County mattersBy County Cllr Tricia Birchley
Towards the end of January the County Council examined in public its Budget for the next four years. Whilst Government spending has been announced for 2010/11, the prospect of a general election means little certainty over future contributions from 2011 onwards, hence the medium-term plan is regarded as work in progress.
Each portfolio was asked if the proposed budget for 2010/11 would enable the Council to continue to provide the level of services expected by Buckinghamshire residents. The economic downturn, the Baby P. case and changes in adult social care were cited as key factors in the need for extra cash. The County Council faces a huge challenge and has begun a major project to transform the way services are delivered; the hope of saving £30m could mean up to 500 job losses in the next four years.
Following the winter weather – the worst experienced in Britain for a generation – the County Council has announced £2 million to repair the potholes. I personally visited all the worst areas with the Transport Area Co-ordinator at the beginning of February and have been following progress closely ever since.