Theresa May Returns To Merton For Manifesto Launch

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Local Tories launch election campaign

Merton's Tories have launched their 2014 local election manifesto with the help of Home Secretary Theresa May.

Their manifesto - 'Unlocking Merton's Potential'– was launched in conjunction with an animated video on Saturday (March 15).

Their manifesto pledges include:

·         A council tax reduction of 10% on the Merton element over four years, achieved by ending Labour's annual £12.5 million overcharge to residents.

·         A commitment to open a second recycling centre in the borough.

·         An increase in the number of enforcement officers to catch those who litter and the introduction of street sweeping after residents' rubbish is collected.

·         A '5 Point Parking Pledge', including giving all residents the ability to park for 1 hour for free in council car parks, the abolition of evening charges in council car parks and a minimum of 20 minutes free parking across all shopping parades.

·         A new Morden Park Pool

·         A new school.

Speaking at the launch of the manifesto, Councillor Oonagh Moulton, Leader of Merton Conservatives claimed: "Since 2010, the current Labour-led Council has overcharged residents for services received by £12.5 million every year. They have managed to cut services, but not budgets, as the cost of running the Council has increased from £502 million to £539 million in just four years and they have swelled their bank balance by over 70% from £62 million to £107 million. 

"As Conservatives, we know that we can end waste, inefficiency and overcharging. By getting a grip on the Council's finances, we can lead a council that can achieve better services and lower tax."

The local election takes place on May 22.

March 18, 2014