Budget Setting Means Tough Decisions

In recent weeks councils of all sizes have been busy setting their budgets. In the case of Somerset County Council it was heartening to see such large numbers of members of the public choosing to attend to put across their case, ask questions, and also to hand over petitions in relation to the issues being debated.
On this occasion key decisions were largely in relation to proposed funding cuts, as one would expect.
Other key decisions have revolved around the impact of the floods experienced in many parts of the county, and of course the early departure of the Chief Exec.
It is particularly, disappointing therefore, when to make a political point some elected members choose to absent themselves from such discussions. It is rare at any council meeting for there to be total agreement, especially when one or other party has a majority but is not in total control.
Many of us, including myself, also have other gainful employment, but I feel there is little excuse for lack of attendance; it is incumbent upon elected members to attend all meetings in which decisions being made will be felt by those who elected them. I appreciate we can’t all attend every meeting, and I frequently have to take some difficult decisions in prioritising my attendance. I believe the only way to stem this tide is for the public to keep a watchful eye, and then vote with their feet the next time they have the opportunity.
One recent petition submitted by members of the ‘Green Party’ made the case for an increase in council tax, which broadly I would endorse, the reason being that for a modest increase (under £1 a week?) sufficient monies could be raised to avoid cuts or enhance services in other areas.
Likewise we often hear the call for an increase in tax for those who are wealthy. As someone from a working class background, and far from rich, I would find it difficult to support this ‘across the board’ stance against those deemed to fall into the ‘wealth tax’ bracket. Whilst there may be those fortunate enough to inherit vast sums of wealth there are many, many, who have worked all their lives, making sensible decisions to ensure sufficient funds to provide for old age and for their children. I see nothing wrong in this and feel it is unfair to penalise them. In addition to this, provided they are not avoiding tax by taking advantage of loopholes, by virtue of their income, their contribution to the chancellor’s coffers will be greater. Many with income to spare also take advantage of private insurance, decreasing the burden on the NHS for the rest of us.
Other recent petitions have included one by the Community Campaign Against Austerity, and for the Protection of Public Services. Sadly, there appears to be a lack of understanding where local government is concerned. In order to survive it MUST be run like a business, albeit in the control of a democratically elected membership, and not for profit.
The books must be balanced, along with the delicate act of balancing the needs of the local community, whether individual or collective.
One member of the public said that she was ‘frightened’ by the proposed level of cuts, and another speaker, with some passion, described the current situation as being designed ‘to bring local government to its knees.’ We are all frightened, or at least we should be. The truth of the matter is that public service provision will have to change, with an increased focus on ‘statutory’ obligations, with little left for those ‘extras’ we all became used to in a time of prosperity; just like a household having to tighten its belt.
I believe that in order to achieve this at a local level we must continue to put pressure on central government to ensure that the funding levels we receive here in Somerset are fair and equitable.