By Tricia Birchley
The Christmas season will shortly be with us and we have already had a taste of winter; I passed the gritting lorry at Swan Bottom. However for many of us the power cuts were a more unexpected challenge. Living in the country most people had a supply of logs, a torch and the means to make a cup of tea. People receiving Social Services had a phone call from the Council but no serious problems were encountered.
The way in which Social Services will be delivered in future is about to change and by 2011 the government has decided that everyone eligible for support will be offered an individual budget, with a fixed sum dependent on need and more choice in how they choose their care. In order to prevent rural isolation it is hoped that local communities will find ways of helping people to remain independent and retain their quality of life, to delay the day when residential care may be necessary. In Touch, a telephone call four times a year, has enabled County Council to speak to an extra 3,000 older people in the last twelve months who may shortly need a care assessment. Whilst the changes ahead appear at best to be cost neutral, many older people, particularly self-funders, have hitherto lacked the advice and support needed when difficult decisions are made.
Residents of The Lee were present at the annual general meeting of the Chiltern Society on 4th October at Green Park Conference Centre. Perhaps the most relevant topic raised this year was the ongoing debate with NATS over their proposals to fly as low as 2,400 feet, more frequently – with night flights a real possibility – over the Chilterns AONB. I can assure you that the County Council will continue to keep up the pressure on NATS to rethink their plans and I am pleased to have contributed through my Community Leaders’ Fund to the cost of our campaign locally.
The County Council is in the last year of the current administration and I have been re-selected to stand for election in June. Balancing the books has not been easy as the government continues to penalise the South East. Health funding is also challenging and the consensus is that the settlement for Buckinghamshire is too low, being 20% below the national average.
The festive season will be especially welcome this year and I do hope everyone will have an excellent Christmas holiday. The school will be rehearsing their carols and it’s important to remember older people who may be alone over the holiday; a chat and some Christmas cheer can make all the difference.
I look forward to meeting you out and about the parish and raising your concerns at County Hall.