News from County Hall By County Cllr Tricia Birchley
Confirmation at last of what we all knew – Bucks residents enjoy the highest quality of life in Britain. It’s easy to feel a bit smug when you read the statistics but in reality I believe local residents are industrious and innovative and that in many respects we earn this reputation!
We have the healthiest residents among Britain’s counties, which is just as well since the PCT has now appointed its ninth Chief Executive in five and a half years. Earnings are 30% above the national average and we have excellent schools, some of the highest life-expectancy rates and not surprisingly, above-average sunshine compared to other counties.
The County Council has just received a very positive Annual Audit and Inspection letter for 2006/7. Once again it confirms that Buckinghamshire is performing well and that the overall satisfaction rate with our services is 55%, compared with the County Council average of less than 30%. The audit found that the Council has delivered higher- quality services whilst keeping the Council Tax rises at or below the regional level.
Plans to give local residents more say in the services they receive mean that local forums will be set up in 19 local areas throughout the County. The Chiltern Local Committee has served us well and we shall be vigilant in ensuring our views are heard when we meet as a Forum in Chesham. Our aim is to see that local funding is spread evenly across the area and the concern in Chesham is that the rural councillors could outnumber them when it comes to the vote!
The government’s proposals to re-route aircraft over the Chilterns AONB has caused much discussion; new technology enabling more aircraft to use our airspace, flights over the ridge at just over 3000 feet and night flights out of Luton are some of the challenges we have to face. Two local protest meetings have been held to date and many of you have spoken of your anxiety over the threat to the tranquillity of our wonderful countryside.
Through my Community Leaders’ Fund it has been possible to support the Shop and the Cricket Club. Both are worthy projects and I hope the new bowling machine will lead our young cricketers to success again this summer!
I look forward to seeing you over the coming months and please let me know if I can assist you in raising local matters with officers at County Hall.