By Tricia Birchley
I write with renewed hope that ‘Transport for Buckinghamshire’ will better identify road defects using modern laser technology and that the new transport contractor, an alliance between the County Council and Ringway Jacobs, launched on 1st April, will at last lead to an improvement in our roads. Recently I attended a seminar for members of the council to understand the financial management aspects of the 8-year contract and the option to renew – profits will be related to achieving government performance indicators. Extra money amounting to several million pounds will be found by the alliance to counteract under-investment from government on our roads and footways.
As the County Council reaches the end of the current administration it is interesting to reflect on numerous successes over the last four years. For example Buckinghamshire has achieved 4*s in the government’s Comprehensive Performance Assessment, one of only 16 county councils to receive this coveted award. Price Waterhouse Cooper now puts Buckinghamshire first among the top performing County Councils.
72% of young people in the county now achieve 5+ GCSEs at A*-C, compared with 66% in 2005. Fly-tipping incidents have been reduced by a third and the growth of household waste has been halted. The County has championed local business with a package of support including a commitment to pay invoices for small businesses within 10 working days.
In future more services will be commissioned rather than provided and the new Transport for Buckinghamshire alliance is an example of cost cutting for local residents while improving service. This is an important way forward in reducing staff costs and pensions at a time when senior officer pay awards are in the news. Buckinghamshire’s strategic director’s pay reflects the middle of the range of comparable local authorities.
County Council elections take place on Thursday 4th June.
Editors note. Tricia is a regular contributor to the Newsletter and her reports on activity in County Hall and how it affects our everyday lives is helpful to all our readers.