People living in Lichfield have been urged to use their vote to make a statement over the “catastrophic” state of public services in the area.
A by-election has been called in the Stowe ward on Lichfield District Council and Lichfield City Council following the resignation of Conservative member David Smedley.
Liberal Democrat councillor Paul Ray has called on residents to use the ballot to make their feelings known about the impact of cuts across Lichfield and Burntwood.
“Last year Conservative-run Surrey County Council took on the Government to get more funds for residents. The vast majority of councillors and MPs in Staffordshire are Conservative, so why aren’t they standing up for their county like Surrey did?
“Budgets are being set now and Staffordshire County Council is facing a massive £12million black hole which will hit our schools, roads and in particular care services.
“Theresa May has been forced to apologise for tens of thousands of delayed operations. Many local NHS trusts are now on high alert due to staffing shortages and a lack of beds caused by Conservative failure to invest in social care.
“Every day seems to bring more bad news about the state of the health and care service and the blame lies firmly at the Government’s door. Patients are paying the price for heartless Conservative cuts.
“It’s time to give the Conservatives a direct message.”
Jeyan Anketell will be contesting the seat on behalf of the Liberal Democrats and Cllr Ray said his party were the obvious answer for disillusioned voters.
“We have the policies to invest in our public services – and these are sensible and properly funded, unlike Labour,” he said.
“By voting Jeyan Anketell people will give the Conservatives a direct message that our public services can’t take any further strain.
“It’s time the NHS and care services get the extra cash they desperately need. The Lib Dems would do this by putting a penny on income tax to raise an extra £6billion a year.
“This would mean millions more for the NHS and Staffordshire County Council, ensuring people get high-quality care when they need it.”
