Wirral Liberal Democrats are the first party to announce their local election manifesto, ahead of the May 6 elections.

Download the manifesto here (PDF file).

Launching the manifesto to a meeting of local and general election candidates last night, Wirral Liberal Democrat Leader, Councillor Simon Holbrook said,

“The Liberal Democrats have now shared power for three years. In this time, £37m of savings have been found and the Council's finances are in good shape, with a Council Tax rise this year of only 1.67%, alongside measures to help the borough recover from recession and prepare for expected Government spending cuts. We have achieved this whilst investing in Wirral's future with measures to boost jobs, save energy and improve community safety. Recycling has trebled, combating climate change is now part of the Council's mainstream activities and the Liberal Democrats have an award winning track record on environmental issues.

“After the last elections in 2008, the Conservatives emerged as the largest party. But crucially, their Leader declined the opportunity to take the Leadership of the Council. The Conservatives ran away from their responsibilities, whereas the Liberal Democrats have shown they are ready, willing and able to play their full part in the running of the Council.

"Nationally, Labour have failed Britain, and that failure will impact severely on local services in the years ahead.

“It is the Liberal Democrats that have brought ambition and momentum to this Council. We have challenged the tired, old Labour Leadership that, left to its own devices, would not have changed anything. Change has come through increased Liberal Democrat influence and we have achieved much as partners in administration. We can achieve far more as leaders.”

Pictured above: Wirral Liberal Democrats Leader and Deputy Leader, Cllrs Simon Holbrook and Gill Gardiner, with manifesto (centre), candidates and party activists.

The full manifesto document – ‘ Making the Difference, Liberal Democrats: Priorities for a Fairer, Greener and More Prosperous Wirral' can be downloaded here.

Wirral Liberal Democrats Manifesto 2010: Making the Difference
Our Future Focus - 6 Commitments:

1. We will deliver Value for Money
2. We have committed funding to provide Free Insulation for Every Home
3. We will improve community safety by delivering 20 mph Zones in all Residential Areas and Near Schools and will work to establish Community Justice Panels as a system of restorative justice to tackle anti social behaviour
4. We will support measures to create jobs, apprenticeships and encouraging investment in Wirral, such as Superfast Broadband Communications for business
5. We will provide Support for Older and Vulnerable People , to enable them to live in their own homes
6. We will devolve £3m of Council Spending to Area Forums to match money with local peoples priorities.

Contacts:
Councillor Simon Holbrook:      07824 431295
Liberal Democrat Group Office:  0151 6918544