Communities Minister Sajid Javid has given his backing to the Somerset Conservative Group’s plans for the county over the next four years during the launch of its local elections manifesto.
Mr Javid, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, was in Somerset on Thursday (February 23rd) ahead of the county council elections in May, which will see voters going to the polls in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge.
The manifesto, entitled ‘A Clear Plan for Somerset’, includes 12 pledges to local residents with a focus on low council tax, high investment and quality services.
Following the launch event, Mr Javid said: “I fully support the group’s plans for children and education, adult social care, highways, homes, jobs, investment and protecting and promoting Somerset, among other things, which are in line with the Government’s commitment to building a country that works for everyone.”
John Osman, leader of Somerset County Council and the Conservative Group, pictured, unveiled the pledges and set out a ‘Vision for Somerset’ aimed at increasing life, work and education opportunities for local people.
The manifesto includes a series of specific pledges for each of Somerset’s five districts, including Keeping council tax low; Helping to create new jobs and apprenticeships; Protecting vulnerable adults and children by investing £30million more to improve their services and by working with partners; Creating a University of Somerset; Building new schools for our children; Developing more community hubs to deliver our services; Providing homes for Somerset residents; Supporting and protecting our rural way of life; Protecting communities by building new flood defence schemes; Improving safety and reduce congestion by investing in roads and infrastructure; Completing the rollout of superfast broadband throughout the county and Increasing recycling and reduce landfill.
Other parties, including the Liberal Democrats and UKIP, are due to launch their local manifestos in the coming weeks.
