Ahead of the biggest shake-up of Local Government in 50 years, Zöe Franklin MP is pushing for the Government not to put the burden on council tax payers.

“Make your voice heard. Support my petition for the Government either to write off the Conservatives’ multi-billion-pound debts, or to provide financial support for the new local authorities.”

Zöe Franklin MP said: “The legacy of years of Conservative failure at Surrey County Council, as well as borough councils under Conservative control, is a multi-billion-pound debt.

“The amount of debt owed by local authorities in Surrey is estimated to be around £6bn; while under Conservative control, Woking Borough Council’s debt spiralled to more than £2bn, and Spelthorne’s to more than £1bn. 

“The Government’s local government reorganisation project will see Surrey split into either two or three new Unitary Authorities.

“It is still unclear which option the Government will choose; it is also unclear where the burden of the debt will fall. 

“I am committed to fighting for residents and council tax payers across Guildford constituency and Surrey. To pass on the debts to the new unitary councils would mean they’d be effectively bankrupt on day one; to expect Surrey council tax payers to pay the price of years of Conservative failure would be wrong.”

The Government is expected to announce its decision on Surrey’s reorganisation later this year. The options being considered are:

• An east-west split, creating two new unitary authorities
• Or the plan for three authorities, supported by the Liberal Democrats, which would see Surrey Heath, Woking, Guildford and Waverley in the west; Mole Valley, Epsom & Ewell, Reigate & Banstead and Tandridge in the east; and Runnymede, Spelthorne and Elmbridge in the north.

Ms Franklin continued: “It is wrong that communities that aren’t responsible for the debt should be forced to pay for it.

“As the Government finalises its plans for a once-in-a-generation reorganisation of our local government system, I urge you to support my petition and make your voice heard.”

https://www.guildfordlibdems.org.uk/dont-pass-the-buck-on-surrey-councils-debts

Chancellor's Spring Statement leaves Guildford constituency MP Zöe Franklin "fearful" for vulnerable people and local businesses.

“Today was the opportunity for the Chancellor to make a positive change to Guildford's future. She did not deliver.”

Zöe Franklin MP said: “We are all going to see our household bills go up in the next few days. 

“We’ll be paying more for our gas and electricity, as well as our water bills, and increases in car tax and stamp duty will also take effect in the new Tax Year on 6^th April.” 

Ms Franklin continued: “Today’s statement confirms that disability welfare payments will be cut when people who need them can least afford it.  

“They are a lifeline to so many people. The letters I see every day are heartbreaking. PIP payments help with the extra costs of managing a health condition and enable people to maintain as much dignity and independence as possible. PIP can pay the costs of getting to work. One constituent told me without it, the journey would be impossible. The constituent wants to work and wants to contribute to their community. Taking away this sense of pride and achievement is devastating.” 

The Spring Statement made no change to the planned increase in Employers’ National Insurance due from 6^th April.  

Zöe Franklin said: “The local businesses which have weathered fourteen years of the Conservatives’ economic vandalism, on top of the burden the pandemic brought, wanted to see the Chancellor review the increase in employers’ national insurance payments, due from 6^th April. 

“This extra cost will place a huge extra burden on business, which are already under immense pressure. 

“The Liberal Democrats believe the big banks, social media and gambling companies should pay their fair share. Instead, local employers, the hospitality sector and of course our GP surgeries, care homes and hospices, will be facing increased costs. 

“The Spring Statement was a chance to bring positive change to people and businesses across the Guildford constituency. I am deeply disappointed, and I fear for the impact this will have on people who need the support of welfare, on businesses, jobs and our communities.” 

“For our High Streets to thrive, our businesses need support. The Chancellor must review the increase in National Insurance and overhaul business rates.” 

Zöe Franklin said: “Businesses across Guildford constituency have told me about their worries surrounding the increase in employers’ national insurance, due from 6^th April. 

“I am urging the Chancellor to rethink this. For our high streets to thrive, we need our local businesses to thrive. There are already far too many empty shops in what should be the vibrant community centres of Guildford and our villages.  

“The Chancellor must review this, as well as overhaul the business rates system, to trigger the growth that our high streets desperately need. 

“The businesses that weathered 14 years of economic vandalism under the Conservative government need support to thrive again. 

“We risk losing some of our oldest and much-loved businesses which are part of what makes our high streets such a valuable asset, and such a valued part of local communities.”