"Good local services are the cornerstone of social justice" says Dave Wood (Swindon Liberal Democrats)

Swindon Liberal Democrats <info@swindonlibdems.org>

"Good local services are the cornerstone of social justice" says Dave Wood

April 21, 2006 4:00 PM

Dave Wood in Eastcott with Cllrs Stan Pajak and Mike Evemy

"Good local services are the cornerstone of social justice" says Dave Wood as he outlines the mini-fairer communities manifesto for the 2006 Swindon local elections. Dave is the Liberal Democrat candidate for Eastcott ward.

"With decent housing, good schools, care for the elderly and the vulnerable, and investment in skills and regeneration, councils such as Swindon can tackle deprivation and exclusion in a way that national politicians can only dream of, fight to improve standards in schools, and tackle truancy and discipline, defend adult education and skills training against Labour cutbacks.

Liberal Democrat led South Shropshire helps young people onto the housing ladder with an innovative scheme for "golden share" properties, that will remain affordable for generations.

Council Taxes are being kept as low as possible - with Liberal Democrat-run Lambeth, Islington and Southwark all freezing their tax this year, saving local people money. In Swindon the Tories broke their promise and have increased local tax by over 8% in recent years.

Dave Wood continued: "But if we want a fairer Britain, we need to make sure the ways of paying for these services are fair too. Inequality is greater in Britain now than when Labour came to power. Where you live, what your parents do, which school you go to, all now count even more than before in determining what your life chances are. And - because of the unfair Council Tax - the poorest people pay a higher proportion of their income in tax than the richest.

"Liberal Democrats are fighting poverty and deprivation in councils across Britain. We're doing everything we can to keep tax bills as low as possible - while campaigning nationally to scrap the hated Council Tax and replace it with a fair system based on ability to pay.

"Making Britain fairer is a key ambition for Liberal Democrat councillors. That's why we:

keep taxes low by spending wisely and efficiently
invest to tackle homelessness and sub-standard housing
devolve power to local area committees and forums to empower people no matter what their background
encourage independent living for the elderly and disabled by offering good quality social care

Some further examples of good Liberal Democrat practice:

Southwark Liberal Democrats have worked with local partners on a multi-million pound scheme to help people remain healthy and safe in their own homes instead of having to go into residential care or stay in hospital when they don't need to.