It is some months since I updated this Blog with current information. I have used my busy life as Chairman of the County Council as my excuse. But, residents are entitled to know what 2011 holds for all of us. We (the County Council) have engaged in “The Big Conversation”. This was a consultation exercise to find out where, you, the residents, would prefer not to see the inevitable cuts that we face due to the recession. We were overwhelmed by the responses, which resulted in over 130 separate proposals.
Over 9,000 people responded to the consultation. Many of these people responded on behalf of others whom they represebtated. For example, responses were received from College Principals who represent thousands of Norfolk students, and from District Council Leaders who represent then of thousands of Norfolk residents in both urban and rural areas. The Councty Council is very grateful to all those who have responded, either as individuals or on behalf of individuals, as a truly representative response from Norfolk as a whole has been achieved.
And Conservatives on the County Council have listened! We are greatly concerned with the lack of public interest in politics, so our Big Conversation was designed to re-engage with the public, and to genuinely represent their concerns and wishes.
That is why Conservatives are delighted to announce a number of changes to our original proposals due to the sheer weight of public opinion. And we have not cut other services in their place.
- The budget proposal to change the eligibility criteria for individuals needing care will now not be changed, as this single proposal received more responses than any other.
- Instead of withdrawing all funding from sensory support services. Conservatives have found efficiencies which allow us to continue providing support to deaf and blind people
- Preventative Services will now be funded as they save money that would otherwise be spent further down the line.
- Instead of withdrawing the subsidy for post-16 college students. Conservatives have negotiated with college principles and agreed to share the cost so that the skills of young people can be fully developed.
- School crossing patrols will continue as they currently do.
There are also a series of other changes. Again, since the Big Conversation was started back in October, Conservatives have worked ttirelessluy to uncover further efficiencies in back office functions so that each of the proposals we have saved will NOT result in another frontline service being cut. And remember, we did not even consult on issues like closing libraries for example, knowing full well that the people of Norfolk would never accept such a proposal. Up and down the country library closures are being proposed, but in Norfolk not a single closure will occur.
Just because the Big Conversation has now finished (due to the necessity of agreeing a budget) does not mean that your Conservative County Councillor will stop listening. The Big Conversation marks the beginning of the process to bring local government back to the people, where it belongs. As your representative for Clavering I welcome your comments, feedback and ideas that your can give me.
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