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Taxpayers face 1.99% rise for Council services (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
Get involved: send your pictures, video, news and views by texting TANEWS to 80360, or email
Taxpayers face 1.99% rise for Council services
7:00am Tuesday 26th February 2013 in News
By Jo Winrow, City Hall Reporter
Council leader David Green
A package aimed at slashing £27 million from Bradford Council’s budget has been unveiled by the authority’s ruling Labour group.
The proposed savings are about £3m less than had orginally been proposed but still require a 1.99 per cent increase in Council Tax.
Full details of a £130.8m capital investment plan were also expected to be unveiled today at a meeting of the executive, where the leaders of opposition parties on the Council are also expected to outline their alternative budget proposals.
The changes follow consultation with taxpayers and reflect some of the key issues raised.
But Labour’s final proposals still include departmental savings, this time of £16.3m, which is expected to lead to the loss of 86 jobs at the authority.
This is down from the original 136 jobs which were expected to be lost amid the cuts, and is due to vacancies and voluntary redundancies.
In the last two years £72m has been stripped out of the Council’s operating budget, with a further budget deficit of £83m predicted over the next three years.
Council leader David Green said: “We are working hard to protect priority services. But the harsh reality is that it is impossible to achieve reductions on the scale required by Government without having to make very difficult choices about the services the Council provides, how it provides them, what it reduces, what it charges for and what it stops.
“The Council is confronted with some very tough decisions and there will be more to come, but we are mindful of the need to invest in the long term future of the district, to attract business and protect jobs, education and support our young people, delivery good local services to keep neighbourhood safe and clean, and to ensure that our most vulnerable citizens get the help that they need when they need it.”
In proposing the first Council Tax increase in three years, Coun Green added that balancing the budget had been made event more difficult because of late Government announcements, unexpected cuts to grants and last minute changes to the rules.
He cited the withdrawal of £62m of financial credits which would have helped fund a £300m 25-year waste deal across Bradford and Calderdale, announced late last week, which necessitated some additional changes to the budget proposals for 2013/14.
Key changes outlined in the final budget proposals include delaying the move from a seven-day-a-week mechanical street cleansing operation to five days to allow staff to be redeployed as extra recycling services are introduced.
It also includes keeping two household waste sites – a replacement for Bowling Back Lane, and a further waste site at Sugden End in Keighley – and maintaining the same level of ward officers in each neighbourhood area.
New additions also include a boost to the district’s economy, skills and employment, through £1.25m for advanced skills training and support and £250,000 to provide improved opportunities for young entrepreneurs, as well as the creation of a £200,000 sponsorship fund for events and activities that attract visitors and promote the district.
Furthermore, £40,000 of funding would be found to deliver a City Run in Bradford and £130,000 towards events associated with the Tour de France coming through the district in 2014.
Extra money would also be earmarked for highways and footpath maintenance and to promote improved road safety, as well an investments to be made in existing allotments in the district.
Coun Green said a £2.1m contribution from the Schools Forum to help Early Years Services deal with Government cuts to the Early Intervention Grant would be accepted. This follows proposals that much of the reduction of £7.5m in the Early Intervention Grant used to fund children’s centres and early years be absorbed by making savings in other services.
A final decision will be taken on the budget at a special meeting of the Council on Thursday.
Comments(65)
Mik_e
says...
8:44am Tue 26 Feb 13
Why do we need them ?
What do they do to justify salary in the region of £150,000 ?
porkfat
says...
9:05am Tue 26 Feb 13
We need leaders who care about Bradford not about politics. Who understand where to invest money to get a good return. like the leaders of other northern cities who are still striving to create vibrant local economies through the hard times, while Bradford council moan, spend the money on their friends and hope they get their vote next time around.
This city is left with no hope until we get some vision and foresight leading the council not a muppet with an earring and tie-dye with no obvious business acumen or experience to make things happen.
Michael Manus
says...
9:25am Tue 26 Feb 13
Andy2010
says...
9:28am Tue 26 Feb 13
People dont mind paying when theres something to show for it but I honestly might as well pay my tax to Leeds council as I work there, shop there and entertain myself in the LS district as BD has nothing at all to offer
collos25
says...
9:53am Tue 26 Feb 13
Another Landless Peasant
says...
9:54am Tue 26 Feb 13
Another Landless Peasant
says...
9:57am Tue 26 Feb 13
angry bradfordian
says...
10:06am Tue 26 Feb 13
There are loads of items that are to be achieved by increased efficiency. There's stuff like buying gritting salt in bulk to make it cheaper and using less energy by switching lights off.
Nearly every activity with a saving has a comment saying 'no impact on services' so I have no idea why it has taken a budget cut for the council to decide to do things more efficiently.
angry bradfordian
says...
10:09am Tue 26 Feb 13
Another Landless Peasant wrote:It may come as a surprise to you, but there will be an awful lot of the general public who actually support a leaner public sector.
The Tories are dismantling our State and ruining the country. Stand up and fight the swine. CALL A NATIONAL GENERAL STRIKE !!!!!!
Remember, there are still approximately 10% more people working in the public sector than there were 15 years ago.
Albion.
says...
10:31am Tue 26 Feb 13
ews/story/2013-01-28
/councils-eric-pickl
es-council-tax/
This will have been a very skilful bit of work by David Green & Co. If it all works out.
Thee Voice of Reason
says...
10:42am Tue 26 Feb 13
We already know Keighley want to raise their part of the bill by 72%.
Also I see no mention of the union funding being cut, the labour council obviously don't want to rock the boat with the people who write them their cheques.
No doubt the top brass at City Hall will avoid taking expense or pay cuts.
Andy2010
says...
11:00am Tue 26 Feb 13
angry bradfordian wrote:he wont listen
Another Landless Peasant wrote:It may come as a surprise to you, but there will be an awful lot of the general public who actually support a leaner public sector.
The Tories are dismantling our State and ruining the country. Stand up and fight the swine. CALL A NATIONAL GENERAL STRIKE !!!!!!
Remember, there are still approximately 10% more people working in the public sector than there were 15 years ago.
Usual Labour drivel....because Strikes sort things out dont they....well maybe they had a little impact in 70's !!
Cut all Union Subsidies and no increase needed...there sorted
Avro
says...
11:59am Tue 26 Feb 13
What a sham of Council we have, the top honchos should be taking a 1.99% pay cut!
Avro
says...
12:03pm Tue 26 Feb 13
Mik_e wrote:More importantly how does he justify receiving such an amount?
Massive savings could be made by making redundant the Chief Executive & senior officers from the council.
Why do we need them ?
What do they do to justify salary in the region of £150,000 ?
What has he done for this city other than plant a pond and watch the decline of the city centre!
Apollo
says...
12:30pm Tue 26 Feb 13
That is what I object to having my money spent on.
Another Landless Peasant
says...
12:38pm Tue 26 Feb 13
Stevie-C
says...
12:44pm Tue 26 Feb 13
Andy2010
says...
12:46pm Tue 26 Feb 13
Another Landless Peasant wrote:On the Back to Work Program....no I dont. I dont object to Labour selling us down the river with illegal wars, EU, Union Subsidies, deregulating the City, mismanaging the nations finances, supporting foreign dictators and propping to fat cats costing us trillions though
It's funny but just a couple of days ago on a previous post you stated that you did not mind the Tories wasting Billions of your tax money, "I don't care how much it costs"...I wish you'd make your mind up!
your point?
Gabbysgran
says...
1:03pm Tue 26 Feb 13
allannicho
says...
1:19pm Tue 26 Feb 13
All should be "Independents" with their
voters uppermost in their minds not following the Party Line?
Gabbysgran
says...
1:58pm Tue 26 Feb 13
Another Landless Peasant wrote:Typical leftie - the trouble with lefties is that they soon run out of other people's money!
There is no one to blame for this but the Tories, who are making things impossible for Local Government with their totally insane brutal spending cuts. Get them out at the next election, if not sooner!
The Hoffster
says...
2:05pm Tue 26 Feb 13
I've heard him speak and he can barely string a sentence together.
How the hell did he become Council leader?
Surely one would have thought a degree would be the absolute minimum?
Prisoner Cell Block A
says...
2:32pm Tue 26 Feb 13
Andy2010 wrote:The bin men in your area may be excellent, they aren't worth the content of my bin round my way. Cannot decide which day to come, sometimes Thursday morning, sometimes Friday afternoon, which means we have a street full of bins for 2 days many weeks, that is if they come at all which has been hit and miss so far this year.
I wouldnt mind raises in council tax if I was getting something in return. I'll give them their due the binmen are excellent and realise the tax goes to other things but the totally idiotic council have given nothing to improve the city whatsoever. Wheres the shops, business, jobs and improvements on the general centre and surrounding districts? And before anyone says "City Park" apparently that was funded from the sale of the Airport not from taxation.
People dont mind paying when theres something to show for it but I honestly might as well pay my tax to Leeds council as I work there, shop there and entertain myself in the LS district as BD has nothing at all to offer
Also, it isn't like the bin job is difficult any longer, pull from kerb to back of van, let van lift, tip, push bin back to kerb.
Not like the 60s and 70s when I grew up and the lads could eb seen with a zinc bin over each shoulder, running up and down paths. Needless to say they got tips. The tip my binmen get is do the job and do it right and on the right day, manage this for 2 years with no break to the pattern and I may give you a fiver to share.
No gritting ever done on my street.
Street light which has been flicking on and off for 8 months, still no attention after numerous calls and job logs.
Hazardous parking which we are still waiting for yellow lines to be put down for, once again, ongoing for a matter of months, told funding is allocated, no sign of a single line, never mind double and yellow.
Thee Voice of Reason
says...
3:34pm Tue 26 Feb 13
BD16
says...
4:02pm Tue 26 Feb 13
Another Landless Peasant wrote:You've been on strike for years already.
The Tories are dismantling our State and ruining the country. Stand up and fight the swine. CALL A NATIONAL GENERAL STRIKE !!!!!!
The Hoffster
says...
4:22pm Tue 26 Feb 13
Prisoner Cell Block A wrote:Whereabuts do you live, P?
Andy2010 wrote:The bin men in your area may be excellent, they aren't worth the content of my bin round my way. Cannot decide which day to come, sometimes Thursday morning, sometimes Friday afternoon, which means we have a street full of bins for 2 days many weeks, that is if they come at all which has been hit and miss so far this year.
I wouldnt mind raises in council tax if I was getting something in return. I'll give them their due the binmen are excellent and realise the tax goes to other things but the totally idiotic council have given nothing to improve the city whatsoever. Wheres the shops, business, jobs and improvements on the general centre and surrounding districts? And before anyone says "City Park" apparently that was funded from the sale of the Airport not from taxation.
People dont mind paying when theres something to show for it but I honestly might as well pay my tax to Leeds council as I work there, shop there and entertain myself in the LS district as BD has nothing at all to offer
Also, it isn't like the bin job is difficult any longer, pull from kerb to back of van, let van lift, tip, push bin back to kerb.
Not like the 60s and 70s when I grew up and the lads could eb seen with a zinc bin over each shoulder, running up and down paths. Needless to say they got tips. The tip my binmen get is do the job and do it right and on the right day, manage this for 2 years with no break to the pattern and I may give you a fiver to share.
No gritting ever done on my street.
Street light which has been flicking on and off for 8 months, still no attention after numerous calls and job logs.
Hazardous parking which we are still waiting for yellow lines to be put down for, once again, ongoing for a matter of months, told funding is allocated, no sign of a single line, never mind double and yellow.
Obviously not your exact location but what's the first part of your postcode?
damraf
says...
4:39pm Tue 26 Feb 13
damraf
says...
4:43pm Tue 26 Feb 13
Prisoner Cell Block A wrote:every bin collection has a set day so don't know why yours has 2 days. If your street is not on a gritting route why should it get gritted, the street light have you reported it or have you left it for someone else to do. you want yellow lines put down on your street, the residents must love you especialy when the council enforce them and you get a ticket every day
Andy2010 wrote:The bin men in your area may be excellent, they aren't worth the content of my bin round my way. Cannot decide which day to come, sometimes Thursday morning, sometimes Friday afternoon, which means we have a street full of bins for 2 days many weeks, that is if they come at all which has been hit and miss so far this year.
I wouldnt mind raises in council tax if I was getting something in return. I'll give them their due the binmen are excellent and realise the tax goes to other things but the totally idiotic council have given nothing to improve the city whatsoever. Wheres the shops, business, jobs and improvements on the general centre and surrounding districts? And before anyone says "City Park" apparently that was funded from the sale of the Airport not from taxation.
People dont mind paying when theres something to show for it but I honestly might as well pay my tax to Leeds council as I work there, shop there and entertain myself in the LS district as BD has nothing at all to offer
Also, it isn't like the bin job is difficult any longer, pull from kerb to back of van, let van lift, tip, push bin back to kerb.
Not like the 60s and 70s when I grew up and the lads could eb seen with a zinc bin over each shoulder, running up and down paths. Needless to say they got tips. The tip my binmen get is do the job and do it right and on the right day, manage this for 2 years with no break to the pattern and I may give you a fiver to share.
No gritting ever done on my street.
Street light which has been flicking on and off for 8 months, still no attention after numerous calls and job logs.
Hazardous parking which we are still waiting for yellow lines to be put down for, once again, ongoing for a matter of months, told funding is allocated, no sign of a single line, never mind double and yellow.
Yusef!
says...
5:26pm Tue 26 Feb 13
We need Boris not a bunch of muppets who'd never cut it in the real world!!
Avro
says...
5:26pm Tue 26 Feb 13
The Hoffster wrote:He has one....in bull sh*t
I want to know David Greens' qualifications.
I've heard him speak and he can barely string a sentence together.
How the hell did he become Council leader?
Surely one would have thought a degree would be the absolute minimum?
Cityman23
says...
6:20pm Tue 26 Feb 13
Another Landless Peasant wrote:Absolutely 'spot on.'
There is no one to blame for this but the Tories, who are making things impossible for Local Government with their totally insane brutal spending cuts. Get them out at the next election, if not sooner!
The Tories are the 'puppet-masters' in the Coalition govt. and of local govt. just now. The ruling Labour/Green council has already made massive cuts and with inflation running at over 2% costs are rising year on year.
It's easy to criticise local councillors and 'rubbish' their efforts to run things/provide services but many prefer NOT TO VOTE (at council elections turn-out can be as low as 2 out of every 10 of the electors voting ) and then complain later.
If you really think YOU could do better, why not join a party or stand as an 'indie'.
The truth is, central govt. has tied the hands of local politicians so they have NO ROOM FOR MANOUVRE.
Of course the Labour/Green ruling group don't want to raise taxes, which is unpopular and could lead to them losing seats. WHY WOULD THEY WANT TO?
But if you're looking for 'mismanagement' look at the 'real culprits'-The Coalition Tory-led administration which has made us all suffer 'Austerity' since they were elected for little/no gain.
Borrowing is UP!
Inflation is UP!
Youth Unemployment is UP!
Public Services have been cut!
GROWTH IS..NIL!!
Even Britain's 'triple A 'rating has been lost-the very thing Osbourne tried desperately to prevent.
The Tories -they pretend to be good managers of public finances, but they're usually BEST at making sure their friends BENEFIT MOST!!
Olivermac
says...
6:38pm Tue 26 Feb 13
The Hoffster wrote:Whould a degree make that much difference i dont think so look at what the present gov controllers have got in london Clegg /D.C /Boris/ and the rest they are all well educated and look at the mess they have made.
I want to know David Greens' qualifications.
I've heard him speak and he can barely string a sentence together.
How the hell did he become Council leader?
Surely one would have thought a degree would be the absolute minimum?
Lillian76
says...
7:32pm Tue 26 Feb 13
I don't remember any consultation, I certainly haven't had any letters or phone calls regarding this
RollandSmoke
says...
7:33pm Tue 26 Feb 13
Yusef! wrote:Oh yes Boris, now there's a truely grounded Bullingdon Club member. Unless we need someone to burn £50 notes in the faces of people made destitute by his fellow clubbers I can't see what use he would be. Care to enlighten me?
The council doesn't know it's arse from its face!!
We need Boris not a bunch of muppets who'd never cut it in the real world!!
BD16
says...
8:03pm Tue 26 Feb 13
Cityman23 wrote:Maybe you should take a trip down memory to 2010. Liam Byrne "Sorry there's no money left" The main reason we are in this mess is because the last administration spent all our money on wars and other useful things. Yes the bankers were responsible for the crash but those countries that have fared best since were those who had balanced the books in the good times rather than spending more that they earned at a time of record tax receipts.
Another Landless Peasant wrote:Absolutely 'spot on.'
There is no one to blame for this but the Tories, who are making things impossible for Local Government with their totally insane brutal spending cuts. Get them out at the next election, if not sooner!
The Tories are the 'puppet-masters' in the Coalition govt. and of local govt. just now. The ruling Labour/Green council has already made massive cuts and with inflation running at over 2% costs are rising year on year.
It's easy to criticise local councillors and 'rubbish' their efforts to run things/provide services but many prefer NOT TO VOTE (at council elections turn-out can be as low as 2 out of every 10 of the electors voting ) and then complain later.
If you really think YOU could do better, why not join a party or stand as an 'indie'.
The truth is, central govt. has tied the hands of local politicians so they have NO ROOM FOR MANOUVRE.
Of course the Labour/Green ruling group don't want to raise taxes, which is unpopular and could lead to them losing seats. WHY WOULD THEY WANT TO?
But if you're looking for 'mismanagement' look at the 'real culprits'-The Coalition Tory-led administration which has made us all suffer 'Austerity' since they were elected for little/no gain.
Borrowing is UP!
Inflation is UP!
Youth Unemployment is UP!
Public Services have been cut!
GROWTH IS..NIL!!
Even Britain's 'triple A 'rating has been lost-the very thing Osbourne tried desperately to prevent.
The Tories -they pretend to be good managers of public finances, but they're usually BEST at making sure their friends BENEFIT MOST!!
Maybe we could sell some off our gold reserves? Oh wait, we did that already. When the price was at an all time low.
No matter what your politics are the last thing this country ever needs is a labour chancellor. Prudent, don't make me laugh.
cockadoodledo
says...
8:04pm Tue 26 Feb 13
nabwood have been taken out.how can the councillors justify 28% rise in their expenses they voted for themselves?
The Hoffster
says...
8:20pm Tue 26 Feb 13
BD16 wrote:The Tories (when in Opposition) also supported Labours' wars, so not much difference there.
Cityman23 wrote:Maybe you should take a trip down memory to 2010. Liam Byrne "Sorry there's no money left" The main reason we are in this mess is because the last administration spent all our money on wars and other useful things. Yes the bankers were responsible for the crash but those countries that have fared best since were those who had balanced the books in the good times rather than spending more that they earned at a time of record tax receipts.
Another Landless Peasant wrote:Absolutely 'spot on.'
There is no one to blame for this but the Tories, who are making things impossible for Local Government with their totally insane brutal spending cuts. Get them out at the next election, if not sooner!
The Tories are the 'puppet-masters' in the Coalition govt. and of local govt. just now. The ruling Labour/Green council has already made massive cuts and with inflation running at over 2% costs are rising year on year.
It's easy to criticise local councillors and 'rubbish' their efforts to run things/provide services but many prefer NOT TO VOTE (at council elections turn-out can be as low as 2 out of every 10 of the electors voting ) and then complain later.
If you really think YOU could do better, why not join a party or stand as an 'indie'.
The truth is, central govt. has tied the hands of local politicians so they have NO ROOM FOR MANOUVRE.
Of course the Labour/Green ruling group don't want to raise taxes, which is unpopular and could lead to them losing seats. WHY WOULD THEY WANT TO?
But if you're looking for 'mismanagement' look at the 'real culprits'-The Coalition Tory-led administration which has made us all suffer 'Austerity' since they were elected for little/no gain.
Borrowing is UP!
Inflation is UP!
Youth Unemployment is UP!
Public Services have been cut!
GROWTH IS..NIL!!
Even Britain's 'triple A 'rating has been lost-the very thing Osbourne tried desperately to prevent.
The Tories -they pretend to be good managers of public finances, but they're usually BEST at making sure their friends BENEFIT MOST!!
Maybe we could sell some off our gold reserves? Oh wait, we did that already. When the price was at an all time low.
No matter what your politics are the last thing this country ever needs is a labour chancellor. Prudent, don't make me laugh.
Cityman23
says...
9:27pm Tue 26 Feb 13
BD16 wrote:I would say the LAST thing this country needs is the CURRENT chancellor, a man who is so rich he doesn't need to worry, whilst at the same time he 'slashes/burns' and penalises the less well-off putting the economy through 'hell' these last few years and for what gain?
Cityman23 wrote:Maybe you should take a trip down memory to 2010. Liam Byrne "Sorry there's no money left" The main reason we are in this mess is because the last administration spent all our money on wars and other useful things. Yes the bankers were responsible for the crash but those countries that have fared best since were those who had balanced the books in the good times rather than spending more that they earned at a time of record tax receipts.
Another Landless Peasant wrote:Absolutely 'spot on.'
There is no one to blame for this but the Tories, who are making things impossible for Local Government with their totally insane brutal spending cuts. Get them out at the next election, if not sooner!
The Tories are the 'puppet-masters' in the Coalition govt. and of local govt. just now. The ruling Labour/Green council has already made massive cuts and with inflation running at over 2% costs are rising year on year.
It's easy to criticise local councillors and 'rubbish' their efforts to run things/provide services but many prefer NOT TO VOTE (at council elections turn-out can be as low as 2 out of every 10 of the electors voting ) and then complain later.
If you really think YOU could do better, why not join a party or stand as an 'indie'.
The truth is, central govt. has tied the hands of local politicians so they have NO ROOM FOR MANOUVRE.
Of course the Labour/Green ruling group don't want to raise taxes, which is unpopular and could lead to them losing seats. WHY WOULD THEY WANT TO?
But if you're looking for 'mismanagement' look at the 'real culprits'-The Coalition Tory-led administration which has made us all suffer 'Austerity' since they were elected for little/no gain.
Borrowing is UP!
Inflation is UP!
Youth Unemployment is UP!
Public Services have been cut!
GROWTH IS..NIL!!
Even Britain's 'triple A 'rating has been lost-the very thing Osbourne tried desperately to prevent.
The Tories -they pretend to be good managers of public finances, but they're usually BEST at making sure their friends BENEFIT MOST!!
Maybe we could sell some off our gold reserves? Oh wait, we did that already. When the price was at an all time low.
No matter what your politics are the last thing this country ever needs is a labour chancellor. Prudent, don't make me laugh.
'Austerity' has gained us NOTHING.
And though I was/am against ANY govt. taking us into unnecessary wars, (most are) there hasn't been much sign of Cameron reducing the 'involvement'-very much the opposite. And he just 'loves' selling weaponry in unstable countries!!
Yes, Labour allowed the 'markets to pretty much do as they wanted' (trusting they'd do the right thing and it would help most people in the long run-big mistake!!) but the Tories would have had even LESS regulation-it's anathema to them!!
As for 'gold'-yes, Brown could have made a better 'deal' but buying/selling in 'markets' is always risky-the price goes up..and down.
We can argue about PAST govts. till the cows come home- the Major govt. that spent £billions of tax payers money before pulling OUT of the ERM for instance or the Brown govt. that 'saved' the British economy and savers' savings buying the banks, but what's the point?
In politics it's always the 'here and now' that COUNTS because 'a week's a long time in politics'!!
arfoster
says...
10:17pm Tue 26 Feb 13
Bantamzen
says...
6:26am Wed 27 Feb 13
Cityman23 wrote:CityMan23 said, "I would say the LAST thing this country needs is the CURRENT chancellor, a man who is so rich he doesn't need to worry, whilst at the same time he 'slashes/burns' and penalises the less well-off putting the economy through 'hell' these last few years and for what gain?"
BD16 wrote:I would say the LAST thing this country needs is the CURRENT chancellor, a man who is so rich he doesn't need to worry, whilst at the same time he 'slashes/burns' and penalises the less well-off putting the economy through 'hell' these last few years and for what gain?
Cityman23 wrote:Maybe you should take a trip down memory to 2010. Liam Byrne "Sorry there's no money left" The main reason we are in this mess is because the last administration spent all our money on wars and other useful things. Yes the bankers were responsible for the crash but those countries that have fared best since were those who had balanced the books in the good times rather than spending more that they earned at a time of record tax receipts.
Another Landless Peasant wrote:Absolutely 'spot on.'
There is no one to blame for this but the Tories, who are making things impossible for Local Government with their totally insane brutal spending cuts. Get them out at the next election, if not sooner!
The Tories are the 'puppet-masters' in the Coalition govt. and of local govt. just now. The ruling Labour/Green council has already made massive cuts and with inflation running at over 2% costs are rising year on year.
It's easy to criticise local councillors and 'rubbish' their efforts to run things/provide services but many prefer NOT TO VOTE (at council elections turn-out can be as low as 2 out of every 10 of the electors voting ) and then complain later.
If you really think YOU could do better, why not join a party or stand as an 'indie'.
The truth is, central govt. has tied the hands of local politicians so they have NO ROOM FOR MANOUVRE.
Of course the Labour/Green ruling group don't want to raise taxes, which is unpopular and could lead to them losing seats. WHY WOULD THEY WANT TO?
But if you're looking for 'mismanagement' look at the 'real culprits'-The Coalition Tory-led administration which has made us all suffer 'Austerity' since they were elected for little/no gain.
Borrowing is UP!
Inflation is UP!
Youth Unemployment is UP!
Public Services have been cut!
GROWTH IS..NIL!!
Even Britain's 'triple A 'rating has been lost-the very thing Osbourne tried desperately to prevent.
The Tories -they pretend to be good managers of public finances, but they're usually BEST at making sure their friends BENEFIT MOST!!
Maybe we could sell some off our gold reserves? Oh wait, we did that already. When the price was at an all time low.
No matter what your politics are the last thing this country ever needs is a labour chancellor. Prudent, don't make me laugh.
'Austerity' has gained us NOTHING.
And though I was/am against ANY govt. taking us into unnecessary wars, (most are) there hasn't been much sign of Cameron reducing the 'involvement'-very much the opposite. And he just 'loves' selling weaponry in unstable countries!!
Yes, Labour allowed the 'markets to pretty much do as they wanted' (trusting they'd do the right thing and it would help most people in the long run-big mistake!!) but the Tories would have had even LESS regulation-it's anathema to them!!
As for 'gold'-yes, Brown could have made a better 'deal' but buying/selling in 'markets' is always risky-the price goes up..and down.
We can argue about PAST govts. till the cows come home- the Major govt. that spent £billions of tax payers money before pulling OUT of the ERM for instance or the Brown govt. that 'saved' the British economy and savers' savings buying the banks, but what's the point?
In politics it's always the 'here and now' that COUNTS because 'a week's a long time in politics'!!
Never a truer word said. Some of my family live in his constitution of Tatton in Cheshire, and you won't find a single one of them with a good word for him. Indeed, he is deeply unpopular with many residents there & they include amongst their numbers some very wealthy people who would normally be the core voters of the Conservatives. The general opinion of Osborne there is that he is a talentless, megalomaniac buffon.
As for the matter in hand, I could accept a rise in the council tax if that extra revenue was actually going to help rebuild this city's shattered economy. If it helped restarted the ever-stalled Westfield project, or were used to encourage new businesses & therefore jobs into the city centre then I would pay without protest. The trouble is that we all know that it will be squandered on their pet projects that will bring little or no benefit to the people of this city.
allannicho
says...
6:53am Wed 27 Feb 13
voting Lab/Con/Lib break-out
or they will continue to fool you.
allannicho
says...
6:53am Wed 27 Feb 13
voting Lab/Con/Lib break-out
or they will continue to fool you.
webshow
says...
10:02am Wed 27 Feb 13
Council workers are the highest paid staff in the region & we need to save money.
Why is no one conducting a march in protest?
Outraged English Subject
says...
10:09am Wed 27 Feb 13
arfoster wrote:Agree.
I'm really not sure which is the worst part of this "article". Is it that Bradford Council seems to be telling us that we should be grateful to them for suggesting an increase already declared as despicable by central government (Hopefully Central Government will follow through on their threats to penalise Councils who try to sneak in increases so close to the 2% cap), or is it that The Telegraph & Argus do not seem to have the backbone to challenge them? Whatever happened to investigative journalism? They should have the gumption to stop pretending to be impartial and just come out and declare themselves the private marketing department for Bradford Council (we could then also make more cuts and get rid of the marketing department that Bradford Council employs)!!!
sue775
says...
12:36pm Wed 27 Feb 13
Andy2010
says...
12:50pm Wed 27 Feb 13
sue775 wrote:They wont because the same muppets just vote for them at every election
i thought 1.99%rise in council tax was better than expected and could have been a lot worse. as long as it keeps front line staff where they are really needed. the people in top postions like directors assistant directors and then all there little managers,team leaders and so on really need sorting out as we dont need all these hangers on there is far too many chiefs at the council and my last words are to the councillors be careful we dont like what you do your out of there next election
Prisoner Cell Block A
says...
12:57pm Wed 27 Feb 13
damraf wrote:Why don't you read what was written?
Prisoner Cell Block A wrote:every bin collection has a set day so don't know why yours has 2 days. If your street is not on a gritting route why should it get gritted, the street light have you reported it or have you left it for someone else to do. you want yellow lines put down on your street, the residents must love you especialy when the council enforce them and you get a ticket every day
Andy2010 wrote:The bin men in your area may be excellent, they aren't worth the content of my bin round my way. Cannot decide which day to come, sometimes Thursday morning, sometimes Friday afternoon, which means we have a street full of bins for 2 days many weeks, that is if they come at all which has been hit and miss so far this year.
I wouldnt mind raises in council tax if I was getting something in return. I'll give them their due the binmen are excellent and realise the tax goes to other things but the totally idiotic council have given nothing to improve the city whatsoever. Wheres the shops, business, jobs and improvements on the general centre and surrounding districts? And before anyone says "City Park" apparently that was funded from the sale of the Airport not from taxation.
People dont mind paying when theres something to show for it but I honestly might as well pay my tax to Leeds council as I work there, shop there and entertain myself in the LS district as BD has nothing at all to offer
Also, it isn't like the bin job is difficult any longer, pull from kerb to back of van, let van lift, tip, push bin back to kerb.
Not like the 60s and 70s when I grew up and the lads could eb seen with a zinc bin over each shoulder, running up and down paths. Needless to say they got tips. The tip my binmen get is do the job and do it right and on the right day, manage this for 2 years with no break to the pattern and I may give you a fiver to share.
No gritting ever done on my street.
Street light which has been flicking on and off for 8 months, still no attention after numerous calls and job logs.
Hazardous parking which we are still waiting for yellow lines to be put down for, once again, ongoing for a matter of months, told funding is allocated, no sign of a single line, never mind double and yellow.
They choose which day they turn up, we don't have two collection days. Thus making it difficult to keep the street looking respectable and not like a green dalek convention for two days per week.
As also mentioned, "" Street light which has been flicking on and off for 8 months, still no attention after numerous calls and job logs. "
Yellow lines are a necessity as there is an old persons complex which has access blocked for emergency vehicles, nothing to do with my personal situation but care for others, the funds have been granted for this as the council also see it as hazardous and dangerous, seconds count in the case of a stroke or heart attack and as this is an old persons complex highly likely for either situatiuon to arise.
Please try read and digest what is written before forming ill thought ouyt and pointless responses.
Outraged English Subject
says...
1:17pm Wed 27 Feb 13
Wonders;
if that goes for the
"Mungo the Mad Voodoo Man of Mauritius."
Residents!
Prisoner Cell Block A
says...
2:38pm Wed 27 Feb 13
Don't know of the parking situation in and around Mauritius but if Mungo's dad is in a complex there and the access is blocked by people more interested in going to the gym in a car and stopping emergency vehicles gaining access to aged residents then, yes, it goes for him too. Just ask him not to rely on Bradford council to get their collective finger out of each other's b holes.
After all, he is the most relevant.
Outraged English Subject
says...
4:03pm Wed 27 Feb 13
"Mungo the Mad Voodoo Man of Mauritius."
“of Mauritius”!!! not in Mauritius.
I don’t know him so can’t ask him anything, you’re the one who was taking about him.
Prisoner Cell Block A
says...
4:56pm Wed 27 Feb 13
Mungo has returned so neither of us can ask him now, should I have reason to speak to him in the future I shall ask how the parking is round his area and update you.
Outraged English Subject
says...
4:59pm Wed 27 Feb 13
Way too much information; imo, just saying.
Shelfrhino
says...
6:27pm Wed 27 Feb 13
Until then, expect more of this.
Gabbysgran
says...
8:50am Thu 28 Feb 13
Another Landless Peasant wrote:Landless - do you actually have a job? How will calling a General Strike help our country?
The Tories are dismantling our State and ruining the country. Stand up and fight the swine. CALL A NATIONAL GENERAL STRIKE !!!!!!
Gabbysgran
says...
8:53am Thu 28 Feb 13
Shelfrhino wrote:Absolutely spot on Rhino! 100% agree
The sooner we get a strong right wing government who will stop handing out OUR money to all the lazy scroungers and put a stop to giving out OUR money to any sponging country who come with the begging bowl. Until then, expect more of this.
allinittogether
says...
10:09am Thu 28 Feb 13
Shelfrhino wrote:So will your strong right wing government put a stop to scrounging companies paying such low wages that their staff need tax credits?
The sooner we get a strong right wing government who will stop handing out OUR money to all the lazy scroungers and put a stop to giving out OUR money to any sponging country who come with the begging bowl.
Until then, expect more of this.
Will it ensure corporations pay their taxes?
They are the real spongers of this country not the poor, disabled and unemployed.
Andy2010
says...
10:42am Thu 28 Feb 13
Gabbysgran wrote:Here here
Shelfrhino wrote:Absolutely spot on Rhino! 100% agree
The sooner we get a strong right wing government who will stop handing out OUR money to all the lazy scroungers and put a stop to giving out OUR money to any sponging country who come with the begging bowl. Until then, expect more of this.
Prisoner Cell Block A
says...
12:18pm Thu 28 Feb 13
Outraged English Subject wrote:There is no personal info of mine on here Sir, you will also notice I declined to respond to the postcode request.
In conclusion you should be more restraint on the personal information you publish on this unsecure forum especially when you knowingly have persons asking you for your postcode.
Way too much information; imo, just saying.
I work in data ops, specifically DPA and consumer security, any info I do place on here is likely to be misinformation as I rarely take the comments section seriously, nor do I often comment in seriousness, more to be 'outrageous' or devils advocate.
One of the reasons I was surprised when you were so 'upset' I wasn't really trying to annoy or disturb you, we may differ opinions but I'd never attempt tpo 'shut you up' or close your right to reply down.
:)
Outraged English Subject
says...
1:01pm Thu 28 Feb 13
Gypsy Wolf
says...
9:11pm Thu 28 Feb 13
allinittogether wrote:Absolutely right here. Rhino is just typical of the misinformed idiots who think that all people on benefits are lazy scroungers. Well, wise up mate, I worked for over 25 years before I lost my job due to ill health and I am still looking for another job. Your ignorant attitude really P's me off.
Shelfrhino wrote:So will your strong right wing government put a stop to scrounging companies paying such low wages that their staff need tax credits?
The sooner we get a strong right wing government who will stop handing out OUR money to all the lazy scroungers and put a stop to giving out OUR money to any sponging country who come with the begging bowl.
Until then, expect more of this.
Will it ensure corporations pay their taxes?
They are the real spongers of this country not the poor, disabled and unemployed.
And yes, the rise in council tax will affect me as, thanks to our wonderful council, I am now having to pay 25% of my bill from a basic benefit of £65 a week.
joblot
says...
2:59pm Fri 1 Mar 13
joblot
says...
2:59pm Fri 1 Mar 13
Not so simple
says...
9:44pm Sun 3 Mar 13
Sack the lot of the people connected to the Council.
You have now saved tons of money.
You now have progress!
Not so simple
says...
9:46pm Sun 3 Mar 13
Bradford Council STINKS
Outraged English Subject says...
8:21am Tue 26 Feb 13