South Hams Liberal Democrats

Lib Dems call on Devon to provide Free School Meals in holidays

Article: Oct 23, 2020

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Devon County Council should reverse its 'mean minded' refusal to provide free school meals during the holidays, say Devon's Liberal Democrats.

"The impact of the lockdown and Covid19 on many families across the County is not of their making and money is increasingly tight, especially for those affected by reduced hours, lost jobs, or furlough arrangements," said Liberal Democrat opposition leader Cllr Alan Connett.
Planning proposals not what's needed agrees public meeting

Article: Oct 21, 2020

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The government's White Paper on planning reforms is a missed opportunity to resolve the country's housing crisis and does nothing to address the issues we face in the South Hams, agreed councillors and public at a meeting held on Tuesday October 20^th online.

While the Government claims there has not been enough house building to meet demand, Totnes Councillor John Birch reminded the meeting that planning permission has already been granted for 6,950 dwellings that have not yet been implemented.
Planning White Paper - what a missed opportunity!

Article: Oct 21, 2020

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By Julian Brazil

The average house price is more than 11 times the average income in the South Hams. If we want young working families to remain here something has to change, writes Julian Brazil, Chair of the Development Management Committee at South Hams District Council.

Our local infrastructure already struggles to cope with the extra pressure of new development. And housing numbers are imposed on us from central government. The latest white paper on planning was an opportunity for change. What a missed opportunity! Far from solving the issues we face; it just amplifies the problems.
Lib Dems Call for Furlough Extension as 6.1% of People Claim Universal Credit in Totnes Constituency

Article: Sep 21, 2020

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The Liberal Democrats are calling for an extension of the Government's furlough scheme until the jobs market is "ready to bounce back" in the wake of "staggering job losses" across the country.

With 6.1% of people now relying on Universal Credit in Totnes constituency, the Party claims that extending furlough would help "stop this crisis getting even worse" and protect jobs for the future.

Despite the Chancellor promising last month to do "whatever it takes" to support households and businesses through the worst of the coronavirus outbreak, the Government has so far failed to agree a plan beyond the end of the furlough scheme on October 31st.

The Liberal Democrats have also warned some of the worst hit are the country's self-employed workers, three million of whom are still not covered by support. The Party has called for support to be extended and urged the public to join its campaign to protect jobs.

Alan Kerr, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for South Hams Lib Dems said:

"With so many families in crisis, the Government should be doing everything in its power to protect jobs in Totnes and right across the country.

"The fact that 2,855 people are now relying on Universal Credit in Totnes shows exactly why the Chancellor must extend the furlough scheme, at least until the middle of next year.

"Ministers need to act now to stop this crisis getting even worse and extend financial support for the millions of people currently excluded from Government assistance."

Christine Jardine MP, Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesperson, added:

"We are seeing staggering job losses, even with the furlough scheme in place.

"People have a right to expect that their Government will stand by them in exactly the way that Rishi Sunak promised when he said he would "do whatever it takes."

"The Liberal Democrats' are clear that the Government must extend the furlough scheme until the jobs market is ready to bounce back."
Reminder: Online Autumn Conference starts on the 25th September

Article: Sep 18, 2020

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Hopefully lots of you have already signed up for conference at the end of the month but for those who haven't yet, this article,detailing why this will be a great conference for first timers may be of interest.

Our first ever full online conference is set to be one of our biggest ever. With a more accessible, affordable, and flexible conference, more members than ever will be able to have their say and vote on some of the fantastic policy motions coming up at Autumn Conference. You can view a full list of the motions that are going to be debated here.
Meet Your councillors: Cllr Susie Jackson

Article: Sep 1, 2020

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Meet your Councillors: Cllr Susie Jackson for the Kingsbridge Ward

I have lived and worked in Devon for 40 years, 14 of those in the South Hams. I work as an Occupational therapist at Torbay Hospital and my role with the NHS has made me aware of the lack of affordable housing in the area. I hope to meet many of you over the next few years. I will listen carefully to what is important to you. I passionately believe in the power of local communities and I want to help create thriving, sustainable and safe towns to live in. I will work hard to promote a culture of openness and transparency, ending the Conservative 'closed shop' approach.

Contact Susie

Email susiejackson005@gmail.com

Tel 01548 511628
SHDC Parking Permits Review

Article: Aug 28, 2020

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South Hams District Council is conducting a review of how its parking permits work.The consultation runs until Friday 11 September.

Cllr Keith Baldry, Executive Member for Environment at South Hams District Council, said:

"We have decided to conduct a thorough review of our permits across the District so we can hear what residents and visitors want. We want to have a fair and consistent approach to our permit parking but we need to know what you, our residents and visitors, think about it first.
Read Ed Davey's first speech to members as leader of the Liberal Democrats.

Article: Aug 28, 2020

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Hopefully you all managed to vote in the recent leadership election. We are glad that we now have a permanent leader in Ed Davey and hope that he can now concentrate on taking the party forward. We know there is national ground to recover and look forward to seeing the party energy revitalised. We were glad to hear that Ed will be launching a national listening programme so voters can tell us what matters to them. Congratulations to Ed!

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