Liberal Democrats launch manifesto for Gloucester

The Liberal Democrats have launched their city council election manifesto with a pledge that Gloucester deserves better after 17 years of Conservative rule.

The Conservative administration is tired and has run out of ideas and it is time for change in Gloucester in the local elections on May 6.

The Liberal Democrats have the ideas, energy, enthusiasm and the plan to rebuild the council and help Gloucester prosper as it emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns.

The Lib Dem manifesto covers economic recovery, housing, supporting communities, the environment, culture and rebuilding council services.

Among the key pledges are:

 hold an independent inquiry into the Marketing Gloucester scandal, which collapsed with debts of £1 million.

 improving household waste services, street cleaning and litter bin emptying after years of poor service from the Amey contract.

 set up a council owned housing company to build more non-market homes for shared equity and affordable and social rent in Gloucester.

Councillor Jeremy Hilton, leader of Gloucester Liberal Democrats, said: “A Liberal Democrat-run city council has the plan to transform our city.

“After 17 years of Conservative rule, the city is stagnating.

“The Liberal Democrats will rebuild our public services, making sure projects whether small or large can be delivered swiftly and effectively, because Gloucester deserves better.

“Together, we can change the direction of the council, and make Gloucester an even better place to live and work, for us and for the next generation.

“The people of Gloucester care about our city and it is about time the council did too.”

Councillor Declan Wilson, deputy Liberal Democrat leader, added: “The last 12 months have been very difficult for many people in Gloucester because of the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Getting Gloucester back on track will be the biggest challenge the city has faced in our lifetime to ensure no one is left behind.

“We will work with the private sector, charities and community groups across Gloucester to boost regeneration, create jobs and transform services in the city.

“That starts by rebuilding council services after years of underfunding and poor management by the Conservatives.”

The Liberal Democrats are currently the largest opposition group on Gloucester City Council with the administration led by the Conservatives but in no overall control.