8 March (Part 1) - The Gospel of David
By his standards Cabinet Member Leaf did not have much to say…
• Circumstances are difficult, tough and challenging.
• National and global issues are beyond our control. The turbulence shakes our borough and drains resources.
• Terrible conflicts overseas and damaging Socialist Government policies, imposing
new costs and new burdens while shrinking Bexley’s share of funding. It is out of our hands.
• Providing for the complex needs of vulnerable residents presents a growing
demand on services. Bexley is a compassionate administration.
• The budget will deliver for them and manage resources within the envelope we have.
• 9% of the General Fund is transferred to the support of key services.
• 5,000 children are being supported and adults with learning difficulties are being helped to live independently.
• Domestic abuse survivors are similarly helped together with the homeless.
• Waste, street services, parks and libraries are all run to high standards. The
envy of other boroughs. Bexley is the finest and most attractive place to live and work in the country.
• Capital is being deployed strategically which unlocks £262 million of
investment in housing, regeneration, SEND provision, highways, new CCTV and a new walking route
along the River Shuttle (David’s ward.)
• The Budget delivers for the present and looks to the future, To govern is to chose.
To appear to be unable to choose is to appear to be unable to govern. [© Nigel Lawson.) This
administration in 19 years has never once shied away from the responsibilities
to govern with which the people of Bexley has entrusted us.
• We face head on the risks and challenges ahead with vigour and determination. We
stand with the people, businesses and communities to support their aspirations
and ambitions. We choose to campaign for and promote or great borough and we
choose to Make Bexley Even Better.
By my reckoning there are only two things there that have not been reported already.