The Conservative Leader of Somerset County Council, Cllr John Osman spoke yesterday about the need for everyone with a genuine community interest to work together over the next year for the benefit of Somerset residents.
Speaking to a group of Somerset residents, Cllr John Osman said "This year will be difficult but achievable in financial terms, our resourcing, planning and delivery. The County is facing some hard choices, but I'm confident we will see better and more realistic public services by the end of the process".
Cllr John Osman continued "I have met with many residents, members of staff, Councillors and Members of Parliament to highlight the challenge we face. I'm so impressed that most people recognise the situation we are facing and are determined to work through, be innovative and push boundaries for the sake of good public service".
"Sadly a couple of local MPs, the main Somerset County Council Opposition and Unison don't appear to share the understanding of the challenge we face here in the county. They issue a lot of press releases but issue hardly any practical ideas or solutions".
Speaking at the event, Cllr John Osman highlighted some of the thinking going on for the next financial year; "We as a Council have increased the amount for dredging and flooding matters, secured vital services to the most vulnerable, put people before buildings, paid down the debt we inherited from the last Administration and want to set a Zero per cent increase in the Council Tax for a fifth consecutive year".
Since becoming Leader, Cllr John Osman has launched a series of public consultations, "I know Somerset is full of residents with excellent ideas on how services should be funded and delivered. We had a very successful 'Balancing Act' consultation over the summer and have just launched a 'Fair Funding for Somerset' Facebook Campaign page. The information gathered by the Council is going into our budget and resource planning process, as a Council we have a clear understanding on where taxpayers would like their money spent. It's their Council and their money at the end of the day".