Shared administration sets out plan for Pendle

Pendle Community Independents and the Liberal Democrat Group have agreed to work together once again as a shared administration. 

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Leader of the Pendle Community Independents Group (formerly the Independent Group), is now the Council’s Leader, while Councillor Lola Whipp, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, is the Council’s Deputy Leader.

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Leader of Pendle Borough Council, said: “I am proud to have been elected again as Leader.

“I am pleased that our shared administration with the Liberal Democrat Group has come together to provide the strong leadership needed to drive forward the Council’s key policy priorities.

“I am confident that the stability of the Council’s leadership will help us build on the significant achievements we have made over the last couple of years.”

The administration’s 10-point plan includes:

• Demolition of Pendle Rise and redevelopment of the cleared site
• Redevelopment of Trafalgar House
• Completion of the Accessible Nelson works
• Starting delivery of the Nelson Pride in Place funding
• Delivering in partnership with others, the Pride in Place Impact Fund investment fund
• Ensuring the Legacy Fund agreed as part of the budget is allocated and projects delivered
• Investment in the new cemetery in Brierfield and other cemeteries in the Pendle area
• Implementing the Crisis and Resilience Fund to ensure the most vulnerable people in our community receive the support they need
• Exploring what being a Co-operative Council is
• Playing our part in delivering Local Government Reorganisation, whichever option is chosen by the Government

Councillor Mahmood added: “The coming year could prove to be a defining one for the future of local government in Pendle.

“With the support of all councillors and staff, I want to ensure residents continue to receive the best services we can provide, are supported where needed and have opportunities to prosper.

“Subject to the Government’s decision on local government in Lancashire, we will continue to play whatever part is necessary in delivering Local Government Reorganisation, irrespective of the option chosen by the Government, although I believe that five unitary authorities for Lancashire remains the best option.

 “We want to make sure that people who are struggling to manage everyday tasks at home get the support and adaptations they need as quickly as possible. That is why we are providing £300,000 of additional funding for disabled facilities grants.

“We are also investing in the future of local people by providing funding for apprenticeships - giving people the experience and knowledge they need to develop.”

Councillor Lola Whipp, Deputy Leader, added: “Pendle faces some opportunities and challenges over the next 12 months, and I am pleased that the Liberal Democrats and Pendle Community Independents are continuing to work together to provide stable and effective leadership for the borough.

“Our shared priorities are focused on improving people’s quality of life, investing in our towns and ensuring support reaches the residents and communities who need it most.

“Through projects such as Accessible Nelson, the Crisis and Resilience Fund and investment in local regeneration, we want to make a real difference to people across Pendle.

“We are also committed to ensuring Pendle’s voice is heard and that local residents continue to receive high-quality services as we move towards Local Government Reorganisation.”