The regional assembly (a unelected body that i am a member off – as it has so much influence over key areas) has been told to conduct a review of the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS). I am lead to believe that the government wants to increase the housing target number again.   As a group we oppose the […]

Councillor Roger Wilson (Birstall) has just issued the following press release expressing his concner about the impacts of the credit crisis on the County Council’s capital investment programme. I think he raises a good point or two: He Said: “I am concerned that the County Council’s capital programme is in a precarious state. People may not […]

I have just found out that the Leicester City Council Labour group has created a resolution to support the Ecotown for Pennbury.   I just can’t quite bring myself to believe that they could undermine the collective actions of local councils like this. A process was agreed to develop a strategic assessment that is due to report on the […]

Ok so there is alot of confusion in this world – sometimes words sound nicer than what they mean; because of this it is important to ensure that we as local politicians tell the truth and more importantly ensure what we say is clear – even at the risk of losing a bit of political credibility. […]

The latest government solution in meeting housing needs is to promise £13 Million to be used to buy surplus housing stock from developers and convert into affordable/social housing. As an idea this seems fine yet the detail suggests that this money will buy 335 homes across the entire country. Although i welcome any increase to the allocation […]

Liberal Democrat group leader Simon Galton has reacted to the announcement that Ms. Caroline Flint has been replaced in Gordon Brown’s Cabinet reshuffle with Margaret Beckett. Margaret Beckett who represents the Derby South constituency was a former holder of the Housing Minister position. Simon Galton said: “I am relieved that Ms. Flint has been replaced […]

Following the County Council’s press release announcing the allocation of £86 Million in PFI credits from government, the Liberal Democrat group Environment spokesman Bill Boulter has highlighted his ‘doubts and concerns’.   He said: “we recognize that the allocation of funds is greater than was requested by the county council and I have concerns as […]

At the full council yesterday a Liberal Democrat motion on the sustainable communities act was successfully agreed with all party support. Dr Sarah Hill, who proposed the motion, stated: ‘I am pleased that this motion was successful and i am grateful to all parties for the support and positive comments made. This motion shows our […]

Having waited patiently since 28thJuly for a response from the Housing minister Ms. Caroline Flint to the questions he had presented, Cllr Simon Galton has highlighted the apparent lack of organization from the Minister.  Cllr Galton stated: “As always seems to be the case with this Eco-Town process the local people are completely ignored – […]

A report is due before Leicestershire County Council’s Environment Scrutiny Committee on Thursday that will update on the progress of flood prevention work across the county. A large part of the  work that has been conducted is due to the specific allocation of £500,000 for road drainage work. This allocation was created and fought for […]