As people across our county slow down for a well-deserved festive break, we look back on an incredible year for South Lanarkshire’s Conservatives.
The local elections in May saw our party take a tremendous leap forward. Hard working candidates and supporters took our message to every community and voters responded by electing an unprecedented 14 Tory councillors.
For the first-ever time people in all four districts of South Lanarkshire now have Conservative councillors representing their interests.
We promised to serve as a constructive but determined opposition that holds the administration to account, and our group has been working hard to demand the council delivers for everyone in Clydesdale, East Kilbride, Hamilton and Larkhall, and Rutherglen and Cambuslang.
Conservative councillors quickly became strong voices for their wards. At the very first meeting of the new council, we secured cross-party support to save the South Lanarkshire Cycling Partnership from plans to scrap it.
In the months since, we have consistently argued for measures to ensure the council improves performance and delivers maximum value for public money.
Every member of our group has also been working on behalf of individual constituents to help with issues like school transport and placements, planning applications, council tax reductions, and many other matters for which they sought our support.
The budget process is already underway and we have been working to find ways to protect vital public services and minimise the financial demands placed on residents.
The Scottish Government’s budget has risen thanks to a Barnett bonus from Westminster. Unfortunately SNP ministers have chosen to again cut the money Holyrood gives local authorities.
Each of the parties on South Lanarkshire Council will put forward its own proposals for the authority’s budget early in the new year, and we will not be afraid to argue for steps that will benefit our communities.
While there are real differences between the parties it is important to remember we have far more in common than setting us apart.
Healthy debate on the issues is crucial to any democracy, but all too often it can seem as though there is little respect for opponents or much regard for those with differing views.
The festive season is a welcome chance to remind ourselves that good people, with honest and decent motivations, can see things in many ways. South Lanarkshire is a great place to live and our communities benefit from a broad range of opinion.
On behalf of the Conservative Group, I would like to wish everyone in South Lanarkshire a very Merry Christmas and all the best for 2018.
Councillor Alex Allison
Leader of the Conservative Group
