Simon Zachary Garrett

I am standing as an independent candidate for the CDC ward of Cross & Neithrop. I believe that people are disillusioned with party politics and are eager for change. I will make decisions based upon facts and not party affiliation or the whims of a donor. I am from a scientific background and work as a chemist. I apply the same scientific methodology of using available evidence towards making decisions upon policy. I feel that to make Banbury a better place to live we need to look at the following areas. Poverty: the cost of living has increased for everyone, but it affects the poorest and most vulnerable the most. We should provide more equity so that everyone gets the tools and resources they need to succeed. Housing: properly affordable social housing is desperately required in Banbury. Young people can not afford to buy and will be forced to move away from the area. Rental prices are always increasing , and what social housing that there is; is not always maintained properly by housing associations. Jobs: We need to encourage more businesses to Banbury, especially ones that will provide high skilled and high waged jobs. This would also help stop the exodus of ambitious young people away from Banbury. These are the people who will spend money in the town and create a booming economy for all