Last night Tandridge District Council adopted a budget for the next tax year will deliver improvements to front line services for only a 3.9% increase to taxpayers. This lower than inflation increase is despite receiving an increase of only 0.6% in our central government grant.
Services will be Greener, with more money for recycling; Cleaner, with more money for streetsweeping and pest control and be provided more cheaply than if the Liveral Democrats had been incontol. Under their plans they would have had to increased the money spent on administrative overheads (or alternatively cut work on Front Line Services).
Friday, 15 February 2008
Wednesday, 13 February 2008
Taxing Times
Tandridge District Council will meet on Thursday to set the level of Council tax for the next financial year. However we will only get to set the rate on the Tandridge element - the majority of the tax burden faced by local residents comes from the County Council and Surrey Police's precept accounting for roughly the same proportion of the tax as the District Council.
The bad news for local residents is that Surrey Police have opted for a whopping 9.72% increase in its part of the council tax.
This rise is because Surrey receives one of the lowest Government grants per head of population for policing due to an unfair funding formula. If this grant was at the average rate of other forces around London (£106 per person) Surrey would receive an additional £18.2 million. The formula takes no account of the challenges Surrey faces from criminals coming into the county from elsewhere. Fifty nine per cent of identified organised crime gangs affecting Surrey are engaged in drugs supply and originate from London while 47 per cent of burglary and vehicle crime offenders come from outside Surrey, more than half of these from London. The funding formula also takes no account of the need to invest more in counter-terrorism policing.
So it looks like residents in Surrey are being asked to cough up again the decisions taken by Gordon Brown's Government to redistribute tax from the South of England to marginal Labour constituencies in the north.
The bad news for local residents is that Surrey Police have opted for a whopping 9.72% increase in its part of the council tax.
This rise is because Surrey receives one of the lowest Government grants per head of population for policing due to an unfair funding formula. If this grant was at the average rate of other forces around London (£106 per person) Surrey would receive an additional £18.2 million. The formula takes no account of the challenges Surrey faces from criminals coming into the county from elsewhere. Fifty nine per cent of identified organised crime gangs affecting Surrey are engaged in drugs supply and originate from London while 47 per cent of burglary and vehicle crime offenders come from outside Surrey, more than half of these from London. The funding formula also takes no account of the need to invest more in counter-terrorism policing.
So it looks like residents in Surrey are being asked to cough up again the decisions taken by Gordon Brown's Government to redistribute tax from the South of England to marginal Labour constituencies in the north.
Tuesday, 12 February 2008
Policing Update
The Oxted, Limpsfield and Hurst Green Neighbourhood Policing Team is comprised of PC Dave Every and local PCSOs Lisa Cobby and Stephen Winch. Together they have been working very hard over the past year or so to raise the profile of the police in the area. They exist to help tackle the every day problems that these communities face and have been very active in targeting anti social behaviour.
For an update of what they have been up to click here.
One of the dilemas we may face is knowing when to call 999 and what to do about those things which are not an emergency but you think the Police should know about. The advice they repeated give is that if you are in danger or a crime is in the process of being committed call 999, but if you want to report something less urgent dial (in Surrey) 0845 125 2222. It is important that even low level incidents are reported as it allows the police to target areas where they repeatedly occur.
For an update of what they have been up to click here.
One of the dilemas we may face is knowing when to call 999 and what to do about those things which are not an emergency but you think the Police should know about. The advice they repeated give is that if you are in danger or a crime is in the process of being committed call 999, but if you want to report something less urgent dial (in Surrey) 0845 125 2222. It is important that even low level incidents are reported as it allows the police to target areas where they repeatedly occur.
Winning Here!
Yesterday Liberal Democrat Councillor Sakina Bradbury defected to the Conservative Party and last night we welcomed her into the Conservative Group on Tandridge District Council.
Mrs Bradbury has been a Liberal Democrat councillor for Whyteleafe ward since 2002. She decided to join the Conservatives after becoming "increasingly impressed" by the way the Conservative administration of Tandridge District Council met the needs of local residents.
Mrs Bradbury has been a Liberal Democrat councillor for Whyteleafe ward since 2002. She decided to join the Conservatives after becoming "increasingly impressed" by the way the Conservative administration of Tandridge District Council met the needs of local residents.
Save Our Post Office
As I reported last month the Post Office has annouced plans to close the much used and loved Station Road East Post Office.
Local Conservatives have taken up the challenge and are trying to stop this and Peter Ainsworth MP has started a petition asking for support for the following statement:
"Oxted is a town of two halves, divided by the railway. This Post Office is a long-established business and its closure would have a detrimental effect on the trading environment in the east of the town. It would force people to travel further and closure would particularly inconvenience the elderly and the disabled".
To sign follow this link
Local Conservatives have taken up the challenge and are trying to stop this and Peter Ainsworth MP has started a petition asking for support for the following statement:
"Oxted is a town of two halves, divided by the railway. This Post Office is a long-established business and its closure would have a detrimental effect on the trading environment in the east of the town. It would force people to travel further and closure would particularly inconvenience the elderly and the disabled".
To sign follow this link
Monday, 11 February 2008
Southern Railway
At the beginning of last week I noticed that the ticket machine had disappeared in front of Hurst Green Station. As being a season ticket holder I didn't really have more than a passing interest - I assumed that it was broken and had been removed for repairs.
The truth it appears was more dramatic. The machine was ripped out by thieves, dragged out using a 4x4 and found abandoned up at Warlingham. I have no idea how much cash was in it , nor whether they were successful in getting it out. However, to me the most amazing part of this story is that by Friday morning a machine was back in place again.
I am sure that under BR we would still be waiting for another 6 months or so. While I beleive that the profit motive played a strong part but given the station is manned most of the day, the lost revenue can't have been that significant. The main benefit of returning the machined appears to have been customer service related as its renewed presence has significantly reduced the queue at at the window. So congratulations to Southern for reacting so quickly.
The truth it appears was more dramatic. The machine was ripped out by thieves, dragged out using a 4x4 and found abandoned up at Warlingham. I have no idea how much cash was in it , nor whether they were successful in getting it out. However, to me the most amazing part of this story is that by Friday morning a machine was back in place again.
I am sure that under BR we would still be waiting for another 6 months or so. While I beleive that the profit motive played a strong part but given the station is manned most of the day, the lost revenue can't have been that significant. The main benefit of returning the machined appears to have been customer service related as its renewed presence has significantly reduced the queue at at the window. So congratulations to Southern for reacting so quickly.
Monday, 4 February 2008
Oxted School
Who is to blame for the crisis at Oxted School?
On Saturday we saw the 2nd of two Marches of concerned parents and their supporters into Oxted. This time it was from Godstone - about 3 miles away - the last march was from Lingfield, slightly further in distance but nearer on the train. What both groups have in common is that a proposal from Surrey County Council to change the catchments area meaning children from both areas are unlikely to be able to attend their nearest secondary school.
Oxted School is big, in fact the biggest in Surrey, well over 2000 pupils attend and there is little scope for any meaningful expansion. So who is to blame for this problem?
Central Government are probably first in the firing line as the proposal to change the catchments area stems from revised government guidance, but Surrey County Council must take a large share of the responsibility as they run the school system in the County and if Oxted School has reached capacity then it should be down to them to do something about it.
However this immediate crisis has come about due to growing demand (fuelled by more and more 'government sponsored' housing developments in the district) and the lack of an alternative choice in the south of Tandridge. The problem parents are facing is caused by the unresponsiveness of the current education system to changing needs. This will only be solved by making it easier to open new schools in response to local needs and the funding following the children. It should be open to parents, charities, or even the private sector to develop schools - alongside the county council. The key objective (as with the NHS) should be for a decent free education to be available for every child in the area in which they live. The exact system of delivery should be determined locally. This system works in other countries (who have better results than the UK's state sector) so there is no reason why it couldn't be applied in the UK.
Update: The BBC are reporting that a solution might have been found.
On Saturday we saw the 2nd of two Marches of concerned parents and their supporters into Oxted. This time it was from Godstone - about 3 miles away - the last march was from Lingfield, slightly further in distance but nearer on the train. What both groups have in common is that a proposal from Surrey County Council to change the catchments area meaning children from both areas are unlikely to be able to attend their nearest secondary school.
Oxted School is big, in fact the biggest in Surrey, well over 2000 pupils attend and there is little scope for any meaningful expansion. So who is to blame for this problem?
Central Government are probably first in the firing line as the proposal to change the catchments area stems from revised government guidance, but Surrey County Council must take a large share of the responsibility as they run the school system in the County and if Oxted School has reached capacity then it should be down to them to do something about it.
However this immediate crisis has come about due to growing demand (fuelled by more and more 'government sponsored' housing developments in the district) and the lack of an alternative choice in the south of Tandridge. The problem parents are facing is caused by the unresponsiveness of the current education system to changing needs. This will only be solved by making it easier to open new schools in response to local needs and the funding following the children. It should be open to parents, charities, or even the private sector to develop schools - alongside the county council. The key objective (as with the NHS) should be for a decent free education to be available for every child in the area in which they live. The exact system of delivery should be determined locally. This system works in other countries (who have better results than the UK's state sector) so there is no reason why it couldn't be applied in the UK.
Update: The BBC are reporting that a solution might have been found.
Sunday, 3 February 2008
Are all politician's corrupt?
As a local councillor I will have to declare an interest in this one, but patently I think the answer is no. The vast majority of politicians of all political parties are in politics because they want to give something back to society. I am not saying that politicians don't enjoy doing what they do and that the small amount of power or increased local public profile doesn't appeal the vanity of some, but they'd been fools if they were in it for the money.
Which is why the 'Cash for Honours', Peter Hain, Harriet Harman, Wendy Alexander and Derek Conway scandals are so depressing. While politicians aren't in it for the money political parties need funding and politicians need to live. While I for one am against state funding of parties, there does need to be a new honesty that accepts that parties need money and by putting too many constraints on 'legitimate' funding is bound to lead to shady outcomes. In terms of politician's pay we need to accept that politicians need to be able to live - we do not not want to return to the situation where only those with private incomes can afford to take on the role, which it is why some politicians, especially full time politicians like MPs and leaders of large councils need to be paid the going rate (which I reckon for an MP is probably close to £100k).
However I am not advocating that everyone should join the gravy train, for those of us who can hold down a full-time job as well an elected position the current system of a small payment to defray costs is entirely adequate. And most importantly we need to take the sleaze out of politics so expenses should be claimed in the same way as the rest of populations has to do it - by submitting claims with receipts. And for MPs the ludicrous state of affairs which means that all the money needed to support an MP is paid to him personally has to end - general expenses like the paying of office staff and postage costs should be done by House of Commons rather than individual MPs
Which is why the 'Cash for Honours', Peter Hain, Harriet Harman, Wendy Alexander and Derek Conway scandals are so depressing. While politicians aren't in it for the money political parties need funding and politicians need to live. While I for one am against state funding of parties, there does need to be a new honesty that accepts that parties need money and by putting too many constraints on 'legitimate' funding is bound to lead to shady outcomes. In terms of politician's pay we need to accept that politicians need to be able to live - we do not not want to return to the situation where only those with private incomes can afford to take on the role, which it is why some politicians, especially full time politicians like MPs and leaders of large councils need to be paid the going rate (which I reckon for an MP is probably close to £100k).
However I am not advocating that everyone should join the gravy train, for those of us who can hold down a full-time job as well an elected position the current system of a small payment to defray costs is entirely adequate. And most importantly we need to take the sleaze out of politics so expenses should be claimed in the same way as the rest of populations has to do it - by submitting claims with receipts. And for MPs the ludicrous state of affairs which means that all the money needed to support an MP is paid to him personally has to end - general expenses like the paying of office staff and postage costs should be done by House of Commons rather than individual MPs
Thursday, 31 January 2008
Oxted Post Office to Close
Oxted has two well used post office branches in Station Road East and Station Road West. These provide a service to the separate areas of Oxted, split by the railway line. The Post Office have annouced that as part of the plan to 'rationalise' the Post Office network in Surrey that they plan to close the Station Road East branch (located in Paydens).
Tandirdge District Council is opposing this move as the Station Road East branch is extremely popular and its closure would be very hard on local people, especially the elderly. It is also doubtful whether a single post office in Oxted would be sufficient to meet the needs of all residents and businesses in Oxted without significant inconvenience and excessive queues at busy times.
There is one bit of good news for residents of Oxted South and that is that the Post Office have confirmed that they plans keep open the Holland Branch on Pollards Oak road.
The Post Office's plans are subject to public consultation to ensure the views of local people are taken into account before any final decisions are made. The Surrey public consultation will last for six weeks ending on 10 March 2008. Views and comments on the proposed closure should be sent in writing to Gary Herbert, Network Development Manager, c/o National Consultation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM. Telephone 08457 22 33 44, e-mail consultation@postoffice.co.uk.
Tandirdge District Council is opposing this move as the Station Road East branch is extremely popular and its closure would be very hard on local people, especially the elderly. It is also doubtful whether a single post office in Oxted would be sufficient to meet the needs of all residents and businesses in Oxted without significant inconvenience and excessive queues at busy times.
There is one bit of good news for residents of Oxted South and that is that the Post Office have confirmed that they plans keep open the Holland Branch on Pollards Oak road.
The Post Office's plans are subject to public consultation to ensure the views of local people are taken into account before any final decisions are made. The Surrey public consultation will last for six weeks ending on 10 March 2008. Views and comments on the proposed closure should be sent in writing to Gary Herbert, Network Development Manager, c/o National Consultation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM. Telephone 08457 22 33 44, e-mail consultation@postoffice.co.uk.
Wednesday, 30 January 2008
Housing Committee - Govenment Guilty
We met tonight. We were united in our disgust at how the Labour Government operates with regards to to the funding of social housing. It is now apparent that the current fnancial settlement is a front to raise even more revenue for the Exchquer and has nothing to do with the provision of homes for those who need them most.
It appears the government has finally admitted that Housing Subsidy is nothing of the sort. In previous years the government sort to claim that areas like Tandridge which pay £3million plus a year to the Government in 'negative' subsidy were sharing the burden with more deprived areas - but it appears that that the Government has at last come clean. The whole of England pays a 'negative subsidy'. Council's across the land are paying this government a tax that could otherwise be providing affordable rented or owner-occupied accomodation and it all appears to be being raised by smoke and mirrors.
It appears the government has finally admitted that Housing Subsidy is nothing of the sort. In previous years the government sort to claim that areas like Tandridge which pay £3million plus a year to the Government in 'negative' subsidy were sharing the burden with more deprived areas - but it appears that that the Government has at last come clean. The whole of England pays a 'negative subsidy'. Council's across the land are paying this government a tax that could otherwise be providing affordable rented or owner-occupied accomodation and it all appears to be being raised by smoke and mirrors.
Full Council
I had intended to post following last Thursday's 'Full Council' Meeting but there wasn't much to report. The Lib Dems attacked our spending proposals on various fronts but when push came to shove also attacked us for raising charges on a mobile home site we operate even thought we are cheaper, even following the increases, than any other provider in the region was last year!
I think that was a warm up for next month's budget setting Council which I am looking forward to.
I think that was a warm up for next month's budget setting Council which I am looking forward to.
Wednesday, 23 January 2008
Liberal 'Democrat'?
It is often hard to know where Lib Dems stand on issues when they have habit of adapting their policies to suit their opposition. However on one thing I thought they were consistent - especially as it is in the name of their party - and that was committed to the concept of democracy. But it appears that even this is flexible given that their new leader Nick Clegg has announced that they will oppose a popular vote on the European Constitution currently being debated by Parliament.
I would have thought that whatever their views on the merits of the treaty they would have been happy to put it to the public vote and then argue their case. But no, like the Labour Government they are too scared that the public would vote against the mass transference of even more powers to Brussels - I can't think why!
I would have thought that whatever their views on the merits of the treaty they would have been happy to put it to the public vote and then argue their case. But no, like the Labour Government they are too scared that the public would vote against the mass transference of even more powers to Brussels - I can't think why!
Monday, 21 January 2008
How the Council Works- Group Meeting
We have a 'Full Council' meeting on Thursday night (of which there are around six a year), which as the title might suggest all Councillors attend. This is the council's ultimate policy setting and decision making body. Preceding each meeting the political groups (in our case Conservatives and Liberal Democrat ) meet amongst themselves to agree their positions for the meeting.
The Conservative meeting was tonight. As these are confidential sessions I cannot report what was said but I find them a very useful opportunity to catch up with what other councillors are doing and finding out what issues matter to residents in their wards. The transfer of knowledge from more experienced councillors (some of whom have been on the council for many years) to us newer boys and girls is vital if we are to benefit from the lessons they have learned and will hopefully help stop us from trying to reinvent the wheel.
The Conservative meeting was tonight. As these are confidential sessions I cannot report what was said but I find them a very useful opportunity to catch up with what other councillors are doing and finding out what issues matter to residents in their wards. The transfer of knowledge from more experienced councillors (some of whom have been on the council for many years) to us newer boys and girls is vital if we are to benefit from the lessons they have learned and will hopefully help stop us from trying to reinvent the wheel.
Sunday, 20 January 2008
Roads - Change of Approach
I would say that the topic that elicits the most complaints is not anti-social behaviour, nor planning permission but roads. Residents are fed up with pot holes and poor quality surfaces. So I now hope that a decision last week by Surrey County Council’s Executive to agree a new strategy to prioritise and tackle highway maintenance will be a breakthrough in dealing more successfully with these issues.
Surrey is facing a backlog of work being tackled in the face of less funding from central government for road works. In 2007-08 funding for roads from from Gordon Brown's government was just 18% of the total planned spending on roads. This means Surrey got just £154 per resident – the national average in England was £426 each - and Manchester got a whopping £719, more than four times Surrey’s funding.
To try to to make the best of a challenging situation this the county council is apparently changing the way they treat roads to balance spending across remedial and preventative work. At the moment the council rates roads across Surrey as green, amber or red with green being in good condition and red in needing significant repairs. Following this weeks decision 60% of any available funds will be spent on dealing with the worst ‘red’ roads and 40% for remedial work on those roads that are just starting to decline to make sure they don’t become ‘red’ roads. In addition, the County Council has agreed a set of criteria that will prioritise which roads to improve first. These criteria don’t just include the condition of the road. They also consider whether it is a priority for the public and their County Councillors. These criteria will now be applied to the roads identified as in need of repair.
So what does this mean for us locally. Hopefully it means that Pope's Lane will now get the attention it deserves. This issue has now been dragging on since early 2006 and an end is not yet in sight. Given the new emphasis on the public's (and their County Councillor's) priorities I would suggest that residents contact the County Council on 08456 009 009 and also their County Councillor to impress upon them what they feel needs repairing urgently.
Surrey is facing a backlog of work being tackled in the face of less funding from central government for road works. In 2007-08 funding for roads from from Gordon Brown's government was just 18% of the total planned spending on roads. This means Surrey got just £154 per resident – the national average in England was £426 each - and Manchester got a whopping £719, more than four times Surrey’s funding.
To try to to make the best of a challenging situation this the county council is apparently changing the way they treat roads to balance spending across remedial and preventative work. At the moment the council rates roads across Surrey as green, amber or red with green being in good condition and red in needing significant repairs. Following this weeks decision 60% of any available funds will be spent on dealing with the worst ‘red’ roads and 40% for remedial work on those roads that are just starting to decline to make sure they don’t become ‘red’ roads. In addition, the County Council has agreed a set of criteria that will prioritise which roads to improve first. These criteria don’t just include the condition of the road. They also consider whether it is a priority for the public and their County Councillors. These criteria will now be applied to the roads identified as in need of repair.
So what does this mean for us locally. Hopefully it means that Pope's Lane will now get the attention it deserves. This issue has now been dragging on since early 2006 and an end is not yet in sight. Given the new emphasis on the public's (and their County Councillor's) priorities I would suggest that residents contact the County Council on 08456 009 009 and also their County Councillor to impress upon them what they feel needs repairing urgently.
Friday, 18 January 2008
Rain Rain Go Away
It has been a very soggy week or so and the forecast seems to be for that to continue. With rain comes blocked drains and with blocked drains flooding. While I have not yet heard of any floods affecting peoples homes in Oxted South, the pooling of water in the usual places, such as at the bottom of the footpath crossing Hurst Green, is making it tricky for pedestrians to negotiate their way through the puddles without getting wet feet.
However, something can be done. Blocked drains can be reported to Surrey County Council on 08456 009 009 or by using the form on the County Council website. Any resident who actually experiences flooding in their home should call that number and stress that it is an emergency.
However, something can be done. Blocked drains can be reported to Surrey County Council on 08456 009 009 or by using the form on the County Council website. Any resident who actually experiences flooding in their home should call that number and stress that it is an emergency.
Wednesday, 16 January 2008
'An Incompetence'
If this is how the Prime Minister refers to a member of his Cabinet what are the rest of us to think?
The fact that he feels it is better to go on record saying that about Peter Hain speaks volumes about the quality of some of his Ministers. Surely we are deserving of Ministers who are both competent and honest. Failing to meet either test should merit the loss of office.
The fact that he feels it is better to go on record saying that about Peter Hain speaks volumes about the quality of some of his Ministers. Surely we are deserving of Ministers who are both competent and honest. Failing to meet either test should merit the loss of office.
Sunday, 13 January 2008
Time
Or lack of it. I was going to write about the US election or the London Mayoral election (both instances where personality rather than party are likely to deciding factors). I also thought about commenting on yet another opinion poll which illustrates the public perception that Gordon Brown's government is directionless and failing deliver.
However I have run out of time this weekend. As my aim is to blog at least twice a week (more often if possible) so I will try and post again in the next couple of days. I am currently chasing up on when the poor road surface on Popes Lane will be rectified - so hopefully more news on this soon.
However I have run out of time this weekend. As my aim is to blog at least twice a week (more often if possible) so I will try and post again in the next couple of days. I am currently chasing up on when the poor road surface on Popes Lane will be rectified - so hopefully more news on this soon.
Friday, 11 January 2008
Green and Sustainable
Its not often I agree with anything this government does but yesterday's announcement on the future of Nuclear energy is one of those occasions.
A new generation of Nuclear power plants will be key tools in tackling both climate change and energy security.
The green credentials of nuclear have been attacked in the past for good reason, but with today's priority being the reduction of CO2 emissions (nuclear plants produce near to zero in steady state) and with waste products in this generation of nuclear plants being only some 10% of the past then Nuclear really seems the green option.
Sure, how best to permanently store the waste is still an unresolved issue but better focus on that in the medium term than continue to pump greenhouse gasses out today.
I even agree that this is a target for a streamlined planning process - decisions on this need to be taken rapidly. The communities that will be affected need to have a full input into the process. But the decision on where to locate them should be taken on sound planning grounds not on who can shout loudest. Equally the idea of placing them next to existing plants seems sensible. Power stations unlike house are primarily national not local infrastructure so it is correct that national government makes the decisions.
Another important reason for going Nuclear is energy uncertainty in this uncertain world. Oil prices continue to trade at around $100 per barrel driven largely by the huge demand from China and India. This demand is likely just to increase increasing cost. But perhaps more pertinently most Oil and Gas is sourced from the more unstable regions of the former Soviet Republics and Middle Eastern states. Within the last couple of years we saw what the impact was of Russia turning off the gas pipeline to the Ukraine and into Western Europe,however briefly.
For all these reasons we need a Nuclear future and my only criticism of yesterday's statement is that the Government has taken so long to get to this point.
A new generation of Nuclear power plants will be key tools in tackling both climate change and energy security.
The green credentials of nuclear have been attacked in the past for good reason, but with today's priority being the reduction of CO2 emissions (nuclear plants produce near to zero in steady state) and with waste products in this generation of nuclear plants being only some 10% of the past then Nuclear really seems the green option.
Sure, how best to permanently store the waste is still an unresolved issue but better focus on that in the medium term than continue to pump greenhouse gasses out today.
I even agree that this is a target for a streamlined planning process - decisions on this need to be taken rapidly. The communities that will be affected need to have a full input into the process. But the decision on where to locate them should be taken on sound planning grounds not on who can shout loudest. Equally the idea of placing them next to existing plants seems sensible. Power stations unlike house are primarily national not local infrastructure so it is correct that national government makes the decisions.
Another important reason for going Nuclear is energy uncertainty in this uncertain world. Oil prices continue to trade at around $100 per barrel driven largely by the huge demand from China and India. This demand is likely just to increase increasing cost. But perhaps more pertinently most Oil and Gas is sourced from the more unstable regions of the former Soviet Republics and Middle Eastern states. Within the last couple of years we saw what the impact was of Russia turning off the gas pipeline to the Ukraine and into Western Europe,however briefly.
For all these reasons we need a Nuclear future and my only criticism of yesterday's statement is that the Government has taken so long to get to this point.
Sunday, 6 January 2008
NHS Yes
A close family member was taken into St Peter's hospital in Chertsey seriously ill on Friday. Having seen the professionalism and courtesy with which he has been treated I am absolutely sure he is receiving the best possible care and would like to pay tribute to the dedication and skill of the paramedics, doctors and nurses who have and continue to care for him.
I am very aware that in my post on Tuesday I was critical of how the NHS was run. My view of the scale of mismanagement at Trust level and of the constant tinkering by central government is unchanged , but that criticism is no way a reflection of the hard work and compassion of the vast majority of the NHS's medical and support staff.
I am very aware that in my post on Tuesday I was critical of how the NHS was run. My view of the scale of mismanagement at Trust level and of the constant tinkering by central government is unchanged , but that criticism is no way a reflection of the hard work and compassion of the vast majority of the NHS's medical and support staff.
Tuesday, 1 January 2008
2008
Happy New Year to all readers of this blog.
I thought I would start the year by setting out ten of the issues - five national and five local - that I expect to figure prominently in the year ahead. (I have ignored the big global challenges of the threats from terrorism and global warming)
Nationally
As we celebrate 60 years of the NHS a system where vital medical care is freely available at the point of need remains a cornerstone of modern society, but why given the colossal amounts of our taxes the Government spent on them are hospitals like East Surrey so badly run, which is clearly illustrated by their having to close the A&E department at the busiest times of year.
We need to end the state monopoly of education provision. Luckily most schools in Tandridge are good, but when schools like Oxted are so popular that children are being squeezed out parents need to be able to have a realistic alternative to busing their children for miles each day.
The first role of Government is to protect the rule of law. We need a prisons policy that works to protect society and rehabilitate offenders, and not facilitate the early release of violent criminals because poor planning has led to prisons being full.
Better targeted benefits are needed to remove social failure not reinforce it. Effective measures are needed to promote aspiration and opportunity in pockets of deprivation where hope is gone and generations spend their whole lives on benefits.
With this current Government more controlling than any since the second world war, the desire for power to be returned to individuals and local communities highlighting that the best decisions are taken by local people for local people.
Locally
Environment - In Oxted South, after its successful start in October we have the first full year of a weekly recycling collection to look forward to and the assurance that weekly rubbish collections will continue.
Road Safety - Following approval in December by the County Council's local committee, a new pavement and parking restrictions will by implemented by the junction of Mill Lane and Hurst Green Road to curb the current dangerous parking and give safer access to pedestrians.
Tandridge District Council Elections will take place in May. On the back of the high satisfaction ratings given by residents of Tandridge in a national survey the Conservative Administration will hope to strengthen control. In Oxted South we will be looking to reelect a Conservative Councillor.
Planning - Local councillors will be looking to ensure that all planning developments contribute to the maintenance and strengthening of local infrastructure and that inappropriate development is resisted..
The police, Tandridge and Surrey County councils and local people will all continue to work together to crack down on anti social behaviour in the locality.
I thought I would start the year by setting out ten of the issues - five national and five local - that I expect to figure prominently in the year ahead. (I have ignored the big global challenges of the threats from terrorism and global warming)
Nationally
As we celebrate 60 years of the NHS a system where vital medical care is freely available at the point of need remains a cornerstone of modern society, but why given the colossal amounts of our taxes the Government spent on them are hospitals like East Surrey so badly run, which is clearly illustrated by their having to close the A&E department at the busiest times of year.
We need to end the state monopoly of education provision. Luckily most schools in Tandridge are good, but when schools like Oxted are so popular that children are being squeezed out parents need to be able to have a realistic alternative to busing their children for miles each day.
The first role of Government is to protect the rule of law. We need a prisons policy that works to protect society and rehabilitate offenders, and not facilitate the early release of violent criminals because poor planning has led to prisons being full.
Better targeted benefits are needed to remove social failure not reinforce it. Effective measures are needed to promote aspiration and opportunity in pockets of deprivation where hope is gone and generations spend their whole lives on benefits.
With this current Government more controlling than any since the second world war, the desire for power to be returned to individuals and local communities highlighting that the best decisions are taken by local people for local people.
Locally
Environment - In Oxted South, after its successful start in October we have the first full year of a weekly recycling collection to look forward to and the assurance that weekly rubbish collections will continue.
Road Safety - Following approval in December by the County Council's local committee, a new pavement and parking restrictions will by implemented by the junction of Mill Lane and Hurst Green Road to curb the current dangerous parking and give safer access to pedestrians.
Tandridge District Council Elections will take place in May. On the back of the high satisfaction ratings given by residents of Tandridge in a national survey the Conservative Administration will hope to strengthen control. In Oxted South we will be looking to reelect a Conservative Councillor.
Planning - Local councillors will be looking to ensure that all planning developments contribute to the maintenance and strengthening of local infrastructure and that inappropriate development is resisted..
The police, Tandridge and Surrey County councils and local people will all continue to work together to crack down on anti social behaviour in the locality.
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