On Tuesday I was in London for a business meeting. Wandering into China town, I felt lucky to experience the festival atmosphere there. On Wednesday I met with Chief Executive and Finance Officers at the council to discuss budgetary details over the last financial year. I believe that financial scrutiny is an important part of my role as a councillor and I was glad to have the opportunity to seek clarity and ensure that good value for money is delivered for taxpayers in my ward.
Later that day I was in Hall Green for the Governors meeting at Dane Royd School where I was updated on the progress that the school has been making on a number of important educational metrics and contributed to discussions
On Saturday, I attended the Chapplethorpe Church afternoon tea. Afterwards I spoke to residents about the council’s continued failure to reinstate the deserted playground near New Inn, off Denby Dale Road. As things stand the council has claimed that the funds cannot be made available for this project. Nonetheless, following my recent attempt to secure funding for the playground extension in Netherton, I will continue to make the case for parents who should not have to take a 30 minute car journey or rely on infrequent bus services just to take their children to a safe, healthy and well-kept play area.
This Sunday I spent the day analysing the council’s proposed budget for the coming financial year and I am looking forward to contributing to the debate to ensure that the best outcomes are delivered for people across Wakefield.
In the evening I was glad to attend the Irish dancing fundraising event in Camphill. It was such a great evening of reeling, music and pure energy and it was great to see so many people come out in support of efforts to raise money for brain tumour treatments; an important cause for so many in our community.