Lib Dems launch local election campaign

Today, Liberal Democrats have launched their election manifesto for the new Westmorland and Furness Council.

The new council will take over the existing district councils in Eden, South Lakeland and Barrow, as well as the county council.

The number one priority for Liberal Democrats in the manifesto is making sure that local residents have a much bigger say in how local services are run, including devolving power, decision making and finances to local areas.

On the environment, Liberal Democrats want to build on the work that the existing Lib Dem councils have done, including green home grants to help householders pay for carbon saving measures, the planting of thousands of trees, and investment in safer footpaths and cycle tracks.

On housing, Liberal Democrats want to help people be able to afford to stay in the community they grew up in, by increasing the number of new affordable homes and lobbying the Government to limit the number of second homes.

On health, Liberal Democrats want to see serious improvements in the quality of mental health services, with cuts to waiting lists and better treatment, especially for younger people. With social care being one of the biggest responsibilities of the new council, the Lib Dems are determined to tackle the crisis in social care and make sure that local residents get access to the care and services they need.

Chair of the Westmorland, Furness and Eden Liberal Democrats, Giles Archibald said: "Our manifesto is a plan for the future and for our children.

"We want to work with local schools to give them the best start in life.

"We want to provide the skills and the training so that they are prepared for the green jobs of tomorrow.

"And we want to build the affordable homes so that they can stay here and raise a family."

Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron said: "This is an ambitious plan to make our local communities even better places to live and work.

"Rather than having a big, remote council, Liberal Democrats' top priority will be making sure that power lies closer to you than ever before.

"Elections do change things, and you have the power to decide who will be in charge of running our local services for the next five years.

"So do make sure you vote for your local Lib Dem candidate on May 5th."

The manifesto can be read here.