Luton and Bedfordshire Green Party
Bedford Mayoral Election, 5th May 2011

Do you think that the funding cuts being handed to local authorities by the coalition government are sensible and appropriate?
I do not think the funding cuts are sensible or appropriate. They are not sensible because they are far too fast. It may be the fastest way to save money and reduce our budget deficit, but they will inflict social damage that will take years to repair, and, in the long term, more money. They are inappropriate because they put the largest burden on people who could have done nothing to avoid the situation.

As the rest of us pay the price of a crisis caused by the rich and powerful, how will you, and how much can you, protect local people on benefits or low wages?
Benefits aren't controlled locally, but much can be done to improve the lot of those on benefits and low wages. I will ensure that we use government funding for training under the enterprise scheme, and ensure similar EU Eastern Region funds reach Bedford. Also, quality of life can be improved for poorer people by ensuring their streets are cleaned, vital services upheld and that everyone can access a garden through Bedford's garden sharing scheme.

What will you do to avoid fourth class status for in terms of resources and valuation for Bedford's local authority schools - after the Harpur Trust three, Academies and 'free' schools?
Though 'free' schools and academies get more funding, they cannot pool resources like the council run schools Council run schools with shared resources get more bang for their buck. Also, the council run schools can carry over a part of their yearly budget, which a 'free' school cannot. I believe our council run schools will continue to deliver good results while 'free' schools and academies struggle to keep their budgets and isolated resources in check.

What will you seek to achieve for Bedford in mitigating and adapting to climate change?
I will change Bedford's status as a 'commuter town', localise the economy, sell Bedfordshire produce in Bedfordshire, and give local jobs to local people. This will reduce the need for people and goods to travel. Moving funds from ever more road building into alternative transport will make it easier for people to jump on a bike, bus, or train and share a car. There is also a multitude of little things we can do, like sewing meadow seed, which will not only help nature but reduce mowing requirements too.