Putting South Lakeland first - South Lakes Lib Dems launch local election manifesto

Today, Liberal Democrats in South Lakeland have launched their election manifesto - Putting South Lakeland first - ahead of the local elections next month.

The manifesto was launched at the brand new affordable housing development at Dowkers Lane in Kendal where homes cost just over £100 a week to rent.

Housing is a key part of the manifesto, with commitments to getting 1000 more affordable homes built, getting 300 more extra care units built and reducing the number of empty homes in the district by 20% by 2025.

Thanks to the work of the Liberal Democrats and local businesses, South Lakeland is now the fastest growing economy in Cumbria and Lancashire. The manifesto wants to build on this success with pledges to help get 1,000 higher paid, good quality jobs by 2025.

On health, the Lib Dems will keep fighting for our most vulnerable residents - working with local MP Tim Farron to campaign for improvements to mental health provision and new services at Westmorland General Hospital such as radiotherapy. They've also promised to improve access for people with disabilities - pledging to get three new 'changing places' toilets opened in the district.

The manifesto also contains key pledges on the environment such as actively exploring introducing food waste collections from households, and for the council to phase out its use of single-use plastic products by the end of this year.

Leader of the Liberal Democrats in South Lakeland, Giles Archibald, said: "I'm very proud of what we've achieved over the past twelve years.

"Over 1,000 affordable houses built, kerbside recycling now available across the district, huge investment in our local communities, and thanks to our strong partnership with local businesses, South Lakeland is now the fastest growing economy in Cumbria.

"But it is the people we serve who are at the heart of this manifesto - from the families who have affordable roofs over their heads thanks to our affordable housing policy, to the grandmother who can receive hospital treatment close to home thanks to our health campaigns.

"Most importantly this manifesto strengthens our commitment to working with local communities, festival groups, charities and local businesses to make this an even more special place to live, work and explore."

Local Lib Dem MP Tim Farron said: "Winning elections is about taking control so you can help people in their daily lives.

"Our plan is to make sure we provide more affordable homes so that local families can afford to stay here.

"We want to carry on protecting our hospital and look after our health services. We want an environment which is green and clean and accessible for future generations and want to continue to create jobs to allow people to be able to stay and make a living here.

"That's why our manifesto is something that we can rightly be proud of."

To read our manifesto go here