New Year Greetings
New Year Greetings to all members and other readers.
2 Jan 2011
New Year Greetings to all members and other readers.
Happy New Year to all our subscribers and readers.
The Liberal Democrats have published research showing that very many policies on which they fought May's election are now Government policy. Commented Stephen Robinson (who was the Chelmsford candidate), "The Lib Dems won less than 1 in 10 of the seats in the House of Commons. However over half of our manifesto is now Government policy. That is a huge achievement for our party.
At the full county council meeting on Tuesday, Lib Dem Cllr Tom Smith-Hughes, Leader of the Opposition at County Hall, called for all salaries above £80,000 to be reviewed. Councillors agreed a watered-down proposal, which agreed to review senior managers' pay, but mentioned no specific cut-off figure. Full story in Chelmsford Weekly News.
At this week's meeting of Essex County Council, Lib Dem Mike Mackrory asked about home to school transport for children with special needs. Mike Mackrory (Springfield county councillor) was told that the withdrawal of escorts for vulnerable children would be subject to assessment.
Local authorities will have a crucial role in the oversight of NHS services, following a Government announcement today. Liberal Democrat Minister for Care Services, Paul Burstow, commented: "Healthcare at its best is personal and local. Our reforms will put patients and communities in control of their NHS and their health.