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WHAT DOES MY COUNCILLOR DO FOR ME?

 

FEBRUARY 2008 Report from Cllr Mrs Marianne Overton

 

Congratulations: Rural transport

Top issue in the recent consultation by the County Council was accessibility, including transport. (Next were the environment and the economy) The seven Cliff Villages with Waddington and Bracebridge Heath make up the “cluster”, a forum created by the District Council. This partnership of parishes agreed to put £1,000 aside for a voluntary car scheme to support rural transport for people who cannot use the buses. Navenby was grant-aided six years ago and runs successfully, co-ordinated by volunteer Margaret Lyon. It is not a big service, but for people who need it, it is really important and greatly appreciated. If you have ideas, would like to know more about the service or helping, even in a small way, please get in touch.

 

The other £3,000 went to mobile reactive signs and speed guns, to be managed by the police to help reduce the problem of speeding in the cliff villages.

 

Navenby Surgery

Navenby Surgery has been granted permission for a second time, as a revised, slightly more attractive design has been passed by NKDC. There was never a requirement on the GP’s to provide a footpath, and highways have agreed to do the short extension needed between the bus stop and the surgery. Payment of the increased rent was agreed by the PCT some time ago. It is good to see the GP’s are now progressing well.

 

Sheltered Housing

My mother much enjoyed living at Manor Close in Welbourn. If you have a relative who might benefit from pleasant and supported housing, do let me know or contact NKDC at 01529 414155, as there is currently no waiting list! Use it or lose it!

 

Affordable Housing

The Council is now carrying out the policy to half purchase homes that people want to buy, but can’t afford. Do ask, if you definitely want to buy a house, but in the current climate, it is probably better to rent! (The cost of borrowing is currently much higher than the cost of renting.)

 

The Council has joined a “Regional housing syndicate” where some houses can be rented by people with no local connection. This may increase demand in North Kesteven as it evens up the demand across the area. More needy people from other parts of Lincolnshire compete and if they are needier, then they will get the house. If NK builds more “affordable housing”, then we will attract more needy people into NK. I find that the level of need to get a council house is already very high and I have two needy households who cannot get help from NKDC. I have asked for a countywide review of homelessness which has been agreed and started, seeking improvements.

 

Porters Appeal, Boothby Graffoe

To be heard in public at 10am on 26th February at NKDC in Kesteven St, Sleaford. More information has been submitted by the applicant. You are welcome to attend.

 

Concessionary Fare Change

From April, people on concessionary fares could become “twirlies” as the bus driver says “too early” before 9.30am to start the concessionary fares. I have tackled this to no avail. These times are set down nationally and government funding for this much is ring-fenced for that purpose. (NKDC has always chosen to put in a bit extra for tokens that can be used on taxis if you can’t use a bus.) The fares will be single, with the fare paid by the council where you start each journey. (I haven’t yet heard the outcome of negotiations as to exactly how much per £ fare will be paid to the buses.)

 

Traffic Increases

There has been a 17% increase in the number of miles travelled on Lincolnshire’s roads over the past decade, according to latest government figures. Lincolnshire has one of the biggest increases in the country. Increases nationally average 12%, with Central London being the only exception. Latest statistics confirm North Kesteven to be one of the fastest growing areas in the country, twice the national average.

 

Eastern Bypass – new route proposed

A new route is going out for consultation. It encloses more land for development to help fund the road. Since that will also create more traffic, other means of control will still be needed. See and discuss the plans 8.30am - 7.30pm on Tuesday 19 February at Washingborough Hall Hotel or Thursday 21 February at Branston Hall Hotel.

 

Sleaford Power Station

An extension for the decision has been extended until 7 May 2008 in order for further evidence to be submitted regarding the application. I have raised some queries.

 

What to do with the waste? Reduce, reuse, recycle - and burn?

We are great at recycling, but we are still producing increasing amounts of rubbish for landfill which will be heavily taxed. LCC is carrying out a short consultation seeking your views.  www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/wastestrategy

 

Community Payback

This is part of the Probation service who provides supervised teams or individuals who are offenders sentenced to unpaid work. They help in the community with outdoor or indoor tasks. Contact the placement manager on 01522 780743.

 

Budget 2008-9

LCC received a substantial increase in their grant this year, one of the highest in the country at 9.8%, recognising that previously we were not getting our fair share. This enables the tax level to stay relatively low at maybe 3.5%. However, the National funding pot is planned to decrease in real terms over the next three years. The pressure this year is coming from the police who are struggling with the lowest funding per head in the country. Thank you for your support on the petition.

 

LCC is expecting to need more in the growing population of adults with social care (23% up), into highways and traffic control (up 21%), into dealing with waste (up 50%), Children’s services (up 3.5%) and an extra half million into reduce crime and into cultural services. NKDC received an increase of 3.7%, not including the concessionary fares. Main funding increases are in national pay awards, (half of the increase), waste management (up 135K), new contract with Leisure services (up 73K) & maintenance (up 75K). Your views are welcome. (Decisions Feb 15th & 28th)

 
Marianne
 
Cllr Mrs Marianne Overton

Independent County Councillor for Branston and Navenby Division

and for Cliff Villages Ward of North Kesteven District Council

Tel: 01400 273323 www.independentvoice.org.uk