Tax England's green and pleasant land By Samuel Brittan Samuel Brittan argues for a Land Tax, saying "Properly thought through, a land tax should appeal to both main political parties, let alone Lib Dem backsliders." That hurts, the LibDems need to lead on LVT. What are Vince Cable, Chris Huhne, Danny Alexander, David Laws etc. waiting for, a focus group or the Daily Mail to say its OK?
South Lakes MP Tim Farron has today called for more to be done to help stop heating oil thefts in Cumbria.
South Lakes MP Tim Farron has welcomed the Government's proposals to cut red tape for farmers but urges that more must be done to support struggling farmers after latest figures reveal Cumbrian farmers have below average levels of diversified activity.
Although the question of Scottish independence has been simmering in the background for some years we are finally waking up to the fact it is well and truly upon us and real debate is here. The negotiations last week between the First Minister for Scotland Alex Salmond, The Secretary of State for Scotland, Michael Moore and the Prime Minister, David Cameron have indeed made headlines over the past few weeks. What is certain is that we have to confront the situation and there will be a referendum but how and when is still to be decided. Alex Salmond and the Scottish National Party (SNP) want to delay until 2014 whilst the UK Government want to go ahead with the referendum next year. Salmond also wants a second option to be included in the referendum, the offer of 'Home Rule or Devo-Max' whilst the government favour one 'in - out' simple question. Currently there are public consultations going on to inform the resolution of these issues. This is an important chance to have our say and we must take it.
Lib Dems in Newcastle are calling for the Council to take a lead to breathe new life into our remaining local post offices. In the Labour Government's last 18 months, no fewer than 2500 local post offices were closed, a damaging blow to many local communities.
OECD economist Romain Duval said Britain's council tax regime was "highly regressive" and needed reform. Duval said the OECD advocated a replacement with "a property tax based on current market values or a land tax" Read full article here in the International Business Times. ALTER needs to publicise this and remind our coalition Partners.