The following article by Mark Pack originally appeared on the Liberal Democrat Voice website:
Liberal Democrat pressure in the coalition government has already secured significant reductions in the tax breaks for the very richest. However, these tax breaks are still sufficiently generous that there is the scope for raising plenty more money without introducing punitive tax rates.
For example, restricting the tax relief on pension contributions to 20% (the standard rate for most people...Read Full Story
Meanwhile...soldiering on.... I noticed that the Council's response to my FoI request for 'Details of Officers Expenses', initially made on the 19th December 2011, was running two weeks late so I sent a gentle reminder. Lo and behold, a response materialises. It was a refusal, including a refusal to detail the fees and expenses claimed by the Returning Officer. The rather contrived reasons given for refusal appear to be the time and cost of responding, exceeded the limit allowed. The response...Read Full Story
Hot on the heels of banning free plastic carrier bags in order to save the Artic penguin or some such rubbish, the bansturbators of the National Assembly on Wednesday passed legislation banning all advertising, trading and marketing by non-sponsors within 500m of the Millennium Stadium to “protect the brand”, during the Olympics.
Wales Online has the full story here
The interesting thing about this ban is that as well as the facepainters, merchandise sellers and hot dog salespeople who...Read Full Story
I hope all of my readers had a great Xmas and New Year and ate and drank too much (I certainly did) and caught up with family and had a good break. Welcome back and I hope 2012 is a good year for you all.
Just a quick blog to add some comments about a Cornish assembly. I blogged late last year ( A Case for a Cornish Assembly ) arguing that politics needs to change in Cornwall, to unlock Cornwall's potential. That our poor economy and poor state of governance could be changed with...Read Full Story
As I have been the subject of considerable speculation this week I would like to clarify my position by referring readers to this article in today's Western Mail which includes a statement by Carmarthenshire County Council and confirmation that the Chief Executive has brough a counterclaim for libel against me; Taxpayers to pay for libel action by Council Chief and two brief articles from the South Wales Evening Post; Boss counter-sues blogger Council pays for legal battle and BBC...Read Full Story
The week began with a surprise, with the outsider Simon Thomas appearing on the Senedd’s Oriel alongside Elin Jones to announce he was pulling out of the race to back her as deputy. Beyond the initial shock, this makes sense for both. For Mr Thomas ...
Feb 9 2012 “Plaid must target Labour heartlands if it is serious about real independence,” says leadership candidate Leanne Wood Feb 8 2012 Simon Thomas withdraws from Plaid Cymru leadership race and backs Elin Jones Feb 6 2012 Plaid leadership hopeful ...
Dafydd Wigley is the first Plaid Cymru politician to go to the House of Lords with his party's explicit blessing, but Dafydd Elis-Thomas has sat there since as a cross-bencher since 1992. In a recent lecture at Bangor University, Lord Wigley shed light on ...
Mr Iwan explained that he was supporting the South Wales Central ... She faces a challenge from Dwyfor Meirionnydd AM and ex-presiding officer Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas; ex- minister and Ceredigion AM Elin Jones; and Mid and West Wales AM Simon Thomas.
Plaid Cymru Assembly Member Simon Thomas has pulled out of the contest to lead his party. His withdrawal leaves three candidates in the running - Leanne Wood, Elin Jones and Lord Elis-Thomas. Mr Thomas said he would support Ceredigion AM Ms Jones as her ...
A place to share opinions and news about the Welsch Assembly.
The National Assembly for Wales has power to make legislation in Wales. The assembly building, known as the Senedd, was opened in March 2006 by the Queen.
The Assembly was formed under the Government of Wales Act 1998, by the Labour government, following a referendum in 1997...more
A place to share opinions and news about the Welsch Assembly.
The National Assembly for Wales has power to make legislation in Wales. The assembly building, known as the Senedd, was opened in March 2006 by the Queen.
The Assembly was formed under the Government of Wales Act 1998, by the Labour government, following a referendum in 1997. The campaign for a 'yes' vote in the referendum was supported by the Labour Party, Plaid Cymru, the Liberal Democrats and much of Welsh civic society, such as church groups and the trade union movement. The Welsch Conservative Party was the only major political party in Wales to oppose.