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Welcome to this month’s magazine for Darlington Borough Hello and welcome to the December edition of Darlington Together As you will probably be aware, the main topic of discussion across the Town Hall this month is the budget and the budget proposals. The papers went live in November, with a special Cabinet meeting to discuss the proposals, and a consultation to discuss what we do next – a consultation that is still ongoing.
requests asking why we did it but I think we made the right choice. These loans exploit the most vulnerable in society.
On a lighter note, the festive season is now in full swing in Darlington, with the Christmas lights having been switched on, the pantomime due to start, and the wide December range of independent shops in the town centre all ready for business. I’d like to take the opportunity to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a happy and healthy 2014. There have During our Money Talks events in the summer, you been a lot of hard decisions to make this year, and I said that a town without leisure, arts and support for can’t sugar-coat the fact that next year will not be children would result in Darlington no longer being any easier, but Darlington is a great place, full of fit for purpose. We agree wholeheartedly. However, wonderful, resolute people in order to keep these non-essential services, in a and I know that we can time when we are getting significantly less money all work together to from Central Government, we need you, the people make the best of of Darlington, to help us. Tough times are ahead, and things. we need every resident and business owner to help support the cause. Please go to pages 27-29 to find Cllr Bill Dixon MBE out more. There is also information on the website: (@BillDixonDton) www.darlington.gov.uk/budget Leader of the Council Speaking of finances, a short while ago, Darlington Borough Council took the decision to block access to payday lender websites from council computers, including those in public spaces such as our libraries. A bold step for us to take, but I believe it was the right one. We have received Freedom of Information
MP’s surgeries Jenny Chapman: MP for Darlington. Walk-in surgery will be held Friday 6 December from 9:30 - 10:30am at the Constituency Office, 40a Coniscliffe Road, Darlington, DL3 7RG. E-mail: jenny.chapman.mp@parliament.uk Call: 01325 382345
Phil Wilson: MP for Sedgefield. The office is open between Monday to Friday, 9.30am - 5pm. Appointments can be arranged by calling 01325 321603 or e-mail phil.wilson.mp@parliament.uk
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