Lib Dem Group Leader Councillor David Kendall has called on Tory controlled Brentwood Borough Council to give a long term commitment to residents that they will NOT consider introducing fortnightly residual waste collections, tagging bins or charging by weight collected for at least the next five years.
Tempers flared and party battle lines were drawn as councillors voted for their own huge cash increases last night.
Rochdale MP Paul Rowen has been appointed as Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg MPs Parliamentary Advisor on Communities. The new role is part of Nick Clegg's campaign to 'reach out across Britain.'
Local MP Tim Farron spent the night sleeping rough last Saturday for the Manna House charity which provides those in need of housing with educational and social support, as well as assisting them with finding a place to live. Mr Farron joined representatives from the charity including some who in the past had been rough sleepers for real, at Kendal Castle which overlooks the town.
New figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats show that the Government is spending £459 per night every time a police cell is used to house a prisoner, more than the Government's own estimate of £385, and more than a week-long stay in a Canary Island holiday villa. The statistics, revealed in a parliamentary answer to Lib Dem Justice Spokesperson, Jenny Willott, show how much each police force invoiced the Ministry of Justice for costs incurred under 'Operation Safeguard' - the Government's contingency plan to deal with prison overcrowding. Last year, 60, 953 prisoners were housed in police cells under Operation Safeguard at a total cost of £28m.
Shepway Council Leader Robert Bliss has announced that Cllr Carole Waters is rejoining the Shepway Cabinet with immediate effect as District Secretary for Regeneration, Sport & Culture. The cabinet of 7 was increased by the new Conservative administration to 10 in May 2007 at a cost of around £25,000 a year in expenses to Shepway tax payers.