Shepway Conservatives shooting themselves in the foot time after time
It's an exciting time to be in the opposition group at Shepway District Council. You don't have to wait long for the Tories to give you so much ammunition!
In a time of recession, they vote to increase councillors' allowances, how incredibly out of touch can they be? They are considering pulling out of the Leas Lift lease, in the face of huge public opposition. The residents parking scheme is so unpopular because of the £25 charge a car to be introduced. The increase from £320 to £600 for a car park season ticket has caused uproar. I am pleased that Tim Prater as chair of Corporate Scrutiny challenged the decision and the vast majority of the committee, including the Tories, voted for a phased introduction over a long time frame. The Tory Cabinet voted against this, but now, as the public voice their anger, it is being called back for reconsideration. If there were no County elections around the corner, would this be happening, I think not.
And now, it has been decreed, that only Cabinet members will receive Cabinet Agendas and reports, unless councillors request email copies. This is what the Tories call open and honest policy making, this is what they call democracy! Rest assured, all copies of all reports have been requested. Tim is an excellent Chair of Corporate Scrutiny, and does a wonderful job of holding them to account. There may be only 5 Lib Dem councillors who sit on Shepway, but we make a lot of noise. In the future, there will be many more of us, and I thank you for your help in making this happen.
Many of you will have read in the paper about the very sad death of a homeless man on the streets of Folkestone a few weeks ago. I was so frustrated by this situation, that in 2009, there are people dying on the streets. Since last Summer 5 people have died on the streets of Folkestone. I have called a meeting of homeless agencies in Shepway and am determined that this will never happen again. I will keep you posted and what we can all do to prevent this tragic loss of life, happening again.
The Gurkha justice campaign continues. I am sure many of you saw Joanna Lumley on the tv recently, back at the High Court. The solicitors have served an injunction, in the attempt of making the Government speak. This campaign will continue until we win, and the media are right behind us every step of the way. Come on Jackie Smith, make an announcement, we are not going to go away until you do!
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