Can we afford new entertainment venue? - Swindon Borough Council Conservative Group Leader Cllr Gary Sumner writes for the Link

In October we won back a council seat in Rodbourne Cheney.

This election was a tribute to our returning Cllr Sudha Nukana as she was recognised repeatedly on the doorstep as working hard for residents. As you can imagine there was a considerable amount of ‘buyer’s remorse’ from those who lent Labour their vote in the summer. But local elections are about local representation and the residents of RodbourneCheney have a great councillor behind them once more.

 

The Labour manifesto promised not to increase taxes on ‘working people’ and not to increase National Insurance – now can we expect to see Council Tax rise substantially?

 

The Labour Government will announce later in November whether they will remove the cap on Council Tax. The previous Government capped Council Tax increases (to include an element for adult social care) at 4.99 percent. The Government hasn’t announced anything which will deal with the cost of adults' and children’s social care which is drowning many local authorities. 

 

That leaves one more route to stave off the financial pressures, which is to increase Council Tax. I would not be surprised to see this increase by 10 percent which will hurt those already reeling from the Government squeeze on incomes. Rachel Reeves' Budget included wording about ‘local flexibility in council tax’! They may dress it up as for ‘social care’ – but it will still be an increase.

 

The current budget situation in Swindon is worrying, with a £9m over-spend since April and much worse projected for next year, whilst the council is currently advertising for six new directors at a cost of over £1m. This was only weeks after a recruitment freeze was announced.

 

Although not yet taken out, they have agreed £59m of new borrowing which if taken will be costing £7m more within two years.

 

A Town Centre Entertainment Venue – can we really afford it?

 

The administration has been talking about delivering a modular entertainment venue at Kimmerfields, along the lines of the Abba Voyage structure. This may cost £15-£25m and whilst I support the principle, is it something we can afford now?

 

In its recent report on the council the LGA (Local Government Association) report said they are facing an existential crisis with balancing the budget!

 

Finally, my colleagues and I in the Conservative Group wish you all a very happy Christmas and New Year. We’ll be out to talk to you again directly in 2025 as we don’t have borough elections in 2025 but we want to hear more about your priorities and hopes.