Once January got under way so did the Parish Council meeting cycle, so it’s been a busy fortnight, since I last wrote anything – 5 Parish Council meetings attended and three missed. One because of a prior engagement, one because you can’t be in two PC meetings at once, and one because of the danger of flooding. In fact, even with my cautious approach, I still had to drive through two floods on the way back from Bothel and Threapland PC meeting, and then courage deserted me and I turned round at the third one.
Everyone seems very wound up about the proposed council tax increase. Of course, when times are hard and families are struggling, it might seem harsh. However the proposal is to continue to provide the council tax reduction scheme (of up to 100%) to help those on low incomes. Unrest has been whipped up by MP Mark Jenkinson who has maligned the council be saying that we are not publicising the consultation, and has provided a proforma letter of objection
On Wednesday councillors had a briefing prior to the public announcement on Thursday that Allerdale’s area of search for a GDF (nuclear waste dump) was being downsized. Cockermouth North and South, Aspatria and Bothel & Wharrels are no longer considered to be valid areas. Good news for the ward I represent but less so for the ward where I live, it remains firmly within the area of search. The two Copeland areas of search remain more or less the same as they were.
On Thursday morning, we had a briefing/workshop on locality working. This excites me as its aim is to bring the council closer to the people. There will be panels – the areas are not yet set in stone – made up of councillors and community forums with representatives from community groups, members of the public, partners like the police and fire service, in fact pretty much anyone who wants to come. Currently Bothel & Wharrels is with Keswick, Cockermouth North and South, Dearham & Broughton and Maryport North and South, and I am very happy with that. So are the parishes that I have mentioned it to, although they are sceptical that it will improve things. I think with active councillors, out there in the community, it could be a really positive thing.
It seems that my Christmas day briefing on the apprenticeship levy may reap some reward as Cllr Lynch, the portfolio holder for education, told me that she is having a meeting on the subject next week. We wait with baited breath.
The second half of January looks quieter, but then at this stage of the month I always think that!
Cllr. Jill Perry