Cavalier attitude to public finance

Congratulations to the County Times (November 19) for exposing the complete failure of County Hall, to manage its fiscal responsibilities to the hard pressed taxpayer of the county.

Paul Marshall’s comments about pressure are all very well, but anybody living in the county for the past decade or longer will be acutely aware of the appalling mismanagement of both public services and financial control.

It appears they have a cavalier attitude to public finance i.e. if we waste money this year, we’ll increase the precept next year.

Because the poor tax payer is between two rocks, as it cannot source the services elsewhere and as a result, we are lumbered with mediocre services with little or no control.

Motorists will be familiar with this scenario, of a pothole developing on a stretch of road, despite being reported numerous times, it becomes deeper and wider.

Eventually after months a white ring appears around it and then months later, if we are lucky, a couple of shovelfuls of tarmac are placed in the hole without preparation, so as soon as the contractor departs the hole sinks, ensuring it will collect water and break open days later.

Obviously WSCC have no control or effective checks and balances on this particular service, otherwise they would know what a high failure rate the pothole service delivers.

I find it particularly annoying and depressing, that WSCC is keen to extract as much revenue from the community, but sadly delivers very little, which confirms the perception of the majority of the public, that the council is top heavy and has little control over the services it delivers, or is responsible for.

Would it not be a good idea to look at the top table and cut salaries and expenses, as this would go towards helping their financial predicament and balancing their accounts, by first making savings at the top?!

Perhaps voters will be more cautious when going to the polls and not be seduced by colours and be more selective in the candidates and choose those who will be fit for purpose and not be solely interested in joining the ‘gravy train’.

DOUGRANDS ArunRoad, Billingshurst