Monday 29 March 2010
Sunday 28 March 2010
Quality of Life - A question for you.
I got into politics so that I could stand up for some fairly simple personal principles.
That big government tends to be costly, but not necessarily great. That taxpayers money is mostly more useful in their own pockets, and that any tax that the Council collects should be spent wisely, not just spent.
All that said, I also feel that if we can, we should try to apply the principle of betterment when we are doing “stuff”. So I have a question for readers, in your own view, what are the key things that the council does, that link directly to your quality of life and what 2 or 3 things that WMDC do, that directly impact you and could be done more effectively?
Please send me an email via geoff.walsh.npc@gmail.com or, stop me and tell me, when you see me out and about.
Thanks
Geoff
That big government tends to be costly, but not necessarily great. That taxpayers money is mostly more useful in their own pockets, and that any tax that the Council collects should be spent wisely, not just spent.
All that said, I also feel that if we can, we should try to apply the principle of betterment when we are doing “stuff”. So I have a question for readers, in your own view, what are the key things that the council does, that link directly to your quality of life and what 2 or 3 things that WMDC do, that directly impact you and could be done more effectively?
Please send me an email via geoff.walsh.npc@gmail.com or, stop me and tell me, when you see me out and about.
Thanks
Geoff
Saturday 27 March 2010
David Cameron and the Conservative Pledge to Pensioners
Nationally Labour activists have been painting dark pictures about what the future might hold with a Conservative National Administration. A series of threats to pensioners which David Cameron rejects completely.
DAVID CAMERON'S PLEDGE TO PENSIONERS
Specifically he says:
"The Government I lead will make sure that older and retired people are treated with dignity and given the quality of life they deserve. This is my pledge to support pensioners.
My Government will:
If he wins the election, Gordon Brown wants to introduce a number of measures which will hit pensioners. A Conservative Government will not penalise pensioners, as Labour are planning to do:
I am hearing of specific people who seem set to misinform as many of the elderly as possible in my part of the world.
To those who are being told tales of threat and gloom I say have a look at David Cameron's commitment to pensioners on behalf of the Conservative Party here.
Also see David Cameron's Q&A session with SAGA the national campaign organisation for over the 50s recorded on Friday 26th March
DAVID CAMERON'S PLEDGE TO PENSIONERS
Specifically he says:
"The Government I lead will make sure that older and retired people are treated with dignity and given the quality of life they deserve. This is my pledge to support pensioners.
My Government will:
- Increase the value of the basic state pension for all pensioners and help to stop the spread of the means test by linking pensions to earnings. You won’t get a repeat of Labour’s mean 75p rise with us.
- Freeze council tax for the next two years, in partnership with your council.
- Make it worthwhile to save for a personal pension and get rid of the rules that force people to get a compulsory annuity.
- Help people protect their home rather than have to sell it to pay for care.
- Take all family homes worth less than £1 million out of inheritance tax.
- Increase spending on the NHS every year, which is our number one priority.
- Cut paperwork so we get more police out on the beat fighting crime.
- I will protect your Winter Fuel Payment.
- I will protect your free bus pass and your free TV licence.
- I will protect the pension credit.
If he wins the election, Gordon Brown wants to introduce a number of measures which will hit pensioners. A Conservative Government will not penalise pensioners, as Labour are planning to do:
- We will NOT introduce a ‘death tax’ of up to £50,000.
- We will NOT cut attendance allowance and disability allowance for the over 65s.
I am hearing of specific people who seem set to misinform as many of the elderly as possible in my part of the world.
To those who are being told tales of threat and gloom I say have a look at David Cameron's commitment to pensioners on behalf of the Conservative Party here.
Also see David Cameron's Q&A session with SAGA the national campaign organisation for over the 50s recorded on Friday 26th March
Advertising Standards Authority ban Government Pledge Advert
Legal, decent, honest and truthful. The four ASA tests that dodgy dealers need to work too. Well the Guardian is reporting that a series of television ads about the Policing Pledge may not proceed in their present form.
To learn more go here.
And to read Inspector Gadgets take on this go here.
Incidentally there is to be an official campaign across Wakefield to tell you that crime is down. Our local neighbourhood policing team are doing a great job, but even so its a bit premature to say that.
To learn more go here.
And to read Inspector Gadgets take on this go here.
Incidentally there is to be an official campaign across Wakefield to tell you that crime is down. Our local neighbourhood policing team are doing a great job, but even so its a bit premature to say that.
News from the doorsteps
Met a number of people today, who have been continuing to confirm their belief, that the existing Labour regime in Wakefield, have lost track of peoples priorities, or at least, do not appear to be listening. Interestingly, I found a growing number of people who, are also pleased to see that we have a real, local, parliamentary candidate in Nick Pickles who is standing against our existing MP.
There is a big job to do, as we head up to the 6th of May, there will be a real job of work to do, as we move forward beyond the 6th.
National Dimension
Follow this to WebCameron on YouTube to see and hear Conservative National plans and policies and to see Q&A sessions with David Cameron and members of the Shadow Cabinet
There is a big job to do, as we head up to the 6th of May, there will be a real job of work to do, as we move forward beyond the 6th.
National Dimension
Follow this to WebCameron on YouTube to see and hear Conservative National plans and policies and to see Q&A sessions with David Cameron and members of the Shadow Cabinet
Thursday 25 March 2010
Intouch - News from your local Conservatives in Pontefract South
Over the last five days in addition to the posties,leafleteers, and deliverers of newspapers, operators of circuses and charity supporters, we have been delivering across Pontefract South. Our document has been the latest newsletter introducing Nick Pickles as Local Conservative Parliamentary Candidate and an update from me.
Now here is the online version.
Now here is the online version.
George Osbourne Budget 2010 - The day Labour were found out
Budget Day 2010 and some exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the Conservative operation on Budget day 2010.
Wednesday 24 March 2010
Labour's Transport Shame
The controlling group, for over 36 years the Labour administration in Wakefield, has allowed a 10 year backlog of maintenance work needed on our roads to build up.
In the recently approved council budget, no new investment was made into our roads in 2011/12 and beyond. During the recent bad weather, 75 miles less of the district's roads were gritted and cleared than in 2008 and there is a huge amount of work being done patching the same roads for a third, fourth or in some cases fifth time.
If elected in May, We are pledging to invest an extra £600k more each year over the next three years for fixing potholes and clearing and repairing drains.
This will be paid for by efficiency and ending council luxuries, like the leader's personal chauffeur driven car.
In the recently approved council budget, no new investment was made into our roads in 2011/12 and beyond. During the recent bad weather, 75 miles less of the district's roads were gritted and cleared than in 2008 and there is a huge amount of work being done patching the same roads for a third, fourth or in some cases fifth time.
If elected in May, We are pledging to invest an extra £600k more each year over the next three years for fixing potholes and clearing and repairing drains.
This will be paid for by efficiency and ending council luxuries, like the leader's personal chauffeur driven car.
Ridiculous Public Sector Award Culture
As a nation we do have a tendency to spend lots of time trying to catch people making mistakes. We pay little attention to giving praise at a job well done and people look for other ways to get recognition.
There is a tendency in the public sector to look for qudos by engaging in and applying for awards to gain third party comment to show a job well done, in some cases for a thankless task.
That said I wonder about the people who applied for the award in this case.
Here is Inspector Gadget's perspective.
The situation was tragic and yet somebody seeks to benefit from it.
Absolutely ridiculous.
There is a tendency in the public sector to look for qudos by engaging in and applying for awards to gain third party comment to show a job well done, in some cases for a thankless task.
That said I wonder about the people who applied for the award in this case.
Here is Inspector Gadget's perspective.
The situation was tragic and yet somebody seeks to benefit from it.
Absolutely ridiculous.
Issues Log
On the right side of this blog you will see a list marked issues log. These are items that I have identified, become aware of or are put to me by members of the community as important issues that need attention. These are over and above individuals casework items that I am working on which are confidential. If you have an item that you would like me to look at please either send me an email via geoff.walsh.npc@gmail.com or contact me via this page.
Tuesday 23 March 2010
Paper piling higher and higher...
Over recent years a lot has been said about how bureaucracy in the Police Service can often prevent police on the beat doing their job. While politicians talk about cutting the amount of admin load, what chance do they have when there are whole tiers of staff piling it high. Take a look at Inspector Gadget's blog entry "Unnecessary Police Bureaucracy Part 1"
We really need to find a way to break this circle and re-establish sanity.
We really need to find a way to break this circle and re-establish sanity.
Postal Votes for the May 6th local elections
Many people who travel, or for a lot of people who are not so mobile a postal vote is an ideal fallback.
If you think that you may not be able to go to a polling station on May 6th, why not apply for a postal vote, or if you have a question about voting?
Go to About my Vote. An information site of the Electoral Commission.
If you think that you may not be able to go to a polling station on May 6th, why not apply for a postal vote, or if you have a question about voting?
Go to About my Vote. An information site of the Electoral Commission.
Former Labour Ministers fixing things for who exactly?
In the late 199O's I got the chance to see Stephen Byers and Patricia Hewitt first hand breaking up of a well established Science Research Council facility at Daresbury in the North West of England for apparent political advantage, when they decided to relocate the Diamond project to a Labour marginal seat in Oxfordshire.
At the time they firstly blamed it on partners Wellcome Foundation who apparently had a preference for the convenience of the M4 Corridor. Then when Wellcome said that they had no real preference they then blamed the French Science Ministry who were a potential research partner for expressing an interest for the project to be close to Heathrow for their speed of access.
Interestingly the French Science Minister refuted that saying that his scientists were more than happy to fly into either Liverpool Airport (25 minutes from the Laboratory) or Manchester Airport (18 minutes from Daresbury). Byers had his way and despite local protests the Diamond Light Source is now at Harwell.
He has previous according to the Tyneside based News Guardian
"It is not the first time Stephen Byers has been caught up in controversy.
* Mr Byers was heavily criticised for his part in the 2005 collapse for MG Rover, at an extensive cost to the UK tax payer, following the deal he advocated in 2000, with the Phoenix Consortium.
* In 2001, he angered investors by taking a short notice decision to put Railtrack into administration, leading to the re-nationalisation of Britain's railways.
* Around the same time it was revealed that Byers' political advisor Jo Moore had sent an email, on September 11 2001, suggesting that the terrorist attacks made it "a very good day to bury bad news".
* The following February, a leaked email from the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions's head of news , Martin Sixsmith, allegedly warned Ms Moore not to "bury" any bad news on the day of Princess Margaret's funeral, implying that she was intending to do so. Both resigned, but Sixsmith later said he had not agreed to go, and in May 2002, it was announced that Byers had announced his resignation prematurely, although he denied any wrongdoing.
* In 2006 Byers controversially suggested Gordon Brown should scrap inheritance tax in order to appeal to 'Middle England'.
* And during the recent expenses scandal, it was reported that Byers had claimed more than £125,000 in second home allowances for a London flat owned by his partner, where he lives rent-free. Allegedly included in his expenses claims was £27,000 for redecoration, maintenance and appliances for this property."
A class act, I don't think.
In my case I was so disgusted about the way that Byers & Hewitt acted over Diamond that when the chance arose to become more politically active I did.
At the time they firstly blamed it on partners Wellcome Foundation who apparently had a preference for the convenience of the M4 Corridor. Then when Wellcome said that they had no real preference they then blamed the French Science Ministry who were a potential research partner for expressing an interest for the project to be close to Heathrow for their speed of access.
Interestingly the French Science Minister refuted that saying that his scientists were more than happy to fly into either Liverpool Airport (25 minutes from the Laboratory) or Manchester Airport (18 minutes from Daresbury). Byers had his way and despite local protests the Diamond Light Source is now at Harwell.
He has previous according to the Tyneside based News Guardian
"It is not the first time Stephen Byers has been caught up in controversy.
* Mr Byers was heavily criticised for his part in the 2005 collapse for MG Rover, at an extensive cost to the UK tax payer, following the deal he advocated in 2000, with the Phoenix Consortium.
* In 2001, he angered investors by taking a short notice decision to put Railtrack into administration, leading to the re-nationalisation of Britain's railways.
* Around the same time it was revealed that Byers' political advisor Jo Moore had sent an email, on September 11 2001, suggesting that the terrorist attacks made it "a very good day to bury bad news".
* The following February, a leaked email from the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions's head of news , Martin Sixsmith, allegedly warned Ms Moore not to "bury" any bad news on the day of Princess Margaret's funeral, implying that she was intending to do so. Both resigned, but Sixsmith later said he had not agreed to go, and in May 2002, it was announced that Byers had announced his resignation prematurely, although he denied any wrongdoing.
* In 2006 Byers controversially suggested Gordon Brown should scrap inheritance tax in order to appeal to 'Middle England'.
* And during the recent expenses scandal, it was reported that Byers had claimed more than £125,000 in second home allowances for a London flat owned by his partner, where he lives rent-free. Allegedly included in his expenses claims was £27,000 for redecoration, maintenance and appliances for this property."
A class act, I don't think.
In my case I was so disgusted about the way that Byers & Hewitt acted over Diamond that when the chance arose to become more politically active I did.
David Cameron attacks Labour 'lies' over policies for elderly
Andrew Porter, The Daily Telegraph Political Editor's article reports David Cameron as furious that Labour campaigners around the country are telling the elderly that their free bus passes and winter fuel payments would go if the Conservatives were elected.
Full article here.
Full article here.
Monday 22 March 2010
Pontefract Hospital ...Beds and now Parking ? Update
Having spoken with a number of members of the public its time to update the post here
What do you think?
Nick Pickles is campaigning on charges at Pontefract Hospital as Balfour Beatty start to look at their revenue opportunities granted to them under this governments PFI leaving the people of Pontefract to pick up the bill.
What do you think?
Nick Pickles is campaigning on charges at Pontefract Hospital as Balfour Beatty start to look at their revenue opportunities granted to them under this governments PFI leaving the people of Pontefract to pick up the bill.
Candidate for Normanton
Introducing Jean Malloy our candidate for the Normanton Ward of WMDC. Jean is well known across the district for her involvement as a fund-raiser and worker with the Prince of Wales Hospice and for her other charitable involvements.
I wish her well, she will make a cracking representative for the people of Normanton on local issues like revitalising the town centre, working to bear down on anti-social behaviour and youth nuisance.
She will work well with Nick Pickles our Parliamentary Candidate on the emerging national issues that will impact on us all.
More information to follow.
I wish her well, she will make a cracking representative for the people of Normanton on local issues like revitalising the town centre, working to bear down on anti-social behaviour and youth nuisance.
She will work well with Nick Pickles our Parliamentary Candidate on the emerging national issues that will impact on us all.
More information to follow.
Pontefract Neighbourhood Police Team in Action
Over the last year the local policing team have introduced a series of meetings where people can pass on their concerns and get briefings and feedback on actions taken. We have a good and responsive team in Pontefract who are really starting to make a difference.
For news, information and contact details go here.
There have been a number of thefts of equipment and instances of lamping taking place across the eastern side of the district. Officers are in the process of liaising with the Force Wildlife officer with a view to setting up a 'Farm Watch' scheme throughout the Pontefract & Knottingley area.
This scheme will aim to build links between farmers throughout the area and help in reducing agricultural crime.
Anyone who would be interested in registering to the scheme, Please ring 01977 601045 and ask for Aaron Riley for the Knottingley & Ferrybridge area and Nicola Charles for the Pontefract area.
For news, information and contact details go here.
There have been a number of thefts of equipment and instances of lamping taking place across the eastern side of the district. Officers are in the process of liaising with the Force Wildlife officer with a view to setting up a 'Farm Watch' scheme throughout the Pontefract & Knottingley area.
This scheme will aim to build links between farmers throughout the area and help in reducing agricultural crime.
Anyone who would be interested in registering to the scheme, Please ring 01977 601045 and ask for Aaron Riley for the Knottingley & Ferrybridge area and Nicola Charles for the Pontefract area.
Saturday 20 March 2010
Conservative Energy Security Policy
David Cameron and Greg Clark, the Shadow Energy and Climate Change Secretary, have launched plans for the largest overhaul of British energy policy since the early 1980s.
With thirteen years of government, a succession of eleven energy ministers, and eight Secretaries of State with responsibility for energy, Labour has failed to take timely action to secure our energy supplies, meet our carbon emission targets, and ensure energy is affordable.
"We are setting out a Conservative programme for the long-overdue reform of British energy policy, Cameron said, "together with the actions we will take to mobilise the investment required to enact those reforms and our strategy for minimising the cost to consumers".
Or download a copy here.
With thirteen years of government, a succession of eleven energy ministers, and eight Secretaries of State with responsibility for energy, Labour has failed to take timely action to secure our energy supplies, meet our carbon emission targets, and ensure energy is affordable.
"We are setting out a Conservative programme for the long-overdue reform of British energy policy, Cameron said, "together with the actions we will take to mobilise the investment required to enact those reforms and our strategy for minimising the cost to consumers".
Or download a copy here.
Friday 19 March 2010
Candidate for Pontefract South - That would be me then
Since being elected by the people of Pontefract South in 2006, time and life has flashed by in what seems like a blink of the eye.
On Thursday the 6th of May we have a local election due and I am standing for re-election in Pontefract. Things have changed significantly since 2006. There are now three Conservative Councillors representing the people of Baghill, Darrington, Carleton, Wentbridge, East Hardwick, Larks Hill, Wakefield Road and The Mount and in the last four years, I have had the chance to meet many of the people who voted for me in 2006.
People who wanted to see the Labour groups grip on Wakefield Council broken and who wished to see a greater commitment to getting things done and having a stronger voice in the Council Chamber and in the Council.
Now in 2010 we are still getting strong clear messages from people that they want to "see the back of that lot" and I hope to oblige by holding Pontefract South for our community.
2010 promises to be a chance for real change. With 32 Labour to 31 Opposition there is a real prospect of change. With 21 seats up for election we aim to hold those that we have, and with the electorate's support add to the numbers of Conservative Councillors representing the people of the District.
If you are not registered to vote but think that you may qualify, have a look at this on BBC3
For those who have already promised support in the weeks ahead. Thank you! Over the coming seven weeks I aim to get to meet up with as many as possible to answer questions and reconfirm priorities.
If any of you that follow my blog want to help deliver leaflets in your part of the ward or to help Nick Pickles with his Parliamentary campaign against Yvette Cooper drop me an email at geoff.walsh.npc@gmail.com
Hope to see you soon, probably on a doorstep or at a meeting near you.
On Thursday the 6th of May we have a local election due and I am standing for re-election in Pontefract. Things have changed significantly since 2006. There are now three Conservative Councillors representing the people of Baghill, Darrington, Carleton, Wentbridge, East Hardwick, Larks Hill, Wakefield Road and The Mount and in the last four years, I have had the chance to meet many of the people who voted for me in 2006.
People who wanted to see the Labour groups grip on Wakefield Council broken and who wished to see a greater commitment to getting things done and having a stronger voice in the Council Chamber and in the Council.
Now in 2010 we are still getting strong clear messages from people that they want to "see the back of that lot" and I hope to oblige by holding Pontefract South for our community.
2010 promises to be a chance for real change. With 32 Labour to 31 Opposition there is a real prospect of change. With 21 seats up for election we aim to hold those that we have, and with the electorate's support add to the numbers of Conservative Councillors representing the people of the District.
If you are not registered to vote but think that you may qualify, have a look at this on BBC3
For those who have already promised support in the weeks ahead. Thank you! Over the coming seven weeks I aim to get to meet up with as many as possible to answer questions and reconfirm priorities.
If any of you that follow my blog want to help deliver leaflets in your part of the ward or to help Nick Pickles with his Parliamentary campaign against Yvette Cooper drop me an email at geoff.walsh.npc@gmail.com
Hope to see you soon, probably on a doorstep or at a meeting near you.
Council Candidate for Altofts & Whitwood
I am pleased to introduce you to David Rudge our Conservative Candidate for Altofts and Whitwood in the local elections on the 6th of May. David wants to see the people of Altofts and Whitwood get a strong voice in the Council chamber and support the people and are where he lives. For those of you who live in the Altofts & Whitwood Ward, you have a godd choice there and a chance for a real and positive change.
Have a look at his website here
Have a look at his website here
Pontefract's future? Updated
Pontefract an ancient market town with a rich history needs to move forward in positive ways, for many the Parish/Town Council debate has been a cause for concern, for others a distraction, you have until the 26th to lodge your view whether you want the additional layer of bureaucracy with the tax precept that goes with that or not.
The meeting on Tuesday night was helpful for many but there were few answers from the pro group about what specifically would be their platform so people could weigh up the costs and proposed benefits, on that basis it certainly seems that there were more against than for the Parish/Town Council. Our Parliamentary Candidate, Nick Pickles attended and you can get his perspective here.
On a different note, there is a 5 Towns renaissance meeting at Pontefract Town Hall Hall this evening, to review progress on the new Pontefract Master Plan and the Townscape Heritage Initiative. Now this whole process has been rumbling on for such a time that the word new is a bit faded and thin now.
I am aware that some of the funding bids are in, we will start to see further improvement works at the Castle immediately we get in to the new financial year and that there is a bid in to the National Lottery Heritage fund for funds to improve condition of some of the buildings in the conservation area and a review of conservation areas themselves for the historic ginnels.
We also appear to have a "blueprint" in development for Monk Hill Station.
However the economic climate seems to be slowing down decisions and we need to see some concrete actions and sooner than later.
Time to shift up a gear and get on then.
The meeting on Tuesday night was helpful for many but there were few answers from the pro group about what specifically would be their platform so people could weigh up the costs and proposed benefits, on that basis it certainly seems that there were more against than for the Parish/Town Council. Our Parliamentary Candidate, Nick Pickles attended and you can get his perspective here.
On a different note, there is a 5 Towns renaissance meeting at Pontefract Town Hall Hall this evening, to review progress on the new Pontefract Master Plan and the Townscape Heritage Initiative. Now this whole process has been rumbling on for such a time that the word new is a bit faded and thin now.
I am aware that some of the funding bids are in, we will start to see further improvement works at the Castle immediately we get in to the new financial year and that there is a bid in to the National Lottery Heritage fund for funds to improve condition of some of the buildings in the conservation area and a review of conservation areas themselves for the historic ginnels.
We also appear to have a "blueprint" in development for Monk Hill Station.
However the economic climate seems to be slowing down decisions and we need to see some concrete actions and sooner than later.
Time to shift up a gear and get on then.
Blythe Spirit
Following a days meeting in Leeds to review aspects of new legislation about licensing and a meeting of candidates for the local elections on May 6th, needed to draw breath.
I had the chance for some quality leisure time at the Carleton Grange Centre where the Carleton Theatre Group are in the middle of their 4 night run of the Noel Coward drama Blythe Spirit. The cast performed magnificently it was a great night and I would thoroughly recommend a visit tonight or Saturday.
Having been a sponsor since 1995 I might be expected to say that but it really was a grand performance.
You can find out more about the group, or to book on line go here.
I had the chance for some quality leisure time at the Carleton Grange Centre where the Carleton Theatre Group are in the middle of their 4 night run of the Noel Coward drama Blythe Spirit. The cast performed magnificently it was a great night and I would thoroughly recommend a visit tonight or Saturday.
Having been a sponsor since 1995 I might be expected to say that but it really was a grand performance.
You can find out more about the group, or to book on line go here.
Monday 15 March 2010
Town Council for Pontefract? Time to decide
Tomorrow evening Tuesday 16th March, in the Assembly Rooms at Pontefract Town Hall there is to be a public meeting to discuss the pros and cons so that people can put in their views on the formation of a new Town/Parish Council as we enter the final stage of the consultation.
I have written on this subject on a number of occasions, there remain a solid group of people who are concerned about an extra level of bureaucracy with tax raising powers and limited options in terms of the services that they can provide.
It looks like there will be many members of the public who will come along to express their concerns about this issue and hopefully we will see a clearing of the air.
As I commented on a previous post, there are six Pontefract District Councillors three South, three North who will in any case continue working to support the people of Pontefract and to ensure that we see improvements in the quality of life for people across the district.
I have written on this subject on a number of occasions, there remain a solid group of people who are concerned about an extra level of bureaucracy with tax raising powers and limited options in terms of the services that they can provide.
It looks like there will be many members of the public who will come along to express their concerns about this issue and hopefully we will see a clearing of the air.
As I commented on a previous post, there are six Pontefract District Councillors three South, three North who will in any case continue working to support the people of Pontefract and to ensure that we see improvements in the quality of life for people across the district.
David Cameron at Lewisham College
An open session with students at Lewisham.
Refreshing to see an open discussion and some challenging questions and good solid answers from David. Interestingly our existing Prime Minister when he is out and about seems to have have more micromanaged sessions.
Have a look, see what you think.
Refreshing to see an open discussion and some challenging questions and good solid answers from David. Interestingly our existing Prime Minister when he is out and about seems to have have more micromanaged sessions.
Have a look, see what you think.
Saturday 13 March 2010
Freedom of the City of Wakefield
For the first time since the 1940s the City of Wakefield has granted the Freedom of the City to a British Army Regiment and I am proud to say that this was one action in the council chamber that drew a wholehearted response in favour.
The Yorkshire Regiment marks the bringing together of a number of Yorkshire based Military units by successive Government Defence reviews.
That said the resulting Regiment has been building its own rich history in Iraq and Afghanistan and soldiers from the Yorkshire Regiment have been defending our interests.
So they will march bayonets fixed flags flying through the City this afternoon. The sun is shining, it promises to be a memorable day.
In the event there was a great turnout from the people of Wakefield who turned out to welcome the 3rd Battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment. Something really to be proud of.
The Yorkshire Regiment marks the bringing together of a number of Yorkshire based Military units by successive Government Defence reviews.
That said the resulting Regiment has been building its own rich history in Iraq and Afghanistan and soldiers from the Yorkshire Regiment have been defending our interests.
So they will march bayonets fixed flags flying through the City this afternoon. The sun is shining, it promises to be a memorable day.
In the event there was a great turnout from the people of Wakefield who turned out to welcome the 3rd Battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment. Something really to be proud of.
Friday 12 March 2010
Why are you a Conservative?
A question posed to Nick Pickles our prospective parliamentary candidate.
"I was asked on the Pontefract Facebook group two questions, about why I got into politics, and why I’m a Conservative. Rather than clog up the group page, I thought it might make an interesting blog post.
To take the first part, well, first, why did I get into politics? I grew up in the Normanton parliamentary constituency, which before its abolition was the only seat to return a Labour MP at every election since the creation of the Labour party. An area that was once home to several pits, it would be fair to say it’s not your average Tory heartland.
Yet one thing I always got from the community, and my Dad, when I was growing up is that if you saw a problem, or someone you knew had a problem, there were two options: walk away, or roll up your sleeves."
To read more go to Nick's website here.
"I was asked on the Pontefract Facebook group two questions, about why I got into politics, and why I’m a Conservative. Rather than clog up the group page, I thought it might make an interesting blog post.
To take the first part, well, first, why did I get into politics? I grew up in the Normanton parliamentary constituency, which before its abolition was the only seat to return a Labour MP at every election since the creation of the Labour party. An area that was once home to several pits, it would be fair to say it’s not your average Tory heartland.
Yet one thing I always got from the community, and my Dad, when I was growing up is that if you saw a problem, or someone you knew had a problem, there were two options: walk away, or roll up your sleeves."
To read more go to Nick's website here.
Thursday 11 March 2010
Justice? What Justice?
I value the perspective that Inspector Gadget shares about the political correctness and frankly barmy approaches to Law and Order in our criminal justice system. At a time when thuggishness seems to be the norm from many there seem to be no consequences for those who want to treat the public with contempt.
Have a look at this.
And then I saw this
Then something more local.
Have a look at this.
And then I saw this
Then something more local.
Are they reading this? ...................Pontefract Hospital Car Parking
In a recent post about the new smaller PFI funded Pontefract Hospital, I commented about Balfour Beatty taking charge of the hospital car parking and how they have previous for jacking up car parking prices. As an example I cited their price policy at Edinburgh Royal.
In an article in the Times here I see that there is huge stress caused by parking costs and availability on NHS premises. If BB are reading this please treat the people of Pontefract with consideration.
In an article in the Times here I see that there is huge stress caused by parking costs and availability on NHS premises. If BB are reading this please treat the people of Pontefract with consideration.
Sunday 7 March 2010
This is the year for change..
More and more on the doorstep we are hearing "Got to get rid of this lot comments".
Saturday 6 March 2010
Chip and Bin
Wakefield is one of the 60 plus authorities who are having chips fitted to recycling bins. I for one suspect the motive is to find another source of revenue by levying fines on council tax payers.
The Wakefield Express has an item here from a member of the public about the latest batch of bins that are being issued.
It is typical, but also a shame, that thought has not been given to using this sort of device to support and reward those members of the community who are working hard to recycle but so typical of this Labour controlled council.
This linked to the LGA's Labour group who have already shown their hand by talking about bin fines along with road pricing, house council tax re-banding and workplace parking charges gives an indication of the methods that Gordon proposes to deploy to gouge more money from our pockets so that he can waste it.
We will oppose ill-thought tax and spend proposals whilst looking to give the Council Tax Payers of Wakefield more realistic and helpful options.
Have a look at David Cameron's speech to the Conservative Councillors Association about value for money in your town hall.
The Wakefield Express has an item here from a member of the public about the latest batch of bins that are being issued.
It is typical, but also a shame, that thought has not been given to using this sort of device to support and reward those members of the community who are working hard to recycle but so typical of this Labour controlled council.
This linked to the LGA's Labour group who have already shown their hand by talking about bin fines along with road pricing, house council tax re-banding and workplace parking charges gives an indication of the methods that Gordon proposes to deploy to gouge more money from our pockets so that he can waste it.
We will oppose ill-thought tax and spend proposals whilst looking to give the Council Tax Payers of Wakefield more realistic and helpful options.
Have a look at David Cameron's speech to the Conservative Councillors Association about value for money in your town hall.
Public blocked from Government Ministers "Public Meeting"
Why call a public meeting and block elected representatives of the public?
Phil Woolas, Labour Immigration Minister was in Wakefield Town Hall for a meeting with members of the public, media, Ministers, MPs, and Councillors on the 3rd and an announcement to that effect was placed in the Wakefield Express.
The only thing is that people attending had to show a photo ID and if you had that then you also had to have a personal invitation (especially if you were a Conservative Cllr or Parliamentary Candidate) to get access to a public meeting on the Immigration Agenda, disgraceful and somehow typical of this lot.
Read more here on Nick Pickles website.
Phil Woolas, Labour Immigration Minister was in Wakefield Town Hall for a meeting with members of the public, media, Ministers, MPs, and Councillors on the 3rd and an announcement to that effect was placed in the Wakefield Express.
The only thing is that people attending had to show a photo ID and if you had that then you also had to have a personal invitation (especially if you were a Conservative Cllr or Parliamentary Candidate) to get access to a public meeting on the Immigration Agenda, disgraceful and somehow typical of this lot.
Read more here on Nick Pickles website.
Wednesday 3 March 2010
Pontefract Conservative Club
We have suffered from a 36 year period of hard labour driven by the Wakefield Labour Party who have controlled WMDC since its inception in 1974. As a Conservative Candidate and now as one of the 23 Conservative Councillors on WMDC, I know how important it has been for us to have the support of the officers and members of our local Conservative Clubs. Pontefract Conservative Club is a great example and they have just added a brand new web presence here.
I am proud to be a member!
I am proud to be a member!
Monday 1 March 2010
Budget set
Today a Labour block vote supported by a Lib Dem Councillor and five Independents voted through a 2.45% increase in the Council Tax levied by Wakefield District Council. They rejected a Conservative amendment that would have brought a smaller and below inflation increase of 1.95% that would have also put more funds into infrastructure, done away with the Leader of the Councils chauffeur driven car and his personal soapbox.
To read our budget proposals find Mark Crowther's detailed budget speech here.
On the day itself the Mayor imposed a limited time for delivery of the speech despite her giving unlimited time for the Leader and Deputy Leader of the council for their speeches and in doing so set a new standard, cutting across established practice of on this one day at least giving some sort of balanced approach.
So the people of Wakefield will be paying more from April and will also face changes to front line services including a stealth tax that will create a fly tippers charter.
Have a look here for a comment from a member of the public in the Wakefield Express, it nicely defines the difference in ethos and approach between our New Labour tax and spend controlling group and the real world.
To read our budget proposals find Mark Crowther's detailed budget speech here.
On the day itself the Mayor imposed a limited time for delivery of the speech despite her giving unlimited time for the Leader and Deputy Leader of the council for their speeches and in doing so set a new standard, cutting across established practice of on this one day at least giving some sort of balanced approach.
So the people of Wakefield will be paying more from April and will also face changes to front line services including a stealth tax that will create a fly tippers charter.
Have a look here for a comment from a member of the public in the Wakefield Express, it nicely defines the difference in ethos and approach between our New Labour tax and spend controlling group and the real world.
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