The Leader's Message

Christmas seems to come around earlier each year and sometimes I look around and say: "Where has the year gone?" 

 

Some might say: "Thank goodness it is on its way out!" Others might say: "Beware what is to come!" One thing we do know is that the Localism Act comes into force in January, which will give significant new rights to communities and individuals.

 

Among many measures, the Localism Act will see the Standards Board replaced by self-regulation. Local authorities will now draw up their own codes of conduct, so that time and money is not wasted investigating trivial complaints. It will be up to Ribble Valley Borough Council to look at what will replace its Standards Committee, which will be based on common sense.

 

The UK economic situation is still dire and the restructuring of local government and public services will continue. It is a simple fact of economic life that the public sector does not create wealth and is funded in whole by the wealth creators: the private sector. Of course the public sector has a huge role to play in ensuring the country has the stability and services to enable the wealth creators to flourish, but the question is how large a public sector does the country require?

 

Ribble Valley Borough Council has had to cut its cloth according to its dramatic reduction in funding and without increasing council tax. We are working to finalise our budget for next year and expect to make a further £640,000 of savings.

 

However, despite the continuing financial restraints, councillors and officers are continually striving to improve the services we offer and we continue to have a steady stream of positive initiatives. Here are a few:
Ribble Valley Borough Council played a pivotal role in the introduction of a Community Toilet Scheme, whereby numerous shops and establishments have made their toilets open to the public. By providing greater access to clean and safe toilets, the scheme will promote community cohesion and rural sustainability.

 

Much-needed affordable rented accommodation is to be created following a successful publicity campaign by the council. Three grants offering up to 50 per cent of the cost of converting or renovating properties into rented accommodation - £10,000 per flat or £15,000 per house - have been made available. On completion, the properties must meet the Government's decent homes standard and be let for a minimum of five years, during which the council will set an affordable rent and have nomination rights. The provision of affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges the council faces and our grant system is going some way to alleviating the problem by encouraging prospective landlords to enter the rented accommodation sector.

 

Ribble Valley Borough Council has successfully applied for funding from the Government's Warm Homes Fund for the provision of winter packs for 1,000 vulnerable residents, such as the elderly and those with young children in receipt of benefits. We will deliver these packs in association with our partners Age UK Lancashire, Help Direct and Ribble Valley Homes. With a rising elderly population and the continuing problems of rural fuel poverty, this scheme will provide vital assistance to our most vulnerable residents.

 

Once again, parking charges were waived at council-operated car parks in Clitheroe and Longridge town centres on Saturdays throughout December. A lot of hard work goes into making Christmas in Ribble Valley special by traders and businesses, and the council was delighted to do its bit to boost local businesses during the festive season. Last year's free festive parking was a great success and we hope it will have attracted even more shoppers to the towns this year to see what our unique, independent shops have to offer.

 

I cannot finish before thanking Ribble Valley Borough Council's loyal and hardworking staff during what has been a difficult year. I also wish Ribble Valley residents and visitors a very peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

 

Michael Ranson, Leader
Ribble Valley Borough Council