North Chelmsford campaigner Tom Smith-Hughes

Tom is Essex County Councillor for Chelmsford North, which he has represented for over 20 years and is also a Chelmsford Borough Councillor for Patching Hall. He lives in the area where he has campaigned on many local issues, including Post Office closures, saving bus services and for CCTV at shopping parades. He is a governor at two local schools.

On the County Council, he is Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group and Chairman of the General Scrutiny Committee. There the Lib Dems have held the Conservative Group to account for their mismanagement of issues, such as potholes, Council Tax rises, traffic congestion, school meals and school transport.

A key local issue is fighting the threat from the Conservatives of massive housing development in North Chelmsford. See the planning page. Tom also wishes to see the Council Tax axed, a fairer deal for the elderly, more police on the street, better public transport and more community involvement in decision making

Contact Tom at tsh@cmld.org.uk or 01245-268 228

Recent news items from Tom Smith-Hughes

• Feb 25, 2010:
  • Two-tier budget clobbers town's council taxpayers
    Council tax payers in Chelmsford town centre face a much higher council tax rise than in the areas with parish councils. The average increase in Chelmsford Borough's Council Tax is 2.9% but the unparished (town) area - some 40% of the Borough residents - will be hit by a massive 5.9% increase when most people have seen no increase in their incomes. This arises because the Conservative administration has put the cost of town centre public conveniences, hanging baskets and Christmas lights solely onto residents of the town and not paid by residents in areas of Chelmsford that have Parish Councils. Even though these services benefit all residents of the Borough, as well as visitors and workers from outside Chelmsford. At last week's Chelmsford Borough Council budget setting meeting, the Liberal Democrat Opposition Finance spokesman Cllr. Tom Smith-Hughes highlighted this "two tier" budget. Cllr. Smith-Hughes also drew attention to the £240,000 fine imposed on the Council by Government for poor performance in processing housing benefit claims. He commented that, "Chelmsford was by far the worst performing Council in Essex for processing claims. This fine should have been avoided and not left to Council Taxpayers to pick up the bill." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Feb 9, 2010:
  • County Council Should Concentrate on Basic Services - Not Spin
    Cllr Tom Smith-Hughes, Lib Dem leader at Essex County Council Less money for the County Council's corporate image, publicity and spin; more on addressing the serious failings in basic services, such as safeguarding vulnerable children. That was the Liberal Democrat message at the Budget Meeting of Essex County Council today [9 February]. Speaking about the Conservative Administration's Budget, Cllr Tom Smith-Hughes (Chelmsford North, Liberal Democrat Group Leader) said: "In 2008, Independent inspectors found procedures for safeguarding vulnerable children were some of the worst in the country. At the end of 2009 they were so concerned at the lack of progress, they downgraded their assessment of the performance of the whole County Council. At the same time, the County Council, in one year, increased its publicity budget by a massive 25%. "The Conservative Administration had become obsessed with image and forgotten its main purpose is to provide services and serve the County's people, in particular the vulnerable. The damning report on Children's Services and the further downgrading of the Council's performance should be a sobering wake-up call to those running the Council. "The neglect of basic services must stop. The new Leader of the Council must totally focus on meeting the serious challenges facing the Council. He should work with all County Councillors in a spirit of greater openness in this vital task". Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 17, 2009:
  • Essex County Council failing vulnerable children
    Essex County Council has been rated by OFSTED as 'poorly performing' in children's services, particularly as regards safeguarding, for the second year running. At this week's meeting of the whole Council there was unanimous support for a Liberal Democrat motion requesting that all county councillors should make the safeguarding of vulnerable children the highest priority. Liberal Democrat Leader at County Hall, Cllr Tom Smith-Hughes, said: "There can be no higher priority on a council than looking after the most vulnerable. It is worrying that progress made in the last 12 months in response to concerns about procedures for safeguarding vulnerable children has been disappointingly slow. "This is an urgent wake-up call to the council, which it was clear at the Council meeting was recognised by the ruling Conservative administration. "I was pleased that the council accepted the need for all councillors to be regularly informed of steps and progress being made, so that the public of Essex can have some faith that the major shortcomings identified are being rectified as a matter of urgency." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 13, 2009:
  • Conservatives reject CO2 reduction campaign
    Essex County Council's ruling Conservative group has today refused to back a call for 10% cuts in carbon dioxide emissions during 2010. They voted down a Liberal Democrat proposal to join the (cross-party) 10:10 Campaign. The 10:10 Campaign is backed by the Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat parliamentary front benches and is also supported by many councils and significant organisations such as Microsoft, O2 and NHS Trusts. Cllr. Tom Smith Hughes (Chelmsford North and Lib Dem Leader), commented: "I am extremely disappointed at the complacent attitude and decision of the Conservatives not to join the 10:10 Campaign. One of the aims of the campaign is to galvanise action by individuals, with 40% of the UK's CO2 emissions being a result of personal choice. "The County Council, as a community leader, is in an excellent position to lead by example and encourage businesses and individuals to make the same commitment. Sadly, an important opportunity has been missed." You can back the campaign here: http://www.1010uk.org/ Related Links More about the 10:10 campaign and show your support Tories wobble on 10:10 at local level - Guardian report Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Aug 5, 2009:
  • Conservative Councillors gag opposition Lib Dems - part 2
    Cllr Tom Smith-Hughes (right) out campaigning The Conservative group that runs Essex County Council has once again attempted to stop the Lib Dem opposition from doing its job, of holding the administration to account. They voted today to remove the Lib Dem group's only full-time support staff member. This is in stark contrast to support for the Conservative councillors, who will continue to have 13 full-time, taxpayer-funded staff to support their cabinet members. Leading Conservative Councillors will also continue to accept Special Responsibility Allowances, totaling around £600,000 on top of their normal councillor allowances, all at the taxpayers' expense. The move came when the Conservative administration decided to make redundant the political assistants to the Liberal Democrat and Conservative groups. Lib Dem group leader Cllr Tom Smith-Hughes commented: "Only recently, Lord Hanningfield was complaining to the national press that a "vindictive campaign" had been launched against him by a Liberal Democrat MP. This was in response to the news that Scotland Yard had decided to investigate Lord Hanningfield's House of Lords expenses. It can hardly be a coincidence that a short time later the Lib Dem group has been thrown off the council's Waste Advisory Board and is now having its only full time staff member made redundant. "There is already an outrageous number of full time employees dedicated to working for the leading Conservative councillors. It is clear that their main preoccupation is with occupying power and then cutting down the opportunities for anyone to question them. It appears there are shades of North Korea in Essex Conservatives' style of governance, rather than the bright new Conservative image peddled by David Cameron." The Liberal Democrats in Essex gained four seats in the election on 4th June and Labour lost 12 of their 13 seats. Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jul 31, 2009:
  • Conservatives split over Bank of Essex
    The ruling Conservative group at Essex County Council has dramatically split over its controversial decision to pump £50m of taxpayers' money into Santander - the Spanish bank that stepped in to run the so-called Bank of Essex. At a meeting on Tuesday some of the Conservatives voted to continue with a decision to extend the time during which the bank can lend money, whilst part of the group voted to stop the decision. Cllr Tom Smith-Hughes, Lib Dem Leader on Essex County Council Cllr Tom Smith-Hughes, Liberal Democrat group leader, said: "This decision will extend the period that businesses can access loans from Santander's windfall cash pot from Essex county taxpayers, from 2 years to up to 5 years. This is a radical change in the conditions of lending and today's meeting was called to discuss the issue. "The Conservatives attempted to shut down the discussion without any questions being asked of the administration, so it was clear from the start that there is division in the Tory ranks as to how this project is being managed. "I raised questions about the increased risk to taxpayers' money, the council's relationship with Santander and the quality of research into the project which called into question the whole basis of the county council's involvement, but we were not given satisfactory answers. "The Liberal Democrats are delighted that an element of the Conservatives asked pertinent questions and then voted with us in rejecting this decision. However, there were not enough Tory dissenters to stop the decision which will now be implemented." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jul 16, 2009:
  • Conservative Councillors gag opposition Lib Dems
    The Conservative administration at Essex County Council has moved to block out the Lib Dem opposition, following last month's elections. They have removed all opposition county councillors from the council's important waste advisory board, where opposition parties have always previously been represented, and were considering imposing a Conservative to chair the council's main scrutiny committee, a job traditionally undertaken by the opposition. Cllr Tom Smith-Hughes, Liberal Democrat group leader, said: "On 4th June, the Liberal Democrats increased their number of councillors by 50%, to become the only opposition party on the council. To do our job properly - representing the people of Essex who voted us in - we would expect proper representation on all council bodies. A one party state in a democracy is very dangerous and an administration needs to be held to account. "Unfortunately, the Conservatives are moving to use their extensive power to freeze out the opposition and stop any challenge to their authority. This is in stark contrast to their claims to run a transparent and accountable council. "This attitude smacks of arrogance and intolerance and is not in the best interests of the residents of Essex who are being prevented from receiving the comprehensive voice they voted for across all areas of the council. "We often speak about bad losers, but it's very unusual to be a bad winner." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• May 8, 2009:
  • Lib Dem election pledge - services not spin
    Fix the potholes Liberal Democrats in Chelmsford and across Essex have launched their election campaign by calling for an end to £5 million spent on spin spent by the Conservative-run council, and a switch to improving basic services. Liberal Democrats will:- Get the basic services right Ensure a greener, fairer future Support the economy Read the details of the 2009 manifesto. Lib Dem Leader and Chelmsford North Councillor Tom Smith-Hughes explained: "It's a very simple message - taxpayers' money needs to be spent on more services for the benefit of local people and less on spin and publicity that benefits politicians. Get the basic services right "The Lib Dems want action to repair our appalling roads and to switch money from paying spin doctors to paying youth workers. "The last four years of Conservative control has seen Essex County Council downgraded in its performance by independent assessors. This was mainly as a result of its deteriorating children's services in general and services for vulnerable children in particular. Essex CC - inadequate for child protection "Along with only seven other councils in the country, Essex CC has been identified as inadequate for child protection. Concentrating on providing first class services and getting the basics right must be the first priority, yet money has been frittered away on hosting seminars, spin and publicity and the launch of a publicly funded public relations company. Ensure a greener, fairer future "We want roads and pavements fixed and comprehensive services for the elderly, the sick and for children. Liberal Democrats would cut the council's budget for publicity and spin and reinvest the money into mainstream services. Services not spin. "Providing high quality council services that the public wants and expects is the primary concern of Liberal Democrats in Essex and is at the centre of our election manifesto. At this time of financial uncertainty, it is especially important that hard earned taxpayers' money is spent diligently and appropriately. Support the economy "The council is currently sitting on £200m in reserve funds, money that has been paid by taxpayers, and we would return some of that money back to struggling residents for them to spend as they see fit." Read about the Lib Dem campaign (and sign the petition) to fix the potholes. . Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• May 3, 2009:
  • Essex Conservatives 'take leave of senses' and set up PR agency
    Lib Dem County Council Group Leader, Councillor Tom Smith-Hughes Conservative-led Essex County Council has announced plans to launch its own public relations agency - with Essex taxpayers' money. Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Tom Smith-Hughes said: "This is the point where the Conservative administration has finally taken leave of its senses." Essex County Council plans to appoint up to 11 extra staff who will work alongside the existing 25 strong communications team. Cllr Smith-Hughes added, "As if Essex residents were not suffering enough in this financial crisis, they now have to watch their hard earned cash being ploughed into a pet project, likely to end in tears, rather than having it spent on fixing roads or providing services for children or the elderly. Taxpayers' will, of course, pay for all expenditure and will be liable for any losses. "There is currently an investigation into the council's communications department being undertaken after complaints were made about dishonest and misleading ads placed by the council communications department. The council needs to sort out its own PR. Against that background, it is particularly foolhardy to be contemplating such a venture." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• May 1, 2009:
  • Conservative Councillors ignore residents over housing sites
    Conservative councillors have voted to disregard the recent public consultation into the North Chelmsford Area Action Plan. An overwhelming 71% of respondents did not agree with the proposed "urban sprawl" to extend the northern edges of Chelmsford. The Council received the report on the consultation on housing development proposals for 4000 houses in Broomfield, Newlands Spring and Greater Beaulieu Park. The Conservative Leader moved a motion which effectively committed the Council to continue with its published plans for housing in those areas - as if the public consultation had never taken place! Some 70% didn't agree that the housing sites were in the right place for access to services and the four sites in Broomfield and Newlands Spring were all rejected as were three of the seven in Greater Beaulieu Park. The Liberal Democrat opposition members all voted against the Leader's motion, arguing that it was a blatant disregard of the residents' views. After the meeting Cllr Tom Smith-Hughes commented that he hoped the people in the affected areas will remember the contemptuous attitude shown to their concerns by the Conservative administration when casting their votes in the June elections. Related Links Full story on housing plans Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 27, 2009:
  • Mobile phone mast turned down by council but still goes up!
    Mobile phone mast outside Kings Road school Mobile phone operator O2 has erected a phone mast close to the Kings Road Primary School, on the corner of Kings Road and Dixon Avenue. This is despite Chelmsford Borough Council consistently refusing it planning permission. The mast appeared last week and has sparked renewed protest by parents, residents and local Councillors, and the consideration of legal action by the Council. Lib Dem Councillor for Marconi Jude Deakin said, "This is outrageous. The Council refused permission and O2 is simply ignoring that. We cannot have big business steam-rolling over the Council and the legitimate views of local residents." Briefing Councillors at the end of last week, a planning officer said:- "We have had extensive correspondence with O2's planning agents and subsequently with their advisers since July 2008. "We have maintained our position that the application has been refused, that the decision was duly notified to them in good time, and [that being so], they may not lawfully install the mast.... We will discuss our options with the Council's legal officers to decide what action to take." Lib Dem Councillor for Patching Hall, Tom Smith Hughes commented: "I am encouraging the Council to take enforcement action but urge O2 not to delay and simply to remove this seemingly unlawful eyesore. One way or another we will campaign for it to come back down!" . Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 17, 2009:
  • Lib Dems oppose council services privatisation
    The Liberal Democrats have condemned Essex County Council's "Transformation" project, which aims to privatise the delivery of most County Council services. They have stated that the council should be looking at ways of protecting and enhancing good quality, value-for-money services to the public. Said Lib Dem leader Councillor Tom Smith-Hughes, "We are in favour of switching money from needless bureaucracy into front-line services. However, we do not support all-out privatisation." "Many times outsourcing has proved to be a catastrophic failure. Essex County Council is currently ending its partnership with BT and moving all its IT service back into the council, so quite why Essex Conservatives haven't learned from their mistake is a mystery." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Mar 12, 2009:
  • Failing social services left children at risk from paedophiles, abuse and neglect [Essex Chronicle]
    Today's Essex Chronicle reports:- Social services left children in the care of their mother, despite knowing she was sharing her home with a string of abusive partners and sex offenders. The shocking revelation comes as Ofsted published reasons behind its 'inadequate' rating of Essex County Council's safeguarding children services. Full story in the newspaper:- http://is.gd/n3CC. The Lib Dems have attacked the Conservative-run authority for being more concerned about its PR image than basic services. [Read more.....] Essex was rated one of the eight worst councils in the entire country for child protection, including Haringey where Baby P died. However, the Council is ninth highest in the country for spending on press and PR. Essex Lib Dem leader Cllr. Tom Smith-Hughes (Chelmsford North) commented: "The Conservatives have become obsessed with their own image, and drunk on their own sense of self importance. They have allowed themselves to believe their own deluded publicity that they are the best council in the country. "In their quest to pose for the most number of photo-opportunities, they have forgotten to concentrate on why they're here. They have neglected to provide the most basic services and requirements of a council, they have treated taxpayers money with disdain, they have failed the residents of Essex. "It is now the mark of this Conservative administration, that it values its own image over the lives of vulnerable children." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Feb 10, 2009:
  • Essex Residents Need Services Not Spin say Lib Dems
    Less money on spin and more money on services, was the call from Liberal Democrats as the group announced its alternative budget at Essex County Council today (10 February). Also included in their plan was a one-off rebate, giving back taxpayers money that has been stockpiled by the ruling Conservatives for several years. The Lib Dems revealed their vision for Essex including these measures: A cut in the Conservative council's spend on publicity and spin - with the money going straight into providing frontline services A one off rebate of £50 to each household in council tax property bands A-D which would benefit around ¾ of households in Essex Increased spending on young people including measures for getting more young people into work through an apprenticeship scheme Extra money for advising people on reducing and recycling as much rubbish as possible Cllr Tom Smith-Hughes (Liberal Democrat leader, Chelmsford North) said: "The current administration has the wrong priorities. They have used council taxpayers' money to build up huge reserve funds that have sat unused for years. We would remedy this, by recommending a one-off £50 rebate to around 440,000 households across the county, putting much needed cash back into the pockets of low and middle-income families. "The other trend is that basic public services have been neglected, whilst the council's appetite for self-promotion has skyrocketed. The administration is now in a position where its services for safeguarding vulnerable children have been found by independent inspectors to be so worryingly inadequate that a monthly report to a government minister is required. "On the other hand, we have seen an endless stream of headline grabbing gimmicks from the council's media department, including the cringe-worthy job offer made to whichever contestant was runner-up in the BBC's 'The Apprentice' show, before the winners were known. We have recommended cutting the publicity budget and putting the money directly into frontline services. "There has been a seismic shift by the Tories, away from providing high quality basic public services and towards running a corporation that is focussed on branding and image. Clearly we are seeing a jaded administration bored with the day job and looking for something more exotic that makes them look important - regrettably at the taxpayers' expense." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 31, 2008:
  • Lib Dems oppose 800 houses in north Chelmsford/Broomfield and 3200+ in Springfield
    Coming soon to green fields north of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats in north Chelmsford will continue to fight plans for an "urban sprawl" extension that will close the gap between the northern edge of the town and Broomfield parish. Plans for up to 400 houses on the edge of north Chelmsford and up to 400 more on the edges of Broomfield are contained in Chelmsford Borough Council's final "North Chelmsford Area Action Plan". The Conservative-run Council has published its plan for consultation until 16th February. North Chelmsford Lib Dem Councillor Tom Smith-Hughes commented, "The Liberal Democrats have fought these proposals for years and will continue to do so. The burden on local services and the environment is unacceptable." The plan also contains proposals for at least 3,200 houses on green fields north of Springfield to the east of the A130 Essex Regiment Way. Lib Dem Leader and Springfield Councillor Mike Mackrory commented, "The Conservative proposals will create a vast urban sprawl over what was prime farm land. The Liberal Democrat proposals for a new sustainable community north of Boreham on the old airfield (a 'brownfield' site) would have been far more sustainable and environmentally friendly." Along with organisations like English Heritage, the Liberal Democrats attacked earlier Conservative plans to build around the Grade One listed New Hall. Cllr Mackrory welcomed this news saying, "Thankfully this aspect of the plan has been amended". The houses are now planned to go slightly further north, away from the proposed railway station. Cllr Mackrory added, "My real concern is that the new railway station, schools and new road network will not be in place in good time to support these houses. This will inevitably cause severe traffic problems throughout North East Chelmsford and Springfield in particular. "This consultation process is designed to allow members of the public to have their say about the proposed development. We hope the Council will listen to people's concerns about green field development and further traffic pressures in our town". There is one piece of good news, though. Plans for a cross-valley route over the River Chelmer have been dropped, following a sustained campaign by many residents, backed by the Liberal Democrats. Cllr Mackrory commented, "The impact on the environment and in dragging more traffic through Broomfield was never going to be acceptable." The council's plans plus a consultation form are at: www.chelmsford.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=16352 These 4,000 houses on green fields are in addition to the 10-12,000 new houses that are to be built within the existing areas of housing by the year 2021. Related Links PDF leaflet and map of greenfields where the Conservatives propose to build More on the ongoing Liberal Democrat campaign against overdevelopment Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 18, 2008:
  • Essex CC inadequate at keeping children safe whilst excelling at "spin"
    Vulnerable local children are being let down by Essex County Council, according to Government inspectors. The Conservative-run authority is one of the eight worst councils in the entire country, including Haringey where Baby P died. However, the Council manages to be good at spending on press and PR. It has failed to provide effective safeguards for children and has been given a damning 'inadequate' grade - not even meeting minimum standards for child protection. Liberal Democrat Group Leader Tom Smith-Hughes launched a stinging attack on this woeful performance, saying, "This is an appalling report for any Council to receive and there is no way of spinning a good story out of it. Of the seven categories marked by the inspectors, six of them received an inadequate or poor mark, right at the bottom of the scale. The public needs believable reassurances that these serious shortcomings are being addressed as a priority. "The Conservatives have spent the past year swaggering around the county and the country consumed with a stream of ridiculous headline grabbing gimmicks. They've bragged about their plans to recruit the runner up of the BBC's 'The Apprentice' show that came to nothing, they've hosted conferences that achieved practically nothing and they've showcased its communications department. Yet they failed to do the one thing that the public expects of them - look out for the most vulnerable members of our community, our children. "The Conservatives have become obsessed with their own image, and drunk on their own sense of self importance. They have allowed themselves to believe their own deluded publicity that they are the best council in the country. In their quest to pose for the most number of photo-opportunities, they have forgotten to concentrate on why they're here. They have neglected to provide the most basic services and requirements of a council, they have treated taxpayers money with disdain, they have failed the residents of Essex. "It is now the mark of this Conservative administration, that it values its own image over the lives of vulnerable children." Related Links Story update, Essex Chronicle 12 March 2009 Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 9, 2008:
  • Tories Play Election Games With Your Money
    Conservatives on Essex County Council are hoarding our cash rather than handing it out to hard-pressed residents now. Instead, they are hinting at "cash-backs" to be announced early next year, just before the council election. The revelation was made at a cabinet meeting today (9 December) by the Conservative leader, when a council tax rebate for only a small number of residents in Essex was approved. The rest of the council's substantial reserve funds were left untouched. Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Tom Smith-Hughes commented: "This is just about the most unscrupulous case of political gamesmanship it is possible to imagine. Members of our community are trying to provide their families with the best Christmas celebrations, while also worrying about whether they will have a job in the new year. However, the not-so-compassionate Conservatives will wait until they can make a pre-election splash at their budget in February before we see what financial help they will offer. "People need to know now what the council can do to help them and what was offered by the council today was a totally inadequate response. The Liberal Democrats want to see a major use of the substantial reserve funds, to help around three-quarters of council taxpayers across Essex. Instead, we have a gesture to a limited number of people that may only be payable when applied for. "The Conservatives have been taking unnecessarily high amounts of council tax from residents that have been used to swell the council's coffers, instead of being spent on essential services. "Essex residents need this money now much more than the council does. Residents have seen their council tax rise by over 100% over the past 10 years and the opportunity should have been taken to announce a scheme to benefit the majority of council tax payers. The scheme announced today will help only around 5% of the households across the county." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 23, 2008:
  • Give taxpayers their money back. Yes AND NO say Tories!
    With everyone struggling to keep up with food and fuel bills, it is time for taxpayers to have some of their money back. That was the call from Liberal Democrats on Essex County Council, who asked the council to release some of their large reserves back into local people's pockets, at a full council meeting. Speaking about the proposal, Cllr Tom Smith-Hughes (Chelmsford North, Lib Dem group leader), said: "The county council's Conservative administration has increased council tax by over 120% over the past 10 years, too much of which has ended up in reserve funds as a result of underspends of budgets. In the current economic climate, it is only right that this money is put back into the pockets of low and middle income users to ease their financial difficulties." However, confusion reigned in the council chamber when the Conservative leader appeared to agree with the Lib Dem proposal and the Conservative finance spokesman did not! Cllr Tom Smith-Hughes commented: "A direct conflict of statements between two senior figures in the same party is always odd, but when it involves such an important issue as this it is truly remarkable. Unfortunately this nonsense distracted from the important issue of helping our neighbours through this difficult financial crisis, which is likely to hurt many people over the coming weeks and months. "The very unfair council tax system - which should be abolished - penalises the most vulnerable members of our community, as people on low and middle incomes and pensioners pay a higher percentage of their income in council tax than the very wealthy. "Hardworking and vulnerable people need a break and want and deserve to have some of their money back." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 22, 2008:
  • He says yes, she says no- Tories can't agree
    There was confusion about what relief Essex residents will get from Essex County Council, after two leading members of the Conservative ruling party gave opposite views on the subject at the same meeting. At a meeting of the full council (21 October) the leader of the council agreed with a Liberal Democrats proposal to use council tax money held in reserves to help people through the current economic slowdown. However, the cabinet member for finance said that she thought the proposals were irresponsible and that reserves should remain high. Commenting, Cllr Tom Smith-Hughes, Liberal Democrats group leader said: "A direct conflict of statements between two senior figures in the same party is always odd, but when it involves such an important issue as this it is truly remarkable. The council leader agreed with us that help should be given to members of our communities who are struggling financially at the present time. Following directly after him, the finance cabinet member berated the Liberal Democrats for daring to suggest such a thing. Clearly one of them has gone off message. "Unfortunately this nonsense distracted from the important issue of helping our neighbours through this difficult financial crisis which is likely to hurt many people over the coming weeks and months. "The Liberal Democrats asked for the council to look at initiatives to help those on low and middle incomes. The included returning some council tax previously paid along with schemes to help pay rent, protect jobs and housing; grants for charities and help for small businesses. This was agreed." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jul 28, 2008:
  • Exposed: 'Deep' flaws in Tories' cost-cutting potholes policy
    These potholes in Wood Street are one example of a road hazard which the Tories' potholes policy does not cover It has been confirmed that Conservative-run Essex County Council's new policy for fixing potholes is leaving dangerous holes unrepaired in Chelmsford's roads. The new policy stipulates that potholes must be over 50mm deep before they are repaired. This means that, for example, the two in Wood Street (pictured) and already six months old, will not be repaired under the new guidelines despite the hazard they are causing to road users. Lib Dem County Cllr. Keith Francis commented 'Despite the high profile assurances, including the suggestion that hit squads will fix potholes as soon as members of the public report them, the County Council is really only concerned with fixing the deepest potholes, regardless of the danger posed. These new guidelines clearly do not take into account the safety of road users, particularly cyclists and riders of powered two-wheelers.This group is now at much greater risk, directly as a result of Essex County Council's own neglect of duty as highway authority' Lib Dem leader on Essex County Council Tom Smith-Hughes adds: 'This is yet another example of cost-cutting by the Conservative administration running Essex County Council, presumably so that they can store up more money for a pre-election bribe before the elections next year. Chelmsford residents have a right to expect that their council tax is spent where it is needed, on making our roads safe.' Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY