I was very interested in the latest article by Nigel Chapman (see “Good causes get council cash help” 02/04/15) stating that “each financial year each, all 37 (district) councillors are given are each given £5,000 as a designated members’ budget to allocate as THEY wish”.
Let me say, most of this reported expenditure seems very worthwhile, but while our latest council taxes are on the rise, I realise that over a four-year term this sum equates to very nearly £3/4m of our money.
With current austerity cuts already allowing less money for the vulnerable and disabled plus a bedroom tax, and with the promise by the major parties is of more to come after the election; will it be wise to continue to allow our monies to be spent in this way without more scrutiny?
For instance, I used to buy the Pinchbeck Chimes.
The last time I bought it, the issue cost £3.50. It was, in my opinion, very well produced and promoted the village church and its associated interests along with amusing cartoons and anecdotes. Not any more.
Currently it is delivered free and its printing costs are paid for by three Conservative district councillors using their councillors’ budget.
Sadly, it is a pale shadow of its former self. It seems to have been hi-jacked by the councillors and used by them for political self promotion in the run-up to this year’s elections.
An example was the February edition front cover, featuring an appealing full colour photo of the trio in their finery, that looked all over like an election poster.
Finally, whether or not I’m elected as an Independent district councillor for Pinchbeck and Surfleet and whether or not you agree with me, I’m sure that most people will agree that our elected councillors have a duty to make every effort to focus taxpayers’ money to where it should be spent – protecting frontline services, not self promotion.
David Turp
Pinchbeck
