reshamkotecha

Apologies for the delay - I was terribly ill! I didn't mean for anyone to be restricted in terms of asking me National questions but I want to be clear that I am standing as a candidate who, if elected, would fight to represent the best interests of constituents and I understand that a lot of that will be influence by the local impact of policies. I am not calling for the Gipsy Hill Federation Secondary School (if approved) to be on the Dulwich Hospital site - I meant those as two separate points. I agree that it does not make sense to have it on that site and when I met with the headmaster (Sir Craig Tunstall), we discussed this and he is not proposing for the Secondary school to be there either. I am fully aware that I would not have the power to control council tax, however it is important to be aware that there are serious inefficiencies in the way the Council Tax is being used. Lambeth Council for example has ?438 million worth of debt which means that 34p in every pound of council tax is used to cover interest payments. This to me is not an acceptable way to use taxpayers money - especially not when ?50 million was spent on a new town hall. I know this is the Lambeth side but it is difficult to get access to this sort if information, although I am trying to do so for Southwark Council in order to understand it for the entire constituency. I'm not proposing to lower council tax - merely pointing out that other councils are providing similar services or even more services for significantly less money. I would happily support a higher level of services at current prices or a lowering of council tax for the same services provided more efficiently, but I do not support councils providing a less efficient service for a higher amount of money. I have spent a lot of time in different parts of the constituency - this Saturday I will be having an action day with the morning in Thurlow Park and the afternoon moving towards Gipsy Hill. If anyone would like to meet and discuss things in person I would be delighted to do so!

Wow I wasn't expecting so many responses in such a short time! Thank you all for taking the time to pass on your thoughts, issues and questions. I will be spending the day in Dulwich Village tomorrow (and would be delighted to meet anyone who happens to be in the area) so will endeavour to answer all of your questions by the end of the weekend. I certainly did not intend this to be electioneering - the forum seems to me to be the best way to make myself accessible to residents. I am definitely able to represent residents - I have already been approached by people to help with issues and am happy to work with local cllrs of all parties, local authorities and to contact Ministers if it will mean achieving a positive outcome. In short my aim and priority is to do the best I can for those living in Dulwich & West Norwood. I think MPs sometimes forget that they should serve the interests of their constituents and I want to focus on things that matter to residents such as making sure every child has access to a good school and that we are able to do things such as increase the number of GP appointments to residents. I am aware of the acute shortage of secondary school places and that is why I will be supporting a secondary school on the Dulwich Hospital site and also why I am strongly supporting the application by the Gipsy Hill Federation to open a secondary school locally. I do not agree with MPs being able to "fiddle" with expenses and maintain their jobs and whilst most MPs do their best for their constituents, I think others need to remember their purpose is to serve the best interests of their constituents. It is a problem with the system and something that should be toughened up. With regard to council tax funding - I am aware that residents in Southwark pay ?530 a year more than those living in Wandsworth - something I fundamentally disagree with and am raising as an issue to the council. With regard to engaging with voters - I am doing my best to meet as many people as possible through knocking on doors, giving talks at schools, attending resident's association meetings and holding surgeries. If anyone would like to meet me to discuss local issues I would be delighted to arrange it. I trust that this will answer some of the questions and will ensure I get to the rest as soon as I can! Once again, thank you for taking the time to share your concerns and questions with me.

Hi, My name is Resham Kotecha and I am the Conservative Party candidate for Dulwich & West Norwood. I want to do my best to help with local issues or concerns so please feel free to contact me - either on here or by emailing [email protected]. I want to hear about issues in East Dulwich or related to Southwark Council and will do my very best to help you solve them. I will check the forum frequently, but if it is urgent, please send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you, Resham https://www.facebook.com/reshamkotechadwn www.reshamkotecha.com