Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

Message to Conservatives (local elections)

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Source: Conservative Monthly News, May 1976 (p1)
Editorial comments: Item listed by date of publication (see The Times, 26 April 1976).
Importance ranking: Minor
Word count: 238
Themes: Local elections, Labour Party & socialism, Local government

Local government will play a crucial role in the return of a Conservative Government at Westminster. I hope that Conservatives will take control of more councils on May 6, and thus increase the opportunity to apply positive Conservative principles in local government.

Conservative Councillors know very well that there are limitations to the services which local government can properly provide.

They put the interests of the ratepayer first.

At the same time, we in Parliament will carefully scrutinise all expenditure and tell the Government that it cannot put additional burdens on local councils, especially as it has taken no action on our policy to phase out domestic rates and relieve the burden on small businesses.

Victory in these elections is crucial:

Crucial for the home-owner who will suffer from the far reaching and draconian powers given to local authorities by the Community Land Act—power that Labour councils will use only too willingly.

Crucial to the local trader under threat from Labour councils intent on expanding their direct labour departments.

Crucial for the council tenant denied the opportunity to buy his own home by Labour councils.

Crucial to the parent who wants standards and choice in the education of his child.

Once we have won the Council Chambers we can advance to win the next general election, and create a society where originality, skill, energy and thrift are rewarded—not penalised.