Police Not Plastic
Labour plan to introduce ID cards across Britain will cost £3 billion. The Liberal Democrats would rather see this money spent on police and intelligence services. We believe this would be a more effective way to tackle crime and terrorism.
Sadly ID cards did not stop the awful attacks in New York and Madrid and there is little evidence to support that they will stop a committed suicide bomber here.
The government also claims that cards will tackle abuse of our health and benefit services. But the expensive equipment needed to scan the cards in every post office, hospital and benefit.
AXE THE TAX
From 2007 your Council Tax could rise dramatically
"Year on year increases in Council Tax levels have hit pensioners and those on low incomes the hardest. The Council Tax has become an unbearable burden for millions of families, with bills averaging £1009. The government's forthcoming revaluation of Council Tax will mean bigger bills for many Doncaster residents if Labour or the Conservatives were to win the General Election" says Councillor Patrick Wilson.
The Council Tax should be scrapped and replaced with a Local Income Tax which is based on an individuals ability to pay.
Housing……
Whilst Labour concentrate on "flagship" developments usually supported by the Tories, the Liberal Democrats are left as the only party committed to urban regeneration. We need less "Greenfield" building and more investing in traditional communities. With just a little of the 5.5% rent rise and 5.9% council tax increase, much could be achieved. Only the Liberal Democrats will ensure that it is in this area, which has the highest crime rate in the town. The Liberal Democrat Crime Task Force made recommendations including;

  • Alley gates for terraced houses where residents want them.
  • Free "target hardening" packages of door and window locks.
  • Cutting back of hedges etc. to provide good sight of vulnerable properties.
Where this was established in Liberal Democrat controlled Sheffield, a 31% reduction in burglary was achieved.
Fireworks……
Sick and tired of the rise in use of fireworks including the increase in noise and nuisance outside of the traditional "Guy Fawkes" celebration? Many of you were, with some asking for:-
  • Organised displays to have a proper licence.
  • Displays to be restricted to one week ending on 5th November.
  • The sale of fireworks permitted to "bonafide" groups when organising community displays.
  • Fireworks not to be offered for sale to the general public from retail outlets.
Following residents raising their concerns with both Cliff and Patrick, Liberal Democrat Group Leader Edwin Simpson put forward a motion at full council on the 2nd December asking the council to prevent unlimited use of fireworks and introduce by-laws or other means for this year. Although this motion was rejected by the Council, its proof that your Lib Dem Councillors continue to work and raise issues on your behalf.
Pensioner Poverty……
Liberal Democrat Councillors and MP's want all pensioners to get a better deal in order to reduce pensioner poverty. Lib Dems have called on the government to ensure that every woman receives a clear statement of their current entitlement and that there is an increase in the basic state pension.
We would like to see
  • An increase in the basic state pension by £5.00 for all pensioners.
  • An increase of up to £15.00 per week for older pensioners.
For more details on Liberal Democrat policy visit http://www.libdems.org.uk