Woking
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Lib Dem logo bird projected on blockwork

Surrey's continued use of High Cost interim staff

Lib Dems deplore Surrey's continued use of high cost interim staff Surrey County Council is advertising yet again for temporary staff with salaries in excess of £90,000. The latest job is for a Programme Manager to oversee the move from County Hall. Will Forster, Lib Dem County Councillor for Woking South, said: "My Lib Dem colleagues and I think the use of temporary staff runs the risk that if they fail to deliver long term solutions to the problems set, they are long gone before the problems come to light - but are enriched by their generous salary." "We believe that the County Council should be using the resources of the Borough and District authorities to support major projects and ensure that the salary bill for local government in Surrey is capped while cuts are having to be made. Residents cannot accept that large salaries are added to the payroll while their services are being lost and degraded."

WF
6 Mar 2019
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EU Citizens in Woking face 60 mile round trip for Settled Status

EU Citizens in Woking face 60 mile round trip to register for Settled Status The Lib Dems and I have slammed the Conservative Government for their "hapless treatment" of European Union (EU) citizens after the Home Office released guidance on the new EU Settlement Scheme. The Home Office has confirmed that for the duration of the trial period, EU nationals applying to stay in the UK must either use an Android phone or travel to one of 13 'document scanning' centres instead. For Woking and all of Surrey, the closest 'document scanning' centre is in Peckham, south London. According to analysis by the Lib Dems, EU citizens travelling from Woking, would face costs of almost £20 on the train for a 1 hour and 40 minute round trip. The drive would be a 60 mile round trip costing around £15 in fuel. Lib Dem County Councillor for Woking South, Will Forster, said: "Too many people in Woking are deeply anxious about their right to stay. Many of them fill vital roles in the health service, our schools and the tourism

WF
6 Mar 2019
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Lib Dem logo bird projected on blockwork

Lib Dems get Surrey County Council to help Europeans stay post Brexit

Lib Dems get Surrey County Council to help Europeans stay post Brexit Surrey County Council has agreed to the Lib Dem request to help its European Union (EU) staff and children in care apply for 'settled status' post-Brexit. Earlier this year, the Government announced that EU nationals would have to apply and pay for settled status post-Brexit, though they have recently waived the application fees. This 'pay to stay' process has been widely criticised as being too complicated and making Europeans feel unwelcome in the UK. Lib Dem County Councillor Will Forster recently addressed the Council's Cabinet to get them to commit to helping EU citizens that work for or are in the care of the local authority with their applications for settled status. Will Forster said, "I am delighted that Surrey County Council has agreed to my request to support EU nationals from some of the damaging effects of Brexit and will help its EU staff and children in care apply for settled status if Brexit takes place." "10% of

WFRH
4 Feb 2019
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Surrey County Council has no plans to reopen Lakers Youth Centre one year after fire

Council has no plans to reopen Lakers Youth Centre one year after fire The Lib Dems have criticised Surrey County Council for leaving the Lakers Youth Centre closed for a whole year, and still not having any plans to reopen it. In January 2018, Lakers Youth Centre in Goldsworth Park was badly damaged by a fire and has been closed since. During a recent Surrey County Council Cabinet meeting, Lib Dem County Councillor, Will Forster, asked the Council if, or when, it will repair and reopen Lakers. The Council stated that there are no immediate plans to rebuild Lakers Youth Centre and that they are reviewing all youth services. Will Forster said, "Ever since Lakers was damaged and closed by last year's fire, the Lib Dems and I have been campaigning for the County Council to commit to reopening the Youth Centre. However, they have refused time and time again. We are now one year on, and the Council still has no plans to reopen Lakers." "I am appalled that the County Council has left both Lakers unused for over

WFRH
4 Feb 2019
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National Party News

Ed Davey making a speech, a crowd of people are in the background holding signs reading "Britain Leading Again" and "For a Fair Deal"
International Affairs

Britain Leading Again

The UK must once again stand tall, leading on the world stage and working closely with those who share our interests – including, above all, our partners in Europe.

ED
16 Jan 2025
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Munira Wilson speaking in the House of Commons
Latest UK News

Protecting children from sexual abuse

No child should ever have to experience sexual abuse. These are horrifying crimes that cause so much harm to the children who are victims. We will keep up the pressure so that the action needed to make our communities safe all children finally happens.

MW
8 Jan 2025
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