Runnymede Manifesto 2018

Runnymede Liberal Democrats Manifesto 2018
• We believe the primary role of elected councillors is to actively represent all the people in the ward in which they are elected. We would respond to all correspondence within 2 working days.

• We will fight the current proposals to build over 8,000 dwellings in Runnymede, predominantly in and around the Foxhills ward, imposed by the Government, because;
• The roads are close to gridlock at times.

• There are little or no improvements in supporting infrastructure such as GP surgeries.

• The erosion of the Green Belt is not justified when there are still under developed brown field sites and empty houses than can be utilised in the borough.

• The proposals do not address the fundamental need which is for affordable homes for key workers in the borough.

• We would challenge all developments as they come forward for detailed planning permission that do not meet the minimum threshold for affordable / key worker housing which Runnymede Borough Council has set at 40% .

• We will promote the abandonment of "Right to Buy". Affordable housing can only be built by removing the need to achieve a quick profit over and above the cost of building properties. This can only effectively be done by local authorities and housing associations who can plan for a return on investment over decades.

• Fly-tipping in Runnymede has increased by 55% since the introduction of the illegal Tip Tax on DIY materials and the closure of Lyne Tip on Thursdays and Fridays. We will work to reverse these 2 decisions which have proved to be false economies.

• The current difficulties being experienced by the NHS and St. Peters Hospital can only be addressed for the long term by a cross party approach which has been promoted by our party for a number of years. This approach was recently endorsed in a letter to the government from 90 MP's of all persuasions including the conservative chair of the Commons health committee Sarah Woollaston.

• We oppose the building of the third runway at Heathrow, on the grounds of increased air and noise pollution, avoidable increase in road traffic and that this investment is more necessary in other parts of the country where there is more unemployment. The latest plan for Heathrow would see a doubling of its footprint with a consequential further reduction in the Green Belt.

• Student accommodation is not subject to council tax. However, immediately after graduation the students are expected to pay council tax on accommodation until their tenancy agreement expires. The students are invariably not yet employed. This is morally wrong and we will campaign for the practice to end.

• We would provide residents with better communication on Council activities and plans. Ensure that Public Consultations are effectively communicated to the residents of Runnymede.

• To challenge the Conservative financial mismanagement of Surrey. For example, why have they invested £148m outside of the county on loss making enterprises; why are over a hundred county council "assets" including both properties and land not being utilised?