The Liberal Democrat group have called on Surrey County Council's Conservative administration to allow Local Committees to run their own local Youth Services. The Lib Dems are also demanding an explanation about the budget for the Youth Service this year.
Liberal Democrats are calling on Surrey County Council to oppose government plans to remove free school transport for children in Surrey. The Government is currently consulting Councils across the country about their plans to introduce new legislation for school transport. Liberal Democrats are concerned that the removal of free transport would be a financial blow to many families and would worsen Surrey's traffic congestion problem.
The Liberal Democrats are concerned that Conservative proposals for so-called "efficiency savings" may, in practice, mean a reduction to the Council's frontline services, such as the youth service or libraries. The Lib Dems have repeatedly asked the Conservative administration to provide adequate details about their proposals but, so far, the information provided has been vague and inadequate.
At present Surrey County Council has no coherent policy towards waste at all. There are good ideas (e.g. about joint working with the districts - which should have commenced years ago), and the previous portfolio holder produced a "vision for waste". These are interesting thoughts but there is still no policy!
Hazel Watson has been chosen as the new leader of the Liberal Democrats on Surrey County Council. Previously Hazel was deputy leader. Janet Maines, the previous Group Leader becomes deputy leader. At the same time, Dr. John Hobrough has been appointed as Group Chairman.
The SCC Lib Dem group's deputy leader Hazel Watson recently highlighted the inadequacy of access provision for disabled people to Surrey County Council buildings (see "Lib Dems get disabled access high on agenda", March 23rd 2004). The Tory administration running the County Council seem to be unhappy with being criticised for not taking action on this issue. Despite their claim to be an "Exemplar of Modern Democracy", they have removed Mrs Watson from her position as Vice-Chair of the relevant SCC Select Committee.
The Liberal Democrats have always believed that power belongs to the people, not foreign states, tech algorithms, or wealthy elites. Our new policy will defend British democracy, root out dark money, and rebuild public trust from the ground up.
Liberal Democrats believe active travel is not just transport policy - it is preventive healthcare, environmental action, and economic common sense.
Liberal Democrat members have passed a new policy to safeguard creators from AI exploitation, support grassroots venues, tear down barriers to touring, and rebuild music education for every child.
The Liberal Democrats are taking a stand to protect our local representatives, safeguard free speech, and defend the integrity of British democracy.
The family court system should be a place of safety, protection, and swift resolution for children and families. Our new policy will reform family justice, roll out proven non-adversarial court models, and root out domestic abuse risks.
The first 1,000 days of a child's life shape their entire future, yet health visiting servicea have seen a dramatic decline. It’s time to back our health visitors, end the postcode lottery, and guarantee every child the healthy, safe start they deserve.