Liberal Democrat councillors proposed a council budget which would have increased the district council's share of the tax bill by just 0.6%, but were overruled by the Conservative majority which pushed through a 2.5% increase instead.
Gordon Brown has moved to quell a backbench revolt over the abolition of the 10p income tax band amid fears it will hit some low-paid families. Mr Brown has assured former Labour whip Greg Pope - who tabled a Commons motion calling for action which was signed by 43 Labour MPs - that he will look again at the impact of the changes. This comes after Licensing Minister Gerry Sutcliffe criticised alcohol tax rises in this year's Budget, although he later backtracked, saying, peculiarly, "my comments do not accurately reflect my views". Health Minister Ivan Lewis recently criticised Gordon Brown's style of government. Commentators have suggested that the Government is in disarray.
Dundee Liberal Democrats today (Tuesday 8th April) slammed Labour's abolition of the 10p rate of income tax and its clear "abandoning of the low paid - a sad reflection of what the Labour Party stands for today."
People who have had depression may be more prone to Alzheimer's disease, two studies suggest. Dutch researchers found Alzheimer's was 2.5 times more likely in people with a history of depression. Similarly, US researchers, examining Catholic clergy, found those with signs of depression were more likely to go on to develop Alzheimer's.
A football referee secretly filmed in charge of a game while claiming disability benefits has been sentenced to a 12-month community order. Christopher Stockwell, 52, of Kidwelly, was also ordered by magistrates at Haverfordwest to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and will repay the £9,034.
The Princess Royal is to visit a horse riding centre for the disabled to mark its 10th birthday.
