Steven Lambert, Aylesbury’s Liberal Democrat Perspective Parliamentary Candidate, went to examine the efforts the Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust have made in refurbishing and developing the accommodation in Vale House.

Here he got the opportunity to talk to a number of residents and the management team, discussing the plans they had for the future of Vale House and the difficulties they have successfully overcome.

The flats open were nearing completion and looked extremely good. Steven commented afterwards, ‘Vale House has been ignored for years. This lack of funding and interest has led to a neglect of the needs of the people who live there. The Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust have made a fantastic effort in developing Vale House and the refurbished rooms I saw looked excellent. The Aylesbury Liberal Democrats are in full support in the work they have done here and look forward to seeing the finished product.”

Aylesbury’s Liberal Democrat Perspective Parliamentary Candidate Steven Lambert went to visit the residents of Thistle Court, Plym close; a care home for elderly residents of Aylesbury. Thistle Court provides a number of activities for the residents, and Steven was just in time to see the weekly raffle which aimed to raise money for the annual residents’ outing. A wide range of issues were discussed, from taxation to litter picking.

The Liberal Democrats are keenly aware of the issues faced by pensioners. For example, we propose the abolition of the council tax, to be replace by a local tax based on ability to pay. This would be of huge benefit to most pensioners who would pay less under a local income tax type scheme. Further, we propose that the personal tax allowance should be raised for all to £10,000, so that no pensioner with total income below this level would pay income tax at all. This would benefit most taxpaying pensioners to the tune of around £100.

Steven’s visit proved popular with a number of residents and he promised to return soon to continue the dialogue.

Aylesbury Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate Steven Lambert has raised concerns over the proposed route of the High Speed 2 route put forward by the Labour Government last week.

Commenting Steven said, “although I recognise that rail must be a more viable alternative to the environmentally damaging third runaway at Heathrow, and major investment in the rail network is welcomed, I fail to see how new passenger traffic will be generated from a line starting in Euston will reduce the volume of internal flights and transfers as it is not connecting to Heathrow.  Clearly lacking, and would make the plan viable, is the right air, station and population connections.

I also note that the plans are several years away from delivery and that the route proposed given the state of the economy and that with both the Conservatives and the Labour party arguing about cuts in public spending that the plans may falter.

In contrast, to the statements against the proposals last week by Tory MP David Lidington, the Conservatives have stated that they plan to move “faster and further” with high speed rail, with a two year earlier starting date for construction, in effect shortening the consultation period. Therefore I challenge David Lidington to answer the question on whether a future Conservative government commit to changing the route away from the Chilterns and whether they will shorten the consultation period??”

Labour want to plough through our backyard and areas of outstanding natural beauty and  the Tories want to rush this through without giving anyone a say. Labour say they will listen to you but clearly won’t and the Tories aren’t even interested in listening at all.

Steven added “rather than playing cheap shot politics over such an important matter to all of us, I would urge everyone to review the plans and take part fully in the planned public consultation which is due to start this autumn. This process could take up to 7 years to complete but people should have their say as soon as possible.”

The route proposed is indicative but will have severe environmental impacts by going through the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, – the only such designated area between London and Birmingham, Wendover and Aylesbury, putting at risk historic parkland and National Trust land at Hartwell House. Also at risk are our fragile eco systems and our shared enjoyment of the countryside and history.  We therefore have to make sure that our voice is heard loud and clear in the consultation when it happens.”

Steven is to meet with Lib Dem Shadow Transport minister, Norman Baker shortly to discuss the matter further.

Steven Lambert, using CO2 free transport

Aylesbury Liberal Democrats are heading to their spring conference in Birmingham later this week hoping it will be a springboard to success in the coming General Election.

Leading the team of those attending is Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, Steven Lambert who is aiming to become the MP for the Aylesbury Constituency, which includes Aston Clinton, Wendover, Stokenchruch and all of Aylesbury in the General Election, which is due in just a few weeks’ time. 

Steven said “this weekend I will be meeting Party Leader Nick Clegg and will be discussing with him the issues that are really important to residents in the Aylesbury Constituency, such as the closure of Rayners Hedge Brain Injury Rehab Unit, I will also be meeting our Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable to discuss the impact on of the job losses at HBOS  and of the Liberal Democrats’ plans to ensure no one pays tax on the first £10,000 of income.  I know in our area, thousands of people on low and middle incomes will benefit from this tax cut.I also plan to meet our Shadow Home Secretary Chris Huhne to talk to him about issues of policing in after the launch of the Safer Streets policy a couple of weeks ago which confirmed  the Liberal Democrats commitment to ensuring 3000 more police officers to help make our streets safer.” 

Steven Continued “I have spoken to many local residents and there is a strong view that we need more local police officers patrolling our streets. Within weeks, voters will get the chance to decide on who their new MP will be. We are looking forward to the campaign with confidence and will be looking forward to the General Election where the Tory majority is just 7000 and that means we have a real chance of returning a Lib Dem MP for Aylesbury to Parliament.”

Steven Lambert talking with Police Community Support Officers about crime issues

Liberal Democrats in Aylesbury have set out their General Election plans to put more police on the beat throughout the constituency. The extra officers for Aylesbury will be funded by the savings from scrapping ID cards, and are part of the Liberal Democrats’ Safer Streets – More and Better Police manifesto commitment.

Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Aylesbury said “People in Aylesbury are often telling me how they feel unsafe. Expensive ID cards aren’t going to change that, but an extra officer walking down Elm Farm Road or more police in the Town Centre on a Friday night will. The Liberal Democrats are committed to more police, and this is the only way to create safer streets.”

Recently a Thames Valley Police survey revealed that people would be happy to see their council tax go up to pay for more policing. The Lib Dem policy would negate the need to do this as we would be scrapping large expensive government projects to fund the extra police. With 4189 officers – which increased by 5.5% last year, we have a detection rate of just 24% or 15% arrests per officer.

Steven added “as Aylesbury is set to grow by thousands of homes, we need to make sure we get the police numbers we need. The Lib Dem plans would bring that to fruition along with an elected Police Authority local priorities could be set by local people for the area.”

Commenting at the launch of the nation al policy on 4th February, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said “the Liberal Democrats are the only party that wants to cut crime by putting more police on the street. When only one in a hundred crimes ends up with a conviction in court, it is time for things to change. Labour and the Conservatives may talk tough but they are unwilling to make the crucial decisions to cut crime.”

Arrests and Detections

Police Numbers Per Force

Safer Streets More and Better Police

At a meeting of the full Aylesbury Vale District Council the Tories unveiled their ideas for the 2010/11 budget, they artificially capped the increase in Council Tax to 1.95% or 5p/week, as a result of this temporary measure the following services will be cut:

- Introducing charges for pre-planning advice, this means that you will have to pay to talk to your planning department.

- Making a reduction in the amount of funding to voluntary and community groups, this will hit the most at need in the area, services such as Relate, Citizens Advice Bureau, the Southcourt and Walton Court community project.

- Removing council funding from events such as Parklife and Buckingham Festival Fortnight, this will have a massive effect on tourism, leaving the parish council to pick up the cost if these events are to continue.

- Removing funding from the Reflex Gym in Winslow and the Buckingham Tourist Information Centre, at a time when the local economy needs tourists and the country is facing an obesity crisis these cuts can only cause harm in our area.

District Councillor and Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Aylesbury, Cllr Steven Lambert said, “These cuts particularly to the voluntary groups will have a massive effect on those most in need, the Tories seem to be taking the view that as this section of the population do not vote Tory that it doesn’t matter if they cut the funding, that view is simply unacceptable”.

Cllr Steven Kennell the Liberal Democrat finance spokesman added “The Liberal Democrats asked that a small amount be taken from reserves to allow funding of the voluntary groups to continue, the fact that the Tories voted against this just shows how detached they are from reality, they can afford a new theatre, a new council chamber, but anything that relates to the lives of the people of our area they simply do not get”.

Other measures to fill the hole in the AVDC budget include charging villages for public toilets and an increase in car parking charges. Speaking about the effect on Aylesbury Town Cllr Mark Willis, Town Councillor for Bedgrove, said “Increasing car parking charges will drive away visitors from shopping in the town, to our rivals MK and Oxford, the Tories have the money to leave the Kingsbury water feature on all day and night, and to put flagpoles up at the parks, but supporting our local shops seems to be beyond them”.

The Liberal Democrat amendment calling for £39,000 to be taken from reserves to protect the work of the voluntary groups was defeated by the Tories, but one of their councillors later remarked that he would have voted in favour if he had realised exactly what the amendment was calling for.

Notes for editors
Steven Lambert PPC for Aylesbury can be contacted on 07884428833 for interviews.
The budget for AVDC is £20.7 million, £8.8 million is raised through the Council Tax

“The Liberal Democrats are the only party committed to increasing police numbers of every area of the country,” said the Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary.

Commenting on figures showing the number of police officers has fallen in most forces, Chris Huhne said:

“This is a worrying sign of what is to come as budgets are cut and numbers fall in over half of all police forces.

“Instead of squandering billions on ID cards, the Government should concentrate on getting more police officers out on the beat.

“The Liberal Democrats are the only party committed to increasing police numbers of every area of the country. It is time for the other parties to come clean about their plans.”

Aylesbury Liberal Democrats were horrified to learn of the planned closure of Rayners Hedge neurology rehabilitation unit in Croft Road Aylesbury, and are set to fight the move by Buckinghamshire Health Trust.

Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Aylesbury, Steven Lambert, said, Whilst we all understand the pressures on the NHS to make savings in the current economic climate, axing this vital services will impact on the most vulnerable residents of our town. The closure of Rayners Hedge will mean that many people who already find travel a challenge will have to go to Amersham to get essential treatment and support.  This will be traumatic for those who are part way through a course of treatment at the time of closure and make life harder for future patients too.

If Rayners Hedge was uneconomic to run because it did not have enough patients I could understand why they would consider closing it, but it’s a purpose built small personal environment which is vital for rehabilitation. In addition it employs about 30 local people directly and many more indirectly. This is yet another example of cost over care and it’s not right.”

Aylesbury Lib Dems are launching a campaign to save the Rayners Hedge unit with a petition to the Prime Minister via the Number 10 Downing Street website and I would urge everyone to sign the petition and help save this small but essential rehabilitation unit.

To sign the petition go to http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Braininjury/ or go to our Facebook site to find out more information at http://bit.ly/685TNr or contact our campaign team on 01296 395 511 for more details.

Yesterday, Nick Clegg set out the priorities that will be at the heart of the Party’s election manifesto. The value that connects everything the party wants to achieve is fairness. There are four priorities for how the Liberal Democrats will make Britain a fairer place: fair taxes; a fair start for every child; fair, clean and local politics; and a fair, green economy with jobs that last.

Fair Taxes For ALL
The first priority is to introduce fair taxes, with radical proposals for the biggest tax reform in generations. The Liberal Democrats will close loopholes for the richest and introduce a tax on mansions to fund tax cuts of £700 for everyone else. No-one will pay income tax on the first £10,000 they earn, meaning millions of low earners and pensioners will stop paying taxes altogether, while millions more will get hundreds of pounds back in their pockets. Only the Liberal Democrats will make taxes permanently fair.

A Fair Start for Children
The next priority is to give every child the fair start they deserve through a huge transformation of our education system that will build the foundations of fair society. That means cutting class sizes so children get the individual attention they need to thrive. The Liberal Democrats will be putting an extra £2.5 billion into schools to pay for more teachers, better discipline and catch-up classes so children get the individual attention they all need. This means an average of £2,500 extra per pupil for the schools teaching the million most deprived children in the country, funded by taking above-average earners out of the tax credit system and cutting wasteful programmes at the Department for Education. The Liberal Democrats will also phase out tuition fees over the course of six years, so that, after school, everyone who gets the grades has the opportunity to go to university without fear of debt, no matter what their background.

Fair and Transparent Local Politics
Thirdly, the Liberal Democrats are the only party committed to real change of our political system. This means getting big money and corrupt donors out of politics altogether, reducing the number of MPs by 150, giving power over the police and NHS to local communities, changing the voting system to abolish safe seats and giving you the right to sack corrupt MPs. These are changes that would upend our political establishment. Neither Labour or the Conservatives will ever offer change on this scale – they will defend the status quo to the last. Only the Liberal Democrats offer the chance for a different politics. Another whitewash is unacceptable, we need permanent change to make politics clean, fair and local.

A fair and sustainable economy
The Liberal Democrats will shift the economy away from the traditional over-reliance on the City of London and on financial services. Our plans will usher in a new era where growth is enabled in every part of Britain in a way that promotes green technology and creates lasting jobs. We will put an end to the casino banking that caused the financial crisis by breaking up the banks and encouraging regional and local ways to bring competition back to the financial sector and make sure businesses can find the money they need to grow. Under our plans, councils will regain control of business rates, reconnecting local enterprise with local politics; Local Enterprise Funds will help people invest in growing businesses in their area and Regional Stock Exchanges will give companies a way to move into public equity without the huge risks and costs of a London listing. The Liberal Democrats will also create a new National Infrastructure Bank to bring in private money to build the transport links, energy grid and public buildings we need for a sustainable, low carbon economy in every part of Britain.

The recent snow is Buckinghamshire has led to a number of problems, not just transport related, the bin collections so needed after the Christmas period have also been cancelled due to the Bucks CC landfill site at Calvert being closed for safety reasons, but residents trying to get rid of their rubbish at the local tip were again stopped, as the site at Rabans Lane site was closed, with residents being directed to the Aston Clinton site.

Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for Aylesbury Steven Lambert said “I can fully understand and appreciate not collecting rubbish for safety reasons, there is not much point if there is now where to put it, but to close Rabans Lane stopping people trying to get rid of the Christmas waste, with no word of an explanation but divert people to Aston Clinton is very strange, how is the Aston Clinton facility able to open when Rabans Lane is not?”

Residents have also not been helped by the fact that the Bucks CC website has been down since the snow started, Cllr Graham Webster the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Central ward by-election said “It’s very annoying for people trying to do the right thing, they cannot get the information required due to the fact that the Buckinghamshire CC website has gone down, and is still not fully functioning, it is a very poor service”