Chris Huhne

Eastleigh Borough Council

Eastleigh borough council is run by a Liberal Democrat majority, which has a proud record of achievement in delivering outstanding quality of service with real value for money. Eastleigh borough’s council tax has risen by less than inflation for six years running despite improvements in service.

The borough has also pioneered economic development such as the Wessex House unit for start-up businesses, many of which have gone on to employ many local people. Wessex House is now a widely praised scheme – including recently by the Economist magazine – making millions for the borough. But it was derided at the start by local Conservatives as being wasteful.

Now the Tories are saying the same again about the plan to improve the Hampshire Rosebowl to international test cricket standards, along with a new hotel. The borough is underwriting the job-rich project, but there will be no cost to council tax payers thanks to the sound finances of the Rosebowl. Other recent successes include bringing the Vue cinema to the Swan Centre in Eastleigh, helping to boost the town centre.

The Liberal Democrat controlled borough is also a beacon council – teaching other councils how to do things – on climate change. An outstanding recycling borough, Eastleigh has also pioneered important environmental projects like the combined heat and power generator at Fleming Park to supply electricity to the civic offices. The borough is also investing in new youth facilities to ensure that young people have interesting things to do: the new youth centres in Fair Oak and Fleming Park will be followed soon by a youth centre at the old Leigh Ballroom on Leigh Road.