Liberal Democrats at North Yorkshire County Council today branded the ruling Tories "callous and irresponsible". This follows the Tories' decision to impose a Council Tax increase of 4.75%, twice the rate of inflation. This means an increase of around £45 per year for a band D household. The Conservatives voted against a Liberal Democrat amendment to the budget calling for a lower increase of 3.75%.
Braunstone resident and campaigner Ian Bradwell was recognised by the City Councils Licensing Department for his work in getting taxi drivers to accept guide dogs into their taxis.
Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor, Vince Cable, has today written to Alistair Darling calling on him to explain why the Government is not planning to nationalise Northern Rock's Granite fund, which holds many of the bank's best assets. During yesterday's debate on the bank's nationalisation Dr Cable said the separation of the best mortgages from the nationalised parts of Northern Rock had the appearance of "an asset-stripping operation". The Lib Dems abstained at the bill's third reading, with Dr Cable warning that "we need to build into the Bill provisions to create much more transparency than has existed so far." At today's PMQs Nick Clegg said Gordon Brown seemed to be "jeopardising the interests of British taxpayers all over again by hiving off the bank's best assets elsewhere." He also called on the PM to admit that "if he had acted sooner, he could have saved the taxpayer the tens of millions of pounds frittered away on bidders' costs and prevented the untold damage done to this country's reputation as
Too many families in Wolverhampton are losing their homes because of difficulties over mortgage payments, claims leading local Liberal Democrat campaigner and Park Ward candidate Claire Darke.
Brian Paddick, Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of London has welcomed a PinkNews.co.uk poll that shows strong support amongst gay voters. On first preferences Mr Livingstone won 37.66%, Mr Paddick 36.71%, with the Tory and Green nominees trailing.
In a key meeting today, Kent Fire Authority have voted for cuts to Folkestone Fire Brigade. The Conservative dominated Authority voted by 14 votes to one against for the cuts to the Folkestone Brigade, which will now lose its second full-time engine, 24 full-time fire-fighters and lose its turntable ladder. The only member of the Fire Authority to vote against was Liberal Democrat Andy Stamp.