Probably published for 7th December, 1994 (see reference to Gov't defeat).
Mourned the loss of Arthur Palmer.
The Budget
The Tories wanted to more than double VAT on domestic fuel to 17.5%.
Increase would hit most vulnerable
These increases would have hit pensioners and the home bound the worst.
Tory County Councillors were split when asked to support the Government at last week's County Council.
Delight
So it was a great delight to see the Government lose last night by 8 votes!
So unnecessary
Borrowing figures were better this year, than predicted by the Govt. last year.
17.5% on VAT on fuel raises £1.5 billion; £600 million of this goes back informs of compensation so it raises £900 million more - all within the errors of margin associated with public finance
There is more than enough scope to hold VAT on gas and electricity at 8% and keep more public services going.
Cynical Tax Ploy
There is a danger in continuing to label the Tories as the high tax party.
The Tories are increasing indirect tax now, so that they can introduce income tax cuts in General Election year.
We must challenge voters as to whether they will fall for this cynical ploy.
Green Taxes
One interesting aspect of the Budget is that three tax increases were presented as green measures.
The Government would have a stronger case if they exempted public transport from increased fuel taxes (a reason cited for the forthcoming bus fare increases) and were not proposing VAT on "Park & ride".
Cuts in Services
The tax ploy requires heavy cuts in services now, when investment is needed in the social fabric.
Notts. County Council Settlement
The County is being asked to make cuts in services and a council tax rise of close to six per cent to make up a shortfall of £27 million next year.
SSA given and taken away
The Government has announced a modest rise in the SSA, but two-thirds of that is for new responsibilities which Social services are to take over from Health Authorities under "Care in the Community".
The other third would be taken up by the promised pay rise to the Police.
Nothing left
These leaves nothing left to meet inflation or the annual pay rises for teachers, firefighters and the rest of our staff.
Since cuts have been made for years, the Chancellor's calls for "efficiency savings" are a bit rich.
The Council had been looking a cuts of £19 million and the projected figures are tabled above.
Acorn Initiative
The Labour Group was considering launching "the acorn initiative" to give the County Council new energy and direction. More details are in the attached County Report.
There must now be some consideration over whether to carry on.
Cllr. Arthur Palmer
The County Labour Group is mourning the loss of Arthur Palmer, who was County Cllr. for Clifton East.
The most interesting tribute I heard was that he stood up for a black member of the NUM during the 60's when President of Gedling NUM and lost his position; and possibly important nominations for a Parliamentary seat.
Social Services
Spokespeople for the Social Services Inspectorate were challenged over a report they published only weeks before Leanne White's death.
Many felt it gave the Department some reassurance when we now know things were going wrong.
Education
The County Council is launching a new handbook I"Making Use of Performance Data"Iˇ.
This analytical tool seeks to enable schools to evaluate for themselves their effectiveness as a teaching institution.
This tool can show the strengths and weaknesses within the school. The tool allows performance to be assessed at departmental level.
Releasing Value Added Figures
Fred Riddell, Chair of the Education Cttee. does not want to see value added assessments of schools printed as a league table for fear of promoting competition between schools.
Fred was challenged by the Conservatives at Full Council, wondering if this sort of information oughtn't to be in the public domain, in line with recent pronouncements by David Blunkett.
Fred opposes this
In part, I think, because he wishes to see the Value Added concept launched carefully and to be accepted;
in part because there is still more research to do;
in part because he fears they can be used to encourage parents to direct their children to other schools rather than improve the local ones, whilst the "market in education" still exists.
It's clear that when these figures are published, there will be arguments within schools about the light it paints them in.
But currently I'm inclined to think these figures should be published to trigger that debate; and recognise that it's inevitable that once these figures are available, someone will arrange them into a league table.
County keeps School Dinners
The County has kept the contract but at the cost of withdrawing retention pay and other benefits that the school dinners staff value.
The Labour Group had thought the necessary liaison with Unison had taken place. But there was still a storm of protest.
CCT
I would merely point out that once again, (as with the sale of parts of Woodthorpe Grange to finance new greenhouses and to keep the City's gardeners,) local Labour Authorities have suffered locally for the fall out of the Government's competitive compulsory tendering.
Divide increases
Once again, however, the lower paid have suffered a cut in pay and conditions.
Carrington Sports Field
This has been leased to the Hyson Green Cricket & Social Club for 15 years.
They are expected to apply to the Sports Council for funds to either refurbish or replace the pavilion.
Traffic Calming
I presented a petition of 92 people against the proposal at Full Council. Pete, Bill and I surveyed residents on Magdala Road on Sunday.
Of those we met -
18 were in favour (62%);
6 didn't have a view;
5 were against.
My firm view is people are for the scheme, citing excessive speeds as the main reason.
Rochdale Pioneers
The County Council passed a motion celebrating the 150th anniversary of the co-operative movement.
As part of the debate on Clause 4, we should remember the advantages of workers' co-ops over private ownership and nationalised companies.
Cases
169 in 1994.
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