Stealth taxes on local families

In the recent budget proposed for 2009/2010 our conservative cabinet have sunk to an all time low! The list of concerns is huge but those that are more pertinent include:

• Withdrawal of the uniform budget - this will impact on poor families.
• Increases in charges for care services- this will impact on the most vulnerable in our communities.
• Reduction in community safety budget and staff - at a time when crime is increasing this seems bizarre?
• Potential increases in Parking charges and penalty fares - the cabinet have still not resolved the issue of providing change from machines?
• Pay and Display booths in Parks and Libraries - increasing further the cost of driving.
• Reductions in planned highways maintenance - when already we are seeing more and more potholes -see article on blog
• The council have agreed to continue with a £2,000,000 marketing Budget?
• I am concerned that ther is still no propsed investment for an Ilford south Swimming Pool?
• I also would prefer a larger devoluted budget for use by local Area Committees.

Whilst the budget was discussed during an Area 6 Meetings Wilson had proposed that the Redbridge Life Magazine should be scrapped as no-one reads it anyway. These funds could be allocated towards the rejuvenation of our local roads.