Forest of Dean Liberal Democrats

Focus on the Forest

LIBERAL DEMOCRATS are committed to local government which is in touch with local people. Your Liberal Democrat Councillors are your local voice, speaking out against over-centralisation by Westminster.

Conservatives destroyed much of local government by creating quangos and moving power to central control. Lack of sufficient funding during the Tory years has led to the current

deprivation in our urban and rural areas. We are still suffering here in Gloucestershire, the results of Tory maladministration eg the terrible state of our nations health service, the plight of agriculture and our rural economy, and there is an even greater divide between rich and poor.

Labour has continued to follow Tory policies and to underfund our services. Our transport system has not improved. The government has underfunded education leading to the current low morale in our schools and problems of recruiting teachers. Social services are struggling to keep up with expectations. Our roads are disintegrating.

Liberal Democrats pledge to give power to people at local level.

That’s why a strong Liberal Democrat voice on the County Council is essential.

ROADS AND TRANSPORT

• We aim for a properly maintained road network essential for safety, welfare and economic prosperity.
• We will continue to fight for more funds to reverse the current £50million backlog of work on roads.
• Lib Dems want to see a greater use and more availability of public transport.

In the Forest of Dean

PROTECTING THE PUBLIC

• Fire and rescue services are essential. We will ensure they are ready for all emergencies
• We will fully support Emergency Planning now that Government has withdrawn its funding.
• Lib Dems will ensure that consumers are fully protected against exploitation and illegal practices, and the highest levels of food safety are maintained.

EDUCATION

• We will make funds for schools and their maintenance
• a TOP PRIORITY, in the face of Government putting Gloucestershire at the bottom of their spending.
• Lib Dems aim for high quality provision for children with Special Educational Needs, and get better facilities in the Forest of Dean.
• Our policy is to support families’ and increase vital pre-school education and to keep all our libraries and offer increased access to IT and the internet.

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

We will provide support for all vulnerable people and those who care for them:

• by close working with the NHS and voluntary organisations.
• through childrens services especially those with disabilities
• and in County Council care.
• with our National Lib Dem campaigns to increase pensions and fund personal care for the elderly.