Full Council

I faced a deputation from the Voluntary Sector seeeking ways to continue funding for Voluntary Action Kirklees who provide infrastructure support for the Voluntary Sector. My response was from the legal perspective. Earlier this year, notice was given of the change from a grant to a commisioning contract, A tender document was issued and bids received but then following the June budget, the decision was made to withdraw the commission in the face of economic uncertainties. The position now is, if we were to give funding to any one bidder, we would have to give the same amount to the other bidders or face legal challenge. This is something we cannot afford to do and it would not make sense to do so anyway. However we are still engaging with VAK and are on good terms with them. We are considering how best to involve the Voluntary Sector in strategic planning so they can make a contribution which is deemed appropriate.

I hope the Voultary Sector realise that the massive budget reduction of close to £90m over the next 4 years, is the reason we were forced to make the decision to withdraw the commission. They need to take their protest to central government!

Also at Full Council, I seconded the motion in opposition to the Dewsbury Courts' closure. I think it is important that Kirklees Council should clearly state its opposition and put it on record.

There are a numerous reasons to keep the courts in Dewsbury. Moving court cases to Huddersfield would damage local justice, particularly with respect to domestic violence cases as Dewsbury’s attrition rate is said to be the best in the country.The increased distance of the court would increase the workload of already over-stretched police teams. Transporting prisoners would create logistical problems and increased costs. Local justice would be less prominent and our community could lose faith in the judicial system if attendance at court fails. The Probation Service have serious concerns that the change could  increase re-offending. There would be increased costs for offenders, solicitors, CPS in terms of travel and time and also there is the very important issue of the potential further demise of the Dewsbury town centre.

I think that the proposal will not improve the effectiveness of local courts and is an attempt to save money by cutting services though in reality, it is unlikely that any savings will be achieved. A good debate took place in the chamber, with all speakers opposing the closures and the motion was carried unanimously.