As a resident intending to stand as an independent candidate in the forthcoming Reading Borough Council local elections, my manifesto is not decided by a local/national political party. I believe that it should be decided by the local residents – after all, local elections are about the local area where local residents live. If elected on 22nd May to represent Whitley, being independent I won’t be ‘whipped’. Being ‘whipped’ means that the respective party groups usually decide in advance how every member will vote. By having an independent councillor you’ll have a councillor who actually cares about the local needs of their residents and who will vote according to the local needs of their residents. The residents of Kennet Island were surveyed and their needs have formed my ‘Eight to get Straight’ on Kennet Island:
- Improved Parking Management
Parking and it’s control has always been a focal topic on Kennet Island. I will ensure any appointed contractor offers fairness, consistency and transparency. Any income generated from their appointment such as through the issuing of permits and any commissioned earnt should be accounted for, itemised on Service Charge Statements and returned to residents through their service charge. - Service Charge
Residents are concerned about the increasing service charge. I will ensure that service charges are fair, accurate and offer residents value for money. I will propose that the management agent for the developer issues an easy-to-understand annual breakdown of how residents’ money is being spent and why certain contractors are appointed. I will also ask that they review excessive charges such as the £350 fee to issue a service charge statement if a resident decides to move. - Faster Broadband
I will continue lobbying for Superfast broadband for residents experiencing slow speeds and unable to obtain fibre broadband. SAY NO 2 GO SLOW! - Safer Streets
I will work with police and neigbourhood action groups to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour. I also champion and seek to establish third-party reporting to enable and encourage residents to report incidents discretely when they occur. - Cut Speeding on Roads
One death on the road is too many. I will contiue to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding to local businesses including Royal Mail. - Better facilities for Young People
I will ensure that young people have something to do. For example, establishing youth clubs and activities which will take them off the streets. - Neighbourhood Planning
I will ensure that the local community is consulted with correctly to ensure that there is suitable affordable housing and ensure there are adequate suitable local school places. I will also ensure that planning decisions in the future are community-based, sustainable and in the best interests of the local community and not developers. - Give Power back to Local People
Many residents feel left out of the decisions made that affect their lives. I will ensure that local forums and residents groups are able to be established and supported to give residents a stronger voice.
These ‘eight to get straight’ are areas of concern for the residents that live on Kennet Island and as a fellow resident, I appreciate why these have been raised as local issues. Look out for my ‘Eight to Get Straight’ in Whitley.