As an Independent candidate for West Bromwich East it is my mission to improve the lives of the whole community with a caring leadership style.

Full statement

As a Christian I would like to apply the values of working together with people of all backgrounds, helping society’s most vulnerable and meeting the daily needs that are vital for the function and success of the area.

I feel it is my duty to serve the area where I was born and raised. I would like to thank all of my supporters throughout this election process and look forward to connecting with more members of the community.

To date, I have worked closely with residents within a number of capacities and I am confident that I can be that voice to bring the concerns of West Bromwich East to Parliament in order to make a long lasting and effective change through strong leadership.

Some of the issues that I would like to tackle:
Crime
I would like to support the agenda to reduce the level of crime within West Bromwich East by providing services to boost aspirations and opportunities.
I also plan to introduce an effective anti-corruption task force. This is to replace ineffective complaints processes in order to root out corruption within industries which exploit society's most vulnerable people. This will make a fairer society for all people.
I am aware of antisocial behaviour that occurs out of boredom. I want to actually address THE WHY by creating practical solutions and opportunities for growth and development that young people can actually enjoy.
As the MP for West Bromwich East, I will EFFECTIVELY UTILISE current community buildings and land to create functions catered to meet the needs of the community as a whole. I will encourage a culture of community engagement which will lead to a more stabalised society where young people can access much needed guidance through safe, regular schemes and programmes.
Programmes will focus of positive outcomes such as life skills and basic academic training for career development which will lead to young people utilising their time more efficiently. This will encourage them to be motivated and proactive to become professionals and obtain economic stability to join the property market, deceasing demand for social housing, decreasing the current waiting list, so that the most vulnerable can be housed.
This move will also impact on the various issues of lack of budgets for social funding within the public sector, as well as reducing current anti-social activity and money spent on the process to criminalise.
Many issues and funding for our youth can be resolved from actions such as these and these are just the tip if the iceberg for the plans I will implement for change.


Education
I would like to see:
- More funding for education including funding for independent schools, sites for schools and safer zones for children.
- Inclusion and socialisation through engagement with breakfast clubs and after school clubs, reviewing the criteria to subsidised places for parents on low incomes.
- A review of the current Pupil Premium scheme and how access is not proportionate to all parents and children that fit the criteria, while addressing more effective methods of distribution to parents so that they have more informed choices on supply of payment.
- A reassessment of the council budgets allocated to each department and reviewing the percentage needed in relation to demand.
- Implement dedicated Safe Zones, in particular within modules/subjects of computing, to stop the current issue of unwarranted embedded sites from popping up, as the current structure of internet is not as effective.
- A restructuring of the current allocation of budgets for SEN and their agencies, as well as their codes of practice; as many parents are still complaining in 2017 about lack of support and access to the service. As a result, many pupils within all levels of education from infants to post graduates are at a disadvantage as their learning needs are not being correctly identified. Unfortunately, this results in not being able to receive necessary assessments to enable them to access much needed support within their level of education.

Enterprise zones
I would like to create designated zones to inspire entrepreneurship and enterprise for the ordinary person.
Under my leadership I would bid for a review of current Business Rates – reviewing the current method used by the VOA (valuation office agency) which adjusts the rateable value of business properties to reflect changes in the property market, as this will impact on small businesses and startups significantly. With your support I will ensure that all businesses are able to receive help to access the current business rates relief scheme if they are eligible.

Jobs and opportunities
I would like to provide services to support those who are unemployed and help them to gain the passion, skills and confidence to get them back into work.

Leisure services
I would like to support the NHS and create a culture of health and fitness within the community.

Accommodation
I would like to support regional and national targets to see more people living in affordable and comfortable homes with fair energy bills.
I will also review the current policies and processes that HomeOption uses to prioritise the existing list for social housing in order to reduce the waiting list.
I would like derelict buildings and abandoned houses to be incorporated into a specialist scheme of occupancy.
I will review the current system of taxation in relation to First Time Buyers and the existing subsidised deposit scheme.
Reviewing the current policies and processes for repairs and maintained work would be another priority in terms of creating more effective social housing.

Retirees teaching the young
I would like to provide opportunities for retired individuals to engage more within the community and reduce the skills gap by passing on their skills to the young.

Community allotments and care for wildlife
I would like to see families and individuals benefit from the nature that is rich within WBE.

Derelict sites
I would like to see that unused buildings and land are brought back into service to benefit the community. (Also see notes on crime and accommodation)

The prayer for this election is Psalm 3

May God bless you and peace be with you,
Colin Rankine