Today was Cabinet. A full agenda with 19 items on it, some very significant to the people of Cambridgeshire. The debate amongst Cabinet was good but ………. Where were the usual questions and requests to speak from the Lib Dems? Is there a trend developing that they are not engaging at all? Apart from a… Read more

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

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

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 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