Vote Labour for a better Reading

I read with amusement in today's local paper about the coalition criticizing the previous Labour Administration whilst wheeling out national coalition politicians to claim credibility for the past achievements of Labour.

FACT Dee Park Project and improvements would have never took place under the coalition, if you don't believe me just Norma Sinclair, MBE, Chair of crag, community Regeneration Action Group in Dee Park;

FACT Reading Station improvements would not go ahead under the coalition. The coalition criticise Labour for building up debts for capital projects yet they are trying to claim credit for the major railway station improvements which will need over £200 million of borrowing.

FACT, only 12 empty homes have been brought into use in the year of the coalition, which is the Lib Dems flag ship policy. They did more when they were in opposition and that was Gareth Epps sending the council an e-mail asking about two empty homes in Katesgrove, one of which is still empty. Under the previous Labour Administration the council won national awards for bringing hundreds of homes back into use;

FACT Reading's concessionary Bus scheme has gone from the best in England and Wales to the worst in Berkshire. Once elderly and disabled passengers could go anywhere in England and Wales, at any time. Now under the coalition, elderly and disabled are practically curfew ed between the hours of 9.30am and 10.00pm unable to use their passes in the name of cutting the deficit.

I have been out canvassing and have met people working in the private sector unhappy that there is no plans for growth in the economy, worried that consumers are cutting back and not prepared to buy products. I met public sector workers, worried for their jobs and livelihoods, with no positive future in sight, I have met people concerned that the NHS is about to sold off to private companies who will cherry pick and hold GP's to ransom for commissioning their services.

Labour brought about a long period of growth in Britain and when the global banking recession hit, they attempted to ensure a Wall Street Crash would not repeat itself and that millions of homeowners would not lose their homes with mortgage default.

Labour is the only party that takes into account real people when attempting to get the economy back into growth. The coalition only have a Plan A, which is cut,cut, cut, no wonder there are too many Government u-turns with much more to come after the AV vote debacle. There needs to be an alternative and Labour will provide the necessary stimulus for growth in the economy.

Our pledge to the people of Reading:

Labour will:

■Radically re-organise the Council and its services to deliver savings and protect people in need.
■Use the Council’s watchdog powers to stand up for your NHS.
■Stand up for a cleaner Reading by making clean streets the Council’s priority.
■Stand up for those least able to care for themselves
■Involve the public more effectively.
■Ensure that all voices in Reading are heard equally – not just those of the politicians and those who shout loudest.
■Create a New Local Partnership to stand up for Reading.
■Work with our partners to continue the regeneration of our town.
■Review the Green Bin fiasco.
■Maintain the Council’s commitment to paying a living wage.