Councillor Norman Owen

Last week I paid a flying visit to the Liberal Democrat conference in Bournemouth. As well hearing interesting debate and policy details, I also had the opportunity to meet Nick Clegg and Vince Cable. We discussed the position of the Salford & Eccles Constituency and the close contest between the Lib Dems and Labour.

I am also pleased to report that several of my Liberal Democrat colleagues enjoyed the BBC’s Proms in the Park, at Buille Hill. As the Proms may move on from Salford next year, perhaps Councillor Martin O’Neill’s support for an alternative plan of a music festival involving local talent could fill the gap.

On Wednesday 16th September, Hackney cab drivers protested against the proposed licence de-limitation, outside the council. I had the privilege of addressing their rally the following day at the Broadway. What amazes me about this situation, is the thickness and complexity of the council’s evidence document (approx 1” thick), which makes it very difficult for anyone to understand the critical points in this document without a lot of spare time and diligent consultation. All the more reason that Taxi drivers should be given a reasonable period of time and the courtesy of a sit down with decision makers, for a full and frank discussion of all the options prior to a decision being made. It is for this reason that the Liberal Democrats have once again invoked a ‘call-in’. Yet again the Council has failed to consult those whose livelihoods depend on the outcome of this decision.

Wednesday was also the first full council session after the summer recess, which gave my colleagues and me, the chance to press Councillors Merry and Warmisham over the poor performance of children’s services. Recent Ofsted and Youth Offending Service inspection reports were especially damning. The Ofsted report highlighted many areas for priority action, but perhaps most worrying were the cases of five children where the inspectors were unable to identify whether or not any action had been taken to ensure that they were not at risk of harm. A further worry was raised by my Lib Dem colleague, Councillor Joe O’Neill, regarding an inspection of the Youth Offending Service. The HM Chief Inspector of Probation wrote, in his report, that he considered the report to be a broadly disappointing set of findings. However the most damning conclusion of the report is that DRASTIC improvement is required in relation to the Risk of Harm, likelihood of Re-Offending and Safeguarding measures.

In defending his Lead Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Merry has once again proved to me that his leadership is inadequate. It is becoming increasingly clear that management of Children’s Services is beyond the Lead Member, Councillor Warmisham, and at last week’s council the Conservatives joined the Lib Dems in calling for his resignation. Incompetence should not be tolerated in any council position, but is particular vulgar when it affects vulnerable children. As Councillor Merry has chosen not remove a failed colleague I felt it necessary to call for a vote of no-confidence in his leadership of the Council.

I also had the opportunity to hear Martin Bell speak at a recent public meeting where he confirmed that his intention is not to stand as prospective MP in Salford & Eccles next year. During the meeting he also spoke of the qualities that he recommended in a candidate. He made a strong case for a local candidate that is hard working and well known in the City. He also called for someone with integrity. I have a proven track record in local politics and the integrity that Salfordians deserve. When residents go to the polls next year, I believe the choice will be clear.

Finally, there is an ongoing public consultation over the introduction of an elected Mayor or an alternative of a ‘new-style’ leader and cabinet executive. The Liberal Democrats support the latter option. The consultation ends on 6th November and you can have your say on Salford Council’s website at www.salford.gov.uk

Councillor Norman Owen
Leader, Salford Liberal Democrats

I’d like to begin my column this week by thanking all those who attended the recent public meeting to discuss the future of the Pendlebury Children’s Hospital site. Claremont Councillors would also like to thank Mick Wallbank, local Neighbourhood Manager, who chaired the meeting so well. Thanks also to Salford Council’s Planning Officers who attended along with Mike Gibson from Taylor Young, and Claire Dalley from Central Manchester Trust. The meeting offered residents the opportunity to discuss the plans and ask questions. Claremont Councillors will continue to keep residents informed and information will also be provided to residents on the opposite side of Hospital Road within the Pendlebury ward.

It was also good to meet with residents of Parksfield in Swinton South over their concerns regarding housing repairs, anti-social behaviour and environmental issues. Councillor Joe O’Neill and the Swinton South Councillors are planning more meetings throughout the ward to keep abreast of the issues and ensure they are dealt with.

However, what a shame that taxi drivers are still in the dark over new rules. Without the intervention of the Liberal Democrats, the concerns of taxi drivers, would not have been raised at all and if there is no positive feedback from Council officers, we will call-in the proposals. The draft policy from the council needs to be trimmed down and circulated to all drivers so they will at least know where they stand with the new proposals.

In her last column, Councillor Garrido championed a Tory ‘recession busting’ five point plan. These proposals include a national freeze on council tax. On the face of it, this seems like a good idea to save you money. However, my colleagues and I are surprised that Mrs Garrido would support a notion that would so clearly detriment the ability of Salford Council to deliver vital services to residents. Ask yourself one question: Is Salford City Council delivering the service you expect? This tax freeze would mean a loss of almost £2 million over two years and would damage the ability of the Council to deliver, never mind improve, services. Perhaps the Tories would benefit from the fresh thinking of Liberal Democrat economic spokesperson, Vince Cable MP? Lib Dems want to save you money by ensuring taxes and public funds are spent wisely on the things that really make a difference to you, like police officers, instead of gimmicks like ID cards. Lib Dems will close tax loopholes that benefit the wealthy and will help those who really need it by raising the income tax threshold. This will put £700 per year directly into the pockets of those on low and middle incomes, versus the paltry £200 ‘saving’ that the Tories propose.

I also read in the press with interest about Conservative MP, Theresa May’s, comments over £340 billion pounds paid in benefits since Labour came to power in 1997. The Conservatives should consider their own track record before criticizing such policies. When they were in Government, the number of people on incapacity benefit trebled in an effort to keep the unemployment figures down. This sort of action doesn’t just manipulate statistics; it harms the pockets of ordinary folks. The benefits system is important for all us, as we will all, at some time or other, take advantage of it. But it’s important to pay the right benefits to the right people to stop bogus claims and to get people who can work back into employment. In 2010, Councils in England will be required to develop an in-depth knowledge of the economic conditions of their area, including unemployment hotspots and skills gaps. This is a welcome proposal for Salford where we now have 50,000 people over the age of fifty unemployed. This will also be an important part of combating the incapacity culture that has become entrenched all around the country and will be key in restarting economic growth as we come out of the recession.

Finally, it is also disappointing to learn that Salford Council has approved the decision to write off almost £5 million that is owed to the city. It is an appalling state of affairs that for every £1 million written off, it costs the rest of us £14.80 in higher council tax bills. I and my colleagues have often stated in the past that the Liberal Democrats would have tighter controls of the fiscal policies of our city so that these unpaid debts are not so easily brushed aside.

Councillor Norman Owen
Leader, Salford Liberal Democrats