A Special Meeting of South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) last night confirmed a decision made by its Children and Young People Committee on 25th July that will see centre-based youth provision safeguarded in the authority’s six Priority Neighbourhoods (Cadbury Heath, Filton, Kingswood, Patchway, Staple Hill and Yate/Dodington). The committee had also agreed that a pot of £227,000 be made available to
Continue readingTag: Liberal Democrat Group on SGC
Tories accused of “prolonging the agony” over youth centres
Labour councillors in South Gloucestershire have slammed the Conservatives for refusing to accept a decision that would have safeguarded core youth centre provision in large parts of urban South Gloucestershire. At a meeting of the council’s Children & Young People Committee yesterday afternoon (25th July) the Conservatives pressed ahead with their plans to transfer all of the district’s youth centres
Continue readingTackling youth unemployment in South Gloucestershire
The coalition government’s £1bn Youth Contract scheme, which aims to tackle youth unemployment, has been launched today by the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg. The Youth Contract aims to ensure that all jobless young people are earning or learning again before long-term damage is done. In South Gloucestershire, 1,340 18 to 24-year olds are currently in receipt of Jobseeker’s Allowance
Continue reading“Power dispersed closer to the people”
South Gloucestershire Council has tonight voted to abolish the undemocratic Cabinet, and to return to a Committee system of governance, where all members are involved in decision-making processes. Councils were forced to disband their committees by the Labour government, but new powers in the Localism Act allowed them to return to collective decision-making. South Gloucestershire is one of the first
Continue readingLib Dems push for more money for communities
Liberal Democrats on South Gloucestershire Council will propose budget amendments to a meeting of Full Council on Wednesday (22nd February), committing the authority to a zero increase in council tax, protecting front-line services, and devolving more of its money to local decision-making. Ruth Davis, Leader of the council’s opposition, said: “We live in difficult financial times; we all know that
Continue readingMeeting to discuss plans for Tormarton rest area
South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) and the Highways Authority will discuss the future use of the Tormarton rest area on the A46 this Wednesday (18th January). The rest area is an important facility for both drivers on the A46, and long-distance hikers on the Cotswold Way. The Highways Agency has proposed to remove the toilet facilities, and to leave the limited
Continue readingLibs Dems welcome North Fringe rapid transit bid
South Gloucestershire Liberal Democrats have welcomed a major step forward in achieving an integrated transport system fit for the 21st Century. Lib Dem Transport Spokesperson Cllr Pat Hockey said, “I welcome the Cabinet’s decision to move forward with its bid for Government funding to enable work to start on the South Gloucestershire element of a rapid transport system. This will
Continue readingKendleshire traffic calming scheme to be completed
Kendleshire residents are celebrating the news that the next stage of their ‘Quiet Lanes Scheme’ has finally been given the go ahead. In earlier phases, gateway treatments were installed at key entrances to the scheme, warning drivers that they were entering an area of narrow country lanes that they would be sharing with walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The only
Continue readingSouth Glos Lib Dems announce Shadow Cabinet
South Gloucestershire Liberal Democrats have announced their Shadow Cabinet with a promise that they will hold the Council’s minority Tory administration to account. Cllr Ruth Davis continues as Leader of the group, a position the Yate Central councillor has held since 2005. Westerleigh Councillor Claire Young takes over the Deputy Leader role and will shadow the Communities Cabinet Member. The
Continue readingCouncil claims Severn Bridge tolls for local community
South Gloucestershire councillors are asking the government to allow the local community to be compensated for hosting the two Severn bridges. Liberal Democrat councillors say it’s only fair that the local residents should be compensated for enduring disruptions which continue long after the initial construction phase. Cllr Tyzack (Pilning and Severn Beach) said: “I recognise the burden and disturbance borne
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