A time for change is upon us.

On Thursday May 3 you have a chance to vote to make that change possible … by voting for your local Labour candidate.

Residents across the Huntingdonshire district deserve councillors who will speak for the many – not just for a privileged few.

Nothing has changed across Huntingdonshire – because the Conservatives have neither the imagination to embrace change, nor the desire to make change.

There’s been no end to austerity; no end to the cuts to services; no change for public servants who deserve a pay rise no housing help for the thousands of residents who deserve – and need – something better.

But a time for change is upon us …

Labour does want change. Labour does want to end austerity. Labour does want to make a difference locally.

We’re ready for bold, transformative reform … with Labour councillors who will do things differently and make a difference to the lives of all residents.

Here are our pledges which we believe will help bring about change and make a difference.

Transport

We believe it is vital to ensure our fast-growing district has the infrastructure in place to cope.

It is important that any solutions are fully integrated with the public transport system.

Labour believes that public transport provision, combined with improved facilities for cyclists and pedestrians, is required to provide an environmentally acceptable solution, along with some vital road building projects.

We back the dualling of the A428 from Caxton to the Black Cat and look forward to the completion of the A14 upgrade.

We want an urgent reduction of congestion on the A141, with improved links around St Ives and Huntingdon.

Labour believes our town centres need urgent regeneration to bring life back to them. It is scandalous that so many shops are being left empty – in all our main market towns.

We believe the current system of car parking charges in town centres is short sighted and simply isn’t working.

As part of this we would seek to reduce or abolish parking fees in town centre car parks. We would also call for an urgent investigation into parking issues across the area and seek possible solutions by listening to the concerns of residents.

We will urge the operators of local rail station car parks in St Neots and Huntingdon to reduce daily car parking charges as a priority.

Housing

Over 40% of the 79,000 residents in Huntingdonshire earn under the national average wage of £27,000.

This coupled with the average home costing £313,000 and extortionate private rentals means many young people have no prospect of living independently in their own homes.

There is a desperate shortage of social housing – which has been cut by 11% nationally in the last year.

Over the past five years the number of people on the housing waiting list in Huntingdonshire has risen to 2,700.

We believe that without radically increasing the amount of social housing the waiting list will never go down.

We will insist that at least 50% of new builds in Huntingdonshire are social housing or affordable homes.

Labour will vote against any planning applications from developers for Wintringham, the big new development to the south of Loves Farm, St Neots, that do not have at least 50% social or affordable housing. Labour councillors will seek to ensure the interests of our 7,000 former Luminus tenants are fully looked after by the new owners Places for People.

Over the past eight years there has been a significant increase rise in the number of homeless rough sleepers across the district. Labour would seek to utilise empty public buildings to act as safe, temporary housing for those most in need.

We would also seek to over-turn the plans to reduce the opening hours of the HDC Customer Service Office in St Neots, which is a much-used and needed contact point for some of the most vulnerable in our society. Labour believes Huntingdonshire residents should feel safe and secure – both in their homes and on the streets.

Law and Order

Labour believes Huntingdonshire residents should feel safe and secure – both in their homes and on the streets.

We will support efforts to recruit more police officers, bring back Support Officers, and restore resources. We also demand a return to full service levels for Fire and Ambulance services.

Value for Money

Labour will ensure residents of Huntingdonshire get both better value and better services for their hard-earned council tax.

Too often the district council has been seen as remote and out of touch – Labour councillors will listen and act on the concerns of town and parish councils.

Labour would seek resolutions to long-standing planning disputes that have resulted in important buildings across the district – like The Old Falcon Hotel in St Neots Market Square – being left empty for too long.

Registering to Vote

The quickest way to register to vote, to check if you’re already registered, or to get a postal vote is online at gov.uk/register-to-vote.

You can also contact Huntingdonshire District Council by email at elections@huntingdonshire.gov.uk, by telephone at 01480 388 017, or by writing to the Electoral Registration Officer, Huntingdonshire District Council, Pathfinder House, St Mary’s Street, Huntingdon PE29 3TN.

You’ll receive a poll card through the post before the election telling you when to vote and how to vote. You don’t need to bring this with you to vote.

There’s more information at yourvotematters.co.uk/how-do-i-vote.

Summary

We believe it is time for change and that this manifesto is a framework, which Labour Councillors can use to work to improve local services and to give ordinary citizens a voice and hope.

Compassion is at the very heart of what the Labour party stands for. It is about building a better society that works for all.

Our councillors will fight for the many. Not just the few.

Find us online at:
huntingdonlabourparty.org.uk
facebook.com/huntingdonlabourparty
twitter.com/huntingdonclp
info@huntingdonlabourparty.org.uk

Get involved

We hope you will want to come and help us win for you in Huntingdon.

If you’d like to help out – you don’t need to be a member! – send us an email at info@huntingdonlabourparty.org.uk or drop us a message on Facebook.