dorisenglish

Time approaching for the dreaded Council Tax decisions to be announced. The District council gets a lot of flack because it is the collecting agent for Parish, District, County, Police, and Fire Service. Please take the trouble to read the papers that will come with the next round of the Council Tax for 2008/9.  I will be pleased to have your comments. Not rude ones please.

Under Labour council tax has soared across the country. From 1997/98 to 2007/08 bills have risen by 92% across England, taking the average Band D bill from £688 to £1,321.  Council tax revenues across Britain have risen from £11 billion in 1997/98 to £23,5 billion in 2007/008. This is an increase of 114per cent.

Most importantly the percentage of income paid by those less well off can be as much as 10% of income. Would those on high incomes wish to pay 10% of their incomes ? I don't think so.

We have a number of heavy lorries using our feeder roads through housing estates. Today I attended a meeting with another District Councillor and a County Councillor and members of BADRA. Borrowcops Residents Association.  We had Officers of the County Council where we were able to express our concerns. It appears that plans have to be made well in advance. However we managed to identify a problem with signage that may indeed relieve part of the problem. We were told it may not go into next years programme,  The officers noted the concerns of residents and Councillors. All these things take time but we must start somewhere.

UPDATE It has been brought to my attention the number of Continental lorries visiting Fradley are mistaking Gorse Lane Lichfield for Gorse Lane Fradley. I will contact Highways and ask if they can inform businesses dealing with overseas companies if they can provide a map or correct postal address for Sat Nav use. I will let you know what happens. UPDATE Our County Councillor has been contacted and as I hear more will keep you informed.