News from County Councillor Rob Kendrick
Happy New Year!
Good and not so good news to start the New Year
I am pleased to report that the Fairer Funding Campaign which was launched a few years by the previous LCC administration to persuade governments to improve our funding has finally born fruit. The government funding announced recently includes £36 million extra funding for Lincolnshire this year with similar amounts in the next two years. This will rise to around £81 million a year in the medium term. On top of this there is £45 million of financial headroom available next year. All this will put the council in a better financial position following years of underfunding by governments.
Now the not so good news. Despite the considerably improved financial situation the new Reform administration which took control last May are proposing the maximum council tax increase permitted under law of 4.99% thus putting up our bills. Looking at the budget proposals which are now out for consultation there are number of issues of concern. These include cuts to highways revenue resulting in less routine and reactive maintenance and slower pothole response standards. Over £20 million of highways capital schemes across the county deferred or cancelled. Economic investment to be stopped, council assets sold and children’s services budget squeezed. I am therefore concerned about the potential impact on our communities.
Residents and businesses can contribute to the consultation via https://www.letstalk.lincolnshire.gov.uk/budget-2627
Improvements scheduled
I am hoping to see some road improvements and flood risk reduction works around our area this year. Provided of course that they are not deferred or cancelled. Again, please continue remind residents they can report road defects via the Fixmystreet. Any works that appear not to have been done after reporting I can take up with Highways.
Getting out and about
Last year I attended a range of events big and small in our communities. As always, they are a great opportunity to meet fellow residents and hear about local issues. I plan to do the same this year and welcome invitations to events. I will try to attend as many as I can. Also, I am happy to talk about the role of a county councillor to local clubs as I did last year.
LCC highways contractors volunteering days
Please let me know of any ideas for project the volunteers can undertake. We had quite a few done last year and I am always happy to put forward suggestions from parish councils for new projects.