The introduction of 'Universal Credit' will affect most people in Wiltshire to some degree. UC is a single benefit payment which replaces Income Support, income-based Jobseekers Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit. Disability Living Allowance will be replaced by Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for people over 16.
Yesterday morning I was out in the early morning sunshine in Renhold to support a joint enforcement operation between the Council and the police. Renhold has suffered from excessive numbers of Heavy Goods Vehicles running through the village, and we were there to monitor compliance with the 7.5 tonne weight limit and timed restrictions which are in place.
Madam Chair.
3 years of work on Wiltshire's Core Strategy was today put at risk as a result of an irresponsible, kneejerk amendment, forced through by Conservative councillors. The amendment which changed the rules with regard to the fighting of wind farms, means that local community's will no longer have the final say on whether they want a wind farm in their area.
South lakes MP Tim Farron has today welcomed the Chancellor's decision to scrap an increase in fuel duty planned for August this year.
Wiltshire Council officers spent a couple of months analysing the one thousand seven hundred responses received from individuals and organisations during the consultation period which ended on April 2nd. They decided not to make any significant changes.