Blog Posts

  • Wisbech – Cabinet to be held there

    Since becoming Leader I have pledged my support for our deprived areas. We have a number of them spread all over the county and it really isn’t acceptable. Wisbech has some particularly challenging issues and often feels a long way from Shire Hall. I want to raise the profile and promote the positives of Wisbech.… Read more

  • Council – prayers banned – not yet they are not

    I have a great respect for our judicial system but sometimes …………… some decisions seem bonkers. Given all the difficulties this country faces having judges time tied up with wrangles over whether it is legal for a council to hold prayers seems daft. If anyone is offended by prayers they don’t have to listen or… Read more

  • Budget – Q and A

    General – Questions and Answers Council Tax increase How can increasing council tax mean that Cambridgeshire residents are better off? Let me make this clear. I believe in the Government’s policy of keeping taxes low. But Cambridgeshire is already a low tax authority which has a below the national average funding. This year’s “Pickles Promise”… Read more

  • Who thought of Chesterton Station?

    Following last week’s ribald exchange at Cabinet, I asked for the history on this. Here’s what was found: “In 1987 the County Council commissioned Messrs TPA to undertake a review of rail services in Cambridgeshire with a view to assessing the potential for developing services and the introduction of new stations. The study report in… Read more

  • Facts and figures about councillors

    Some key metrics from the Local Government Group’s 2010 census of councillors. Of course this will include district, unitary and county councillors who all have hugely differing roles: 68.5% male 96.3% white 85.9% non-disabled Only 28% below the age of 55 47.2% retired Most councillors give around 16-20 hours per week 56% do other unpaid… Read more

  • Fulbourn – Opening of outdoor adult fitness equipment

    On saturday it was my pleasure to join with Tony Orgee and the Chairman of Fulbourn Parish Counci, Jo Patten, to open the new outdoor excercise equipment. As ever the hardworking Parish Clerk, Patricia Newman, was in attendence. http://fulbournpc.org/parish-council/parish-councillors/ This was the official opening so the kit had been in use for a short while… Read more