THE CONSERVATIVE ADMINISTRATION MANAGES THE BOROUGH COUNCIL AND LOOKS AFTER YOUR MONEY WISELY 

For 42p a day and around 10% of your total Council Tax bill it provides the following services:-

·         Emptying bins, waste collection and recycling

·         Cleaning the streets

·         Community Safety and CCTV

·         Maintaining the parks and play areas

·         Operating leisure centres and sports activities

·         Organising summer events and festivals

·         Planning and Building Control

·         Running the Art Gallery and Museums

·         Operating the Assembly Hall

·         Giving grants to Voluntary Sector bodies

·         Homelessness and Housing

·         Economic Development

·         Food, Health and Safety Inspections

What has it achieved?

Balanced the budget with £6,000 to spare despite a 26% cut in it’s government grant

·         Coped with an additional £400,000 in inflation costs

·         Maintained one of the lowest tax levels in the whole of the UK

·         Achieved the best recycling rates in Kent

·         Achieved the lowest crime rates in Kent

·         Introduced the ice rink

·         Organised lots of events such as the Mela and Cricket Week

·         Dealt with complex planning issues such as agreeing a Core Strategy for the Local Development Framework

How does it deliver services?

Through contracts with the private sector

Through contracts with the voluntary sector

Through contracts with other local authorities

Through joint-venture companies with the private sector

Who represents you on the Council?

·         Councillor David Jukes, Deputy Leader of the Council

·         Councillor Julian Stanyer, Member of the Audit Committee

·         Councillor Julia Soyke, Member of the Western Area Planning Committee and of the Licensing Committee and Deputy Chairman of Speldhurst Parish Council