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Conservative Liberal Democrat coalition agreements

Wed, 12 May 2010 12:40:00 GMT

This document sets out agreements reached between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats on a range of issues. These are the issues that needed to be resolved between us in order for us to work together as a strong and stable government. It will be followed in due course by a final Coalition Agreement, covering the full range of policy and including foreign, defence and domestic policy issues not covered in this document.

The parties agree that deficit reduction and continuing to ensure economic recovery is the most urgent issue facing Britain. We have therefore agreed that there will need to be:

a significantly accelerated reduction in the structural deficit over the course of a Parliament, with the main burden of deficit reduction borne by reduced spending rather than increased taxes;
arrangements that will protect those on low incomes from the effect of public sector pay constraint and other spending constraints; and
protection of jobs by stopping Labour’s proposed jobs tax.

The parties agree that a plan for deficit reduction should be set out in an emergency budget within 50 days of the signing of any agreement; the parties note that the credibility of a plan on deficit reduction depends on its long-term deliverability, not just the depth of immediate cuts. New forecasts of growth and borrowing should be made by an independent Office for Budget Responsibility for this emergency budget.

The parties agree that modest cuts of £6 billion to non-front line services can be made within the financial year 2010-11, subject to advice from the Treasury and the Bank of England on their feasibility and advisability. Some proportion of these savings can be used to support jobs, for example through the cancelling of some backdated demands for business rates. Other policies upon which we are agreed will further support job creation and green investment, such as work programmes for the unemployed and a green deal for energy efficiency investment.

The parties agree that reductions can be made to the Child Trust Fund and tax credits for higher earners.

The parties agree that a full Spending Review should be held, reporting this Autumn, following a fully consultative process involving all tiers of government and the private sector.

The parties agree that funding for the NHS should increase in real terms in each year of the Parliament, while recognising the impact this decision would have on other departments. The target of spending 0.7% of GNI on overseas aid will also remain in place.

We will fund a significant premium for disadvantaged pupils from outside the schools budget by reductions in spending elsewhere.

The parties commit to holding a full Strategic Security and Defence Review alongside the Spending Review with strong involvement of the Treasury.

The Government will be committed to the maintenance of Britain’s nuclear deterrent, and have agreed that the renewal of Trident should be scrutinised to ensure value for money. Liberal Democrats will continue to make the case for alternatives. We will immediately play a strong role in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference, and press for continued progress on multilateral disarmament.

The parties commit to establishing an independent commission to review the long term affordability of public sector pensions, while protecting accrued rights.

We will restore the earnings link for the basic state pension from April 2011 with a “triple guarantee” that pensions are raised by the higher of earnings, prices or 2.5%, as proposed by the Liberal Democrats.

The parties agree that the personal allowance for income tax should be increased in order to help lower and middle income earners. We agree to announce in the first Budget a substantial increase in the personal allowance from April 2011, with the benefits focused on those with lower and middle incomes. This will be funded with the money that would have been used to pay for the increase in Employee National Insurance thresholds proposed by the Conservatives, as well as revenues from increases in Capital Gains Tax rates for non-business assets as described below. The increase in Employer National Insurance thresholds proposed by the Conservatives will go ahead in order to stop Labour’s jobs tax. We also agree to a longer term policy objective of further increasing the personal allowance to £10,000, making further real terms steps each year towards this objective.

We agree that this should take priority over other tax cuts, including cuts to Inheritance Tax. We also agree that provision will be made for Liberal Democrat MPs to abstain on budget resolutions to introduce transferable tax allowances for married couples without prejudice to this coalition agreement.

The parties agree that a switch should be made to a per-plane, rather than per-passenger duty; a proportion of any increased revenues over time will be used to help fund increases in the personal allowance.

We further agree to seek a detailed agreement on taxing non-business capital gains at rates similar or close to those applied to income, with generous exemptions for entrepreneurial business activities.

The parties agree that tackling tax avoidance is essential for the new government, and that all efforts will be made to do so, including detailed development of Liberal Democrat proposals.

The parties agree that reform to the banking system is essential to avoid a repeat of Labour’s financial crisis, to promote a competitive economy, to sustain the recovery and to protect and sustain jobs.

We agree that a banking levy will be introduced. We will seek a detailed agreement on implementation.

We agree to bring forward detailed proposals for robust action to tackle unacceptable bonuses in the financial services sector; in developing these proposals, we will ensure they are effective in reducing risk.

We agree to bring forward detailed proposals to foster diversity, promote mutuals and create a more competitive banking industry.

We agree that ensuring the flow of credit to viable SMEs is essential for supporting growth and should be a core priority for a new government, and we will work together to develop effective proposals to do so. This will include consideration of both a major loan guarantee scheme and the use of net lending targets for the nationalised banks.

The parties wish to reduce systemic risk in the banking system and will establish an independent commission to investigate the complex issue of separating retail and investment banking in a sustainable way; while recognising that this would take time to get right, the commission will be given an initial time frame of one year to report.

The parties agree that the regulatory system needs reform to avoid a repeat of Labour’s financial crisis. We agree to bring forward proposals to give the Bank of England control of macro-prudential regulation and oversight of micro-prudential regulation.

The parties also agree to rule out joining the European Single Currency during the duration of this agreement.

We have agreed that there should be an annual limit on the number of non-EU economic migrants admitted into the UK to live and work. We will consider jointly the mechanism for implementing the limit. We will end the detention of children for immigration purposes.

The parties agree to the establishment of five year fixed-term parliaments. A Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government will put a binding motion before the House of Commons in the first days following this agreement stating that the next general election will be held on the first Thursday of May 2015. Following this motion, legislation will be brought forward to make provision for fixed term parliaments of five years. This legislation will also provide for dissolution if 55% or more of the House votes in favour.

The parties will bring forward a Referendum Bill on electoral reform, which includes provision for the introduction of the Alternative Vote in the event of a positive result in the referendum, as well as for the creation of fewer and more equal sized constituencies. Both parties will whip their Parliamentary Parties in both Houses to support a simple majority referendum on the Alternative Vote, without prejudice to the positions parties will take during such a referendum.
The parties will bring forward early legislation to introduce a power of recall, allowing voters to force a by-election where an MP was found to have engaged in serious wrongdoing and having had a petition calling for a by-election signed by 10% of his or her constituents.

We agree to establish a committee to bring forward proposals for a wholly or mainly elected upper chamber on the basis of proportional representation. The committee will come forward with a draft motions by December 2010. It is likely that this bill will advocate single long terms of office. It is also likely there will be a grandfathering system for current Peers. In the interim, Lords appointments will be made with the objective of creating a second chamber reflective of the share of the vote secured by the political parties in the last general election.

The parties will bring forward the proposals of the Wright Committee for reform to the House of Commons in full – starting with the proposed committee for management of programmed business and including government business within its scope by the third year of the Parliament.

The parties agree to reduce electoral fraud by speeding up the implementation of individual voter registration.
We have agreed to establish a commission to consider the ‘West Lothian question’.

The parties agree to the implementation of the Calman Commission proposals and the offer of a referendum on further Welsh devolution.

The parties will tackle lobbying through introducing a statutory register of lobbyists. We also agree to pursue a detailed agreement on limiting donations and reforming party funding in order to remove big money from politics.

The parties will promote the radical devolution of power and greater financial autonomy to local government and community groups. This will include a full review of local government finance.

The parties agree to phase out the default retirement age and hold a review to set the date at which the state pension age starts to rise to 66, although it will not be sooner than 2016 for men and 2020 for women. We agree to end the rules requiring compulsory annuitisation at 75.

We agree to implement the Parliamentary and Health Ombudsman’s recommendation to make fair and transparent payments to Equitable Life policy holders, through an independent payment scheme, for their relative loss as a consequence of regulatory failure.

The parties agree to end all existing welfare to work programmes and to create a single welfare to work programme to help all unemployed people get back into work.

We agree that Jobseeker’s Allowance claimants facing the most significant barriers to work should be referred to the aforementioned newly created welfare to work programme immediately, not after 12 months as is currently the case. We agree that Jobseeker’s Allowance claimants aged under 25 should be referred to the programme after a maximum of six months.

The parties agree to realign contracts with welfare to work service providers to reflect more closely the results they achieve in getting people back into work.

We agree that the funding mechanism used by government to finance welfare to work programmes should be reformed to reflect the fact that initial investment delivers later savings in lower benefit expenditure.

We agree that receipt of benefits for those able to work should be conditional on the willingness to work.

Schools

We agree to promote the reform of schools in order to ensure:

that new providers can enter the state school system in response to parental demand;
that all schools have greater freedom over curriculum; and,
that all schools are held properly accountable.

Higher education

We await Lord Browne’s final report into higher education funding, and will judge its proposals against the need to:

increase social mobility;
take into account the impact on student debt;
ensure a properly funded university sector;
improve the quality of teaching;
advance scholarship; and,
attract a higher proportion of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

If the response of the Government to Lord Browne’s report is one that Liberal Democrats cannot accept, then arrangements will be made to enable Liberal Democrat MPs to abstain in any vote.

We agree that the British Government will be a positive participant in the European Union, playing a strong and positive role with our partners, with the goal of ensuring that all the nations of Europe are equipped to face the challenges of the 21st century: global competitiveness, global warming and global poverty.

We agree that there should be no further transfer of sovereignty or powers over the course of the next Parliament. We will examine the balance of the EU’s existing competences and will, in particular, work to limit the application of the Working Time Directive in the United Kingdom.

We agree that we will amend the 1972 European Communities Act so that any proposed future Treaty that transferred areas of power, or competences, would be subject to a referendum on that Treaty – a ‘referendum lock’. We will amend the 1972 European Communities Act so that the use of any passerelle would require primary legislation.

We will examine the case for a United Kingdom Sovereignty Bill to make it clear that ultimate authority remains with Parliament.

We agree that Britain will not join or prepare to join the Euro in this Parliament.

We agree that we will strongly defend the UK’s national interests in the forthcoming EU budget negotiations and that the EU budget should only focus on those areas where the EU can add value.

We agree that we will press for the European Parliament only to have one seat, in Brussels.

We agree that we will approach forthcoming legislation in the area of criminal justice on a case by case basis, with a view to maximising our country’s security, protecting Britain’s civil liberties and preserving the integrity of our criminal justice system. Britain will not participate in the establishment of any European Public Prosecutor.

The parties agree to implement a full programme of measures to reverse the substantial erosion of civil liberties under the Labour Government and roll back state intrusion.

This will include:

A Freedom or Great Repeal Bill.
The scrapping of ID card scheme, the National Identity register, the next generation of biometric passports and the Contact Point Database.
Outlawing the finger-printing of children at school without parental permission.
The extension of the scope of the Freedom of Information Act to provide greater transparency.
Adopting the protections of the Scottish model for the DNA database.
The protection of historic freedoms through the defence of trial by jury.
The restoration of rights to non-violent protest.
The review of libel laws to protect freedom of speech.
Safeguards against the misuse of anti-terrorism legislation.
Further regulation of CCTV.
Ending of storage of internet and email records without good reason.
A new mechanism to prevent the proliferation of unnecessary new criminal offences.

The parties agree to implement a full programme of measures to fulfil our joint ambitions for a low carbon and eco-friendly economy, including:

The establishment of a smart grid and the roll-out of smart meters.
The full establishment of feed-in tariff systems in electricity – as well as the maintenance of banded ROCs.
Measures to promote a huge increase in energy from waste through anaerobic digestion.
The creation of a green investment bank.
The provision of home energy improvement paid for by the savings from lower energy bills.
Retention of energy performance certificates while scrapping HIPs.
Measures to encourage marine energy.
The establishment of an emissions performance standard that will prevent coal-fired power stations being built unless they are equipped with sufficient CCS to meet the emissions performance standard.
The establishment of a high-speed rail network.
The cancellation of the third runway at Heathrow.
The refusal of additional runways at Gatwick and Stansted.
The replacement of the Air Passenger Duty with a per flight duty.
The provision of a floor price for carbon, as well as efforts to persuade the EU to move towards full auctioning of ETS permits.
Measures to make the import or possession of illegal timber a criminal offence.
Measures to promote green spaces and wildlife corridors in order to halt the loss of habitats and restore biodiversity.
Mandating a national recharging network for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Continuation of the present Government’s proposals for public sector investment in CCS technology for four coal-fired power stations; and a specific commitment to reduce central government carbon emissions by 10 per cent within 12 months.
We are agreed that we would seek to increase the target for energy from renewable sources, subject to the advice of the Climate Change Committee.

Liberal Democrats have long opposed any new nuclear construction. Conservatives, by contrast, are committed to allowing the replacement of existing nuclear power stations provided they are subject to the normal planning process for major projects (under a new national planning statement) and provided also that they receive no public subsidy.
We have agreed a process that will allow Liberal Democrats to maintain their opposition to nuclear power while permitting the government to bring forward the national planning statement for ratification by Parliament so that new nuclear construction becomes possible.

This process will involve:

the government completing the drafting of a national planning statement and putting it before Parliament;
pecific agreement that a Liberal Democrat spokesman will speak against the planning statement, but that Liberal Democrat MPs will abstain; and
clarity that this will not be regarded as an issue of confidence.

Nick Clegg launches My Personal Guarantee

Tue, 4 May 2010 15:33:00 GMT

“This is my personal guarantee that I will use all the support you give me on Thursday to deliver fairness in Britain.

“We need a fairer tax system. I will use your votes to cut taxes for those at the bottom and in the middle and close the loopholes for those at the top.

“We need to support our children. I will use your votes to ensure extra funding for schools, to cut class sizes and give all children a fair chance.

“We need to clean up politics. I will use your votes to reform Parliament, to deliver a fairer voting system, protect your freedoms and give you the right to sack corrupt MPs.

“We need a new economy. I will use your vote to split up the banks, get them lending again, invest in green infrastructure and so create jobs.

“This election campaign has shown us that millions of people want us to do something different this time.

“Politicians should work together to solve the nation’s biggest problems.

“That is why, whatever the outcome on Thursday, I believe we should be prepared to work together to fix the terrible state of our public finances and ensure economic stability.

“These are the key steps to a new, fairer Britain. Give me the power of your vote and we can make it happen.

“Together, we can make the difference.”

View Nick Clegg's guarantee here.

Nick Clegg launches Liberal Democrat environment manifesto

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The proposals include a £3.1bn green economic stimulus package, plans to slash energy use and improve energy efficiency, and a UK Infrastructure Bank to embed green investment for the long term.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said:

“This election is not like any other.

“Climate scientists tell us that the next government will be the last that can stop dangerous climate change.

“That is a huge responsibility for the party that wins this election. But it’s an even bigger responsibility for the voters that will choose them on May 6.

“So my message is this: don’t settle for a Labour party that has had thirteen years to deliver on the environment and has failed. Don’t settle for a Conservative party that talks the talk on green issues, only to align themselves with climate change deniers in the European Parliament. And don’t give your vote to a Green Party that cannot make a difference in Westminster.

“Instead, choose the only party that was taking a stand on saving the planet well before it became fashionable. The only party that has led the way on tackling climate change, from championing the 10:10 campaign in our councils, to setting out radical plans in Parliament to cut Britain’s carbon emissions. Choose the only party that in the wake of the economic crisis is setting out a credible vision for a new and sustainable economy.

“Something really exciting is happening in British politics. This is a huge opportunity to set Britain on the road to a prosperous and green future.

“We should seize it.”

Liberal Democrats set out radical plans for schools

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 06:44:00 GMT

We will invest an extra £2.5bn in schools through a Pupil Premium that will raise funding for the poorest pupils to private school levels.

The money will be targeted at schools taking on children who need more help, but will benefit every child in every school. The cash can be used to cut class sizes and provide one-to-one tuition or catch-up classes, ensuring every child gets the individual attention they need.

An average primary school could cut class sizes to 20. An average secondary school could see classes of just 16.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said:

“In 1997, when New Labour was first elected, no one would have believed it would end like this.

“Labour’s bright promise of a fair society has faded away.

“Our big task now is giving people back their hope that things can be different, and better, and that the fair society we have hoped for so long can become a reality.

“If you want to build that fair society I believe education is everything. That is why the biggest financial commitment in our manifesto is to our schools.

“With the deficit as it is, everyone knows money is tight, but this is a question of priorities.

“We have identified in our manifesto £15bn of savings, of which we will redirect just £5bn to alternate spending. It is a measure of my personal commitment and passion for education that half of that money will go into our schools.

“Our plans will raise the money spent on the million children from the poorest backgrounds to private school levels.

“Headteachers will be able to use that money on a whole range of measures to help all pupils and all schools.

“Cutting class sizes, providing more one-to-one tuition and catch-up classes: whatever suits their school and their pupils’ needs best. With a simple, but profound ambition: to make sure every child gets the fair start in life they deserve.”

To give every child a fair start, we will spend an extra £2.5bn a year on schools. The money will be targeted at schools taking on children who need more help, but will benefit every child in every school. The cash can be used to cut class sizes, provide one-to-one tuition, catch-up classes or in anyway the school wishes, ensuring every child gets the individual attention they need. An average primary school could cut class sizes to 20. An average secondary school could see classes of just 16.

Performance at school is closely linked to children’s background. The poorest children are only half as likely to get 5 good GCSEs as other children. Too often, the poorest children start school already struggling and fall further behind as they grow older.

Schools taking disadvantaged children aren’t getting the money they need to cut class sizes and provide them with extra support. The existing methods for distributing deprivation related funding are confusing and inconsistent. Nearly one in three secondary school pupils eligible for free school meals attends a relatively affluent secondary school.

Area based targeting therefore misses a large proportion of the poorest pupils – including in many rural areas. There is a huge gap between poor children in different parts of the country: in Kensington and Chelsea, 59% of poor children get 5 good GCSEs, while in Rutland, it’s 14%.

The Pupil Premium would be available to the school which each disadvantaged pupil attended. It would be attached to the million children with the highest levels of disadvantage. The Pupil Premium would be set nationally and it would top up a national per pupil base funding figure. It will raise the poorest children’s school funding to private school levels, with the average school receiving around £2500 extra for every child entitled to free school meals on their roll. Head teachers would be free to spend the money as they see fit, to raise standards in their school.

This policy costs £2.5bn a year, and will be introduced in the second year of the Parliament after our jobs stimulus package, paid for from savings in government such as our proposed reforms to tax credits (which will save up to £1.5bn) and administrative savings in the Department for Education and quangos (which saves up to an additional £1bn).

Liberal Democrats launch a fair deal for rural Britain

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 10:39:00 GMT

The proposals will reform the tax system to promote affordable housing, create an independent food market regulator to ensure fair trade for British farmers and ensure Post Offices stay at the heart of community life.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said:

“The Liberal Democrats are proud to represent huge swathes of rural Britain. We want to protect the countryside, and make it a place people can afford to live and work, with access to reliable local services.

“Sadly, too many local schools, hospitals and post offices are under pressure and many face closure.

“House prices are expensive, driven up by second home owners while local people can’t afford a home of their own, public transport is often non-existent, and supermarkets are giving farmers and shoppers a raw deal.

“The Liberal Democrats want to make sure that people who live in the countryside get a fair deal.

“We’ve published a manifesto full of new ideas to provide affordable homes for local people; keep post offices open; give local people a say on bus fares and routes in their area; and stop big food companies from bullying farmers and shoppers.”

Nick Clegg and Vince Cable set out radical banking reforms

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 06:40:00 GMT

The plans include:

Breaking up the banks and a Banking Levy
Getting the banks lending
Local Enterprise Funds
Regional Stock Exchanges
Supporting mutuals

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said:

“At the heart of our plans for economic change is a simple insight: we need to devolve and disperse economic power, particularly in the banking sector.

“Most people, except perhaps Gordon Brown, now recognise that too much centralisation in politics has led to wasteful bureaucratic public services and a command-and-control state that leeches power away from people.

“I believe the same analysis can be made of our economy.

“Power has been too concentrated in a few super-banks.

“The building societies and regional banks that used to be the bedrock of families’ and small businesses’ access to credit have been swallowed up.

“And accessing equity investment, so you don’t have to rely on loans to grow your business, can be almost impossible unless you’re already big enough to cope with the burdens of listing on a stock exchange in London.

“Trying to grow businesses without money is like trying to grow plants without soil.

“We will create a totally different financial system; a completely different ecology of banking. More mutuals; a Post Office Bank; credit unions; Regional Stock Exchanges; Local Enterprise Funds to attract venture capital into small businesses.

“And for the banks: fundamental change. We will break them up and break them down.

“To re-root our banks in the communities they serve by making them, quite simply, smaller.

“And to protect people’s everyday savings from being used to fuel the casino culture of the global financial industry by separating retail and investment banking for good.

“Under the Liberal Democrats, the financial infrastructure of Britain will be different.

“Diverse, devolved and open, where more money is available, on reasonable terms to families and local businesses, not from distant super-banks but locally.”

We will split up the banks, to separate low risk deposit taking banking and utility banking from high risk investment banking. We appreciate that separating these banking functions is complex, and will take time. We will consult about the best way to split up these banks. However until such a time, the taxpayer will have to continue underwriting the banks. To recognise this we are proposing a new levy on bank profits at a rate of 10%.

This levy would be supplementary to corporation tax. However, unlike corporation tax, it would be payable on all profits made within the tax year, without the deduction of previous years’ losses. Unlike windfall taxes, a banking levy of the kind we are proposing is not arbitrary as it is a direct recognition that banks have received beneficial and explicit taxpayer support without having to pay for it.

A Liberal Democrat Government will immediately set new net lending targets for both Lloyds and RBS for 2010-11, to ensure that amount of money available to British businesses increases in the next 12 months. We will make it clear that these targets are non-negotiable. If at the end of the year the Chancellor of the Exchequer judges that these lending targets have not been met, the Board of Directors of these two banking groups will be held personally responsible and will be dismissed.

This policy is part of the Liberal Democrats’ view that the priority of the nationalised banks must not be to repair their balance sheets in preparation for a swift reprivatisation but they should be solely focussed on supporting the recovery through lending to good British businesses.

We will connect local entrepreneurs with local wealth through the creation of Local Enterprise Funds (LEFs). LEFs are tax efficient investment vehicles which will invest in start-up/early stage businesses looking for equity investments of £75,000 to £150,000. This will provide entrepreneurs with the access to the capital they need to develop and ultimately commercialise their ideas.

Entrepreneurs who successfully attract seed capital often require further development capital to continue climbing the Ladder of Enterprise. Many such rapidly expanding SMEs will be unable to support additional bank debt and are still too small to attract private equity interest or access existing stock markets. We will introduce a network of Regional Stock Exchanges (RSEs) to act as regional platforms, matching local investors with growing SMEs to provide cost-effective access to equity. RSEs will make a significant long-term contribution to economic growth throughout the UK.

We believe there is a particularly important role for mutuals, social enterprises and co-operatives to play in the creation of a more balanced and mixed economy. We will:

Give financial regulators a clear objective of maintaining a diversity of providers in the financial services industry.
Seek to turn Northern Rock into a mutual, and investigate whether mutualisation could be applied to parts of other financial institutions owned by the government.
Divide ownership of the Royal Mail between an employee trust and the government, with the remaining 49% being sold to create funds for investment. To give both Royal Mail and post offices a long term future, we would separate Post Office limited and retain it in full public ownership.
Pass a new Mutuals Bill to bring the law up to date and give responsibility for mutuals to a specific minister.

Labour has let down everyone who wants a fairer Britain

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:53:00 GMT

Britain has been let down by Labour who have taken many seats for granted for a generation and left Britain more unequal than ever.

The proposals will give every child a fair start in education and make sure the first £10,000 you earn is tax free, giving 3.6m people tax freedom and millions more a tax break of £700 a year.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said:

“In Hull, just like in cities across the North, Liberal Democrats are providing hope and opportunity to local people. We are the only challenger to Labour here.

“Liberal Democrats have a vision for doing things differently that will make life fairer for millions of families who have been let down by Labour.

“We will put money back in people’s pockets, making sure the first £10,000 you earn is tax free, paid for by closing loopholes that unfairly benefit those at the top.

“We will break up the banks and rebuild the economy in Britain’s industrial heartlands.

“We will put more money into our schools for smaller class sizes and more one-to-one tuition to provide every child with a fair start.

“And we will clean up politics and make sure every vote counts, so people in the North can never again be taken for granted by Labour MPs who think they have a job for life.

“As a Sheffield MP, I know just what a great place the North of England is. But Labour has let people down in the North for generations, and that has to change.”

Liberal Democrats launch manifesto for farming and the uplands

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 08:30:00 GMT

The Liberal Democrats have launched their manifesto for farming and the uplands. The proposals will introduce a farming apprenticeship scheme, reform rural payments to ensure farmers get the help they need and introduce a supermarket regulator to ensure fair trade for farmers and a fair price for food.

Commenting, Tim Farron said: “The Liberal Democrats are launching a campaign to get fair trade for British farmers.

“We need to reform farm payments and bring in a powerful supermarket regulator to give both farmers and shoppers a fair price for food.

“Nick Clegg in last nights leaders’ debate proved that across the country we are in a three horse race.

“But in Britain’s countryside it’s only a two horse race between the Lib Dems and the Tories.

“Only the Liberal Democrats offer a fair future for farming.”

Liberal Democrats promise a tax cut you can believe in

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 07:07:00 GMT

The fairer tax policy will be at the heart of the party’s manifesto for the General Election.

Under the Liberal Democrats the income tax threshold would be raised to £10,000, meaning most taxpayers would see their income tax bills cut by £700.

The move is paid for by clamping down on tax avoidance, closing tax loopholes for the wealthy, a ‘mansion tax’ on homes worth more than £2 million and making sure that airlines pay for the pollution they cause.

Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said:

“Under Labour the tax system is complex, unwieldy and most of all unfair.

“This has to change. Liberal Democrats will rebalance our tax system to make it fair once and for all.

“We are proposing the biggest tax switch in generations. A radical overhaul to make sure those at the top pay their fair share in order to put money back in the pockets of people who need it.

“Unlike the Conservative party, we are setting out in full, in detail, where every last pound of the money will come from.

“That’s why this is a tax cut you can believe in.”

Underlying all Liberal Democrat tax policy is a strong framework of principles to which all Liberal Democrat tax policies will conform. These are:

Fairness – tax policies should be equitable and ensure that the payment of taxes is linked proportionately to people’s ability to pay.

Simplicity – tax policies should be clear to taxpayers and new policy should aim to eliminate complexity in existing legislation.

Certainty – tax policies should not be retrospective and should provide the taxpayer with certainty over the correct treatment.

Efficiency – tax policies should provide revenue to the government on an efficient basis and minimise tax leakage.

Transparency – the reasons behind the introduction of new tax policy and the intention of spending of revenue raised should be clearly stated to the taxpayer.

Nick Clegg launches plans for businesses

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 09:34:00 GMT

Launching ‘Enterprise in a Fair Society’, Nick Clegg set out details of the Liberal Democrats’ manifesto pledges for business. The proposals include:

Restoring a public interest test for regulatory authorities to consider when takeovers are proposed and changing the rules on which shareholders can vote on takeover proposals
Ensuring affordable access to credit for businesses by creating new mechanisms to provide equity finance to smaller businesses
Incorporating a ‘sunset’ clause into every new business regulation so that it is time limited unless renewed by Parliament

The document also sets out how the Liberal Democrats would create an education system that provides skilled workers, a stable economy that reduces the public deficit and a fair and stable tax platform on which businesses can operate.

Launching the document while visiting start-up businesses in Warrington, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said:

“For too long, Labour and Conservative governments have focused solely on the firms in one square mile in the City of London, while failing to support businesses across the country.

“The Government has failed to force the banks to lend to viable British businesses and won’t face up to the need to break up the big banks to protect the economy.

“Who would have thought that when the taxpayer stepped in to rescue the banks, we would now be funding takeovers like that of Cadbury by Kraft?

“The Liberal Democrats will stand up for strong British businesses by changing the takeover rules to protect them from the short-term speculation of hedge funds and restoring a public interest test.”

Liberal Democrat Shadow Business Secretary John Thurso said:

“Following the banking collapse and the worst recession since the 1930s, the Liberal Democrats want to rebuild the economy very differently.

“We will create the conditions for a thriving, balanced and environmentally sustainable economy with jobs that last.

“Britain depends on successful profitable businesses to create the nation’s wealth. Only the Liberal Democrats will give businesses the tools to get on with the job.”

If you want real change - vote Liberal Democrat

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 07:00:00 GMT

Labservatism may seem like a bit of a joke. But the reality isn’t funny at all.

For the last sixty-five years Labour and the Conservatives have been in charge and look where it’s got us.

Britain is less fair than it’s been for decades; we’re in the midst of an economic crisis caused by the greed of bankers, who were encouraged in their recklessness by the two old parties; and the political system that Labour and the Conservatives stitched up together is sunk in corruption and sleaze.

In this election you’ll hear the two of them trot out the same old slogans and recycle the same old election promises that they’ve already broken countless times. But the only thing you can really guarantee is that if they get back in nothing will really change at all. Because the way things are suits them just fine.

So if you have had enough of more of the same and you want a new approach to politics, I hope you’ll take a look at what the Liberal Democrats have to offer.

Join the fight against Labservatism and vote for change that works for you.

A fair deal for fare payers – Lib Dems pledge to cut rail fares

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 23:01:00 GMT

Currently, regulated train fares are allowed to increase above inflation (RPI+1) every year. The plans would see this change to RPI-1, so that fares come down in real terms every year.

This would be achieved by offering train companies extensions on their existing franchises in exchange for cutting fares and by making it a pre-condition of any new franchise agreements. Where a franchise cannot be extended, the companies will be compensated for cutting fares.

The plans also include refunding passengers a third of the price of their ticket if they are forced to take a rail replacement bus at any point of their journey.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said:

“Passengers crammed onto commuter trains have been forced to pay inflation-busting fares year after year while train companies rake in multi-million pound profits.

“It’s time for passengers to come first.

“The Liberal Democrats are the only party offering a fair deal for passengers.”

Commenting further, Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Secretary, Norman Baker added:

“It is time the Government stopped this train fares escalator that is so unfair on passengers.

“Labour has deliberately pushed up rail fares above inflation while the cost of driving and flying has come down.

“This shows their commitment to the environment is only skin deep.

“It is time to give a fair deal to fare payers.”

Nick Clegg sets out respite for carers guarantee

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:12:00 GMT

Nick Clegg's speech in full:

Audio Version: The Kings Fund Speech (29.22 opens in new window)

The way a society treats its elderly and vulnerable people is a true mark of its identity. With an ageing population, rising numbers of people suffering from dementia and millions of people in need of care with basics like washing, dressing and feeding themselves - if ever there was an issue for cross-party talks, this was it.

Those talks fell apart when the Conservatives chose to launch a poster and in doing so killed off one of the best hopes in recent years of agreeing a long-term settlement.

But the Labour Party contributed to this breakdown with their cynical promise of free care at home. A promise everyone now knows will actually lead to cuts in care budgets for some of the most vulnerable elderly people. This policy is one of Gordon Browns so-called dividing lines, designed to paint opposition parties into a corner rather than to improve the country.
We need a solution that unites the generations, not divides them.

A solution we can all sign up to, not just for today but for the long term.

A solution that will not be torn apart on the rocks of short-term party-political advantage.
The Liberal Democrat manifesto will confirm that progress must be and will be made on a consensus basis, by an independent, cross-party commission.

I commit us to reaching an agreement that will help all people, no matter their needs in their retirement. An agreement that is fair, affordable and sustainable.

I challenge the other party leaders to stop grandstanding and put the long-term needs of the elderly ahead of the short term demands of politics.

I would be happy to meet with Gordon Brown and David Cameron at any time on the basis of the principles I have set out to start thrashing out the beginnings of a cross-party solution.
But, even as we wait for progress on a long-term approach, that doesn’t mean we can’t do something now to help with the difficult challenges faced by the many families in which someone is in need of care.

It is time to recognise that there is a hidden army of people in Britain, without whom no social care policy would be even remotely affordable.

Between them, they save the country an estimated 87 billion a year.

They are some of the most dedicated, hard-working and under-valued people in Britain today.

They are carers: people who put in hour after hour, day after day, week after week of care for their relatives and loved ones.

The physical challenge of looking after someone who needs help.

But also the emotional challenge of seeing someone you love struggle or suffer.

There are a million carers who do this for more than 50 hours a week.

That’s more hours than anyone else is allowed to work in paid employment.

Without even the right to time off, breaks or holiday.

I am in awe of every carer, young or old.

I want to make an announcement today about a new policy we will put in our manifesto to help carers. Labour has allocated hundreds of millions of pounds to its mistaken pledge on care at home. That policy threatens other forms of social care, has not been properly costed and should be dropped.

We are proposing an alternative: guaranteed respite care for the million hardest working carers in Britain.

Paid for by redirecting the money the Department of Health has allocated to the Governments flawed care policy, together with its existing, poorly-focused funds for respite care.

It is a simple promise: if you care for more than 50 hours a week, you will have the right to a full week of respite.

Giving you the time you so desperately need to rest, recuperate, or simply have a holiday.
This commitment to carers would finally acknowledge the debt all of society owes to carers. And it would make a difference, a real difference, to a million families straight away.

The Policy in Brief

There are close to five million unpaid carers in England, with a million providing more than 50hrs care each week. Liberal Democrats believe that people who selflessly provide care to their loved ones deserve a break. In most jobs you get paid holidays but for a huge number of carers that simply isn’t an option. We believe that respite care is a lifeline - not just for carers but for whole families. That’s why we will provide a weeks break from caring every year to the million unpaid carers who provide more than 50 hours care each week.

Why is it Necessary?

Caring matters deeply to families and individuals but when you are taking care of somebody you also need to think about caring for yourself. The millions of unpaid carers in this country deserve as much support as possible and that is why we will provide a week of guaranteed respite care each year for a million carers who work the longest hours. This also makes financial sense because carers who don’t get a break can often end up suffering health problems themselves. Sustaining the ability of carers to provide the care and support they give to others is of critical importance.

Policy Detail

We will provide a weeks respite care to the million carers in England who currently provide more than 50 hours of care every week. Each carer will be entitled to receive a personal budget each year equivalent to the cost of a care homes weekly charge to redeem with whichever local service they choose.

How you use your personal budget will depend on your own circumstances. The money can be used to take one break or a series of breaks, for example: to get someone to take over caring for several weekends while the carer takes a break; payment towards the cost of the person you care for going away leaving you to take a break at home; arranging for someone to look after the person you care for at home while you go away; payment towards the cost of a break for you both together.

Each Local Health Board (currently Primary Care Trusts) will receive a block grant dependent on an assessment of the needs of their local populace and the costs of care in their local area. Local Authorities are already equipped to carry out assessments of the needs of the people requiring care, and the needs of their carers. Once such an assessment has been made and the person is considered to eligible they will be able to apply to their Local Health Board for funding for respite care. By operating the system in this way we hope to encourage improved partnerships between the NHS, social care and third sectors, in looking after the needs of carers.

Costs/Savings

We will provide a week’s respite care to the million carers in England who currently provide more than 50 hours of care every week. The total cost of this scheme will start from 460m in 2010-11 rising to 500m in 2014-15. Some people will not want to take part in the scheme and some will already qualify for respite care through local authority funding. We have therefore assumed a 90% take-up rate for this scheme.

We will pay for this by using the 420m of health funding that the government intends to use for the Personal Care at Home Bill. And we supplement this money with the 100m that has already been allocated by the Department of Health for respite care through the Carers Strategy.

Liberal Democrats launch plans to revitalise Britain’s high streets

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 23:01:00 GMT

Nick Clegg was joined by Ed Fordham, PPC for Hampstead and Kilburn, to launch the policy document Vibrant Local High Streets while visiting businesses in Kilburn on Friday morning.

The document includes proposals to:

Encourage the development of a PostBank and free the Post Office from the Royal Mail to enable it to develop new business
Introduce a local competition test for all planning applications for new retail developments to establish a fairer balance between local independent stores and large supermarkets
Establish a system of Local Enterprise Funds and regional stock exchanges to ensure small businesses get access to cost effective equity that meets their needs

Commenting, Nick Clegg said:

“Thriving high streets are at the heart of local communities.

“But it has been our high streets that have borne the brunt of this recession, with boarded up shops scarring towns and villages across Britain.

“Ministers have overseen the rapid decline of the post office network leading to even fewer people visiting the local shops.

“The Government has tilted the planning system in favour of the haphazard expansion of ubiquitous supermarkets at the expense of hard-pressed independent stores.

“The financial crisis has exposed Labour and the Conservatives’ folly of being entirely dependent on the City of London. The Liberal Democrats understand that it will be small businesses that are key to building a healthy and balanced economy.”

Liberal Democrats launch green jobs manifesto pledge

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Nick Clegg launched this latest plank of the Liberal Democrats’ economic stimulus and job creation package visiting a former shipyard in Newcastle. The proposals would enable firms to manufacture off-shore wind turbines in the UK, instead of seeing them built abroad due to out-of-date facilities.

Current plans to expand wind farms in the North and Irish seas could see every one of the 6,400 turbines needed brought in from abroad, as there are currently no turbine manufacturers in the UK.

British ports are ideally located to host turbine manufacturers due to their proximity to the off-shore wind farms; however, they are currently unable to invest due to the lack of appropriate docks with suitable space.

The proposals to invest in physical infrastructure to support a greener economy also include a pledge to invest £100million in training and testing facilities, including at universities with specialist engineering research facilities such as Loughborough, Durham and Newcastle.

Commenting, Nick Clegg said:

“We need to make sure we come out of this recession with a rebalanced and green economy.

“Our plans would act as a huge boost for Britain’s budding wind industry and create nearly 60,000 jobs in many shipyard cities where unemployment is a huge problem.

“New off-shore turbines, with blades the size of the London Eye, need to be built and launched from modern docks, so we need to upgrade our shipyards to take advantage of this massive opportunity.

“Just imagine the docks and shipyards along the coastline of Britain coming to life and leading the world in this new technology.

“Expanding off-shore wind will create jobs but unless we act now, these jobs won’t be British jobs. It’s a scandal that 90% of the £1.75bn contract for a wind farm off the coast of Kent is going to foreign contractors, with the turbines being manufactured in Germany.

“Investing in infrastructure for a new green economy not only helps create jobs now but will allow Britain to take its place at the cutting edge of this growing industrial sector for the future.

“Britain clearly has the manufacturing and engineering expertise to lead the world in this green technology but government must play its part in supporting this.”

In response to this announcement, John Sauven Greenpeace Executive Director said:

“This is the kind of practical vision that will bring Britain huge benefits.

“Using shipyards to launch a fleet of offshore turbines could make Britain an international powerhouse in wind power, and create thousands of jobs.

“But if we don’t realise the huge potential of renewable energy in the UK, then we risk being left behind by other European countries."

The Policy in brief

The Liberal Democrats will renovate and adapt facilities in seven North and Irish Sea ports so they can be used to build the giant turbines needed for off-shore wind energy. This will be a huge boost for Britain’s budding wind industry and create 57,000 jobs in many shipyard cities where unemployment is a huge problem.

This plan forms part of the Liberal Democrats’ economic stimulus and job creation package. In the first year of a Liberal Democrat government, over £3.3bn of spending will be redirected to create jobs and build up Britain’s infrastructure. In the following years this money will be redirected to other Liberal Democrar spending priorities and reducing the structural deficit.

Why is it necessary

Energy from wind must meet a much larger proportion of Britain’s energy needs if we are to cut carbon emissions and our reliance on fuel imported from abroad. But there’s a problem: there is hardly anywhere in Britain suitable to build the giant turbines needed. That holds back our industry and also the much-needed expansion of wind energy.

Liberal Democrats are committed to increasing the proportion of our electricity that comes from renewables to 40% by 2020. The majority of that electricity will have to come from off-shore wind – so we need to build at least 6,400 offshore wind turbines, 2.5 a day.

The technology we need is ready and the consortiums who have won the right to build offshore wind farms in the North and Irish Seas are now looking for manufacturers to build the turbines. If action is not taken now all the manufacturing jobs that these orders could create will go abroad where there are already the facilities to build huge wind turbines. Only if existing port facilities close to the off-shore wind farms of the North and Irish Seas are converted will the turbines be built here and the jobs created here too.

Renovating ports: The Liberal Democrats will invest £400million in refurbishing ports in the North of England and Scotland so they can manufacture offshore wind turbines. They will be upgraded so they are suitable for construction and testing facilities and are of a reasonable depth for the large boats used to transport the blades and towers. All port authorities with direct access to the North and Irish seas, the crucial areas for offshore wind development, will be invited to bid to be part of the scheme.

For example, ports in the North of England around Liverpool, Newcastle, Hull, Middlesbrough and ports in Scotland around Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen and Glasgow will all be eligible for funding. Based on the cost of the recent renovation of Great Yarmouth, it is estimated that £400million will be enough for the renovation of seven ports.

The Liberal Democrats will also invest £100million through the Renewables and Energy Efficiency Delivery Authority (an agency we will establish, modelled on the Olympics Delivery Authority) who will invest in training and testing facilities, including at universities which specialise in this kind of engineering research such as Loughborough, Durham and Newcastle. In Government, the Liberal Democrat would work with the education sector and industry to ensure we have the skilled workforce to support new world class facilities.

Jobs: This investment will create 12,000 jobs in port development and facilitate a further 45,000 new jobs in the manufacturing, construction and supply chain of offshore wind energy within the UK.

Don Foster launches 'The Power of Creativity'

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 23:01:00 GMT

Don Foster wants to see creativity and culture celebrated, as important in their own right and as powerful drivers of our national identity, global standing and affluence. The Liberal Democrats believe the status of the arts and creativity should be raised across society and government.

The proposals published in The Power of Creativity are not formal party policy but set out Don Foster’s vision of how to support the arts and culture and celebrate creativity in this country.

The paper includes proposals to:

Change the way the National Lottery is taxed to generate more money for arts and heritage as well as for the Treasury
Provide support for new start-ups in the creative industries and enable more businesses to offer internships and apprenticeships
Offer all our children a more creative education by freeing up the curriculum and increasing the amount of time trainee primary school teachers spend learning about the arts and creativity
Make it easier for small venues to host live music events by reducing bureaucracy that restricts small venues
Make sure the regions and cities outside London do not miss out by reviewing the Arts Council England’s funding structures and creating a new administrative status for national museums that will enable them to be more enterprising and independent
Open up the Government Art Collection for greater public use

Commenting, Don Foster said:

“This set of policies demonstrates our commitment to the arts and creative industries and our belief in their central importance in our society. Art and culture play a vital role in society and as well as driving regeneration they can be crucial in helping with education and even fighting crime.

“We want to move away from restrictive and bureaucratic targets for the arts and instead focus on celebrating our cultural wealth and nurturing new talent.

“In particular we want to see a greater emphasis on creativity in our education system. We will bring an end to the stifling impact of Labour’s over-prescriptive curriculum and meaningless targets.

“At a time when our creative industries offer the potential for a bright economic future in this country we will invest in creative talent.

“The future we want is a country fulfilling its creative potential.”

Liberal Democrats launch General Election plans on policing

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 23:01:00 GMT

Launching Safer Streets – More and Better Police during a visit to Durham today, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg and Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Huhne will reveal research showing that:

Police numbers have fallen in 18 out of the 43 police forces (42%) in England and Wales since 2005. Two thirds of these police authorities are currently controlled by the Tories and one third by Labour
The new officers proposed under Liberal Democrat plans could be expected to make an additional 27,500 arrests and solve more than 24,500 extra crimes each year in England and Wales alone

The extra officers, funded by the savings from scrapping ID cards, would be provided over the course of a Parliament with every area in England, Wales and Scotland benefiting.

The plans to cut crime through more and better policing also include:

Elected police authorities

Publishing detection data as well as crime data at ward level
A review of the restrictive terms and conditions for police officers, including introducing an annual fitness check for all officers on the beat

Commenting, Nick Clegg said:

“The Liberal Democrats are the only party that wants to cut crime by putting more police on the street.

“When only one in a hundred crimes ends up with a conviction in court, it is time for things to change.

“Labour and the Conservatives may talk tough but they are unwilling to make the crucial decisions to cut crime.”

Commenting further, Chris Huhne added:

“With so many forces seeing cuts in numbers, this is the right time to be promising a longer arm for the law.

“The Liberal Democrats would rather have more police officers and catch more criminals than continue with unnecessary and expensive ID cards.

“Getting more police on the beat and reforming the way they work is the only way to create safer streets.”

Cut class sizes for a fair start for children

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 23:01:00 GMT

To give every child a fair start in life, the Liberal Democrats will spend an extra £2.5bn on schools, guaranteeing them the money they need to support children who are struggling. It will be targeted at schools that take on children who need more help and can be used to ensure all pupils get the individual attention they need by cutting class sizes.

Nick Clegg, Leader of the Liberal Democrats said: "Under our plans, our schools would get further money which they could use to cut class sizes and provide more individual support.

With the current unfairness in Labour's education funding it’s no surprise there is such a gap in achievement between children from the poorest backgrounds and those families who are better off. Only when we get education funding back on track will be able to give all our children the fair start they deserve.”

Regional Breakdown

The breakdown below show is by Local Edcuation Authority and Region and shows the total amount the 'pupil premium' would invest to fund the education of all pupils, who qualify for free school meals, to private school levels.

Devon and Cornwall
East Midlands
East of England
London
North East
North West
South Central
South East
West Midlands
Yorkshire and Humber

Devon and Cornwall
Cornwall: £22,119,924
Devon: £27,309,882
Plymouth: £13,348,720
Torbay: £7,228,386

East Midlands
Derby: £16,838,354
Derbyshire: £32,470,048
Leicester: £23,709,550
Leicestershire: £18,434,688
Lincolnshire: £21,275,896
Northamptonshire: £22,892,896
Nottingham: £20,112,960
Nottinghamshire: £36,937,416
Rutland: £547,722

East of England
Bedfordshire: £16,623,328
Cambridgeshire: £18,560,700
Essex: £47,570,144
Hertfordshire: £33,886,578
Luton: £15,980,230
Norfolk: £35,747,664
Peterborough: £10,852,116
Southend-on-Sea: £9,640,800
Suffolk: £25,991,984
Thurrock: £8,204,484

London
Barking and Dagenham: £15,534,480
Barnet: £18,363,794
Bexley: £9,267,912
Brent: £16,278,826
Bromley: £12,946,948
Camden: £3,122,624
Croydon: £23,106,288
Ealing: £17,830,428
Enfield: £25,171,496
Greenwich: £10,739,148
Hackney: £471,360
Hammersmith and Fulham: £4,755,888
Haringey: £14,950,222
Harrow: £10,533,600
Havering: £9,747,252
Hillingdon: £15,851,344
Hounslow: £13,458,606
Islington: £5,777,090
Kensington and Chelsea: £2,643,456
Kingston upon Thames: £4,261,968
Lambeth: £5,380,984
Lewisham: £8,887,208
Merton: £6,726,720
Newham: £20,909,360
Redbridge: £18,047,274
Richmond upon Thames: £5,608,148
Southwark: £7,274,448
Sutton: £7,648,112
Tower Hamlets: £1,036,100
Waltham Forest: £17,491,584
Wandsworth: £9,684,664
Westminster: £7,141,440

North East
Darlington: £6,658,404
Durham: £30,862,224
Gateshead: £12,777,210
Hartlepool: £7,633,524
Middlesbrough: £14,579,768
Newcastle upon Tyne: £21,657,438
North Tyneside: £10,434,168
Northumberland: £15,159,438
Redcar and Cleveland: £10,701,600
South Tyneside: £10,956,144
Stockton-on-Tees: £12,198,290
Sunderland: £20,923,056

North West
Blackburn with Darwen: £11,897,402
Blackpool: £12,857,078
Bolton: £21,373,556
Bury: £10,720,584
Cheshire: £25,863,624
Cumbria: £20,907,720
Halton: £7,986,608
Knowsley: £15,104,580
Lancashire: £53,690,406
Liverpool: £41,373,176
Manchester: £45,775,546
Oldham: £20,525,274
Rochdale: £17,668,464
Salford: £18,312,208
Sefton: £16,340,072
St. Helens: £12,737,136
Stockport: £14,021,240
Tameside: £15,557,316
Trafford: £10,256,022
Warrington: £7,474,780
Wigan: £17,695,436
Wirral: £29,785,552

South Central
Bournemouth: £6,148,898
Bracknell Forest: £2,355,916
Buckinghamshire: £10,547,004
Hampshire: £37,239,890
Isle of Wight: £7,523,576
Milton Keynes: £11,237,096
Oxfordshire: £19,459,344
Portsmouth: £9,543,392
Reading: £6,349,220
Slough: £6,967,952
Southampton: £13,010,088
West Berkshire: £4,029,256
Windsor and Maidenhead: £2,857,428
Wokingham: £2,735,278

South East
Brighton and Hove: £11,952,778
East Sussex: £18,059,848
Kent: £55,193,304
Medway: £12,302,880
Surrey: £24,965,568
West Sussex: £16,121,568

West Midlands
Birmingham: £112,527,324
Coventry: £22,885,500
Dudley: £20,282,700
Herefordshire: £4,770,756
Sandwell: £22,228,248
Shropshire: £9,495,090
Solihull: £12,281,568
Staffordshire: £31,632,128
Stoke-on-Trent: £19,606,802
Telford and Wrekin: £12,557,152
Walsall: £22,059,618
Warwickshire: £18,273,008
Wolverhampton: £18,255,636
Worcestershire: £20,005,654

Western Counties
Bath and North East Somerset: £5,463,540
City of Bristol: £22,172,024
Dorset: £8,513,824
Gloucestershire: £19,096,416
North Somerset: £7,607,448
Poole: £3,374,136
Somerset: £15,385,612
South Gloucestershire: £8,474,416
Swindon: £11,330,496
Wiltshire: £11,341,608

Yorkshire and Humber
Barnsley: £15,947,062
Bradford: £43,771,984
Calderdale: £12,316,920
Doncaster: £19,415,036
East Riding of Yorkshire: £10,376,956
Kingston upon Hull: £21,801,012
Kirklees: £25,084,504
Leeds: £48,999,366
North East Lincolnshire: £10,127,376
North Lincolnshire: £8,009,474
North Yorkshire: £16,670,714
Rotherham: £17,115,720
Sheffield: £30,391,096
Wakefield: £18,587,472
York: £5,840,744

Giving hope back to young people: Nick Clegg launches youth jobs pledge

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 09:14:00 GMT

On the day that new statistics show the number of young people unemployed for more than six months has doubled in two years, Nick Clegg will announce the party’s plans using Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

The proposals would ensure young people do not spend more than 90 days on Jobseekers Allowance before they get more training, education, an internship or a place on a work programme.

Today’s announcement forms the next step in the Liberal Democrats’ economic stimulus and job creation package. The plans will invest almost £900m in increasing the number of further education places, giving students financial support to return to college and creating a paid internship scheme.

Commenting Nick Clegg said:

“Young people feel cheated by this recession.

“Everyone knows someone who has recently left college or university with hopes of starting a career only to find they cannot even get on the lowest rung of the job ladder.

“We must help them now or they will be left behind in any recovery.

“Our promise of more training, education, an internship or a place on a work programme will give hope to the nearly one million young people who currently can’t find a job.

“Facebook, YouTube and Twitter play just as important a role as TV or newspapers in young people’s lives. Politicians can’t ignore new and social media if they want to connect with the next generation of voters.”

Liberal Democrats launch manifesto housing pledge

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:09:00 GMT

There are hundreds of thousands of empty properties across England which are no longer used as homes but can be brought back into use with some investment. People who own these homes will get a grant or a cheap loan to renovate them so they can be used: grants if the home is for social housing, loans for private use.

The plans form part of the economic stimulus package outlined as a core principle of the Liberal Democrat election manifesto. In the first year of the new Parliament, the party would redirect over £3.3bn of spending to create jobs and build up Britain’s infrastructure. In the following years this money will be redirected to other Lib Dem spending priorities and reducing the structural deficit.

Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg today launched the plans with Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor, Vince Cable and Liberal Democrat Shadow Housing Minister, Sarah Teather. Visiting the College of North West London, they met students on construction and engineering courses who would benefit from these new plans.

Commenting, Nick Clegg said:

“Allowing thousands of houses to sit empty when millions of families have been waiting years for a home is nothing short of a scandal.

“These plans are a clear example of where Liberal Democrat priorities lie: creating jobs and providing more family homes.

“The cost of bringing these homes back into use is just a fraction of the cost of building new ones, yet the Government is sitting idly by while they fall into disrepair.

“This is one element of our economic stimulus package that will generate jobs and help Britain on its way to building a fair, sustainable economy.”

Nick Clegg puts fairness at the heart of the Liberal Democrat manifesto

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 07:30:00 GMT

The first priority is to introduce fair taxes, with radical proposals for the biggest tax reform in generations. The Liberal Democrats will close loopholes for the richest and introduce a tax on mansions to fund tax cuts of £700 for everyone else. No-one will pay income tax on the first £10,000 they earn, meaning millions of low earners and pensioners will stop paying taxes altogether, while millions more will get hundreds of pounds back in their pockets. Only the Liberal Democrats will make taxes permanently fair.

The next priority is to give every child the fair start they deserve through a huge transformation of our education system that will build the foundations of fair society. That means cutting class sizes so children get the individual attention they need to thrive. The Liberal Democrats will be putting an extra £2.5 billion into schools to pay for more teachers, better discipline and catch-up classes so children get the individual attention they all need. This means an average of £2,500 extra per pupil for the schools teaching the million most deprived children in the country, funded by taking above-average earners out of the tax credit system and cutting wasteful programmes at the Department for Education. The Liberal Democrats will also phase out tuition fees over the course of six years, so that, after school, everyone who gets the grades has the opportunity to go to university without fear of debt, no matter what their background.

Thirdly, the Liberal Democrats are the only party committed to real change of our political system. This means getting big money and corrupt donors out of politics altogether, reducing the number of MPs by 150, giving power over the police and NHS to local communities, changing the voting system to abolish safe seats and giving you the right to sack corrupt MPs. These are changes that would upend our political establishment. Neither Labour or the Conservatives will ever offer change on this scale - they will defend the status quo to the last. Only the Liberal Democrats offer the chance for a different politics. Another whitewash is unacceptable, we need permanent change to make politics clean, fair and local.

The Liberal Democrats will shift the economy away from the traditional over-reliance on the City of London and on financial services. Our plans will usher in a new era where growth is enabled in every part of Britain in a way that promotes green technology and creates lasting jobs. We will put an end to the casino banking that caused the financial crisis by breaking up the banks and encouraging regional and local ways to bring competition back to the financial sector and make sure businesses can find the money they need to grow. Under our plans, councils will regain control of business rates, reconnecting local enterprise with local politics; Local Enterprise Funds will help people invest in growing businesses in their area and Regional Stock Exchanges will give companies a way to move into public equity without the huge risks and costs of a London listing. The Liberal Democrats will also create a new National Infrastructure Bank to bring in private money to build the transport links, energy grid and public buildings we need for a sustainable, low carbon economy in every part of Britain.

Vince Cable announces Liberal Democrat public sector pay proposals

Mon, 7 Dec 2009 14:21:00 GMT

The proposals would cap public sector pay rises at £400 per person to limit the growth of the public sector pay bill while ensuring fairness for teachers, nurses, police officers and other public sector workers.

The progressive measure will save taxpayers about £4bn a year while reducing pressure on front line services and protecting jobs.

Commenting Vince Cable said:

“Public sector pay makes up a quarter of all public spending so any serious and credible attempt to limit spending must include proposals on pay rises.

“Unlike the Tories who would freeze the salaries of millions of teachers, police officers, nurses and firemen while cutting taxes for millionaires, these proposals would ensure pay rises for key frontline services that are fair and economically realistic.”

Fair taxes at the heart of Liberal Democrat message

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:00:00 GMT

The party’s new tax plans will see tax cuts for millions of people, paid for by closing tax loopholes, making polluters pay and introducing a ‘mansion tax’ on homes worth over £2m.

Nick Clegg said:

“If you want to know how committed a government is to fairness then look at its tax system.

“Gordon Brown has created a tax regime that forces some of the lowest earners in society to pay hundreds of pounds in tax they can’t afford, while polluters and rich tax dodgers avoid paying their fair share.

“Meanwhile the Conservatives want tax cuts for millionaires, but say there might be tax rises for everyone else.

“Under our plans people won’t pay a penny on the first ten thousand pounds they earn. That would put £700 back in the pockets of the vast majority of tax payers, and take millions of people on low pay out of paying income tax altogether.

“Our plans represent the most radical, far reaching tax reform in a generation.

“They embody everything the Liberal Democrats stand for: fairness, protecting the environment, rewarding hard work.

“It is right to ask those with the broadest shoulders to bear a little more of the burden so that millions of people on normal earnings get the break they desperately need.”

Copenhagen 2009: Cooling the Planet

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:30:00 GMT

Between 7 and 18 December, Copenhagen is hosting a major climate change conference, during which the world’s leading nations will attempt to negotiate a successor to the Kyoto Treaty.

We are seeing the horrors of climate change already: in the thousands forced to live in caravans after the great floods of 2007; and across the world, in places like Bangladesh being buffeted by cyclones and rising sea levels.

On Saturday December 5 the Liberal Democrats joined The Wave, a day of action in London including a march on Parliament to publicise the importance of making real commitments for the environment.

The Liberal Democrats used this opportunity to highlight our environmental credentials – and reassert our position as the leading party on climate change.

We are the party that will go furthest on cutting carbon emissions. We will go furthest in generating renewable energy. And we will go furthest in insulating homes.

The Liberal Democrats will make Britain carbon neutral by 2050 – and by 2020 will have brought our emissions down to the level scientists say will stop climate change.

There is only one party that is serious about the environment and in a position to defend it

The next parliament is likely to be the last that can stop dangerous climate change. And there is only one party that is both serious about the environment and in a position to exact real change: the Liberal Democrats.

Copenhagen is a vital staging post in the international fight to reduce carbon but the Government is not up to the task of driving through changes.

Labour has failed to cut emissions in the past and refuses to commit to what science demands in the future. We are still at the bottom of the European league table for levels of renewable energy, only above Malta and Luxembourg.

The Conservatives are a laughing stock on the international scene and their environmental policies consist merely of empty platitudes.

The Liberal Democrats are different. We are the only party in UK politics with the vision, policies, ambition and ability to kill carbon emissions.

We will make Britain carbon neutral by 2050. We will reduce emissions faster and more effectively than any other party. And we will make sure that every home is properly insulated within 10 years of taking power.

There is only a small window of opportunity to stop dangerous climate change. Only the Liberal Democrats will take it.

UK government must show leadership at home by:

Saying yes to an immediate 42% reduction in the UK emissions by 2020 before leaving for the Copenhagen climate talks (the Government is currently committed to 34%).
Saying yes to a ten-year programme to offer the opportunity for every home to be a warm home by 2020.
Saying yes to 40% of all our electricity from renewable sources by 2020 (the Government is currently committed to 30%).
Saying no to the third runway at Heathrow.
Saying no to new dirty coal power stations without full CCS.
Saying no to the nationalised banks investing public money into Tar Sands.

Europe needs to influence the climate talks by:

Committing now to a unilateral EU reduction of 30% by 2020 against a 1990 baseline, ahead of the talks and adopt a target of a 40% reduction against the same time on completion of an international agreement.
Commit to supporting a global finance deal worth $160bn per year from developed countries, without double counting emissions through offsets.
Introduce further confidence measures to cap-and-trade aviation and shipping; halt deforestation; stop extracting Tar Sands and unconventional fossil fuels.

Liberal Democrats launch a campaign against airbrushing in advertising

Wed, 9 Sep 2009 09:00:00 GMT

The online campaign is encouraging people to complain to the Advertising Standards Agency and the Committee of Advertising Practice about adverts which portray unrealistic and unhealthy body images.

The campaign, which also seeks a ban on adverts aimed at under-16s using digital retouching to portray unrealistic body images, has received backing from a range of organisations, including The National Centre for Eating Disorders, Girlguiding UK and leading academics.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat MP, Jo Swinson, who chairs the party’s working group on women’s policy, said:

“Adverts that feature heavily retouched images of perfect skin, perfect hair and perfect figures mean that women and girls increasingly feel that nothing less than perfect will do.

“Advertisers should be honest and upfront about the extent of airbrushing that goes on. It is frankly dishonest to advertise an anti-wrinkle cream and then airbrush out all of the wrinkles in the ad. And it is simply irresponsible to take already underweight women and then slice off pieces of their thighs or hips in the computer suite.

“This campaign aims to make the Advertising Standards Agency and the Committee of Advertising Practice use the power they have to insist adverts clearly indicate if they’ve been airbrushed.

“Consumers should have as much information as possible and children should have the space to develop their self-esteem without constantly being bombarded with a narrow range of manipulated images that promote conformity.”

Nick Clegg launches ‘Don’t Short Change Our Troops: Fair Pay for Our Armed Forces’

Wed, 2 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Nobody can put a price on the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces, but recent operations in Afghanistan and Iraq have revealed the disparity between what we expect of our soldiers and how they are rewarded.

Liberal Democrats believe that we must take action now to restore the military covenant between the Armed Forces and the people.

As a fundamental part of this we would put service personnel and their welfare at the heart of defence policy. We will ensure that no soldier, sailor or airman goes into harm’s way on less basic pay than a new recruit to the police or fire service.

There is widespread dissatisfaction over pay among the lower ranks. This has a dreadful impact on morale and retention. We will find the money to pay for this from inside the MoD. It’s ridiculous that we have one civilian for every man or woman in uniform, and almost 1000 people working in communications alone.

Major reform is necessary to reduce costs within the department. Those savings should go to where they are really necessary, to the people prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice.”

The brave men and women of our armed forces are the most precious military asset we have. They must be treated fairly, with pay and conditions that reflect their amazing commitment to this country. Liberal Democrats will ensure that no soldier, sailor or airman goes into harm’s way on less basic pay than a new recruit to the police force.

Pay levels are shamefully low for the lower ranks and there is widespread dissatisfaction among service personnel at salary levels and the allowances provided. Almost half of soldiers are dissatisfied and 60% of Royal Marines are dissatisfied with pay.

Around 50,000 receive less in basic pay than the starting salary of a police constable. Around 13,000 of these earn less than £17,000. Given the range of skills and risks now expected to be borne by the modern soldier, this hidden scandal must be addressed.

The ongoing Strategic Defence Review is the ideal opportunity to put the welfare of our Armed Forces at the heart of defence policy. Our proposals would bring the basic pay of the lowest paid soldiers in line with new-entrant police constables.

Pay increases would be tapered up through the lower ranks, from a fully-trained Private up to NCO ranks. Under our proposals no fully trained service personnel would receive less basic annual pay than a new-entrant police constable.

Nick Clegg asks public servants ‘in the know’ how to save taxpayers’ money

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:02:00 GMT

Nick Clegg is today visiting a hospital in Sheffield, as well as launching a website where people who work in the public sector can submit suggestions on how to cut waste.

The 'Ask the People in the Know' project recognises that serious savings will have to be made to bring public finances under control and seeks the expertise of those working in the public sector on how to cut out waste while protecting services.

Nick Clegg said:

“Hard-working nurses and teachers tell me how frustrated they are by the money which is being wasted on needless paperwork, administration and computer systems that don’t work.

“David Cameron and Gordon Brown are having a sterile debate about the size of the total Whitehall budget. But they’re asking the wrong question: we first need to find out if money is being spent on the right things.

“It can’t be right that billions of pounds are being spent on NHS computer systems which don’t work, yet basic help for people with serious mental health conditions is still lacking because of a shortage of money.

“The people who are best placed to tell us where money is not being well spent are the teachers, nurses, social workers and other public servants who work so hard day and night on our behalf.

“Politicians should stop talking over the heads of public servants. We need to listen to the people in the know on how we can better run public services, making sure that every penny of taxpayers’ money is well spent. That’s what ‘Asking People In The Know’ is all about.”

Real Women: Healthy, happy and confident

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 23:01:00 GMT

Women face pressure from all directions these days.

Hit hard by the recession, trying to juggle family commitments with work and home life, it’s easy to feel like you’re running just to stand still.

The media screams out an endless list of things still to do: get a bikini body in 20 days, plan the perfect children’s party, how to look 10 years younger.

Despite great strides forward in equality, women still get paid less than men, and generally still end up taking more responsibility for childcare and looking after elderly relatives. This can be hugely rewarding, but combining this with a job can seem almost impossible.

There’s a lot the Government could do to give a helping hand and it would be nice to inject some realism into the media’s portrayal of women, instead of the suggestion that nothing less than perfection will do.

In this paper we will set out what the Liberal Democrats would do differently to help real women.

Jo Swinson

Nick Clegg launches 'A Fresh Start for Britain'

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Dear friend,

Ever since I became leader of the Liberal Democrats I have been travelling the country, holding public meetings, listening and talking to the people I meet. The economy is in a mess, people are losing jobs and everywhere I go, people are angry at the way politicians have let them down.

The two old parties don’t really want to change a political system that keeps them in power or challenge the bankers who got the economy into such a terrible mess. The next election will be your chance to tell them they're wrong – your chance to vote for something different.

Many people believed they would get change for the better in 1997. Instead, under Labour, the gap between rich and poor has got bigger, our politics has got even dirtier, our civil liberties have been eroded, the environment around us is in danger and our international reputation is at a new low. Labour let us all down.

The Conservatives say they want change but all they really want is to keep things the way they are. They say they want fairness but demand tax cuts for millionaires. They say they want to protect the environment, but have linked up in Europe with people who deny climate change is a problem at all. They will promise everything and change nothing.

Britain is in the teeth of three crises: a huge banking crisis and recession, a rotten Westminster system abused by too many MPs for personal gain, and the threat of climate change. We need big changes to fix our economy, our discredited politics and our environment, yet both Labour and the Conservatives are letting the City, the House of Commons and polluters off the hook. No action against bankers’ bonuses. No action to give people the right to sack MPs guilty of breaking the rules. No action to slash emissions. They say just enough to get in the headlines, but when the spotlight moves on it's back to business as usual.

I believe there’s a better way. This country can be fairer, it can be safer, greener, and stronger in the world. Only the Liberal Democrats have the ideas, the energy, and the ambition to provide the new hope the country needs. If that’s what you want too, after twelve years of Labour disappointment, turn to us. We carry the torch of progress now.

Despite all the gloomy news, there's still real hope for the future – but only if we make a fresh start. We need strong leadership and a different kind of politics to make it happen. The way things have always been done has got us into this mess, and it will never get us out.

Above all, we must do everything to protect the next generation from the mistakes made today. For me, how we treat young children is the most important measure of what kind of society we want, what kind of values we hold dear.

Even in these difficult times, giving all children from all backgrounds the life chances they deserve will always be my personal priority.

So if you want things to be different, choose a party that is different. Choose the Liberal Democrats.

Best wishes,

Nick Clegg, Leader of the Liberal Democrats

Take Back Power: No summer holiday before the overhaul says Clegg

Wed, 27 May 2009 23:00:00 GMT

This article first appeared in the Guardian, May 28, 2009.

Finally the dam has broken, and everyone is talking about changing Britain's political system. For decades reformers have been thwarted by Westminster inertia. But the MPs' expenses scandal has overturned old certainties and made change possible.

This moment must be seized by all who want a different kind of politics. Warm words, rhetoric and consideration are not enough; indeed, they are a guarantee that little will happen. So let us bar the gates of Westminster and stop MPs leaving for their summer holidays until this crisis has been sorted out, and every nook and cranny of our political system has been reformed.

Today I'm setting out a plan of action to get all the changes we need delivered in just 100 days - making it possible for MPs to be sacked by constituents, abolishing the House of Lords, getting corrupt money out of politics and changing the electoral system to give everyone a voice. People will say it isn't possible - parliament can't act that quickly. I say the innate conservatism that marks out our political establishment is part of the problem. Let's stop all this self-congratulatory hype about the mother of parliaments and get on with improving it.

Momentum will ebb away unless we act quickly. Delay would be a victory for those who want to confine change to the bare minimum - the two establishment parties who will talk up reform long enough for the storm to pass, then kick it into the long grass for good.

David Cameron's proposals set out in the Guardian on Tuesday were a masterful example of well-judged rhetoric free of substance and conviction. Open-source software, new select committee chairs and legislative text messages will not rescue British democracy. They are designed, I fear, to provide verbal cover for maintaining the status quo.

Real political change is about taking power from those who have hoarded it for themselves, and distributing it to others. So change will only be possible if the vested interests that have benefited from the way things are accept that they can no longer preside over an institutional stitch-up. For generations the Labour and Conservative parties have colluded to keep out competition. They are like a corporate duopoly, setting the rules of the game to maintain dominance. And just like in economics, it's ordinary people who suffer: taken for granted, and deprived of the ability to make different choices to those imposed upon them.

That is why what Cameron did not say is more revealing than what he did. No mention of the murky business of party funding. No mention of the scandal of an unelected second chamber. The rejection of any change to an electoral system that hands power to governments on a fraction of the vote. Without these changes, British politics will continue to be a game of pass the parcel between two old parties, while the rest of the country switches off,

So instead of long-term consideration of the possibility of tinkering, let us have 100 days of real action: swift, decisive and confident. It really is possible. The details of a reformed system of party funding have already been thrashed out between the parties, months ago. Sir Hayden Phillips secured outline agreement to ban donations of more than £50,000, limit spending to £100m over a parliament and shake up union contributions. The reason it wasn't adopted was because the Conservatives walked out, keen to protect donations from tax exiles such as Lord Ashcroft. But there is no reason not to return to what was all but agreed, and enforce it. The political parties and elections bill, now before parliament, could be amended and adopted within weeks.

Similarly, on House of Lords reform, the principles of a fully elected chamber have already been exhaustively debated and adopted by MPs. As in any bicameral system, peers should be elected on a different constituency basis and electoral cycle to MPs. Details could be decided on and introduced in the constitutional renewal bill being promoted in the House of Lords by Paul Tyler.

And then there's electoral reform. The ideal solution would be an Irish-style single transferable vote system in which voters elect the person, not the party. But even alternative vote plus - as first advocated by Roy Jenkins in 1998 and now backed by Alan Johnson - would ensure most MPs have a personal constituency link with their voters, as already occurs in Germany and Scotland. Labour made a promise more than a decade ago to hold a referendum on the Jenkins proposals. If the government won't call a general election, let us have this referendum in early September, as the culmination of 100 days of reform.

Together, over the next 100 days, we could achieve nothing less than the total reinvention of British politics. These months could become a great moment in British political history, rather than a shabby footnote to a shameful month of scandal. Let us seize, not squander, the opportunity for change.

The Freedom Bill: radical plans to defend civil liberties

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 11:49:00 GMT

The legislation is the first time a major political party has collated all of the laws which have undermined civil liberties into one Bill, so that they can be easily repealed.

The 20 measures contained in the draft legislation will:

Cut the maximum pre-charge detention period from 28 to 14 days

Abolish the veto in the Freedom of Information Act that allows ministers to keep information secret
Scrap the ID card scheme
Remove all innocent people from the DNA database, except for those tried for a violent or sexual offence
Stop councils and others snooping by restricting the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) to serious and terrorist offences
Regulate CCTV to protect privacy following a Royal Commission on the use of cameras

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Huhne said:

"With one small change after another over the last 20 years, the cumulative loss of civil liberties is huge.

"The Government has presided over the slow death by a thousand cuts of our hard-won British freedoms.

"Our forebears who fought so hard to establish our rights under the law would be shocked at what we have lost.

"The Freedom Bill we are publishing today will repeal 20 years of attacks on our civil liberties from both Labour and Tory governments."