Blue sky thinking to revitalise affordable homes market
"Ministers are looking at detailed plans for a multibillion-pound infrastructure fund to kickstart the stricken housing market. Against the worst conditions for housebuilding for more than 30 years, senior Whitehall officials are drawing up a groundbreaking scheme that would see the public sector inject equity into social housing developments in an attempt to "lever in" insurance and pension funds investment.
The idea is to create a huge cash pool that would see up to £6 of private capital invested by institutions for every pound of government money to dramatically increase the number of affordable homes built in Britain." [Guardian]
Mandelson unveils £20bn plan to free up credit for businesses
"The business secretary, Lord Mandelson, today unveiled a £20bn package of measures to support British businesses as the recession gathers pace, by bolstering the availability of credit from the banking sector.
The government is also bringing in Mervyn Davies, one of Britain's leading bankers, to replace Digby Jones as trade minister. Lord Jones left the government in the last reshuffle." [Guardian]
Quarter of local authorities freeze recruitment due to credit crunch
"Nearly a quarter of local authorities in England have frozen recruitment and more than one in eight have axed jobs in response to a decline in income caused by the credit crunch, the Local Government Association (LGA) said today.
A survey of 154 council chief executives found that 34 have already frozen recruitment as a result of the economic slowdown (22%) and 20 have shed jobs (13%.)" [Guardian]
Thames estuary airport would have 'disastrous' environmental impact, London mayor Boris Johnson told
"Boris Johnson was today warned of "disastrous" environmental consequences if his plans for a new airport on the Thames estuary went ahead.
The Conservative London mayor, who is opposed to a proposed third runway at Heathrow, is pushing the case for a third London airport on the Thames estuary." [Guardian]
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Showing posts with label transport. Show all posts
Showing posts with label transport. Show all posts
1/15/09
Heron's Eye: 14/01/09
Minister criticised for 'green shoots'
"A government minister was attacked by opposition party members today after she said she could see the "green shoots" of an economic recovery.
The comments by business minister Shriti Vadera come as news that nearly 14,000 jobs have been cut or put at risk this week. Barclays, Jaguar Land Rover and Pfizer are the latest companies to announce hundreds of job losses." [Guardian]
Northern Rock investors tell court they were cheated
"Former shareholders in Northern Rock yesterday accused the government of cheating them of compensation when the bank was nationalised last year.
In the high court, lawyers representing the two largest shareholders argued that the government had unfairly rigged an independent valuation of the bank to ensure investors would end up with next to nothing." [Guardian]
Simon Hoggart's Sketch: Short-selling sermons as God takes on Mammon
"In the House of Lords it isn't always Labour against Tory. Yesterday it was God v Mammon. There was no vote, but I'd say that the mood of the house was largely with God. The archbishop of York, John Sentamu, had asked a question about the short-selling of shares. He has form. In a speech last autumn he described the people who had been short-selling against HBOS, and nearly ruined it, as "bank robbers".
Up against him, representing Mammon, was the new Treasury minister Lord Myners. It was a tough gig. The gap-toothed 59-year-old archbishop has become something of a national treasure, chopping up his dog collar on TV and wearing brilliantly coloured vestments while playing exotic musical instruments. Being rude to him would be like hitting Alan Bennett or calling Joanna Lumley a stupid old bag. It would not make you friends." [Guardian]
Simon Jenkins: A runway for jobs? It's time aviation's bluff was called
"The boss of BAA, Colin Matthews, said this week that a third runway at Heathrow would "only go ahead if strict environmental limits are met". What does he mean, if? They are not met and he knows it. Nothing on earth is going to stop him wanting his runway.
Meanwhile Whitehall is witnessing a truly bone-crunching fight between the immovable object of public interest and the irresistible force of Big Carbon. I am sceptical of most policies put forward in the cause of global warming but for aviation to plead its green credentials is like big tobacco claiming that smoking is good for your health." [Guardian]
Click here to read more information on Mr Grimsdale, King Heron and Mobius
"A government minister was attacked by opposition party members today after she said she could see the "green shoots" of an economic recovery.
The comments by business minister Shriti Vadera come as news that nearly 14,000 jobs have been cut or put at risk this week. Barclays, Jaguar Land Rover and Pfizer are the latest companies to announce hundreds of job losses." [Guardian]
Northern Rock investors tell court they were cheated
"Former shareholders in Northern Rock yesterday accused the government of cheating them of compensation when the bank was nationalised last year.
In the high court, lawyers representing the two largest shareholders argued that the government had unfairly rigged an independent valuation of the bank to ensure investors would end up with next to nothing." [Guardian]
Simon Hoggart's Sketch: Short-selling sermons as God takes on Mammon
"In the House of Lords it isn't always Labour against Tory. Yesterday it was God v Mammon. There was no vote, but I'd say that the mood of the house was largely with God. The archbishop of York, John Sentamu, had asked a question about the short-selling of shares. He has form. In a speech last autumn he described the people who had been short-selling against HBOS, and nearly ruined it, as "bank robbers".
Up against him, representing Mammon, was the new Treasury minister Lord Myners. It was a tough gig. The gap-toothed 59-year-old archbishop has become something of a national treasure, chopping up his dog collar on TV and wearing brilliantly coloured vestments while playing exotic musical instruments. Being rude to him would be like hitting Alan Bennett or calling Joanna Lumley a stupid old bag. It would not make you friends." [Guardian]
Simon Jenkins: A runway for jobs? It's time aviation's bluff was called
"The boss of BAA, Colin Matthews, said this week that a third runway at Heathrow would "only go ahead if strict environmental limits are met". What does he mean, if? They are not met and he knows it. Nothing on earth is going to stop him wanting his runway.
Meanwhile Whitehall is witnessing a truly bone-crunching fight between the immovable object of public interest and the irresistible force of Big Carbon. I am sceptical of most policies put forward in the cause of global warming but for aviation to plead its green credentials is like big tobacco claiming that smoking is good for your health." [Guardian]
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1/14/09
Grimsdale's Ire: 14/01/09
MSPs give initial backing to SNP budget plans
"The Scottish National party's latest budget plans today cleared their first hurdle at Holyrood with minimal resistance after Labour MSPs unexpectedly supported the outline bill.
The Liberal Democrats were the only party to oppose the Scottish government's £33bn spending plans when MSPs voted on stage one of the three-step budget process, which accepts the principle of the budget." [Guardian]
Social mobility drive focuses on schools
"Nearly 175,000 bright children on free school meals will be given a chance at the age of 11 to visit a university as part of a drive to lift the aspirations of working-class people and increase stalled social mobility in Britain.
Young people in the top 20% of ability based on test results, and who are eligible for free school meals, are about half as likely to go to university as those who are not eligible for free meals. They will now be offered two chances to visit universities." [Guardian]
Third runway rebels hear from the Labour whips
"Government whips have embarked on a "ring round" to put pressure on rebel Labour MPs not to join forces with the Tories in a Commons vote opposing a third runway at Heathrow airport. As the cabinet discussed the expansion of Heathrow at its weekly meeting yesterday, the rebel MPs said they were prepared to ignore a government three-line whip and vote with the Conservatives.
David Cameron is expected to devote one of the Tories' opposition day debates in the Commons to government plans to allow a third runway to be built at the west London airport. Votes are held after such debates, giving the Tories a chance to embarrass the government by enticing Labour rebels to their side. The vote would have no force in law." [Guardian]
Click here to read more information on Mr Grimsdale, King Heron and Mobius
"The Scottish National party's latest budget plans today cleared their first hurdle at Holyrood with minimal resistance after Labour MSPs unexpectedly supported the outline bill.
The Liberal Democrats were the only party to oppose the Scottish government's £33bn spending plans when MSPs voted on stage one of the three-step budget process, which accepts the principle of the budget." [Guardian]
Social mobility drive focuses on schools
"Nearly 175,000 bright children on free school meals will be given a chance at the age of 11 to visit a university as part of a drive to lift the aspirations of working-class people and increase stalled social mobility in Britain.
Young people in the top 20% of ability based on test results, and who are eligible for free school meals, are about half as likely to go to university as those who are not eligible for free meals. They will now be offered two chances to visit universities." [Guardian]
Third runway rebels hear from the Labour whips
"Government whips have embarked on a "ring round" to put pressure on rebel Labour MPs not to join forces with the Tories in a Commons vote opposing a third runway at Heathrow airport. As the cabinet discussed the expansion of Heathrow at its weekly meeting yesterday, the rebel MPs said they were prepared to ignore a government three-line whip and vote with the Conservatives.
David Cameron is expected to devote one of the Tories' opposition day debates in the Commons to government plans to allow a third runway to be built at the west London airport. Votes are held after such debates, giving the Tories a chance to embarrass the government by enticing Labour rebels to their side. The vote would have no force in law." [Guardian]
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1/12/09
Grimsdale's Ire: 12/01/09
Boris Johnson to challenge government in court if it backs Heathrow third runway
"Boris Johnson confirmed today that he is preparing to challenge the government in court if it "fails to see sense" and gives BAA the green light to apply for a third runway at Heathrow.
The mayor of London urged the government to reject the plans, as both sides ramped up pressure ahead of the government decision, which is expected soon." [Guardian]
Cameron refuses to rule out Clarke return to shadow cabinet despite noises off from eurosceptic right
"David Cameron has received a stark warning from the Conservative right against bringing the ex-chancellor Ken Clarke back to the frontbenches, with a former minister saying the return of the outspoken Europhile in a year of European elections would "split the party".
The Tory leader is tipped to reorder his frontbench team in the next few days, but over the weekend the former Tory chairman Norman Tebbit said his one-time colleague was too "lazy" for frontbench life, while Stuart Wheeler, the party's biggest donor and a staunch eurosceptic, said he would consider withdrawing funding if Clarke was given a job." [Guardian]
Government 'repeating mistakes' by fighting miners in court
"The government is spending millions of pounds in legal fees fighting the claims of sick miners in a move that lawyers say will recreate the mistakes of the past.
Miners suffering from knee problems and chronic lung disease from inhaling dust on the surface of pits were not included in a previous compensation scheme and are being forced to fight for compensation in the courts." [Guardian]
Haroon Siddique: Prince Harry's racist comments still have the power to divide
"Despite Prince Harry's past misdemeanours and the undistinguished record of his grandfather when it comes to race relations, I was still shocked when I heard that he had used the word "Paki". But what surprised me even more were the attempts to play down the nastiness of the term or to pass it off as a term of endearment.
Listening to a Five Live radio phone-in this morning there were a number of people calling in who suggested that it was a mere abbreviation, of the same ilk as "Brit" or "Aussie" and therefore equally inoffensive. But to make such an argument is to ignore the history of use of the word "Paki" in this country. Growing up in west London in the 1980s it was difficult to escape the insult. I was called a Paki numerous times throughout primary and secondary school, as were Asian classmates – regardless of whether they were actually of Pakistani heritage. Sometimes it was spat out by strangers on the street; at other times it was used by supposed friends registering their anger because I had, for instance, misplaced a pass playing football. Often I would respond with my fists, so hurt and impotent did I feel at the time." [Guardian]
Police squads 'deter ethnic minorities'
"Black and Asian police officers still believe specialist squads are "closed shops", dominated by white middle-aged men and a "canteen culture" of working hard, playing hard and drinking hard, according to a report by the Equality and Human Rights Commission, 10 years on from the Macpherson inquiry.
In a major review of the attitudes of police in England and Wales towards race since the Stephen Lawrence case, the commission reports that ethnic minority officers were put off by perceived "old-fashioned working practices" and felt that robbery, anti-terrorist and firearms units were open only to recruits whose "face fits"." [Guardian]
Redundancy: Don't suffer in silence, says Jon Robins
"It is reckoned that every day this year as many as 1,600 people could lose their jobs. That's 600,000 jobs gone in the next 12 months, according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Despite the numbers it is almost impossible not to take redundancy personally. It strikes at our core.
As a society we are increasingly - and some would say unhealthily - work-obsessed. Many of us define ourselves through what we do for a living, so job loss attacks our self image, as well as undermining our personal security and ability to provide for loved ones. Don't underestimate the emotional impact of redundancy; those on the receiving end need to rely on their partners, family and friends for support. Loved ones, in turn, need to be there to provide that support." [Guardian]
Click here to read more information on Mr Grimsdale, King Heron and Mobius
"Boris Johnson confirmed today that he is preparing to challenge the government in court if it "fails to see sense" and gives BAA the green light to apply for a third runway at Heathrow.
The mayor of London urged the government to reject the plans, as both sides ramped up pressure ahead of the government decision, which is expected soon." [Guardian]
Cameron refuses to rule out Clarke return to shadow cabinet despite noises off from eurosceptic right
"David Cameron has received a stark warning from the Conservative right against bringing the ex-chancellor Ken Clarke back to the frontbenches, with a former minister saying the return of the outspoken Europhile in a year of European elections would "split the party".
The Tory leader is tipped to reorder his frontbench team in the next few days, but over the weekend the former Tory chairman Norman Tebbit said his one-time colleague was too "lazy" for frontbench life, while Stuart Wheeler, the party's biggest donor and a staunch eurosceptic, said he would consider withdrawing funding if Clarke was given a job." [Guardian]
Government 'repeating mistakes' by fighting miners in court
"The government is spending millions of pounds in legal fees fighting the claims of sick miners in a move that lawyers say will recreate the mistakes of the past.
Miners suffering from knee problems and chronic lung disease from inhaling dust on the surface of pits were not included in a previous compensation scheme and are being forced to fight for compensation in the courts." [Guardian]
Haroon Siddique: Prince Harry's racist comments still have the power to divide
"Despite Prince Harry's past misdemeanours and the undistinguished record of his grandfather when it comes to race relations, I was still shocked when I heard that he had used the word "Paki". But what surprised me even more were the attempts to play down the nastiness of the term or to pass it off as a term of endearment.
Listening to a Five Live radio phone-in this morning there were a number of people calling in who suggested that it was a mere abbreviation, of the same ilk as "Brit" or "Aussie" and therefore equally inoffensive. But to make such an argument is to ignore the history of use of the word "Paki" in this country. Growing up in west London in the 1980s it was difficult to escape the insult. I was called a Paki numerous times throughout primary and secondary school, as were Asian classmates – regardless of whether they were actually of Pakistani heritage. Sometimes it was spat out by strangers on the street; at other times it was used by supposed friends registering their anger because I had, for instance, misplaced a pass playing football. Often I would respond with my fists, so hurt and impotent did I feel at the time." [Guardian]
Police squads 'deter ethnic minorities'
"Black and Asian police officers still believe specialist squads are "closed shops", dominated by white middle-aged men and a "canteen culture" of working hard, playing hard and drinking hard, according to a report by the Equality and Human Rights Commission, 10 years on from the Macpherson inquiry.
In a major review of the attitudes of police in England and Wales towards race since the Stephen Lawrence case, the commission reports that ethnic minority officers were put off by perceived "old-fashioned working practices" and felt that robbery, anti-terrorist and firearms units were open only to recruits whose "face fits"." [Guardian]
Redundancy: Don't suffer in silence, says Jon Robins
"It is reckoned that every day this year as many as 1,600 people could lose their jobs. That's 600,000 jobs gone in the next 12 months, according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Despite the numbers it is almost impossible not to take redundancy personally. It strikes at our core.
As a society we are increasingly - and some would say unhealthily - work-obsessed. Many of us define ourselves through what we do for a living, so job loss attacks our self image, as well as undermining our personal security and ability to provide for loved ones. Don't underestimate the emotional impact of redundancy; those on the receiving end need to rely on their partners, family and friends for support. Loved ones, in turn, need to be there to provide that support." [Guardian]
Click here to read more information on Mr Grimsdale, King Heron and Mobius
1/6/09
Heron's Eye: 06/01/09
Home Office flouted guidelines in 10 ways over knife crime statistics
"Any figures that fail to comply with code in future will be refused stamp of approval, says statistics body
The early release of knife crime statistics by the Home Office last month flouted new official guidelines in 10 different ways, the
The UKSA published its code of practice today alongside a final judgment by the UKSA on the Home Office's misuse last month of knife crime statistics suggesting the offence was under control. The UKSA said that any figures that failed to comply with the code in future would be refused a stamp of approval." [Guardian]
Boris 2009: transport
"Noticed those fares rises yet? They have in Enfield, and I doubt they're alone. It's no surprise that from the moment he announced them Mayor Johnson has worked super-hard to limit the political damage, initially by blaming them on Ken Livingstone - who's latest broadside on the issue is here - and now, it would appear, by trying not to mention them. His effort in today's Standard skates straight past the subject (as did the paper in general: there's two pages on commuters' rail fares going up, but barely a mention of those affecting bus and Tube-users).
His spin, supported by a shamelessly one-eyed newspaper, might work for Johnson, at least in the short term. We'd get a better idea if someone would commission an opinion poll: after eight months of Mayor Boris - one sixth of his term already - you'd have thought someone might have thought it worthwhile by now." [Guardian]
It will take more than goodwill and greenwash to save the biosphere: Shell may boast about tackling climate change, but companies tend always to sacrifice good intentions for hard cash
"For a while it seemed that Shell had stopped pretending. The advertisements that filled the newspapers in 2006, featuring technicians with perfect teeth and open-necked shirts explaining how they were saving the world, vanished. After being slated by environmentalists for greenwash, after two adverse rulings by the Advertising Standards Authority, Shell appeared to have accepted the inescapable truth that it was an oil company with a minor sideline in alternative energy, and that there was no point in trying to persuade people otherwise.
The interview I conducted with its chief executive, Jeroen van der Veer, broadcast on the Guardian's website today, contains what appears to be an interesting admission. I asked him whether Shell had stopped producing ads extolling its investments in renewable energy. Van der Veer does not express himself clearly at this point, but he seems to admit that his company's previous advertising was not honest." [Guardian]
Click here to read more information on Mr Grimsdale, King Heron and Mobius
11/28/08
EU Council Monitor - 28/11/08
Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council Meeting
The conclusions of the Council meeting are available for download here: http://www.consilium.europa.eu/cms3_applications/applications/newsRoom/loadBook.asp?BID=87&LANG=1&cmsid=354
Les Etats membres de l’Union européenne sont tombés d’accord pour retirer l’amendement n°138 ( dit " amendement Bono ") du Paquet “Christine Albanel, ministre de la Culture et de la Communication, se félicite que tous les Etats membres de l’Union européenne soient tombés d’accord pour retirer l’amendement n°138 ( dit « amendement Bono ») du Paquet Télécom.
http://www.culture.gouv.fr/culture/actualites/index.htm
The conclusions of the Council meeting are available for download here: http://www.consilium.europa.eu/cms3_applications/applications/newsRoom/loadBook.asp?BID=87&LANG=1&cmsid=354
Les Etats membres de l’Union européenne sont tombés d’accord pour retirer l’amendement n°138 ( dit " amendement Bono ") du Paquet “Christine Albanel, ministre de la Culture et de la Communication, se félicite que tous les Etats membres de l’Union européenne soient tombés d’accord pour retirer l’amendement n°138 ( dit « amendement Bono ») du Paquet Télécom.
http://www.culture.gouv.fr/culture/actualites/index.htm
10/31/08
In the Loop: 31/10/08
Disaster response scheme 'hit by bad management' 31/10/08
“England's biggest programme to handle catastrophes from terrorist attacks to widespread flooding is in danger of going awry because of sloppy management and woeful financial management, Edward Leigh, chairman of the Commons public accounts committee, warns today.
The £330m programme, run by the Fire and Rescue Service, was set up two days after the 9/11 attack on New York's twin towers. It involved the ordering of hi-tech equipment such as powerful water pumps and decontamination suits, setting up a national control centre and specialist training for firefighters.” [Guardian]
Regulator leaves Network Rail with £2.6bn spending gap 31/10/08
“Network Rail is under pressure to cut costs after the industry's financial regulator left it with a near £3bn spending gap. The Office of Rail Regulation said the owner of Britain's rail infrastructure should spend £28.5bn between next year and 2014, £2.6bn less than it requested.
The regulator added that there was no money for electrifying the remainder of the rail network, a day after the transport secretary, Geoff Hoon, said the industry should be "getting on with things like electrification".” [Guardian]
Biggest economies caught in 'storm of the century' 31/10/08
“Belt-tightening by American consumers on a scale unprecedented for almost three decades meant the world's biggest economy joined the list of countries in or close to recession, according to official figures released yesterday.” [Guardian]
Darling: tax may rise in downturn 30/10/08
“The Chancellor signalled last night that taxes might have to rise if the economic downturn is prolonged.
Alistair Darling warned that Government revenue has collapsed because of the recession. He said that ministers would attempt to stimulate the economy by accelerating spending projects even if it meant a sharp increase in Government borrowing.” [Guardian]
Click here to read more information on Mr Grimsdale, King Heron and Mobius
“England's biggest programme to handle catastrophes from terrorist attacks to widespread flooding is in danger of going awry because of sloppy management and woeful financial management, Edward Leigh, chairman of the Commons public accounts committee, warns today.
The £330m programme, run by the Fire and Rescue Service, was set up two days after the 9/11 attack on New York's twin towers. It involved the ordering of hi-tech equipment such as powerful water pumps and decontamination suits, setting up a national control centre and specialist training for firefighters.” [Guardian]
Regulator leaves Network Rail with £2.6bn spending gap 31/10/08
“Network Rail is under pressure to cut costs after the industry's financial regulator left it with a near £3bn spending gap. The Office of Rail Regulation said the owner of Britain's rail infrastructure should spend £28.5bn between next year and 2014, £2.6bn less than it requested.
The regulator added that there was no money for electrifying the remainder of the rail network, a day after the transport secretary, Geoff Hoon, said the industry should be "getting on with things like electrification".” [Guardian]
Biggest economies caught in 'storm of the century' 31/10/08
“Belt-tightening by American consumers on a scale unprecedented for almost three decades meant the world's biggest economy joined the list of countries in or close to recession, according to official figures released yesterday.” [Guardian]
Darling: tax may rise in downturn 30/10/08
“The Chancellor signalled last night that taxes might have to rise if the economic downturn is prolonged.
Alistair Darling warned that Government revenue has collapsed because of the recession. He said that ministers would attempt to stimulate the economy by accelerating spending projects even if it meant a sharp increase in Government borrowing.” [Guardian]
Click here to read more information on Mr Grimsdale, King Heron and Mobius
10/30/08
In The Loop: 29/10/08
Speed limits should be cut to 20mph in some areas, say MPs 29/10/08
“Speed limits should be slashed to 20mph in some areas, MPs said today, as they condemned the "appalling" level of child road deaths.
The Commons transport committee described the number of deaths and injuries on
Click here to read more information on Mr Grimsdale, King Heron and Mobius
Heron's Eye: 29/10/08
Downturn will not hamper public transport projects, says Geoff Hoon 29/10/08
“Geoff Hoon, the recently appointed transport secretary, said today that the economic downturn should not have an effect on delivering public transport projects.
And he said that
Mandelson hails thaw in relations with
“Lord Mandelson hailed a thaw in relations between
Diplomatic spats that poisoned ties between the two countries in the last two years seemed to be swept under the carpet as the business secretary lauded a new climate of partnership.” [Guardian]
Bigger databases increase risks, says watchdog 29/10/08
“The proliferation of ever larger centralised databases is increasing the risk of people's personal data being lost or abused, the government's official privacy watchdog claims today.
The warning from the information commissioner, Richard Thomas, comes as he discloses that reported data losses have soared in the past year.” [Guardian]
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10/27/08
In The Loop: 27/10/08
Government encourages car companies to make motoring greener
“Car manufacturers are being encouraged to participate in a £10m scheme to make motoring greener and create thousands of jobs
Geoff Hoon, the transport secretary, has today invited car manufacturers to bid to take part in an initiative to run electric car and ultra-low carbon vehicle demonstration projects, overseen by the Technology Strategy Board." [Guardian]
Call for clampdown on rogue online ticket sellers
"Ticketing websites have called on the government to crack down on rogue online operators after a spate of high-profile examples of consumers being ripped off.
Andy Burnham, the culture secretary, is believed to be close to launching an industry consultation based around proposals first floated this year in response to concerns about the booming online market in tickets for concerts and sporting events." [Guardian]
Pay rises and Christmas parties cancelled as companies cut costs
“Almost four in five British businesses are cutting back on everything from hiring new staff to paying for the office Christmas party, as they batten down the hatches for a deep recession.” [Guardian]
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Grimsdale's Ire: 27/10/08
Minister bows to calls on climate change bill
The government is to announce tomorrow that it will include rapidly growing aviation and shipping emissions in
More councils expected to ban speed cameras
“Several more local authorities are expected to ban speed cameras over the next year, following the lead of
8/10/08
Heron's Eye: 10/08/08
Unions and MPs back 'dream ticket'
A powerful coalition of mainstream Labour MPs and leaders of
Gordon Brown called yesterday for communities across
The chancellor, Alistair Darling, is prepared to disappoint millions of would-be home buyers by ruling out proposals to revive the housing market, Treasury insiders warned last night. After a chaotic week of claim and counter-claim about Treasury plans to suspend stamp duty for first-time buyers, Darling has hardened his stance against the move, which he believes could cost billions to little positive effect. [Guardian]
After last month's final edition of ITV's The Sunday Programme, its weekly early morning current affairs show, the channel that once produced Weekend World and Walden was left without any specifically political output. It scrapped The Sunday Edition, co-hosted by The Observer's Andrew Rawnsley, at the end of last year, leaving the BBC, which has to cover
Rich-poor education gap wider under Labour, claim Tories
The Conservatives today set out their credentials to become the champions of social equality in a document outlining the education gap between rich and poor, which they claim has widened under the Labour government. [Guardian]
Michael White analyses Nick Clegg’s party leadership and his new direction for the Lib Dem’s tax policy. [Guardian]
The Tories have begun planning for a record-breaking party conference this autumn which will aim to portray David Cameron as a statesmanlike future leader amid signs that the political and corporate establishment is shifting toward the Conservatives. [Guardian]
The
Parents could be offered a seamless system of state-organised childcare from birth to school under proposals being discussed within the government in the battle to win parents' votes. [Guardian]
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