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ELECTIONS: Labour sets out its priorities ahead of Lancashire County Council vote

Labour on the campaign trail in Lancaster including MPs Lizzi Collinge and Cat Smith, and candidate Sam Charlesworth

Labour says they are aiming to become the largest party when Lancashire goes to the polls next week.

There will be full Lancashire County Council elections, as well as a Lancaster City Council by-election in John O'Gaunt, and a Morecambe Town Council by-election in Torrisholme, on May 1.

The county council has been led by the Conservatives since 2017.

Labour say that during their campaign, residents on the doorsteps have been telling them "they want change".

We asked Labour to explain the main issues the local candidates will be campaigning on.

They said they would deliver immediate priorities as follows:

- The immediate reinstatement of pre-9.30am £1 bus fares for disabled holders of NOW cards, and free bus travel for young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs) to ensure families will not have to find the additional cost of supporting their children to get to interviews.

- Significant improvements to Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) education and supporting SEND teams to give the most vulnerable children in Lancashire the best start. This comes after a recent OFSTED inspection said there were "widespread failings" in SEND provision in the county.

- Repairing roads, filling potholes and making roads safe for drivers and cyclists.

"These priorities have been developed by an experienced team of Labour county councillors with a very clear understanding of what the County Council can achieve," said a Labour spokesperson.

"The County Council looks after roads and transport, education and adult care among other things. It doesn’t hold responsibility for the NHS, housing, parks and green spaces, rubbish collection or anti social behaviour and policing; but Labour candidates are ready to roll up their sleeves to work with their Labour colleagues at all levels of government to improve all services for local residents.

"Longer term, the next few years are a critical time for local government in Lancashire as the national government moves forward on its plans to simplify local government and devolve power from Westminster.

"While other parties locally are content to protest the changes and do nothing, Labour councillors have recognised that these changes are going to happen, and that we must do everything we can to get the right structures in place to get the best outcome for the people of the district.

"We think that our residents deserve competent representatives who understand the implications of these changes and can put their case at all levels, from negotiations with councillors from other parts of Lancashire to discussions with national ministers."

Conservative, Liberal Democrat, Green and Reform UK candidates will also be contesting Lancashire County Council seats across the Lancaster and Morecambe District on May 1.

The full list of Lancashire County Council election candidates in the 10 Lancaster District seats can be found here.

Local election candidates announced - Beyond Radio

Read more on the campaign news from the other political parties standing in the elections.

Read more: ELECTIONS: Conservatives defend their record in charge of Lancashire County Council - Beyond Radio

Read more: ELECTIONS: Lib Dems speak out on local issues during election campaign - Beyond Radio

Read more: ELECTIONS: Green Party to stand full list of candidates for first time as deputy leader visits - Beyond Radio

Read more: ELECTIONS: Reform UK leader Nigel Farage visits Morecambe - Beyond Radio

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