In setting the budget for the year 2008-2009 and looking forward, Stoke Gifford Parish Council have addressed the anticipated future needs of residents of the Parish...

We, like you, our fellow residents, are faced by ever increasing pressures placed on our daily lives by Government policies which seriously threaten our living standards by squeezing many more homes, and attendant traffic into our local environment, To that end the Council has produced its first ever five year plan which aims to protect our environment for the future and provide more amenities for the community. This ambitious plan includes increased funding for youth services and improvements to facilities in our existing parkland. While the former includes the employment of a community worker within the parish for 16 hours a week from April 2008, the latter involves a nationally recognised consultant with a proven track record in obtaining grant funding. Regular attendees at Parish Council meetings have already taken the opportunity to take part in the consultation process. In addition the Council is about to take over the management of two more parks, Forty Acres and Royal, from South Gloucestershire Council. This will result in the reduction of special expenses, currently paid as part of Council tax, in future years. These Special expenses, levied by South Gloucestershire Council on items specific to Stoke Gifford have increased by one third this year, mainly due to the maintenance costs of public open space on the Stoke park development which was adopted by South Glos Council during 2007 and Housing Dept land which was not transferred to Merlin. In addition the Council intends increasing allotment provision in the Little Stoke area to meet a growing need. The Council has taken the opportunity over the last two years to reward the renowned work of their ground staff, without whom it would not be possible to consider such significant expansion/improvement of our public open space. Recognising the need to support extra services Council have also taken the decision to appoint a part-time assistant to the Clerk, providing him with the support already enjoyed by the majority of his colleagues across the area. Council have not taken the decision to increase the parish precept lightly but believe that, in future years, residents will recognise the extra £15-20 per household per year as money well spent in protecting and enhancing our local community. As usual residents are welcome to contact me at any time. Cllr Lloney Monono Chairman Stoke Gifford Tel: 01179799932 email:lmonon@stokegifford.org.uk October 2009