Local Government News - September 2013

Local Government News September 2013

The Waste Horror Movie

My hope last month that the problems with the new Waste contract would simply be teething ones was clearly misplaced.

We have had persistent difficulties in some parts of our area and I am very sorry for everyone who has suffered from Keir’s incompetence. Dozens of people contacted me and what I found most frustrating was that a problem was often reported, sorted out and even then the same mistake was made again.

Keir claim now that 95% of bins are being collected which I think is a bit optimistic but that still means an unacceptable level of 3000 homes are not getting the proper service.However the level of complaints is going down although Keir’s performance is inadequate

So what can Wealden Council do about it?

We could give Keir notice and end the contract if we have strong enough grounds. However, it is a contract for 4 Councils and so difficult to unravel. Additionally, the planned savings of £750,000 per year would not materialise and Council tax would go up. There would be considerable risks either in taking it back in house or in seeking another contractor.

The other alternative is to try to help Keir get it right by using more of our local knowledge and expertise whilst levying penalties as provided for in the contract. This is what we are doing for now; a stick and carrot approach.

We will need to see what the level of penalties are going to be in total but we need to find ways to return this money to our taxpayers. Individual refunds are probably too difficult bearing in mind that the average cost per household is only 52 pence per week but a community refund is necessary.

Grants for Local Groups

Two annual grant schemes are again being promoted by Wealden Council.

The Small grants scheme offers grants of £500 -£3000 for a wide variety of local community groups.

It is always worth making an application .

The Capital Grants scheme offers £1000 to £10000 which have often been used to refurbish community centres, village halls and sports pavilions.

The deadline for applications is November 30^th with funds available for the approved schemes from April 2014.

Applications to

[email protected]

Roy Galley

September 2013

Your local Councillors are

County and District [email protected]