Norwich Liberal Democrats Online

Are the elderly and those needing large print letters being let down by Norwich City Council?

That's the question that Judith Lubbock is asking. "I have been a city councillor for Eaton ward for some years and this is the worst case I have come across of the council ignoring an important request. They must get many requests for large print documents each year and I am concerned that they do not have a process for dealing with them."

The Norwich Lib Dems are calling for a Bus Users Group to be setup to put pressure on local bus operators to provide better services in Norwich. Whilst speaking to residents Lib Dem campaigners David Fairbairn and Judith LUbbock said that in Tuckswood, Eaton Rise and South Park Avenue area bus services were the number one complaint.

The detail of our 2012 manifesto with costings (where appropriate) is set out below. A printed copy of the a is abbreviated version is being delivered to every house in Norwich in the run up to May 3rd.

Two year council tax freeze funded by making savings at City Hall

Savings:

• Reduce the £3,363,900 management bill by 5% = £168,195
• Reduce the £447,726 communications budget to £225,000 = £222,726
• Stop LGiU (Local Government Information Unit) membership = £3,450
• Cut members expenses - £23,101

Today the Lib Dems in Norwich have launched launched their plan for a better Norwich. The plan cosigned by local MP Simon Wright and leader of the Norwich Lib Dems at City Hall Cllr James Wright promotes giving local communities more say over their area, protecting frontline services, and freezing council tax by cutting waste at City Hall.

Commenting Simon Wright said:

"In government Liberal Democrats are cutting income tax for people on low and middle incomes, and locally we're committed to freezing council tax. During difficult economic times we need to help support those who are struggling to meet their everyday bills and living costs. Putting pounds back into peoples' pockets will help households in the city and the local economy. We also need to make sure that employers in Norwich are getting the support they need to grow with confidence and to take on more staff. Locally and nationally, these are our priorities."

North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb also gave his backing to the plan which could see community hubs like Post Offices take over providing services that the City Council is withdrawing from communities.

Commenting Norman Lamb said "This plan for Norwich is a huge boost for local communities and small businesses. The Lib Dems are a community orientated party and I am glad that Simon Wright and the Norwich Lib Dems are looking at providing services to the community in innovative ways. Post Offices are embedded in our community and these plans will help keep services accessible for those who use them."

Speaking at the Colman Road Post Office, Leader of the Norwich Lib Dems at City Hall James Wright said: "I have long been a champion of our Post Offices, they provide a vital service to our community and now that the Labour administration is closing our neighbourhood offices we need to look at other options for providing services to the community. By letting post offices provide extra services they will help the community and provide extra income for sub-postmasters whilst still helping the council become more efficient."

"The Lib Dems believe in community politics. Thanks to the Consult Norwich survey run last year many people submitted what in their view should be the big issues in Norwich. We have listened to that feedback and that has helped shape our Plan for Norwich."

Cllr Judith Lubbock has today written to the Norwich Evening News about speed limits in Norwich. The letter is reproduced in full below.

Dear Evening News,

Bill Kite's letter of 13/4 says that 'lower speed limits cause more problems' and 'that a 30 mph speed limit onNewmarketRoad has created a mess'.

He offers no evidence for either statement.

Cllr Judith Lubbock has today written to the Norwich Evening News detailing concerns about the 25 bus services in Eaton. The letter is reproduced in full below.

Dear Evening News,

I support Paul Donovan's letter (27/3) calling on First for a limited 25 and 35 service to the NNUH. Residents who live so close to the hospital cannot access it other than by taking 2 buses via the city centre. This is frustrating for them especially if they are elderly or infirm. It is also time consuming and for some very costly.

Liberal Democrat Transport Minister Norman Baker has backed calls to introduce 20mph speed limits in Norwich residential areas.

The Minister met with Lib Dem representatives from the City and discussed various issues including plans to introduce a Cycle Hire Scheme and improve the performance of the Norwich to London railway line.

Over 20 million working people will be better off next year after Liberal Democrats in the Coalition Government delivered the biggest ever increase in the income tax personal allowance in the Budget.

The massive £3.5bn tax cut for working people delivers:

• The biggest ever single uplift in the tax threshold
• A personal allowance of £9,205 in April 2013
• 21 million working people getting an extra £220 tax cut
• Brings the total tax cut for basic rate tax payers to £550
• Brings the total number of people lifted out of tax to 2 million.