Epsom & Ewell Liberal Democrats

Lib Dem County Councillor Will Forster has today called on Surrey County Council to support European Union (EU) nationals living locally from the damaging effects of Brexit.

Before Christmas, the Government announced that EU citizens would have to apply and pay for 'settled status' post-Brexit, causing fears that some European workers will leave the UK post Brexit. Surrey County Council, like other local authorities, relies on EU nationals to fill key jobs especially in the social care sector.

Out in Epsom High Street on Saturday 12th January, local Liberal Democrats and People's Voters canvassed views on Brexit. There were two questions on offer and so much interest that we almost ran out of answer sheets! There were two questions ...

What should we do?

(a) Take Theresa's deal

(b) Leave with No Deal

A recent Guardian article titled 'Disabled woman evicted before Christmas…for highlighting the damp' has exposed issues in the way that Landlords are able to evict tenants, and the suffering that this can cause those who are most vulnerable.

Leader of the Liberal Democrats at Surrey County Council, Councillor Chris Botten has said:

As so often happens, when a leader steps down the fictions they have spun and the milestones of their achievements unravel quickly, as their author cannot maintain the carapace that prevents proper scrutiny and they are seen for what they are.

This is not an attack on the former leader of the County Council, more a reflection on leadership and what it requires for success as it might apply to many leadership roles, but especially in local politics.

The following letter was sent just before Christmas by the Honourary Secretary of Epsom & Ewell Liberal Democrats.

Dear Tim Martin,

I have a feeling that you are not going to print this! Nevertheless, I must get what I have to say off my chest.

Your magazine has been delivered to our house. It was not requested. However, I would have been happy to have received it, had it not been a pro-Brexit propaganda sheet.

Jeremy John Durham Ashdown, Lord Ashdown of Norton-sub-Hamdon, Paddy Ashdown has died.

Royal Marine, Intelligence Officer in the Bosnian war zone, UN administrator helping Bosnia rebuild, Lib Dem leader admired by rivals and members alike, wise elder statesman, author, inspirational leader.

Local party member Lakhi, who knew him personally, said:

Responding to the publication of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services report into Surrey Fire and Rescue, Cllr Chris Botten, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group at Surrey County Council said:

"Yet again we read of a Surrey Service which has been judged Requires Improvement or Inadequate. Perhaps the report's most troubling criticism is that the service doesn't have a robust operational model and needs to ensure it has enough resources, (people and equipment) available to respond to risk in line with its risk management plan.

Liberal Democrat County Councillors in Surrey have today voted against proposals put forward by the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP). The report published by the IRP recommended that a Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA) of £10,000 be allocated to Deputy Cabinet Members, a set of roles only introduced to Surrey County Council in May this year.

The enforced closure of the walking route to St Joseph's school from the Abelea Green estate, via the church car park, has led to increased congestion in White Horse Drive and chronic traffic problems in West Street and Rosebank.

To reduce these problems, the school's governors have proposed a "park and stride" scheme. A petition will be considered on Monday by SCC's local committee for Epsom & Ewell, asking for the parking restrictions in the Abelea Green estate to be relaxed to facilitate this.

"Things fall apart- the centre cannot hold
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world……….."

These words of WB Yeats resonate.

The bizarre nature of our current politics degenerates still further and nothing seems to be co-ordinated or connected. Like some high risk Mad Hatter's Tea Party each silo sits in a puddle of its own illogical absurdity.