Norwich Liberal Democrats Online

Liberal Democrat Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Chris Huhne has today announced that Shipfield in Norwich will be receiving £55,000 from the first £4m allocation from the Local Energy Assessment Fund.

Shipfield is one of the first of around 80 local energy projects to win funding from the new £10m Local Energy Assessment Fund. Other winning bids include opening show homes to demonstrate solid wall insulation to the public, schemes to check the energy efficiency of homes and invest in renewable energy, and events to promote the uptake of energy efficiency in local communities.

The Liberal Democrat Group have welcomed the City Council's decision to terminate its current ICT contract and begin final negotiations to enter into a new shared service agreement with LGSS - a partnership between Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire county councils. However, the Group has raised concerns over the disclosure of key information relating to the decision.

In a letter to the Norwich Evening News Cllr David Fairbairn, ward member for Lakenham, outlines his views on the latest developments regarding the former Lakenham cricket ground.

Dear Evening News,

I was disappointed to read the news that the City Council's development plan has been delayed yet again (Evening News 10th January). This document identifies potential sites for development across the city, including the former Lakenham Cricket Ground, in my ward. The Council has blamed the delay on changes in national government policy, and specifically the adoption of a new National Planning Policy Framework. However, they have admitted that the development plan "could be adopted ahead of the Framework's publication". Previously, the Council had blamed the delay on staffing issues and the higher than expected response to their consultation last year. These shifting explanations make me wonder whether the real reason for delay is that Labour actually want to put off controversial decisions until after May's elections.

Cllr James Wright has today written to the Norwich Evening News outlining his views on the King's Lynn incinerator proposal. The letter is reproduced in full below.

Dear Evening News,

I am pleased that Liberal Democrats and Greens worked together to ensure that the City Council's opposition to the proposed incinerator at Kings Lynn was clearly outlined in a letter to the Secretary of State, Caroline Spelman (Evening News 10/12). I originally raised the issue with Council Leader Brenda Arthur at the November meeting of the council. She stated that the City Council was focused on reducing the volume of waste, rather than the issue of how this waste is dealt with. I think that the Council, despite its primary role being waste collection, should be interested in both aspects, especially when our relative silence seemed to be being used by the government as evidence of 'broad support' for the incinerator, which in turn would be used by them to justify releasing £169 million in PFI credits.

James Wright has been chosen as the new leader of Norwich City Council's Liberal Democrat Group. James, who is a Councillor for Eaton Ward, will take over from Judith Lubbock.

Judith Lubbock, who will stand for re-election in Eaton in May, commented: "I am pleased to be handing over the leadership of the Liberal Democrat Group to James. James is an excellent communicator and passionate about issues such as education and improving public services. In these difficult times we need political leaders with new and innovative ideas to improve efficiency and make savings, which James has in abundance. I will offer James my full support and I am looking forward to working with him in the future."

Lib Dem City Councillors are continuing to ask questions as the Greyhound Opening housing scandal continues. Nearly three years on from the scandal the site still remains boarded up.

Commenting Leader of the Norwich Lib Dems Cllr Judith Lubbock (pictured at the site) said "I am appalled that this valuable housing site is still derelict after all this time. At this time of year when one focuses on those who are either homeless or inadequately housed why has Norwich City Council allowed this shameful waste? I wonder how much longer we have to wait to see some action taken.

Cllr James Wright has today written to the Norwich Evening News in support of the extension of the Pupil Premium scheme which will now benefit significantly more young people in Norwich. The letter is reproduced in full below.

Dear Evening News,

I am pleased that the Evening News has highlighted the extension of the Pupil Premium scheme in our region (EN 13/12/11). The figures specifically for Norwich show that 4,611 are expected to be eligible, meaning that our schools in the City are set to benefit from an extra £2.7 million to support disadvantaged pupils.

Liberal Democrats at City Hall have raised concerns over Norwich City Council's financial performance after the Audit Commission highlighted ongoing problems for the authority.

In the Annual Governance Report, which will be discussed at the Council's Audit Committee this week, a number of concerns were raised. These include:

Liberal Democrat Councillors have called on senior managers at City Hall to publish online all their expenses claims. The move would put senior managers in line with councillors and put the council in line with other local authorities.

The question comes after national revelations that town hall bosses have run up credit card and expenses bills of £2.6m since 2008, splashing out on luxury items including away-days at exclusive golf resorts, spa breaks and first class flights around the world.

Liberal Democrat Councillors at City Hall have criticised Labour's plans for cuts to services in Norwich.

The Labour administration recently announced that, after public consultation, they would be cutting and making changes to frontline services in the City - with some public toilets set to close, cutting of grass verges scaled back, tree planting suspended, higher charges for burials and allotments, and plans to charge residents for replacement bins.