How would you spend taxpayers' money in West Sussex?
By herbie15 | Thursday, October 13, 2011, 20:02
West Sussex County Council is asking local residents and businesses to complete a survey about how they think public money should be used in West Sussex. The 'Every Pound Counts' survey is available to complete until October 19th.
The Council's website states that savings of £79 million need to be made and highlights that some services will need to be delivered differently and some not at all. So, where do you think money is most needed? For example, would you invest more in elderly care, libraries or the environment?
The survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete and can be filled out online here. Alternatively, it is possible to request a paper copy by calling 01243 777100.
Comments
How should WSCC spend taxpayers' money? More wisely would be a start.
WSCC has since 2004 entered into 3 separate Private Finance Initiatives (PFI), to build schools in Crawley, a recycling and waste deal with Viridor and a street lighting deal with Tay Valley Lighting.
The contractors are responsible for maintaining and operating the buildings during the contract, typically over 25 years.
These 3 PFI agreements have already incurred construction costs of £183m. However, there is still a further £837m still to pay over the next 25 years, including more than £156m in interest payments.
A saving of £79m every year would not now be required if WSCC hadn't entered into these rip off PFI agreements in the first place. In the private sector, the person responsible for such out of control costs would be sacked immediately. If the same principle applied in the public sector, we wouldn't be in this situation now of having to make such awful cuts to local vital services.
Chris French
Chairman
UKIP Mid Sussex
http://tinyurl.com/6z25ht2
By Chris French at 10:51 on 21/10/11
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