Liberal Democrats on Suffolk County Council support the bid by Suffolk Local Authorities to achieve "Pathfinder" status.  We would have hoped for a more dynamic response to the government intention to review the structure of local authorities.  However, this is better than nothing and we will support it from conviction, believing that cooperation is essential, not just as a response to Ipswich's unitary bid.

This bid to the government is a joint proposal by the County and District Councils to drive up efficiency, working together to avoid duplication.  It will ensure that tasks are undertaken at the best level:  the Parish, the District or the County depending on the advantages of local knowledge and abilities or the purchasing power of a larger organisation.

Liberal Democrats have always believed that local issues should be resolved locally. We acknowledge that the people on the ground usually know best. 

Lib Dems say no to Two Tier System

Lib Dems recently opposed the Tory led Suffolk County Council’s proposal to close all middle schools in Suffolk and move to a two tier system. We challenged Suffolk County Council Officers about the extra costs involved and argued that middle schools play an important role in the local community. It is estimated that the extra transport involved in the proposal will cost around £900,000 each year. The Lib Dems on the County Council, recognising the powerful reaction from many middle school parents, called for a referendum during the district election.  This would have gauged the true level of resistance to the proposals at very low cost.

Lib Dems say no to Care Changes

Lib Dems have opposed the Tory led Suffolk County Council proposal to move from Council provided Day-Care, Respite Care and Care Homes to provision by the Private and Independent sectors. The Council's services are highly regarded by the people who use them and we must not allow vulnerable people to experience anything less than they now receive. Lib Dems believe that the cost comparisons, on which decisions will be made are not fair and that too little has been done to help staff and managers increase efficiency.

Leisure facilities for our young people

Our residents want more sport and leisure facilities for our youngsters, whether or not they have family members to use them.

As you know Liberal Democrats have already achieved much in Suffolk , especially helping to create play and sports facilities.  We will push even harder to provide more, both indoors and out. Play and Sports are essential to provide exercise for youngsters that will lead to long and healthy lives.  Green space is also vital to our well-being and our environment.

Neighbourhood Policing.
What does it mean?

Teams of police managed by a sergeant with several constables and police community support officers will be responsible for Neighbourhoods.   

Liberal Democrats believe that this new approach and a major culture change are necessary to provide the policing that people expect. There must be a real focus on delivering performance and local knowledge must be used to maximum advantage. The Neighbourhood Policing re-organisation can provide the local presence and contact we all want.

Cost Control-The Liberal Democrat View

We believe that there must be serious cost control through business "re-engineering" and clever procurement.  That means doing things in better ways, for instance taking advantages of our modern computer equipment.  We must be passionate about this and not just talk the talk.  If we don't do this we will never break out of the cycle of either major tax increases or massive service cuts.

The administration's "Securing the Future" programme appears to be concentrating on yet another re-organisation rather than creating a lean & mean structure that can deliver service at low costs. 

Waste

The County Council disposes of the waste that we generate after it is collected by the district councils.  There are three problems:

• Suffolk is running out of holes where it can dump waste

• There is a landfill tax that is growing ever larger

• A "Landfill Allowance Trading Scheme" is being introduced

The administration's solution is a large "energy from waste plant".  You would call it an Incinerator.