Now that the dust has settled after the local elections, I wish to congratulate all those who have taken their seats in the new administration and commiserate with those who were not successful.
Providing quality services for local people depends on effective councillors and I am grateful that we had a diverse spread of candidates. Public service is never easy so we should always be kind and respectful to those who step forward to serve others. Whilst there is always more to be done, we are fortunate to have a healthy democracy in Bracknell where views can be shared and decisions taken for the benefit of our vibrant community.
I would also like to thank the outgoing councillors from all parties who have contributed so much for so many years. We owe them a debt of gratitude, not least the longest serving council leader and deputy in the UK, who should move on from their roles proud of their achievements, along with so many other good councillors. I have no doubt that the local Conservatives will quickly re-group with new energy and ideas.
Credit too where credit is due. Bracknell Labour fought an effective campaign and pulled off a shock victory alongside the Liberal Democrats and other parties. I wish them well as they get up to speed with the complex portfolios that they now hold and embark on the many challenges and privileges that lie ahead. I was also pleased to see the statement from Councillor Mary Temperton in which she said that the council should be ‘much more open and accessible’ to people and to do it ‘with them’. Engaging fully with the community is essential and I will continue to do just that, alongside all those who have now been elected.
By any metric, Bracknell Forest is one of the best-run borough councils in the country. It is solvent, free of unmanaged debt, responsible with your money, provides low-cost but high-quality services, sits within the lowest 10% of unitary councils in the UK for Council Tax and has built up a useful operational reserve for future contingencies. All 40 of 40 eligible schools are rated GOOD or OUTSTANDING and this is the best OFSTED performance anywhere. Bracknell is also blessed with near full-employment and the local job opportunities are unprecedented, with average household income comparing strongly with other council areas, and an abundance of local employers all needing staff. Our health provision and social care are good too, with Frimley Integrated Care Service (ICS) ranked as the best performing health care trust in the UK. I would therefore urge the new administration to protect what we have and to ensure that this proven performance continues. We must ensure that we do not fall into the trap of neighbouring councils who charge far more, but offer much less.
As your MP, my intent is to maintain the same approach since being elected in 2019 by working closely with Bracknell Forest Council to assist the people of Bracknell Constituency. Much of what the new council may want to achieve will depend on strong advocacy in Westminster and I will be happy to support the new leader as required in the pursuit of local priorities. But I will also be a critical friend and hold the Executive to scrutiny where necessary to ensure that the best possible offer can be maintained without any detraction of quality or output. Pragmatism and fiscal responsibility will remain paramount.
In Westminster, I will continue to be a strong voice for Bracknell and a robust champion for all those who live here. As a proud Conservative, I will be unwavering on the traditional core values of Law and Order, Defence, Education, Jobs, and Global Britain. I am also clear that we must reduce the cost of living, inflation and energy prices following recent international events and I will lobby hard for lower taxation to ensure that we all have more in our pockets. The Government delivered for British people during the pandemic and I am equally confident that current policies will now deliver what has been promised by the Prime Minister.
It remains a privilege to serve Bracknell and I look forward to working with the new council on both its existing and new priorities – Good luck.