House building hopes

The national party political conference season has left me thinking even more about what we at the council need to do to address the issues most affecting our district.
Martin LeeMartin Lee
Martin Lee

We have a key role to play in moving the district forward to greater prosperity for all.

The council can make a real difference with the right leadership. I believe Labour councillors have shown that leadership.

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The council is one of the biggest employers in the district and year-on-year Labour councillors have insisted more people are offered apprenticeships. We have also worked to get more local businesses employing apprentices.

We have campaigned for those in work to be paid the living wage so that we move away from Mansfield being a low-wage economy.

I am also exploring how the council could re-establish its own direct labour organisation.

This was always the norm in previous years and as we move in to an era of house building I believe it can be again. We should again directly employ the best-skilled crafts people.

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The council has recently set up a housing development company to drive forward house building in the district.

I am very proud that myself and four of my fellow Labour councillors have been appointed to be directors of that company. Our aim is to deliver affordable homes for those in housing need and create jobs in doing so.

Although not a provider of health care, the council can still help address poor health by promoting well-being initiatives for all ages to combat unhealthy lifestyles, obesity and chronic diseases.

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