Local Choices, Local Decisions: The Lib Dem Pledge for Shepway Local Elections 2011

The Liberal Democrats in Shepway are fielding more candidates than any party other than the ruling Conservatives at the 2011 local elections. As the official opposition to the Conservatives over the past four years, it is the Liberal Democrats who have held the Conservatives to account on the issues that matter locally - from the closure of the Leas Lift, to the expansion of Lydd Airport, and opposing a massive 6.5% rise in Council house rents this year.

A full list of all candidates in the 2011 elections in Shepway are available from the Shepway Council website.

The Liberal Democrats in Shepway are pledged to giving real say to our local town and parish councils, keeping Council Tax down and getting our car parks working for shepway residents and businesses.

Local Choices, Local Decisions

The Liberal Democrats will fight to make sure that local decisions are made locally wherever possible.

County Hall and Shepway Civic Centre need to give real power to our town and parish councils to make decisions on issues like planning, parking and other key issues that really matter to them. Decisions about the environment and services in our towns and parishes should be made by councillors who represent those areas, not places up to 20 miles away. Where we need to talk to Government to allow those powers to be transferred, we will do so.

Keeping Council Tax Down

Your Liberal Democrat team understand that keeping Council Tax down during these difficult times is essential. Local residents cannot afford higher bills. The Lib Dems have backed and delivered zero tax rises at Folkestone Town Council 4 years running.

The Liberal Democrats will back zero rises on all councils over the next few years.

Make Parking Work for Local People

Unfairly high parking charges on local car parks are driving users away. High charges deter use, leave car parks empty and make local residents and businesses suffer.

The Liberal Democrats have called over the last few months to get Shepway District Council to see sense over setting appropriate parking charges at different car parks.

The Lib Dems will work to make sure that charges are set to make sure every car park gets better use. An empty car park is no use to anyone.