Cornwall Council: Councillors' Allowances

In 2009 the Liberal Democrats had unsuccessfully attempted to set all allowances for the first four years of Cornwall Council. This had been defeated on the basis that there was no certainty that an independent review might recommend reducing some allowances. At the time this had been mocked by the Liberal Democrats as merely a Conservative ploy to subsequently increase allowances.

However now that today Cornwall Councillors have accepted the independent report’s recommendation to reduce the mileage rate to 40p per mile, bringing it in line with the rate paid to Council staff, the Liberal Democrat attempt to have fixed the rate last year at 50p per mile for four years can be seen as merely an attempt to protect their income.

Full Council Meeting: Tomorrow

Much 'hot air' expressed in the Media and on websites in recent days over the independent review of Cornwall Council councillor allowances.  Sad that so many who have commented have missed the obvious points that (a) it is an independent review, and (b) tomorrow's meeting will decide how to take it forward.

Whilst politically important it's potential effect on Cornwall Council finances, if it was to be adopted, is much much less than any number of important projects in Cornwall.

Of far more significance to me was the agreement today that those leading the seperate Adult and Children's scrutiny committeess would work closely together on children's health issues - drugs, alcohol, tobacco to name but three items harming some of our youngsters - including presenting a united approach to organisations, such as the PCT, outside the Council.  In ten years time no one will care about the allowances paid to councillors in 2010/11 however they will know, through illness and early deaths, if we don't significantly improve the healthy lifestyles of Cornish children and young adults.

Expenses scandal?

Is it true that the leader of the Liberal Democrats has an office in New County Hall?  Is it true that the leader of Mebyon Kernow is not extended the same privilege by officers of Cornwall Council?

Is it true that some Liberal Democrats circumvent Cornwall Council's travel expenses rule by turning up for meetings, ask a single question, and then sit for the remainder of the meeting doing personal emails and not taking part in the meeting for which they are paid expenses to attend?

What this space for answers!

Councillors' Allowances

Have just seen the Cornwall Council Press Release which records the recommendation of the Independent Remuneration Panel that the basis allowance increases from £11,976 to £14,600.

As far as I'm concerned any increase in the current four year term has to be warranted.

Cornwall County Council scored poorly on a number of measures; whilst I was not part of the problem - please look to the Liberal Democrats for that! - I would prefer to be seen to earn any increase and that can only be demonstrated by significicantly improving the performance - a process which will likely take some year.

A 22.9% increase does not sit easily with most residents who if in employment will be lucky to see any increase this year.

Those residents who are retired will see their state pensions increase by 2.5%

Some residents have to live on benefits and can only dream of big increases.

Snow, ice and public transport

Praise where praise is due.  The Cornwall Council teams out keeping the main roads have, given the weather conditions, done a good job.  With the A & B roads now passable it was great to see a gritter lorry in Perranwell Station this morning tackling a number of the more minor roads - and before anyone asks I had not requested favourable local treatment.

Took the car out this morning, first time we have ventured onto the roads since 2 January, and at ASDA's in Penryn it felt as if Sue and I were not the only ones buying in expectation of not being able to get to a supermarket again for 10 days.

Had various Council commitments in Truro this week and travelled to all of them on the Maritime Line.  Having previously made use of the train and bus I came to the conclusion that I should make even greater use of them in 2010.   That raises two thoughts: (1) Increasing the availability of public transport across Cornwall - being halfway between Falmouth and Truro does mean that Perranwell Station is better served by public transport than many rural locations, and (2) Contributing to the recently announced national review of competition within bus services - the cost of a return ticket from PS to either Truro or Falmouth is high enough to deter car users and is a barrier for those on tight budgers.

Silly Politicians

Here we are with, probably, 5 months to go before a General Election and already numerous politicians, sadly many local to Cornwall, are making fools of themselves.  Don't they realise that the public is (a) pretty uninterested in politics, (b) want actions, and (c) don't want to be treated like idiots.
Is it possible to have sensible debate about the major issues, whether of local or national importance?  I know that we each have different views however that does not prevent us conducting discussions in a sensible mature manner.