* Councillors often vary their speeches as a result of the debate, and Cllr Bond wishes to point out that this blog may not represent exactly what he said. It does, however, represent his views. We have neighbourhoods of Victorian & Edwardian housing built before the motor car with minimal off‑street parking, only a short hop from a town centre. Without residents’ parking permits, they become overspill town centre parking and residents feel they have very little choice about paying. If the definition of a charge is paying […]
Cllr Joshua Reynolds’ 2020/2021 budget speech
Less than one year ago, we had local elections, and although the administration between May and now might be the same, with one notable exception, the policies today could not be more different than what was promised. Madam Mayor, today is Shrove Tuesday, otherwise known as Pancake Day, so I will try my hardest not […]
Cllr Catherine del Campo’s 2020/2021 budget speech
When we declare that we’re going to “Transform early years and youth services to be targeted at the most vulnerable,” the statement is disingenuous in a number of ways. The euphemistic use of the word ‘transformation’ suggests we’re about to see a massive improvement to our services but what we’re actually talking about is a […]
Cllr Clive Baskerville’s 2020/2021 budget speech
Let’s talk potholes. Barely six months after launching a much-lauded 24-hour fix-it policy, this Tory administration decided to scale it back, having concluded, “Job done.” After one of the wettest and windiest winters on record, Royal Borough residents might be excused for thinking such a statement was premature. Standing water and frosty mornings are not […]
Cllr Simon Werner’s 2020/2021 budget speech
I have attended many council budget meetings over the years — too many I am sure some of you think. However, I have never seen a budget so appalling or the spin more misleading. I want to take you back to the important people in this — the residents you are supposed to be supporting. How […]
Windsor Fire Service Plans up in the Air
Responding to a Freedom of Information request by Windsor Liberal Democrats, the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service has stated that it is unable to advise what capability the proposed “Local Fire Engine” for Windsor will have. Under the consultation plan the current daytime-only services operated from the Windsor Fire Station by a Full Size […]