We are a serious force when it comes to delivering for residents
FIRSTLY, let me start by saying welcome back to Cllr Marlene Haworth, who returned to the council chambers after a period away due to ill health.
Despite our political differences, it’s great to have her back and recovering well.
We have just completed the budget cycle, and Hyndburn Conservatives voted to increase their share of the council tax by the maximum amount allowed without holding a referendum, a 2.99% increase, even higher than what the acting leader Cllr Britcliffe had suggested previously, highlighting inconsistency and adding an extra burden on borough residents grappling with a cost of living crisis.
This is in addition to Conservative Lancashire County Council approving a maximum 4.99 per cent rise in their share.
Additionally, Conservative Police & Crime Commissioner increased his share by 4.75%.
So its rise after rise from the Conservatives. Simply its costing Hyndburn residents more and they are receiving a lot less from the Conservatives.
Hyndburn Labour presented a number of budget amendments that were aimed to address pressing community issues in Hyndburn.
These amendments included allocating funds to issues such as the proliferation of Houses in
Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and Care Homes, replacing the Conservative’s ‘Rat Tax’ with a free service once again, and exploring the creation of a ‘Bark Park’ for dog owners.
Additionally, there were proposals to accelerate efforts to tackle climate change, including conducting a review of housing stock for retrofitting and developing a community energy program. Under my stewardship,
Hyndburn Labour focused its commitment on practical solutions that prioritise residents’ welfare and drive the borough towards a cleaner and brighter future. These proposals also demonstrated Labour’s dedication to driving positive change in Hyndburn, for a more sustainable and prosperous future for its residents.
Unfortunately, these were rejected by the Hyndburn Conservatives, despite being costed and identified as fully deliverable.
This highlights that Hyndburn Labour is a serious force when it comes to delivering for residents, and this is the agenda that myself and candidates will be bringing to Hyndburn residents - showing that Labour offers a better way than the Conservatives’ current approach of stagnation and managed decline. We offer a better future.