Report from the District Councillor

Licensing:

Gambling Act 2005: We completed the deliberations on Alcohol Licensing for premises in Mid Suffolk during 2006 and have now adopted regulations under the Gambling Act for similar licensing of Gambling premises such as Adult Gaming Centres, Casinos, Bingo establishments, Betting Premises etc.

Planning:

Snoasis: The District Council gave a “minded to approve” decision on Snoasis in 2006 with an expectation that the Government Office – East of England would call it in. That call in came in the autumn of last year and now in April 2007 the enquiry still winds on! We are told that a decision is likely around the end of 2007, but the bone of contention for the D.C. is the requirement that it bears the cost of the enquiry. This may well run to some £½ m. and seems grossly unfair for the Council Tax payer of Mid Suffolk!

Vanguard: Our planning department fell seriously short of perfection during 2006 so consultants, Vanguard, were called in to sort it. They have completed their work, installing new systems and things are vastly improved. Not yet perfect, but much better.

Affordable Housing: We are pleased to now have the opportunity to insist on as much as 35% of affordable homes in larger developments in the District. This will hopefully assist us address the considerable shortfall in affordable housing for the younger generation.

Nuclear Energy:

The Liberals attempted to impose a debate about new build Nuclear Power Stations, looking to resolve to join “The Nuclear Free Local Authorities” and declare Mid Suffolk opposed to any attempt to build a Sizewell C. Supporters of nuclear power pointed out the dangers of remaining at the mercy of Russia and the Middle East in respect of Gas and Oil imports and the motions were rejected largely on the grounds that the debate was premature.

Waste Collection Contract:

The decision was taken in the interest of “economies of scale” to enter into the new Waste Contract in conjunction with Babergh. This has proved to be a money saving move with a jointly managed depot for the trucks forming part of the 14 year contract.

Leisure Contract:

A ten year contract has been successfully negotiated with Sports & Leisure Management Ltd to manage the Leisure Centre in Stowmarket and the Pool at Stradbroke. An £800k refurbishment programme was carried out by them as a starter, to be followed by major refurbishments of various areas including fitness suite, dance studio, swimming pool changing areas, café and Playworld reception. The work has been carried out to a very high standard and the Council saves money, so a successful outcome can be reported.

Local Authority Reorganisation:

The government have again offered the opportunity for L.As to offer themselves as Unitary Authorities and Ipswich B.C. has made a bid. We, in conjunction with the other District Councils and Suffolk County Council have decided to go for the alternative of Pathfinder status, whereby a much closer working relationship will be developed between us, removing duplication and merging many of our “back office” services. We are opposed to Ipswich’s submission and think they are too small (120,000) to be successful.

Budget & Council Tax:

Next year’s revenue budget is £10,816,666 and will include a Council Tax contribution of £4,675,689 which equates to an increase of 3% compared with last year. The balance comes from the government’s rate support grant + a proportion of the business rates raised in the District being returned to us.

The Future:

You may already know that I am not standing for re-election in 3 day’s time to the District Council. This is for two reasons. Firstly, my right hip joint continues to wear away and precious little cartilage remains. Canvassing would therefore be a non-starter as walking any distance is rather painful and secondly, my work as a County Council portfolio holder is very demanding of time, so I really haven’t time to do both. You have two candidates to choose from and it would be inappropriate for me to comment on which of them should be your choice. I am pleased to say that my hip operation is scheduled for 4 weeks time, so I may soon be out of my agony and walking easily again. I thank you for your support during this term as your District Councillor and find it difficult to believe it is 26 years since I first became Debenham’s District Councillor!

Eddy Alcock………………………………District Councillor’s Annual Report to Debenham Ward Parishes