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Parish Records
Presented at the Annual Parish Meeting on Wednesday 11th May 2011
Chairman’s Annual Report 2010-11
Presented at the Annual Parish Meeting on Wednesday 11th May 2011
The past year can probably be described as “what might have been has not happened” and this applies to the threats and the opportunities. In spite of that your councillors have had to keep on top of the changes, delays and consultations that have arisen both from national and local government sources. I must thank my fellow councillors for their diligence in seeking to deal with these issues.
As the year started there was a “no decision” on Boundary changes leaving the local authorities left to sort it out but with the change in leadership at national level this paled into insignificance with the Government declaring that far more decision making was to be made at local level rather than at national and regional levels. These statements have caused policy makers at both Ipswich Borough Council and Suffolk Coastal District Council to look again at Local Development Frameworks (LDFs) to reassess projections for sustainable growth and likely housing needs in future years. The Ipswich LDF due to be examined in public by an independent Inspector last summer but this has now been modified with the examination due to start next week. Your council will be represented as they have commented on the strategy and have expressed concern over the need to develop on what is known as the Northern Fringe between Westerfield Road and Henley Road north of Valley Road. If the need to develop in this area in the long term is proven then sufficient safeguards must be incorporated to provide east-west transport links in Ipswich so that further traffic does not affect the roads in the village. It is also important to maintain the green space between the village and the built up area of Ipswich.
The Suffolk Coastal LDF has also been delayed, not only by the changes noted above but also by a challenge on environmental grounds over the threats to wildlife habitats from increases in population. The original draft had little effect on Westerfield and it is unlikely that this will change but further details are not yet available.
Last May we were awaiting the results of an appeal by Mersea Homes against the rejection of their Planning Application for the land in Ipswich adjacent to Westerfield Road. The Inspector confirmed the rejection and indicated that one of the reasons for coming to this conclusion was that the developers did not allow sufficient green space between the built environment of Ipswich and Westerfield. The strength of opinion in Westerfield demonstrated by the Parish Plan was instrumental in gaining this decision.
The Parish Council are consultees to many policy documents during the course of a year. At first many appear to have little relevance to our village but they have to be read and although time consuming it is important that legislation is not made without due consideration. Examples of this are a Climate Change Survey and a consultation on Air Quality Management. Both important but needing expert analysis to complete and likely to have little effect on a small community with limited resources.
Of more concern to residents are overgrown hedges, drainage, street lighting and pedestrian safety. Cleaning footpaths, trimming overgrowth and maintaining drainage are all highway authority tasks that have been subject of complaints and although some have been attended to, the County Council does not appear to have the resources to meet the standards some people expect. This is unlikely to improve with the County Council having to cut expenditure in so many ways and it is suggested that within the concept of localism local parishes might be able to take on these tasks. What is not clear is whether funding will be available and, if so, would it be sufficient.
Since last July we have been expecting the start of traffic calming measures in Lower Road and Church Lane. The village gateway signs are under construction and after surface dressing in Lower Road (scheduled for June 13th) the edge of running lane white lines will be laid along both roads. The County Council as Highway Authority has still not approved priority build outs although they have provided detail designs as a possible method of reducing traffic problems along these roads. It is a frustrating task trying to get agreement from two sections of the same authority.
The Community Speedwatch continues to operate successfully and there are now many more schemes operating throughout Suffolk. The equipment is available to us for three consecutive days every three weeks and the aim is to reduce the speed of traffic in the Village. To be totally successful there would be no speeding motorists to report and that would be excellent. Unfortunately, although there is a noticeable reduction in speed while we are operational we always have some motorists not prepared to take note of the speed restrictions in place. The Chief Constable follows up our reports. Westerfield now has six volunteers approved by the Police and would welcome further members to make maximum use of the equipment in the time available.
The failure of the Secretary of State to confirm the Order making Fonnereau Way a public right of way caused such concern that the Council were able to make objection to the modified Order by introducing fresh evidence of usage prior to 1949. Our thanks to those who contributed to this evidence and we now await further action on this matter.
The Council continues to be supportive of other organisations in the village and thanks them for organising events that enable residents to participate in activities in their own neighbourhood. The Events Group in particular are to be thanked for arranging social events that provide an opportunity for us all to mix and meet in a manner that does not happen in our normal routine lives.
Our meetings continue to be well supported by our County and District Councillors who try to keep us up to date in the rapidly changing policies of their councils that affect our services and the way we live. We also have visits from our Safer Neighbourhood Team at our council meetings and other activities in the village.
The recent elections saw the election of a new Parish Council and it is with regret that three of the former council were not standing for re-election. Caroline Pennington who was co-opted two years ago has found that increased current commitments prevent her from continuing while Dick Woodcraft and John Northfield both considered that they deserved retirement from there public duties. Dick has served the Council for the last four years as Vice Chairman while John has been a Council member for twelve years. They will all be missed but I am sure we will continue to see them involved in the village.
Last year I introduced you to the visit of “The Village Shop”. I am pleased that Damien is still visiting on Tuesdays (1.00pm Village Hall Car Park and 1.45pm Swan Car Park). Thank you to those who have used the mobile shop and to any others please support this initiative as even a little trade will help to maintain this service to the village.
Finally, thanks to all of our residents who support village activities and/or who help to keep our village clean and tidy by looking after frontages and open spaces. Thanks to those who volunteered for last weeks litter pick, it was good to see that we found less litter and rubbish than in previous years but there was still enough to remind ourselves that society generally could do better! Westerfield is a village to be proud of and we can all do our bit for the community and for each other.
Peter J Miller (Chairman)
Village Web-site
This can be found at www.westerfield-village.co.uk and contains details about village activities and a news section for current information. It is kept up to date by Val Byrne so please help her by forwarding anything of interest about the village and what is going on.
The number of hits being made shows that it is being read by many people, both local and from further afield.
Financial Report 2010/11
Income
The main Parish Council income came from the precept but other small items were received from recycling credits, VAT refunds, and a bursary towards my training to become a certified Clerk. This along with other criteria will hopefully enable us to achieve Quality status as a Council. We also thank County Councillor Peter Bellfield for a grant of £1000 from his Locality Budget made towards Traffic Calming costs in the village.
Expenditure:
There were two items of expenditure other than the regular administration and running costs normally incurred. Firstly, due to the amount of communication being received and forwarded electronically the Council have purchased a computer for my use on parish Council business. In addition to providing improved speed of use and communication there will also be better security for Council information. Secondly a start has been made on the traffic calming work and a transfer from reserves enabled us to make the first payment. The Council also made payments to Suffolk County Council for village street lighting costs and engaged contractors to make regular hedge and grass cutting visits to the Paddock. A grant was made to the Parochial Church Council to support their work in the village and the upkeep of some of the land around the church.
End of year balance
At the end of the financial year the total balance of the current account stood at £10813.64. Overleaf is a receipts and payments summary for the financial year 2010/11 for the revenue account and the reserve account
The coming year
The Council try to keep outgoings to a minimum but we are faced with increases in expenditure for the coming year. Traffic calming work should be financed from Council reserves that have been accumulated for this purpose but we have been notified of additional street lighting increases and there will be training requirements for councillors in preparing us for the challenges such as are likely to be encountered by the Localism Bill. We have therefore increased our precept for this coming year so that with our reserves being reduced this will hopefully enable us to cover any unexpected costs that may arise.
Kathy Broyde-Clerk/Financial Officer
Westerfield Parish Council Summary of Accounts for the year 2010/11
Total Funds Brought Forward from 2009/10
Revenue Account-2010/11 2904.72 Previous Year 3207.11
Reserve Account-2010/11 8800.00 Previous Year 6150.00
Total 11704.72
Revenue Account
Receipts
2010/11 Balance bf 1/4/2010 2904.72 Previous Year 3207.11
2010/11 Precept 7000.00 Previous Year 7000.00
2010/11 VAT Refund 184.85 Previous Year 229.80
2010/11 Recycling Credit 15.43 Previous Year 8.08
2010/11 Inland Revenue Incentive 0.00 Previous Year 75.00
2010/11 Bank Interest 5.21 Previous Year 4.93
2010.11 Village of the year 0.00 Previous Year 75.00
2010/11 NALC Bursary 100.00
Transfer from Reserves 1350.00
Total Receipts 2010/11 £11560.21 Previous Year £10599.92
Payments
Admin Costs
2010/11 Salary and travel 2029.30 Previous Year 1843.25
2010/11 Stationery etc. 387.71 Previous Year 338.86
2010/11 Audit Free 150.00 Previous Year 134.99
2010/11 Subscriptions 212.60 Previous Year 326.80
2010.11 Training 818.95 Previous Year 93.00
Running Costs
2010/11 Grass Cutting 655.00 Previous Year 700.00
2010/11 Street Lights 463.70 Previous Year 472.16
2010/11 Insurance 398.56 Previous Year 380.65
2010/11 Hall Hire 200.00 Previous Year 20.00
2010/11 Previous 274.00 Previous Year 268.24
Other Payments
Purchase of Computer 534.83
SCC re Traffic Calming 1350.00
2010/11 Grant to PCC 300.00 Previous Year 300.00
2010/11 VAT 421.92 Previous Year 167.25
2010/11 Transfer to Reserves 0.00 Previous Year 2650.00
2010/11 Total Payments/transfers 8196.57 Previous Year 7695.20
balance as at 31/3/2011 2010/11 £3363.64 previous year 2904.72
Reserve Account
Receipts
2010/11 balance bf at 1/4/2010 8800.00 Previous Year 6150.00
2010/11 by transfer from revenue account 0.00 Previous Year 2650.00
Total Receipts 2010/11 £8800.00 Previous Year £8800.00
Payments
2010/11 Transfer to revenue account 1350.00 Previous Year 0.00
Total Payments 2010/11 £1350.00 Previous Year £0.00
Balance as at 31/3/2011 2010/11 £7450.00 Previous Year £8800.00
Overall reconciliation
2010/11 balance of reserve account 31/3/2011 £7450.00 Previous Year £8800.00
2010/11 Balance of revenue account 31/3/2011 £3363.64 Previous Year £2904.72
Total balance carried forward to 2010/11 £10813.64 Previous Year £11704.72
Current Account Bank Balance as at 31/3/2011 £10813.64
Previous Year £11704.72
(above figures subject to audit as at 11th May 2011)
Westerfield Parish Council Planning Report for 2010/11
During the past year the Parish Council have been asked to express views on 12 Planning applications. Most of these apply to modifications to existing properties. In addition, Suffolk Coastal has also received details relating to conditions on previous Planning Permissions. The Parish are not consulted on these conditions. There is now little land available within the village envelope for further housing and if more homes in Westerfield are considered to be required in the future either the village envelope will need to be adjusted, or infill sites found in the clusters around the Level Crossing or in Lower Road.
April 2010 No C/10/0799 Mill Farm, Westerfield Road Propose Conversion and replacement of Farm Buildings etc. Parish Council Observation-Concern over need for more business units and safety of access to Main Road. Suffolk Coastal Decision Granted.
April 2010 No C/10/0992 Hurdle House, Station Cottages Propose Erection of rear Conservatory. Parish Council observation-No objection. SC Decision Granted.
April 2010 No C/10/0895 Briar Banks, Church Lane. Propose Erection of two dwellings. Parish Council observation-Express concern over safety of access arrangements. Suffolk Coastal Decision Granted.
April 2010 No 10/1086 Mill Farm, Westerfield Road. Propose Alterations in respect of change of use of barns. Parish Council observation-No objection. SC Decision Granted.
April 2010 C/10/1127 and 1128 Old Glebe House, Westerfield Road. Propose Extension linking buildings on east side. Parish Council observation-No objection. SC Decision Granted.
May 2010 No C/10/1148 and 1149 The Slade Westerfield Road. Propose Demolition of Porch, new rear extension and replacement of dormer windows. Parish Council observation-No objection. SC decision Granted.
May 2010 No C/10/1369 Pine Lodge, Westerfield Road. Propose Submission of details required by condition of permission C05/1157. Parish Council observation-Not consulted on details. SC Decision Compliance with condition.
June 2010 No C/101397 Willowdene, Lower Road. Propose Part paving front driveway. Parish Council observation-No objection. SC Decision Granted.
August 2010 No C/10/2091 Westerfield Bowls Club, Church Lane. Propose Erection of wooden shed with pitched roof. Parish Council observation-No objection. SC decision Granted.
September 2010 No C/10/2460 Briar Banks, Lower Road Propose Submission of details required by conditions of permission C/10/0895. Parish Council observation-Not consulted on details. SC decision Compliance with conditions.
October 2010 No C/102598 No 2 St Mary’s Way. Propose Single Storey Extension. Parish Council observation-No objection. SC decision Granted.
November 2010. No C/10/2854 Old Glebe House, Westerfield Road. Propose Internal alterations re new toilet facility. Parish Council observaion-No objection. SC Decision Granted.
December 2010 No C/10/3173 Kimberley, Swan Lane. Propose Erection of two bay Cart Lodge. Parish Council observation-No objection. SC Decision Granted.
February 2011 No C/11/0273 Westbrook, Lower Road Propose Removal of condition linking occupation of dwelling to small holding. Parish Council observation-No objection. SC Decision Granted.
March 2011 No C/11/0439 Land at Old Station Works, Westerfield Road Propose Submission of details required by conditions of permission C/08/0484 Parish Council Observation-Not consulted on details. SC Decision Compliance with conditions.
March 2011 No C/11/0482 The Slade, Westerfield Road Propose Clearance of condition 02 of permission C/10/1149. Parish Council Observation-Not consulted on clearance of condition. SC Decision Compliance with Condition.
March 2011 No C/11 0676 Annexe at Linden House, Lower Road. Propose Application for lawful development certificate for an existing use as a separate dwelling. Parish Council Observation-Not consulted on application. SC Decision Case not yet determined.
Reports from Village Charities
Bridget Collett Education Foundation Charity No 310435, Report for 2010/11
The Foundation supports, through its Trustees, the education of children and young people under 25 who, or whose parents are resident in the area of benefit and who are in need of financial assistance.
The Foundation submits a full report and accounts to the Parish Council each year. A copy of this report will be deposited with the Parish Council when it is published next month and this will be available for inspection on request.
David Brow
Westerfield Village Hall. Charity No 1086331, Report for 2010/11
Lettings for the past year have held up well, ensuring a healthy balance sheet at year end. On going maintenance has continued during the past year, the outside and some of the inside of the village hall has been repainted, shrubs have been cut back, a new light added to the outside of the hall, new taps fitted to the sink in the kitchen and a wasps nest was removed from the roof. An electrical safety audit was carried out and all systems were approved. Plans for this year include a new kitchen to be fitted in August.
The village website continues to be well visited with some 1880 hits in Jan-Feb 2011.
The AGM is being held on June 27th an 7.30pm in the Village Hall, followed by cheese and wine.
C Farrow
Westerfield Parochial Church Council Report April 2011
Westerfield Church is part of a benefice of three parishes – the other two being Tuddenhan and Witnesham. Since November 2010 we have been without a priest, following the retirement of the Rev. Sam Cowley. A farewell service and luncheon was held for him and his wife, Brenda, at the end of October to wish them well in his retirement.
Our Priest is part time and the diocese is advertising for someone to minister to the benefice and also to be part of the chaplaincy for the Waterfront Education Quarter in Ipswich. We have a ministry team of 2 Ordained Local Ministers (one to be fully priested in June of this year), 2 Lay Readers and an Elder, who are taking most of the church services in the 3 parishes between them while we are without a priest in charge. Where they are unable to cover we rely on retired priests to take services. There is a regular pattern of Sunday services at 11am and once a month an 8 o'clock service. An informal service is held most Wednesday mornings at 9.30 am.
There were two weddings, two baptisms and eight funerals during the past year as well as an affirmation of marriage vows and a service celebrating twenty five years of marriage. Advent and Lent courses were held in the Church Room for the benefice, which were well attended.
The Church continues to sponsor the scouts, holding a family service one Sunday a month which a number of them generally attend and a carol service specifically for them in December. We held our annual fete in September, which was well attended by villagers and other local people as well as Church members.
It is a sad reflection of the times that we had some lead stolen from part of the church roof early last year and again this year! We are considering replacing it with an alternative to lead!
On a more cheerful note NADFAS completed a survey of the Church and presented their report on this to the Church at a special service in October.
Reports from Parish Groups and Organisations
Monday Afternoon Art Club
The club continues to meet most weeks. There are currently 8 of us when all are present and new members would be most welcome. Our contact is Julia Woodcraft on 253532.
Bowls Club
Once again we had a very successful season producing mostly good results in local leagues. We had an enjoyable Christmas dinner at Greshams and over the winter months we had popular whist drives in the Village Hall supported by members and local residents and raising funds for the club. We also sadly lost our President during the winter, he will be greatly missed and we thank Claire who has given us a new set of scoreboards in his memory. Our team have worked tirelessly during the winter to maintain the high standard of our green which is admired by everyone and they have also erected a new tool shed paid for by a legacy from a former member. Looking forward to a good summer season.
Janet Davis (Secretary)
Coffee Morning
Held on Wednesday mornings from 10.00 till 11.30 there are normally between 20 and 30 who gather for a coffee and a chat. The proceeds of these mornings have over the last year allowed £435 to be given to the upkeep of the Village Hall. The morning market stall has varied produce and some days are selected to raise funds for other local charities.
Westerfield Events GroupWe had 2 events during the last year 24th July SOUNDS OF THE 50/60S event in the Church Paddock featuring “Bits & Pieces “and “Hasbeens”. Both groups performed without charge and we raised £500 towards new windows in the Church Room, £200 for Help for Heroes, and £100 to East Anglian Children’s Hospice. 30th April ROYAL WEDDING PARTY in the Village Hall. We had a lovely spread and excellent entertainment by ANNIE (a solo keyboard vocalist.)
FUTURE EVENTS – 7th July Cromer to see the End of Pier Show. 21st November Thursford to see the Christmas Spectacular Show.
Both these coach trips are full and we have started a waiting list.
Cynthia Reeve (01473 251843)
Westerfield and District Gardening Club Report
The club continues to be successful with active membership on the rise. The average attendance at the meetings is now around 35. Meetings are currently on the first Tuesday of every month in the Village Hall with the speakers covering interesting and varied gardening topics such as ‘growing vegetables’, ‘gardening design and architecture’ ,‘blooms of Bressingham’ and last month’s topic was ‘bulbs’.
The club also organise a number of trips throughout the year. Last year we went to RHS Wisley in spring, the Gardeners World show at the NEC in summer, and the gardens at East Ruston in Norfolk in the autumn. The next trip will be to Kew gardens in early July. All the trips are open to non members at no extra cost.
The club also has a couple of social events for members. Last summer we held a BBQ and our thanks go to Andrew and Monica Ford for hosting the event. This is also when we judge the ‘potato in a bucket competition’ to see who has the most spuds. We also had a Christmas party with a quiz.
The meeting times are set to change from next September so that we can have an earlier start. They will be on the first Wednesday of the month and start at 7.15pm.
Barry Reeve (01473 251843)
Mother’s Union - Westerfield Tuddenham & Witnesham Branch
Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month in Westerfield Church Room, starting at 2pm. Current membership is approx 20. The requirement for membership is baptism in the name of the Holy Trinity. The group is very active and covers areas from support for parenting groups, help and advice on family matters, domestic violence, work in prisons and holidays for less fortunate families to representation at the United Nations on HIV and overseas relief. New members are always welcome and details of the 2011 programme can be found on the westerfield village website. Branch Leader Ann Bennett 01473 785685
1ST WESTERFIELD SCOUT GROUP (www.westerfieldscouts.org.uk)
CUBS
Cubs are the second Scouting section & meet on Tuesdays in the village hall. We currently have 12 boys and girls aged 8 – 10.5. We have 2 leaders and can sometimes call upon CRB’d parents from time to time - ideally 3 is a comfortable margin to work with.
We follow the Scout Association’s programme for Cubs, but with flexibility of delivery by ourselves, according to local needs and resources. Our programme is balanced and provides youngsters with aspects of creativity, beliefs & attitudes, keeping fit and outdoor challenges including camping etc, awarded by badges. We meet with fellow leaders in the wider district and some events are specialised and shared, extending the skills & knowledge of both leaders and youngsters.
Cubs like to earn badges, either of their own interest, such as swimming or hobbies, or together as a pack, like the various challenge badges, such as outdoor, community etc. For our community good turn, in autumn, the cubs planted hyacinth bulbs in pots to distribute around deserving people identified by the Church Warden, in the village. Both children & recipients alike really enjoy this.
We’re very pleased to report that two of our Cubs have worked very hard & gained their Silver Chief Scout Award – a first for Westerfield Cubs.
The youngsters enjoy going to camp and we had one with the Scouts last summer and then with a few older ones in October. We have had an exciting district night hike around Otley, staying overnight in Otley village hall. Coming up, we have another big district camp in Chelmsford in May where the youngsters will be able to take part in lots of varied & exciting activities.
We’re happy to have more children join us, but even more importantly – we need more adult help, if anyone feels they could help, please contact us.
Joan Gibson, ‘Akela’, May‘11
SCOUTS
The Troop currently has Five Scouts and two Leaders. We are expecting three Cubs to move up in the next couple of months.
In June we entered two teams in the District Competition camp.
One Friday in July we went to Rede wood, Henley where Anthony Gibson (one of our Leaders) had arranged a challenge as well as a tour of the wood. There was also a joint Westerfield Cub / Scout camp at Boxford in July.
In October we ran a small survival type camp at Hallowtree. We set them the challenge of bringing their own food for the weekend, we provided supper on Friday and Saturday breakfast, it had to be dried or tinned – the sort of food that would keep for an emergency – and had to cost less than £7.50, then they cooked it in pairs on light weight stoves.
November was of course the District cooking challenge, held again at Kesgrave, this year we had one team enter and they came joint 2nd.
In December there was the Groups Carol service held in Westerfield church and we finished 2010 with a party.
February and we entered a team in the 'Orwell district' night hike (this was the District we at one time belonged to) and they managed to come third.
In March the troop visited the Observatory at Nacton, unfortunately due to the weather we were unable to see any stars, just got a close up of the Butt and Oyster at Pinmill. Early April and we held a photographic night which led to three of the Scouts gaining their photographers badge.
Just before Easter we held a weekend camp at Hallowtree where we were blessed with glorious weather. During the May bank holiday weekend one Scout joined the Kesgrave Scouts Cycle camp, when in the course of two and a half days they cycled from Bacton, Norfolk back to Kesgrave covering approximately 95 miles.
As you can see the Group as a whole is low on numbers and we are doing our best to attract new members but this is not helped by the fact the Beaver colony has been closed for over a year as we have not been able to attract new leaders. So can I take this opportunity to ask if anyone thinks that they know of anyone that could help please let us know.
Peter Runnacles, Scout Leader
Tennis Club report:
Another successful season in 2010, playing monthly from May to October.
It says a lot that we are into our 7th year now and it will be great if we can keep up the momentum. Membership has grown to a player pool of 16, and so confidence is high.
Bruce Doick (01473 252330)
Westerfield Horse Show
This year’s show is on Saturday June 25th going on all day from 8.30 in the morning. Handbills will be available at the gate giving details of the various events and stalls.
Our Charity this year is the East Anglian Air Ambulance who will be taking over the Tombola gift collection and stall on the day.
We much appreciate the input from Westerfield residents and are pleased to report that last year we were able to donate £2000 to St Elizabeth Hospice, £450 to East Anglian Air Ambulance and sponsored two of our team with £50 for their Ride in Jordan for Marie Curie Cancer Care.
Sylvia Partridge (01473 251582)
WESTERFIELD WOMENS’S INSTITUTE
The WI now has 41 members and with our president Kath Richards at the helm, and 6 committee members helping, we hold 11 meetings a year on the 2nd Thursday of the month, in the Village Hall.
In the past year we have enjoyed speakers on a variety of interesting subjects, such as the propagation of plants, St. John’s Children’s Home, Macmillan Cancer Support, Suffolk artists, pub signs, the highlands of Scotland and suffragettes. We were entertained at our Christmas party by the Coop Singers and we held another party at our birthday meeting in May 2010. A film of Westerfield events was shown and enjoyed at our annual meeting. We also had a successful summer coach trip to Holkham Hall in August.
Our umbrella organisation, Suffolk East Federation of WI’s, puts on events and courses which our members have enjoyed, such as flower arranging, a strawberry tea with poetry reading, a camera club and recently Lady Jill Freud gave a fascinating talk at a group meeting, which some of our members attended. We in Westerfield WI have a number of spin off groups, such as the WI choir, lunch club, poetry group and craft group, all of which meet regularly and are well supported. Our members continue to help out where we can at village events.
Jean Scruby, Secretary
County Council Report from Peter Bellfield for the year 2010/11
Local Government Review
Twelve months ago the uncertainty as to the outcome of the proposed Local Government review was still hanging over our heads. However the incoming government quickly made it clear that it would stop the process and that that there would not be any change in the system of local government in Suffolk, so after more than three years of uncertainty we could start to plan ahead.
Central Government Grant
In my report to you last year I warned that we were expecting that central Government would reduce its grant to local government which ever party won the general election, and our worst fears have been realised. Last autumn the coalition announced that the grant over three years would be reduced by 28%. As a result Suffolk County Council will have to reduce expenditure by between £120m and £145m over the next three years form a budget of a little under £600m per annum excluding education, which is ring fenced. We plan to do this in three steps, £40m plus in each of the first two years and £30m in the third year. How are we going to achieve this? Some of you may have heard of the New Strategic Direction whereby we propose to be a facilitator rather than a provider of services. This means that we will look to the voluntary and the private sector to provide the service with County Council continuing to ensure that the high standards that we have achieved are maintained. This is not new, almost half the road maintenance is undertaken for us by the private sector and 80% of adult care is performed for us by the voluntary or private sectors. In those areas where we have gone out to consultation already we have had many expressions of interest in taking over the services. Examples being Suffolk Traded Services (catering, cleaning etc.), parkland, libraries, crossing patrols, safety camera services, highway maintenance and County Homes for the elderly and we are looking at ways of coordinating the work of the two largest areas of expenditure, adult and children’s services into trusts.
While we hope that the New Strategic Direction will account for most of the savings in years two and three, it is unlikely to contribute to saving in year one (2011/12) because of the time it will take to implement the divestment of these services. Therefore, to balance the budget for this year we have had to make savings of £42m which is on top of the £70m or so that we have saved in the last five years. Of this £42m over £17m is derived from lower salary and wage costs, including staff as senior as director level. Efficiency savings have contributed to a substantial proportion of the balance, but regrettably we have had to reduce the level of service in some non statuary areas, notably the transport subsidy. The Burry Road Park and Ride is closing saving £200,000 out of the £650,000 subsidy we give to park and ride. Additionally a charge is now made to senior citizen bus card holders who will also not be able to travel free on ordinary buses before 9.30 am. We very much regret having to change the travel card arrangements but we are having to alleviate the anticipate cost, which is now the responsibility of the County Council and no longer the District Councils, which we estimate will be around £7m p.a. and which is no longer directly funded by central government. We have also had to reduce the subsidy to rural bus transport which has been costing £4 1/2m, but I am pleased to say that the weekday and Saturday services of the two major roots through my Division, 70 & 70A and 118 & 119 are almost unchanged.
Since the end of the last financial year we have had a change in the leadership of the Conservative Group and therefore of the Council. While this is unlikely to result in any major change in policy, because of the financial constraints we are facing, there is likely to be some tweaking of the policy as a result of the consultations which have taken place over recent months.
The bad winter weather.
On the whole the Council performed well with the clearing and gritting of priority 1 roads (A and B roads plus a few well used C roads) and in most cases priority 2 roads. Although winter came early, in November, and was particularly severe in December, to date the number of gritting runs at over 110 is slightly less than last year. We will be ensuring that all potholes are filled, although it will take time.
Council Performance
Last year I mentioned that the Audit Commission had said the Council was the second most financially efficient County in the country. The Commission is to be wound up and all measurement has been ceased by the Government which is pleasing because the amount of work required to produce the statistics was very costly even if it did show how cost effective we were as a council.
Pension Fund
As Chairman of the Pension Fund Committee I am pleased to be able to say that the deficit on the pension fund at its three year valuation, did not cause a rise in the employer contribution as far as the County is concerned This had been of great concern last year as brought out in the press. At least this is one piece of good news.
2011/12 Council Tax
Another piece of good news is that we have held the Council Tax at the level of last year. We have done this without assuming that we will receive a 2 ½ % grant for keeping the council tax low from central government.
Local Matters
Lastly I should like to remind all of you that I am always available if you should have any problem or need any help with the County Council. Just telephone me and I will come and see you as soon as possible.
Safer Neighbourhood Team Police Report
Last year there were 14 recorded crimes in Westerfield, compared to 15 the previously.
This is broken down into the following categories: -
Burglary (dwelling) 3. - Burglary (other building) 3. - Theft (other) 3. -
Theft (in dwelling) 1. - Criminal Damage (Other) 1. - Dangerous Dog (cause injury in public place) 1. - Malicious Communication 1. -
Produce Controlled Drug (Cannabis) 1.
How does this compare to other parishes in the Kesgrave & District SNT area?
Kesgrave – 394, Martlesham – 208, Rushmere – 122, Witnesham – 30,
Grundisburgh – 29, Tuddenham – 13, Lt Bealings – 13, Gt Bealings – 4,
Swilland 6, Playford –2, Culpho 3.
There were 838 recorded crimes in the whole of the Kesgrave & District SNT area, compared to 840 the previous year.
Speed checks have been conducted on Westerfield Road, Church Lane and Lower Road with a number of fixed penalty notices issued and cautions given.
The mobile police station continues to visit the village monthly and a few of the coffee mornings also attended.
Regarding theft of lead from the church roof, a security system demonstration was attended recently, and a report on this will be sent out to all the parishes in due course.
Debbie Howgego (PC 1469) – kesgrave.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk
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