ANNUAL REPORT 2011-2012
BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR for SOUTH COSFORD, DAWN KENDALL
Personal declaration:
For the last year, I have not claimed any expenses and I have not asked for a pension contribution to be made on my behalf from the staff pension fund. I do receive an allowance that after tax is approximately £100 which I use for donations to good causes and functions/ celebrations around the Ward.
The good bits…..
Much of the year was focused on delivering our reorganisation plan under our new CEO, Charlie Aden. In response to a significant cut in the central government grant (almost 30 per cent over two years), the programme is designed to reduce costs by c£1m per year whilst protecting service delivery to the residents of Babergh.
The programme has advanced well: the major aspect being the voluntary redundancy of some 30 staff members, which unfortunately resulted in the loss of considerable expertise. Cost savings are, we are assured, on target.
Despite this, much has been achieved. Most noteworthy are the following:
The District & Parish Council elections were successfully held in May and I was delighted to be returned as your new member for South Cosford. A full induction programme for new & returning District councillors was carried out.
A vote on the merger of Mid Suffolk and Babergh DC’s was rejected by the people of both communities. Administrative amalgamation has proceeded and although lower tiers of appointment have yet to be assigned. The main structure and corporate team are in place.
Your Council Tax remains at a low cost compared to other councils in the region.
We continue to support numerous groups & local people through our Community Grants scheme against a backdrop of severe budgetary pressure.
A core strategy planning document was defined and agreed by the Council.
Revenue and Benefits billing was successfully outsourced.
HRA services merged over four districts.
The Cash Desk services at Babergh Offices were moved to the Post Office in Hadleigh High Street, allowing for longer opening times for residents to pay their council tax and rent bills as well as providing a much needed cost saving .
We achieved a balanced budget where Car Parking charges were not levied on short term parking in Hadleigh and Sudbury as we recognised the importance of giving these centres for job creation as much of a boost as possible.
With regard to economic growth, we have secured investment by Sainsbury’s in Sudbury which will create circa 250 much needed jobs. In Hadleigh, a bid by Tesco to build a store in the centre of the town failed and a new arrangement between BuyRite and Morrisons is underway.
Leisure Services have been enhanced by the new extension to the Kingfisher centre in Sudbury and the rebuild of Hadleigh Pool is progressing.
Closer to home in our own South Cosford Ward:
• Affordable housing projects have been progressing in Whatfield and Elmsett. Vital for the growth and sustainability of our rural community.• Two playgrounds have been developed in Whatfield and Elmsett
… And now, for the less pleasing aspects of the last year. I think it is important to recognise the areas of greatest need for improvement.
• Planning and Development missed target dates of 8 and 13 weeks with only around 64% successfully within the timescale. This includes all the simply ‘tree felling ‘ applications. In my experience, most public complaints are about planning matters although I only hear about them when they become a major issue. I would implore that you involve me earlier to aid the process.
• Lack of ward member information, when officers are speaking to developers etc
• Lack of clarity regarding financial information when important decisions have to be made.
• Ensuring that Members remain objective when considering policy. I was quite surprised that the Core Strategy proposals were not entirely Member led and in the future, this must be the case.
• Clear decision making with regard to Council assets and capital spend on key projects. For example, East House, Belle View, the Old swimming pool. There has been a lack of action and too much use of consultants of the Hamilton Road area causing considerable delay and unnecessary waste of resource. This is absolutely key to sound financial management of the Council in the years to come and should be revisited with the utmost priority.
• With a new CEO in post for nearly a year, it is a good time to revisit the issue of delegated powers, ceding some of the decision making controls back to elected Members.
• Pensions management is delegated to Suffolk County Council, although some decisions may be made at a local level to fit with financial needs. This must b better planned and organised in future years.
• HR processes are in need of revision, in particular the ability to provide 360 degree feedback for senior officers.
Finally, what I would like to achieve in the coming year:
Better communications, electronic or otherwise, with South Cosford Ward.
Tackle the planning complaints that are growing.
Find a resolution to the various impasses on enforcement.
Work with the senior management team on improving the culture and esprit de corps within Teams Babergh and Mid Suffolk.
Investors in People. Work with the management team to try and effect accreditation for this. Achievement will reflect how well the authority develops the skills and expertise of its staff.
Conclusion
Looking ahead, the council continues to face very tough financial challenges as a result of the likely continuing reduction in central government support. We continue to identify ways of protecting service provision. In particular we are keen to collaborate with Town and Parish councils to identify services they may wish to run on our behalf. This is very much in tune with the government’s aspirations as set out in the Localism Act. We understand Parishes potential concerns about this issue and will make every effort to resolve these concerns.
Thank you for continued support of my position as your Councillor, I consider it a privilege to serve you and look forward to the coming year.
Best wishes,
Dawn Kendall