Improved Pension offer to public service workers
Public Service Pensions Reform - Good pensions that will last
5 Nov 2011
National News
Brentwood Liberal Democrat councillors: We have paid OUR council tax
Brentwood's Liberal Democrat councillors are pleased to confirm that they have ALL paid their council tax either in full, are paying by installments or as part of ther tenancy agreements, as would be expected of any Brentwood resident.
5 Nov 2011
Disbelief over Tories' failure to use cash on time
Brentwood's Lib Dem County Councillors David Kendall and Barry Aspinell have expressed disbelief at the news that Tory controlled Essex County Council has had to hand back £700,000 to developers because they did not use the money on time. They are also shocked to hear that the County Council is sitting on a £42 million pot of unspent cash dished out by developers. The news came to light following a freedom of information request. The money relates to when planning permission is granted, developers often sign deals known as section 106 agreements with the Council. The contracts guarantee the payment of a certain sum, usually proportionate to the size of the development, to fund school, road or other infrastructure improvments in the surrounding area. However, many of the contracts have use it or lose it deadlines by which the money must be spent or handed back to the developer. Cllr David Kendall said: "Residents will find this situation inexcusable and unbelievable at this difficult economic time when tha
5 Nov 2011
Julian Huppert calls for reform of Public Order Act
Lib Dem MP, Julian Huppert, has called for reform of the Public Order Act. Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986 criminalises all those who use "threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour" within the hearing or sight of a person "likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress". This has resulted in the suppression of free speech, particularly in cases involving the differences of opinion over religion - the return of blasphemy laws by the back door. Liberal Democrat MP Dr to remove the use of the word 'insulting'. Read his thoughts on the need for the change here: http://www.libdemvoice.org/julian-huppert-mp-writes-the-public-order-act-more-than-a-little-insulting-25695.html
5 Nov 2011
Could a ‘Dale Farm’ incident happen in Wiltshire?
Councillor Ian West (Till and Wylye Valley) asked this question of the council. He also enquired what lessons Wiltshire Council has learned from the expensive and confrontational removal of travellers from the Essex site.
4 Nov 2011
Question draws out benefits of Wiltshire’s involvement in Europe.
Councillor Michael Cuthbert-Murray (Westbury East) has put the following question to Wiltshire Council:
4 Nov 2011