AT THE last full council meeting, Conservative councillor Barry Johnson asked Leader John Kent to give an assurance that monies would be put back into reserves. (This was the Tory policy before they were ousted). Cllr Kent said he could not give that assurance.
The Tories fear that Labour will leave the reserves perilously shallow and should some financial disaster, penalty or circumstance hit the council, then, according to cllr Johnson, the council would be somewhat vulnerable.
Cllr Johnson clearly feels strongly about this. His partnership as a Portfolio Holder with Corporate Director Sean Clark was one that was blossoming and gave the impression that after years on choppy waters, the council’s economy was back in calmer, more certain waters.
The biggest part of that new strategy was building up the reserves. Barry believes John Kent is being short-sighted and that the people of Thurrock will suffer in the long run.
Oh come on I am not a Labour fan but we do need to remember the Tories have plundered the reserves over the past six years.
There are massive challenges to be addressed and both sides need to take responsibility for recognising there are no easy answers and shooting at each other as they win and lose power is insulting!
It would be easy to bring up the subject of the deficit last year £8m but the tasks which lie ahead for this Borough’s administration need cooperation.
a, Education improvements
b. Port at Shell Haven being managed properly in terms of infrastructure
c. Jobs creation – little progress on the 26000 jobs.
d. Housing – fighting the easy option to use Greenbelt.
e. Community Cohesion – dealing with diversity and supporting Community Forums.
f. Making Grays a hub of Activity Work / Community / Pleasure not a Ghost Town as it is now.
g. Setting a Council Tax rate which may have to increase to cover depreciation / investment. The deficit last year shows how 10 years of mis management has left the Council’s bear.
If cooperation is not feasible then Unitary Thurrock may end up like Doncaster – out of control and in the hands of Regional / National Govt.