I'm sure that Surrey in general and Cranleigh in particular aren't often to the fore politically but surely we were slap bang in the centre of things when the Chancellor announced a welcome increase in the Inheritance Tax threshold to £600,000 for married couples with immediate effect. The surviving spouse "inherits" the deceased partners £300,000 share going back indefinitely.
More than any other area, the good people of Cranleigh and the surrounding villages will benefit - who says a Labour Government doesn't care for us?
It can and should be done without endangering traffic. If Woking can win the Town in Bloom competition, surely Waverley can try to compete. It could start by having an effective Parks and Gardens Department and it needn't cost the earth!
Next year the silver riders of Cranleigh (those aged over 60 at least) will be using their free bus passes to go well beyond the boundaries of the county. From Horsham, Brighton and Worthing beckon and from Guildford London and much more of the south coast. Why, almost anything is possible.
This concession might cost a quid or two but golly are the buses being used. Buses that used to run with one or two passengers are often standing room only when they reach their destination. Well done, Gordon. It was your idea and you deserve the credit.
People of all parties (and none) rightly complain about the appalling state of the roads in Surrey.
In many parts they are more appropriate for a third world country. Yet Surrey has the busiest roads in the UK.
So pleasure at the resurfacing works in the Guildford Road was tempered by the discovery that only the central section was to be improved, leaving the potholed and bumpy sections at either end to go totally untouched.
For pity's sake do it all - NOW!
As long ago as 1987 Cranleigh & the Villages Labour Party has been campaigning hard for improved access to the countryside and a better surface to the Downslink along its entire length.
A better surface has at last been laid for a short stretch between the West Cranleigh and the Leisure Centre. This is greatly appreciated.
Now we need to match the excellent surfaces and layout provided in Sussex.
Nothing less is good enough for those of us who live on the Surrey side.
- Labour is delivering for rural Britain through a strong economy and record investment in our essential public services;
- Rural unemployment is low and self-employment and business creation rates are high;
- Labour is targeting rural support to areas of highest need: protecting vulnerable shops and post offices; increasing bus services; investing in market town regeneration; and keeping village schools open.
Labour's
rural objectives
Labour's aim for rural Britain is of thriving rural communities with decent
jobs, good schools, quality transport, affordable homes and a health service
that can be depended upon. Our goal is sustainable development
which strikes a balance between economic growth, social justice and environmental
protection. Getting these elements in balance is important across a range
of issues from global warming to the food we eat, and although they concern
everyone in Britain they often have a special rural dimension.
Labour is the party of the countryside. We are confident that rural communities
and businesses are well placed to build a new rural economy. One that has
its foundations in a diverse and competitive food and farming sector, but
also one that embraces tourism and leisure, making the most of the countryside's
natural beauty and history.
Angus Henderson leads our activists working for Cranleigh and the surrounding villages. If you want to discuss any local issues, please email Angus.
