Marlborough Square in Coalville is another project that North West Leicestershire District Council is delivering whilst, simultaneously, other Councils around the country are declaring effective bankruptcy.
We are lucky to have such Capable Councillors in the Alliance of The Conservatives, LDs and the Independents who are running things so well. Realistically speaking, it’s a really difficult job; but we are meeting the challenge. It is a privilege to be learning from the best, and I enjoy being a significant part of our Alliance team.
Compare our fortunes as residents in North West Leicestershire with the residents of Birmingham City Council. Birmingham City residents are unfortunate enough to have voted for the Councillors who have not met their challenges and it is the residents who are the ones that pay for their Councillors’ incompetence.
Birmingham residents face seeing their Council Tax rise by almost 10% in each of the next two years (which compounds to over 20%). Contrast this with our very modest 2.75% increase in 2024.
From my personal point of view, I wouldn’t be very happy if this were only about the finances. Having seen the Council deliver the impressive Coalville & Whitwick Leisure Centre last term, watching it deliver the Marlborough Square project this term, and recently permit Planning for the new Bowling Alley in the District; I believe we are striking the right balance. We are showing high ambition for our residents despite the financial pressures.
Of course, our job is never done. We will simply aim to maintain our high standards under the dignified and unifying leadership of Cllr Richard Blunt and continue to do our very best for the people that we live alongside and share our lives with.