Freeze council tax, cut waste and increase efficiency

Despite council tax increasing each year, residents have expressed frustration with the poor return on their money.  Council tax does not need to be increased further;  spending needs to be reallocated, waste identified and subsequently cut, and council departments held accountable for inefficiency.

Restore local control over planning decisions, protect the green belt

St Albans is c.82%¹ green belt, a characteristic that both gives it it's charm and also protects it from urban sprawl connecting it to London.  Any developments should be approperate for local demand, benefit local people, built in the right areas, and not overload the capacity of existing infrastructure.  The green belt should not be readily sacrificed to make amends for failed national policies.

Prioritise public safety

"Violence and Sexual Offences" are the most committed in St Albans^2,3.  In the last year between c.56%³ and c.63%² of all crimes in parts of St Albans resulted in no prosecution or failure to identify a suspect after an investigation had been completed.  This is not good enough.

Improve transparency between councils and their residents

A transparent council is one that be held accountable by it's electorate.  Spending allocations and department efficiency must be externally audited to show good faith to the residents whose money is being spent.