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Tuesday, May 25, 2010
News in Brief
David Cameron failed to highjack the 1922 committee, defeated by his own Back Benchers .
Jon Snow reports that according to David Laws, the Treasury fed advice to the coalition talks. The Treasury is only meant to advise the government, at that stage still Labour. Is it possible that in the scrupulously and smoothly run negotiations, Whitehall, enthusiastic for a settlement to the constitutional hiatus, eager to help the smooth-running of negotiations in any way it could, have over-stepped the mark?
The rate of growth for the first 3 months of this year was 0.3%, an increase of 50% on the forecast of 0.2%. The deficit estimated at £180 billion, which the Tories continually said was under estimated stands at £156 billion.
The net cuts the coalition have announced amount to less than 1%, of the deficit, but that doesn’t take into account the new department the coalition are setting up, the Office of Budget Responsibility , which will provide borrowing and economic growth forecasts for the Treasury. Main elements of the proposed bill "have yet to be decided upon". No mention of reforming the remit of the National Audit Office, which was predicted in advance media coverage.
Regulation of the Banks will go back to the Bank of England , No mention of the Bank Levy.
Welfare Reform Bill will create a single welfare-to-work programme and make benefit payments more conditional on willingness to accept work. Disabled to be ‘encouraged‘to work. [No mention of bringing back the Workhouses]. Where are these Jobs?
The coalition will introduce system of HGV road user charges to ensure "fairer arrangement" for UK haulers. HGV road user charges, is a new policy mentioned in the Queens Speech, but not mentioned in either party's manifesto. I think they mean that Fair Government, is Fair to the Government.
Several commentators have suggested that the coalition will last 2 or possible 3 years. One also asked if David Cameron will be remembered for sending his party into oblivion, and will Nick Clegg be remembered for the sending the Lib – Dems to oblivion.