Conservative infighting is disappointing; but we'll continue to fight for you
The Spelthorne Liberal Democrats are disappointed that Conservative infighting has come to a head again during a time when we are all trying to pull together. Far from the inclusive and positive effort that we have contributed and supported during this crisis, we now find ourselves in a situation that distracts from key issues. Nonetheless, as the Council moves into No Overall Control for the first time in its history, it is right that we as the Liberal Democrats, the main opposition party look to ensure stability and an optimistic outcome that puts residents first.
Spelthorne Liberal Democrats have major concerns about Spelthorne Borough Council's announcement regarding the plan to develop the Bridge Street Car Park and Hanover House site as a Hotel-led mix use development. The Council has announced that, following a competitive tendering process, the Arora Group have been awarded the development contract. The procurement approach and the outcome were unanimously approved with minimal discussion by the ruling Party Cabinet. It would appear that very few, if any, other Councillors outside the Cabinet had been involved, so were unaware of just how advanced this proposal was and that the process was now completed.
Liberal Democrat CouncillorChris Batesonreviews his first year representing residents in Staines South Ward
How time flies!
First success
A year ago, in May 2019, along with my colleague Nichola Cornes, we were privileged to be the first Liberal Democrats to be elected in Staines in history. We worked hard - not just at election time, but for over two years before the election communicating our message about why we wanted the Council to be run differently. We were rewarded with a huge vote of confidence from residents in our Staines South Ward attaining 44% of the total vote.
Spelthorne has a growing demand for genuinely affordable housing
The new Spelthorne Housing Strategy for 2020 to 2025 has been published. It is full of high aspirations and uplifting statements of intent, but on closer examination it shows a record of underachievement.
The strategy is clear that nowhere near enough social housing has been provided in Spelthorne and the situation is getting worse - "Spelthorne has a growing demand for genuinely affordable housing". The Council has failed to deliver and this strategy will not resolve the situation.
We all want the country to return to somewhere close to normal life again after 10 weeks of restrictions, but we cannot ignore the risks, and must all take great care in the way we behave.
We are starting unlocking when the number of cases is nowhere near as low as in other European countries and several members of the SAGE group of top academic advisors are very worried that we are relaxing controls too early.
The Treasury has issued a consultation document about the future of the Public Works Loans Board (PWLB). The PWLB is the government body that makes loans to Local Councils and from which Spelthorne has borrowed over £1bn since 2016.
Spelthorne Council was behaving outside of the spirit of the guidance
Public Accounts Committee hear more evidence about excessive borrowing
The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) held a second hearing into Local Authority commercial investments on 15th May, with Spelthorne very much in the minds of the committee members and all the witnesses. With £1bn of borrowing, Spelthorne stands out from other councils and the committee and the witnesses did not view this as a good thing.
Mr Robin Whiteman, the Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accountancy (CIPFA). has told the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that Spelthorne "has borrowed too much".
In a public hearing held on 11th May, Rob Whiteman was absolutely clear that in his opinion Spelthorne's borrowing was not appropriate in terms of the risk or the level of borrowing. The full hearing can be watched on the Parliamentary website and a transcript of the hearing can be read here.
Responding to reports of "very little progress" with the latest round of UK-EU trade talks, Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey said:
"The Coronavirus crisis is leaving the most vulnerable at risk. Thousands of families will face financial hardship and people are rightly worried about their loved ones.
