State of the District

Alex Perkins, Liberal Democrat Leader, replies to Tory Leader Harry Cragg in the Council's state of the district debate

 

Clearly, since our last District Debate the political balance on this council has changed. Changed not by the will of the people through the ballot box. But by the will of an individual. An individual who sought endorsement from the public as one thing – and then – like a chameleon - became another before their very eyes. And now refuses to face the public once more to confirm their approval.

As of yet little has changed. Under the previous management this authority was, as you know, endorsed and lauded by the independent District Auditor as an excellent authority.

Council tax increases were kept to a minimum and public satisfaction – compared to other authorities was judged to be high.

We promoted and introduced services to support the vulnerable and weak within our communities – and in opposition we will be watching. Watching to see that a conservative administration seeks to maintain the highest level of support for those less fortunate.

It is of course very difficult to make any real comment on this new administration. To say they “hit the ground running” is not even close. So far, in nearly three months all they have achieved is the cancellation of a skate park project for the young people of Herne Bay and the reduction of a single parking charge by 20p.

Nothing else it seems has so far altered.

But we will be watching. Watching for the day the you actually have an idea and try and put it into action.

We trust you will continue to listen to local people. One of the principle actions here is the opening of the new Contact Centre - to deal with the public? Helping this council to continue to put local people first.

Another key aim will be to continue to work as we did with our partner organisations to provide more affordable housing for local people.

There must also be infrastructural improvements. We cannot and should not agree with government targets for the continued building of more and more houses without first knowing who will provide these new residents with schools, hospitals, doctors surgeries and all the other requirements of a civilised community.

We must also seek to guarantee that all our services are inclusive – that they are available to everyone – at a reasonable cost – able and disabled alike. In this we should lead the way by championing the DDA legislation – ensuring that everyone in this district can enjoy their lives to the full.

Nothing that the Leader has said tonight is new. Every single project he announced was already underway as part of the previous administration. We will await new developments – but we also challenge you to meet the targets we set for this authority:

You must seek to increase recycling even further in order reduce the need for landfill sites and incinerators in this district. We saw off the SWERF incinerator that the conservativers at county hall attempted to foist on local people? Now you, the new administration have to continue to stand up to the county. To continue to tell them that we don't need Kent County Council incinerators in this district. And the way to do that is to stay ahead of our recycling figures.

It is also your job to demand better roads and pavements. To fight for a fare share of funding. To stand up for local people and to listen to them. You are here to serve and not to rule.

And we, and the local electorate, will be here to call you to account.

The day you cut any of the services that local people rely on, or cancel any further schemes upon which we have consulted the public and sought their approval, is the day you will be seen to have failed.

You have inherited, by deceit, an excellent Authority. An authority that has excellent housing, environmental, economic and planning services. Services that work – on behalf of local people to make our city, our towns, our villages and district a better place in which to live.

We are proud of our record. You have a lot to live up to!