Lib Dems celebrate first 100 days

4.32.42pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 11th Aug 2006

Richmond upon Thames Liberal Democrats have been celebrating their first hundred days in power on Saturday 12 August. After their swingeing victory on 4 May they have been looking back at their successes…and laying a sound basis for the next 1,360 days.

Said Council Leader, Serge Lourie:

"We intend to make progress over the next four years and to implement our manifesto. It has been useful to take stock after 100 days but we aim to improve the lives of local people steadily over the next four years and beyond.

We made seven key promises to:

1) put the environment at the heart of local decision making;

2) introduce doorstep recycling of cardboard and plastic;

3) work with police, health, the fire service and community groups to keep this borough safe;

4) improve secondary schools;

5) invest in youth;

6) not hoard council tax;

7) carry out genuine consultation on services and proposals affecting local communities.

What has been achieved?

We have

1) taken the first steps in implementing the climate change report by signing the Nottingham Declaration and agreeing the appointment of an energy management team;

2) set in train an in depth review of our waste and recycling services with a view to adding doorstep cardboard and plastics recycling next year and achieving a radical improvement in our recycling rates;

3) continued the roll out of safer neighbourhood teams in every ward, and launched the community payback scheme whereby convicted people have to work for the benefit of the local community;

4) visited all the secondary schools and met chairs of governors of primary schools. Initial evidence shows that most secondary schools are improving and primary schools remain some of the best in England;

5) started to look at options. have invested in a community radio station in ham and are looking to expand sporting facilities;

6) Started work on a medium term financial strategy that will reduce the obscene level of reserves from £54 million to a more reasonable £20 million by investing in much needed services;

7) Started consultation on a number of key services including waste. Will start consultation on localisation shortly

There is a lot more to do. We need to increase the quantity of social housing, work better with the local voluntary sector and ensure that all our citizens can live in comfort and dignity. With the help of our excellent staff, and with the goodwill and advice from local people, we expect to see continuous improvement over the next few years. There remain difficulties, not least those caused by central government and the lack of funds, but we intend to overcome them."