Middlesbrough Labour Manifesto for Middlesbrough 2015
FAIRER
SAFER
STRONGER
Published and Promoted by M Storey, on behalf of Middlesbrough Labour, both at Unit 4 Broadcasting House, Newport Road, Middlesbrough, TS15JA
Contents
3 4 7 11 15 18
Foreword From Dave Budd
We pledged, we Delivered Middlesbrough Labour’s record
Fairer Middlesbrough Middlesbrough Labour’s plans for building homes, tackling inequality, for our young people and improving training
Safer Middlesbrough Middlesbrough Labour’s plans for safer communities, the environment & care for older people
Stronger Middlesbrough Middlesbrough Labour’s plans for our economy, culture & transport
Middlesbrough Labour’s team Middlesbrough Labour has candidates in every part of our town - find out who is standing in your ward
Foreword By Dave Budd
M
iddlesbrough is a town that is changing rapidly. Over the last four years, we have seen huge developments in our home town. From Middlehaven to Nunthorpe, our communities have undergone significant regeneration, with areas being given a new lease of life. Significant efforts have been made to cement us as a hub for innovative businesses – from digital companies to renewable energy specialists. The Council has worked closely with local businesses and entrepreneurs to ensure we have the best environment for them to flourish. In our town centre, areas which were once in decline have been given new uses – such as Baker Street and the Cleveland Centre. Middlesbrough’s role as a centre of cultural life in the Tees Valley continues to grow. The future of Mima has been secured through a partnership between the Council and our University, and annual events such as the Mela and Community Pride are attracting ever growing crowds. The town has more art galleries than ever before and we have focused on plans for securing the Town Hall as the region’s leading entertainment venue. However, since 2010, David Cameron’s Tory-led government have delivered huge spending cuts on our town. While wealthy boroughs in the South have been seen budget rises, Middlesbrough has been forced to slash services across the board to pay for it. Tory mishandling of the economy has hit the North hard too – as it always does. Living standards have tumbled and unemployment – and underemployment - is still disproportionately high. Instead of providing help and support to our town, the government has hit the disabled and vulnerable through ideologically motivated
benefits sanctions and the cruel bedroom tax. This has obviously had a huge impact on our town, but Middlesbrough Labour has been committed to protecting the vulnerable and frontline services. At the same time as dealing with this disgraceful situation, Middlesbrough Labour continue to support the town in moving forward through our work in our communities and in the Town Hall. Middlesbrough Labour’s values drive us to seek greater opportunity and social mobility for all, to ensure everyone is able to benefit from our town’s progress. We want a Middlesbrough that is fairer, communities that are safer and an economy that is stronger. A Middlesbrough that is fairer, safer and stronger is my ambition. Everything I would do as Mayor would be informed by this vision. Without it, Middlesbrough will never be able to reach its full potential.
Dave Budd Labour’s Candidate for Mayor of Middlesbrough
We Pledged… …We Delivered
Over the last four years, Middlesbrough Labour has been working for its communities in the face of huge Tory cuts.
This Conservative-led government has taken away funding for our Council and given it to wealthy boroughs in the South. Despite the huge challenges this has presented, Middlesbrough Labour has continued to to fight for our town and deliver the services its residents deserve. In 2011, we made several pledges to residents and we have delivered on them. Middlesbrough Labour is the party that promises and delivers a positive vision for our town.
2011
What we pledged…
To Regenerate our Town 201 5
What we did… Built Digital City - a hub for start-up businesses in the digital sector which created 200 jobs Regenerated Baker Street as a hub for independent shops Ensured disused section Cleveland Centre is brought back to life as a hotel creating 130 jobs Regenerated neighbourhoods across the town by encouraging building on brownfield sites at Acklam Green, Grove Hill, Linthorpe, Park End and Thorntree
2011
d… What we pledge
2011 What we pledged…
To Improve our Transport Links
To Modernise our Homes 201 5 What we did…
201 What we did… 5
Delivered on a new railway halt at James Cook Hospital
Worked to deliver pioneering schemes to clad terraced housing with insulation - cutting owners’ energy bills by 50%.
Improvements to Middlesbrough Bus station
Updated, regenerated and replaced housing across the town, creating the affordable neighbourhoods people want and deserve.
Opening up Middlehaven with the Dock Bridge
Improvements to key roads like A172, A174 & A19
2011
What we pledged…
To Protect our Environment 201 What we did… 5 Introduced new recycling wheelie bins, increasing recycling and reducing landfill Approved introduction of cleaner, safer, more efficient LED street lighting Created new parks at Grove Hill & Middlehaven and oversaw a record 7 Middlesbrough parks being awarded ‘Green Flag’ status
we pledged… 1 t a h W 1 0 2 To Improve our Health
201 5 What we did… Protected school nursing and young people’s wellbeing services Extra support to help residents quit smoking Worked with police and others to stamp out the trade in dangerous counterfeit alcohol
edged… 2011 What we pl
To Strengthen our Communities 201 5
What we did… Created the Know Your Money service, providing financial advice to young people
Protected and supported great community events such as the Middlesbrough Mela and Community Pride
A Fairer Middlesbrough
M
iddlesbrough is a fantastic town with some topclass facilities and a warm, caring population. However, Middlesbrough’s people are being hit by Tory failure on the economy and David Cameron’s cost of living crisis. Unemployment is a problem, but so are insecure, poorly-paid jobs, often using zero-hours contracts.
interest lenders and making Middlesbrough one of the most unequal towns in the country. The Tories in Government don’t care and “independents” in our Council Chamber have no answers. Labour has been fighting hard to close this gap and create a fairer Middlesbrough and it continues to be one of our key priorities in 2015.
Labour is committed to supporting businesses to create the training opportunities and jobs needed to give all our young people the chance to support themselves and their families. We are also ensuring that employees in our own workforce and beyond have fair pay and conditions.
What we have done so far
We have a generation of young people in the UK today who feel they have no prospect of getting on the housing market. Middlesbrough is no different. We need more houses. Labour will deliver fair access The cost of living crisis, welfare cuts and unemployment drive many into the hands of high-
·Taken action on payday lenders by blocking access to their websites on our computers ·Committed the Council to paying a living wage to all its employees ·Worked closely with the NHS to improve the health of our town Made the first steps into the launch of a community bank
A Fairer Middlesbrough Fair access to secure, well-paid jobs and meaningful training Middlesbrough built the world but since the deliberate de-industrialisation of the 1980s, we have struggled with high unemployment. Working with industry, colleges and entrepreneurs, our Labour-led Council has made some fantastic strides in increasing the amount of good-quality jobs on offer in We will do more. We will ensure that: ●All of the Council’s staff are paid the living wage and have good quality contracts. ●Work with partners across the town to create opportunities for apprentices to learn trades and get on in life. ●Increase the number of apprentices the Council takes on, providing vital training and work experience. ●Campaign against zero-hours contracts
Fair access to high quality homes Britain is in the midst of a housing crisis, with a single person in their twenties struggling to get on the housing ladder. Many are trapped in the rental sector due to this. We believe that our young people deserve a fair chance of owning their own home and we have made great strides in this aim, as seen in the development of Grey Towers in Nunthorpe, and new houses in Acklam Green, Brookfield, Linthorpe and Grove Hill. In the rented sector, we introduced landlord licensing in Gresham and North Ormesby to improve standards and drive our rogue landlords.
A Labour Government Will
Build 200,000 homes by 2020 and offer a fair deal for private renters.
Middlesbrough Labour will ●Working with developers to ensure we have 7,000 new homes, including affordable homes. ●·Ensure new neighbourhoods are top quality, sustainable and environmentally friendly. ●·Prioritise building on our brownfield sites and push government hard to give us more powers to get these developments moving again. ●·Expand our existing landlord licensing and push for more powers to drive out rogue landlords and deliver our vision of a fair housing market for all residents ●Work closely with social housing providers such as Erimus to unlock sites for new high quality homes in the social rented sector – affordable to all.
Fairness and equality in health and wealth Increasing inequalities in the UK are deeply felt in Middlesbrough. While some areas of our town prosper, high unemployment and poverty holds some of our communities back. The same is true with public health, with a difference of nearly a decade in life expectancy between residents. Access to high-quality open space is a right for all Middlesbrough residents. In the last four years, Labour has ensured that our parks are still top-class despite Tory cuts. We have 7 green flag parks and even opened a brand new park at Grove Hill in October 2014, with others to follow. Despite government cuts, we promise to do all we can to protect our parks and open spaces and work with partners to increase their use.
Middlesbrough Labour will ● Establish modern, effective community bank, providing safe, ethical credit. This will provide an alternative to the high interest payday lenders which do so much harm to our town. ● Place reducing inequality at the forefront of all the Council does ● Provide high quality health and relationship education to young people in Middlesbrough ● Support the development of a network of healthy living pharmacies, placing our communities’ needs at the centre of health and wellbeing. ●We will improve financial education and open a savings account for each child
A Labour Government Will Freeze energy prices until 2017 benefiting millions of households, and further tackle fuel poverty.
A Safer Middlesbrough
E
very Middlesbrough citizen deserves to feel safe and respected. Despite huge cuts to our budget, we have hard with partners to ensure our communities are protected against crime and anti-social behaviour. We have increased road safety by introducing 20mph limits in suburban areas across the town. We have also made improvements to the cycling network in order to allow all road users to travel safely. Our residents are living longer, and their needs are becoming more complex. Everyone wants to live independent and healthy lives and this is the key focus of our social care policy. Support for people to stay in their own homes for longer is vital. And when people need further care, they must have the access to quality services,tailored to their needs. As people live longer, dementia is on the increase. It is a priority for Middlesbrough Labour to make our
town a ‘dementia-friendly town’ to provide the support to those living with dementia, their loved ones, and to raise awareness.
What we have done so far Championing community activities to tackle hate crime. Established and protected a range of services to keep older people independent and safe for longer. Supported the opening of extra-care facilities Work to retain a street warden presence in communities Established Community Hubs as a centre of local activity.
A Safer Middlesbrough Communities All Middlesbrough citizens should feel safe in their homes and communities. It is a fundamental right, and one which Middlesbrough Labour will always prioritise. Tory cuts to the Police and Councils have put our services under intense pressure, but we will continue to ensure our communities are safe. Middlesbrough Labour will:
A Labour Government Will
● Continue to work in partnership with our Police and Crime Commissioner and police force to tackle crime together through pooled information and resources. ● Work with Community Councils and other neighbourhood bodies, and place the diverse needs of our communities at the forefront of targeted neighbourhood policing.
End the use of “community resolutions” in the case of domestic violence.
● Continue to work with all faith groups to promote a safer, fairer society and assist the wonderful volunteers who do so much in our town.
, cleaner environment Over recent years, Middlesbrough has made great strides to protect our environment. We are fulfilling our commitment to tackling climate change by reducing our carbon emissions and improving recycling rates. As well as fulfilling our commitment to a sustainable world, we must plan for the effects of climate change to ensure the safety of peoples homes, livelihoods and lives.
A Labour Government Will Make Britain a world leader in low-carbon technology and green jobs, creating a million new high technology green jobs by 2025.
Middlesbrough Labour will ● Protect weekly bin collections ● Continue to increase recycling rates in Middlesbrough. ● Ensure that our town is more resilient to extreme weather such as flooding and snow. ● Continue to invest in our road infrastructure ● Further develop our cycling network.
, independent lives There are now more people over 65 than under 16 in the UK, and our council services must be responsive to the shift. The days of treating older people in hospital beds are over, and Middlesbrough Labour is committed to ensuring that everybody stays independent for longer. Our focus must always be on community care. A Council led by Dave Budd and a Labour team will ensure that ensure that Middlesbrough becomes a ‘dementia-friendly town,’ giving support to those living with dementia and their loved ones, while also raising awareness. When people need further support, they should find the high quality care they need in our facilities. Everybody’s needs are different and that’s why we will continue to produce clear information on all of our care services.
A Labour Government Will
The establishment of a ‘National Care Service’ to deliver high quality care to all who need it.
We must also tackle the problem of social exclusion and loneliness which has a huge impact upon the quality of life of our loved ones. The Council is a community leader and, under Labour will work with groups across the public and voluntary sector to achieve this. Middlesbrough Labour will ● Work with neighbouring boroughs to create a modern, effective care network for our older people. This approach will see a cut in bureaucracy, and making sure resources reach those who need it. ● Ensure our residents are provided with care that matches their needs by continuing to compile a guide for our care homes. ● Support the development of more extra care facilities, allowing vulnerable adults to live independent and safe lives. ● Provide services with the aim to tackle social exclusion and loneliness for older people. ● Become a ‘dementia-friendly’ town
A Stronger Middlesbrough
A
lthough many knock our town, Middlesbrough has travelled far in recent years. Despite Tory attacks, the town - under the stewardship of Middlesbrough Labour on the Council - has renewed itself for the Twenty-First Century.
What we have done so far
Attracted £12.4m investment for a town centre hotel, creating 20 jobs. New community park in Middlehaven costing £1.6m
Regeneration projects are in full-swing. Middlehaven is emerging as a hub of digital innovation and advanced manufacturing. New homes that cater to all needs are springing up from Grove Hill to Nunthorpe. Our university is going from strength to strength. New leisure facilities spearheaded by the Sports Village are being built.
Transporter Bridge renovation costing £2.6m
Middlesbrough is changing, but there is still much to do. A Council, headed by Dave Budd as Mayor, will continue to regenerate the town, fight hard for high quality jobs, and champion the town as a great place to live.
Built 4,600 houses across the town, including many on brownfield sites
Secured the £3m relocation of Charles Clinkard Head Office Attracted £18m investment to develop a new Sports Village at Prissick
Built a new £2.4m digital hub - Boho 5 Secured £90m in extra funding for a Combined Authority Re-developed Baker Street into a centre for independent creative business.
A Stronger Middlesbrough Building a strong, vibrant local economy Faced with an ever-changing global landscape, Middlesbrough has had to adapt in order to find its new place. No longer is our town just the industrial hub of the country, but also a hub of digital excellence and technical innovation. Thanks to the partnership between Labour in local government, local entrepreneurs and organisations, businesses flourish and our local digital economy is on the rise. With a strong vision for our regeneration, we can create an environment which attracts new businesses and allows our home-grown talent to thrive and grow.
Middlesbrough Labour will ● Work with business and other groups to develop Middlehaven as a groundbreaking new quarter for people to live, work and play. ● Expanding the ethos of Baker Street to surrounding areas, and widening our hub of awardwinning independent businesses. ● Work to retain Middlesbrough’s position as a world leader of industry by promoting its role as a centre for the process industry and advanced manufacturing. ● Be an active partner in creating the highly skilled local workforce needed to push our economy forward. ● Unlock the potential of our local shopping parades and precincts, and work with our communities to ensure they offer the services and facilities our residents desire and need. ●Name and shame property owners and developers who let our town down by allowing them to fall into disrepair. ● Work with our neighbours for the development of a Tees Valley Combined Authority, and work together to grow our economy.
A Labour Government Will
Force landowners who sit on land to develop it or have it taken away from them.
Strengthening our cultural sector Middlesbrough Labour recognises that culture is more than just pretty paintings; it is a vital part of our economy. Middlesbrough jobs depend on it. At the same time it adds character and enjoyment to our town. We will continue to foster culture in Middlesbrough, celebrate our town’s diversity, and preserve our heritage for future generations. Middlesbrough Labour will ● Work in partnership with Teesside University to ensure Mima continues to thrive, expand its international reputation, and act a beacon for culture. ●Market our town and University to the world ● Support start-ups in the creative sectors. ● Work to secure to future of Mela and Tees Pride in the face of harsh spending cuts, and work with partners to bring more cultural events to the town. ● Continue our policy of supporting a digital creative sector in Middlehaven - a sector employing hundreds, and linking Middlesbrough to Hollywood blockbusters and best-selling video games. ● Work to develop historic landmarks for the future, while preserving their original character, and support events such as Local History Month and Discover Middlesbrough to promote our town’s rich heritage.
A Labour Government Will Develop a regional strategy to support the arts in all parts of the country, not just in London, while supporting facilities and participation in the arts at a local level.
Stronger transport links Currently Middlesbrough and the North East receive £1 per head compared to £520 per head in London in terms of transport funding. Middlesbrough Labour understands that a strong economy cannot exist without strong transport links, and that with good rail networks, bus services, and road infrastructure comes investment and employment opportunities. Middlesbrough Labour will ● Support a Quality Bus Scheme and regulation of bus services so that communities get the services they need. ●Work with Tees Valley local authorities to deliver the Tees Valley Metro ●Continue to invest in our road and work to create a more integrated transport in our region ● Continue to campaign for better transport links to cities such as London,Leeds and Newcastle ● Bring forward electrification of the railway line from Northallerton to Middlesbrough and Teesport.
Middlesbrough Labour’s Team Mayoral Candidate Dave Budd
Info@ davebudd4labourmayor.org
Shamal Biswas
Denise Rooney
Sheila Dean
Bernie Taylor
shamal.biswas@middlesbroughlabour.org
denise.rooney@middlesbroughlabour.org
sheila.dean@middlesbroughlabour.org
bernie.taylor@middlesbroughlabour.org
Berwick Hills & Pallister Eddie Dryden
Ayresome
Acklam
Mick Thompson
Julie McGee
Brambles & Thorntree Terry Lawton
Geraldine Purvis
Peter Purvis
eddie.dryden@middlesbroughlabour.org
terry.lawton@middlesbroughlabour.org
mick.thompson@middlesbroughlabour.org
geraldine.purvis@middlesbroughlabour.org
julie.mcgee@middlesbroughlabour.org
peter.purvis@middlesbroughlabour.org
Central
Coulby Newham
Linda Lewis
Ansab Shan
Zafar Uddin
Jan Brunton John Geoffrey Cole
Joe Culley
linda.lewis@middlesbroughlabour.org
jan.brunton@middlesbroughlabour.org
ansab.shan@middlesbroughlabour.org
geoff.cole@middlesbroughlabour.org
zafar.uddin@middlesbroughlabour.org
joe.culley@middlesbroughlabour.org
- Putting Middlesbrough First Hemlington
Kader
Jeanette Walker Nicky Walker
Jordan Blyth
jeanette.walker@middlesbroughlabour.org
Jordan.blyth@middlesbroughlabour.org
nicky.walker@middlesbroughlabour.org
Jenny.dowsett@middlesbroughlabour.org
Ladgate
Jenny Dowsett
Linthorpe
Mike Carr OBE June Goodchild MBE
Steve Bloundele Naweed Hussain
mike.carr@middlesbroughlabour.org
steve.bloundele@middlesbroughlabour.org
june.goodchild@middlesbroughlabour.org
naweed.hussain@middlesbroughlabour.org
Longlands & Beechwood Marton East Teresa Higgins Charlie Rooney
Jacinta Skipp
John Kabuye
teresa.higgins@middlesbroughlabour.org charlie.rooney@middlesbroughlabour.org jacinta.skipp@middlesbroughlabour.org
john.kabuye@ middlesbroughlabour.org
Marton West David Branson
Steve Cass
Newport Bob Brady
Tracy Harvey
Alma Hellaoui
david.branson@middlesbroughlabour.org
bob.brady@middlesbroughlabour.org
steve.cass@middlesbroughlabour.org
tracy.harvey@middlesbroughlabour.org alma.hellaoui@middlesbroughlabour.org
Park Frances McIntyre Julia Rostron
Margaret Walters
frances.mcintyre@middlesbroughlabour.org julia.rostron@middlesbroughlabour.org
North Ormesby
Nunthorpe
Lewis Young
Dennis Burns
lewis.young@ middlesbroughlabour.org
dennis.burns@ middlesbroughlabour.org
margaret.walters@middlesbroughlabour.org
Remember to use all of your votes
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Park End & Beckfield Ian Blades
Chris McIntyre
Stainton & Thornton
Janet Thompson
ian.blades@middlesbroughlabour.org chris.mcintyre@middlesbroughlabour.org
Philippa Storey
philippa.storey@ middlesbroughlabour.org
janet.thompson@middlesbroughlabour.org
Trimdon
Middlesbrough
Jean Sharrocks Peter Sharrocks
AndyMcDonald
jean.sharrocks@middlesbroughlabour.org
info@ andymcdonald4boro.org
peter.sharrocks@middlesbroughlabour.org
Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland Tom Blenkinsop
info@ Tomblenkinsop.com
for a full Labour team on 7 May
Published and Promoted by M Storey, on behalf of Middlesbrough Labour, both at Unit 4 Broadcasting House, Newport Road, Middlesbrough, TS15JA