Rugby Borough Council agrees a rolling programme of scrutiny reviews. The aim is to select topics where there is scope for making a real impact for the benefit of the borough's residents.

Your local councillors are keen to receive suggestions for scrutiny topics on matters of local interest and concern from organisations and individuals.

This is the message that the Lib Dems will give at the budget debate on Tuesday 18 February to the Conservative administration at Shire Hall Warwick.

The Lib Dems will be calling on the Conservatives to not waste this opportunity and to deliver on:

• Climate Change investing in buses, walking, cycling and supporting our local businesses to change how they work.
• Families and young people tackling child poverty making it a priority investing in SEND / children's services.
• Healthy Communities investing in supporting older people and prevention no more cuts to public health
• Safer Communities supporting our Police and tackling drugs, alcohol and domestic abuse.

Following the widespread flooding across parts of the UK as a result of Storm Dennis, Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey called on the Prime Minister to convene a COBRA meeting in order to better coordinate the country's response.

With more warnings in place for later this week, Ed Davey has lambasted the "shocking" response from Boris Johnson.

Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey said:

"My thoughts are with all of those affected by the floods. I would like to thank our emergency services and the environment agency for their efforts to keep people safe.

"However, Boris Johnson's response to these floods has been shocking. He seems determined to pretend they're not even happening.

"Boris Johnson must take this crisis far more seriously and hold a COBRA meeting to coordinate the country's response. These floods are not the first we've had, but yet again show how the funding in place to protect homes and small businesses is woefully inadequate.

"We are facing a climate emergency and regrettably severe weather episodes like this are likely to become more common. The Conservative government has got to raise its game."

Responding to research from the independent Joseph Rowntree Foundation showing that 56% of people in poverty are in a working family, and that poverty has risen for children and pensioners over the last five years, Liberal Democrat Acting Leader Ed Davey said:

"The Conservatives can no longer hide behind low unemployment figures when it comes to poverty. Millions of people are trapped in bad jobs with insufficient hours and wages to make a decent living. And unnecessary welfare cuts have plunged more children and pensioners into poverty. This is unacceptable.

"People are tired of the Government's excuses. The upcoming budget must introduce concrete measures to create good-quality jobs, mend the social safety-net and reduce the cost of housing. The Liberal Democrats will always stand up for a more equal and prosperous society."

Rugby Borough Council has published a masterplan detailing a range of improvements to the recreation ground in Featherbed Lane, and has now launched a public consultation to find out what residents think about the proposed revamp.

The masterplan was drawn up following a public consultation in the Spring, which saw more than 150 Hillmorton residents and community organisations voice ideas for the future of the recreation ground.

Many of the ideas have been incorporated in the masterplan, which includes an outdoor gym and picnic area to complement the recreation ground's current children's play area and skatepark.

The masterplan also includes wildflower meadows and grassland to create habitats for wildlife, and the planting of dozens of trees - including the creation of an orchard to surround the recreation ground's windmill mound, a Scheduled Ancient Monument thought to date back to the medieval period.

And the revamp retains a generous open space of closely mown grass suitable for ball games.

Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey has today delivered a keynote speech to party members and activists in Manchester ahead of the UK's exit from the EU.

Ed Davey made a rallying call to pro-Europeans ahead of the UK's departure from the EU and called for the end of the Remain/Leave division. He also urged progressives to unite to tackle the inequality of wealth and power across the countrty.

Please find the full text of Ed's speech below.

Good morning.

For the last four years the Liberal Democrats fought to stop Brexit.

We held street stalls, town hall meetings and we marched in our millions.

Today we stand strong in the knowledge that we did everything we could.

Tens of thousands of people got involved with our campaign. People who had never campaigned before. And old hands, campaigning harder than they ever had before.

We fought with good humour and great energy. We fought because we love our country.

Our pro-Europeanism is built on our patriotism.

So I will always be proud of the campaigners, candidates, activists and members of our movement who had the courage to stand up for what we believe in.

And though ultimately we did not succeed in stopping Brexit, I am immensely proud of all that we did achieve.

We built the largest pro-European movement this country has ever seen.

Prevented a catastrophic no-deal Brexit - not once, not twice but three times.

Defended the rights of EU citizens, and forced the government to scrap the Settled Status fee.

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And as I accept that tomorrow at 11pm our campaign to stop Brexit is over, I do so standing shoulder to shoulder with the millions of pro-Europeans I have campaigned with over the past four years.

Tomorrow will be a celebration for some, but for us it will be a heart-breaking day.

Whilst some may relish this Tory Brexit experiment, many will be anxious and upset.

Worried about what the future holds for them - their families, communities and businesses.

But as I share your sadness. And as I share your unease. My aim today is to offer some hope to all pro-Europeans. And to all who thirst for a fairer, greener country.

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For I am determined that pro-Europeans can and must play a leading role in our country's future.

Britain's European story does not end tomorrow.

We may no longer be members of the European Union, but the UK will always be part of Europe.

Our futures, like our histories, inevitably intertwined.

And the Liberal Democrats will always be a pro-European, internationalist party.

We will never stop fighting for Britain to have the closest possible relationship with our European friends.

Here in Manchester, I'm reminded of the Manchester Liberals who fought the Tories in the 19th century. When Tory Corn Laws made food too expensive for working people.

That Liberal fight for free trade took years - but the Conservatives were eventually defeated.

And with that Liberal trade victory, came reduced food prices, more employment and a fairer society.

And in the 21st century, Liberal Democrats will never stop fighting for liberal, progressive ideals.

Liberal Democrats did not drop our values, our beliefs, our principles. Just because we lost the referendum in 2016. And we will not drop them now.

We believe the United Kingdom is stronger when we work closely with other nations. And when we work with other progressives across our own country.

We will work with anyone within our United Kingdom who shares our values, to re-unite our country.

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For I am determined that the UK's response to the huge challenges now before us must not be defined by Boris Johnson and the others who are responsible for Brexit, but by us: progressives, together.

Through pain comes wisdom, and the immense pain we feel tomorrow should at least remind us of one important truth:

That which unites us is far greater than that which divides us.

That is true whether "us" is the United Kingdom, Europe or humankind.

And it is also true of "us" as progressives.

We cannot let small disagreements or tribal labels stand in the way of our common values: Compassion. Fairness. Equality. Internationalism.

To defend these values - and to start winning again - we must regroup.

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And as our movement regroups, remember we are larger than ever.

Our party was founded back in the 1980s, by people who left the safety of a large political party to put the national interest first.

In that same tradition, I was proud to stand with courageous MPs like Chuka, Angela, Luciana, Sam, Heidi, Sarah, Philip and Antoinette in the last Parliament.
They and thousands more joined the Liberal Democrats from the Conservatives and Labour.

And we've seen thousands more get active for the first time ever.

That's why I'm delighted to be here in Manchester, where thousands of new members have joined our party and where Liberal Democrat councillors - led by the formidable John Leech - are the only opposition on Manchester City Council.

What John and his team have accomplished in the past four years has been remarkable, and I am confident that Liberal Democrats will win bigger than ever in Manchester this year.

This huge growth in members and supporters of the Liberal Democrats gives me hope.

For them and for so many of us, Brexit wasn't just about Europe. Or the European Union.

It was about who we are. Who we aspire to be. What we want our country to become.

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In talking to Liberal Democrat members from across the UK, one theme is clear. They want the UK to become fairer.

We must no longer be a country that is divided by leave and remain, but that means we must heal our country's other divisions too.

For if Brexit has taught us anything, it is that there are many serious divisions to fix.

The UK is divided by inequality. Inequality of opportunity, of wealth, of power. Inequality of hope.

And the forces of English and Scottish nationalism unleashed by these divisions, cannot bring our fractured country together: by their very nature they seek to divide our family of nations even further.

Only progressive parties like the Liberal Democrats will fight to disperse power and wealth across our country, and to create opportunity for every child, in every community.

From our mission to overhaul Britain's democracy, to our radical vision of a fairer, greener economy, Liberal Democrats offer real change that can truly unite our country.

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So let me say this to those who voted to leave the EU.

If you voted for Brexit because your communities have been let down for decades.

Because Governments have ignored you.

Because too much wealth has stayed in the hands of the always wealthy.

And too much power has stayed in the hands of the already powerful.

Because you and your children have been denied the opportunities afforded those who were born into privilege

You are right. We agree.

We share your frustration - and your impatience for change.

But we have no faith in the Conservatives' willingness to address your frustrations. Or to deliver that change.

And if your votes are instead used by this Government to feather their own nest.

To discriminate; To impoverish; To divide our communities with racism and hatred -

The Liberal Democrats will fight this Government every step of the way.

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So today I have a special message for Boris Johnson.

From Johnson's articles on straight bananas to make his name in journalism, to his last minute decision to get on the Brexit bus to take himself to Downing Street. Our Prime Minister tops the long list of Conservatives who are responsible for tomorrow.

But if progressives don't fight, I fear there may be even worse to come.

For when it comes to tough choices on taxation and spending, this Conservative Prime Minister looks set to protect the wealthy than the vulnerable.

Boris Johnson's idea of reforming democracy is to attack the courts and make it more difficult for people to vote.

Boris Johnson's idea of uniting the country has been to tell half of the country to give up their beliefs.

Boris Johnson's idea of a new role for Britain in the world, is to ring Donald Trump for his orders.

We cannot leave Britain's future in the hands of a Prime Minister who only cares about himself, and has never once put the national interest ahead of his own career.

We must stand together as progressives against these forces that have done so much harm, to prevent them doing even more.

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So as our country forges its future outside the European Union, we must campaign for a future that reflects the best of our United Kingdom.

Where those with the broadest shoulders bear the greatest burden.

Where workers are protected. And consumers and human rights are respected.

But this fight for a progressive Britain starts with our campaign to prevent a no-deal Brexit at the end of 2020.

And to secure a trading relationship that is based on fair rules and liberal values.

And to lead the fight against the forces that do not respect borders, from terrorism to the climate emergency.

So Liberal Democrats will work to maintain the UK's position in crime fighting networks such as Europol, Eurojust, and the European Arrest Warrant. To keep Britain safe.

Liberal Democrats will work to protect our place in the Emissions Trading Scheme and Horizon Europe. So that we can tackle the climate emergency together with our closest neighbours.

From saving the opportunity to study across Europe through Erasmus. To protecting free healthcare across Europe with the European Health Insurance Cards.

To accessing ground-breaking medicines through Euratom, and the European Medicines Regulatory Network.

Liberal Democrats will be on a damage limitation exercise to stop a hard Brexit hurting British people.

And likewise, we will continue to be the champions for EU citizens living in this country. We will work tirelessly so the country they have made their home does not turn its back on them.

In the hospital I and my family use - in Kingston Hospital - I've seen the amazing contributions doctors and nurses from the EU make to our NHS.

I've heard their anguish over Brexit.

My disabled son's amazing progress against the odds has been partly down to the skills, dedication and commitment of Hungarian healthcare professionals.

So I want to lift the cloud of uncertainty for them and the millions of other EU citizens who've been forced to live under that cloud. For me it's personal.

As the Conservatives draw up plans to impose a new immigration system on our the country, it is for us to stand up and say unequivocally that this system must not separate children from their families; it must not lock people up indefinitely; and it must not slam the door in the faces of those fleeing unimaginable horror.

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For these battles ahead, I take strength from our liberal victories of the past.

Let's remember what progressive reformers have won in recent decades.

Strengthening human rights. Enlarging individual freedom. Reducing inequality.

From Beveridge to Keynes, Liberals have won so many important advances over the years, and I am proud of the Liberal Democrats' role in building a fairer, more liberal society.

It was liberals who changed the law in Britain to give women control of their own bodies.

It was Liberal Democrats who led the opposition to the Iraq War.

Liberal Democrats who devised and championed the law for same-sex marriage.

Liberal Democrats who trebled renewable power, making the UK the world-leader in offshore wind.

It was a Liberal Democrat MP who moved the clause to abolish the discriminatory section 28.

And a Liberal Democrat MP who introduced the Bill to enshrine UK aid spending in law.

Every time, there were those who stood against us. Those who dismissed our fight. Those who laughed at our efforts.

And at times it felt like progress was out of reach. That swimming against the tide was futile.

But even in the face of relentless opposition, even after devastating setbacks, we kept going.

We stood up for what we believe in, and we won change.

So as I look ahead this year, I remember how Liberals won in the past - against the odds. Against the establishment. Against the Tories.

And that gives me hope.

Hope that we can save jobs and save businesses.

Hope that we can keep trading relationships free from barriers that harm jobs and business.

Hope that we can protect what we have won in Europe - some of the highest food, working and living standards anywhere in the world.

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In our sadness tomorrow, we cannot lose sight of what is at stake over the next year. Or what's at stake in the years and decades to come.

Tomorrow is not the end of our story with Europe. Far from it.

I do not ignore the gravity of what it means for the country we all love.

But that makes me all the more determined to fight for the liberal values we all cherish.

The Liberal Democrats have been, and will always be, the home for people who are liberal, pro-European and internationalist.

We know you can only create economic opportunity, achieve social justice and protect our environment by being open, inclusive, outward-looking and optimistic.

That is who we are. That is what we will be. And that is the future we will build.

Liberal Democrats on Warwickshire County Council are calling on the Conservative administration to not waste the opportunity to invest and protect: Climate Change & Adaptation; Families and Young People; Healthy Communities; and Safer Communities.

We accept that in Warwickshire the Conservatives are in the majority, but we seek to be a constructive opposition.

Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran has urged the Government to adopt her legislation this year and "finally scrap the Vagrancy Act" during a homelessness debate in Parliament.

The MP has warned that "even one person sleeping rough in this country in 2020 is a disgrace" as she brings back to Parliament her campaign to scrap the Vagrancy Act.

Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey has today called for a new governmental department to get the UK to Net Zero as soon as possible.

In comments at the Institute for Government, Ed Davey said the new department would take on all the powers of the previous Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) but would have "much more teeth and responsibility", with influence over transport, housing and finance.

Speaking at the Institute for Government today, Ed Davey, Acting Leader of Liberal Democrats said:

"When Liberal Democrats ran the Department for Energy and Climate Change we managed to more than treble Britain's renewable power and led Europe to adopt tougher climate change targets. As the world is waking up to the threat of the climate emergency, DECC is needed more than ever.

"But rather than building on the work we did, the Conservatives abolished the Department. And alongside it they halted progress in its tracks, banning onshore wind, abolishing zero carbon homes and privatising the Green Investment Bank.

"If Britain is to regain a leading role ahead of hosting this year's UN conference on climate change, we must make action on climate change a much higher priority. Liberal Democrats are calling for a new government Department - a Department for Net Zero. It would have the power and responsibility to transform our country and to take tough but necessary decisions on transport, housing and finance.

"If the Tories fail to do that, they are simply not serious about tackling the climate emergency."

Ahead of the first meeting of the Citizens' Assembly on climate change, set up by House of Commons Select Committees last year, Liberal Democrat Climate Action Spokesperson Wera Hobhouse said:

"The climate crisis is doing irreversible damage to our planet. The UK must cut its emissions to net-zero, be it by improving how we heat our homes or cutting emissions from flying.

"This Citizens' Assembly could help the government take the difficult decisions it needs to, but the Conservatives are failing to take the climate emergency seriously.

"In the year Glasgow is hosting the COP26 climate change conference, it is shocking that the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change has yet to meet. Delay is no better than climate change denial.

"Liberal Democrats support the Citizen's Assembly and we will ensure that the Conservatives listen to their recommendations."