David Jones
Independent
Castleton Ward
Why have I decided to stand as an independent? My name is Dave Jones, I’m 54 and I have lived in Castleton for the last 9 years with my partner and three children. Previous to living in Castleton I had lived in Middleton from birth. Like many residents across the whole of Rochdale and indeed nationally, I have become disillusioned, disappointed and indeed angry about the lack of genuine representation, and how democracy is supposed to work for constituents. It seems the basic principle and concept of the elected acting as the bridge between residents and the council has become broken and disconnected. I strongly feel that tribal politics and towing the party line all too often trumps the interest of constituents and so many of the all important decisions that affect our lives. For example, decisions on developments, destruction of the greenbelt, road layouts, cycle paths and the push for charging zones that have a negative impact on the vast majority of people and businesses in a very negative way. Many of the decisions made not only cost residents dearly in direct tax or council tax hikes, they also blatantly go against the results of public outrage. Consultations no longer have any credibility in my eyes, and no doubt many other residents too, yet the elected all too often peddle various lines of spin and go against the very interest of those they are meant to represent. It’s pretty clear that so many people feel extremely disenfranchised or feel that they simply can not vote for any of the candidates, and this may go some way to explaining why there are very low turnouts at local elections. A minority of active voters are effectively deciding for everyone else. I personally feel the lack of choice on the ballot paper other than the main political parties plays a big part in the motivation of voters, hence why I have decided to join the few, but growing, independent candidates around Rochdale. Never has your vote mattered so much, and if elected, I will listen and act for the majority of residents. As an independent, I do not have to consider the influence of a political party or defend their decisions or members actions, I simply have my own integrity to consider and actually listen to the voices of residents. I strongly feel now time to restore a decent and honest link to the local authorities and decision makers via an elected representative. Help me make a difference to the area we live in and use your vote on May the 4th this year.
Communication is key: With the advent of social media and technology, there’s never been an easier way for Councillors to proactively communicate about how our democracy works, and as to why or why not certain things can be achieved. I believe residents should be much more involved and informed, and that better communication and openness with residents will go a long way to improving the perception and integrity of the decisions being made at the council. I’m sure I’m not the only resident who gets sick of hearing repeated and rehearsed sound bites from many of our elected representatives to either justify illogical decisions or the usual smoke and mirrors for the purpose of diversion or blaming the opposing party. Communication with residents without any political bias is key to re-engaging ‘people power’ and, if elected, as an independent I will listen and act in the interest of residents.
Consultations without credibility and the basic principle of democracy: No doubt, residents in Castleton will be fully aware of the controversial cycle lane. It’s clear that the vast majority of residents and businesses feel the results of the consultation for this have been totally ignored. As a result, residents and business owners in Castleton feel consultations of all shapes and sizes are a foregone conclusion and this can lead to many people not seeing the point in getting involved in the process. I think it’s fair to say residents feel that their genuine concerns are ignored by those who are meant to represent them. Consultations are rolled out every time there is any kind of new development and if elected as an independent, I will do everything in my power to act upon the will of the majority of residents. There will be no spin, no slanted or selective truths and obviously there will be no influence from any of the main political parties. Basic democratic representation seems to be currently lacking in my opinion.
The Greenbelt: Whilst I appreciate we need more homes, it should not come at the expense of losing our valuable greenbelt. We all know that once the Greenbelt is lost, it is lost forever and I want to see the Council and developers focussing on Brownfield sites. Although greenbelt land is supposed to be protected by strict planning regulations, developers find greenbelt land very attractive because of the size of the plots and the very fact greenbelt land is cheaper to buy and ultimately has a potential to create larger profits. Large developers are especially well versed in the strict planning guidelines and how to navigate them to obtain planning permission. However, where the majority of residents are against losing their greenbelt to developers, I will be firmly in the residents corner. I do not believe we should be building on Greenbelt, there are plenty of brownfield sites available to develop and create new homes for families to live in.
Council Tax: In addition to the current cost of living crisis, the never ending Council Tax increases impact local families like never before. This year, yet again, Councillors voted to put up our council tax, Council tax has risen by over 100% in the last 20 years! I bet everyone wishes their income had kept with the same pace! Whilst residents are expected to tighten their belts even further and find even more savings, it seems totally unfair the council are unable to do the same. The council receives it’s revenue from various sources, including Government grants, business rates, fees and charges, investments and indeed council tax from most households. With so many new housing developments in the area contributing millions more in council tax revenue, it’s extremely disappointing to see consistent rises. If elected, I will fight against more council tax rises next year This year, Labour councillors boast of a 2% reduction from the approximate 5% rise, which actually equates to yet another rise. This so called discount is possible because the council will dip into their reserves. Why has the millions of pounds in reserves never been used on previous years? Each time the use of reserves is suggested, the very idea is rebuffed as being financially irresponsible, yet it’s OK this year? Labour councillors will point their finger at the government every year to justify the rises and the conservatives will rebuff these claims with their version of the truth. However, the fact is, council tax revenue from new property has never been higher, yet whilst in a cost of living crisis, there is no sign of any let up in these consistent rises. Some may dismiss my stance on council tax rises as not credible, probably by the very same people who insisted for years that the councils reserves can not be used. The Labour party recently made a statement saying that if they become the next government, they will freeze the next years council tax. This would be a blanket freeze across all boroughs without them even knowing the situation in each borough, so if they can make a blanket statement like that for all boroughs, surely, the current elected councillors can not discredit my stance on our single borough. In fact, this means they should support my opposition into council tax rises.
Action on crime: Sneak thieves, drug dealers, speeding and anti-social behaviour in Castleton and Slattocks are just a few of the big crime issues in our area. In order for the police to allocate and justify resources, I have been told by the police that they need residents to officially report crimes. However, many crimes go unreported simply because of the process involved for residents if it’s not an immediate emergency, it’s a catch 22 situation. Therefore, I feel there should be an easier way for residents to report crime and easier communication between resident, elected councillors and the police. Certainly better promotion of police surgery’s, and more of them, for residents to attend and speak with the local police officers would be beneficial. A true picture of crime in the area may help in obtaining funding for CCTV. I also strongly feel that lack of education and job opportunities can lead to criminal behaviour, and I believe a focus on promoting education and job training programs that can help individuals build a better future for themselves and their families will form part of the catalyst in driving down crime. Proactive youth workers in the area would also help signpost and engage young people into activities and their communities. I will fight for any available funding for the area for youth provision and engaging activities. Bringing crime down will need a multi-layer approach.
Actions on potholes Potholes are everywhere in Castleton and if elected, I will fight to ensure Castleton gets its fair share of resources to repair them quickly! I will proactively report potholes as I see them in the ward. This particular subject does not really need much explanation as we can all see and feel the state of our roads.
The Clean Air charging Zone has not gone away. Labour may now have finally slightly changed their tune on this, but I hope residents will remember how our Labour councillors initially strongly defended Andy Burnham's original decision to impose a 493sq mile clean air charging zone across the whole of Greater Manchester. The Labour led Council opted into the scheme, despite not needing to because of the good levels of air quality across the borough. People do not use their vehicles for fun, they use them out of necessity, especially small businesses and any attempt to charge will disproportionally hit the least well off. If Clean air is the genuine reason for these type of schemes, then why is it OK to pollute if you pay? I will fight against any such schemes going forward.
Commitment to helping residents From my prospective, one of the most important and rewarding roles a councillor will be in helping residents get the support and help when they need it. Some residents will simply need signposting to the right council service, whilst others may require a more in-depth intervention in gaining the right help and support. If elected, I will be very committed to residents who need help or support. Castleton’s potential Castleton may currently be run down, but it has so much potential because it’s pretty unique. We have the village centre, a railway station, the canal, easy access to the motorway and a fair amount of wonderful green space. It’s clear to see that Castleton has the potential to become a special place, especially around the development of canal area and what now seems like a distant dream of bringing the East Lancs railway to our area. Have these ambitious ideas for our area now over looked, forgotten about or even ignored? I think these ideas need rejuvenation and getting elected is the first step.
Castleton deserves better Castleton needs a strong representative on Rochdale Council who will stand up for local people. Labour have been in control of Rochdale council for decades and each year, the local elections is concluded and decided by a very low turnout. I hope residents will make a special effort to vote this year. I promise I will stand up for the ALL the people and businesses in our community. A final reminder, I have no political flag to fly, no politicians to defend, no sound bites to blindly repeat to in order to divert. I am simply a local resident who has decided to make a stance and your vote can help send a clear message to the elected to remind them that they are there to represent residents, not a political party and it’s agenda. Kind regards, David Jones (Independent candidate for Castleton)
