Liberal Democrats – Working together for the best interests of Derbyshire

Standing up for our communities and working together

Lib Dem Cllrs understand that they serve to represent the views of their community to the Council (and not the Council's interests to the community). They also pledge to listen to all concerns - not just those who shout loudest or make the most noise on social media.

We will

• Seek to bring a strong element of common sense to the Council chamber. Residents are poorly served by excessive party-political dogma and the present system of centralised, autocratic decision making.
• Work with local government partners, the voluntary sector and other providers to share best practice across all aspects of County Council operations
• Aim for an end to the assumption that co-operation is a sign of weakness. Far too many good ideas put forward by opposition parties are dismissed simply because the Tories did not think of them first - this is no way to run a county.

Putting education and social care first

Lib Dems believe our young people are the future, but also consider health and social care for elderly and disabled people has to become a key provision, not a 'Cinderella' service.

We will

• protect and enhance high quality early years learning - protecting family support services in Children Centres, raising the status of those who work in early years and encouraging parallel work in voluntary and community settings.
• ensure that our young people have the skills needed for a modern economy to help Derbyshire attract new businesses offering well-paid jobs.
• work with schools, voluntary organisations, health providers and others to improve the health and well-being of individuals. This should reduce the demand for NHS services, and the savings shared for further investment in our care services.

Building back greener and safer after Covid

Lib Dem Cllrs believe that, following recovery from the worst of the Covid pandemic, the County Council must lead the transformation to a greener economy, with investment in renewable energy, landscape and wildlife conservation, flood control measures and safer, cleaner transport and travel.

We will

• Press for investment in energy saving and renewables to improve our energy mix, provide employment and reduce carbon emissions.
• Work with farmers and other landowners to ensure our landscapes are agriculturally productive and improve biodiversity so remaining a valuable asset for tourism.
• Address the risk of flooding caused by Climate Change and inappropriate development.
• Ensure that the landscape impact of new developments is minimised and an effective landscape framework included.
• Work closely with the District Council on new housing schemes to ensure sufficient provision for easily accessible school places and also ensure that new developments are designed to make it easy to walk and cycle.
• Manage our highway system and speed limits to make our local streets and main roads safer for pedestrians and drivers alike, including support for the 'Twenty's Plenty' campaign.

Lib Dems for a fairer, greener and more caring Derbyshire