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Graham Jones · 14-11-2005, 17:08

There are numerous points in this debate and as the thread shows, a variety of issues to be considered. I get worried on this issue that politicians will mislead the public into parochialism so they can protect their own interests, which is precisely what happened 18 months ago.

I don't care if I got deselected, I am not in it for the glory [or the money]. I want what's best for us all and at some point I want to sit down [from the outside] and watch someone else put as much effort in!

An East Lancs Authority is the right way forward, with or without Blackburn. Hyndburn has sold a lot of its assets, has little revenue streams apart form the market hall and tax payer and colosal debts. So on finance it would make sense. There is absolutely no doubt we would see much better services because we wouldn't be as crippled financially and it would ease pressure on the Council Tax.

There are other reasons. Mainly An East Lancs Uni; East Lancs Public Transport Policy [currently payed by Ratepayers to that 'marvelous' quango The East Lancs Partnership]; Tourism. We are talking about serious investment in making our area what we all know it should be, a great part of the country to live and enjoy life.

I am totally opposed to quangos such as ELP and ELEVATE and whilst we have two council system, sometimes paying to do the same job twice, these quango's will go unchecked.

I want to see the Council Tax come down under this system. The truth is though that it will cost more because it will need setting up. When Blackpool and Blackburn went unitary some studies suggested an extra cost of 10% to the ratepayer. However such is Hyndburns parlous state and such is the wealth in the Ribble Valley it may prove beneficial to go in simply on the argument the amount of council tax payed.

14-11-2005, 17:08	#29
Graham Jones I am Banned Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 279 Liked: 0 times Rep Power: 0	Re: What would this cost us There are numerous points in this debate and as the thread shows, a variety of issues to be considered. I get worried on this issue that politicians will mislead the public into parochialism so they can protect their own interests, which is precisely what happened 18 months ago. I don't care if I got deselected, I am not in it for the glory [or the money]. I want what's best for us all and at some point I want to sit down [from the outside] and watch someone else put as much effort in! An East Lancs Authority is the right way forward, with or without Blackburn. Hyndburn has sold a lot of its assets, has little revenue streams apart form the market hall and tax payer and colosal debts. So on finance it would make sense. There is absolutely no doubt we would see much better services because we wouldn't be as crippled financially and it would ease pressure on the Council Tax. There are other reasons. Mainly An East Lancs Uni; East Lancs Public Transport Policy [currently payed by Ratepayers to that 'marvelous' quango The East Lancs Partnership]; Tourism. We are talking about serious investment in making our area what we all know it should be, a great part of the country to live and enjoy life. I am totally opposed to quangos such as ELP and ELEVATE and whilst we have two council system, sometimes paying to do the same job twice, these quango's will go unchecked. I want to see the Council Tax come down under this system. The truth is though that it will cost more because it will need setting up. When Blackpool and Blackburn went unitary some studies suggested an extra cost of 10% to the ratepayer. However such is Hyndburns parlous state and such is the wealth in the Ribble Valley it may prove beneficial to go in simply on the argument the amount of council tax payed.