We have delivered
Reporter: CONSERVATIVE leader Jack Hulme
Date published: 27 April 2011
THIS year has been a particularly difficult year for this borough.
In dealing with the effects of the economic crisis, Oldham Council has had to find savings of more than £40 million while working to protect the services that our communities value.
Despite the difficulties, we believe that as part of Oldham’s joint administration, we have succeeded.
We have made the necessary savings, while at the same time delivering our key pledge made at the last election of freezing council tax.
We also succeeded in protecting our valued community assets; our libraries, parks, leisure centres and swimming pools from closure, and were shortlisted for this years prestigious Most Improved Council Award. Yet there is still much more to do.
Next year, the council has to find another £25 million of savings, with a further £16 million the year after.
Identifying these savings will not be easy, and difficult decisions will have to be made.
However, I am confident that, with your support, we can meet the challenge.
We have already embarked on a significant programme of change, designed to ensure our council continues to improve and deliver.
Our vision is of a more democratic council, enabling responsive and value-for-money services, and working to empowering our communities to take decisions over the issues that matter to them.
We recognise that the coming year will be difficult for households. The rising cost of fuel, food and clothing is putting immense strain on family budgets. Conservatives are committed to helping ease this burden, and promise we will work to deliver a second council tax freeze next year.
Your vote on May 5 shouldn’t be about national politics. Oldham Conservatives have always focused on local issues, and fought to get the best for local people.
By supporting your local Conservative candidate, you can help us to make Oldham a place we can all be proud of.
To find out more about our vision for Oldham, please visit our website at www.oldhamconservatives.org and download a copy of our local manifesto.
