Council elections 2017: Scottish Liberal Democrats

Scottish Liberal Democrat councillors will put their local area first, not another divisive independence referendum, according to the party’s leader, Willie Rennie.

He said: “Liberal Democrats councillors have a powerful track record of delivering for local communities across Scotland.  They are local champions. They work all year round, not just at election time.

“Unlike the SNP and the Greens we will put local communities first, not another divisive independence referendum. With Liberal Democrats you get a champion for your area not a cheerleader for independence.

“We are pro-UK, pro-EU and progressive.

“Our plan for a strong economy and a fair society contrasts with the reckless hard-Brexit of the Conservatives and the divisive approach of the nationalists.

“At a local level, Liberal Democrat plans will mean a transformational investment in nurseries and schools, a step change in mental health services and the scrapping of the unfair council tax.

“We are contesting more wards than five years ago, and are looking to win more seats.

“The campaign this May builds on the party’s record-breaking wins in council by-elections across the country since the last general election, gaining more than 30 seats across the UK, including from the SNP in Scotland.”

The Liberal Democrat priorities are:  

• Powerful and well-run local councils with a “can do, will do” attitude, and a strong commitment to community power and to the delivery of first class local services
• An education service which enables all young people to achieve their potential – making sure that extra money reaches schools to increase attainment and close the attainment gap – together with flexible, affordable, fulltime early education and childcare places for all families who need them
• Mental health support made quick, effective and easily available
• Homes for all, tackling poverty and building opportunity
• Greener and cleaner communities – served by greener transport systems with local roads and pavements brought up to a safe condition, and a Scotland-wide integrated public transport system
• Support for the local economy in partnership with local business