Surrey County Council Liberal Democrats have called on the Tory-run County Council to reassure the public, following the disclosure of details highlighting the appalling service from one of Surrey's highways contractors, Carillion.
Following a lengthy debate, punctuated by interjections from a packed public gallery, Epsom & Ewell's planning committee have voted to reject the controversial proposal for a large supermarket in the Upper High Street on a majority decision. As for all planning applications, this proposal had to be determined purely on planning grounds, despite immense public interest and pressure. Council planning officers had recommended approval, but most members felt that the size of the planned store would create more additional traffic than that part of the town could cope with.
The size of the Tory group on Epsom & Ewell Borough Council slipped to just one member last night as the RA regained the Stoneleigh seat in yesterday's by-election. Jim Dapre the Lib Dem candidate came third.
Auditors KPMG have warned in their annual audit inspection that £26 million, already given to the County Council for its waste disposal scheme, might have to be returned to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM). If this happened there would be extremely grave consequences for the Council's financial position. So at next Tuesday's meeting of Surrey County Council, Lib Dem County Councillor Tom Sharp will ask what steps the Tory administration are taking to ensure that the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister does not reclaim £26m already given to the County Council for its waste disposal scheme.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced on the 10th of December a £340 million increase in this year's provisional grant for county councils, of which Surrey's share is £7.3 million, according to the Council's figures. The Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Surrey County Council, Cllr Janet Maines says: "This is good news for Surrey residents who have been hit hard by Conservative Council Tax rises. The Liberal Democrats will put pressure on the Conservative Administration on Surrey County Council to use this money to keep Council Tax as low as possible, while making sure local services are protected. The Liberal Democrats have also recommended to the Conservative administration that they should put some funding into preventative measures that would keep the budget under control for future years."
Following a motion tabled by Lib Dem County Councillor David Timms, Surrey County Council has now publicly acknowledged its concern over a number of serious weaknesses in its Children's Services that were identified in a recent report by the Audit Commission and the Social Services Inspectorate. The Council has also committed itself to monitor progress towards overcoming these weaknesses.
Liberal Democrats are calling for a 4 per cent tax on share buybacks, which would incentivise proper business investment, spur economic growth and raise funds fairly for our public services.
Liberal Democrats are unwavering in our commitment to liberal values and international cooperation. We believe in a United Kingdom that stands tall on the world stage, promoting peace, security, and democracy.
Liberal Democrats have passed new policy with a comprehensive plan aimed at boosting cancer survival rates and improving the quality of life for patients and their families.
