Please use your vote - a family story

The first time all women in the UK had a vote, my grandmother and her friend apparently queued up early at the polling station and walked in together as soon as the doors opened, so that they could claim to be the first. Please use your vote today.

The Editor

Five Green Laws - a key Lib Dem policy

One of the policies that distinguishes the Liberal Democrats most from the other major parties is the Five Green Laws, aiming to put green commitments at the heart of the next Parliament’s legislative programme.

The five green laws will include regulations to cut household bills by increasing energy efficiency, legal targets for clean air and water, radical waste reduction plans, the introduction of a decarbonisation bill and reforms to planning law to encourage cycling.

Lib Dem Secretary of State for Energy & Climate Change Ed Davey said: “The Lib Dems are the only party to have nailed their green credentials to the mast, and set out how this radical agenda will be delivered in a way that is both credible and affordable.

“Protecting the environment is in the Lib Dem’s DNA, and having these five Green Laws on the front page of our Manifesto shows our intent.

“From day one of the next Parliament we will have our green commitments on the table, from cleaning up the air we breathe, to greening the energy and transport we use.”

So waht are the five green laws?

Zero Carbon Bill

Introducing a Zero Carbon Britain Bill in the next parliament to end Britain’s adverse impact on climate change for good by 2050.

Zero Waste Bill

Treble fines and claw back £500 million for the taxpayer by clamping down on organisations which fly-tip to deliberately evade tax and review the tax structure across landfill, incineration and collection.

Green Homes Bill

New Green Homes Bill will insulate up to 10 million homes by 2025 and offer at least £100 a year off Council Tax for ten years when energy improvements are carried out.

Nature Bill

Establish the Natural Capital Committee on a statutory footing to provide advice to Government to ensure that nature is at the heart of government decision-making and that government departments are held to account for achieving progress against commitments to improving the natural environment.

Green Transport Bill

Transport has a significant role to play in reducing carbon emissions. In the UK, transport is responsible for around 25% of our carbon emissions and is the fastest growing source of carbon emissions. We will bring forward a comprehensive package of transport policies to continue to build a people-centred, sustainable, safe travel system that helps the economy grow.

A quick video summary of Lib Dem national policies

This 1 minute video from Sky News encapsulates what we're proposing to do:

The local dimension - A stronger local economy that will benefit everyone

South Gloucestershire is the economic powerhouse of the West of England and this has helped to keep unemployment well below the national average. But more needs to be done to ensure that our local economy benefits everyone.

We will:

1. Expand and promote apprenticeship schemes that provide real experience and prospects for our young people.
2. Work with businesses, schools and colleges to make sure people have the skills they need to help our local economy to thrive and create jobs.
3. Continue to improve broadband connectivity throughout rural and urban areas and to give residents more choice over their broadband provider.
4. Ensure even better support for new and existing businesses.
5. Keep local high streets the centres of our communities.

 Our record of action...

By working constructively with central government and the Local Economic Partnership we’ve helped to foster strong employment growth across South Gloucestershire.

This is an extract from the Liberal Democrat Vision for South Gloucestershire, our manifesto for the 2015 Local Elections.

The local dimension - keeping our area green for future generations

Caring for our environment has always been a key Lib Dem principle. Over the past four years we have worked to increase the amount of rubbish South Gloucestershire recycles. We will use green space designation powers to help keep our area green for future generations.

We will: 

1. Use the Council’s planning powers to protect green spaces to the same level as the Green Belt.
2. Work to ensure more affordable housing is available locally (including through support for self-build schemes) while ensuring that neighbouring authorities also take their fair share.
3. Protect the local Green Belt from unsuitable developments.
4. Continue to improve recycling rates and increase the range of items that can be recycled.
5. Reduce the Council’s carbon emissions through energy saving and increased use of renewables.

Our record of action...

We delivered on our 2011 manifesto commitment to collect Tetrapaks for recycling as well as mixed
plastics and small electrical items. We’ve also pushed the council to cut its energy bills and carbon footprint.

This is an extract from the Liberal Democrat Vision for South Gloucestershire, our manifesto for the 2015 Local Elections.

The local dimension - Getting South Glos moving

The local Lib Dem team have worked hard over the years to help improve
public transport across South Gloucestershire. We will continue to campaign hard to protect and
increase local bus and train services and to take steps to reduce congestion and improve our roads.

We will:

1.   Make it easier for people to walk and cycle safely.
2.   Improve roads and tackle potholes.
3.   Reduce congestion through our towns and villages.
4.   Open new Park and Share and Park and Ride sites.
5.   Work with bus companies to improve services and reliability, reduce fares, and introduce smart cards.
6.   Support improvements to rail services including MetroWest and half hourly trains between Bristol
and Yate.

Our record of action...

We’ve consistently campaigned for more bus services for under-served areas. Lib Dem councillors successfully campaigned for the extension of the hourly 82 bus service connecting Yate to Southmead so that it now also serves Chipping Sodbury and Charfield.

This is an extract from the Liberal Democrat Vision for South Gloucestershire, our manifesto for the 2015 Local Elections.

The local dimension - Health and caring

South Gloucestershire has some brilliant and caring health professionals. But  services are still not always as good as they should be. We will work closely with residents and the local NHS to help drive up standards and improve support for carers.

We will:

1. Lobby for greater support and recognition for carers in South Gloucestershire.
2. Foster stronger partnership with your local NHS to help enable better local services.
3. Increase emphasis on helping people to lead healthier lives and doing more to help tackle chronic health problems caused by smoking, alcohol and drugs.
4. Support more work to help to tackle the stigma surrounding mental health.
5. Work in partnership with the police to help tackle anti-social behaviour and create a sense of safety for all.

Our record of action...

We have consistently campaigned for more health services to be provided at Yate, Thornbury and elsewhere so you don’t have to travel to Southmead unnecessarily.

This is an extract from the Liberal Democrat Vision for South Gloucestershire, our manifesto for the 2015 Local Elections.