KCC Report for Higham Annual Parish Assembly – 15th April 2010

Go to: Higham Parish Council | 2010 Annual Parish Assembly Agenda

The National financial situation has dominated KCC in that it has been necessary - in its 3/5 year financial planning – to cut £200 million from the budget with the loss over that period of approximately 600 jobs. The latter will be achieved by natural wastage/retirements as far as possible, and the emphasis is on preserving front-line services. In spite of the above, the lowest Council Tax increase ever has been possible ( 2.1%). More cash has again  been found for Child Protection, and for Highways maintenance - the balance of spending for the latter is still to be geared to maintenance rather than new schemes

Highways issues remain the main source of complaint to me, especially following the ravages of one of the worst winters in Kent for many years. Cash has been allocated for urgent pothole repairs, and teams from the small company private sector are being recruited to perform this work.

The cash deposited with Icelandic Banks remains a source of concern to both the Council and its council tax payers -  I am advised that about 95% will be recovered - with some money already received.

BSF ( Building Schools for the Future) is now proceeding in Gravesham - Meopham school will soon have a major re-build.

KCC has again received an “ excellent” rating by the Audit Commission- one of only three Authorities to receive such.

The A2 Activity Park ( now named “ Cyclopark”) is  moving ahead  and is in the process of being built. A truly  excellent facility for the Borough.

The youngsters’ “Freedom Pass” was duly rolled out in Gravesham – and KCC is now going to extend this to those local students who have to travel outside the County boundary. This is especially helpful to Higham parents .

Neighbourhood Forums continue to perform well - the Rural Forum distributed its Grants Cash in a novel way whereby residents themselves voted for the best projects to receive the grant money. The Grant monies I can distribute personally ( £10,000 for general purposes, and £25,000 for Highways schemes) are proving to be exceptionally helpful in supporting truly local projects.

For many in the Rural areas ( and Higham is on the “ front line” here) -  the threat of a  “Lower Thames Crossing” passing through Gravesham ( east of Chalk ) is very disturbing, and, as the local representative, I am pledged to defend our precious countryside. There is an acknowledged dichotomy here in that – strategically - there is a real need for more capacity. I am sure there will be considerable debate on this vital issue.

Finally - Parish Councils - in my judgement - continue to be the finest form of local democracy and I congratulate Higham Parish Council, and its tireless Councillors, on the job that it does for its residents.

Michael Snelling - KCC Councillor - Gravesham Rural.