Local members raise concerns at conference

LIBERAL Democrat Councillors from Hinckley and Bosworth have used their party's annual autumn Conference to raise concerns about the Coalition Government's planning policies and their impact on the local area.

Council Leader Stuart Bray, along with Cllrs David Bill, Michael Mullaney and Mathew Hulbert attended the event, which was held in Birmingham last week.

In a fringe meeting with Communities and Local Government Minister Andrew Stunnell, Cllrs Bray and Bill pointed out the problems faced by local authorities, when Council's oppose unpopular planning applications unanimously and then have them granted on appeal, by the planning inspectorate.

Also at the Conference, the Borough's achievements with children and young people were recognised on a national stage, when Cllr Hulbert spoke on a panel at a fringe event-organised by Family UK, which represents fourteen different charities-discussing families and early years intervention.

He pointed out the importance the authority places on ensuring every child is kept safe and has the chance to fulfill their potential.

Cllr Hulbert says, "Conference gave us a chance to raise various issues with Ministers on behalf of our constituents in Hinckley and Bosworth, as well as being able to point out our local achievements on a national stage."

He continued, "A number of positive measures were announced which will benefit families across Hinckley and Bosworth.

These include, a doubling of the Pupil Premium, which gives extra money to schools for every child eligible for free school meals."

"Also, hundreds of thousands of two year old's across the country are expected to benefit from a new scheme to give fifteen hours of free early education to two year old's from disadvantaged backgrounds."