Manifesto-New

Our Manifesto

Mission Statement

We put people first. We will speak up to say what you think. We listen, we challenge and we hope to inspire.

The Ashford Independents offer Ashford residents Borough Council independent representation. We believe that National Party politics has no place in Local Government. While observing the Borough Constitution, our members’ first responsibility is to the residents of their Ward and not to a distant National Party. There is no Party Whip, but members of the Ashford Independents work together to support each other in promoting a local Government that serves local people.

We have registered as a Political Party to ensure a level playing field at the time of Borough Elections. As a registered group our elected members also qualify for Ashford Borough Council Committee and Working Group places – ensuring that your voice is carried to the heart of the Council decision-making processes.

We may also from time to time put forward candidates for the County Council to help our work in the Borough.

Borough

The work of Ashford Council to be transparent and inclusive for all elected Councillors. The Public to be properly consulted on all issues that affect them (as per the Localism Act). Decision making by cross-Party committees.

An Overview and Scrutiny Committee open to Press and Public which monitors all key aspects of Council business (as per the Local Government Act).

Low Local Taxes (Rates) but commensurate with maintenance of essential services.

Creation of Urban Forums or Parishing so Town residents can be represented at Ashford Council.

Education

Establishment of a further education college to build a local skills base to attract higher-paying high-tech companies to move to Ashford.

Health & Safety

Health provision across Ashford Borough Communities with local Surgeries and Dental Practices. Easy access to the William Harvey Hospital enlarged to meet population growth.

Housing

Improved quality of layout, design and building standards for new housing, with early public consultation. All housing projects to have the infrastructure put in at the beginning.

Opposition to large or sensitive building developments on greenfield sites and to urban extensions where there is no need for them and there is strong opposition from residents.

Quality of Life

Provision of a new purpose-built central multi-use Performing Arts Centre, better Sports facilities, a Water Sports Centre at Conningbrook Lakes and a significant Railway and Heritage Museum.

Protection of the environment and ecology in areas of natural beauty around Ashford and elsewhere in the Borough.

Provision of low cost social housing. Care for the vulnerable.

Cooperation with the Police to keep the Borough as free from crime as possible.

Code of Conduct

Exposure of Borough Councillors who do not carry out their responsibilities to the Council and their electorate and their removal.

Local Economy

Generation of rural businesses to create jobs in the Borough

Regeneration of the Town Centre to bring it back to life

All major infrastructure contracts to be publicly assessed on completion.

Neighbourhood Plans

Support for Parish Councils in the development of Neighbourhood Plans that protect their environment and influence building development.

Transport

Improved and new public transport services for existing and new Ashford communities urban and rural, and resolution of the Lorry Parking problem that blights areas of Ashford.