2010 - time 4 change

Latest News - August 2010 sees the intent to abolish the Audit Commission from 2012. The District Council currentl pays around £170,000 fper year in fees to the Audit Commission and will hopefully be able to secure reasonable audit for much less in the future.

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Since May this year the pace of change in government has increased.

Eric Pickles the Minister covering Local Government has announced many changes and his plans are attached.

These include

Returning planning powers to Local Authorities.

Freezing Council tax for at least one year.   

Freezing Council pay for two years.

Chancellor George Osbourne in his emergency budget on the 22 June 2010 indicated that councils will need to make savings of 25% in future years.

Vince Cable the Minister responsible for business announced that Regional Development Agencies would go by 2012. Business and Local Government may form Local Enterprise Partnerships if they feel this would be a god way to develop the local economy. These partnerships will not receive core funding but may bid into a growth fund for support with specific projects.

Locally the County Council and District Council are loking at ways to make the savings that are needed.

In addition I have been working to secure improved broadband sppeds for the Forest of Dean. 

If you would like to know more about any of these changes and the impact on you locally contact me at brian@brooksdean.org.