No More Council Houses
The so called "caring" New Labour government seems hell bent on proving its Thatcherite credentials. It has now set a target of 2015 for abolishing all Council Housing. Any Local Authority which stands in its way will have various hurdles to overcome, including a new lettings and rents policy dictated by Whitehall.
Cllr Brendan Haigh said that he was most unhappy such pressure was being brought by the Government.
The good news is that there can be no transfer to Housing Associations unless the majority of sitting tenants agree in a ballot. Liberal Democrat councillors at Kelham will oppose any attempt to rush through a transfer which could be expensive for both Council tenants and local tax payers.
Watch this space for further information.

 
   
 
 
 
 
     
   
     
   
     
 

A Responsible Budget

Southwell Town Council has set a budget of £124,000 for next year, £5,000 lower than this year. "We will have to spend some money on restoring the Police Station building now that the Police have committed themselves to a 25 year lease ensuring their continued presence in the town," said Brendan Haigh.  "We have reduced the administration costs next year, and have plans for upgrading our playgrounds at Norwood Gardens and at Nottingham Road. We will also be paying £3,000 to help run the CCTV cameras, and be maintaining 'free' parking in the town centre."
Further plans include providing more bicycle parking in the town, and keeping the town's toilets open for longer in the winter. The lone Conservative on the Council wanted an increase of £25,000 without clear plans for the extra spending.