Hertsmere Liberal Democrats

Hertfordshire Liberal Democrats decry the decision by Conservative members to close three short break respite homes across the county, significantly reducing capacity.

The three sites slated for closure are at Tewin Road, Hemel Hempstead, Hixberry Lane, St Albans and Apton Road, Bishops Stortford.

At the Adult Care and Health Panel today, a petition was presented by the Carers organisation, Carers in Herts, making very valid points and seeking a cooperative process with Adult Care Services to build the right respite strategy service before closures are considered, and Cllr Ron Tindall as LibDem spokesperson put this forward as an alternative recommendation to the panel. Sadly this vote was lost with all Conservative members voting against, despite several of them having echoed the concerns of the petitioners and opposition members during the debate. Instead the proposal to authorise closure was voted through; all opposition members voted against. One Conservative Member who had suggested that the recommendation should be amended to consider the plans further before committing to closures at least abstained (much to his credit).

Dear Kenilworth Neighbours,

Borehamwood is a vibrant and lively place to live and I am proud to be a part of such a fantastic community. That's why I am so excited to be standing for the Liberal Democrats in Borehamwood Kenilworth in the upcoming by-election.

I'm asking for the opportunity to represent you as your local borough councillor on Thursday 13th February.

Andy Lewis: A Plan for Kenilworth

1. A long-term solution to the parking nightmare on our residential streets, especially parking on pavements. We need a joined up approach that includes enforcement and creation of more parking spaces for residents (CPZ).
2. Protect our green spaces. Our council could have resisted the threats of over-development, but chose not to. We are slowly losing our green spaces, trees and parklands.
3. Better use of developers' contributions (s106). Our Council currently have £3.5 million from the housing developments in Borehamwood, which could be used to improve our current facilities or build a new youth centre. Instead our councillors have wasted some of this money by relocating a community asset - Borehamwood Bowls Club and replacing it with yet another a cafe.
4. More and suitable affordable/social housing. Local residents are struggling to get onto the property ladder and are being priced out by the over-inflated prices set by developers. All new development must be built with environmental sustainability in mind.

Liberal Democrat candidate for Hertsmere, Stephen Barrett, has a positive plan to build a brighter future for Hertsmere. Stephen offers Hertsmere voters a credible alternative to the divisive policies of Conservatives and Labour:

1. Stop Brexit

Electing a Liberal Democrat government is the only way to get the Brexit process over. The national humiliation of Brexit puts so much at risk - the NHS, public services, jobs across the country, scientific collaboration, peace in Northern Ireland, the unity of the UK, our ability to tackle global crises such as climate change and our global reputation as a country that is confident and outward-facing. By keeping the UK in the EU, we can get on with tackling the real issues facing our country, using the Remain Bonus of £50 billion to invest in public services and tackle inequality.

County Council votes to oppose further expansion of Luton Airport

Hertfordshire County Council has voted to oppose further expansion of London Luton Airport. At a full council meeting on 26 November, the council voted unanimously to object to the proposed expansion plans on the grounds that expansion of London Luton Airport to 32 mppa would result in unacceptable harm to the environment.

The Liberal Democrats have a long and proud record of thinking globally and acting locally on climate and the environment. Whilst personal actions -- to use energy efficiently, to reduce waste and our carbon footprints -- are vital, it's clear that it's not enough. A global emergency demands action on an international scale. That means aligning closely with other countries to maximise the scale - and results - of each step taken. Click below to see our plans!

Dynamic, entrepreneurial businesses are a force for good. Our country is blessed by tens of thousands of such brilliant businesses and it's time we celebrated the contribution business makes to our economy and society - jobs, incomes, prosperity.

Conservative Party infighting over the country's relationship with the EU has resulted in a collapse in business confidence, and they seek worsen the damage by dragging us out of our most productive trade relationship with our neighbours and increasing red tape*. Under us, unlike the Tories, UK PLC won't waste so much money in duplication and triplication of digital infrastructure in our richer, urban areas - whilst leaving untouched poorer communities and rural areas.

Skills Wallet invests in our people to succeed in tomorrow's workplace

New technologies are continuously disrupting the labour market, and our education system is struggling to keep up. The skills shortage costs UK businesses £4.4 bn a year, and more than two-thirds of employers are struggling to find people with the skills they need*. As some jobs become automated and new occupations are created, effective adult education is becoming more urgent to keep our economy competitive, close the productivity gap, and enable everyone to reach their full potential. That's where the Liberal Democrats' Skills Wallet comes in.

Liberal Democrats believe that in 21st century Britain, discrimination is something none of us should need to fear. That we should all have the same opportunities regardless of where we come from or our circumstances. And that our children and grandchildren can be who they want to be without any fear of persecution or intrusion.

People should feel safe in their homes and on their streets. But this is not how it is for too many people today: knife crime has increased by over 75 per cent since 2015; homicides are at their highest rate for a decade; robberies and thefts are increasing and almost all go unsolved; and there are more and more places in the country where people simply don't see police officers.