ANGER AS FLOODING ACTION ABANDONED IN QUEEN’S SPEECH

Liberal Democrats were dismayed to see that a proposed bill to address flooding across the country was removed from the Queen’s Speech today, throwing fresh doubt on action needed to ensure that future flooding in the district could be reduced.

The government had pledged to introduce a bill to implement the findings of the Pitt Review into the devastating floods of 2007, which hit communities across the country and which affected hundreds of properties in West Oxfordshire. The review carried out by Lord Pitt and published in June 2008 made clear that the risk of flooding continues to grow and to threaten more communities. He recommended a series of actions, 80% of which he said would not cost anything to implement.

The draft bill which the government had planned to announce today would have included:

- tighter building rules in flood-prone areas
- overall strategic control of flood planning given to the Environment Agency.
- a new responsibility for local authorities to produce local surface water management plans and powers to lead on surface water flooding and drainage locally (eg by serving notices on landowners to maintain drains)
- a new ‘opt-out’ telephone flood warning system for all properties at risk

This is a slap in the face to the people who had their lives ruined by the floods last year. The government promised action and everyone thought the Pitt Review was a clear sign of the government’s genuine intentions.

Urgent action is needed across England. Scotland already has a flood risk bill in progress but the UK government is dragging its feet with real action on flooding in England. We may not see any progress before the next General Election in 2010, which is not good enough for residents in West Oxfordshire.

In particular we need landscape-scale planning for water, drainage and flooding with strong environmental priorities, a presumption against any development on floodplains – which the Vale already abides by – and protection for insurance customers against unreasonable conditions, excesses and exclusions. Above all we need action now.

Darling’s £5bn tax hike will hit low earners and business - Cable

Commenting on the Pre-Budget Report, Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor, Vince Cable said: “The Government acknowledges that the UK tax system is inherently unfair, but then announces that it will hit those struggling to make ends meet with yet higher tax bills by increasing National Insurance. Everyone earning over £19,000 will be hit.

“The new 45p Income Tax rate is nothing more than a fig leaf to cover a £5bn tax hike which will hit millions of low earners and businesses.

“The Government has missed a golden opportunity to make the tax system permanently fairer which it could have done by cutting income taxes for those on low and middle incomes, paid for by getting rid of tax loopholes for the wealthy.

“Instead of increasing investment in sustainable capital projects which benefit the country tomorrow as well as today, the Government has opted for a temporary cut in VAT which will benefit big spenders the most and not give the economy the boost it needs.

“At a time of economic emergency, Gordon Brown has once again failed those who need help the most.”

ANGER AT INFLATION BUSTING RAIL FARE INCREASES

Liberal Democrats in West Oxfordshire have demanded that First Great Western abandons its plans to impose a 6% in the price of regulated fares, season tickets and saver tickets. The increase in ticket prices not regulated by the government is to be an even steeper 6.6%.

The inflation-busting fares hike were announced on 21st November.

Train passengers in West Oxfordshire are being hit for six by these increases. At a time when people are struggling with the recession, train companies are adding to people’s difficulties.

These rises could make the recession worse and could lead to more congestion and pollution as people abandon public transport for their car instead.

The government must step in and use the power they have over regulated fares to impose a freeze on ticket prices for a year. This could be paid for from within the Government’s road-widening budget. Just as the Government stepped in to freeze fuel duty for motorists because of the recession, they should change their mind and stop these price increases going ahead.

Rail passengers will rightly feel that they are being taken for a ride by First Great Western. They have every right to feel angry with this price hike and with the Government for letting it happen.

The Government has agreed that the ticket price increases can come into effect on 2nd January 2009.