28th December 2009

December is nearly over and it is not just the snow and ice, but also the budget that has been difficult this month.  Restructuring the whole Council, while looking at other ways of delivering services, to protect them for the future  is going to be the only way we can make millions of pounds worth of savings, not just this year, but in future years. The Budget for East Dunbartonshire will be announced on 11th February and I will be writing to the Finance Minister making a plea for more funding as our settlement is so bad. 

I have been helping residents get their grit bins filled and reporting areas that have been left untreated by the snow ploughs.  The policy sets out the priorities and every time it snows the vehicles have to go back to the start and redo main routes.  This obviously stops them getting to the built up areas which I know makes it very difficult for everybody. Every year we bring the policy to the council but there is full agreement it is the only sensible way to carry out the gritting.

The manifesto we set in 2007 is being reviewed and Labour councillors will do a report half way through the term on what has been achieved.  It is important that we remember the pledges we made and can be judged on them.  Consultation was and still is very important to us and we will be using your views to help form our budget.

During the year I have been working closely with the Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce who are showing the way forward when times are hard.  They are supporting each other not just socially, but also using each others businesses.  I also asked everyone to shop locally when switching on the Christmas lights in Kirkintilloch.  Speaking at Rotary in Bishopbriggs this month I was told what people can do for others when they work together raising funds for those who are in need.  There are so many good examples I have found locally which I think shows we must work together through these difficult times.

School shows are always the highlight of the month and I have enjoyed them so much.  I never forget all the hard work not just from the children, but the coaching from parents and the amazing patience from the staff.  I must also thank the Milngavie Choir for inviting me to their annual carol concert which was magical.

As always, if there any areas you have concerns about please email me at rhondda.geekie@eastdunbarton.gov.uk.

Happy New Year and a healthy peaceful one as well.

Rhondda