A greener campaign in Weybridge South

10.15.13pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 18th Apr 2006

GREENER

Councils, working with communities, need to be at the forefront of cutting carbon emissions and cutting waste if we are to protect the planet. Elmbridge at present lags woefully behind in these respects. Liberal Democrat councillors can be trusted to to fight for and improve the environment.

We are:

+ Boosting recycling rates

+ Encouraging energy efficiency in buildings

+ Promoting cycles routes and footpaths

+ Supporting public transport

+ Seeking improvements in parks and open spaces

SAFER

Crime ruins lives and too many people live in fear of it. No-one should be afraid to leave their home, to walk down the street at night, or to let their children play outside.

Liberal Democrats continue to press for more police on the beat with support from community wardens and support officers. We want better youth services to get young people off the conveyor belt of crime; better drug treatment and community payback for petty criminals. Elmbridge has led the way in clamping down on graffiti but more needs to be done to combat vandalism and fly tipping.

FAIRER

Your local Liberal Democrat councillors are doing all they can to keep to keep the council tax bill as low as possible. But the council tax system is inherently unfair with the poorest people paying a higher proportion of their income in tax than the richest. Liberal Democrats are campaigning nationally to scrap the hated council tax and replace it with a system based on ability to pay.

Fairness means keeping taxes low and spending wisely and efficiently; investment to tackle homelessness and sub-standard housing; devolving power to local area committees to empower people; and encouraging independent living for the elderly.