Medway Matters February 28th 2014

I have become increasingly disillusioned with council budget meetings. No matter what is done to 'balance' the budget by the political party in power, while stiil trying to keep public support, at the end of the day we are going to feel the pinch.

Central government is putting more responsibility on councils while continuously reducing the money it gives them.

To add insult to injury, councils are also penalised if they try to raise the money themselves by increasing council tax, or they get criticised for 'hidden' revenues such as parking fees and fines.

I was disappointed this year that there was insufficient importance given to some services which affect our lives directly, such as environmental health and repairs to our roads and pavements.

We could also do with more planning enforcements against property-owners who allow derelict homes and empty properties to lower the appearance of streets and encourage anti-social behaviour.

At this month's budget meeting I registered a protest vote against the Conservative budget because of serious concerns about the re-grading of staff to change their terms of employment. With fewer staff, who have smaller budgets anyway, the council is at risk of losing those with years of experience who know the ropes.

Dispirited, overworked and disillusioned staff are less likely to be able to serve the residents of Medway in a timely and accurate manner, and more likely to make mistakes which cost the public and the council dearly, both in terms of money and publicity.

We only get what we pay for, so should we be willing to pay sufficient council tax to provide the services we want?