Medway Conservatives launch 6-point pledge to residents

Medway?s Conservative Group have launched their 6-point pledge to the residents of Medway.

They will be campaigning on their commitment to Low Council Tax, Better Services and Value for Money in the run up to May?s local election.

This include freezing Council Tax for the next two years, free swimming, working towards a Freedom Pass and remaining committed to retaining Sure Start.

The Leader of the Conservative Group Rodney Chambers welcomed the pledge and said:

“Under the Conservatives, Medway has seen vast improvements over the past four years and if elected again on 5th May, the Conservatives will continue to improve and protect front line services and maintain the lowest Council Tax in Kent, which is on average ?130 less than elsewhere in the county.

“The improvements we have made over the last four years help everyone in Medway, and the pledge we make in our manifesto will continue to make Medway a better place for us to live, work and enjoy our leisure time.”

The Medway Conservative?s 6 point pledge is:

• Low Council Tax and value for money;
• Delivering community safety;
• Better transport;
• Choice in education;
• A cleaner and greener environment; and
• A brighter future.

The Conservative Group has promised and delivered on many policies over the past four years.

This includes maintaining the weekly bin collection, safeguarding green spaces such as Capstone Valley, improving our libraries, maintaining our free festivals and introducing the half price bus fare scheme for young people.

Deputy Leader Alan Jarrett said:

“Only the Conservatives have a successful record of financial management and from that delivering real improvements in Medway. We are totally committed to continuing with these improvements in the future if re-elected to represent you on May 5th.”

Those pledges in full

Low Council Tax and Value for Money

• Council Tax frozen for 2 years and we will retain the lowest Council Tax, which is on average ?130 lower than the rest of Kent;
• Car parking charges frozen for past 3 years and we will ensure they remain amongst the lowest in Kent;
• Continue to improve front line services such as care homes, libraries and expand community hubs; and
• Ask the Independent Remuneration Panel to reduce councillors? allowances.

Delivering Community Safety

In partnership with the police we are committed to:

• Continuing to tackle anti-social behaviour and alcohol related issues;
• A no nonsense approach to littering, graffiti and fly-tipping;
• Improving neighbourhood policing; and
• Cracking down on dog fouling by promoting responsible dog ownership.

Better Transport

We will:

• Work towards a Freedom Bus Pass scheme for Medway?s students;
• Maintain the 9 am start time for concessionary bus pass holders;
• Maintain the popular yellow bus scheme; and
• Continue to invest in our roads and pavements.

Choice in Education

We will:

• Remain committed to Sure Start;
• Protect Medway?s Grammar Schools and support schools wishing to become academies;
• Create a new apprenticeship scheme to support young people in Medway; and
• Continue to promote the four Universities in Medway and explore options for a new University Technical College.

A Cleaner and Greener Environment

We will continue to:

• Maintain the weekly bin collection;
• Increase recycling rates and improve the street scene;
• Protect our green spaces including Capstone Valley and Rochester airport; and
• Fight any proposal for an airport in the Thames Estuary or at Cliffe on the Hoo Peninsula.

A Brighter Future

We are committed to:

• Free Swimming for the under 11s and over 60s and we will expand sporting opportunities for all;
• Continue to attract investment into the areas and work with businesses to create jobs and opportunities;
• Medway receiving the recognition it deserves as a modern city with strong historic roots; and
• Maintaining a strong calendar of annual free events and festivals.