COVENTRY Conservatives have unveiled their council election manifesto outlining a plan which promises ‘more jobs, better housing and lower debt’.
The Tories have launched their five-year proposals ahead of this year’s local elections on Thursday May 3.
The party will hope to improve on the 14 seats it currently occupies at council – with 18 seats up for grabs.
The top priority for the Conservatives is the creation of ‘quality jobs’ through committing to the regeneration of the city centre.
With parking a controversial issue in the city, the Tories say they will include free late-night car parking on a trial basis and a full review of the quality of parking available.
Amid a national housing crisis, the party has pledged to bringing 1,000 empty homes back into use.
It has also committed to increase housing supply and improve the quality and mix of housing stock available – outlining a priority to develop brownfield sites before greenbelt land is considered.
Hitting out at the current Labour administration, the party says it will make the council more transparent.
They point to the purchase of Coombe Abbey Hotel which ‘was done in secret’ while they also propose the introduction of an ethical investment policy to prevent any future taxpayers’ assets ending up in an offshore tax haven.
They also propose to ‘explore options’ around the opening up and restoration of George Eliot’s listed former home in Foleshill, amid an Observer and George Eliot Fellowship campaign.
The Conservatives also say they can make improvements to frontline services by delivering an extra £3million in savings and reducing the city’s £279million debt – which the Tories say costs the tax payer £13million a year.
As they pledged in their alternative budget, they say this money would be spent on improving road safety, cleaning up parks, streets and tackling fly tipping.
Coun Gary Ridley, the leader of the Conservatives at Coventry council, said: “Our mission is to create a Coventry where everyone has the opportunity to get a quality job, live in a good house and have aspiration for their children.
“I’m asking voters to back us because I know that a better future for everyone could be within our grasp.
“These aren’t just empty words, our manifesto contains specific actions which we’ll take to bring about the change Coventry so desperately needs.
“It’s a sky-blue print for a better tomorrow written by Coventrians for Coventrians.”
The party also pledges to improve the appearance of the city centre while boosting innovation by delivering a new hub for IT start-up companies.
And they want to enhance retail and leisure facilities to attract more people to live and invest in the city.
According to the manifesto, they want to ‘make a feature’ of the River Sherbourne and make it more accessible.
We have reported in recent weeks on concerns about rising student populations and the Tories say this would be addressed by consulting on changes to the planning system to prevent family homes being turned into student accommodation.
The manifesto also contains help for older residents wishing to downsize and includes an aspiration to deliver a new retirement village in the city.
