Bucks CC leader: Still optimistic after a tough 2011

Dec 20 2011

Bucks County Council leader Martin Tett

A Christmas message to readers from Councillor Martin Tett, the leader of Bucks County Council.

THERE is no denying that 2011 has been a tough year with the effects of the Eurozone crisis now meaning challenging times for us all.

Councils like Buckinghamshire have to change radically as we deliver the tough savings set by Government. Nevertheless, there are grounds for optimism.

For example, our budget plans for a second council tax freeze next year will put real money back in people's pockets; our priority of improving the condition of our roads, helping motorists and businesses, will be maintained and funding increased to £30m; grants to the voluntary and community sectors will continue unaffected and we are making sure we protect the most vulnerable.

Jobs remains one of my highest priorities. It's encouraging that latest data shows Buckinghamshire recording the highest level of business formation of any county council area. Nevertheless, I remain very concerned at the level of youth unemployment.

Next year one of my top priorities will be to encourage businesses to take on more apprentices, as we have as a council, to get our young people on the first rung of the career ladder. To encourage job creation we are also investing to bring High Speed Broadband to rural areas of the county.

2012 also sees the Olympic and Paralympic Games which, as a host county, will bring economic benefits to Buckinghamshire. We can also look forward to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations. The county council will be making it as simple and inexpensive as possible to hold street parties across the county.

Lastly, we will continue to support our residents' opposition to the proposal for High Speed 2 cutting across the county.

So while we face undoubted challenges, I see considerable opportunities in 2012.

My warmest wishes for a Happy Christmas period and the very best for the New Year.

Cllr Martin Tett, leader of Bucks County Council