We must set up task forces now

On May 19, at the Annual Council Meeting of Chichester District Council, the Liberal Democrats

Group proposed a motion to consider creating ‘task forces’ to help our district recover from the coronavirus.

Our proposals specifically supported the work being undertaken by council officers.

In an arrogant and patronising response to all opposition party support for a community lead Recovery Plan Task Force, the Conservative members voted against the motion that put community involvement and a think tank of local experts at the heart of the council’s recovery plan.

The only reason I believe they did this was because it was not their idea.

They claimed the officers were already preparing a report and told us that there had been wide consultation.

Well I can tell you there has been none, not with me, not with influential figures I speak to in the district and not with other councillors. We need action now, not a report that goes to committee and council in June and July. I want to be working with community, education and business leaders now on what we should be doing and getting on with it.

We need a recovery plan that captures the imagination of our residents and brings jobs and opportunities to our district. We need to address issues around the environment, community wellbeing and tourism.

We need an enlightened council ready to take decisive action and make a positive difference to our district.

We need councillors working in the community. We need leadership and that is what the opposition parties are offering.

The Government has set up task forces; we must set up task forces now, not in eight weeks’ time. And for the avoidance of doubt, I am happy to lead those task forces alongside the current leader of the council. We want a multi-party approach to the council recovery plan.

ADRIAN MOSS Liberal Democrats Group leader District councillor – Harbour Villages