Epsom & Ewell Borough Council have increased their expenditure by 6% in their budget for 2004/2005 and their share of the Council Tax by 4.75%. The RA party rejected a Lib Dem amendment proposing a smaller 4% rise.
The Conservative's spending plans outlined by Shadow Chancellor Oliver Letwin this week could mean additional Council Tax rises of 10%. Amongst their uncosted plans for two tier health and education services and a reduction in money available to fight crime and improve our transport system, is a proposal to reduce spending on local government by £1.9billion. Compensating for this reduction could mean a rise of 10% in Council Tax.
If the Government gave the go-ahead for commercialising GM maize, as is expected next week, it would not be based on flawed scientific trials and fly in the face of public opinion, the Liberal Democrats warned today.
The Government are planning to give the go ahead for GM crops to be grown in Britain, and intend to stage-manage their policy statement to Parliament, according to a leaked memo.
Charles Kennedy has given his personal pledge of support to the man tipped to become the Party's first non-white elected parliamentarian this June.
Responding to fears expressed by wildlife groups that keeping water bills low would mean less funding for environmental and water quality improvements, Norman Baker MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, said:
