heard during the examination hearings – the next phase of the IPC’s planning process.
People can register their details by visiting the IPC website (http://infrastructure.independent.gov.uk/) or by requesting a registration form by calling the IPC on 0303 444 5000.
The Rookery South RRF planning submission documents and plans, are available to view on the IPC website http://infrastructure.independent.gov.uk/projects/eastern/rookery-south-energy-from-waste-generating-station/ or by visiting any of the following locations during normal opening hours:
Bedford Central Library (Harpur Street in Bedford);
Ampthill Library (1 Dunstable Street in Ampthill);
Wootton Library (Lorraine Road in Wootton);
Bedford Borough Council’s office at the Town Hall (St Paul's Square in Bedford)
Central Bedfordshire Council’s offices at Priory House (Monks Walk, Chicksands, near Shefford);
Marston Vale Forest Centre (Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine) ; and
Covanta Energy Bedfordshire office (Water End Barns, Eversholt).
The IPC will have an officer as well as a member of Planning Aid available at council offices and a local library on 22 October to assist members of the public who are unable to register their interest online electronically. They will be at Bedford Town Hall between 10am and 12pm, Priory House in Chicksands between 1.30pm and 3.30pm, and Ampthill library from 3.30pm until 5.00pm.
Copies of the application forms and the accompanying plans, maps and other documents can be inspected free of charge at the following locations and times:
Bedford Central Library Harpur Street, Bedford MK40 1PG
Ampthill Library, 1 Dunstable Street, Ampthill, Bedford MK45 2NL
Wootton Library, Lorraine Road, Wootton MK43 9LH
Monday
9:00 - 6:00
10:00 - 6:00
2:00 - 6:00
Tuesday
9:00 - 6:00
Closed
Closed
Wednesday
9:00 - 6:00
10:00 - 6:00
10:00 - 1:00 and 2:00 - 6:00
Thursday
9:00 - 1:00
2:00 - 6:00
Closed
Friday
9:00 - 6:00
10:00 - 6:00
2:00 - 6:00
Saturday
9:00 - 5:00
10:00 - 1:00
10:00 - 1:00
Sunday
Closed
Closed
Closed
Bedford Borough Council, Town Hall, St Paul's Square, Bedford, MK40 1SJ
Central Bedforshire Council, Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford SG17 5TQ
Marston Vale Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road
Marston Moretaine, Bedford MK43 0PR
Monday
8:45 - 5:00
8:30 - 5:00
10:00 - 5:00
Tuesday
8:45 - 5:00
8:30 - 5:00
10:00 - 5:00
Wednesday
8:45 - 5:00
8:30 - 5:00
10:00 - 5:00
Thursday
8:45 - 5:00
8:30 - 5:00
10:00 - 5:00
Friday
8:45 - 4:45
8:30 - 4:00
10:00 - 5:00
Saturday
9:00 - 1:00
Closed
10:00 - 5:00
Sunday
Closed
Closed
10:00 - 5:00
In addition, the planning submission documents are available for inspection by appointment only at the Covanta Energy Bedfordshire offices in Eversholt (Unit 7, Water End Barns, Eversholt, Milton Keynes, MK17 9EA). To book an appointment, please email rookerysouth@covantaenergy.co.uk or call 0844 967 1101. Office opening hours are from Monday to Friday between 9:30am to 4:30pm.
And do please let me know your views too! Thank you.
janet.nunn@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
In August the IPC accepted for examination purposes, Covanta’s planning submission, but now the public and interested parties have until 19 November to ensure that their views are heard during the examination hearings – the next phase of the IPC’s planning process.
People can register their details by visiting the IPC website (http://infrastructure.independent.gov.uk/) or by requesting a registration form by calling the IPC on 0303 444 5000.
The Rookery South RRF planning submission documents and plans, are available to view on the IPC website http://infrastructure.independent.gov.uk/projects/eastern/rookery-south-energy-from-waste-generating-station/ or by visiting any of the following locations during normal opening hours:
Bedford Central Library (Harpur Street in Bedford);
Ampthill Library (1 Dunstable Street in Ampthill);
Wootton Library (Lorraine Road in Wootton);
Bedford Borough Council’s office at the Town Hall (St Paul's Square in Bedford)
Central Bedfordshire Council’s offices at Priory House (Monks Walk, Chicksands, near Shefford);
Marston Vale Forest Centre (Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine) ; and
Covanta Energy Bedfordshire office (Water End Barns, Eversholt).
The IPC will have an officer as well as a member of Planning Aid available at council offices and a local library on 22 October to assist members of the public who are unable to register their interest online electronically. They will be at Bedford Town Hall between 10am and 12pm, Priory House in Chicksands between 1.30pm and 3.30pm, and Ampthill library from 3.30pm until 5.00pm.
Copies of the application forms and the accompanying plans, maps and other documents can be inspected free of charge at the following locations and times:
Bedford Central Library Harpur Street, Bedford MK40 1PG
Ampthill Library, 1 Dunstable Street, Ampthill, Bedford MK45 2NL
Wootton Library, Lorraine Road, Wootton MK43 9LH
Monday
9:00 - 6:00
10:00 - 6:00
2:00 - 6:00
Tuesday
9:00 - 6:00
Closed
Closed
Wednesday
9:00 - 6:00
10:00 - 6:00
10:00 - 1:00 and 2:00 - 6:00
Thursday
9:00 - 1:00
2:00 - 6:00
Closed
Friday
9:00 - 6:00
10:00 - 6:00
2:00 - 6:00
Saturday
9:00 - 5:00
10:00 - 1:00
10:00 - 1:00
Sunday
Closed
Closed
Closed
Bedford Borough Council, Town Hall, St Paul's Square, Bedford, MK40 1SJ
Central Bedforshire Council, Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford SG17 5TQ
Marston Vale Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road
Marston Moretaine, Bedford MK43 0PR
Monday
8:45 - 5:00
8:30 - 5:00
10:00 - 5:00
Tuesday
8:45 - 5:00
8:30 - 5:00
10:00 - 5:00
Wednesday
8:45 - 5:00
8:30 - 5:00
10:00 - 5:00
Thursday
8:45 - 5:00
8:30 - 5:00
10:00 - 5:00
Friday
8:45 - 4:45
8:30 - 4:00
10:00 - 5:00
Saturday
9:00 - 1:00
Closed
10:00 - 5:00
Sunday
Closed
Closed
10:00 - 5:00
In addition, the planning submission documents are available for inspection by appointment only at the Covanta Energy Bedfordshire offices in Eversholt (Unit 7, Water End Barns, Eversholt, Milton Keynes, MK17 9EA). To book an appointment, please email rookerysouth@covantaenergy.co.uk or call 0844 967 1101. Office opening hours are from Monday to Friday between 9:30am to 4:30pm.
And do please let me know your views too! Thank you.
janet.nunn@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Saturday, 9 October 2010
Poetry competition on subject of 'Home'
Libraries in Central Bedfordshire are inviting poetry lovers to submit their entries for Bedfordshire Libraries’ Poetry Competition 2010.
The competition is a joint promotion between Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire Libraries and has the theme of ‘Home’ this year. The closing date for entries is Saturday, 23 October.
The adult competition is for everyone over 14 years with, for the first time, a separate category for younger writers. The best poems will be published on the Virtual Library’s Post-a-Poem page over the coming year.
You can email your poem to librarieswriteon@bedford.gov.uk, hand your entry in at your local library or send it to either Sally Heard at Bedford Central or Jill Napper at Biggleswade Library. Please include full contact details, including an email address if possible.
The competition is a joint promotion between Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire Libraries and has the theme of ‘Home’ this year. The closing date for entries is Saturday, 23 October.
The adult competition is for everyone over 14 years with, for the first time, a separate category for younger writers. The best poems will be published on the Virtual Library’s Post-a-Poem page over the coming year.
You can email your poem to librarieswriteon@bedford.gov.uk, hand your entry in at your local library or send it to either Sally Heard at Bedford Central or Jill Napper at Biggleswade Library. Please include full contact details, including an email address if possible.
Friday, 1 October 2010
Proposed Temporary Road Closure – B655 Hexton Rd., Barton le Clay
There's a request been lodged with Hazel Potter at CBC for a Temporary Road Closure at the above location to enable patching and surface dressing work to be carried out in safety. See details below; also for alternative route for diverted traffic.
The restrictions are to be in operation only when the necessary signs are erected on site. The Legal Order will be made to cover a twelve month period, however the closure is expected to take place on 3 periods of 2 days during November/December 2010, April/May/June and June/July/August 2011 between 0900 and 1530hrs. Specific dates will be advertised locally closer to the time. Access may be allowed from time to time according to local signing.
If you have any observation, contact her quoting reference CBC4179RC
tel 0300 300 4857
fax 0300 300 8212
Hazel.Potter@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
……………………………………………………………………………………
Road: B655 Hexton Rd., Barton le Clay
Application from: Amey for CBC – Contact – Silv Chelaru – 0300 300 8049
Reason: To enable patching and surface dressing work to be carried out in safety.
Length affected: From junction with Manor Rd to county boundary.
Date: Closure is expected to take place on 3 periods of 2 days during November/December 2010, April/May/June and June/July/August 2011 between 0900 and 1530hrs. Access may be allowed from time to time according to local signing.
Specific dates will be advertised locally closer to the time.
Alternative Route:- Proceed on B655 through Hexton and Pegsdon to roundabout with A505. Take 1st exit and continue north on A505 to next roundabout with A600. Continue on A600 to roundabout with A507. Take 1st exit and continue on A507 to roundabout with A6. Take 1st exit and continue on A6 to roundabout with Bedford Rd., Barton le Clay. Take 2nd exit and continue on Bedford Rd to junction with Hexton Rd. Turn left onto Hexton Rd and continue to junction with Manor Rd and site and vice versa.
The restrictions are to be in operation only when the necessary signs are erected on site. The Legal Order will be made to cover a twelve month period, however the closure is expected to take place on 3 periods of 2 days during November/December 2010, April/May/June and June/July/August 2011 between 0900 and 1530hrs. Specific dates will be advertised locally closer to the time. Access may be allowed from time to time according to local signing.
If you have any observation, contact her quoting reference CBC4179RC
tel 0300 300 4857
fax 0300 300 8212
Hazel.Potter@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
……………………………………………………………………………………
Road: B655 Hexton Rd., Barton le Clay
Application from: Amey for CBC – Contact – Silv Chelaru – 0300 300 8049
Reason: To enable patching and surface dressing work to be carried out in safety.
Length affected: From junction with Manor Rd to county boundary.
Date: Closure is expected to take place on 3 periods of 2 days during November/December 2010, April/May/June and June/July/August 2011 between 0900 and 1530hrs. Access may be allowed from time to time according to local signing.
Specific dates will be advertised locally closer to the time.
Alternative Route:- Proceed on B655 through Hexton and Pegsdon to roundabout with A505. Take 1st exit and continue north on A505 to next roundabout with A600. Continue on A600 to roundabout with A507. Take 1st exit and continue on A507 to roundabout with A6. Take 1st exit and continue on A6 to roundabout with Bedford Rd., Barton le Clay. Take 2nd exit and continue on Bedford Rd to junction with Hexton Rd. Turn left onto Hexton Rd and continue to junction with Manor Rd and site and vice versa.
No Mayor, more leader, proposed for Central Beds
Central Bedfordshire Council has agreed in principle to keep the current executive model which sees a council leader and a cabinet in place rather than a directly elected mayor.
At the last Full Council Meeting, members agreed with an Executive recommendation to pass a resolution by 31 December 2010 to adopt the ‘new style’ arrangements that have been in place at Central Bedfordshire Council since its inception in April 2009.
Under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 the council is required to set out its executive arrangements which will come into effect three days after the local elections in May 2011.
When the adaption is complete the council’s constitution will be amended to reflect an extension of the leader’s term in office to four years.
Residents can still pass on their views about executive arrangements by emailing consultations@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or writing to Freepost RSJS GBBZ SRZT, Consultation, Central Bedfordshire Council, Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford, SG17 5TQ, by Monday 15 November.
At the last Full Council Meeting, members agreed with an Executive recommendation to pass a resolution by 31 December 2010 to adopt the ‘new style’ arrangements that have been in place at Central Bedfordshire Council since its inception in April 2009.
Under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 the council is required to set out its executive arrangements which will come into effect three days after the local elections in May 2011.
When the adaption is complete the council’s constitution will be amended to reflect an extension of the leader’s term in office to four years.
Residents can still pass on their views about executive arrangements by emailing consultations@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or writing to Freepost RSJS GBBZ SRZT, Consultation, Central Bedfordshire Council, Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford, SG17 5TQ, by Monday 15 November.
Tuesday, 14 September 2010
Beware: Call for new legal freedoms for Councils
Please make sure you're sitting down before you read this.
Giving councils clear legal freedom is the only way to ensure the Government’s new General Power of Competence for local authorities will work successfully, according to the New Local Government Network. It is urging the abolition of the ultra vires principle, which exists to prevent councils going beyond their powers, and instead to allow councils to take actions unless they are expressly forbidden by law.
The NLGN report has been produced as Parliament is about to consider a General Power of Competence for local authorities.The report details innovative activities councils could consider adopting and recommends how the reform should be enacted.
With councils losing a third of central government funding over the next four years, the research argues that they should be free to develop new income streams and be allowed to work more innovatively in partnership with the private sector, community groups and other public bodies to make savings and redesign services.
Possible new ventures and activities in the report include offering banking, insurance and credit services, trading and selling a wider range of products and expertise such as recruitment services, energy, communication and business services to the private sector and other public agencies and adjusting tax rates and reliefs to incentivise behaviour on recycling, business development or property use.
The report’s author, Nigel Keohane, who is NLGN’s head of research, said: “In the difficult financial landscape ahead, local authorities need full discretion to engage in new ways with their community, to save money through efficiencies and to develop income to safeguard frontline services.
Comment: Even central government is subject to control by this principle of ultra vires. Parliament can pass whatever legislation it wishes, but if it delegates powers, those powers are subject to control by the Courts under that principle.
If Councils truly think that they should not be subject to any control, then we have an even bigger challenge on our hands than just reviving the economy.
Giving councils clear legal freedom is the only way to ensure the Government’s new General Power of Competence for local authorities will work successfully, according to the New Local Government Network. It is urging the abolition of the ultra vires principle, which exists to prevent councils going beyond their powers, and instead to allow councils to take actions unless they are expressly forbidden by law.
The NLGN report has been produced as Parliament is about to consider a General Power of Competence for local authorities.The report details innovative activities councils could consider adopting and recommends how the reform should be enacted.
With councils losing a third of central government funding over the next four years, the research argues that they should be free to develop new income streams and be allowed to work more innovatively in partnership with the private sector, community groups and other public bodies to make savings and redesign services.
Possible new ventures and activities in the report include offering banking, insurance and credit services, trading and selling a wider range of products and expertise such as recruitment services, energy, communication and business services to the private sector and other public agencies and adjusting tax rates and reliefs to incentivise behaviour on recycling, business development or property use.
The report’s author, Nigel Keohane, who is NLGN’s head of research, said: “In the difficult financial landscape ahead, local authorities need full discretion to engage in new ways with their community, to save money through efficiencies and to develop income to safeguard frontline services.
Comment: Even central government is subject to control by this principle of ultra vires. Parliament can pass whatever legislation it wishes, but if it delegates powers, those powers are subject to control by the Courts under that principle.
If Councils truly think that they should not be subject to any control, then we have an even bigger challenge on our hands than just reviving the economy.
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