1. Fairer Taxes Fairer taxes that put money back in your pocket. With the Liberal Democrats people will pay no tax on the first £10,000 - cutting most tax bills by £700.
Keen to see more investment in scientific research and the local economy, Belinda keeps up with advances in the new cleantech transport industries in the area and is keen to bring green jobs to West Suffolk. She is eager to explore what more can be done at national level to help these domestic industries flourish and help us to follow a green route out of the recession. A key part of transport is fuel, and a necessary direction for future sustainability is locally made biofuel from waste. In her County Council role on Development Control Committee Belinda supported a new anaerobic digestion plant which would make locally produced fuel from waste. the plant will also contain an Eden Project style area where children and adults can see the plant digestion happening and learn about the process.
2. A Fairer Chance for Every ChildSmaller class sizes, more cash for schools and abolish university tuition fees are what a Liberal Democrat voice in government would bring.
Belinda welcomes the Party's policy to phase out fees and support scientific funding. Education must be fully supported in the early years, and we are facing a national and local crisis in school places. Belinda would push at national level for local authorities to fulfil their statutory duties for the provision of a local school place for every child. The SureStart evaluation at Birkbeck is beginning to illustrate all too well how a good developmental start in life is necessary for a civil society to give all children so that no one is left behind.
3. A Fair Future: Create Jobs by Making Britain GreenerInvest in public transport, renewable energy and energy efficient homes.
Development can bring benefits such as affordable and social housing, but the downside is the impact on our fragile environment. Flood risk is increasing in low lying Suffolk land and over development in small villages and historic towns like Newmarket must be avoided. Belinda has made local flood risk assessment an issue for scrutiny in the region and supported campaigns against the Hatchfield Farm and Wickhambrook developments. There is so much talent and creativity in East Anglia that the regional economy is well placed to help in the global fight against climate chaos. Belinda understands this and meets with leaders of the clean tech industry to keep ahead of the developments that will help us to tackle global warming and create green local jobs.
Belinda has already played a key role in improving public transport infra-structure that will have a national impact on pollution reduction. Environmental pollution is a killer - 24,000 premature deaths are caused by air pollution in the UK every year. Belinda supports measures to ensure that the UK complies fully with air quality standards for dangerous and airborne particles and harmful gases by 2012. Belinda's speech during the Transport Infrastructure Fund debate, focussed on air quality, reducing emissions of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide (which already sit just below national objectives) in the locality. Her vote for government investment to re-open local railway lines illustrates her stance on the issue which is vital for the region. Belinda has also said that if elected she will commute to London and not claim for a second home.
4. A Fair Deal For You From PoliticiansNational politics is in crisis. Belinda wants to make politicians accountable and give you the right to sack corrupt MPs. She wants a fairer voting system so your vote matters. that is why this election is the most important, and the most exciting for a generation.
In addition our precious freedoms are under threat. We need a fearless champion to speak up on key issues. Belinda would ensure that your concerns about civil liberties, justice and the environment is heard. This means more impact over the Conservative/Labour noise. Belinda has a track record at both local and national level working with people of all parties and none on a variety of issues. In both the House of Commons and the House of Lords (where the Lib Dems already have the balance of power) she has worked with both main parties, cross benchers and others to stand up for the rights of unpopular, marginalised, and oppressed groups. She would continue to be a radical voice on these issues and (sometimes harrowing cases) as your MP. Public ServicesLiberal Democrats would scrap like-for-like replacement of Trident. As many of Belinda's extended family have served in the armed forces she is aware of the impact of frontline cuts on their safety and wellbeing. Liberal Democrats would provide an increase in salary for the lowest paid in the armed services.
Carer support is invaluable for those in the community to manage on a daily basis to live fulfilling lives. This should be needs-based not cost-directed and available from whenever a person gets ill. Public services like libraries must be properly funded and accessible to all who want to use them. HealthFrontline health services and essential drugs seem to be given a lower priority than central government waste in today's NHS. This has to stop. Doctors should have more discretion to prescribe proven treatments to patient groups where there is a scientifically proven rationale for doing so. There are other areas of need too. This part of East Anglia has one of the highest birthrates in the country; a new neonatal unit is needed at Addenbrookes and at Hinchingbrooke provision is not there yet. The changes are wrecking our NHS. Belinda would like to see the recruitment and training of more midwives to cope with the rising birthrate. These professionals advise new mothers and families on parenting skills including advice on the health of a baby, and support for relationships which can become strained when a new child arrives. She would wish to see these professionals set free from meaningless targets so that they could focus on the health and wellbeing of families and children.
Equality and DiversityBelinda is committed to equality and diversity. As Patron of a disabilities charity she often sees how barriers to integration persist and prevent people from reaching their full potential. Belinda wants to see better services for mental health, better support for carers, and an easier route to access services. As a chartered psychologist she fully understands the difference this makes to people's ability to function and progress in life.
A key member of the women's policy group, Belinda worked with female MPs and Peers to set out policies for the next general election.
This policy document shows how we in the Liberal Democrats would take action on the pay gap for a fair deal at work and beyond; help families to juggle priorities and find a better work/life balance in life; and help women feel more healthy, and give real confidence by feeling safer in our communities.
For CambridgeshireBelinda will work for all constituents in Cambridgeshire so that there is a fair distribution of housing and public transport where people want it and need it. She will work hard for all constituents and not take them for granted like so many MPs did in the past. |
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