Bradford Council’s Conservative and Liberal Democrat Group Leaders have agreed to continue working together over the next twelve months to deliver high quality local services for residents across the district.
The joint commitment was made in advance of tomorrow’s (Tuesday) Annual General Meeting when, with the support of both Groups, Cllr Kris Hopkins (Conservative, Worth Valley) is expected to be re-elected as Council Leader for the new municipal year.
Cllr Hopkins said he was pleased that agreement on a shared Conservative – Liberal Democrat agenda had again been reached.
“Clearly, the budget which our two Groups agreed in February, along with the Greens, will be the bedrock for much of what we hope to achieve in the year ahead,” he commented.
“The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have a collective determination to continue delivering better services and improving the quality of life for everyone living in the district.
“Children and young people will once again be our shared priority, followed closely by social care for adults, regeneration and the environment.
“Given the very difficult economic circumstances we currently face, it is vital that we take the right decisions in the most cost effective manner possible for local residents. That is exactly what we intend to do.”
Cllr Jeanette Sunderland (Liberal Democrat, Idle and Thackley) said she believed it was right that Liberal Democrats again stepped forward to take responsibility for the interests of residents.
“Rather than stand on the fringes of the debate and talk Bradford district down, we want to continue making a positive contribution to the lives of local people.
“Ensuring the continuum of care for young people is one area of particular concern for us and I hope progress can be made on this very soon.
“Like the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats also wish to see responsibility for education returned to the Council when the current contract with Education Bradford comes to an end.
“And we need to agree a practical, affordable and sustainable waste management process for the district which can deal with all forms of waste into the longer term.
“I welcome the agreement to continue working with the Conservatives and now look forward to getting on with the many tasks in hand.”
