New Year Message

5.30.01pm GMT Tue 1st Jan 2008

Nick Clegg MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats

2008 will be a momentous year for the Liberal Democrats. We have just elected a new young dynamic national leader in Nick Clegg, who intends to reach beyond the stale two-party system to the millions of people who share our liberal values, and want to change Britain for the better.

In Uttlesford, Liberal Democrats have invested for a better future. We introduced a recycling scheme which was recognised by DEFRA in 2007 as being 1st for the most improved recycling / composting rate. We invested in housing and achieved the Decent Homes standard 3 years ahead of the Government target. We did not let capital sit in banks gathering dust but invested it in the local community of Uttlesford.

The revenue budget we set for 2007/8 has now been found to contain accounting errors caused by professional officers. We readily accept political accountability and recognize that the Tory administration has problems in setting a budget for 2008. We are committed to supporting the whole council in setting a balanced budget but warn the Tories against overreacting when cutting jobs of our employees.

The challenge for our party is to persuade those people who believe in a liberal society that their home is with the Liberal Democrats. We did that convincingly in the two recent by elections in Chelmsford where we defeated the Tories and we will soon be back winning elections in Uttlesford.

We all know the national Conservatives don't have the answers. Locally, they came into power in May with no real plans for the future. Look at their ideas to consult with the electorate over their flawed choice of a new town between Elsenham and Henham - just six short weeks over Christmas and New Year to consult on such an important issue to everyone in Uttlesford.