Full Council

Last night saw the last full council meeting of the municipal year. There was not a huge amount of debate, but we said farewell to a number of members who are retiring. In doing so partisanship was suspended. It is a good reminder that there is often a lot more that unites Councillors of all parties (and of none) than divides us and that despite the public's current poor perception of politicians, I believe that the vast majority of us are involved in politics because we hope we can make a positive difference to peoples lives, no matter how small.

So come next Thursday I hope as many people as possible turn out and vote (for what ever party)

Campaign Update

So we are now into the last week. The polls following the TV debates show that Cameron has won, and that the Conservatives are leading the opinion polls (and Labour remaining in third place). And postal votes have started to be completed.

But we have not been complacent in Oxted South. We have again been out on the doorsteps, disturbing eving meals and bathtime and about and the main change from the last few years is still how many undecided voters there are, with many leaving the decision on how to vote until they reach the ballot box. And there are a lot of residents who want to discuss policies - local and national - to help inform their decisions. I think there is a lot still to play for...

Housing Debt

Last week there we held special meetings of the Housing and Resources Committees to discuss how to respond the Governments offer to take on around £65mn of Housing debt (Tandridge is currently debt free as a local authority) in exchange for them stopping the tax on our residents housing rents and being able to retain the proceeds from Council Houses bought by their tenants.

We agreed to continue the dialogue with government, as bizarre as it sounds the Government's offer might be a better deal than the current arrangements for Tandridge tenants and Council Taxpayers. But it reflects the gerrymandering of the system where rents from well run authorities like Tandridge where there is a great need for affordable housing for local people are being used to subsidise badly run and indebted authorities in other parts of the country.

Campaign Update

Its been two weeks since I last blogged. During that time I have been to Bath, where there was a considerable desire for change and the local Conservatives are running an active campaign to capitalise on this. Then came the leader debates. A bit of a game changer as far as the national press went, but I must say one not reflected on the doorstep. It is true that a lot of people are fed up with politics and the political class, but certainly no growing enthusiasm for Lib Dem policies in Oxted South (though a number of voters who have said they are not prepared to vote for Labour again). There is however an understanding that the fiscal deficit is too big and a strong interest in both national and local issues that matter, whether that be potholes, swimming in Oxted, parking arrangements or even Fox Hunting

Campaign Update

A good week's canvassing. Clear that while there may be dissatisfaction with politicians of all hues, there is a general desire for change. Generally people have spoken to think that Tandridge does a generally good job, which is good news for my colleague Barry Compton who is re-standing for the council and a number of voters. And even better I have now spoken to a number of voters, who have not previously voted Conservative, but said they think that Sam Gyimah, our Parliamentary candidate, will get their vote in this election.

On Monday I am spending the day with our Parliamentary candidate for Bath, Fabian Richter, t help him in his attempt to unseat the sitting Lib Dem MP and regain the seat, which we lost in 1992.

Crime Alert

The Police have reported an increase in criminal damage in the Oxted area. Over the past few weeks the Methodist Church has seen a window broken, car windscreens smashed in Merle Common and Pollards Wood road, cars damaged in Mill Lane and on the Greenway and a Motor Cycle stolen in Bramble Close.

The Police suspect most of this is caused by small groups of youths and would appreciate any information on 0845 125 2222. Also any nuisance behaviour should be reported to the Police.

Easter Over

The Bank Holiday weekend is drawing to a close and if the pundits are to be believed tomorrow will see Gordon Brown head down to the Palace and ask for a disillusionment.

Last week's canvassing got off to a wet start but we did managed to get out and leaflets have been delivered. As a councillor one of the best things about canvassing is getting to hear what is wrong in the neighbourhood. I get to talk to my constituents all though the year, but that is only a small proportion and generally those to have a particular issue to solve. So to have a broader view of what people's priorities are is invaluable.