The Liberal Democrats in Hull

11 Mar 2010 - Winter gritting for future snowy weather (Beverley)

Karen Matthieson and Dave McCobb have worked hard over the snowy season to make sure that grit bins around the ward have been kept stocked up with grit. They have arranged for bins on Sextant Road and Desmond Avenue to be replaced at the request of local residents.

“If you would be willing to “adopt” a grit bin in the area near your home, please get in touch,” said Karen Mathieson. “If a bin near you needs refilling, please let us know,” added Dave.

10 Mar 2010 - Police Patrols Increased (Kings Park)

Following reports from local residents of walls being damaged in Sutton Park, the Neighbourhood Policing Team has increased patrols in the area. ‘We reported the problem to the local policing team,’ said Cllr Elaine Garland. ‘Since these extra patrols have been active a number of groups of youths have been moved on from the areas affected,’ added Cllr Carl Minns.

09 Mar 2010 - Labour MP's council tax feeze boast falls flat (Kingston upon Hull North)

Recently Hull North's Labour MP Diana Johnson boasted that the Hull council tax freeze from the Lib Dems was actually thanks to the generosity of the Labour Government. She claimed that an increase in local government funding from the national Labour government meant that there was no excuse for council tax rises, and that Labour councils in London were "leading the way" in council tax freezes.

However, the council tax rises of four of our closest Labour councils this year have made these claims look embarrassing for the MP. Rotherham and Barnsley had already put up their council tax byat least 2.5%, and North Lincolnshire had voted through a 2.9% rise - just short of the government's 3% cap reported by Channel 4 news last year. More recently Wakefield also announced a 2.4% rise.

So why have these Labour councils not been able to take advantage of the government's apparent generosity as reported by the Hull North MP? Is it perhaps because local government finance is more complex than she would have us believe, and is she taking local people for idiots once again?

06 Mar 2010 - Call for more transparency on finance from government (Kingston upon Hull City Council)

Hull City Council's leader and Lib Dem councillor Carl Minns called for more transparency from the government on local government finance over the next few years. Speaking to BBC Radio Humberside this week he said that, while Hull City Council has avoided job losses and service cuts this year, the Government's lack of information about future grants to councils is making it difficult to plan ahead.

Pointing out that 80% of Hull City Council's funding is reliant on government grants, he said: "This council is very vulnerable to cuts in government funding." The worst case scenario is that an incoming Labour or Tory government could cut its funding by 10-15%. "It would be very helpful if now, or in the near future, the government could clarify its plans over the next 3-5 years," said Cllr Minns, "but if they just apply the brakes without warning after the election then local councils could be in trouble."

05 Mar 2010 - Continuing to campaign for local allotments (Sutton)

The Lib Dem team are continuing to work with residents in the Dorchester Road area for a new allotments area. “We’re hoping that land on Blandford Close, where the flats used to be, can be turned over for allotments,” said Tracey. “Allotments can be a lot of fun,” added Terry. “They provide a good form of exercise, as well as providing good food at a cheaper cost.”