Reading Liberal Democrats

Paul Burstow MP, Minister for Care Services has helped launch Reading Lib Dems manifesto for the upcoming local elections.

Launching the Lib Dems to “Six to Fix” Cllr Kirsten Bayes, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Reading Borough Council said:

“This year the Council has been forced to live within its means as a result of Labour’s mismanagement of the public finances both locally and nationally.”

“Despite tough decisions as a result of having to make £19 million pounds worth of savings, unlike many Labour-controlled councils here in Reading we have kept libraries, children’s centres and leisure facilities open and increased funding to the voluntary sector.”

“Letting Labour run the Council again is not worth the risk. Only the Lib Dems can ensure that key services are protected”

Lib Dem Deputy Group Leader Cllr Daisy Benson said:

“The Lib Dems working in coalition have cut Labour’s wasteful spending of Council Tax Payer’s money on schemes that don’t deliver for local people ,and frozen Council Tax for the first time in many years.”

“But we recognise there is still much to do to improve services for people who live in Reading.”

“The Lib Dems will continue to focus resources on delivering better services and better outcomes for residents.”

“Six to Fix” in Reading

1. Cut waste, Protect services and keep taxes low

• We will work to cut waste in the Town Hall to get the best deal for local taxpayers.
• We will continue to promote to increase transparency in decision-making and spending.
• We will focus resources on protecting vital services valued by local people.
• We will continue to consult residents on key budget decisions.
• We will work to keep Council Tax as low as possible.

2. Protect services to the vulnerable

• We will ensure the most vulnerable children and adults in Reading get the support they need.
• We will invest in preventative services and intermediate care to help keep older people stay healthy and independent.
• We will work with the voluntary and community sector to help all residents get the most out of life.
• Carers in Reading are unsung heroes. We will prioritise respite care and services for carers to help them live fulfilling lives.

3. A cleaner & Greener Reading:

• This year 12 local centres will receive a deep clean after years of neglect by Labour. Going forward we will ensure that local shopping areas are not overlooked in favour of the town centre.
• Reducing fly-tipping, litter and graffiti remains a priority for the Lib Dems and we will use the tools and powers available to the Council to keep local areas clean and green.
• We will look to increase the range of materials residents can recycle on the doorstep wherever possible.
• We will promote schemes and initiatives that help residents cut carbon emissions and fuel bills in their own homes.
• We will actively promote walking and cycling to reduce carbon emissions and ease congestion.
• We will work and improve rail transport, including Reading Station upgrade.
• We will fix pot-holes and continue to invest in improving roads and pavements in Reading after years of Labour underinvestment.

4. Cutting crime in Reading

• We will work with local Police teams, Neighbourhood Action Groups and residents to keep cutting crime in our neighbourhoods.
• We will invest in the voluntary and community sector to build capable communities.

5. Giving children and young people the best start in life

• We will increase local apprenticeships to improve the life chances of all young people
• We will work hard to ensure all children achieve their full potential by investing funding via the Pupil Premium.
• 1 in 5 children live in poverty in Reading as a result of Labour’s failed policies while in government and at local level. We will prioritise activities at neighbourhood level which reduce the impact of poverty on children.
• We will protect services to vulnerable children and young people.

6. Better housing and decent neighbourhoods for all

• Increasing the supply of affordable housing, particularly family-sized homes will continue to be a top priority.
• We will maintain lifetime tenancies for Council Tenants and continue to invest in Council-owned homes.
• We will continue to invest in estate areas and neighbourhoods across Reading via our unique Decent Neighbourhoods Fund.
• We will work with landlords to improve standards and tackle poor standard in the private rented sector.
• We will continue to take action to reduce the number of empty homes in Reading.