Themed Debate on Working Together with Oxon MPs (Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats)

Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats <info@oxfordshirelibdems.org.uk>

Themed Debate on Working Together with Oxon MPs

May 15, 2010 12:00 AM
By Cllr Zoe Patrick in County Council

I can't help but feel that we have an overkill today debating about what MPs should be doing for Oxfordshire. Frankly I would have hoped that all our MPs - both new and old - would appreciate that it would be to their benefit to work closely with the Council. Indeed, I had understood they were already working closely with us because I have sat through many MP briefing sessions where big items coming up affecting the County have been discussed - whether it was asylum seeking children or larger transport projects. So, does this mean that the Leader has not been convinced that MPs have been doing their jobs properly?

Also, we have already heard that the Chairman is sending congratulations to all our MPs at the beginning of today's meeting, so does that mean there will be duplication here by sending another letter (and if we take all the motions coming afterwards), sending three letters? So triplication of effort in fact!

I am glad that the Leader refers to breaking the cycle of deprivation, but we do need to recognise the pockets of rural deprivation which are hidden all over the county. I appreciate all the effort going into Oxford and Banbury, but we must not forget the rural poor (which was the subject of a seminar I attended here last week).

I think supporting the preventative agenda is welcome, but I am aware that financial pressures of both the council and the NHS will challenge this. Perhaps it is worth mentioning here that with the passing of the Sustainable Communities Act and the potential for devolved budgets, now would be a good time to look to us as local members to spend money wisely within our divisions - councillors know where there is a need, and this could help ease problems locally. Maybe the Leader could rethink this idea, albeit having rejected my motion on the subject some time ago.

I welcome the section on educational attainment, and the reference to the pupil premium which is one of the aspirations of Liberal Democrats in the coalition government. Again, a challenge financially but the rewards will be long-term.

I am pleased to see that improved transport infrastructure is recognised, especially around Science Vale UK, and I would hope that any housing development wherever it is all over the county will have support to secure that essential investment in infrastructure which is referred to in the closing paragraph. With planning policy up in the air at the moment, I would hope that any review of this will ensure that new housing will only be permitted where it can be sustainable and where that key infrastructure can be guaranteed.