Lib Dems uncover Conservative charges for dead children and stillborn babies - secret or just politely hidden?

Cllr Andy Maric has today had his worst fears confirmed – secrets/ hidden figures within the Council’s budget.

Pictured left: Newport Pagnell Cllrs Paul Alexander, Derek Eastman, Andy Maric and Douglas McCall with Newport Pagnell Rev Jenny Mills (Centre).

A ‘Grave mistake’ has been made by the Conservatives in Milton Keynes, according to Cllr Andy Maric from Newport Pagnell who is also the Lib Dem spokesperson for Finance and uncovered the hidden increases.

Lib Dems from Newport Pagnell uncovered hidden charges from the Conservative Council’s budget which specifically targets stillborn babies and children under 16yrs who die, they are set to face a 40.63% increase in Burials and Cremations which was hidden behind an ‘average’ of a 10% increase across the board for Burials and Cremations.

“It’s an absolute disgrace that the Conservatives not only tried to hide this 40.63% increase for stillborn babies and children who die, but its completely immoral and insensitive to think that they would even propose such a thing, quite frankly it makes me feel sick”, said Cllr Andy Maric.

The Conservative Budget which is currently on Milton Keynes Council’s website for Consultation does not display the Council’s exemptions to the standard 4% increase across the board, ‘Annex E’, and the only reference to Burials and Cremations in the paper back copies, is a average of 10%.

Cllrs Douglas McCall and Paul Alexander both agreed and said that “How can the public possibly provide feedback on a public budget when figures are hidden and they try to keep it a secret, surely the Consultation process so far is void?”

Rev Jenny Mills, minister of the United Reformed Chuch, whom is also representing other Churches from Newport Pagnell and agrees with the Lib Dems on this issue said, “No cuts or increases are ever easy or welcomed but it seems particularly harsh to make increases that hit people when they are at their most vulnerable, especially when faced with having to deal with the death of their baby or child. The impact of the increased costs will make money a focus, and an extra burden, when families are grieving and struggling anyway”.

A petition has been set up online to try and force the Conservative Cabinet member for Finance to resign and also tell the Public what else they are hiding in their secret budget: www.ipetitions.com/petition/council-secrets/

You can also tell the Council what you think direct by emailing: budget@Milton-Keynes.gov.uk or write to; Budget Consultation, Civic Offices, 1 Saxon Gate East, Milton Keynes, MK9 EJ before 3rd February 2012.

Did you know? Andy Maric is a governor at Tickford Park School

The Liberal Democrat Council has done a lot to improve Newport’s school buildings, and raise educational standards across the Borough.

School governor Andy Maric says: “Thanks to staff, governors, parents and the Council, Newport children enjoy excellent schools”.

Andy successfully campaigned to get goalposts put up in two of Newport's green spaces, and a third is on its way

A vote for the Liberal Democrats in the elections for Milton Keynes Council on 6th May is a vote for The Network team’s record of all-year-round service and action.

A vote for Andy Maric is a vote for:

• A local councillor who is regularly available to deal with problems and complaints

• A local councillor who keeps you informed and seeks your views through regular newsletters – The Network

• A local councillor who speaks up strongly for all local people

• A local councillor who fights all year round to get things done for Newport Pagnell.

Andy Maric has lived in Newport Pagnell all his life. He attended Green Park and Ousedale schools. He works for Volkswagen in Blakelands.

He is a governor of Tickford Park school.

He is an active and hard-working member of The Network team, campaigning on issues that affect our town.

Pictured right: Following requests from young people, Andy successfully campaigned to get goalposts put up in two of Newport’s green spaces, and a third is on the way.

Things to remember:

• The Network team have helped thousands of residents over the years.
• Liberal Democrats have kept council tax well below the national average.
• Labour cannot win in Newport.
• The Conservative candidate lives in Blue Bridge, not locally like Andy Maric!
• The Labour candidate lives in Fishermead, not locally like Andy Maric!

Euan Henderson & Andy Maric at Green Park School where Andy was once a pupil

57 years of service between Councillors Euan and Irene Henderson, who anounce that they are not standing for re-election on May 6th and are retiring from Milton Keynes Council after over half a century between them of representing Newport Pagnell.

Councillors Euan and Irene Henderson say “In Andy Maric, we have a committed Newport resident who wants to serve the town, he is an experienced member of the Network team, working hard alongside Douglas McCall and Mike Barry in the traditional Liberal Democrat way – giving action and service all year round.

We have no hessitation in giving them our wholehearted support. We hope you will too.

We thank you for the confidence and trust you have shown in us. Please give Andy the same trust and vote for him in the local elections on 6th May 2010″

Pictured above: Andy Maric and Euan at Green Park School, where Andy was a pupil. We started the campaign for a primary school for Green Park in 1987 and it opened in 1991. And we’ve been successful in fighting for improvements to the facilities of all Newport’s other schools.

Irene Henderson & Andy Maric at Middleton Pool where Andy learnt to swim when he was younger

Pictured right: Irene Henderson reminding Andy Maric of the history of Middleton Pool. It used to be open air but, after consultation with residents, we found the money to have it covered in 1989. We’re delighted at the recent improvements carried out by the Town Council.

Liberal Democrat Candidate for Newport Pagnell South Andy Maric says, “It’s an excellent local swimming pool used by hundreds of residents and their families each week, it is where I learnt to swim when I was younger and am happy to see the recent improvements by the Town Council.”

Local Campaigner Andrew Maric with Thomas and George

After talking with young people in the area who use the facilities and also some local residents on their initial thoughts to the idea, Andrew Maric and Councillor Douglas McCall are campaigning to get some new goal posts and improve on the current facilities already available on two locations in Newport Pagnell.

The two locations that have been identified are the field behind Dulwich Close and also Riverside Meadow, your comments and thoughts on these locations would be appreciated.

In my opinion it’s extremely important to constantly improve on facilities already in place.

I remember playing in these locations and goal posts with my friends when I was younger and wishing that there was another one, or we had a better standard of goal posts.

I will campaign to get these with Councillor McCall’s guidance as I feel these are very important to our communities younger generations, we need to engage with young people and ensure these facilities are constantly improved.

Letter is below:

“Dear Sir,

I recently attended the council meeting which discussed the budget for Milton Keynes and I have to say I was absolutely appalled by what I saw.

One by one Conservative Councillors, lead by Councillor Geary, got up and spoke in favour of savage cuts to all Secondary Schools across Milton Keynes, specifically Ousedale, Newport Pagnell. The Conservatives clearly do not understand or comprehend Ousedale is a school in need of some restoration yet has still managed to achieve excellent results over the past decade against its rival schools, I know this because I was a student there. After listening to the debate it is quite clear the Conservatives do not care about our older towns especially Newport Pagnell indeed one of them said as much. I look forward to seeing the Conservatives when they next ask for my vote and ask them to explain why they believe sacrificing our Children’s futures is in the best interests for Milton Keynes.

I hope other members of the public will remember this when voting for the “Courageous Conservatives” (as they put it) who are courageous enough in cutting money for young peoples future in Newport. Well done folks!

Andrew Maric “