All Hampshire Independent candidates have pledged to support the following eight points.

They have 16 borough council candidates, ten county council candidates, and one candidate for Police and Crime Commissioner.

Council controlled social housing

Housing associations have their place, but we believe the corporate structures of the housing association model does not give a quality of service that a directly accountable and ultimately sackable council run housing team would. A council run housing team could prioritise local needs first.

Support for community transport schemes

Hampshire Independents councillors would all support a less rigid local transport policy. One that would ease the red tape burden on community led transport schemes, like regular community minibus runs, shared and empty taxi pickup points and commuter car share parking.

More visible Police and PCSO patrols

Without any doubt, visible policing deters crime. It also installs a feeling of local pride. Hampshire Independent councillors will work with the Hampshire PCC and insist police officers and PCSO’s spend more time patrolling on foot and less time behind desks.

Encouraging manufacturing industries back to Hampshire

It is essential that a larger manufacturing based economy is brought back to the UK. Buying and sourcing product we need locally, from the locality, is the key to a sustainable and environmentally sound growth. Hampshire Independent councillors will strive to bring increased long-term career opportunities back to Hampshire.

Hampshire Independents Councillors will use their allowance to fund community projects

Hampshire Independent councillors believe tax payers money is sacrosanct. It should be spent wisely. As such, we pledge our councillors basic allowance back to the community. We will fund local projects like lollipop crossing staff or community health nurses from our basic allowance.

Improve Hampshire’s recycling

Hampshire’s recycling is poor to say the least. Since HCC stopped sending waste to China for recycling, improvements to homegrown facilities have been slow. We will ensure more rapid advancements in facility improvements. A good and easily accessed recycling service will curtail the current scourge of fly-tipping.

Encourage a “buy local” attitude, reducing our carbon footprint

Hampshire Independent councillors will fight for locally produced products and services to be prioritised by local councils. This is good for the local economy, good for the environment and good for local morale.

Insist on infrastructure improvements before increases in development

This is just common sense. How can any council give consent to any development without making sure there are enough school spaces, doctors surgeries, parking and even sewerage outflows . But they do. This has to stop.

Alan Stone