Letter to West Briton

Just in case it is not published.....

We, the undersigned Cornwall Councillors, share the disappointment of many Cornish residents on the absence of net savings from the move to Unitary Authority status (West Briton, 25 February).


Some of the One Cornwall projected savings have been achieved this year but most of those suggested for next year and beyond are 'pie in the sky'. Also, a number of costs had either been under-estimated or overlooked e.g. costs of putting in new systems which were fit for purpose. The word 'hoodwinked' is one that should apply to the previous administration at County Hall, not the new one.

This situation should come as no surprise. The Unitary Authority proposal was forced through by the Lib Dem County Council, supported by the local Lib Dem MPs, but was opposed by 80% of the public. Professor Michael Chisholm of Cambridge University, an acknowledged expert in this area, stated that costs would exceed savings. The case for a new Unitary Authority was fundamentally flawed. In addition, evidence from the Audit Commission indicated that financial control was weak, as was risk management. This was compounded by independent inspection reports of poor services provided by the previous administration.

For the new Conservative and Independent Administration the priority has been to rectify this situation. The results to date are very favourable. Debt has been reduced, the annual deficit curtailed, wasted expenditure such as the newspaper cut out, and financial control strengthened as shown by the latest Audit Commission report. In addition, £120 million is being committed next year to improve services while further savings of £40 million are to be made.

However, more still needs to be done to provide the best possible services at the lowest possible cost for the people of Cornwall. This will take time given the large and complex nature of the new Council. With a good corporate plan, clear vision and firm leadership it can be met, even with the financial constraints expected from future Government cutbacks. All the activities of the Council are directed towards moving it, as quickly as possible, to a position where it is well-regarded for what it does and how it does it.


Yours sincerely



Dave Biggs, Camborne West
Mike Eathorne-Gibbons, Ladock, St Clement and St Erme
Scott Mann, Wadebridge West
Chris Ridgers, Mabe