UKIP's Victor Webb answers your questions

Tunbridge Wells People asks Victor Webb, Candidate For The UK Independence Party Tunbridge Wells, some burning questions.

     

TWP: How would UKIP get the housing market moving again? 

VW: Scrap the unnecessary and wasteful EU inspired Home Improvement packs(HIPS.)Encourage local councils to build more social housing in designated areas. Incentivise use of approximately 800.000 empty houses.

TWP: Labour has slashed stamp duty on property up to £250,000 for first time buyers. What would you do about stamp duty?

VW: We have no plans for change at the moment.

TWP: Do you have a policy on Inheritance Tax?

VW: Abolish at earliest opportunity.

TWP: Does the perceived image of Tunbridge Wells as ‘retired colonel’, ‘posh’ and

'disgusted' inhibit the inward flow of investment into the town, or is the image deserved?

VW: The main inhibiting factor is the appalling transport system with its failed one ways and parking system which rations customers for business coupled with a vicious parking enforcement regime without adequate provision for parking.

TWP: Do you agree with the Green camp or the petrol heads’ camp regarding the further dualling of the A21? 

VW: Further dualling is required at least to provide the proper infrastructure to give good access to Pembury hospital.

TWP: What would you like to see replace the Kent and Sussex hospital ?

VW: I campaign fiercely for the reversal of the decision to demolish the Kent and Sussex Memorial Hospital. An accident and emergency hospital is desperately needed for the centre of Tunbridge Wells.

TWP: Ed Ball wants to expand the number of earners hit by the new 50p tax rate by reducing the threshold from £150,000 to £100,000. Where do you stand on this?

VW: We want a flat tax starting at £11,500 at 31% to include NI 20% on pension income below the higher rate tax.

TWP: What do you think Tunbridge Wells needs more than anything else?

VW: A reduction in council tax and business rates!

TWP: When was the last time you used a bus in Tunbridge Wells?

VW: 3 weeks ago.

TWP: Should more of the town centre be pedestrianised or would you like to see a Tram route connect the town centre to The Pantiles?

VW: Tram route or road train.

TWP: With many of its shops shutting down and the Pantiles Farmers’ Market reducing in size do you think the Pantiles as a tourist attraction has had its day?  

VW: No Poor local government councillor decisions-Poor and non effective Tourist Board and tourist offices which are not proactive.

TWP: With so many children passing their 11+ yet failing to get their first choice of secondary school, what are your views on an exam so many people move into Kent for?

VW: UKIP will not return to a pass/fail 11 plus test but will introduce a comprehensive test to assess merit across a wide range of academic and non academic abilities. Introduce directly elected County Education Boards made up of educational professionals councillors replacing LEA`s and ensure an adequate number of schools are provided.

TWP: In the WWF earth hour challenge last month Kent came a sorry 67th out of 108 counties in the UK and Ireland. Why do you think the people of Kent are so uninspired by such an urgent issue?  What climate change policies would UKIP put in place if they won the general election?

VW: It is not such an urgent issue as others.

TWP: What disgusts you about Tunbridge Wells? 

VW: Tory mismanagement at Town, Borough and County level.-- waste self congratulation and trough syndrome.