Paul Crossley

In Bristol yesterday we were visited by a parliamentary scrutiny panel investigating local government in the South West for the white paper. Five MPs chaired by Phyllis Starkey with Clive Betts and John Cummings from Labour John Pugh for the Liberal Democrats and Paul Beresford for the Conservatives. Phyllis was a very effective chair and the panel listened carefully to our views. At our meeting they were listening to the views of the West of England Partnership - a partnership of the 4 unitary authorities that used to be Avon and social and economic partners from the subregion at this meeting represented by the University and Health sectors. Our message was clear we do not want another layer of elected representatives such as an elected Mayor and Cabinet for Avon. We do wish to be allowed to develop further our partnership approach which is building up trust in our area and also delivering on the Government's agenda. The Bristol region of UK plc is one of the main economic drivers for the country and it is important to continue the success.

Our challenge is delivering sustainability whilst maintaining our position in the UK league table and increasingly comparing ourselves to regions around Europe. Our big issue is affordable house prices either for purchase or rent (social and private).

I am hoping that with the transfer from Milliband to Kelly these possible changes will be kicked into the long grass. It wastes money. Avon was an unpopular County and so it was possible to change to unitary. However Counties such as Wiltshire and Somerset have huge emotional attachment. Just look at the Health service level of change and its easy to see how money is wasted on change rather than on improving and providing service.

Does anyone else have acronyms for their area. Our four authorities are known as CUBA - Councilsthat Usedto Be Avon. Also for Bath and NE Somerset and North Somerset UAs we now have a second nationality - BOSNIA - Bits Of Somerset Not In Avon - who dreams these things up

My end of May mileage totals - my car 225 and my wife's car 793 - total 1018 = carbon offset 0.33 tonnes - offset fine = £2.51 www.climatecare.co.uk . This gives a running total for the year to date £5.91 - so a cheque will defineately be on its way at the end of next month.

Our temporary SLOWDOWN sign in Southdown Road is working well and proving very effective. Already lots of residents are asking me to make it permanent.

Today a trip to London for a meeting on the LGIU and IDeA mentoring scheme. I am a mentor and have been mentoring colleagues at Lincolnshire CC. This meeting was to discuss the progress of the scheme and see if things need improvement or change in the light of experience.

Today for the first time this year I went for a train that was cancelled. The next was also 10 minutes late. Just so regular readers know I do not always praise the train in my BLOG.