A Liberal Democrat Council would lead the way (North West Hampshire Liberal Democrats)

North West Hampshire Liberal Democrats <info@nwhantslibdems.org.uk>

A Liberal Democrat Council would lead the way

April 21, 2007 1:44 PM

Cllr. Paula Baker Liberal Democrats want a Borough that is greener, safer and fairer.

Liberal Democrats want the Council to lead the way in fighting climate change. We'd start by generating renewable energy for the Council Offices. We would launch a Climate Change Conference and Road show to help local households and businesses reduce their carbon footprint and their running costs. A recent study has calculated that each household could save £385 a year in energy costs by improving energy efficiency.

We will keep weekly waste collections and prioritise reducing the volume of waste and excess packaging so less is thrown away.

Liberal Democrats would look at ways of making public transport and our excellent sport and leisure facilities more affordable for young people. It is scandalous that Conservative Controlled Hampshire County Council spends less on youth services than any other Council in the country.

Lib Dems would reverse the Conservative cuts to the graffiti removal service. We all know that uncleared graffiti depresses the area and breeds more crime. We would protect the Community Warden scheme. Wardens are not a substitute for the police - they play a different role.

We believe the Council Tax is unfair, biting especially hard on those on low incomes, such as pensioners. We want to see it replaced with a fairer alternative.

We would like to see more decisions about local matters made by local people, not by seven Councillors in the Cabinet. Parish Councils or local forum based on wards could be more involved in choices made by the Council.

The voluntary sector provides many services. Groups like the Citizens Advice Bureaux have been hit hard by Conservative cuts to their funding. Liberal Democrats would work in partnership with the voluntary sector right across the Borough.

We all want a decent home. We are living longer and in smaller families, so more houses are needed. The Conservatives tell residents that they have stopped promoting Manydown for development. That is not true. The Conservative-run County Council is still promoting Manydown for development. We believe in honesty and openness.

The alternative to Manydown is dumping large estates on small towns and villages across the borough. Enough houses to overload facilities, but not enough to provide new facilities.

Because the Council part owns Manydown it could ensure any development has excellent roads, schools, shops, sports and health facilities. The Council could ensure good leisure opportunities were provided. These would include a country park to give Basingstoke residents access to the beautiful countryside that surrounds them. The Council could maximise affordable housing for local people. It could insist on the highest environmental and design standards. Instead of huge profits going to developers, they would be invested in our community.

Councillor Paula Baker

Leader, Liberal Democrat Group

Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council