Page 18 - Phonebox Magazine March 2016

Newport Pagnell Councillor Corner
Councillors Paul Alexander, Douglas McCall and Derek Eastman make up the Newport Pagnell South Ward Lib Dem Focus Team. The ward covers the southern half of Newport Pagnell, Giffard Park, Blakelands and a part of Great Linford.
Budget Success
At the Budget setting Milton Keynes Council meeting on the 17th February, the Liberal Democrats successfully got a number of changes to the proposed Labour budget passed.
Recycling Saved
Cllr Douglas McCall was the Lib Dem Cabinet member who introduced the popular pink sack scheme about 13 years ago and later the green garden waste collection and kitchen waste collection, which has helped the Liberal Democrats increase recycling rates fivefold and helped Milton Keynes stay as one of the leading recycling places in the UK. The Liberal Democrats successfully argued that it was wrong to try to use the budget process as a means to make major changes to Milton Keynes recycling scheme.
The pink sacks have been saved and the green bin collection will remain free. No changes will now be made before a review of the Council’s Waste Strategy is made.
The Lib Dems will be fighting to keep Milton Keynes as a leading recycling city.
Sheltered Housing Wardens Saved
Following a very successful campaign by residents, the Liberal Democrats and others the Labour Cabinet agreed to retain the warden scheme for Sheltered Housing, but they still wanted to charge pensioners on housing benefit £5 per week. The Liberal Democrats, who have prioritised protecting the most vulnerable from the Conservative Government’s cuts, successfully argued that the least well off pensioners should continue to get the service for free.
Play Areas Saved
As part of the £22 million of savings in this year’s budget the Labour administration were proposing to cut by 50% over the next three years the maintenance budget for Play Areas. This would have resulted in the closure of many Play Areas. The Lib Dems have got that stopped, at least for the next year.
Safer Junctions
Many residents have contacted the Focus Team about the numerous worn white lines, especially at road junctions. They fear that there will be more accidents. The Liberal Democrats managed to get more money put into the budget for this important road safety work.
Follow us online
Cllr Alexander on http://paulalexander.mycouncillor.org.uk Cllr McCall on http://douglasmccall.mycouncillor.org.uk Cllr Eastman on http://derekeastman.mycouncillor.org.uk Please like our pages on Facebook and follow us on twitter.
If you need to contact any of the Newport Pagnell South Liberal Democrat Focus Team please e-mail us at NewportSouth@ mklibdems.co.uk
18 Phonebox Magazine | March 2016
Cllr Douglas McCall is delighted that the popular pink sack scheme he introduced is to remain.
Cllr. Douglas McCall in discussions with residents at Chartwell Sheltered Housing Scheme in Newport Pagnell
Cllrs Derek Eastman, Douglas McCall and Paul Alexander are delighted that the planned cuts to Play Areas have been stopped.
Cllr Douglas McCall gives thumbs up to more money for road junction safety.