News and Events in Taunton Deane
CONSERVATIVES FREEZE COUNCIL TAX FOR 2012/2013
10th February 2012
After much careful consideration Taunton Deane Conservatives have agreed to freeze council tax in the 2012/2013 budget.
Although an election promise made in the run up to the 2011 Borough elections Taunton Deane Conservatives had to no choice but to consider the possibility of increasing council tax to help the council maintain more of its services in the light of reductions in central government grants. Council leader John WIlliams said
“We reviewed our proposals after taking soundings of other Members and decided we must hold true to our community by not imposing an extra burden of council tax if at all possible.
“It was a particularly difficult decision because we have just been through a challenging budget setting process. The Council believes £2.1 million can be made through savings and income generation and so achieve a balanced budget.
“A budget gap reappears in future years which is why we considered a modest increase to help us plan forward. We listened and accepted the views of Members; they did not wish to see an increase in Council Tax during these difficult times, so this is our recommendation.
“The budget we have set focuses the savings on the process of running the Council and we have managed to retain the front line services that are so valued by all"
Deputy Leader, Cllr Mark Edwards said: “I proposed the freezing of council tax to my colleagues as it became clear this was the best for our community during these difficult times and I had their unanimous support.
“This has been the most difficult budget setting process I have ever been involved in, starting with a massive gap of more than £2.1million. However we have still managed to balance the budget in a robust manner and avoid any increase in council tax.
“I believe this is the right decision, despite the fact it will create more difficulty in setting future budgets as the gap will increase over the next few years. We will continue to work hard to minimise the impact on the community and deliver what they expect at the best value we can.”
The final decision on Council Tax will be made by Full Council on the 21 February, when all Members will have opportunity to consider the recommendation and vote.
11th August 2011
WELLINGTON COUNCILLORS 'PICK' THEIR WAY ALONG FOOTPATHS
Wellington councillors once again proved they are fully involved in their local community when they joined a litter pick organised by TDBC executive member Vivienne Stock-Williams.
After Wellington Town Council's Footpaths Committee identified a litter problem during recent footpath inspections, Councillor Stock-Williams organised a 'litter pick' to deal with one of the worst areas.
The litter pick was supported by Shaun Cregan and Paul Faterley of the DLO who provided rubbish sacks and litter pickers and who also joined in with the rubbish collection.
Councillors Janet Reed and James Hunt also joined the collection along with Wellington Town Council staff. Councillor Hunt said 'It's always good to get involved with community based activities. Our local walks are used frequently but often become blighted with unsightly litter. A litter pick shows that people care about their community, helps protect wildlife, and helps make our town look attractive to visitors'.
Local communities often organise litter picks or other similar action days. If you would like to get involved check your local papers and notice boards for notices of similar events in your area.
25th July 2011
ALL GO FOR THE GREEN FLAG AWARDS
Taunton Deane can boast some of the very best parks and open spaces in the country – and that’s official!
Today, Vivary, Victoria and French Weir Parks in Taunton, and Wellington Park will receive the Green Flag Award, a sign to visitors that the parks are well-maintained and well-managed, with excellent facilities.
And Swains Lane Nature Reserve in Wellington has again gained the Community Award after winning it for the first time last year.
The award-winning Taunton Deane parks are among a record number receiving the Green Flag Award this year, ensuring that even more of us now have access to well-managed, high-quality green spaces.
In 2011, 1,288 parks and green spaces will fly either the Green Flag or Community Award, a sign that the value of green space is widely acknowledged as vital to our communities.
Cllr Catherine Herbert, who holds the Council’s Sports, Parks and Leisure portfolio, said: “We are incredibly lucky in Taunton Deane to have such wonderful parks and green spaces. It is down to the hard work of our own staff and unwavering support from the many Friends and community groups that our parks have been recognised yet again.
“These spaces – green oases – are valued by so many in our community who appreciate their importance. They are very much alive – just think of our new play area in Vivary Park – and thriving.”
Phil Barton, Green Flag Plus Partnership chairman, said: “I would like to congratulate this year’s winners, who have worked hard throughout the year to keep their parks and green spaces at a high standard and ensure they are pleasant and enjoyable spaces for the whole community.
“The Green Flag Award Scheme, and its growth, is essential in driving up the standards of our parks and green spaces. Access to quality green space is something we all desire and the scheme plays a key role in providing it.
“In these challenging financial times it is heartening that the number of Green Flag
Awards continue to grow. As the value of green space and the role it plays in our communities strengthens, we must ensure these high standards remain.”
All award-winning sites now have the chance to receive a further award from the Green Flag Plus Partnership, the People’s Choice Award. This award is voted for by the public, so if you want to see your local park receive a national accolade as the people’s choice, then visit the Green Flag Award website now to register your vote.
27th June 2011
COUNCIL IN TUNE WITH COMMUNITY RADIO
Taunton Deane Borough Council is on the same wavelength as bidders hoping to launch a new community radio station serving the county town.
The Council is supporting the principle of a hyper-local news, views, comment and entertainment station – but is not favouring any single bid.
Ofcom, the regulatory organisation for communications in the UK, is inviting applications for licences in the South West with a closing date of July 21.
The Borough Council understands that at least three bids are being submitted to cover the Taunton area and is supporting the principle while not backing any single contender.
Community radio stations typically cover a small geographical area with a coverage radius of up to 5km and run on a not-for-profit basis.
A successful station – 10 Radio – has been set up in Wiveliscombe and has gone from strength to strength providing community programming for the rural area.
Borough Council Leader Cllr John Williams, Deputy Leader Cllr Mark Edwards, who also holds the communications brief, and Cllr Jane Warmington, responsible for Community Leadership, have met some of the applicants to learn of their plans.
Cllr Warmington said: “We don’t yet know when Ofcom will announce the successful bid but it will probably be in early autumn.
“The licence runs for five years and can be extended for a further five years – we just hope that one of the Taunton bids is successful.”
Hello and welcome
My name is John Williams and I am the leader of the Conservative group of Councillors on Taunton Deane Borough Council.
This web site exists to help us communicate with the people of Taunton Deane about what we are doing on their behalf and what we plan to do in the future.
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As the Conservative group is currently in control of the council we are going to try and keep you updated on Conservative and Council news and activities.
New this week:
Wellington Conservatives Pie & Pint Event
Wellington Councillors have just announced a local social events at the Wellington Conservative Club. A Pie & Pint night with skittles on 25th October 2011. To find out more follow the link.
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