iFAQ: The next four years

As we move beyond the recent local elections, we start to look ahead to the coming four years on Medway Council. We contacted all re-elected councillors to ask them what they think the priorities for the authority should be going forwards, along with the biggest issues facing their wards.

As usual, we told all of them that we would publish their responses unedited. You can find them below in the order they were received.

1. What issues do you believe Medway Council should be focused on over the next four years?

Cllr Stuart Tranter

We have a new team, and this will undoubtedly be an ongoing discussion! I’m not sure “focus” is entirely the right word for a unitary authority delivering hundreds of services; we have to get them ALL as good as they can be. Clearly a big challenge for us will be delivering housing needs and all related infrastructure, while ensuring sound economic growth and making Medway a pleasant place to live and work in. And all within budget.
Cllr Stuart Tranter, Conservative, Rochester West

Labour will try to deliver as much of our manifesto as possible and influence the direction of failed Tory policy.
Cllr Teresa Murray, Labour, Rochester East

Cllr Vince Maple

There is no doubt the issue of climate change must be at the forefront of the activity of Medway Council – we must truly think globally and act locally. It is essential that the unanimously passed climate emergency motion leads to positive change.
The challenges of continuing cuts in funding from central government will put services under increased pressure across the council.
It is also important where there is cross party consensus on issues like the Innovation Park Medway and the fight to defend Medway’s stroke services that progress is made.
As a Labour Group we will continue to argue for key elements of our manifesto which would bring positive change to Medway residents.
Cllr Vince Maple, Labour, Chatham Central

2. If there was one issue for your ward that you would personally like to see addressed, what would it be?

For Rochester West one of the key issues high up residents’ list is simply getting to where they want to go; ie traffic, parking, public transport and so on. But I too have a long list…
Cllr Stuart Tranter, Conservative, Rochester West

Cllr Teresa Murray

Roads remain the biggest ward issue.
Cllr Teresa Murray, Labour, Rochester East

There is an absolute need to tackle the issue of fly tipping which has got worse since the introduction of charges for bulky waste collection along with poor landlords not acting responsibly when they have a change of tenant.
A future issue for Chatham Central is to ensure that no residents are left behind as regards regeneration. If there is investment or regeneration in the town centre that all Chatham residents, not just a few, benefit from that.
Cllr Vince Maple, Labour, Chatham Central

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