Early Christmas, Benefits Take Up and Tay Tolls

Apart from today's Audit & Risk Management Sub-Committee that I chaired in the morning and meetings with the Council Leader & the Finance Department, there was a very positive launch of the week-long benefits take up campaign (see http://www.dundee.prai.co.uk/news/119.html) - a good example of partnership working involving a number of organisations - DWP, City Council Revenues, Welfare Rights and the Pensions Service.

Two surgeries at teatime followed by Council committees - my colleague Helen seconded the motion to support abolition of the Tay Bridge tolls (see http://www.dundee.prai.co.uk/news/120.htmlo.uk/news/120.html) and other matters discussed at a long set of committees (last Monday's were cancelled so a double doze tonight) included use of the Common Good Fund. I supported the administration's view of spending this year's allocation in three areas - a Tayside skin cancer appeal, the North Carr lightship appeal and on improved Christmas lights.

The opposition proposal wanted £46 000 to go towards "kick starting" (their words) Hogamany celebrations. I made the point that we've been supportive of and will work with the City Centre & Harbour Community Council to progress a community-based Hogmanay event. Using the Common Good Fund is not appropriate as its for "one off" expenditure and whilst new Christmas lighting is a one-off cost but will have year on year use, the Common Good could be dipped into for Hogamanay one year only which means no event in 2007 or increasing the Council Tax. What's more as Aberdeen's Hogmanay event cost more like £270 000.

A positive report on stair lighting in council-owned properties came to Housing Committee - Dundee Contract Services is taking over the responsibility here from 1st April, which will undoubtedly improve the repair service.