Issue - meetings

Cllr Dilek Dogus, Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services attended to answer residents’ questions. 

Question One: Priorities to determine where Spending Reductions will Fall

The questioner expressed the hope that job cuts within the council over the coming months would focus on bureaucracy rather than front line services, and asked Cllr Dogus whether this would be case. 

In response Cllr Dogus stated that reductions in bureaucracy would not alone deal with the impending budget crisis.  She assured the meeting that she would do everything within her power to avoid cuts to front-line services, but given the scale of the problem could give no assurances at this stage.

Question Two: Application Process of Disabled Blue (Car Parking) Badges

The questioner referred to delays and problems with the application process for disability blue badges.  He felt that these problems demonstrated the need for a clearly identifiable portfolio holder within the Cabinet to lead on transport matters.

In response Cllr Dogus told the meeting that the eligibility criteria for blue badges had been reviewed.  It was her understanding that the past problems had now been resolved.  Cllr Dogus added that the Council was planning to form a transport commission, specifically to bring all the different aspects of transport policy together, giving residents an opportunity to participate within this work.