A very short summary of the main events/items discussed – Agenda – previously published on this website – You can watch all/part of the meeting by either going to YouTube and search Fenland District Council – or by Clicking Here
1 hour 52 minutes.
I am reporting the main salient items…..
The Extraordinary meeting being called on 14th March will be about the Boundary Changes that will come about by March 2028.
Cllr Nawaz thanked Leader Cllr Boden – on taking his petition of over 600 residents in opposition to the selling of the Whittlesey Station Road Recreation Ground.
Cllr Boden confirmed this will now not happen.
(RG Note:- Credit to Cllr Nawaz, however there were several of us working with residents in the background on this issue and we found out that the covenant of the land would make it difficult and time consuming to sell this parcel of land – Cllr Nawaz also stated that all the residents of Sation Road has signed the petition – I question that as there are not that number of residents on Station Road – a slip maybe)
The Business Plan is changing due to the boundary changes, and FDC are looking to safeguard our facilities.
Council Precept (Tax) will not be increased this year (8th year running) was voted on unanimously, however there will be challenges in the futures before handing over to the new unitary authority. Main challenge – The cost of supporting homeless – FDC have offset some of these costs by purchasing properties themselves.
There is a approximate £30 Million of capital expenditure ‘Fenland Inspire’ most being allocated for the Four Leisure Centres and a possible new swimming pool for Chatteris.
Incuded in the plan is what is known as The Monastery’ – Whittlesey Market Street – which maybe purchased to save the wall paintings within and to sell on at a later stage.
Cllr Elizabeth Sennitt Clough proposed an all weather walking and running pathway around the Manor Field.
The funding of carry forward Civil Parking Enforcement for Fenland.
Fenland District Council have reserves of some £7:5 Million, however most of the Fenland Inspire projects will have to be externally funded by borrowing – some of which will be passed onto the new authority.
Mention of The Whittlesey Rifle Club being included in the Manor Leisure Centre upgrade – to what is hoped ‘A Centre of Excellence.’
No Council Tax increase @ Fenland —- other authorities – Yes – Cambs CC, Police & Crime Commissioner, Fire Service.
