Talking Politics by Councillor William Hobhouse
Why do people drink Bottled Water or drink from water coolers? - A few reasons spring to mind; Refreshment is the obvious reason and another is to be more healthy. A few cups of fresh water are good for you and are better than coffee or fizzy pop. Why do I mention this? Well, the recent uninformed debate on how this Council uses water - driven by the Conservatives and paddled along with by Labour has certainly got people talking. As Finance Portfolio Holder I have strived to find the best value for money solutions to how this Council spend their money. Indeed under the Liberal Democrats this Council is set to have its lowest Council Tax increase for over a decade. I was surprised at the Conservative Groups attempt to court publicity in this way. The Labour Party say they'd do the same - but why did they not do this last year when they had power?
This illustrates I'm afraid the general malaise of the Opposition Parties on this Council - With power comes responsibility and I'm afraid that this irresponsible abuse of position for political gain is wholly unhelpful. The Conservative Group supposedly champions the health of our Council Staff, then with the next breath they try to deny our staff a right to water. He doesn't bother to check with the Council that last year when in the Conservatives had Coalition power with Labour the Council signed a 3 year contract with a company in Wardle. This opportunism is not refreshing and this type of incompetence is certainly not healthy for democracy.
One year ago, the Labour/Conservative Council - in their last year of office set their voluntary sector budget. They froze all voluntary sector funding. Taking account of inflation this equated to a £30,000 cut. This is a similar amount that the Conservative Group now wants to give 'extra' to voluntary groups. Hypocrisy springs to mind. They could have thought of that last year just like the water!
The new Liberal Democrat Council is transforming the way we support the voluntary sector. For starters, we are guaranteeing overall inflation-proof funding for the next 3 years. Not a cut in sight - in fact the opposite. We recognise how important volunteers are within communities, and how they can often deliver services better and more directly that the Council can itself. One example is the successful £1 million grant that we bid for to improve services and for the independence of Older People. This was one of our manifesto commitments, and we've drawn in new outside money as a result of our commitment to older people led by Councillor Angela Coric. Of the £1 million, £45,000 is going to the Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) to help deliver the programme.
This is just one example of the Council working together with the Voluntary Sector to improve lives and services in the Borough.
Lastly, many readers will know I represent the residents of Bamford, Brimrod, Sudden, Oakenrod and Marland. As part of my job I am closely monitoring the Sudden Roundabouts changes - ensuring that environmental work is built into the project. Also, the residents of this area have fought for years to force developers to build in character with the surrounding area. I'm delighted to be working with Bamford Campaigner Andrew Abbott to deliver this change across the Borough.