POLITICAL parties across Basingstoke have made their pitches ahead of the upcoming election.
On Thursday, May 4, residents in Basingstoke and Deane will head to the polls to elect new councillors across 18 wards.
In this year’s election, there are 18 seats up for grabs, with one seat being contested in each ward.
The Gazette asked all parties to make their pitches ahead of polling day on why electors should vote for their candidates.
After polling day, the election count and results will take place on Friday, May 5 at the Hampshire Court Hotel.
There are currently 26 Conservative councillors, eight Basingstoke and Deane Independent councillors, one Green party, three independent, nine Labour and seven Liberal Democrats.
READ MORE: Full list of election candidates revealed for Basingstoke and Deane
Conservatives
The current leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Cllr Simon Minas-Bound said: “We have a clear plan that supports all residents and we have a strong track record of delivering.
"Over the last 12 months, we have supported the most vulnerable with food and energy bills with a cost of living scheme that has helped over 1,600 households.
"Being a well-run council has allowed us to freeze the BDBC element of council tax meaning we now have the lowest council tax in Hampshire and one of the lowest in the country.
"We have been able to do this whilst continuing to invest in frontline services. We have improved bin collection, invested in the maintenance of green spaces and created a nature recovery zone in every ward in the borough.
"We will now start rejuvenating the Leisure Park, including a brand new Aquadrome, and a series of free-to-use activities in addition to new anchor regional attractions.
"This year we will start the biggest conversation we have ever had around waste and recycling, how we only build the houses that we need and implement a leading programme to help everyone reduce their carbon impact.
"We are proud to have done this, saving residents money and continuing to invest whilst remaining debt free."
Labour
Leader of the Basingstoke and Deane Labour Group, Cllr Andy McCormick said: "Your priorities are our priorities. What you’ve raised with us we will put into action.
"The town centre has been run down by the Conservatives. We need a new council to revive it as a priority.
"Our football club has been promoted and is now league-locked at Winklebury. We need a new council to help get the club a better ground.
"Our ice hockey team has been forced to sit out next season. We need to help them out and keep ice hockey in Basingstoke.
"There’s insufficient parking and charge points in the borough. A Labour-led council would tackle this head-on.
"Our recycling provision is woefully inadequate. We’ll improve our recycling rates and services.
"Our roads are full of potholes, we need our roads resurfacing, not patching up. We need a council to get the basics right, like road repairs.
"The cost-of-living crisis is hitting all of us. A Labour council would help those most in need.
"We need more doctors, with face-to-face appointments within two days like we had 10 years ago.
"Many of these things need a change of government as well. Vote Labour locally and nationally to change both. It’s time for a change."
Liberal Democrats
Cllr Gavin James, Basingstoke Liberal Democrat leader, said: "On May 4th we can change politics in Basingstoke and Deane. We have witnessed much decline.
"We’re planning authority without a plan. Tories let developers build what they want, rather than what the borough needs. As young people are priced out, businesses without the workforce it needs will follow.
"Ten years and £1m consultants, Tories have no vision for the Leisure Park. The lack of vision doesn’t end there. Our town centre is broken, our parks are broken and our environment is broken. We can’t afford to carry on like this.
"We can afford to do things better. We’re a wealthy borough, not through an act of genius that some claim, but as proceeds of growth historically. So we can afford to be ambitious for our leisure park, we can deliver affordable homes and we can be ambitious for our environment, increasing bio-diversity and doing more to encourage the switch to electric vehicles.
"With one party running every level of government, ignoring other voices, no wonder we’re in decline.
"Lib Dems recognise good ideas can come from any direction and are committed to working with residents from any party and none to make this borough the best it can be."
Basingstoke and Deane Independents
Cllr Paul Harvey, leader of the Basingstoke and Deane Independents, said: People are rightly frustrated and angry with politics. People want something different. Independent councillors believe in the common good, that the council has a responsibility to be better; to meet the needs, ambitions and aspirations of the people of our borough. We believe that by the strength of our common shared values of community, cooperation and localism we can unleash the potential of our borough.
"Development is a major local issue. We say no to 18,000 houses being imposed on us. We want to see a much lower housing target. We want the government to empower councils so we can ensure infrastructure comes first. We want to protect the River Loddon and Test, our environment and biodiversity, and do more to tackle climate change.
"We’re united in our desire for greater transparency of the council’s decisions. It’s time for some real ambition, too many major projects have failed. We want ambitious plans and landmark investments, such as a new community stadium where BTCFC can play. We want a new eco-friendly Aquadrome. Basingstoke needs truly affordable council housing.
"We’re the largest opposition group now on the council. The increasing strength of local Independent voices in your council can change things for the better."
Hampshire Independents
The Hampshire Independents team said: "Hampshire Independents are exactly what it says, Independent from national party control. All our candidates have localism in their hearts, living, working and breathing Basingstoke. With the ability to work with other parties and the other independent councillors Basingstoke already has, we are ideally placed to offer you a better form of councillor, a better council and a better Basingstoke.
"We have campaigned against the overdevelopment of our town, opposing housing growth without the infrastructure that must go with it.
"Restrictive recycling centres that result in the scourge of fly-tipping reaching record levels, new costs to dispose of household items like TVs and mattresses will only fuel the problem. Tips and recycling centres must be free and easy to use.
"We have continually pushed back against parking problems in the town centre, overcharging, rip-off apps, questionable enforcement and sky-high rents have left the top of town dead. We will address the parking issues to drive up footfall at the top of town.
"Basingstoke has 11 independent councillors, the independent group is the only serious option to tackle the Conservative dominance of the local authority. Please vote for us or one of the other independent candidates standing across Basingstoke this year."
Green Party
Bill Farrington, chair of Basingstoke and North East Hampshire Hampshire Green Party, said: "Your local Green Party is committed to tackling the urgent issue of climate change. Unlike the local council which has declared both climate and biodiversity emergencies but has failed to take any serious action, Greens have a strong track record of pursuing sustainable policies. The Green Party’s Right Homes, Right Place, Right Price Charter will simultaneously protect valuable green space for communities, reduce climate emissions, tackle fuel poverty and provide genuinely affordable housing.
"Communities in Basingstoke are facing the same problems as the rest of the country - underinvestment in local services such as schools and GP surgeries. The Green Party is committed to involving citizens in the decision-making process, something the current Tory-led Council has failed to do. We prioritise listening to local communities, engaging with grassroots organisations, and working collaboratively to find solutions that benefit everyone.
"By voting for the Green Party, you can ensure that your local council takes concrete steps towards building a greener and more sustainable community. Having our first local councillor has put us in a position to start making a real difference in the direction the council is heading.
"With your support, we can gain more councillors and further improve the Borough."
Women's Equality
Stacy Hart of the Women's Equality party said: “Because equality is better for everyone” has always been the Women’s Equality party slogan and it's true in all aspects of life. That’s the principle I’ll bring to Hatch Warren and Beggarwood if I’m elected as councillor, along with the work ethic, willingness to collaborate and determination to be proactive that I’ve demonstrated time and time again before, during and after elections.
"Politics is fraught and polarised. Something new is needed: something fresh, independent and not tied to traditional party politics – something with equality at its heart.
"I’ve volunteered for green groups, family groups and the NCT; I’ve delivered community magazines and I was a Samaritan for five years. I love community service and I want to serve as a councillor with that same passion.
"There are four candidates on your Hatch Warren and Beggarwood ballot. Of your choices, I’m the one that has worked my socks off to show you what I can do to represent you properly. The Greens and both Independent groups stood down and endorsed me because they know that too. We need change, and I want to deliver it. That’s why you should vote for me, Stacy Hart, and put equality at the heart of politics."
Councillor Onnalee Cubitt (Independent councillor)
Cllr Onnalee Cubitt said: "Democracy is precious. Your vote for me as an Independent councillor WILL make a positive difference. The increasing strength of local independent voices in our council can and will change things for the better. I am a local mum aged 57.
"I grew up in Weston Patrick and have been one of your borough councillors since 2008. I love Basing and Upton Grey Ward. I love Basingstoke. If you vote for me, I shall continue to be your strong local champion and will continue to fight to stop over-development around Basing, Lychpit, Cliddesden, Upton Grey and the villages.
"I shall try and protect the River Loddon, River Lyde and the Loddon Valley from yet more pollution, look after the Basingstoke Common, fight to keep the weekly bin collection, build council houses for our residents, protect the most vulnerable in our society, make Basingstoke beautiful, protect the council’s financial support for the arts, The Anvil and the voluntary sector, help residents with planning matters and get things done for you. Most important of all I want to make sure local politicians actually do what they promise. We are under threat like never before. Please use your vote on 4th May."
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