Tory pay rise defeated by Lib Dems
At last night's full Council meeting, Shepway's Lib Dem Group proposed an amendment to the Council's budget.
24 Feb 2005
Papers missing in the postal vote fraud case
Two bundles of witness statements have disappeared from the High Court's postal vote fraud case in Birmingham. This is the latest twist to the case which dates from last June's local elections in Bordesley Green in Birmingham. Judge Mawrey stated this morning "Overnight, two bundles have disappeared and gone missing", he further asked for their return saying "I hope that nobody attending court has helped themselves tot eh court documents. If anybody has inadvertently taken the copies, would they return them"
24 Feb 2005
Opposition stifled at Borough Council as Crisis Looms
Epsom & Ewell Borough Council passed their budget and agreed a 4.9% council tax increase, virtually the maximum 5% allowed under government capping rules. Opposition leader Cllr Colin Taylor (Lib Dem) moved an amendment drawing attention to the looming financial crisis predicted for just after the next borough council elections - and the optimistic nature of the proposals to reduce spending. He pointed out that if this year's overspend was repeated the crisis would happen even sooner. He said "Much as I would like to see a smaller increase in Council Tax, the council's finances are in such a state that it would be irresponsible to propose this."
24 Feb 2005
Liberal Democrats launch the Liberal Democrat manifesto for women
Charles Kennedy MP has launched the Liberal Democrat's manifesto for women. Amongst the proposals are plans to introduce a fairer Citizen's Pension, a Maternity Income Guarantee, and free long-term care for the elderly, helping both those in need and their carers.
23 Feb 2005
Huge fines could be levied on Labour and Tories for nuisance calling
Liberal Democrats today launched their campaign (www.stopnuisancecalls.com) to stop illegal nuisance calls from Labour and Conservative call centres in the run-up to the General Election.
23 Feb 2005
Axe The Tax & Property Revaluaton
Liberal Democrats are still the only party campaigning for abolition of Council Tax and its replacement by a local income tax related to the ability to pay. They believe that this is a fairer way for people to pay for the many services provided by councils and they have had enormous support for it across the country. Many experts in local government believe that the government has ducked the issue by ordering another unnecessary enquiry that will not report until after the next General election.
23 Feb 2005