Liberal Democrats launch manifesto for a fairer, greener, better Barnet

7.37.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 6th Apr 2010

Cllr Jack Cohen launches the Liberal Democrats manifesto for a fairer, greener, better Barnet

Barnet Liberal Democrats today launch their 2010 local election manifesto.

The Liberal Democrats have put "fairness, openness, and effectiveness" at the heart of their manifesto for the Barnet Borough Council elections on 6 May, the same day ads the General Election. The Borough Council Manifesto sets out the Liberal Democrats key priorities. These include

Scrapping Tory "Easy Council" proposals

Curbing inflation busting pay rises for top officers

Giving local residents a real say on how the council is run.

Devolving Power to Individual Wards

Promising that Liberal Democrat Councillors will keep in touch with residents all year round

Reversing Tory plans to scrap Sheltered Housing Wardens

Introducing one hour free parking in our Town Centres

Installing Solar Panels on all Council owned buildings,

Increasing the use of environmentally friendly Council Vehicles

Restoring fully the out of hours noise service

Giving £100.00 Council Tax discount to over 65s

Improving children's play area in our parks

Funding and expanding our youth service

Extending library opening hours

Preserving, parks and open spaces

Preventing development on the Greenbelt

The manifesto sets out the Liberal democrats 4 steps to a fairer Barnet. Cllr Jack Cohen, leader of the Liberal Democrats on Barnet Council, points out "after eight years of Tory rule, Barnet residents are worse off. The Conservatives have squandered millions of pound of tax payers' money. Examples of this include up to £31 million "lost " in the Icelandic Banks , mismanagement of the Aerodrome Bridge Project costing tax payers over £12 million, millions of pounds wasted on consultants, laptops, and forlorn legal battles. No wonder Barnet Residents now pay higher Council Tax than our neighbours in Liberal Democrat run Brent and Camden"

Cllr Cohen goes on to say that "on top of all that The Conservatives have stopped listening to what their residents say." Cllr Cohen promises that Liberal Democrat Councillors will be open with residents. "We believe good government is a two way process. Liberal Democrat Councillors are committed to keeping in touch with residents all the year round. Both listening to what concern our citizens and reporting back and being accountable."

Related Link:

Full text of the Manifesto.