There is an interesting post on the blog of Julian Ware-Lane, Julian’s Musings. Julian is a Labour Candidate in the upcoming elections and blogs regularly on many issues.
Today, however, he has chosen to take a pop at a Green Party Candidate for uncosted pledges. He states-
‘Competence is critical, and unfunded promises are not a sign of competence.
To increase safe cycle paths, to want cheap and available public transport, to introduce more traffic calming, to provide low cost loans for insulation – these must all be paid for. I am afraid the Green reputation for pie-in-the-sky politics will not be dispelled by this leaflet.’
Well I suggest that you should take a look at the local Labour manifesto with fresh eyes Julian.
Here are just few of the uncosted policies-
‘The council needs to take tough action on derelict properties, including those on Victoria Avenue which are a hazard and an eyesore. We will use powers to clean up properties left in a poor state.’
A great pledge but buying up Victoria Ave is costly and the Council already has an enviable record around smaller derelict properties
‘We have been calling for a new primary school for a number of years.’
Very expensive and what’s that that is being built in Shoebury….why, it’s a new primary school!
‘If the local gay community would like a Pride event then we will support this.’
‘We will seek to improve street lighting and support council funding for alley-gating.’
‘We also support the provision of more public toilets and benches.’
All these need money so where will it come from or will council Tax go up ?
‘We want a greener town and are committed to preserving our green spaces. We will plant more native trees and look to plant pollinator-friendly plants in the display beds and borders.’
Southend already plants many trees many of which are native, where will the money come from for more…..Council Tax increases?
‘We want Southend to have cleaner streets.’
Who doesn’t? It’s a bit like apple pie and mother hood as is much of the rest of the manifesto, much of it uncosted and costly.
Seaside News 
Well said Anna, could not agree more. Most things I’ve read during silly time appears to have been dreamt up on the back of a fag packet.
Michael, One of the latest promises by an Independent to a St Luke’s resident is to – get a new sewage pumping station in Eastern Avenue!- It’s just plain irresponsible campaigning but then when promises don’t get delivered all candidates and cllrs get tarred with same brush of not keeping their words. Anna
Anna, I ve seen it all before they just make me laugh, but then again when your not in contro you can say what you want. My main beef is with those labour (Well maybe I shouldnt write it on here) leaflets you have highlighte their the miss quotes. Also Independents they just make me laugh. . Michael