HBC Budget 2012/13

[gynn]

I've just been looking at the report that went to Cabinet last Wednesday on the 2012/13 Budget.

http://www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/downloa..._201213_v4.pdf

What incredibly depressing reading it makes. Savings of over 2 million pounds required on top of the millions of pounds that have already needed to be found....a 25% further reduction in back office costs......massive reductions in running costs.....the list goes on.

What effect can this be having on staff morale? Staffing numbers 10 years ago were considered to be at minimum levels to provide a basic level of service, so goodness only knows what level of service is being provided now, let alone with a further 25% reduction.

The staff who are being forced out (many having given long and loyal service to HBC) receive no thanks.........

"A continuation of our established approach of limiting enhancements on early retirement"

And those who stay get paid the minimum wage possible.....

"a “Living Wage” for every employee, with the Council guaranteeing that it will pay the basic recognised amount to those who provide key services for the Council."

And all this at a time when public sector pensions are being reduced.

It used to be considered a privilege to work for the Council. Nowadays it seems, staff are expected to just be grateful they have a job! Which, in the current economic climate, is probably true.

I just find it all very depressing.

[lancsdave]

We will
also look to support reduced price trips to the coast and elsewhere over the
summer to encourage our older population to lead active lives.
•

Free cark parking in Hyndburn despite the £250,000 potential revenue from
introducing these charges. This will help bolster our town centres through these
difficult economic times and provide an incentive for people to shop locally rather
than drive and pay to shop elsewhere across the North-West

I find the above statements quite contradictory.

Why not find ways of keeping the older population more active within the borough instead of subsidising them to spend their money out of town

[MargaretR]

Originally Posted by lancsdave

I find the above statements quite contradictory.

Why not find ways of keeping the older population more active within the borough instead of subsidising them to spend their money out of town

A few years ago I used these trips to the coast a couple of times a week.

Very few of those going on them returned with shopping bags. Most just used them as a way to get some 'sea air'.

[lancsdave]

Originally Posted by MargaretR

A few years ago I used these trips to the coast a couple of times a week.

Very few of those going on them returned with shopping bags. Most just used them as a way to get some 'sea air'.

Top of Coppice with a bucket of salt water, sorted

[Ken Moss]

The Resources Overview & Scrutiny Committee (chaired by yours truly) will be looking at budget proposals at 10.00am on 21st February at Scaitcliffe House if anyone fancies coming along to watch:

Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee

The Full Council on 23rd February will be the debating ground for the actual budget itself and starts at 7.00pm at the Town Hall:

Council

Again, members of the public are invited to watch from the public gallery.

Free entertainment.

[Neil]

Originally Posted by lancsdave

I find the above statements quite contradictory.

Why not find ways of keeping the older population more active within the borough instead of subsidising them to spend their money out of town

The older population like these trips, oh yes, they are voters as well

[jaysay]

Originally Posted by Ken Moss

The Resources Overview & Scrutiny Committee (chaired by yours truly) will be looking at budget proposals at 10.00am on 21st February at Scaitcliffe House if anyone fancies coming along to watch:

Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee

The Full Council on 23rd February will be the debating ground for the actual budget itself and starts at 7.00pm at the Town Hall:

Council

Again, members of the public are invited to watch from the public gallery.

Free entertainment.

So is walking about with nails in your shoes

[lancsdave]

Originally Posted by Neil

The older population like these trips, oh yes, they are voters as well

I guess they have more sway than the businesses in Hyndburn. Lets face it given the number of us left if we voted collectively the person we voted for would lose their deposit

[lancsdave]

Oh heck, I'm going to have the old dears vigilante group after me now

move has been met with anger by many and comes as it was revealed that a scheme providing residents with £1 trips to the seaside could be scrapped to save money.

Council bosses have allocated cash from this years budget to fund the trips this summer which were enjoyed by around 2,700 people last year. However, after being reviewed at a council overview and scrutiny committee meeting, the service could be cancelled if further savings are necessary.

Fury as Hyndburn councillors fight plan to cut their pay by 10 per cent | Accrington Observer - menmedia.co.uk

[Neil]

I still have pitchforks and torches for sale if anyone needs some

[jaysay]

Originally Posted by lancsdave

Oh heck, I'm going to have the old dears vigilante group after me now



Fury as Hyndburn councillors fight plan to cut their pay by 10 per cent | Accrington Observer - menmedia.co.uk

Councillors exes are always a hot potato, but its the same old story really if you pay peanuts you get monkeys. Councillors are dealing with around a £14 million budget and it certainly isn't the easy job people make it out to be, otherwise there would be a cue three times around Accy town centre to sign up