£21.6 million has been spent on new equipment, software and consultants. Yet residents have had to spend hours trying to navigate the council’s website or waiting to be connected to the call-centre
There is a strong case for a larger proportion of the recently announced NHS money to be invested into preventative services.
They can serve as living proof that politicians are public-spirited individuals who wish to drive positive change for their communities.
Tourism is thriving but while the city looks forward, the council is stuck in the past – failing to manage its finances properly.
Many householders are sent threatening letters for money owed by previous occupants. Local authorities are among the culprits.
Our achievements include providing more school places and greater choice and independence for the elderly.
Too often local government lacks proper scrutiny. There is a closed-mindedness that ignores warnings and fails to consider long-term consequences.
It will be a strong voice for an area with a growing population. Providing new housing and infrastructure is essential for it to thrive.
Talk of being “cut to the bone” is nonsense. Here are some challenges councillors should be making about unnecessary spending.
It is true that financial pressures will increase. But the scope for reform and innovation remains huge. Services do not need to be cut.
Demands for billions of pounds for extra adult social care spending lack credibility given the continued profligate spending in our town halls.
The cap for triggering referendums must now yield to popular consent to pay more in local charges to improve local services.
The council is making great strides with our health and voluntary sector partners. But the barriers to innovation imposed centrally must be lifted.
Far from being a loss to the community they are more often derelict buildings and surplus land which can be used for housing.
There is also a lesson for councillors – to challenge their officials in making lazy choices when bids are put in for contracts.