Even with finances that are inevitably limited by the need to keep increases in council tax to a minimum, we can set new priorities for Watford. Your involvement will help us make sound choices.

We believe that providing first-rate key services is the key job of the Council. This has to be the top priority. Under Labour the council has too often neglected these in order to take part in more 'trendy' government pilot projects or partnership schemes. While we want the council to be innovative and work co-operatively with other agencies, this should not be at the expense of attention to key services.

By shifting resources and priorities away from gimmick policies and unnecessary bureaucracy into the front line, we will deliver much needed action.