2024 ALTERNATIVE BUDGET PROPOSALS by the                     Progressive Independents

Forest of Dean District Council

Introduction

The recently released draft BUDGET proposals, issued by FODDC on behalf of the Green Party administration has caused much anger, consternation and shock among the people of the Forest of Dean, its businesses, its parish and town councils.All these groups have made their feelings known as part of the consultation process and the 300 % rise in car parking charges in particular being raised with Progressive Independent Councillors. As we stated when this budget was originally published“ This budget is making this council and this District over reach in terms of climate emergency.It is blinkered and ignores the other and “reachable” objectives of the communities and the district in order to prioritise an environmental position it is not capable of reaching.It demonstrates a complete ignorance of the needs for businesses and people that the Council is in place to represent while being idealistic and weaponising the Climate emergency.It fails to bring growth to the district, threatens services and the very sustainability and future of the Council. It is “fantasy “ local Government, and extreme environmentalists “dream” budget.”

OUR PROPOSALS

In the interests of the District we are happy to assist the Green Cabinet in producing a successful budget and lay out our proposals here. We DO NOT believe the entire budget needs changing and actively support some parts of it. Our proposals are based on plans and ideas that were in place ,while Progressive Independents were the Leadership of FODDC ,in consultation with Town Centre business people from each of the Forest towns and take into account the Government announcement of an extra £86k in funding being given to FODDC on Thursday. It has also been declared finacially sound by the Councils Section 151 officer .

The basis of the amendments we offer are to secure FREE PARKING for 2 Hours in our car parks 

ALTERNATIVE BUDGET PROPOSALSForest of Dean District Council  - 2024/2025.

 Alternative Budget Proposal Introduction 

This alternative budget proposal offers an alternative to the Executive’s  budget as published in the papers for the Full Council February Meeting.This proposal, put forward for consideration by all Councillors, recognises the tough times our business community is facing. The current economic climate affects us all but in particular local businesses and our town centres are in need of all the help we can offer themWe also feel it is important to recognise and accept the Cabinet's clear and distinct desire to address the climate emergency,but wish to perhaps add some balance to their initial proposals. We have met with representatives of the Business community from each of the four towns and believe the changes we are proposing to the published Budget proposals meet with the support and the approval of that sector.

The Proposal

1. In Relation to the increase in car park charges throughout the district, we propose to remove these increases.
2. In Relation to growth item of 25k per annum for engagement with public ref financial and climate emergency issues, (via letter drops or drama group) we propose to remove this item
3. In Relation to growth item of 22k for consultancy, we propose to remove this item
4. In Relation to budget item Members Allowances. The Government has stated that Council may have up to 10 Cabinet or executive members and therefore 10 members are budgeted for..It is clear that a Council of the level and size of FODDC does not need a Cabinet or executive of 10 Councillors and propose to reduce the maximum number of Cabinet members to 7, This immediately releases approx £22500 per annum that covers the reported losses currently suffered by FODDC Car Parks.
5. The finance saved from Points 2 and 3 ( approx £100k) and the extra £86k of Government funding is directed to improvements in FODDC Car park/Toilet facilities.

This will create a refurbishment fund near the £200k The Cabinet suggested they wished to raise by means of the rises for refurbishment purposes

6. Raise further finances for car parks and toilets by allowing and charging motorhomes to park overnight in designated areas in FODDC Car Parks.
7. This will be the position for the first year, during which time while discussions with town councils and the community begin to create Community Groups/town council teams to take over control of Car Parks and toilets.
8. Once set up , FODDC will utilise the Forest Lottery so that people can contribute to  Car Parks upkeep.
9. We propose a two year trial of this system with no increases in prices ( other than setting Motor Home Prices) and that  the first two hours of parking in FODDC CAR PARKS is  FREE with suitable charging settings for those wishing to park for over two hours.

We believe these adjustments to the Budget proposals address the needs of our community, avoid any cuts to services and offer a realistic and sustainable model for future provision of Car Parking in FODDC car parks.

For many years our towns and local communities have told us they believe car parking charges damage the centres and damage the viability of businesses. Clearly FODDC cannot lose vast amounts of finance on car parks.

This proposal gives the community an opportunity to achieve what they have campaigned for , 2 hours Free Parking in all our towns.

It gives the Community direct access to assist and steer the condition and sustainability of the  Car Parks.

It is reliant on the community and our towns being given and taking responsibility for these resources and being in control of their own town,without having a financial burden placed upon them or similarly leaving FODDC with extra costs.. 

It is our belief, having consulted with them , that those groups will step forward .Now is the time to be radical, to think differently and to give our town centre businesses and town councils the opportunities they are demanding.