· We will cut the position of Managing Director of the Council. We would expect Watford’s elected Mayor to take on the role of running our town, with the Council’s department heads reporting directly to him or her.
· The cost of running the elected Mayor’s office will be drastically cut. It is confirmed by the Council last year that the cost was £187,000.
· The savings from abolishing the Managing Director’s role and improving efficiency in the Mayor’s office are estimated at £250,000. We will use the money saved to improve our street cleaning services across the town, including the outer residential areas.
Our Town
· We believe that there has to be a coherent plan, covering the whole of Watford town centre – even if redevelopment is undertaken in stages. Watford deserves better than the short-term fixes that lack a clear vision for the town centre. The ‘look’ of the town is important; discussions should be held with landlords and shopkeepers. Better attention should be paid to signage, street furniture and shrubberies, etc., so that local residents can have pride in their surroundings and feel welcome on our high street.
· £4m is in the pipeline for refurbishing the top of the town. We feel that it is important that any improvements ‘fit in’ with the rest of the town centre and, more importantly, residents should have their say regarding such planning. Improvements to the areas around the pond, the library and St. Mary’s Church should allow for outdoor events and socialising.
· We need to have a detailed debate about the “20’s Plenty” scheme. We will explore the option of having a referendum this autumn to determine the Council’s policy. To save costs we would aim to have it at the same time as the police commissioner election.
Economy
· We will continue to support efforts to bring the new Health Campus to Watford. Conservative MP, Richard Harrington has worked hard with other partners to make the Campus a reality. The link road funding has now been approved.
· We support Richard Harrington’s jobs fairs which have resulted in well over 100 jobs and apprenticeships for local people. Greater cooperation between Watford Council, the County Council, local employers and charities should see this number rise further.
New government legislation means that business rates can be varied to encourage small business. We would use these powers to help Watford’s independent traders flourish