Liberal Democrats on Mid Suffolk District Council support the bid by Suffolk Local Authorities to achieve "Pathfinder" status because it will provide opportunities to Parishes to decide local issues in equal partnership with the District and County tiers of local government.

This bid to the government is a joint proposal by the County and District Councils to drive up efficiency by 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. Lib Dems acknowledge that the people on the ground usually know best.  We will push this forward with conviction, not just as a response to Ipswich's unitary bid.

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 including Needham Market 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 will cost around £900,000 each year. The Lib Dems on the County Council called for a referendum at this election.

Lib Dems say no to Care Changes

Lib Dems have opposed the Tory led Suffolk County Council’s proposal to move from Council provided Day-Care, Respite Care and Care Homes to 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 made are not fair and that too little has been done to help staff and managers increase efficiency.

Leisure facilities for our young people

A considerable majority of 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 Mid Suffolk , especially helping to create play and sports facilities.  We will push even harder to provide more, both indoors and out. They provide exercise for youngsters and, importantly, the green spaces essential to our well-being and our environment.

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.

Of course, if the Government gave rural districts a settlement that reflected the high costs they suffer and the ever increasing Whitehall demands on them, that would help too.

Neighbourhood Policing.
What does it mean?

Liberal Democrats believe that a 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.

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