City Lib Dem election manifesto is launched

11.45.27am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 18th Apr 2007

Lib Dems are 'Ambitious for Norwich'

Keeping Council Tax as low as possible, introducing a blanket 20mph speed limit in residential streets, tackling anti-social behaviour, and promoting an environmentally responsible city are among the proposals in the Liberal Democrat manifesto for the City Council elections.

Cllr Cooke, the leader of Norwich City Lib Dems

Launching the manifesto "Ambitious for Norwich", Cllr Hereward Cooke, the Liberal Democrat Group Leader, said: "Above all we wish to fulfil our Liberal Democrat vision for a vibrant, forward-looking and environmentally-conscious City. To rekindle the spirit of Norwich as a City with pride, a new role and a purpose that is worthy of its past and in tune with our ambitions for its future."

Full details of the manifesto are as follows:

Norwich Liberal Democrats

Manifesto for May, 2007 City Council elections

Ambitious for Norwich

Environmental responsibilities

The Council must lead by example to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Develop a carbon neutral policy for the Council, and encourage partners - such as businesses and transport providers - to do the same.

Accelerate the City's recycling rate through the twin bin scheme and other measures.

Work with the Affordable Warmth Strategy for Norwich to improve energy efficiency in both private, and public rented accommodation.

Campaign for strengthening of Building Regulations including more local energy generation in new developments.

Keep Council Tax as Low as possible

It is an unfair tax and hits those on limited incomes hardest.

In 2006 the Lib Dem administration increased the Council Tax by 3.5%.

This year the Labour administration has increased it by 4.7%.

Campaign for more of the Business Rate to be returned to Local Government.

Tackle Anti-Social Behaviour

Through more effective working with wardens, Police Community Support Officers and the Police.

Involve Housing Officers from Norwich City Council and use tenancy agreements to enforce good behaviour.

More community involvement in making neighbourhoods safer.

Decision-making at local level with budgets to match.

Expand the provision of sporting and leisure facilities.

Community Involvement

Devolve power to local communities so that residents are involved in all aspects of Council policy that affect them.

Devolve some budgetary powers.

Empower local leaders through training and personal development.

Encourage the formation of parish councils if unitary status is granted.

Preserve and improve Norwich's trees,

parks and green spaces

The Lib Dem administration in 2006 invested in trees, parks and open spaces,

and will continue to ensure a green environment for future generations.

Encourage sustainable transport

Introduce a blanket 20mph speed limit in residential streets.

This will encourage more walking and cycling, reduce car use, make residential streets safer and rebuild communities.

Work with bus companies to improve services so that residents are able to change their travel choices, and introduce a Quality Bus Partnership.

Raise the number and quality of bus lanes.

Resist the proposed cross-Yare bus route.

Increase the number of cycle lanes and their safety.

Tackle more dangerous crossings for pedestrians.

Support a diverse economy base for

Norwich

Encourage the provision of new jobs and the development of skills training.

Support the expansion of the visitor economy using the City's heritage and creative potential.

Build upon the success of the previous Lib Dem administration in obtaining windfall funding of nearly £3m for job-creation.

Housing

Provide more social housing through innovative development schemes such as using derelict sites for new homes, working with Registered Social Landlords, private landlords and other partners, and bringing empty properties back into use.

Deal with repairs to Council properties more quickly.

Spend the accumulated reserves in the Housing Revenue Account more rapidly.

Performance

Raise the level of customer service by more staff training.

Increase contact with residents at a local, neighbourhood level.

Closely monitor service levels to housing tenants in order to reach the highest standards.

Recycle waste in line with our zero waste policy.

Establish businesses to prevent waste going to landfill.

Contracts

Work to ensure that the faults in the present City Care contract are not repeated when it ends.

Break the existing contract into smaller parts, based on ability to deliver.

Avoid a default mechanism to a Direct Labour Organisation.

Follow best practice by other local authorities.

Strengthen the monitoring of such contracts.

Unitary Status

Firmly grasp the opportunity so that the City can reach its full potential.

Continue to give the case for unitary status our unstinting support.

Look critically at the next detailed stage in the bid, work co-operatively with neighbouring authorities, research a suitable educational system and realise the necessary savings.

Above all we wish to fulfil our Liberal Democrat vision for a vibrant, forward-looking and environmentally-conscious City. To rekindle the spirit of Norwich as a City with pride, a new role and a purpose that is worthy of its past and in tune with our ambitions for its future.

Hereward Cooke, Leader;

tel. 01603 624827; mob. 07887 931252 Email: cookehd@paston.co.uk

Brian Watkins, Deputy Leader

Judith Lubbock, Sustainability Member

Diana Lowe, Community Member

Joyce Divers, Housing Member

April, 2007