Cllr Mark A Kirk

It has been a very busy last week or so and I thought I would blog on everything that has gone on.  Last Wednesday we had full council of which there was plenty of good news to announce. The Safer and Stronger Communities Scrutiny panel presented a fantastic report on domestic violence, while North Lincs Homes have promised to look at the issue of leaseholders. The chief executive also told members how the council has been rated as one of the best in the country.

During the meeting I announced that despite the alleged 'credit crunch' we will not be introducing huge council tax rises next year. Since North Lincs came into being we've consistently been lower than the Tories. The Tories had four years in power, during a period of economic boom - and yet they put tax bills up year on year. An average of 4.6 per cent. Disgraceful.  Labour, however, set a careful budget in February and we put money aside for a rainy day, giving us flexibilities if we need them. With no money saved by the Tories we'd have faced panic - job cuts, service cuts - cuts, cuts, cuts. Thanks to the careful attitude of this council and the hard work of officers I am confident we will come in on budget - despite extra financial pressures that we all face. I can give an assurance that council tax bills next year will not put any extra burden on the taxpayer. We won't force 4.6 per cent increases on people like the Tories did that's for sure.

On Friday I visited The Foundry as the council held a consultation event over the weekend to show off the plans for the new entertainment venue. There was a steady stream of people interested in what we are doing and I would like to thank everyone who came and had a look. Most were positive and even the other comments were very worthwhile. I would urge anyone who has a question to email me or leave a comment and a contact email address on this blog and I will get back to them.

On Friday I also attended the anniversary of John Leggott College which was attended by Ed Balls the Government minister.

Many people turned up to the event and we should be very proud to have such an excellent educational facility on our doorstep.

And on top of that our fight to remove the Humber Bridge tolls continues and I would again urge everyone reading this to write to the board to call for a public inquiry!