Cedric Phillips (Rutland & Melton Liberal Democrats)

Rutland & Melton Liberal Democrats <info@rutlandlibdems.org.uk>

Cedric Phillips

April 5, 2007 11:12 AM

Cllr Cedric Phillips

I am taking this opportunity to express my gratitude for the privilege of representing Oakham South West for the past four years. I have tried, to the best of my ability, to continue the standard for service set by my Liberal Democrat predecessors, Kim Lee and Derek Iliffe. Following four years of Conservative control in Rutland the Audit Commission's impartial assessment of its performance is that it has declined from FAIR to POOR. The 2006 report stated that the Council "lacks ambition and needs to improve." Our electoral system (unlike those of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) enables the party with most Councillors or MP's to have 100% of control. This also means 100% of accountability. Rutland's present Conservative Council leaders must stand or fall on their performance over the past four years.

Lack of an effective opposition can lead to complacency and a refusal to listen to other points of view. If re-elected I shall continue to oppose those proposals which I consider to be against both common sense and the interests of the people I represent.

Considerable sums of money have been wasted in Rutland when Council leaders have ignored the outcome of public consultation contrary to their preferred decisions. My business experience tells me there needs to be a basic evaluation of spending plans in the early steps of the Budget process if we are to avoid the usual last minute rush of service cuts and redundancies.

In conclusion, if you are satisfied with the performance of the RCC over the past four years vote Conservative. If, like me, you believe it needs careful scrutiny and constant challenge, please vote Liberal Democrat and help to strengthen the body of members who consider that the performance of this Council is not worthy of the people of Rutland.

Cedric Phillips