Still Putting People First: MK Lib Dem Local Election Manifesto 2023
Foreword:
We often speak of unprecedented times, but we are truly in a period of financial and emotional difficulty for us all.
Last year we focused on providing the people of Milton Keynes post pandemic support and this year we have ensured help is available to those struggling through the cost-of-living crisis.
This year there have been many challenges, many of which we fear will continue. We know jobs are affected, people are losing their homes and the bills are mounting. That's why we are not shirking our responsibility, but rather ensuring people have some support and hope for the future.
Working with Labour in the Progressive Alliance we delivered an extensive package of winter support and want to continue this work to ensure there is support for next winter. We have ensured anyone homeless has a bed, that they have food, and help with heating when needed. Children have been supported with their mental health and offered extra help with their homework, but we know more is needed, and that is why we will continue to work together for the best for our city.
The Government has failed us year on year, giving all councils across the country less and less money to do things with. We are not going to give up. We have sought to keep the Council Tax down whilst maintaining all services. We know how important our community is to all of us, so we will continue to listen to you and work for a Fairer, Greener, Safer, Cleaner, home for us all.
If you want a City Council that listens to its residents, one that cares for and works for them, vote Liberal Democrat on 4 May 2023
Cllr Robin Bradburn, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Milton Keynes Council'
The Liberal Democrats have been listening to our residents. Liberal Democrats care, and Liberal Democrats will work for you.
Here's how we'll do it:
PROVIDING SUPPORT THROUGH THE COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS
Households have been hit hard with soaring energy bills, rising prices, and falling wages. The ongoing cost-of-living crisis is still the main concern for many of our residents. We will continue to work hard to mitigate the failures of the Conservative government and ensure support is available to the people of Milton Keynes.
We want to:
- Provide funding for the most vulnerable communities so we can continue to support residents that need it the most.
- Help residents on low income with energy bills.
- Create support schemes to provide short-term financial relief for residents.
- Encourage more communities to set up community fridges and larders to reduce food waste.
KEEPING OUR COMMUNITIES SAFE
We want to protect our residents and build safe communities for the future.
We want to:
- Launch a pilot knife crime reduction programme to divert young people away from crime and promote active and responsible behaviour.
- Fight for more police on the streets and a return to proper community policing where officers are visible in the community.
- Work closely with Thames Valley Police to reduce anti-social behaviour in our city.
BACK LOCAL BUSINESS AND INVEST IN OUR CITY'S ECONOMY
We know Milton Keynes is leading the way in the UK's new economy but, the Conservative government have made it difficult for small businesses in our city to survive and with a recession on the horizon we know hardworking people will be spending less and less. The businesses in Milton Keynes are one of the many things that makes our city unique, we want to ensure they continue to thrive and keep our economy strong.
We want to:
- Create an economic development scheme that supports local businesses.
- Invest in our local high streets and older town centres.
- Support free events to attract visitors to boost our local economy.
BUILDING HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES
With a growing population we want to build healthy communities for the future and ensure our residents have access to housing and local healthcare services.
We want to:
- Build more council homes and ensure residents have access to affordable housing.
- Continue to provide accommodation and support services for rough sleepers.
- Provide extra funding to help children and young people to access mental health services.
- Deliver an improvement plan to tackle health inequalities across the city.
- Campaign for better access to NHS dentists and GPs.
TAKING PRIDE IN OUR CITY
Our city is so well connected by its redways, footpaths, and grid roads and as it continues to grow, we want to continue doing the essentials well and ensure a cleaner MK for everyone.
We want to:
- Fill even more potholes, resurface roads, improve redways and footpaths, and keep fly tipping and litter low.
- Continue weekly bin collections and ensure garden waste collection is free.
- Reduce the impact of surface water flooding and fight for better maintenance of our waterways, drains, and sewers.
SUPPORT LOCAL FAMILIES, CHILDREN, AND COMMUNITIES
We want all children and adults in Milton Keynes to have a bright future and we want to ensure as much as possible that they all have the same opportunities in life. Milton Keynes is rich in diversity, and we want our growing city to be a welcoming and inclusive space to everyone.
We want to:
- Continue to reduce child poverty across Milton Keynes and ensure children have access to healthy meals during the holidays.
- Offer advice to and raise awareness for carers.
- Work to increase the number of foster carers in Milton Keynes.
- Campaign for more support for care leavers.
- Increase the number of SEND places.
- Support local minority and LGBTQ+ communities.
STRIVING TOWARDS A GREENER MILTON KEYNES
Milton Keynes is full of green spaces, and we want this to reflect our strategy for the future. As a new city we want to lead the way by becoming net zero by 2030 and mitigating the impact of climate change.
We want to:
- Continue to upgrade our Council homes so they are energy efficient.
- Provide help and advice to homeowners through the National Energy Foundation.
- Reduce water usage and improve water management.
- Increase biodiversity within our green spaces.