Why should 'we' underwrite buyout of Humber Bridge
13 August 2011 by GladI read in the news yesterday about how the Humber bridge Board plans to ask the government to allow it to 'buy' the Bridge and eventually reduce the cost of crossing the toll. Although a noble idea, I do wonder why the Bridge Board has suddenly opted for this line of attack, bearing in mind just recently they went to the government to successfully ask for an increase in the toll to £3. Let's also not forget it was the current Mayor of North Lincs Keith Vickers who seconded that idea.
What concerns me most is the Bridge Board has openly said the four local councils will support their plan which includes underwriting any deficit. That means us, the taxpayers, will have to foot the bill if it all goes wrong. I'm very concerned that a bunch of politicians have taken this decision without any public discussion or, more seriously, a mandate from the taxpayers. Did the Tories have a manifesto which said they would do this if we voted for them? I didn't see anything. At the very least there should be a public debate on whether we can afford this risk. But I think a referendum for all taxpayers in North Lincs should be the only way to decide whether or not we want to foot the bill for this ill conceived idea.
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Comments
This idea from the bridge board is a reaction to Mr Scotts proposal to buy the bridge being considered by the government. It's not about party politics; it's about the board looking after no1, the board consists of councillors of all colours. How do they get onto the board? How much do they get paid? I'd like to know, as a daily user I reckon I know a bit about it so maybe I could qualify?
The board need to substantiate the claim that the councils will support the plan; let's see the minutes of the meetings they've presumably had to discuss this matter. What happens when the control of the councils change? The 2nd paragraph is spot on in that none of the councils have a mandate for this decision. Your referendum needs to take place across all 4 council areas although I reckon it's a foregone conclusion, most folks in N Lincs don't see any need to go over there and most folks in E Yorks don't see a need to come here.
Councillors are nominated by their Council to sit on the Humber Bridge Board. It is not a remunerated position.
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