2023 District Council Manifesto

Health

We would ensure all new developments encourage walking and cycling, this includes cycle paths and more direct routes for walkers.

-We would encourage GPs to prescribe "leisure centre passes to people who would benefit from swimming and other activities, these schemes are proven to be effective ways to prevent further illnesses.

-We would introduce greener refuse and council vehicles (as old ones are phased out) at the end of their working lives. These vehicles will be run on used cooking oil, making these vehicles cheaper to run than conventional diesel vehicles. 

-We would ensure Dial a Ride continues its vital work in the Wyre Forest, as many residents don't have a regular bus service anymore. 

-Introduce a 20's Plenty maximum speed limit in residential areas

Housing

-We would ensure all residents have warm, safe, economical housing, by improving insulation for some of the worst properties in our district, which would reduce energy bills as well as reduce the carbon impact of heating homes.

Lib Dems in Action: In September 2024 the Lib Dem Councillors brought a motion to council, to acknowledge the 21,000 pensioners losing their Winter Fuel Payments and to work with partner agencies to maximise Pension Credit take up, provide a household support fund to assist pensioners just above Pension Credit Level. As well as writing to the Chancellor to use a different indicator, such as Council Tax band or Higher rate income tax bands. 31 members present.  Lab all against everyone else voted for the motion.

-We would make the District Council a Housing Authority and build housing for social rental, for the needs of the local community, based on the now 4,000 people (2023 Figures) on the waiting list for social housing in the area.

-We would build bungalows for people who are currently over-occupy (where a single person occupies a 2/3 bedroom house). By downsizing to a bungalow, the 2/3 bedroom property could house a family of 4.

-We would encourage all developers to work toward the passivHaus standard/ 0 Carbon, this would require all new properties to meet the following standards: Solar Panels on new builds, High-quality Insulation, draft-proof windows and fittings, and environmentally conscious building materials and practices.

-We would bring in a cheap 30-minute parking option for visitors who only need to park for a short period of time.

Environment

- We would set a target (for the Wyre Forest District Council) of being 0 carbon by 2030

- We would reduce traffic impacts of new developments, with more Active Travel Plans, which includes improving walking and cycling routes and public transport links in the area.

-We would introduce pollinator patches/ wildflower planting on land owned by the Wyre Forest District Council, wildflower planting is cheaper to maintain compared to mowing and maintaining grass

-We would stop using glyphosate weedkillers, as these chemicals kill pollinators that are vital to our domestic food production.

LIB DEMS IN ACTION: In September 2024 the Lib dems, along with Labour and independent councillors voted through a ‘pesticide free parks policy’, meaning Vinegar and hot water will now be used going forward. 

-We would work to reduce litter and actually enforce rules around littering to keep our local areas looking great.

For any specific enquiries you can email: hello@wyreforestlibdems.org.uk