'Stop fighting culture wars and deliver for the people of Kirklees’ – opposition leaders have their say on council's new priorities

At the first meeting of the new Reform cabinet last month, Coun Sarah Wood, Leader of the Council, set out her administration’s priorities. In brief, these were:

Putting Kirklees citizens first.

Prioritising civic pride and fixing the essentials.

Keeping all people in Kirklees safe.

Ensuring value for money for all taxpayers.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked leaders of the opposition groups whether they believe that the council has got its priorities right under the new administration.

Coun Andrew Cooper, Leader of the Green group, said: “The fact that the first decision Reform made was to decide which flags go up town hall flag poles speaks volumes about their priorities.

“They have signalled that they are going to have to make cuts to make their budget stack up, but have given us no idea yet where those cuts will fall.

“Kirklees services are already struggling with rising demand for adult social care and children’s care services. Making big cuts might look good in a leaflet but when people find the services they rely on are not there, then they will realise what a Reform administration really means.”

Coun Cooper spoke of cabinet’s plans to axe the municipal climate bonds initiative whereby the community raises cash to fund solar panels on council buildings and schools in a bid to reduce energy costs. He branded it a “bizarre decision” to cut a scheme that is “proven to be self-funding”.

He added: “The four priorities they identify appear to be nothing more than slogans with very little behind them.

“It is what is behind the priorities that is most important and where Reform lacks detail.

“A council’s actions need to be meaningful and measurable. How are we going to reduce poverty? How are we going to make our roads safer? How are we going to protect vulnerable people?

“Once we have answered those questions and set targets, then we can measure progress.”

Coun Habiban Zaman, Leader of the Kirklees Independents, said: “I believe the administration has identified a number of important priorities, including repairing roads, improving waste services, keeping neighbourhoods clean, tackling anti-social behaviour, supporting vulnerable residents, regenerating town centres and delivering better value for money. These are all issues that matter to residents and are regularly raised with councillors across Kirklees.

“The real challenge now is delivery. Residents will rightly judge the administration not on statements of intent, but on whether they can turn those priorities into visible improvements in people’s day-to-day lives.”

Coun Zaman said that residents will expect to see progress and “clear evidence” that services are improving through things like better road maintenance, fewer missed bin collections, reduced anti-social behaviour and greater transparency around council performance.

She continued: “As Leader of the Kirklees Independents, I believe residents want to see a council that is focused on the issues that affect them most.

“At a time when many households are facing financial pressures, it is important that the administration maintains its focus on delivering quality services, supporting communities and making the best use of public money.

“Effective leadership is about uniting communities, building trust and focusing relentlessly on the issues that matter most to residents.”

Coun Zaman said that residents are “not interested” in political drama but want to see the basics delivered.

She said a simple test of “are people’s lives improving?” should be applied, and if so, credit should be given. If not, “no amount of political spin, social media activity or press releases can disguise that reality”.

She added: “The Kirklees Independents will continue to work constructively where we can, challenge where necessary and, above all, ensure that the interests of residents remain at the centre of decision-making.

“Kirklees deserves a council that delivers on its commitments and demonstrates measurable improvements in the things that matter most to local people.”

Leader of the Liberal Democrats group, Coun Anthony Smith, said: “While every political party can agree with the headlines of fixing roads, keeping streets clean and supporting vulnerable people, residents deserve more than a list of popular promises. Those promises have to be credible, affordable and deliverable.

“Kirklees Council is facing significant financial pressures, particularly in adult social care, children’s services and other essential services.

“Against that backdrop, Reform’s promise to reduce the council tax increase while simultaneously pledging major investment in roads, CCTV, town centres and other services raises a very simple question: where is the money coming from?

“If Reform wants to reduce council tax income, they need to tell residents which services they would reduce to make up the difference.

“‘Cut waste’ is not an answer unless they identify what that waste is and how much would actually be saved. Nor is reducing council debt necessarily desirable if it means cancelling investment that provides a long-term benefit to residents.

“Responsible financial management means looking at the return on every pound spent, not simply chasing the lowest possible tax rise.”

Coun Smith said there is a “much bigger question” about where investment goes and said that residents shouldn’t have to feel the regeneration is something that happens elsewhere.

He raised the closure of Cleckheaton Town Hall and Dewsbury Sports Centre as “stark reminders” and added: “These are not simply buildings; they contribute to community life, health, footfall and the vitality of our town centres.”

Coun Smith wants to see a “much stronger commitment” to ensure all parts of the borough benefit from investment based on “need, opportunity and the potential benefit to local people”, rather than “a small number of showcase projects”.

He said: “The Liberal Democrats believe responsible leadership means being honest with residents about what the council can afford, while being ambitious about what it can achieve.”