Lib Dems call for urgent action on County Partnership

Urgent action by the ruling Conservative group has been called for by Brentwood's Liberal Democrat Democrat group to address the quality of service provided to residents.

Cllr David Kendall will be tabling the following motion:

"We call upon the Conservative administration of this Council to address as a matter of urgency the detrimental effects on the quality of service provided to members and our residents as a result of the Borough Council's merging of services with Essex County Council.

The County partnership has failed, in many instances, to meet the expectations of members and residents particularly in the areas of Highways localism, youth service provision and planning services. Members' ability to fulfil the role to which they were elected has also been seriously compromised by instances of poor communication with the County Council and inept agenda reports presented to councillors which have impacted on the decision making process. The lack of sufficient local experienced manpower and resources has led to an increasing failure to communicate properly with members and residents and an inability to meet all their service requirements in full.

Members call as a matter of urgency for a cross party task and finish group to be formed to address specific member concerns and produce an action plan to make any changes deemed necessary. This action plan will hopefully ensure Brentwood Borough Council is able to deliver the quality of services our residents deserve".