Chiswick Liberal Democrat Local Manifesto 2018

Chiswick Liberal Democrats' manifesto pledges to fight to stop Brexit, support EU citizens and make Chiswick greener and healthier.

Chiswick residents face a stark choice in the Local Elections on the 3rd of May. Voting Labour is a vote for Jeremy Corbyn, Brexit and four more years of a complacent Labour Council. Voting Conservative means backing Teresa May, a Hard Brexit and pro-Brexit councillors.

"We think it is time for a change from the dysfunctional two-party system and a return to open, tolerant, liberal values" said Helen Cross, candidate for Turnham Green Ward. "That means sending a clear message through the ballot box to the Conservatives and Labour to stop this damaging Brexit".
The Liberal Democrats have an ambitious vision for Chiswick, and you can see our candidates talk about our manifesto on our Facebook page here.

Our manifesto pledges are:

1. Fight to Stop Brexit

Vote Liberal Democrat in May to send a message to the Conservative Government and Labour's non-opposition, that Chiswick residents don't support a hard Tory Brexit. The Liberal Democrats are the only national party campaigning for an #ExitfromBrexit with a referendum on the final Brexit deal, giving us the option to stop Brexit and remain in the EU.

2. Support our local EU Citizens

Vote Liberal Democrat to show you support the EU nationals who live and work here. Liberal Democrats back our EU citizens' right to stay, work, love and build a future in the UK. The Conservatives have used them as bargaining chips.

We will campaign for a proper, specialised council support service to help EU citizens to understand their rights and navigate the purposely difficult UK Citizenship application process.

3. No Third Runway

The Conservatives back a third runway at Heathrow. Labour is divided and non-committal, and won't fight against a third runway. The Liberal Democrats are the only major party united in opposing a third runway or expansion at Heathrow. Chiswick voters can't trust the Conservatives on Heathrow, but the Chiswick Liberal Democrats will continue to campaign with others to stop Heathrow expansion. Better doesn't have to be bigger.

4. Reduce Pollution

Liberal Democrats have a plan to make Chiswick a healthier place for all. We will:

• Get the A4 through Chiswick included in the Ultra Low Emission zone, reducing pollution and improving the health of Chiswick residents. See our campaign here.
• Install a green barrier on the A4 to reduce car pollution impact for the residents and schools near the A4.
• Implement traffic light synchronisation to reduce stop / start traffic on the High Road (the biggest impact on pollution levels) and look at reducing the speed limit.

As councillors we will take advantage of existing funds for green spaces (like Green Capital) and embrace green initiatives like the All London Green Grid and TfL best practice to make the case for these improvements. Hounslow Council has failed to address the increasing amount of harmful pollution from the A4. We therefore promise to produce transparent indexes based on TfL's own Healthy Street Indicators to hold the Council and TfL to account.

5. Improve Public Transport

Liberal Democrats for Tube Users

Together with Caroline Pidgeon, our Liberal Democrat in the GLA, we will continue to pressure TfL to make the Piccadilly Line stop at Turnham Green.

Liberal Democrats for Bus Users

The Labour Mayor of London is cutting bus services everywhere. Liberal Democrats will fight any proposed cuts to essential bus services in Chiswick.

Liberal Democrats for Cyclists and Pedestrians

We support better facilities for both cyclists and pedestrians, and will work to ensure the CS9 cyclesuperhighway improves access and facilities for everyone in Chiswick - pedestrians, users of public transport, and cyclists. Read more about our assessment criteria for CS9 here.

6. Improve parks and community spaces

We support the protection of Chiswick's green spaces and parks, which are an essential part of what makes Chiswick such an enjoyable place to live and work. As councillors we will work with local groups to improve accessibility and park facilities in Chiswick.

Dukes Meadows

We support the Dukes Meadows Trust 3 pledges (read more here). Paths and other public areas there need to be upgraded (with assistance if necessary from the Hounslow Community Infrastructure Levy). The Council and Lampton360 also need to work more transparently with the Trust, clubs and organisations to manage and maintain Dukes Meadows to a high standard.

Chiswick Back Common

We want to see improvement to lighting and facilities in Chiswick Back Common.

7. Fight Crime

Chiswick Liberal Democrats and Ealing Liberal Democrat Councillors are working together to campaign against the closure of Chiswick Police Station by the Labour Mayor of London. We firmly believe in the importance of community policing and will fight to retain the same level of police presence in Chiswick.

Vote Liberal Democrat for a fair, open and tolerant society and better local government.

Click here to read more about our Chiswick candidates.

Notes to editors

For enquiries on this release please contact:

Helen Cross, Leigh Edwards or Chris Gillie, candidates for Turnham Green ward at liberalchiswick@gmail.com

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Chiswick Lib Dems have announced their council candidates for the local election on 3 May 2018.

TURNHAM GREEN

Helen CROSS

Helen has lived in Chiswick for over 15 years. She is a businesswoman who has built a successful career in technology and the digital economy. New to politics, Helen was prompted into action in 2016 due to the explosion of illiberal discourse around the Brexit referendum and the election of Trump. Helen was drawn to the Liberal Democrats' pro Remain stance and strong position on tolerance and social justice, particularly in standing up for EU citizens' rights.

As a councillor she will fight for:

• Ensuring there is a voice for positive action representing Chiswick on the council
• Reducing pollution and traffic in Chiswick to make it a healthier place to live, including extending the ultra-low emission zone to include the A4
• Better investment in Chiswick to improve services and access for all groups including the young, the elderly and those with disabilities

She will continue to campaign to stop Brexit.

Leigh EDWARDS

Leigh has lived in Chiswick for fifteen years, he is a chartered accountant. Along with many others, he was dismayed and appalled by the intolerance of the rhetoric in the lead up to the EU referendum. Leigh is committed to an open, tolerant and fair society, investing in public services and ensuring everyone is given the opportunities to meet their potential, and to live their lives free of fear, prejudice or discrimination.

As a councillor he will work hard for the people of Chiswick to:

• Better hold the council to account on planning and developments to ensure new projects enhance Chiswick by reducing pollution, improving infrastructure, increasing accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists and users of public transport, and introducing more green spaces
• Fight for investment in essential public services including real community policing and support for local hospitals
• Fully oppose any expansion or third runway at Heathrow

Nationally he will campaign for the UK to remain in the EU as a leading and influential member, and to keep Britain a liberal, democratic, and socially just society.

Chris GILLIE

Chris has lived in Brentford for 11 years, working as an IT Manager, and has had a successful career managing IT in small and medium sized organisations. Witnessing increasingly polarised politics, Chris decided to do more than just vote, and following the Brexit vote, decided to join the only remaining moderate voice in UK Politics. Being a dual national, he also supported Macron and En Marche in the 2017 French Elections.

As a councillor his priorities will be:

• Ensuring that the needs and concerns of all Chiswick residents are heard by the council
• Working to reduce air and noise pollution and to ease congestion in Chiswick
• Campaign for sensible development of the Chiswick area that is sensitive to its special character

He will continue to campaign to stop Brexit, from both sides of the Channel.

CHISWICK HOMEFIELDS

Alice BAILHACHE

Alice is a trainee solicitor, who has lived in Chiswick for the past 6 years. She joined the Lib Dems in 2015, and campaigned with 'Britain Stronger In Europe' in the 2016 referendum.

As a councillor, she will:

• Fight to reduce air and noise pollution, putting pressure on TfL to accelerate the introduction of the Low Emission Bus Zone for Chiswick High Road
• Protect Chiswick parks and green spaces from unwanted development, and ensure they are accessible to everyone
• Work with others in the council to bring empty dwellings across Hounslow back into use, helping to address homelessness in Chiswick

Originally from Jersey, in the Channel Islands, Alice has always felt close to Europe! She feels passionately about protecting EU citizens' rights and will work tirelessly to #ExitFromBrexit.

Alex FOX

Originally hailing from Southwark, Alex was drawn to local politics inspired by the overwhelmingly positive, moderate and liberal influence the Southwark Lib Dem group made when running the council with other parties. Having lived in Chiswick for the last 5 years, Alex is now a trainee Music teacher and is particularly supportive of Liberal Democrat education policy, in particular Pupil Premium - a policy that he believes truly delivers on the core liberal value of Opportunity for Everyone.

As a councillor he will:

• Encourage a more collaborative approach to local politics so that the needs and concerns of Chiswick residents are better represented within the council
• Fight tirelessly for the rights of all EU citizens who live in Chiswick
• Oppose the expansion of Heathrow T5 and work with others to arrive at a smarter, evidence-based solution that works for Chiswick

He is absolutely passionate about stopping Brexit. #ExitFromBrexit

Charles REES

Retired barrister and senior court official. Lib Dem activist, (member since 1983). Charles has in fact been a member of all three parties; left the Tories because of their social policies, and Labour because of their drift to the left in the 1980s - they haven't changed!

Charles is standing for the Lib Dems because new ideas are needed in Hounslow - Labour has grown complacent and the Tory opposition grown tired. We need to look at new ways of making life better in Chiswick, by reducing pollution and improving traffic flows, for example. Also making sure that Chiswick gets its fair share of Hounslow Council resources. Lib Dem principles of openness, fairness and tolerance can apply just as well in Chiswick and Hounslow as they can across the country.

Nationally, Charles supports the Lib Dems who are trying to soften what is likely to be a harmful Brexit. He fears leaving the EU will not only make us worse off financially but reduce our influence in the world. We should also value the very considerable contribution EU nationals in Chiswick make to our country and also in Chiswick.

CHISWICK RIVERSIDE

Francis BEDDINGTON

Francis is a third generation West Londoner. He has lived in Chiswick for the last twelve years. He is married with two school age children.

As a committed Internationalist, he joined the Liberal Democrats in 2015 and campaigned against Brexit. He has worked in the Civil Service, and the financial services industry.

Being partially disabled himself, Francis has a particular interest in access issues for people with mobility constraints.

He is opposed to the CS9 in its current format and will campaign to improve the design of the scheme to take into account the needs of all Chiswick residents.

Guy DE BOURSAC

Guy moved to Chiswick 5 years ago, after nearly 30 years in Geneva. He retired after 40 years in the airline business and some English teaching. New to politics (despite some Liberal activity in the 1970s), Guy was prompted into action in 2016 by intolerant discourse around the Brexit referendum. He was drawn to the Liberal Democrats' strong stance on tolerance, social justice and EU citizens' rights.

As a councillor he will fight for:

• Ensuring there is a positive voice representing Chiswick on the council, particularly on housing
• Reducing pollution and traffic in Chiswick to make it a healthier place to live
• Better investment in Chiswick to improve services and access for all groups including the young, the elderly and those with disabilities
• Improved pavements and other pedestrian facilities

He will continue to campaign to stop Brexit.

James McCONNELL

James has lived in Chiswick since his marriage 24 years ago. A career in consumer technology has taken him to live and work extensively in Asia and Europe where he learnt how collaboration across different cultures can only benefit business and society. The Brexit vote in 2016 was the wake-up call and motivation for him to join the Lib Dems. Furthermore, in a climate of polarised and dishonest politics, he sees that the Lib Dems are the only party to offer brave and honest solutions to our challenges, in particular the pledge to increase income tax to fund extra NHS spending.

As a councillor his priorities will be:

• Work to ensure the council is committed to reducing air and noise pollution in Chiswick and opposing Heathrow expansion
• Represent the views on issues that are important to Grove Park residents. CPZ and beyond!
• Holding the council to account on its decisions and management

He will continue to campaign to stop Brexit.

Contact: liberalchiswick@gmail.com

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As we approach general election polling day on 8^th June, many voters will be pondering the issues and perhaps asking themselves the question - Will my vote count for anything?

Joe Bourke, Liberal Democrat Candidate for Brentford and Isleworth said "This election has been called by Theresa May in an effort to increase the Conservative majority in Parliament. Going by the average of the polls, the Prime Minister is on course to do just that and this election will not see a change of government."

"Given these circumstances, voters may ask which of the local candidates can actually make a difference to our lives here in Brentford and Isleworth."

"Perhaps your choice might be to add one more MP to the government's majority. An MP that has never voted against a Conservative party, intent on forcing through the most economically damaging exit from the European Union conceivable; and a third runway at Heathrow that may well face legal challenges for years to come."

"You may choose instead a Labour MP at odds with the leadership of a Labour party that has proved to be an ineffective opposition for two years now. An MP that has failed to challenge a Labour dominated local council that simply ignores the views of residents clearly expressed in consultations; and rides roughshod over its own local area plan to ram though planning consents for wholly inappropriate developments."

"Alternatively, you may wish to make your vote count for something by returning a Liberal Democrat that will stand up to both an arrogant Labour council and an increasingly dangerous and extreme Conservative government. Every vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote against a hard Brexit."

"If effective opposition at a local and national level can make a difference to the quality of your life here in Hounslow Borough, vote for Joe Bourke, Liberal Democrat as the Member of Parliament for Brentford and Isleworth on June 8^th."

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The Liberal Democrats have today announced that they will add another £1 billion for mental ill health care through putting a penny on income tax. Approximately £4.5 M of the party's additional health funding would be spent in Hounslow Borough tackling the historic injustice faced by people with mental ill health.

Liberal Democrat Leader Tim Farron and Shadow Health Secretary Norman Lamb have unveiled a Five Point NHS and Care Recovery Plan to increase funding for health and social care services, including a penny on income tax to provide a £6 billion funding boost.

Local Liberal Democrats announced that approximately £4.5 M of this extra money would be ring-fenced as dedicated funding for mental health services in Hounslow.

This would help to deliver on 12 key priorities, including improving waiting time standards for mental health care on the NHS and providing support for pregnant women and young people suffering from mental health problems.

The Liberal Democrats will also set out to end the inappropriate use of force against people with mental ill health, end out of area placements for mental health patients and prioritise national action to reduce the number of suicides.

Commenting on the plan, Joe Bourke, Lib Dem candidate for Brentford & Isleworth said:

"The Liberal Democrats' pledge to spend £4.5 M in Hounslow is important, as it demonstrates our commitment to ending the historic injustice against people with mental ill health.

"Health, particularly mental health is a key issue on the doorstep. People want action, not just words and only the Liberal Democrats are addressing this - neither Labour nor the Conservatives have outlined how they will fund mental health services.

"We will invest in improving waiting time standards for mental health care in Hounslow, end the scandalous use of force against people with mental ill health and prioritise national action to dramatically reduce the number of people who take their own lives.

"The Liberal Democrats are the real opposition to the Conservatives, and the only party fighting for genuine equality for those who suffer from mental ill health."

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Hounslow Liberal Democrats have today launched their local election manifesto setting out a radical approach to tackling unemployment and guiding our community towards a more healthy, green and resilient lifestyle.

Cllr Andrew Dakers, Leader of Hounslow Liberal Democrats and Prospective MP for Brentford & Isleworth constituency, said:

"We are proposing a clear raft of measures that would make a huge difference to peoples' lives in Hounslow. Our "Six to Fix" sets out our core policies and shows that a real change can be made by voting Liberal Democrat."

The "Six to fix" are:

1. Pilot a change of Jobseekers Allowance to a 'part-time employment guarantee'.

2. Push for improvements in our local health services.

3. Empower communities to make local decisions for justice in cases of Anti Social Behaviour.

4. Rebuild our roads and pavements.

5. Invest in our Primary and Secondary schools.

6. Support all our communities in transitioning to low carbon lifestyles.

In his introduction to the Lib Dem election manifesto for Hounslow, Cllr Andrew Dakers, writes:

"Local government touches the lives of every resident. From nursery education to rubbish collection to tackling climate change, councils have a responsibility to ensure that local services are provided in a responsive, efficient and effective manner, in accordance with the needs and wishes of local people. The Local Council elections on Thursday 6 May will decide how local services costing £186.1 million are run and how they are paid for.

"35 years of Labour control and then 4 years of the Tories mean that local government does not fulfil its responsibilities; real decision-making is remote from local people and conducted in an arrogant manner - a survey of residents in 2008 found that only a third of people in Hounslow ﴾34 per cent﴿ feel they can influence local decisions.

"You, the people of Hounslow, have a clear choice at this election - a choice between four more years of Tory muddle, or the opportunity of a radical approach to tackling unemployment and transitioning our community towards a more healthy, green and resilient lifestyle."

Jin Jhooti, Lib Dem council candidate in Bedfont ward, added:

"If you read our manifesto you will see that it is different from the others. We don't only propose policy changes. We also want fundamental changes in the way those policies are decided.

"We don't have the financial means of the Labour and Conservative parties to deliver endless glossy publications through the letter box. We hope that voters looking for a better way of running politics will take the time to look at the policies on our website. Our manifesto can be downloaded from www.hounslowlibdems.org.uk."

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On Saturday 27th March, backed by dozens of supporters, Cllr Gary Malcolm and Cllr Andrew Dakers - Lib Dem Prospective MP for Brentford & Isleworth Constituency - handed a letter for London Mayor Boris Johnson to Lib Dem London Assembly member Caroline Pidgeon outside Turnham Green tube. The letter suggests a meeting with the Mayor and his transport advisors to discuss a range of possible solutions for improving the tube service at Turnham Green. Today Caroline Pigeon has sent their letter to the Mayor with her own cover letter.

Cllr Andrew Dakers, Lib Dem Prospective MP for Brentford & Isleworth Constituency, said:

"When I first ran for Parliament in 2005 the issue of the poor service at Turnham Green Tube was one of the key local concerns raised with me by Chiswick residents. Five years on and the problem remains unsolved by the incumbent Labour MP or by Transport for London which is chaired by the Conservative Mayor Boris Johnson.

"The population increase in Hounslow is above the London average because of the many new housing developments in the area. That is why there is a real need to improve the tube network. This will help Chiswick residents in both Hounslow and Ealing Boroughs.

"My view is that too much of the debate so far has taken place through the local print and online media. What we need are face-to-face conversations with the people who make the decisions so that we can unpack the issues and find solutions."

Cllr Gary Malcolm, Lib Dem councillor for Southfield ward, added:

"The local Liberal Democrats have campaigned consistently on this issue for many years as this is something residents in the area want strongly. If a genie gave me three wishes, I would use one of them to get the Piccadilly line to serve Turnham Green throughout the day. This would benefit many thousands of residents in the locality."

NOTES TO EDITORS

1) Online petition is at: http://tinyurl.com/TurnhamGreenStation

2) The solutions that Gary and Andrew have asked the Mayor/ Transport for London to respond to on are:

A) Consider a trial that extends the early morning and the late evening stops at Turnham Green station, so that the station is served much more often. Then the outcome can be reviewed. This would show that Transport for London are really committed to assisting public transport in this area of West London and would be logistically possible due to fewer tubes running on the line at this time.

B) Consider moving the Piccadilly Line stop from one station (e.g. Barons Court) to Turnham Green station. This would still allow Barons Court station to be served, but by the District line, instead of both the Piccadilly and District lines. This would need no changes to the signalling and is possible logistically.

C) Bring forward the planned signalling and other works so that improvements can be delivered earlier. An early commitment on this would enable planning for the changes to take place faster.

ENDS

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A Lib Dem proposal for the long-term restoration of Gunnersbury Park and its Mansions was rejected at the Council's Budget setting meeting last night. The Lib Dems proposal was backed an eleven page report setting out how the money could be raised. The Lib Dems call for investment to restore the Cranford Agreement through a parliamentary bill was also rejected. The agreement was reached in the 1950s to protect residents in Cranford from excessive noise. The Lib Dems say that by scrapping the Cranford Agreement the Labour Government betrayed undertakings to protect the public from negative effects of Heathrow development. Given the rejection of these proposals - and a range of other ideas - the Lib Dem group voted against the Council budget.

On Gunnersbury…

The Lib Dems say that their analysis showed that the park, local history museum and mansions could be restored without imposing an excessive burden on Council tax payers. The Lib Dem proposal was for £8.2m to be raised through prudential borrowing and repaid over 25 years. They say that now Hounslow and Ealing Councils will be drawn to the proposal to raise the money by selling some of the park to developers or leave the local history collection to decay.

Cllr Andrew Dakers, Leader of Hounslow Liberal Democrats, said:

"We are deeply disappointed that the Council was not prepared to take the action required to stop the decline of the park, local history museum and mansions. This is a site of local and national importance. We carefully costed our proposals and used the work of the consultants employed by the Council to chart a way forward. Now it seems that the indecision that has blighted the park and its mansions for years is set to continue.

"The arguments have gone on for too long. We wanted to inject a sense of urgency into the situation. While we accept that there were shortcomings in the public consultation about the future of the Park we think that this should not be used to stop efforts to make substantial progress.

"We are very worried about the future of the Local History Museum in view of the deteriorating fabric of the building it is in. Leaking roofs threaten the collection. We are sorry that the other parties did not see this as an important enough matter to make the modest investment we proposed. It seems the Conservatives are not very interested in conservation."

On Heathrow and the Cranford agreement…

The Lib Dems want Hounslow to join with other Councils in putting a Cranford Agreement Bill before Parliament. They say that this would cost about £168,000 but that this could be shared with other Councils affected by airport noise. Their proposal that £56,000 be set aside for this purpose in the Council Budget was rejected at last Tuesday's Budget meeting. The proposals have received the support of Cllr Mike Cox, leader of the Hillingdon Lib Dem Group as well as Cllr Stephen Knight, Deputy Leader of Richmond Council, who offered Richmond's broad support for the proposal and would welcome a meeting with LB Hounslow to discuss it further.

Cllr Andrew Dakers, Leader of Hounslow Liberal Democrats, said:

"Voters should take into account the fact that MPs Ann and Alan Keen dropped their opposition to airport expansion on the basis of a promise to keep runway alternation. Apart from the dismal record of BAA with respect to such promises it means that they found scrapping the Cranford Agreement acceptable.

"We greatly regret that the other parties did not see this issue as important enough to put up the money to take it all the way to Parliament. Unacceptable aircraft noise blights people's lives. Parliament is responsible for the situation and we should make use of our right to place a Bill before it to restore the Cranford Agreement."

Cllr Barbara Reid, the lead member for Heathrow, said that rejecting the Lib Dem budget proposal did not mean that their proposal was ruled out. She seemed to imply that if the Bill seemed likely to produce a result it could perhaps be financed from money already allocated to efforts to oppose Heathrow expansion.

NOTES TO EDITORS

1) Paper with a full analysis of how Gunnersbury could be funded can be found here:

http://tinyurl.com/InvestingInGunnersburyReport

2) Detailed case for the Cranford Agreement Bill proposal:

http://tinyurl.com/CranfordAgreementBill

3) Liberal Democrat Alternative Budget

1. ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE - Total £855k

1.1. Social care funding - £100k

The administration suggests in will: "utilise increases in Care Matters grant in 2010/11 to offset existing LBH funded expenditure within Children's Social Care and to look at other areas of Children' Social care where expenditure reductions can be identified." We do not accept that a reduction in the social care funding is without risk given the multiple pressures on this service area and believe this saving should not be implemented.

1.2. Contain increases to pay and display parking charges & street licensing - £200K

The proposed £250k saving should be reduced to a £50k saving. Increases in Pay and Display charges and street licensing charges will hit local small businesses at a time when many are struggling to survive.

1.3. Funding for "Part time employment guarantee - Real work, real jobs" - £149k

This resource would be invested in a pilot job creation scheme. The Council would bid to run a pilot project under the DWP's 'Right to bid' scheme, transferring up to £500k of DWP spending to the Council's control. The trial would be run in a part of the borough and would be aimed at anyone unemployed and on benefits for more than 6 months. Under the trial participants would be guaranteed part-time work and their Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) would cease. This would reduce benefits dependency and enable people to develop a portfolio of employment or transition into full-time employment.

1.4. Making Locata Housing Allocation simpler with 'Auto-bidding' - £40k

Housing allocation through 'Locata' causes stress and anxiety for many users, particularly the most vulnerable. This resource would enable Locata to introduce 'Auto-bidding' technology which is already available in other boroughs. A scrutiny investigation has already recommended that this approach is piloted, which was accepted by the Executive, but has not yet been implemented.

1.5. Cranford Agreement Bill - to control expansion of Heathrow by stealth - £56k

This resource would enable to Council to use the 1972 Local Authority Act to restore the Cranford Agreement by putting a Private Bill before Parliament. This would cost about £56k by submitting the Bill with other Councils fighting the expansion of Heathrow.

1.6. Grants programme for English Language teaching - £110k

Hounslow's diverse school population means that support is needed to ensure that all children have good English standards. This resource would be made available through the Community Cohesion unit for bids from schools and Hounslow Language Service to provide additional high quality language tuition on the basis of proven needs.

1.7. Funding for Gunnersbury Park, local history museum and mansions - Fundraising manager in 2010/11 - £50k / Cost of borrowing £8.2m capital over 25 years (year 1 - 2010/11) - £0k

This resource would initiate a programme of investment in Gunnersbury Park, local history museum and mansions. The cost of £8.2m prudential borrowing, with capital drawdown commencing this year, would be spread over a 25 year period. The revenue cost in 2010/11 is £50k for a fundraising manager whose objective would be to also raise funding through other sources.

1.8. Investment in Council reserves fund for contingencies (such as snow!) - £150k

2. ADDITIONAL SAVINGS/ REVENUE - Total £855k

2.1 Additional resource from restructure/ salary grade review of top 3 tiers - £150k

The appointment of a new Chief Executive is an opportunity to review the structure and pay grades at the top of the organisation. Currently the top 28 posts cost £2.7 million. We believe the cost should be reduced by £150k in 2010/11.

2.2 Council Tax Recommendations - £705k

This would cost a Band D Council tax payer an extra 16p/ week. A 0.75% increase.

Taken together with a 19p reduction in the Mayor's London precept that Lib Dems on the GLA proposed, this would have represented a net reduction of 3p/week for Hounslow residents.

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Hounslow Liberal Democrats have launched their alternative Council budget ahead of the Council tax-setting meeting on Tuesday 2 March. Group leader Cllr Dakers says the Conservative minority administration's budget will hit Social Care services, run the Council's limited reserves down too rapidly and offer little hope for those seeking a job or easier access to improved housing. The Lib Dems also set out detailed plans for regenerating Gunnersbury Park and the local history museum. They want to resecure the Cranford Agreement through an Act of Parliament to prevent Heathrow expansion.

Cllr Andrew Dakers, Hounslow Liberal Democrat Group Leader, says:

"The Conservative's Budget proposals will hit some frontline services and would have a negative impact on local businesses. Labour's local budget proposals seem likely to eat heavily into Council reserves or slow investment."

"We will oppose the withdrawal of £100,000 from the Social Care budget. This will hit those most in need. This is why, after three years of broadly supporting a 0% increase in Council tax, we now believe a small 0.75% increase in Council tax is required and is the honest approach. That is just 16p each week for a Band D Council tax payer."

"The increase in street licensing charges would hit local small businesses at a time when many are struggling to survive. A hike in Pay and Display charges would also hurt them and make it harder for small businesses to compete with Tescos."

NEW AREAS OF INVESTMENT

Support for "Real work, real jobs" programme to end benefits dependency.

The Lib Dems propose that £149k should be spent on a pilot job creation scheme. They want the Council to bid to run a pilot project under the DWP's 'Right to bid' scheme. A trial would be run in part of the borough and aimed at anyone unemployed and on benefits for more than 6 months. Under the trial participants would be guaranteed part-time work and their Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) would cease.

Making housing allocation easier.

Housing allocation through 'Locata' causes stress and anxiety. Cllr Andrew Dakers says: "Automatic bidding technology should be installed so that people are not ground down by years of unsuccessful logging on and bidding for a new home." The Lib Dems calculate that system improvements would cost about £40k.

Restore the Cranford Agreement.

The Council should use the 1972 Local Authority Act to restore the Cranford Agreement by putting a Bill before Parliament. This would cost about £56k by submitting the Bill with other Councils fighting the expansion of Heathrow.

Support access to English in our schools.

Hounslow's diverse school population means that support is needed to ensure that all children have good English standards. Cllr Andrew Dakers says: "Good English is vital for success at school and beyond." The Lib Dems propose that £110k is made available for bids from schools and Hounslow Language Service to provide high quality language tuition on the basis of proven needs.

Invest in Gunnersbury Park and local history museum.

The Lib Dems want to see investment in Gunnersbury Park, local history museum and mansions as part of this year's budget. They have already called on the Council to invest £8m. This should be spread over a 25 year period and funded through prudential borrowing. The cost for the coming year would be £50k. The funding would restore a site of local and national importance.

WHERE WILL THE MONEY COME FROM?

The resources for the proposals can be provided by:

(1) Restructuring Civic Centre Top Brass.

The appointment of a new Chief Executive is an opportunity to review the structure and pay grades at the top. Currently the top 28 posts cost £2.7 million. We believe this cost could be reduced by £150k in 2010/11.

(2) A reduced call on reserves.

The Conservative proposal to take £2.4 million from the Council's reserves. The Lib Dems accept the need to call on reserves but believe it is possible reduce the amount called on to £2.25 million. They argue that greater caution is required and that every effort must be made to limit reducing the reserve.

(3) A small increase in Council Tax.

The Lib Dems will propose a 0.75% rise in Council Tax. Andrew Dakers says: "This small increase would be well below the current level of inflation but would help to ensure that resources are available for services and investment that everyone wants the Council to deliver. The proposal would cost a Band D taxpayer just 16p extra each week."

He adds that "It is a pity that only the Lib Dems on the Greater London Assembly called for a reduction in the London Precept paid to the Greater London Authority. Their proposal would have saved Band D Council Tax payers 19p per week. Taken together with our Hounslow proposals this would represent a reduction in tax for Londoners."

NOTES TO EDITORS

1) STOPPING THE CUTS/INCREASED CHARGES. Reversing the proposed cut Social Care budget (£100k), the increases in street licensing and Pay & Display charges (£50k instead of the proposed £250k) would require that an extra £300k is found.

2) ADDITIONAL SPENDING PROPOSALS.

£149k - Funding for "real work, real jobs programme" that will reduce our large benefits bill and increase the borough's productivity.

£40k - Making the Locata housing allocation system easier to use.

£56k - Parliamentary Bill to resecure Cranford Agreement.

£110k - Grants programme to support English Language teaching in local schools.

£50k - Funding for first year of Hounslow's £8m contribution to restoration of Gunnersbury park, mansions and local history museum (this will be funded over 25 years).

£150k - Not drawn from Council's reserves: showing more concern than either Labour or the Conservatives to deplete reserves by as little as possible.

Total: £555k.

3) FUNDING SOURCES. A 0.75% increase in Council Tax would raise £705k. Restructuring Civic Centre top layers and reviewing pay grades in 2010/11 would release a further £150k. Total: £855k.

4) PAY AT LONDON BOROUGH OF HOUNSLOW

4.1) Principles.

Hounslow Liberal Democrats are very concerned by growing income inequality in society and how this is reflected in public as well as private sector pay. A recent report from the New Economics Foundation showed that limiting pay differentials is a widespread practice. It has been done by successful Japanese firms and the Royal Navy has had a de facto limit of 1:8 in the ratio of highest to lowest earnings. (pg 6)

"A survey of human resources professionals in 2003 found that respondents overwhelmingly believed that overpaying top executives was detrimental to staff morale, commitment and product quality. The suggestion was that employee relations, and productivity, began to suffer once those at the top of an organisation earned fourteen or more times what was paid to those at the bottom.

"This understanding is not new. The Royal Navy, John Lewis department stores and the Ben and Jerry's ice-cream company have all at times imposed limits on wage differentials in the belief that a measure of equality would benefit organisational performance." (pg 10)

Source: http://www.neweconomics.org/sites/neweconomics.org/files/A_Bit_Rich.pdf

4.2) Current salaries at the Council.

Our research suggests the lowest paid full time LBH employees are Apprentices on the Learn & Earn programme, which is a 3 year scheme aimed at giving 16-18 years school leavers an opportunity to learn skills to NVQ level as well as to gain experience, are employed initially at a starting salary of £8,500 per annum. A first year apprentice would have an annual salary cost of £11,312. This includes the employer's contribution to NI and the pension scheme. The standard range is £14,967 - 141,996 (excl ERNI and pensions). At the low end of this pay scale are: Kitchen Assistants, Attendants and Coach Escorts, Gardeners, Handyperson, and Play Leaders.

4.3) Liberal Democrat Target.

We would be looking to achieve a differential of no more than 10 (ideally less) through a review of pay grades and deliver £150,000 in year savings (2010/11) in costs on the top three tiers of Civic Centre staff.

5) COUNCIL TAX. Band D currently costs £20.97 per week. A 0.75% increase in Council Tax would increase this by 16p per week.

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Hounslow and Ealing Liberal Democrats are calling on Hounslow Council to follow Ealing Council's lead and identify the capital to fund their contribution to the regeneration of Gunnersbury Park of Gunnersbury Park, mansions and local history museum. This follows the Lib Dems' success, along with other local campaigners, in persuading Ealing Tories to commit to not building on the corner of the park. Hounslow Liberal Democrats are now tabling a motion at Borough Council on 2 March calling for a capital fund to be built up with a contribution of £1m per annum from Hounslow over the next 7-8 years backed by the local authority.

Cllr Andrew Dakers, Lib Dem Prospective MP for Brentford & Isleworth Constituency, said:

"We were delighted Ealing Council finally saw sense in December and committed £5m to the project. We still do not think this enough as project consultants Jura have to date advised that the two councils each need to raise about £8m capital.

"As well as calling for £1m per annum to be set aside over 7-8 years by Hounslow Council to build up a capital fund, our motion also calls on the councils to address the crisis in governance at the park. The current organisation structure is not yet fit for purpose and must be urgently improved if it is to successfully deliver such a significant regeneration programme.

"I urge local residents to sign our online petition for real investment and less talk at: http://tinyurl.com/gunnersburyparkpetition"

Cllr Jon Ball, Lib Dem Prospective MP for Ealing Central and Acton Constituency, added:

"We are delighted that our campaign has succeeded and that Ealing Tories have listened to the concerns of residents we have voiced in the Council chamber. Now Hounslow Council must do the same. We hope both Councils will also explain how the remainder of the funding required to get national funding bodies on board will be secured."

NOTES

Motion on Gunnersbury Park governance and regeneration funding

Proposer: Cllr Andrew Dakers

Seconder: Cllr John Howliston

This Council notes:

• the recent work of the both Ealing and Hounslow Council and the Development Manager to progress the urgent restoration of Gunnersbury Park, the local history museum and mansions.

• the passion and commitment of both the Friends of Gunnersbury Park & Museum and the Save Trees in Gunnersbury Park groups and the wider community for these locally and nationally significant amenities.

• the recent pledge of Ealing Council to contribute £5m to the regeneration of Gunnersbury Park and Museum and welcomes their support.

• the total estimate of costs for the consultants recommended option was £39 million, or £24 million project if the Sports Hub project is set aside as a separate phase to the programme. Consultants Jura assumed Heritage Lottery Fund, English Heritage and London Development Agency funding of £7.5 million requiring £2.4 million from the two Councils in match funding. This would still leave a £14 million shortfall.

• if Hounslow match Ealing's £5m commitment it will still leave a £6.4 million funding gap.

• the Secretary of State and English Heritage have the power to put a Repairs Notice on both Councils directing them to immediately repair the stables and other buildings at risk in the park.

This Council calls on the Executive to:

• address the funding crisis with urgency so as not to delay progress in developing a business plan and submitting funding applications to national bodies.

• continue to improve governance arrangements at Gunnersbury with the introduction of a trust or similar body.

• commit to raise £1 million capital per annum over 7-8 years - starting with the 2010/11 budget. This annual capital provision might include: sponsorship, donations, legacy giving and small grants as part of a fundraising strategy, as well as both councils' own contributions. Partnership arrangements for the large mansion restaurant conferencing business that reduce pressure on the public purse should also be explored.

ENDS

Related Links

• Gunnersbury Park Petition

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Hounslow and Ealing Liberal Democrats today reiterated calls for capital funding to be identified urgently for the regeneration of Gunnersbury Park, mansions and local history museum. Over the past two weeks - at both the Joint Advisory Group and Stakeholder Meeting - they urged Hounslow and Ealing Tory administrations to resolve how they will plug the funding gap. At their AGM on Sunday 6th December the Friends of Gunnersbury Park and Museum decided to call on the Secretary of State and English Heritage to put a Repairs Notice on both Councils directing them to immediately repair the stables and other buildings at risk in the park.

Cllr Andrew Dakers, Lib Dem Prospective MP for Brentford & Isleworth Constituency, said:

"The Friends are right to remind the Councils and Councillors of their responsibilities. I hope that a resolution to the capital funding gap will be found by the end of January 2010 ahead of both Councils' budgets. Then there will be no need for the Secretary of State and English Heritage to use these powers.

"From Jura, the consultant's, work it would appear the Councils need to contribute about £14-16m of capital funding to the regeneration. They have suggested that the regeneration programme will take 7-8 years from start to finish. It would therefore appear that with £1m set aside every year by each Council over 7-8 years we could build up a capital fund to deliver the regeneration. This must be clarified with urgency and the Councils must also commit to guaranteeing the current maintenance subsidy that goes to the park to support a new management organisation."

Cllr Jon Ball, Lib Dem Prospective MP for Ealing Central and Acton Constituency, added:

"The Friends' decision shows how important it is that Ealing and Hounslow's Tory administrations agree the way forward and announce how they will fund their commitments to the Park. That is the only way that residents can be reassured that the decades of neglect of the Park will shortly come to an end."

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Friends of Gunnersbury Park are calling on the Secretary of State and English Heritage to put a Repairs Notice on both Councils directing them to immediately repair the stables and other buildings at risk in the park. For more information on the legislation see 'Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990' - Chapter V Prevention of Deterioration and Damage, Sections 47-50, http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1990/ukpga_19900009_en_4

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Lib Dem Group Leader Cllr Dakers this evening attacked a range of cuts proposed by the Tories ahead of the March 2010 budget. He said that whilst the Lib Dems were committed to keeping Council tax low there was a need for common sense to be applied and that removing school uniform grants for the borough's poorest children and subsidies to community organisations using facilities in schools was a step too far.

Cllr Andrew Dakers, Leader of Hounslow Liberal Democrats, said:

"We supported the motion to throw out a number of the most ridiculous proposed cuts that ranged from significantly reducing support for community groups that use local school facilities to removing school uniform grants for the borough's poorest children. The Tories should not even be considering cuts in these areas.

"Most worrying for residents is the lack of communication from the Tory leadership of the Council to the Independent Community Group. It is appalling the Tories produced the budget cuts paper without involving their coalition partners. As lead partner in the coalition that runs the borough the Tories need to get their act together and stop letting down local residents with this poor leadership."

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Cllr Dakers tonight moved a motion at Isleworth and Brentford Area Committee welcoming progress to date and calling for urgent action to address continued problems at Gunnersbury Park. He highlighted that real urgency is now needed to find other sources of funding for the restoration to proceed before we lose the stables or there is more damage to the local history collection.

Cllr Dakers, Leader of Hounslow Liberal Democrats, commented:

"Whilst the Conservative's u-turn on Gunnersbury Park is welcomed, the botched consultation reflects a lack of understanding of local peoples' concerns and aspirations.

"As our motion highlights the real urgency is now finding other sources of funding for the restoration to proceed before we lose the stables or there is more damage to the local history collection. We do not want the Conservatives to u-turn, yet again, or drag their feet on Gunnersbury claiming they can't find the money elsewhere."

NOTES TO EDITORS

Motion on restoration of Gunnersbury Park, the local history museum and mansions

Proposer: Cllr Andrew Dakers

Seconder: Cllr Jon Hardy

Isleworth and Brentford Area Committee welcomes the recent work of the both Councils and the Development Manager to progress the urgent restoration of Gunnersbury Park, the local history museum and mansions. We support local residents' calls for a more extensive search for alternative sources of funding (e.g. alternative land sale for capital receipts, prudential borrowing or new revenue streams within park) for the building restoration and new museum/ collection store at Gunnersbury Park as an alternative to building on parts of the park.

We call on Ealing and Hounslow councils to fully explore these alternative funding sources before a final decision is made. This must be undertaken with urgency so as not to delay progress in developing a business plan and submitting funding applications to national bodies which has, thus far, been too slow.

ENDS

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As public patience has been stretched to breaking point by a series of expenses scandals and trust in politicians is at an all time low Hounslow Liberal Democrats are calling for democratic reforms at a locally to help restore confidence in public life. These would support reform at a national and European level.

Cllr Andrew Dakers, Leader of Hounslow Liberal Democrats and Parliamentary Candidate for Brentford & Isleworth Constituency will outline in a series of speeches at public meetings across the constituency this week specific proposals to increase trust in local government and increase citizen participation in Hounslow, including plans for 100 citizens to be given the power to call in council decisions for a scrutiny review.

Cllr Andrew Dakers, Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Brentford & Isleworth constituency, said:

"Hounslow's Constitution Review Group, chaired by Cllr Mark Bowen, has been sitting on and off for almost three years. But barely any change has flowed from the meetings.

"Public disenchantment and the need for change is huge. Our proposed reforms address key issues of local politicians' accountability and transparency.

"As the low turnout at local elections demonstrates, greater public participation and engagement in decision making is now vital.

"Practical measures such as giving 100 citizens the power to "call in" decisions for scrutiny, regular newsletters from councillors and a reinvigorated 'full council' will help re-establish mutual trust. The changes would also lead to more effective local government."

NOTES TO EDITORS

REFORM OUR LOCAL DEMOCRACY

Cllr Andrew Dakers' and Hounslow Liberal Democrats are proposing to reinvigorate our local democracy with action in a number of key areas:

1. Greater Executive accountability;

2. Reinvigorate full council;

3. Signpost how decisions are made and how citizens can influence decisions;

4. Revise the concept of "consultation" to a new process of "reaching agreement through dialogue";

5. 100 citizen scrutiny call-in;

6. More online democracy;

7. Strengthen links to Youth Council;

8. Transparent links to and monitoring of outside bodies;

9. Empower local area committees;

10. Put the environment at the heart of local government decision-making;

11. Fair allowances and annual reporting;

12. Establish a convention on relations between political parties;

13. Through the Sustainable Communities Act Hounslow should explore changing the local voting system.

Download the full proposals: Reinvigorate our local democracy in Hounslow - http://takebackpowerhounslow.org/Documents/Reinvigorating%20democracy%20in%20Hounslow%20proposals.pdf

Nick Clegg's 100 day plan to reform our democracy

http://www.takebackpower.org/100%20Days%20to%20Save%20Democracy.pdf

The Lib Dems' full agenda to reform the European Union http://europe.libdems.org.uk/sites/default/files/euromanifesto.pdf

All published and summarised online at http://takebackpowerhounslow.org/reform.aspx

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Under the banner of 'Take Back Power Hounslow' Cllr Andrew Dakers, Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for Brentford & Isleworth, is encouraging the Hounslow community to cast their vote online and come up with new proposals on what national spending and legislation should be changed to benefit Hounslow Borough under new Sustainable Communities Act.

The new Act offers the opportunity to devolve power and funding from Central Government and other agencies to local councils. This gives local people the chance to come up with proposals to improve the place where they live and create a fairer, greener, safer and more sustainable community.

Drawing on the best ideas from the independent 'Local Works' campaign, Hounslow Liberal Democrats have started a debate on ideas that could be taken up and implemented through the Sustainable Communities Act.

Cllr Dakers, Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for Brentford & Isleworth, said:

"This is an ideal opportunity to gather ideas from local people. It is a chance to tell Central Government where our local authority can make decisions and spend money more effectively. It is for anyone who has ever found themselves frustrated by national legislation or policies to have their say now on how things could be made more effective. I hope local people will come forward with ideas and vote on the ideas presented on our website.

"Hounslow Council passed a motion on 28 October 2008 in support of the Sustainable Communities Act, but since then there has been no debate locally as to what powers and resources we would like to take back from central government. The Council must now move swiftly if it is to hit the deadline of 31 July for submitting ideas this year to the Local Government Association."

EXAMPLES OF SOME OF THE 55 IDEAS ON WHICH YOU CAN VOTE

Environment: Give councils powers to count gardens and allotments as "Greenfield" sites rather than "Brownfield" sites and powers to prevent land-banking practices so that Brownfield land is brought into use when needed."

Environment: Redirect money that is currently planned for road-building towards funding public transport and cycle ways.

Save local post offices: Increase the number of central government services that post offices provide on a face-to-face basis, including all aspects of government information, transactions and services, e.g. Jobcentre Plus IT terminals and admin of DWP Social Fund.

Participation in decision-making: Indemnify councils against the cost of developers' appeals on planning decisions.

Save local shops: Set a limit on the amount of retail floor space that is allowed in a local authority area, with that amount determined by the number of people who live in the area (i.e. a ratio), and that ratio to include a limit on supermarket floor space.

Save local pubs: Make it illegal for an owner of a pub to sell a pub with a restrictive covenant preventing that pub from being used as a pub in the future.

Help older people: Fully implement the National Minimum Standard for Domestic Care Providers to improve standards of care given to older people.

Email additional ideas to:

ideas@takebackpowerhounslow.org

Related Links

• Background: Change the law - you decide how
• Cast your vote and have your say

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Lib Dem campaigners Cllr Andrew Dakers, Dinti Batstone and Mona Naqvi today called for Hounslow Council to take urgent action to save Boston Manor House from continued decay. Boston Manor House is the Borough's only Grade I listed building on English Heritage's buildings at risk register. A study in early 2008 funded by GlaxoSmithKline highlighted the need for over £1m to be invested to restore the property. English Heritage good practice would also suggest a business plan for the property's future management should be put in place. Almost a year on from the report's publication and the local community is still waiting for action.

Cllr Dakers, Leader of Hounslow Liberal Democrats, said:

"This Tory-led administration has had three years to take action yet scaffolding is still propping up one of the borough's finest historical assets.

"I welcome the news that a report is soon to come to the Borough Executive setting out options for the building's future. However another report collecting dust on the shelf will not be much use. What we need is investment by the council so a full-time project officer can secure funds and see rapid delivery. Gunnersbury Park - a grade II* listed building - already has a full-time development manager."

Mona Naqvi, local campaigner, added:

"Masked with scaffolding, graffiti and broken windows, Boston Manor house is in a sorry state. It is a real shame such a significant building can only be visited by the public on weekends.

"The Friends of Boston Manor Park have already made great progress in improving the park and its facilities. Fully restored, the house could be used for multiple purposes by the community. With proper funds and management this wonderful building could serve the area as a location for education, community group meetings and significant events, such as weddings."

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Dear Editor, I congratulate CIP Unison representative James Marshall for his courageous statement and letter to the press. The staff of CIP (and thus the users of its services) have been let down by successive cuts from the former Labour administration and the Conservative-led administration. Furthermore, whilst the cuts continued for over a decade, CIP trustees have failed to speak up loudly for the organisation and defend the interests of service users. Meanwhile Hounslow Council failed to put in place an asset management plan for the facilities and parks CIP operated.

CIP was never given a chance to succeed. The Conservative-led administration has failed to encourage the appointment of a new board over the past eighteen months, a new business plan, and establish a fairer contractual relationship. Instead it is allowing the organisation - whose creation all the political parties supported in 1998 - to fold.

We should not kid ourselves that there is not a risk that things will go from bad to worse under a new contractor. That is unless the Conservative-led administration is prepared to pay a realistic sum for contracting out the services currently run by CIP.

An assessment should be made of rises in real costs of such services since the last time they were run by the Council directly. After a decade of cuts a commitment to realistic annual inflationary increases must be part of any contract. In the current climate of cutting anything to be able to say Council Tax is not being increased, I fear that services will be trimmed further to cover the costs to the Council of the debts accrued by CIP as the financial screws were forever tightened.

Yours sincerely

Cllr Andrew Dakers

Leader of Hounslow Liberal Democrats

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As councillors enter this year's council budget discussions, one burning question hangs over us: will Hounslow finally be given a fair financial deal by central government? Contrary to popular myth central government funding supports more of our local services than revenue from council tax.

For several years Hounslow Council has disputed the population figures for Hounslow, which the Council believes are 5000 thousand greater than central government claims. Why does this matter? The net result is that our community is short changed by £2-3 million per annum. Just as an example, that could buy as many as 300,000 new books for the borough's school children.

Hounslow has a relatively transient population and the Office of National Statistics (ONS) figures, on which the government bases Hounslow's grants, are far too low. Instead the government must start factoring in the more reliable Greater London Authority projections, housing growth information and other key local data sources.

Will Ann Keen's special relationship with Gordon Brown as his Parliamentary Private Secretary finally count for something? Will Mrs Keen now make sure the Treasury give our community the fair deal it deserves?

There is no end of pressure on the Council's budgets and these additional funds would give Hounslow Council better prospects of improving local services. Now is the time for action Mr & Mrs Keen - for Hounslow.

Andrew Dakers

Leader of Hounslow Liberal Democrats

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