Chandra Muvvala: 'I aim to bring a fresh perspective'

What’s your connection to Slough, or why do you want to represent Slough? My ties to Slough are deep-rooted, spanning nearly two decades of residency. My desire to represent Slough stems from a profound commitment to addressing the challenges our community faces head-on. Over the years, I've witnessed firsthand the concerns of Slough residents go unheard and unaddressed. As a long-time resident and active participant in local affairs, I understand the complexities and urgency of issues such as affordable housing, infrastructure development, and preserving our green spaces ,education, homelessness, etc.

I aspire to be the voice of Slough residents, advocating tirelessly for their interests and concerns. By standing as an independent candidate, I aim to bring a fresh perspective and a proactive approach to local governance. My track record as a councillor since 2021, and my re-election in 2023 with a significant mandate, demonstrates my ability to deliver impactful change.

I am committed to resolving the challenges facing Slough through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. Whether it's promoting affordable housing initiatives, enhancing public transportation, or preserving our natural environment, I pledge to work diligently to improve the quality of life for all residents. Together, we can create a brighter future for Slough, where every voice is heard and every concern is addressed with sincerity and effectiveness.

What are the three biggest challenges facing Slough? Housing affordability stands as the paramount issue gripping Slough, casting a shadow over its residents' aspirations for stable homeownership. With average house prices soaring to £350,000 while household incomes lag significantly at £35,000, the dream of owning a home becomes an elusive reality for many. Over the past decade, a staggering 25% increase in housing costs has outpaced wage growth, exacerbating the plight of families striving for secure housing. The confluence of high demand and limited supply has amplified these challenges, driving homelessness rates upwards and straining household finances. Addressing these pressing concerns requires a comprehensive strategy that balances urban development with preserving community well-being.

Crime ranks prominently among the city's concerns, with Slough's crime rate eclipsing the national average. In the year leading to March 2021, reported incidents rose, encompassing burglaries, vehicle thefts, and violent crimes, eroding the community's sense of safety. Police resources stretched thin further compound the issue, necessitating a proactive approach to enhance law enforcement presence at the grassroots level. Implementing police desks within each ward aims not only to deter crime but also to foster stronger community-police relations, fostering a safer environment.

Education emerges as another critical battleground for Slough's future, marked by challenges in school admissions, funding disparities, teacher shortages, and support for special educational needs. Delays in school admissions and insufficient funding have compounded the stress for families, while teacher shortages in key subjects threaten educational quality. Schools in Slough receive £300 less per pupil than the national average, impacting access to essential resources and extracurricular activities. Moreover, infrastructure deficiencies in ageing school buildings hinder educational outcomes, highlighting the need for modernization.

These issues underscore the urgency of a proactive agenda to fortify Slough's foundations for future generations. My manifesto offers a resolute commitment to addressing these challenges head-on, advocating for sustainable housing solutions, bolstering community safety through enhanced policing, and championing educational reforms to ensure equitable opportunities for all students. By tackling these issues collaboratively, Slough can forge a path toward a more inclusive and resilient community.

What issues are you campaigning on, and what causes will you be championing if elected? Having attentively listened to the residents of Slough, I have incorporated several critical issues into my manifesto, committing to advocate for them and, if elected, take actionable steps towards their resolution and implementation. Here are the eight core issues I aim to champion:

Improving Safety: Establish a police desk in each ward to crack down on drug usage, and burglaries

Reviving Education: Support council for return of a university to our town. Enhance library services, expand hours, and equip them with resources for children and students

Including Slough into London travel zones: Expand coverage of London tube fares, making commuting affordable and accessible to all

Organising Public Meetings: Host monthly public meetings with representatives from various authorities to encourage a collaborative relationship.

High Street Re-generation: Reform Slough's high street to thrive with business activity and regular household shoppers

Keeping Slough Green and Clean: Dedicated to keeping Slough eco-friendly, clean, reducing homelessness, low in traffic, and improving the overall well-being of our community

Simultaneous Service as Councillor and MP: Serve both roles to maintain a dual focus on local and national issues

Independent Representation: Provide steadfast dedication to Slough's interests, free from party constraints

How will you help struggling high streets and town centres? The UK’s strategy for revitalising high streets presents a multifaceted approach that Slough can leverage to rejuvenate its urban core. Drawing inspiration from successful initiatives across the country, including Birmingham’s transformative urban plan, Slough can benefit from adopting similar strategies.

Government support is pivotal in this endeavour, and Slough can seek funding from initiatives like the Levelling Up Fund and the Future High Streets Fund. These funds offer crucial resources for revitalising empty properties, supporting local businesses, and enhancing public spaces, all essential components for high street renewal (GOV.UK). Incentivizing small businesses and startups with grants, tax reliefs, or subsidised rents would further invigorate economic activity and foster job creation, ensuring sustainable growth.

Inspired by community-led successes in Wales, Slough can empower local initiatives to drive change. Encouraging community ownership of vacant properties for community centres or cooperative ventures can instil local pride and engagement (Institute of Welsh Affairs). Organising regular markets and cultural events, similar to those revitalising Wrexham’s high street, would create a vibrant social fabric and draw visitors (Institute of Welsh Affairs). Temporary pop-up shops, art installations, and community projects can transform empty spaces into lively hubs, showcasing local talent and entrepreneurship.

For sustainable and inclusive growth, Slough can learn from projects like Meridian Water, integrating affordable housing alongside public spaces to ensure a diverse and inclusive community (RWinvest). Incorporating green spaces and sustainable practices, such as parks and environmentally friendly building designs, would enhance quality of life and appeal to environmentally conscious residents and businesses. By synthesising these strategies from comprehensive urban planning and robust government support to community-led initiatives and sustainable development Slough has a clear path forward in revitalising its high street. Embracing these principles can transform Slough into a vibrant, resilient urban centre that attracts residents, visitors, and businesses alike, fostering a prosperous future for the community.

How can you help make sure people can afford to live here while protecting our green spaces and countryside from development?

To address the challenge of ensuring affordable living in Slough while protecting green spaces and the countryside from urban development, a comprehensive and balanced approach is necessary. One strategy is to promote affordable housing initiatives through inclusionary zoning, which requires developers to include a certain percentage of affordable housing units in new developments, and through public-private partnerships that offer incentives such as tax breaks and expedited permitting processes. Expanding subsidised housing programs to provide financial assistance to low- and moderate-income households is also crucial. Utilising brownfield and underutilised land by redeveloping previously used industrial or commercial sites within urban areas, and encouraging infill development on vacant or underused plots, can minimise the need to encroach on green spaces. Enhancing public transportation and infrastructure to improve connectivity and support higher population densities in existing urban areas will help spread development more evenly. Implementing smart growth principles like mixed-use development and promoting higher density housing in appropriate areas can create more livable and efficient communities. Preserving green spaces through green belt policies, investing in urban parks, and promoting sustainable building practices are essential for maintaining our natural heritage. Involving local communities in the planning process through participatory planning ensures development meets their needs and preserves neighbourhood character, while educational campaigns raise awareness about the importance of affordable housing and the benefits of protecting green spaces. Financial incentives such as establishing affordable housing funds and providing low-interest loans and grants can support the development and maintenance of affordable homes. Regular assessments and data-driven decision-making will ensure that housing needs and environmental impacts are continuously monitored and that policies remain effective and aligned with long-term sustainability goals. By implementing these strategies, we aim to create a Slough where affordable living and the preservation of green spaces coexist, building a sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant community for all residents.

How will you help councils struggling with their finances? Can you help them to deal with the special educational needs crisis? Will you want the government to continue the Household Support Grant? As a serving councillor,I will be able to give you a transparent overview to this critical objective.  In the midst of an acute financial crisis, SBC is taking bold steps to address its budgetary woes while simultaneously tackling the special educational needs (SEN) crisis affecting local schools. With a comprehensive strategy aimed at both immediate relief and long-term sustainability, the council hopes to stabilise its finances and provide better support for its most vulnerable residents.

To mitigate the immediate financial pressures, SBC  has initiated comprehensive financial audits to pinpoint inefficiencies and areas for cost savings. By implementing stricter financial controls and budgeting practices, the council aims to ensure that every pound is spent wisely.

Recognizing the urgency, the council is also advocating for increased government funding specifically allocated for education and SEN services. In parallel, applications for emergency funding from central government and other grants are being prioritised to bridge current financial gaps.

In a bid to secure financial stability, SBC  is also exploring for public-private partnerships(PPP). By engaging with private companies and non-profit organisations, the council seeks to attract additional funding and resources to support essential services. Local businesses are being encouraged to invest in community initiatives, particularly those that enhance education and SEN provisions.

Efficiency improvements are also on the agenda, with plans to implement energy-saving programs, shared services with neighbouring councils, and digital transformation projects. These measures are expected to reduce operational costs and redirect savings to frontline services.

Innovative funding models, such as social impact bonds, are being considered to provide upfront capital for projects with measurable social benefits. These models will be particularly useful for SEN initiatives, where improved outcomes can be clearly demonstrated.

The SEN crisis in Slough has prompted a concerted effort to secure additional funding from the central government. Increased financial support will ensure that resources are available for students with special educational needs and are not diverted to other areas.

Investment in training for teachers and support staff is a priority. Enhanced collaboration between schools, parents, healthcare providers, and local authorities is being fostered to create comprehensive support plans. Multi-agency teams are being developed to address complex needs and ensure coordinated support for SEN students.

Early intervention is a key focus, with plans to implement screening programs in early years settings to identify SEN needs promptly and provide timely support.

Now, talking about the Household Support Grant, SBC which plays a crucial role in alleviating financial pressures and ensuring that basic needs are met. Lobbying efforts with local MPs and national policymakers are underway to highlight the grant's importance. Public awareness campaigns are being launched to garner community support and demonstrate the widespread need for continued funding. By collecting and sharing stories from beneficiaries, the council aims to build a compelling case for the grant's extension.

Collaboration with other councils facing similar challenges is also being pursued, presenting a united front in advocating for the grant and sharing best practices for its effective utilisation.

What car do you drive (do you drive)? Porsche

What's your favourite film or TV show? Downton Abbey

When was the last time you cried? Just two days ago, when I was on a distant telephone call with my mother.

Have you ever taken illegal drugs? No