Blog Posts

  • Members allowances

    Much has been said about the members allowance debate. It is worth just laying out a few points to reflect on. The rules state that our allowances have to be looked at at least every four years by an independent panel. We are overdue. This does not deal with inflation but is expected to give… Read more

  • Friday

    Friday started at 0730 preparing for a meeting at 0800 to  review progress on reducing the overspend in adult social care. This was followed by a meeting with the chair of the Police Authority to discuss a range of issues including the transition from Police Authority to the new Police Chief. I then  had a… Read more

  • Wednesday

    Up early to be at the BBC radio Cambridgeshire studios for 0750 to talk about the allowance for members. Then back for a 0900 final budget prep meeting before the budget workshop at 1000. This is a really important workshop where politicians and officers thrash out some of the detail around the budget and key… Read more

  • Tuesday – full council

    The day started at 0800 with preparations for full council. I attended the official pre – council briefing at 0930 before entering the chamber at 1030. There were reports from the police and fire authorities, 8 motions and the independent recommendations on members allowances. The debates were mostly good. I was pleased to see three… Read more

  • Monday – early start

    Monday had me in the office at 0745 preparing for my first meeting at 0830. This was to discuss some possible EU funding. EU money is public money and needs to be considered carefully before drawing down like all money. Some more flesh on the bones required. At 0900 I met with officers to discuss… Read more

  • Friday – South African High Commissioner, Integrated Highways Management and Conservative group meeting

    In Shire Hall we have some very neat kit. The traffic management dept is full of screens and online maps plotting traffic activity, monitoring the guided busway and managing incidents. Unsung heroes who keep our roads flowing as best as is possible. When accidents happen they work with the police to minimise the chaos. Great… Read more