'Six to Fix' 2011 (Norwich Liberal Democrats Online)

Norwich Liberal Democrats Online <info@norwichlibdems.org.uk>

Six to Fix

2011 Liberal Democrat Manifesto for Norwich

Reduce the £1.4 million spent on private consultants.
Cut the council's communications and spin machine - saving £198,000.
Reduce the overpaid senior management team by 50% - ending salaries of over £125,000 and saving a total of £339,000.
Cut councillor allowances and staff perks - saving £63,000.

Set-up a full independent inquiry into Labour's signing of contracts with the collapsed housing firm Connaught.
Allow the public to ask more questions at meetings and support a system where the public can challenge decisions.
Implement shared services with neighbouring councils in Planning, IT and Procurement.

Reduce the city's 9,000 housing waiting list.
Extra money to bring empty council homes back into use.
Build more affordable homes by using the government's 'New Homes Bonus'.
Ensure that lessons are learnt from the Greyhound Opening homes-for-staff scandal so that such events are not repeated.

Support the government's income tax changes that will see 980 people in Norwich removed from paying income tax altogether and 56,000 more paying less this financial year - with figures increasing next year.
Back this year's council tax freeze and lobby for an end to this unfair tax.
Support the 2% cut in corporation tax and ensure there is greater access to business rate relief in Norwich.

Use extra government investment to improve road and pavement conditions including urgent action to tackle potholes.
Expand 20mph speed limits in residential areas and introduce a Cycle Hire scheme.
Oppose inappropriate Conservative County Council street light switch-offs that could increase crime and anti-social behaviour.
Support renewable energy investment in City Council properties.

Set-up a BID (Business Improvement District) to improve business cooperation and kick-start investment.
Welcome the government's commitment to dual the A11 and further lobby the government for an 'Enterprise Zone' in the Norwich area.
Use office space at City Hall for new start-up businesses and encourage council tenants to set-up suitable businesses from their own homes.
Support investment in Norwich's retail centre and encourage pedestrianisation of Westlegate.