With the recession hitting the youngest the hardest Waltham Forest Liberal Democrats have implemented proposals announced by national Lib Dem Leader, Nick Clegg, to prevent people leaving school, college and university being condemned to long-term unemployment.

Waltham Forest Council has implemented the Lib Dem policy by encouraging 16 to 18-year-olds to apply for a place on its apprenticeship scheme.

Local Lib Dem Leader and cabinet member for finance and resources, Cllr John Macklin, said:

“Making sure our residents are equipped with the skills they need to compete in the workplace and driving down unemployment are two big priorities for the council and taking on apprenticeships shows that we’re putting our money where our mouth is as an organisation. 

“Research has shown that taking on apprentices can be a real boost to the organisation by increasing productivity, increasing competitiveness and providing a committed and well-skilled workforce which makes it a win-win situation for everyone involved.”

High Street Lib Dem Councillor and Chair of the Children & Young People Scrutiny committee, James O’Rourke, said:

“The Labour Government has let down school-leavers and older teenagers as, despite their big promise, they have not provided the apprenticeships to make sure that every school-leaver who wanted to learn a trade can do.

“In Waltham Forest Lib Dems have acted to help young people gain the skills they need for employment.”

Javell Holden, one of the council’s apprentices, said: “I’ve been working at the WFD call centre while doing a Business and Administration NVQ course since last April.

“I’ve found the course very beneficial and have just been offered a permanent job. I’ve learned many skills and would recommend this to anyone.”

Anyone aged 16-18 and interested in the scheme should email wbl@walthamforest.gov.uk or call 020 8520 9430.

Click here for further details of the Lib Dem policy to tackle youth unemployment.

All-Party calls from Parliaments Communities and Local Government Select Committee for a Local Income Tax have been warmly welcomed by Liberal Democrats.

Local Liberal Democrat Councillors have consistently campaigned against the unfair Labour Council Tax.

Councillor James O’Rourke said:

“We want Council Tax abolished because it is unfair. It is not directly related to your ability to pay. We want to see the introduction of Local Income Tax, a much fairer system and cheaper to collect. I’m delighted that finally Labour and Conservative MP’s have seen the light”.

Leader of the Lib Dems in Local Government, Cllr Richard Kemp, said:

“Local Government finance is badly in need of reform. Yet both Conservative and Labour Parties have run scared of making the fundamental changes so badly needed.

“Now the Select Committee has, with all party support, called for a local income tax. One of the ways of restoring some credibility to Parliament is for it to transfer powers and responsibilities to a local level where people can influence decisions more and create their own priorities for service delivery.

“That can only be done if councils have a much more open hand in setting their own budgets and have sources of income separate from the grant giving handouts of the Whitehall machinery”.

For a fairer local Tax click here to sign up to the Axe the Tax campaign.

Read the Select Committee Report below.

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