TDC Conservative Group criticises Labour’s ‘Corporate Plan’

The Conservative Group at Thanet District Council has criticised Labour’s Corporate Plan as woefully inadequate and unfit for purpose.

Shadow Cabinet Member, Cllr Martin Wise said: “As I have stated at Scrutiny and Cabinet, I believe that Labour’s Corporate Plan fails to explain to residents what the Council will do the in coming years to achieve its objectives.

“It is nothing more than a wish list of token statements that could have been culled from any council or equivalent body in the UK or indeed, the world. It does not challenge anyone (cabinet member, officer, or Chief Executive) to deliver on anything because it contains too many priorities and no measurables.  No one can be held to account, and no one can be blamed for failure.”

The Conservative Group suggests that realistic ambitions should be stated clearly, such as:

Prosperity - We will meet with MPs, government officials, the Civil Aviation Authority and the Manston Airport operator to find opportunities to relieve air traffic congestion at Heathrow and Gatwick, by increasing passenger and freight traffic at Manston.

Housing - We will bring back into use 70 private sector homes a year.

Clean streets - We will add glass and metal to the fortnightly collection of recyclables.

Leisure - We will secure funding to upgrade the changing facilities at Hartsdown Swimming Pool, and increase the number of beach huts and beach concessions around our coast.

These are just a few ideas that would make real improvements for residents and visitors, but which were rejected by the Labour and Independent members at the Council meeting on Thursday 19^th April.