John Whitehouse

It was with great sadness that the Liberal Democrat County group learnt of the passing of a great friend and former Councillor John Whitehouse. I along with my fellow group members first met John when he was elected as a Warwickshire County Councillor in 2005 for Kenilworth Abbey. From day one you could see here was a man passionate about his community and from that time he worked tirelessly not only for the residents of Kenilworth but also for the residents of Warwickshire. His keen eye for detail and figures along with checking the performance of directorates was used to great effect. He led the Connect2 Kenilworth/Greenway walking and cycling project since its inception in 2007, through to its completion at the end of 2012. He was the Cycling Champion for the County Council, and worked to advance other important schemes.

During his time as a County councillor I have very fond memories of John especially through the no overall control days. John led the charge for safer routes to schools and 20mph zones. I well remember the discussions we had over the budgets and especially when the precept for adult social care was introduced by the government and his explanation not only to our group and officers but also to the Council.

It was a sad moment for our group when John decided not to stand again but his passion for Liberal Democracy burned bright and he continued working with the local party and joined us on Zoom meetings as we entered the 2021 County elections his input and management skill in keeping us to time was invaluable. There is a lot more that can be said of John and each one of us that knew him will have there own particular memory that they can cherish. His passion for Liberal Democracy will not be forgotten. He will be missed by me and fellow Liberal Democrats he was one of those rare people that was not just a colleague but a true friend. RIP John and our heart goes out to your family but i know you will be looking on at what we are doing for individuals and our community’s. Cllr Jerry Roodhouse Group Leader Warwickshire Liberal Democrats.

John with me Richard Dickson Norman Lamb at a new care home in Kenilworth

County Council Liberal Democrat Group.

Thankyou to all the Liberal Democrats who voted for us. Following the election the County Liberal Democrat group is involved in the following Scrutiny Committees.

Jerry Roodhouse Group Leader, Vice Chairman Children’s Scrutiny Committee, Corporate Parenting, Warwickshires Health & Wellbeing Board

Sarah Boad Deputy Group Leader Resources & Fire and Rescue, Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE)

Jenny Fradgley Communities Scrutiny Committee Jenny also leads on Climate Change.

Kate Rolfe Adults & Health Overview & Scrutiny Kate leads on adult social care including mental health issues.

Bill Gifford Staff & Pensions Committee Vice Chairman, Audit & Standards, Pension Fund Sub Committee & joint negotiating staff & teachers

This group has many years of local government experience and will using it to make sure the the Conservative administration develops Fairer, Caring, Greener policies for all.

Thursday 6th May

What will you be doing on Thursday 6th May? take time to vote for local champions.

This years elections have been very different. On Thursday you have the opportunity to vote for Warwickshire Councillors, District Councillors and a Police & Crime Commissioner.

If you want a Fairer, Caring Greener Council then vote Liberal Democrat.

Support Childrens Society

Liberal Democrats will be supporting the the Children’s Society to speak up for children and young people. A manifesto created by the Children’s Society that supports the reverse to the damaging decline in children’s well-being in Warwickshire: https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/local-government-manifesto.

During this pandemic – rising poverty, increasing mental-health problems, exploitation, abuse and neglect occurring behind closed doors, and much more.

However, we know that there were already massive challenges facing children before the pandemic. Children’s happiness with their lives has been declining for the last ten years, as reported in The Children’s Society’s annual Good Childhood Report. We need to consider how we narrow the existing divides that the pandemic has exposed and widened.

We believe that Local government has tremendous power to improve children’s lives and strengthen communities.

Covid Has Changed Everything.

Warwickshire Liberal Democrats are calling for a Fairer, Caring, Greener Warwickshire.

Cllr Jerry Roodhouse (Leader of the Lib Dems on WCC) said in introducing the manifesto that

“Covid 19 has changed how we work and live it has also presented opportunities and we need to seize them to change things for the better. We made it clear in our budget amendment this year putting mental health and families first along with building a greener economy, our task as politicians is to build the foundations for the next generation”

He went onto say that

“every report that is published now states that we need to support those that have endured mental health issues during this pandemic and look to building a stronger and brighter future. This is why we say everything has changed and we now need a Warwickshire that is Fairer enabling opportunities for all Caring for residents and Greener because we know that there is no planet B if you agree that Covid has changed everything and you want a fresh vision for the future then we urge everyone to join with us and vote Liberal Democrat on May 6^th “

The manifesto sets out the ambitions for the Liberal Democrats in Warwickshire and builds upon the work they have done at Shire Hall. All candidates are pledging to be Active, Caring, Effective (ACE) and work for the communities they represent and build back a strong green economy.

Click here for our road map Fairer Caring Greener Warwickshire

Down load our Manifesto

Fraud Increase

https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/secureyouraccounts

Over 14,000 people reported falling victim to email or social media account hacking last year.

Hidden Inequality

Welcoming the Warwickshire Health and Wellbeing Strategy at the County Council 16th March, Councillor Nicola Davies said:

“It is important to ensure that the Strategy is not overlooking a hidden inequality that mainly – but not exclusively affects women – and that is the perception of and, actual safety as a barrier to health and well-being.

If women and other members of our communities do not feel confident or safe to access and enjoy our open spaces their health and well-being will be negatively affected. This needs to be an important considered when spatial strategies are developed in the future.

Physical and mental health are affected if some members of our communities do not feel they have safe access to exercise and enjoy fresh air and space all year round.

In the future I would ask that this inequality be assessed and addressed to the benefit of all.

The Little Green Book

Liberal Democrats have have campaigned for a greener Warwickshire. Today the Leader of the Liberal Democrat group Cllr Jerry Roodhouse on released the “The Little Green Book” which he has developed as a practical guide to helping the local environment. Cllr Jerry Roodhouse said in releasing this booklet “that by only by working together can we start improving our biodiversity and local environment. Warwickshire does not perform well against its own indicators for biodiversity so we need to do more, I hope residents find this booklet helpful and a practical; way that they can help our environment and planet”.

Liberal Democrats fighting for a greener future

Link to the The Little Green Book

Something’s Not Right

County launches Something’s Not Right Toolkit

Child exploitation is happening in Warwickshire. Don’t ignore it.

Hundreds of children in Warwickshire are victims of exploitation every year and only by working together can we make an impact and improve the lives of the young people affected.

To increase the awareness of child exploitation (CE) in Warwickshire, Warwickshire County Council, in partnership with Warwickshire Police, Barnardo’s, Warwickshire Safeguarding and the Police and Crime Commissioner, is re-launching the Something’s Not Right campaign with a new partnership website https://www.somethingsnotright.co.uk/

The website is being launched to the public on Monday 15th March 2021, to time in with Child Exploitation Awareness Day on Thursday 18th March. Partners are encouraged to use the resources included in this toolkit throughout this week and beyond. It is important that these messages are shared regularly by all partners to continuously raise awareness of child exploitation in Warwickshire.