Borough Council Report 2006

12.07.35pm GMT Sun 12th Mar 2006

Leader of the Lib Dem Group on Scarborough Borough Council, Brian O'Flynn, reports on recent events at the Town Hall.

(1) Can you believe it? The Labour group proposed an INCREASE in Council Tax at the Budget setting meeting on Monday 27th February. I voted against it. It is the Labour Government that refuses to consider changing the very UNFAIR Council Tax. Liberal Democrats want to see a Tax based on ' ability to pay' - that seems FAIR to me.

(2) The Big Issue for me is not the Sands but the permission granted recently for the first steps in the expansion of the Industrial Estate at Eastfield. This is an £8,000,000.00 investment funded by Caddicks(the developers), Yorkshire Forward, European Regeneration funding and Scarborough Borough Council. The planning Brief for the estate is that it is to be a 'Green' development. It is estimated that it could generate up to 2500 year round jobs.

(3) The next step in the development of the Sands was given planning permission recently. I am in favour of some development but NOT the building planned for the site of the Corner Café. It has been described as having a 'nautical' theme but to me it looks more like an oil tanker. The whole essence of good architectural design is to have variety and interest in the entire structure - this building looks boring and has no redeeming features.

(4) As a Council representative on the Board of Yorkshire Coast Homes I did not have any role in the award of the repairs contract for the transferred homes. It has been given to a firm from outside Scarborough. I cannot see how this can bring new jobs to Scarborough or new spending in Scarborough. The profits generated by the contractors will be taken out of Scarborough. I am not happy with the decision. Value for money should mean an increase in the prosperity of Scarborough and I shall carefully monitor their contribution to Scarborough.

That is all for this month but I hope to bring news of Council Development each month to this site. If anyone has queries they would like answered I am happy to do so. Just send an email to

Cllr.brian.oflynn@scarborough.gov.uk