I've been clear in the past why we have to take difficult decisions to tackle the deficit and lay the foundations of a fairer society. These are not decisions that any government wants to take but we have no choice except to clear up the financial mess that Labour left us. Today's Budget takes these difficult decisions in an honest and fair way and with the clear stamp of Liberal Democrat values running through it.
Bedford Borough Lib Dems have announced that the Council is aiming for a council tax freeze next year. The announcement follows two years of below-inflation increases in Bedford Borough after the Council inherited the country's second highest level of County Council tax from the Conservative-run County Council in April 2009. It also comes after the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced today that the Government will work with Councils to deliver a Council tax freeze.
James Sapwell, who stood for parliament in last month's general election, has joined the Liberal Democrats, citing the party as the one that enables him to remain true to his core values whilst furthering his political career.
Today's budget contains many of the measures that the Liberal Democrats campaigned for during the general election. Norwich South MP Simon Wright said:
"Liberal Democrats made the correct judgement last month to be influential partners in a majority coalition, rather than be marginalised opponents of a minority Government entirely implementing Conservative policies," the Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader said.
I am very concerned by the plans to merge Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Police Forces. As will be even more evident after today's emergency budget, tough decisions lie ahead for all public sector organisations, including the police, and Bedford Borough residents could lose out if those decisions are taken more remotely.