WHILE the dust of Brexit still clouds the air, there is a desperate dash to exit stage right, by this government, with the help of their local representatives in County Hall.
They simply want to get as many assets and services as they can moved into the private sector, so that more and more of our rates and taxes can end up in the bank accounts of their wealthy friends. The same thing is happening throughout our treasured NHS.
The words “Oh dear we are too busy to do this operation, we better pay the private sector to do it for us” are ringing out in NHS trusts all over the country.
The actions of Wiltshire Council would be funny if they were not so tragic. The family silver went long ago and even their own staff working from home were told to buy their own paper and printer ink. Our verges, that are becoming a sanctuary for butterflies etc, cost more to cut now that private companies are doing it. Yet they seem to be only cut once or twice a year.
What asset will they sell next? Apart from a £64 million deal with Richard Branson, they have sold off £50 million of assets of land and property on the open market, with a further £31 million earmarked to be sold.
Despite all this cash coming in, I see Ms Scott is now warning us that next year we face a budget shortfall of £13 million. That is even after charging us an extra 5% on our council tax. Where has all this money gone?
Tony Free
Labour Party Prospective Candidate
Wiltshire Unitary Authority