We were very disappointed in the referendum result. It has always been the Liberal Democrat view that we should be part of a strong Europe, leading the way working with our closest neighbours to promote our values of justice, co-operation and tolerance.
Our leader in Sheffield, Shaffaq Mohammed says “Our fight for an open, optimistic, hopeful, diverse and tolerant Britain is needed now more than ever”.
The national Liberal Democrat leader, Tim Farron, has pledged that the Liberal Democrats will fight the next general election with a pledge to take Britain back into the EU. He says that the referendum result was with a collection of cheap slogans from the exitters and the public will feel betrayed when promises on the NHS and immigration are not delivered.
Across the country the Lib Dems have recorded thousands of voters signing up to become members, and here in Gleadless Valley we are welcoming many new members.
Only the Liberal Democrats have a consistent record of supporting our EU membership, and the fight goes on.
Liberal Democrat Team for Gleadless Valley
For the local election on May 5th, Liberal Democrats will field three candidates:-
- Phil Shaddock – local campaigner for several years and volunteer in Newfield Green library.
- John Dryden – lives in Heeley and is particularly interested in the natural environment and education. He is a member of an academy trust and wants to ensure that all local parents have access to a good school for their children.
- Simon Clement-Jones – lives in Heeley and was a Councillor for 11 years, part of the leadership team when the Liberal Democrats last held control of the City Council.
Vote for the only party that can realistically challenge Labour on Sheffield Council.
LABOUR COUNCIL REFUSE TO DELAY SALE OF HISTORIC BUILDING IN GRAVES PARK DESPITE PETITION
A petition to Sheffield City Council to stop the sale of Cobnar Cottage in Graves Park has already gathered 12,000 signatures. The sale is scheduled for 26th January.
Cllr. Ian Auckland, Liberal Democrat councillor for Graves Park ward, asked Cabinet Member Sioned Mair Richards, if she would consider delaying the sale in order for the petition to be debated but was refused.
Liberal Democrat Councillor Ian Auckland for Graves Park Ward said
”
It is completely wrong to press ahead with the sale in the face of such massive public opposition. It is in insult to those people who have signed the petition not to at least delay the sale until after February so we can have a proper debate in council. This is an issue that clearly matters to the Sheffield public.
”
The building is within the bounds of Graves Park, which was gifted to the people of Sheffield by alderman J.G Graves in 1925 for public use as a park in perpetuity.
What concerns us mostly is that this will set a principle. What other parks across the city are likely to lose tracts of land so the Council can sell the land for development?
Add your name to the petition here.
Britain’s Role in Europe
As the Referendum Bill has now been passed, we look forward 2017 when Britain will decide whether to stay in the EU, or pull out and try to make trade agreements on its own.
The Guardian article lists ten areas where life could change dramatically.
Britain should be leading the way in Europe, but for now our relationship is on hold.
Gleadless Valley Liberal Democrats are holding a public meeting on Britain’s Role in Europe on July 24th 7:30 at Meersbrook Park United Reformed Church.
The main speaker is Edward McMillan Scott, former Liberal Democrat MEP.
This may be a popular event, so please book your place soon to avoid disappointment,
LIB DEMS BLOCK LABOUR’S £216 RENT HIKE ON SHEFFIELD COUNCIL TENANTS
Sheffield’s Liberal Democrat councillors have temporarily blocked a proposed 6.2% rent hike for local council tenants in a bid to curb the Labour Council’s inflation-busting increase, which would see the average rent bill go up by £216 a year.
Following the provisional approval of the rent bombshell by the Council’s Labour Cabinet earlier this week, Liberal Democrats have ‘called in’ the proposal – meaning the hike cannot be implemented until given further public consideration.
Labour councillors have misled local tenants by claiming ‘their hands are tied’ by national guidelines on setting rents.[1] However, other local authorities – such as Liberal Democrat Portsmouth Council – have previously increased rent by half the level recommended nationally.[2]
Halving next year’s proposed increase would cost approximately £3.3 million. Meanwhile, next year’s Housing Revenue Account will see the cost of tenant services, which includes management, increase by £2.7 million to £53.7 million.
Cllr Penny Baker, Sheffield Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Housing, said:
“We are calling on the Labour Council to follow the lead of other local authorities, such as Lib Dem Portsmouth, and keep rent increases to a minimum to ease the cost of living for tenants.
“Labour bosses have attempted to claim they have no choice over this decision but that’s plainly not true. Once again they are forcing through unpopular decisions because they think they can get away with blaming it on someone else.
“With the housing revenue budget set to run at a surplus and service costs increasing to more than £50 million, there is scope to curb the increase. Yet Labour councillors want to push through an average hike of £216, which is more than three times the rate of inflation.
“Many people will simply not be able to afford to pay this unnecessary hike and that’s why we want to see this proposal looked at again.”
The decision to halt the planned hike has been backed by local Tenants’ and Residents’ Associations. Stephen Rich, Secretary of Greenhill & Bradway TARA, said:
“If the Council had been willing to accept the various grants of money offered by the Government, such as for Council Tax Benefit, they would now be under less pressure when raising rents.”
Leaving the EU could kill investment in UK jobs
I’m voting Liberal Democrat in the European elections in May.
Leaving the EU could kill investment in UK jobs
Tens of thousands of jobs could be lost as foreign investors look elsewhere
Local businesses and employers say they would lose out if Britain left the EU
Businesses and employers responsible for tens of thousands of jobs in Yorkshire & Humber have warned of the effect that leaving the EU would have on Britain.
Huge employers such as Siemens and Nissan have both said they would have to reconsider their investment in the UK if we leave the EU.
A recent survey by the CBI confirmed that 78% of businesses want Britain to remain in the EU. Indeed many feel they would be forced to close if Britain left the single market.
The Federation of Small Businesses said:-
The internal market offers easy access for first-time exporters with a market of 500 million customers and 23 million businesses on their doorstep. The internal market creates some legal certainty and a level playing field throughout competition rules and many harmonised rules. This means that businesses can save considerable cost when selling to EU countries. – read more
“UKIP and the many Tories who wish to pull Britain out of Europe are gambling with people’s livelihoods. If they get their way tens of thousands of jobs could be lost,” said local Lib Dem MEP Edward McMillan-Scott.
“The Liberal Democrats have always been the party that want to Britain to be stronger, in work, and in Europe,” he added.
Sheffield City Council Libraries Review
The Labour-run Council announced plans earlier this month to close sixteen libraries across Sheffield, triggering outcries in communities throughout the city. Read the proposals or the full report.
However, in a heated Council debate on Wednesday 2nd October, backbench Labour councillors waved through the proposals, include councillors representing Beauchief & Greenhill, Broomhill and Walkley wards where libraries are facing closure.
The debate was secured by opposition Liberal Democrats who are campaigning against the plans.
Cllr David Baker, Sheffield Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Libraries, said
“In the last few weeks, I’ve been contacted by dozens of individuals desperate to see their local library saved. They know that Labour’s plan is being driven more by political spite than by the real need to make savings.
“However, I’m still surprised that Labour councillors, who claim to represent areas where libraries are under threat – like Broomhill, Jordanthorpe, and Greenhill – couldn’t break with their party whip and support our motion opposing closures. Libraries are vital for communities; they shouldn’t be subject to petty party politics.”
YOU can help save our library
Thank you to everyone who has already signed our petition or offered to help in other ways. If you would like to find out how you can help the campaign to save the libraries then please click the link below for more information.