I WRITE in response to Cllr Smith and her letter of the December 22 (Robbing poor, Postbag, December 22).

Firstly, I will gladly join with her in praising the tremendous work of Open Door, Taunton Association for the Homeless and the Taunton Food Bank, but it is unfortunate these hard-working organisations are used for political capital.

Cllr Smith talks about charity beginning at home, well, perhaps if she and the rest of the Liberal Democrats stopped putting Taunton down at every opportunity the true picture would emerge. All we see from them is spin, semi-truths, innuendoes and distortion – why ruin a good story with the truth!

So here are the facts. She talks about the distribution of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) to support West Somerset Council, she should know that the HRA is ring fenced solely for the benefit of tenants of Taunton Deane.

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The truth? The HRA is spending approximately £1.9m over three years to improve its staffing, IT provision transforming the way it carries out its business. This spend will be repaid in savings over 2.6 years leading to an annual saving thereafter to the HRA and the tenants of Taunton Deane of approximately £750,000 per annum.

This is not raiding, it is investing for the future, as all prudent councils should do. Also,we are committed to investment year on year in affordable housing.

We also continue, as she well knows, to work very hard with our partners to tackle the tragedy of homelessness and rough sleeping.

She then goes on to deal with our DLO and what happens with regards to maintenance. We have just carried out a comprehensive asset survey of our housing stock and we are far more equipped to understand the maintenance issues that we will face going forward, which has allowed us to make savings based on sound evidence of future need.

Once again, planning for the future as any prudent and responsible council should do. In addition we have invested in a new, ‘fit for purpose’ building for our DLO and new contracts are being negotiated to not only maintain but increase the work of the DLO staff, again why ruin a good story with the truth?

She also goes on to remind people that the Housing Stock in West Somerset has been sold off and that would mean issues with Taunton Deane.

What she fails to point out of course is that the management of the Housing Stock in West Somerset is carried out efficiently and well and we look forward to working with them in the future. But why ruin a good story with the truth?

So what has she left out? Only the really good parts of course as we have come to expect from the Lib Dems.

It has just been announced that Taunton has been selected as one of only three new Garden Towns, a tremendous achievement and one that demonstrates the leadership of the council is innovative and progressive.

This recognition will give us extra funding to plan for not only the affordable housing we need but the infrastructure which is so vital for sustainable development.

In addition we have major new developments at Firepool, Coal Orchard, The Railway Station and Junction 25 any of these mentioned by her? Of course not, that’s good news! Wouldn’t do too publicise that now would it?

And finally Taunton Deane and West Somerset have embarked on a brave and unique voyage with our proposal for the formation of a new council.

The new authority will ensure services are maintained and improved for the citizens of both areas well into the future.

The Lib Dems didn’t agree and supported a Judicial Review against the council. citing amongst other things a lack of leadership, a failure to consult and accused us of being undemocratic! The JR has been refused by Mr Justice Lewis who stated it was “premature and academic,” and that our processes were sound.

In conclusion, I for one am fed up with the constant sniping, spin and distortion being promulgated about the town I grew up in and the authority I am proud to be a member of. Frankly, all the rubbish being spoken is an insult to the great people of Taunton Deane. They deserve more and we are going to ensure they get it!

CLLR TERRY BEALE
Killams and Mountfields
Executive Member for Housing Services
TDBC