Listening to residents over the last few years, concerns have been raised time and time again, using incredibly strong language, about “odd” planning decisions and the apparent lack of enforcement. The concerns raised extend to development, planning, parking, highways, fly-tipping, and many other areas.
- The volume of cases and concerns raised by residents on planning alone has often been epitomsed by residents using the expression, “taking a backhander”. We note residents’ concerns.
- Then there is the lack of “resident expected” levels of enforcement on planning enforcement, poor roadworks, builders damaging roads and pavements, uncorrected fly-tipping on even council property, parking, idling cars, antisocial behaviour, and many other areas. We agree with residents’ concerns.
The comments relayed to us indicate an extreme lack of confidence in the Council; effectively, questions are being raised about the integrity of key aspects of the process.
This is alarming to us as Councillors.
But sadly there is a reluctance by the “Council” to accept these comments and evidence of mistrust from residents.
They don’t believe that many of you do not trust them on these key issues.
This is worrying to us as WWRA Councillors here to represent you.
Is that also your experience?
Our action will be heavily dependent on your view so, please continue to talk to us;
What is your experience?
What are your views?
Please email us Cllr. Wisdom Da Costa cllr.dacosta@rbwm.gov.uk and Cllr. Carole Da Costa cllr.dacosta@rbwm.gov.uk
Improving Enforcement
WWRA Councillors propose to increase investment in staff and investing in enforcement numbers across a number of departments to raise service levels to standards expected and requested by residents including;
- Development control
- Planning enforcement
- Community wardens
- Parking Control
- Highways
- Fly-tipping
- and other areas
We have been working with senior officers over the last two months to try and understand the service and pressures on RBWM’s Place Directorate, under which various aspects of enforcement fall.
Our discussions indicate differences of view which we have to narrow before we can craft an increased enforcement proposal that satisfies both residents, funding availability, and, of course, legal requirements.
We need your continued input.
Benefits of WWRA Proposals to invest in enforcement
Our proposals to invest in enforcement are likely to pay for themselves in the long run, to restore the confidence of residents in key council services, to improve the sense of well-being of residents, and also boost staff morale as they are released to perform all that they have been trained for.
These changes will also help limit environmental damage and the carbon cost of rectifications.
Do you agree?
Remember to contact us so we can continue to develop our case on your behalf.
You can read our full list of WWRA 2023/24 Budget Proposals in our article entitled, “What Windsor residents are talking about – WWRA Plans For Windsor” – Article available from Wednesday 15th 2023
Accountably yours,
Carole & Wisdom
Cllr. Carole Ann Da Costa & Cllr. Wisdom Da Costa
Clewer & Dedworth East & Clewer & Dedworth West
West Windsor Residents Association
Credits
Photo RBWM Community Wardens © RBWM
Photo 2 by Michał Jakubowski on Unsplash