Taunton Deane Labour will:

• Make it easy to contact us to make your voice heard 
• Test every council proposal for its impact on vulnerable residents
• Consult and involve residents about council plans that may affect you
• Establish links with groups that represent local interests and concerns

Our priorities

A better quality of life, health, and wellbeing 

Shared experiences such as local clubs, choirs, musical events, theatre, films, arts and crafts and local sporting events help to bring communities together and are important in fostering inclusion and wellbeing. 

We will work with organisations and community groups to identify ways in which the Town Council can tackle social isolation and promote physical and mental health.

We will:

• Signpost local organisations that  provide practical help and support, such as Credit Unions, Citizens Advice and Village Agents
• Encourage and support community clubs, groups and activities where we have a role 
• Support opportunities for people of all ages to participate in creative and sporting activities and skills

Investing in children and young people

Children and young people are our hope for the future. In Taunton facilities have disappeared or become too expensive for families to afford. Meanwhile, increasing numbers of young people are in need of opportunities to develop skills and interests, with support from experienced youth workers in safe local spaces. 

We will:

• Appoint a dedicated Councillor to work with young people and ensure their voices are heard
• Seek funding to build a new Youth Centre staffed by trained and experienced youth workers
• Host an annual ‘Young People’s Forum’ bringing together young people and organisations that work with them, to identify and develop practical action plans that address their needs
• Lobby Somerset Council to reinstate Sure Start Family Centres to help and support parents 

Supporting local jobs, economy and skills  

Labour councillors will do all in their power to support low paid workers and their families, boost Taunton’s economy, and create an environment that attracts and retains young people.

We will:

• Establish an award scheme to recognise local employers who provide fair pay and equal employment opportunities
• Source Council supplies and services from local providers wherever economically reasonable
• Encourage development of low carbon industries and enterprises to provide local “Green Jobs”.
• Seek to repurpose empty shops and sites to support the local economy and communities
• Encourage inward investment

Protecting our environment and tackling climate change

Labour Councillors will develop action plans to reduce carbon emissions and respond to climate change – working with Somerset Council to fulfil the ‘Climate Local Pledge’ – and monitor progress and achievements.

We will engage with environmental and transport lobby groups to develop and evaluate policy proposals for making Taunton carbon neutral by 2030. 

We will:  

• Monitor and publicise air quality levels
• Lobby Wessex Water and the Environment Agency to clean up the river Tone
• Support development of community gardens, allotments and green spaces
• Support the Taunton Area Cycling Campaign’s work to secure safe cycle routes 
• Lobby Somerset Council to fix Taunton’s broken pavements, to ensure safer access for pedestrians and people with restricted mobility
• Support the Somerset Bus Users’ Group and encourage use of public transport
• Provide bus shelters where they are needed