Tim Ball

2009 must be a year of real change and of hope says Nick Clegg in his new year message.

Britain is facing a difficult year.

Every day, 200 families are now at risk of losing their homes, and three million people could be out of a job.

The government got us into this mess and haven't got the right ideas to get us out of it. The Conservatives want to do nothing - they wouldn't lift a finger to help.

As the New Year starts, it's time to do things differently.

There is a path to recovery.

Liberal Democrats will do things differently.

We'll get practical help to families who are struggling - more money in their pockets with big, permanent and fair tax cuts.

That way people will be able to afford the bills and get spending again.

And Liberal Democrats will put the economy back on track with a big, green investment programme.

Instead of wasting billions on a pointless VAT cut that makes little difference we would invest that money to cut your fuel bills, create thousands of jobs and deliver what our country needs for the future.

Warm homes, schools and hospitals, clean energy, public transport we can all be proud of.

I know we can fix the economic mess Britain's in. If only we do things differently for once. Instead of making the same old mistakes the same old parties have made for generations.

Both Labour and the Conservatives keep doing the same thing over and over again and expect something different to happen. They are parties of the past, prisoners of their own special interests.

Perhaps the greatest danger of today's recession is that it will mortgage the future of our children. We must prevent that from happening.

That's why in the first three months of this year, Liberal Democrats will be focusing on the help we can give to children and young families.

Good quality childcare for every family, so children can flourish and mothers and fathers can get out to work - or look for work - without worrying about the nursery or childminder fees.

Extra funding for children from deprived backgrounds, to help raise standards in schools for everyone.

And we'll be unveiling a pledge to reduce infant class sizes to 15 - so every child gets the individual attention they need to get the best start in life.

This is a time of crisis. But crisis can bring renewal. It can bring change.

Imagine a better Britain - where no-one is held back by their upbringing, everyone has the power to change things for the better, and anyone who struggles gets a helping hand.

A Britain with fair taxes and safe, properly run banks - so that everyone who works hard can make it. A Britain that switches to green energy so the planet is protected and new jobs are created. A Britain where every child is given the chance to succeed.

2009 must be a year of doing things differently. A year of real change. A year of hope.

And that's what the Liberal Democrats offer.

Happy New Year.

Many thanks to all the readers who have made positive comments this year to articles in this blog.

Can I wish you all a very happy Christmas with all your loved ones and I hope that you all have the Christmas that you wished for.

Liberal Democrats in Bath and North East Somerset have given their backing to plans for investment in green schemes that will make homes warmer, cut energy bills and improve public transport. The plans, called Green Road out of Recession, were announced on 18^th December by Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg MP.

The plans will cost £12.5bn, which would be paid for by scrapping the proposed VAT cut. The vast majority of that money will be spent immediately, making a real impact on the economy and people’s lives right away.

Green Road out of the Recession proposals include:

• A five-year programme to insulate every school and hospital, with 20% completed in the first year
• Funding insulation and energy efficiency for a million homes, with a £1,000 subsidy for a million more
• Building 40,000 extra zero-carbon social houses
• Buying 700 new train carriages
• Reopening Corsham station and electrifying the Great Western mainline
• Installing energy and money saving smart meters in every home within five years

Bath MP Don Foster commented:

“These Liberal Democrat plans will really help people here in Bath.  Opening up more local trains services and providing more carriages will be a vital boost to local public transport, and electrifying the London – Bristol line will cut 20% of CO2 emissions per vehicle km.

“And by insulating people’s homes, it will help thousands of residents whose heating bills have gone through the roof in the past year.

“Liberal Democrats believe that moving forward with green action on homes and transport will create jobs, cut energy bills, put money back into people’s pockets and protect the environment.”

On his first anniversary as leader, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg will today set out plans to put Britain on a Green Road out of the Recession, creating jobs and leaving a legacy that will save energy, put money back into people’s pockets and fight climate change.

The plans will cost £12.5bn, which would be paid for by scrapping the proposed VAT cut. The vast majority of that money will be spent immediately, making a real impact on the economy and people’s lives right away.

Green Road out of the Recession proposals include:

• A five-year programme to insulate every school and hospital, with 20% completed in the first year
• Funding insulation and energy efficiency for a million homes, with a £1,000 subsidy for a million more
• Building 40,000 extra zero-carbon social houses
• Buying 700 new train carriages
• Reopening old railway lines and stations, opening new ones, electrifying the Great Western and Midland mainlines and beginning the Liverpool light rail network
• Installing energy and money saving smart meters in every home within five years

Nick Clegg said:

“As the recession deepens, every day we hear news of more workers being laid off, more families struggling with bills and more elderly and vulnerable people plunged into fuel poverty.

“The Government’s answer is to borrow £12.5bn to tinker with VAT when what is really needed is fresh, bold thinking.

“For the same money that it costs to make that tiny VAT cut, the Liberal Democrats propose a huge economic programme that will put the unemployed back into work and leave a lasting legacy that will save energy, reduce bills and fight climate change.

“Instead of a meaningless VAT cut that people won’t notice, we will insulate every school and hospital in the country and the homes of a million people languishing in fuel poverty.

“We will build thousands of desperately needed social houses, install money-saving smart meters, re-open rail lines and build new trains.

“Gordon Brown and David Cameron argue about whether we should borrow money or not. They are two dogs fighting over the wrong bone. The real question is what we borrow for and how we invest it so that we all benefit in the end.

“These are real, achievable goals that would make a real difference to people’s lives now, create new jobs today, and leave us with the infrastructure for a long-term, green economic recovery.”

Youngsters in Bath will be among millions of people nationwide missing out on free swimming as a result of the government’s ill-thought out package to provide free access to pools across the country.

 Only 60% of Council’s are including both under 16s and over 60s; and 82% are providing free access to over 60s.

Don said, “The reality is that millions of those eligible will miss out because their local council hasn’t signed up to the scheme.  Young people in Bath are missing out because the government has failed to provide adequate funding.

“The Government has failed to address issues such as the cost of providing the scheme and the financial impact of non-residents using facilities.

Bath MP Don Foster has today been assured that Post Office Ltd are treating the surprise closure of Twerton post office as a matter of urgency, and are committed to maintaining a service in the area.

 Don said, “I am delighted to have received a prompt reassurance from Post Office Ltd that they are committed to providing a service in Twerton, and are treating this situation as a matter of urgency.

 “Situations like these often move quickly, so how and when the service will be restored is still to be ascertained.

 “The post office on Twerton high street is relied on by the local community and it is important that a service is restored as soon as possible.  Most importantly, this commitment should allay any fears that the branch will be lost permanently.”

Bath MP Don Foster is calling on Post Office Ltd to restore post offices services in Twerton.  The branch contained in the Nisa store has been closed following the firm’s problems.

 Don said, “Post Offices are a very important part of the local community. Local residents in Twerton will now have to walk to Lower Weston or Moorland Road.  This trip will be quite a struggle for the elderly and disabled, who rely on their local post office.

 “While I appreciate that this matter is out of Post Office’s control, I hope that they will do all within their power to quickly restore a service to Twerton.”

 Twerton Councillor Tim Ball said, “Many elderly people in Twerton rely on this post office branch as they cannot easily make it to an alternative branch or into town. 

 “I hope that something can be done quickly to get this post office up and running again.  If the post office is lost permanently then it could have a serious knock-on effect on Twerton high street.”

Information revealed in a Parliamentary answer has shown that seven years after the government committed £200million to children’s play areas, only £40million has been spent.

In fact, the government has now scaled back the total amount for playgrounds by almost a quarter, to £155million. Bath MP and Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Culture, Media and Sport Don Foster said,

“While we are lucky in Bath to have a couple of wonderful playgrounds, there are many that are in need of extra money for repairs.

“The situation is similar across the country, with many communities crying out for extra investment in play equipment.  I can’t understand why it has already taken 7 years for the government to put this allocated money to use.

“Parents and children all over the country have been let down by this Government continually making unsubstantiated funding commitments.”

Bath MP Don Foster is calling for the Conservative-led Council to live up to its promise in June to investigate ways of supporting the remaining Post Office network in B&NES.

 Commenting Don said, “Although our campaign saved two local Post Offices in Bath, more needs to be done to support the remaining Post Offices and to campaign for a new one in the Southgate development. But despite the council’s promise to investigate local opportunities, little has been done.

“Councils around the country are looking at ways of using their local Post Offices to deliver council services, advice and support. Liberal Democrats in Leeds use Post Offices to issue school uniform vouchers to parents without bank accounts.  In the Vale of White Horse payments to the Council can be made into local post offices. In Essex the council has even re-opened a Post Office to deliver council services.

“Numerous other councils are developing bright ideas. But after six months I understand no independent sub-postmasters in Bath have been contacted by our Council to find out what would most help them.

“During the closure programme earlier this year we were all delighted to hear that the Council was going to look seriously at offering further Council services through local post offices.  Sadly, I am now left thinking that this was nothing more than a cheap political statement at the time.”

 Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Economic Development, Cllr Colin Darracott, said, “Post Offices were big news earlier this year during the closure programme, and everyone wanted to talk about them.  However, now they are off the ‘political radar’ it seems that the Conservatives are hoping that we have all forgotten their promises at the time.

“Post Offices are a vitally important part of the local community, and in this economic downturn independent post offices need help just as much as other small businesses.

 “Is it too much to ask of the Council for them to come up with at least some ideas within 6 months of what they described as an “urgent review”?”

Bath & North East Somerset Council have extended the Park & Ride Hours over the Christmas Period.

If you need to come into Bath for your shopping can I suggest using the Park & Ride Sites that are located on the edge of the City. By using the Park & Ride you will avoid many of the traffic hold ups that can occur at this busy time of year.

Please follow this link for the time table an location of the Park & Ride Sites.

http://cis/BathNES/transportandstreets/Parking/parkandride/Christmas.htm

A planning application for the display of 3 non-illuminated fascia signs at 89/90 High Street, to replace existing signs has been submitted.

The application was first registered on 2^nd December 2008 and has a decision date of 27^th January 2009. The application reference number is 08/04517/AR and you can view the application buy following the link on the application number.

Any representations on this application should be made in writing to Development Control, Trimbridge House, Trim Street, Bath BA1 2DP.  Alternatively representations can be made using the Planning Service pages of the Council’s website www.bathnes.gov.uk.  All representations must arrive no later than the 8th January 2009.

Liberal Democrats in Bath have criticised the Conservative-led Council as they try and blackmail residents into accepting the controversial Bus Rapid Transit scheme.

The Council has announced new measures to encourage cycling, but insist they are dependent on a green corridor in Newbridge being destroyed.  Previously the Conservatives have stifled debate at Council and Cabinet, and it took a Liberal Democrat motion to see any kind of debate. 

Liberal Democrats would love to see this cycling scheme introduced in Bath , it would be a great addition to the city and would encourage sustainable transport.

However, for the Conservatives to claim it is entirely dependent on the BRT is tantamount to blackmailing residents.  Throughout the whole process the Conservative Cabinet have shown total disregard to the views of the public, and now they are trying to say that anyone opposing their route is against cycling in Bath .

The Conservatives are not really interested in cycling in Bath .  This is a just another tactic to force people to accept their BRT route a route that will not solve Bath's transport problem.

If they are serious about cycling, then why not encourage it amongst their staff by signing up to Cyclescheme, as Liberal Democrats suggested earlier this year?  They would also do well to reveal their Green Travel Plan, which they promised some time ago.

                      We have only one planning application this month and that is for the erection of a new attached garage with a new entrance at 30 Cameley Green the application was first registered on 27th November 2008 and has a decision date of 22nd January 2009.

                      The application reference number is 08/04423/FUL and if you wish to view the application please follow the link on the application number.

Any representations on this application should be made in writing to Development Control, Trimbridge House, Trim Street, Bath BA1 2DP.  Alternatively representations can be made using the Planning Service pages of the Council’s website www.bathnes.gov.uk.  All representations must arrive no later than the 28th December 2008.

Commenting on the 1% cut in interest rates, Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor, Vince Cable said: "This cut is both necessary and welcome. However, it will only give real benefits if passed on to borrowers and if the Government takes a more active role to ensure that the banks maintain lending to British business."

Vince Cable went on to say:

"Ministers must end the current confused situation where banks are being told to hold capital and cut lending by the FSA while being told to lend more by the Government."

Commenting on today's Halifax announcement that house prices dropped by 2.6% in November, the biggest monthly drop since September 1992, Vince Cable said:

"This is very striking but not surprising. All over Britain house prices are now plummeting and almost certainly have further to fall. This will potentially push millions into negative equity.

"The morning after the night before, it now appears the Government's plan to stem repossession is in danger of unravelling. The banks have not yet consented to the arrangements and some of the more ruthless sub-prime lenders are not even party to it.

"Although the spirit of the announcement is welcome, its effectiveness will be considerably reduced if the Government doesn't address the legal precedent which allows lenders to repossess homes without even going through the courts."

 Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg comments on the Queen's speech.

Today the Government laid out its programme for the next year. They've shown yet again that they just don't understand the hard times facing millions of families across Britain. At a time of unprecedented economic crisis what people need is help. But all they're getting is more of the same tired ideas from Labour, while the Conservatives would prefer to sit back and do nothing.

The Government wasted a huge opportunity today. They have proposed 14 bills to go through Parliament next year, but not a single one will help deliver affordable homes for local people, lower fuel bills, or create new jobs.

People care about the schools their children are in and the hospitals that serve their communities. That's why we want to see more power given to local people over the decisions that affect them, rather than hoarded by central Government and unelected civil servants in Whitehall. Plus we want proper measures introduced to safeguard our natural environment and to make sure Britain plays its part in tackling dangerous climate change.

Over the next parliamentary session, I will be working hard with all of our MPs to make the changes that matter to people. We will be defending our precious freedoms, which this Government seems determined to get rid of one by one. Most of all, we'll be fighting for a fairer and greener Britain.

Over 35,000 people in the South West have been turned down for a crisis loan in the last year, Liberal Democrat research has revealed. 

Applications for the loans, aimed at low income families and pensioners unable to get credit elsewhere, have risen nationally by more than 40% in the last year to 2.5m.  The figures come at a time when the Government is encouraging banks to continue to lend money. 

The average crisis loan is for about £75.

Commenting on the figures, Bath MP Don Foster said, “The Government has got to practice what it has been preaching to the banks and give loans to desperate families who have nowhere else to turn.

“These figures are even more worrying when we learn that, in the last year, inspectors overturned 57% of decisions on crisis loans made by Job Centre staff.  This means that almost 6 of 10 decisions made were wrong.

“Ministers need to make more cash available for these loans during the recession and make sure that Jobcentre staff get their decisions right.”

Top Premiership football clubs are charging fans up to 45% more than the national average for a pint of beer, according to research by the Liberal Democrats.

The figures show that:

• 19 out of 20 clubs charge more than the national average for a pint of lager (£2.76) - Chelsea are the worst charging £4 per pint, earning £353,400 more per season than if they charged their fans a fair price
• Premier League clubs make just over £11m a season from over-inflated lager prices
• In comparison, the price of a pint at Rugby Union and Rugby League clubs is up to 15% less
• If prices were set at the national average they would bring in around £9.3m, meaning football fans are being overcharged to the tune of £1.7m a season

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Culture, Media and Sport Secretary, Don Foster said:

"Unfortunately, it comes as little surprise to me that Premier League football fans are, once again, being ripped off.

"As if extortionate ticket prices weren't bad enough, top flight football clubs are charging over the odds for a basic pint. This blatant profiteering should not continue to go unnoticed.

"It's outrageous that football fans should be charged so much more than rugby fans - 40p might not seem a lot, but over the course of a season it soon mounts up.

"When will Premier League football clubs learn to stop taking the loyalty of their fans for granted?"