If Cllr Hodgkin spent more time on the major issues affecting the town instead of trying to be everywhere and all things to all people, she might realise that the county council has a grant of 2.5 per cent and has had to make cuts of more than 15 per cent.
The total will be £115 million by 2014 and the council could just have easily cut funding to the library instead.
All areas have had to take their share, except the fire and rescue service as it’s vital and also children’s guardianship to prevent a Baby P case happening in Oxfordshire.
Cllr Hodgkin stated that I wished to see the Henley Youth Centre close. Total nonsense — I have been the one pressing for progress from the trustees in applying to the Big Society Fund.
It has taken well over six months to make any progress and while other youth services in Henley and the surrounding area have been successful, we now await to see whether there are any monies left in the pot.
Expenditure can only be matched by income unless Cllrs Hodgkin and Reissmann intend Henley to mimic Greece and Italy.
Why should the residents of Henley pay more to cover a rise in the mayor’s allowance? Other councillors have taken cuts in their allowances and a drop in mileage allowances.
If you want creative solutions for the youth of Henley, you need to make internal savings and that starts with the town hall.
Capital expenditure can only come from selling the family silver, the investments held, the income from which is a vital part of the finances of the town and trying to sell now in these perilous financial times is quite ridiculous.
I still await the date of the next value for money committee meeting which I regard as essential to keeping Henley’s finances in check.
Perhaps Cllr Reissmann will become more enthusiastic and show up for the next meeting when he realises that Henley needs to live within its means.
My new year’s forecast is that we will be having a similar conversation next year when the precept (your taxes) will have to rise by much more to cover the losses that will accrue from disastrous decisions taken by HRG while running this town council.
