Here we go again, only back in control for three weeks and already Labour is threatening our libraries, clearly they have not learned the lessons of the past. Read more by clicking HERE. My message to the Cabinet Member, Cllr Chris Meaden is clear. If you are going to be creative, use the £240,000 the Conservatives put into this years Council budget to improve Wirral’s libraries….. Of course Labour would not be able to go down this road if it wasn’t for the nine empty seats vacated by the Lib Dems?
Tag: Steve Foulkes
Free Swimming STAYS in Wirral!
Last night, Wirral’s Conservative led Council voted to keep free swimming in Wirral. As well as keeping it for the over 60s (all year round) and the under 18s (during school holidays), the Conservative-Liberal Democrat Cabinet has also agreed to provide free swimming for children in care AND their carers and also to Wirral residents who are serving in the Armed Forces or are veterans. Sadly, the same can’t be said of Labour-run Liverpool. In a couple of days their free swimming ends.
This is part of our plan to correct the mistakes of the previous administration who wanted to close leisure centres across Wirral. We’ll be writing to many of the groups who will benefit from last night’s decision and I know many colleagues are writing directly to residents as well.
Where Did That Week Go!
Well as we know, Wirral Council is now Conservative led for the first time in 24 years. Wirral Conservatives and Wirral Liberal Democrats joined together in a ‘Progressive Partnership Coalition’. I have been appointed as Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety, and from Tuesday morning onwards it has been meeting after meeting as I get to grips with my new role. Please don’t misunderstand me, I am delighted with the challenges the role brings, and I will do my very best to serve all the people of Wirral to deliver world class services.
Change Is Here!
Last night, after 24 years of a Labour led Council, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats joined forces in a ‘Progressive Partnership’ to wrest control of the Council. Conservative Councillor Jeff Green was elected as leader for four years under the new governance arrangements. The new local coalition also reflects what’s happening nationally. Believe it or not, it is the first Conservative-led Council in Wirral for 24 years.
- The ‘Partnership’ has 42 of the 66 seats
- Conservatives hold 7 of the 10 Cabinet portfolios, the Lib Dems hold 3.
- The Lib Dems do NOT have the leisure and libraries portfolio.
- We will protect key frontline services
- We have implemented a 5% pay cut for Cabinet Members to reduce the cost of politics
- We will Publish details of all Council spending in excess of £500
- We will ensure greater involvement with people on key issues.
- We will work with the coalition Government to freeze Council Tax for Wirral residents
I am delighted and honoured to have been offered the Housing and Community Safety portfolio, and will do my very best to carry out my duties and responsibilities to the people of Wirral. You can read the partnership agreement by clicking HERE
Another Great Week on the Knocker
This week has seen teams out across Moreton and Leasowe knocking on doors each night for a couple of hours or so. We have had such a great response from people wanting to help, that we have fully canvassed a complete polling district in two nights and tonight we went back on the outs. The onslaught on Angela’s former stronghold is incessant. The response on the doorstep is unbelievable, so much so that it appears New Labour voters are fast becoming an endangered species, they are so thin on the ground its amazing. Everyone wants change, they want it in Parliament and here in Wirral, and more importantly they want it now.
‘U Turn’ Number 3!
Last night Wirral’s ruling Labour Led, and Lib Dem Cabinet met to determine Wirral Council’s budget for the next 12 months. I understand they have set a budget that will increase council tax by 1.67% and have built into the base budget for future years a sum that will keep Guinea Gaps bath open.
After the humiliating ‘U Turns’ on the Libraries issue, closely followed by another ‘U’ Turn’ on the Academy issue, it appears that Steve Foulkes and is cabinet disciples have no shame, and have ‘U Turned’ yet again on Guinea Gap baths. I am of course delighted that this much used, much needed and well love facility will remain, as will the libraries, and they like Guinea Gap will remain because of the tremendous pressure put on by local residents and the Conservatives.
However one has to ask, why did the Council Leader embark on his Strategic Asset Review, why did he want to close our libraries, swimming pools and leisure centres, he told us then it was because Wirral was in dire financial straights, yet now, he says that Wirral is in a good financial position? Anyone would think an election was due! Surely Cllr Foulkes would not be that cynical………… Would he?
New Years Resolutions!
It’s that time of the year when people make all sorts of weird and wonderful resolutions, only to find that within a day or two they have vanished into insignificance. That’s why I simply don’t bother anymore!
Although not a New Years resolution, I do resolve to continue to hold Steve Foulkes, Simon Holbrook and the unholy Lab / Lib Dem ruling junta at Wirral to account for their actions, as well as some Council Officers,who appear to believe they can run roughshod over the wishers of the people of Wirral as well! Come May this year, there will be change, hopefully locally, as well as nationally, I and the Wirral Conservatives are ready for that change.
Enough is Enough!
Tonight at full Council, Steve Foulkes and his cronies voted through new Governance arrangements for the Council, to come into effect in May next year. I asked the Head of Law to explain to Council the Public Notice that appeared in the Wirral Globe last Wednesday, which to all intents and purposes pre-determined the Council’s decision. When the Head of Law finished speaking, the Leader of the Council, in his outburst, which also betrayed a conversation he had with the Mayor, I believe crossed the line between banter and downright rudeness! From Great Leader to Loss Leader – Standards, I think so!
DAMNED!
At long last we have sight of the report by by Sue Charteris into the Labour plan to close our libraries. Click HERE for a copy of the report.
Having now read it, it is no surprise that Steve Foulkes and his cronies made such a humiliating U Turn on the closure programme. The report basically damns their actions! Among the key findings, is this: The Public Inquiry into Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council’s (MBC) Library Service has found the Council’s decision to restructure its Library Service to be in breach of its statutory duties under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 , to provide “comprehensive and efficient public Library Services for all persons desirous to make use thereof”. TIME FOR CHANGE!
Library Inquiry – TIME FOR CHANGE!
In an email response to searching questions asked by the Conservative Group Leader, the Council’s Head of Law Bill Norman, has tried to justify why he only allowed certain people see the Sue Charteris draft report on the Library Inquiry. In his response, he now gives us the name of someone else who has had sight of the report, a name that was not on his original list! Has he forgotten anyone else? He also reveals the true cost of the Barrister used by the Council at the Inquiry. We were told originally the cost would be in the region of £15,000 to £20,000, why then has it come out almost double that original estimation. I think Mr Normans response leaves more questions unanswered, than answered. You can read the text of Mr Normans email by clicking HERE. Read what the Wirral Globe has to say by clicking HERE
CHRIS BLAKELEY 