Comments on: Holdcroft says “we are left with no choice” as Southend Council hit by £1.4 million cuts

By: Rob

Rob — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 22:00:57 +0000

I have just been reviewing the council budget for 2010 – 2011, found on their website. “Budget_Book_2010-2011_for_upload.pdf”

Page 81 shows that capital spending for the Civic Centre was projected at £2M last year and was revised down to £1.4M

The budget for 2010/11 2011/12 and 2012/13 has not been kept in line with these. Rather it has been increased MORE THAN THREEFOLD. £5,000,000 for each of those years rising to £8M in years after that. What on earth is planned?

Is this really the time to be spending £5,000 per year on refurbishments?

By: Vicky

Vicky — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 19:19:04 +0000

As mentioned above, the conservatives in Southend council have voted to increase their allowances by £100 last night,which may not sound much but this vote took place at the same time as the agreements were being made to axe the following in Southend: Positive activities for Young people budget, help for children in care, Connexions, children’s mental health services and the Youth opportunity fund. I find it absolutely incredible that this Tory led council can dismiss our children in such a way whilst giving themselves a pay-rise. I wonder how Cllr’s Blaine and Burdett feel about their pay rise? as they’ve just been trying to promote themselves in my area of the Kursaal ward as advocates of young people! ??

Tomorrow the new Shoeburyness youth centre will be opened -the £3million pound venue was paid for by LABOUR’S MYPLACE Scheme and I’m saddened to hear that some individuals are trying to say it was lottery money that paid for it-it wasn’t!

By: David Carrington

David Carrington — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:11:47 +0000

Cllr Holdcroft claims he has no choice with regards to cuts, however, the Conservative group on the council had no problem choosing to vote against a proposal by Labour’s Cllr Stephen George to block the increase of councillor’s allowances by £100 each last night.

It’s a small amount in relation to the wider cuts, but it demonstrates the kind of choices that Cllr Holdcroft and his fellow Conservatives are prepared to make.

By: southend resident

southend resident — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 17:54:49 +0000

Having read the comment above by Judy McMahon, I and I’m sure many other residents of Southend will be waiting to see what action you do take Cllr Holdcroft to fight against the cuts to our much needed services. After all David Cameron has just given ‘the power back to the people’ hasn’t he? in this new ‘big society’ of his!. Please don’t assume that the public have any sympathy Cllr Holdcroft because at the end of the day as Ms McMahon has quite rightly pointed out- THERE IS ALWAYS A CHOICE-it just depends on how far your conscience will take you.

By: Judy McMahon

Judy McMahon — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 23:11:32 +0000

“We are left with no choice”
Really?
On Febuary 14th 2005, the Tory Cabinet, so distressed by the Labour government proposed cuts that seemed to threaten community facilities, it organised protest coaches to London.
The great and good lead by the Tory Mayor and Tory MP’s marched to Downing Street and handed in petitions to the then Prime Minister
So why not now? Is there really nothing you can do Cllr Holdcroft?
In 2005,the Tory administration demonstrated by this single action that it is able to articulate its concerns, so why not now?
The Tory administration surely should repeat this demonstration against the spending cuts, especially as it appears that the children and most vunerable in Southend will be grossly effected by these Coalition cuts?
If not what is it that stops you?
Is it that your previous protest had strong biase that was anti-Labour government rather than genuine concern for the community that you represent?
If not book that coach, stand up for the people of Southend, after all you now have the Liberal Democrates to make up the numbers.

By: tax payer

tax payer — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 21:36:10 +0000

I’m sure the ongoing digging up of trees and roundabouts will be unaffected by this news…. useless bunch