John Cox  - Independent Candidate

 Ward 1 Banff and District 

There have been many changes in Local Government following my first election.

Councils are the main public body responsible for delivering most local public services however, due to central government control, budget constraints and the transfer of powers to other national bodies, councils are often criticised for not doing more to meet public service demands despite the responsibility lies with other bodies. 

Councillor roles and duties have also changed since the historic town council days with many powers now delegated to officers. Councillors are constantly reminded they have no operational role, but their duties include financial scrutiny and to do this, councillors must be informed to evaluate service delivery, control and monitor budgets, a daily aspect of their responsibilities and accountability to the electorate. 

Councillors make decisions whilst following the public pound, ensuring services are delivered efficiently and are appropriate to meet the needs of constituents in line with council policies. 

The SNP government has not fulfilled the commitment to further decentralise administration and retain a degree of control of councils with ring fenced budgets. This contrasts with the pledges given for greater local democracy and community empowerment. Instead of delivering manifesto policies to reduce the number of quangos, in Aberdeenshire we are overloaded with public resourced organisations often duplicating, if not triplicating similar services. The recently published government's economic plan highlighted the complexity of different organisations, hopefully there will be change with more streamlined support services

Despite large investments in the Aberdeenshire school estate, many rural schools in the ward have been under resourced in terms of the condition of the schools and education environment. Policy reviews are required to ensure there are also safe routes to school and safe drop off and collection points.

There are a number of public services faced with staff recruitment and retention concerns. Banff Chalmers Hospital and Medical Centres services have either been withdrawn, cut, closed or have reduced operating hours. Local ambulances are dragged away to serve the city. All of which are severely impacting our community.

I was delighted to be part of the project team which delivered the refurbishment of Banff Chalmers Hospital. The objectives when planning the refurbishment and extension included enhanced health care and screening services. Recently the Minor Injuries Unit reopened however this is not a Casualty Unit which was a service previously provided. Ironically the hospital has modern equipment, yet patients are sent to other hospitals for treatment etc. 

The closure of Ladysbridge Hospital, Campbell Hospital, Rose Innes Home have come at a great loss to the local health and wellbeing provision including the lost employment. There are sites suitable for the construction of new health care, sheltered housing or specialist residential facilities in the ward. 

Despite the recent housing developments in Portsoy and Banff, more council housing is required and investment in old housing which are often damp and unhealthy for tenants’ wellbeing. 

Aberdeen City was, and still is, the economic priority in the wider northeast economic strategies. To survive the current challenges and assist companies to take advantage of opportunities, there needs to be more focus in delivering economic support and investment for Aberdeenshire businesses. We have the best resources from seafood, agriculture, technology, engineering and tourism, with the right support this will generate more prosperity to the economy.

The North East Economic Strategy has a city focus through the City and Shire Deal and Opportunity North East. Aberdeenshire needs to receive equity in support. The City Deal when drawn up and was shrouded in secrecy. No evidence has been provided it has delivered tangible economic benefit to Banff & District. 

One of our major assets is our workforce. More must be done to ensure our highly trained workforce have secure employment. The narrative coming from the SNP Green agenda is sending out a very clear message there is no future for those employed or servicing the oil and gas sector in the North East.  The current catastrophe and huge increases in fuel and energy charges may force them to rethink their ill thought through policies. 

With increasing fuel poverty, it is unpalatable for huge profits to be taken out of the North Sea basin. I will lobby for cheaper utilities otherwise many businesses may close down due to the massive increase in costs to manufacture goods which cannot always be passed on to the consumer.

Investing in the infrastructure to grow capacity and add value in manufacturing will bring many benefits to the North East economy.

Businesses have to meet the demands of their customers, adapt to market changes and consumer trends. They have to respond timeously or will lose market share. The council will have to adapt to the speed of change the private sector has to deal with in order to protect jobs and support developments. 

It is common knowledge there are plans for new retailers who are interested in opening stores in the locality. During the planning process it is not permitted for councillors to make any comment whether in support or against planning applications.

The council allocates development sites but cannot instruct retailers, hospitality or any business where to locate. Suggestions stores should go elsewhere is not in the gift of the council. 

There is a huge transition in retail and purchasing habits which lead to town centres having to adapt as consumers go where there is greater choice and convenience. Resisting change is not the solution. Recent government surveys ask what is needed to address town centre decline therefore it is recognised decline in town centres economy it is a nationwide concern.  

The public has had the opportunity to engage in the process regarding the change of use of Common Good land confirms the matter was in the public domain despite ill informed comments everything was behind closed doors. For the record I have not met with or engaged with any representative of any retailer with an interest to open a store locally. Comments from other candidates stating there has been secret meetings is a complete lie and defamation in order to boost their opposition to any developments.  

There is the view of those who believe the council has not listened to the community following recent consultation regarding Common Good land, the majority response from only under 1% of the local population (340 people responded noting certain individuals made several responses) does not reflect an endorsement by the wider community. The sale of land will be determined through the court which allows the community to still have a say on the matter. 

The press heading regarding the choice of supermarkets was very misleading and no relevance to planning process. All planning applications no matter what the developments are, are treated individually.  Aldi application has been recommended for approval.

I make a pledge if there is a loss of playing fields capacity, this must be replaced for the long-term needs of the sports fraternity. 

If elected I will be the people’s person, not an establishment councillor, one defending his constituents over party priorities. I have proven I can deliver; I listen, I only represent the wishes and needs of my community for the greater good of Banff and District and am not afraid to stand up and be counted. 

Please note I may make changes to the above and other page text etc to reflect changes in the political arena and other factors which necessitate amendments to my statement.