As a result of the local elections in May 2011 the Conservative Group is now the main opposition group on the Borough Council. Cllr John Carnall the Leader of the Conservative Group has made it clear that the Group will provide strong opposition holding the Labour Administration to account whilst at the same time standing up for local people and voicing their concerns. Our opposition will be constructive and responsible and we will make it clear when we are in agreement with the Administration.
In particular the Conservative opposition will wish to ensure that the "golden legacy" it left to Labour will not be squandered in the future. Our priorities will be to press the Administration to build on the policies that have been developed over the past six years:
1. Reducing Council tax along the lines we introduced in April 2011.
2. Protecting front line services by reducing back office and management costs whilst at the same time improving the efficiency and cost effectiveness of the services themselves.
3. Reducing the Council's debt levels and adopting a prudent attitude to the use of the Council's reserves.
4. Continuing to make in-roads into the large maintenance backlog left by Labour Councils prior to 2004 by improving public buildings in the town.
5. Encouraging investment in Ipswich to create jobs and career opportunities.
6. Ensuring that Ipswich remains a safe place in which to live and work with opportunities for cultural and sporting activities."
7. Introducing Locality Budgets to ensure Councillors have funds available to finance small community improvements and support local organisations at ward level