Cllr Paul Kennedy, the Liberal Democrat candidate for Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner, has criticized the decision of Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro to press ahead with a 5.5% increase in his council tax precept, ignoring the concerns of the Surrey Police and Crime Panel and the public.

The Lib Dems on Surrey County Council are proposing an amendment to the Council's budget to invest in tackling road safety problems across the county.

Recognising that there is huge frustration in communities about the difficulties in getting road safety schemes funded in a timely manner, the Lib Dems are proposing a Road Safety Fund to ensure that local communities can get the speed signs, crossings or other safety measures which many residents call for. Where there is local support, 20 mph zones, could also be introduced using this potential Road Safety Fund.

After a Lib Dem request to the Chief Executive of Runnymede Borough Council, we are please to see that parking charges have been suspended at the Library Car Park in Chertsey (next to the River Bourne gym), whilst the Covid-19 vaccine rollout is being carried out at Chertsey Hall.

Councillor Sylvia Whyte said "I felt that it was important to waiver charges at this car park whilst people were attending their vaccine appotment. Although it is only a small gesture it meant that people do not have to worry about their car park ticket running out, if they are longer than they thought when they go for their jab. It also helps the staff and volunteers on duty at the centre as well."

1. Local updates

• Runnymede now has the 4th lowest case rates in Surrey and case numbers are slightly lower than the Surrey average - numbers are falling across Surrey's 11 boroughs (last week Runnymede had the 5th lowest rates)
• Surrey case rates are now below the national average but hospital beds are still very limited - when case numbers fall, there is usually a delay of about two weeks before admission rates stop rising
• Surrey's data dashboard shows which areas have highest rates across Surrey and compares these to England
• Rate per 100,000 people (Last 7 days, up to 21/01/2021) Runnymede: 317.6 (Last week: 450)