Is it only West Berkshire suffering cuts?

[Old Goat]

Does anyone know if the other Councils in the district are also in the same predicament as West Berkshire with regard to funding?  They can't spare a bean and are even thinking about shutting libraries and making people redundant, yet Newbury Town Council for instance can find the money to put up a new flag pole and can even afford a new cafe in Victoria Park.  That doesn't compute as they say.

[Number 6]

Judging by many of the letters in today's NWN it is clear that many agree with you.

[Old Goat]

Newbury Town Council is saying that doing up Viccy Park is covered by the legal case it won and grants.  Interestingly, West Berkshire granted them £50k for new playground kit.  Are grants from WBC ring fenced and immune?

[Number 6]

I think we can gather that there is something seriously and fundamentally flawed with the system of local government that needs urgent action. The lack of decision making transparency and open book accounting makes it impossible to hold the powers that be to account and needs urgent remedy. Time for very radical reform methinks. Whatever replaces please do not employ the same people - they are the problem !