Millions struggle to make ends meet, with many paying over half their income on rent. The Government has shown how "out of touch" it is by declaring today that those in need of affordable homes are on incomes of up to £80,000.
The Tories' unexpected and disasterous cancellation of the electrification of the rail lines from Cardiff to Swansea, Oxenholme to Windermere and on the Midland Mainline North of Kettering is a huge setback for our railways, the regions, the travelling public and the environment. Electrification means faster journeys, extra capacity, greater efficiency and a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Investment as planned that would have produced huge benefits later.
On Tuesday, Hertfordshire County Council's Highways, Waste and Management Panel discussed its next steps in long-term planning for the disposal of household waste. The Conservative administration decided to leave the door open for the Veolia plan for New Barnfield, despite the Planning Inspector and the Government both turning down the proposal.
Local Chorleywood Lib Dem Councillors, Phil Williams, Raj Khiroya and Martin Trevett, are shown, masked and socially distanced - following the rules that help to protect us all. Phil, Raj, Martin and all their local councillor colleagues want to say a 'Big Thank You' to all NHS and key workers and volunteers during the Covid crisis. The crisis has highlighted Three Rivers' community spirit and the dedication of our local council staff and essential workers. As part of Operation Shield, Three Rivers Council set up a food hub with 11 staff in April, in partnership with Herts County Council.
The Midland Main Line is a route that is important to Hertfordshire, Hedfordshire and the East of Englan Region. It was all set to be electrified - but then the Tories put the brakes on and the stopped this much needed project. Now it has been, in the jargon, "unpaused" and the Transport Secretary is allowing work to restart - but much more slowly than before.
Working with social distancing requirements and with some operatives ill or self-isolating will obviously reduce efficiency and slow work down, but with timetable reductions and fewer trains running important work can still proceed - and of course fewer passengers are suffering disrupted journeys. Staff on nationally critical routes, such as the West Coast and Chiltern main lines, are keeping essential supplies and key workers moving during the Covid-19 pandemic.