12 November 2008 - The Financial Crisis - a word of warning from Rt Hon Stephen Dorrell MP
For anyone who has an interest in the future of the world economy (and that means all of us), this has been an extraordinary autumn! Events have moved with bewildering speed as each day has seemed to bring developments which would have been unthinkable a week earlier. The Government was right to take action to stabilize the financial system and it is clear that we need to review the regulation of the system. But in the midst of the fog created by these events it is important not lose sight of some key principles which will be as true in 2009 as they have ever been.
We should not conclude that governments make good bankers or that regulators can eliminate risk within the banking system. We should recognize that investment involves risk and that sometimes risks go wrong. If we aim to eliminate all risk we shall remove a key element of a successful free enterprise system. When things go wrong it is natural to say "this should never happen again".
But in our anxiety to learn the lessons of recent events, we should not forget the lessons of other past events - one of which is that over-regulated and risk averse societies stifle enterprise and impoverish their citizens.
30 March 2008 - Conservative MEP Team Chosen
The Conservative Candidates for the East Midlands European Elections in 2009 have been chosen by a postal ballot of all Party Members. The team is led by Roger Helmer MEP, supported by Emma McClarkin, Rupert Matthews, Fiona Bulmer and George Lee. Retiring MEP, Chris Heaton-Harris, says " This is a fantastic team to represent the East Midlands with a real depth of talent and wide range of experience".
30 March 2008 - A better Charnwood Borough Council under the Conservatives
Charnwood Borough Council Update - First Tory Budget brings better services and efficiency savings to Charnwood Borough.
Better services, saving money, and keeping Council Tax down - those are the themes of the Conservative budget at Charnwood Borough Council.
Since winning the election last May the new Conservative Administration has set about putting Its manifesto promises into action.
Pay on exit at the Beehive Lane car-park, free bulky waste collections, a clampdown on fly-tipping and better street cleaning are some of the manifesto commitments already under way. Many people have said how much they like the new festive lights in Loughborough town centre. The CCTV cover Is now monitored 24 hours a day and the next step Is extending that cover to more parts of the Borough.
Charnwood Neighbourhood Housing is up and running, and the bid for £36 million for decent homes work has been pushed through to a successful conclusion, depending now on getting 2* status. All this has been achieved without cutting any services. How has it been possible? The answer is good housekeeping and sensible saving, like changing the way we dispose of waste for recycling. We are now looking to increase the collection of garden waste by bringing down the charge for brown bins.
We also intend to provide more affordable homes in the Borough. We have looked hard at costs and income streams and have identified savings of 8% for 2008-09. We are also looking at shared service schemes so as to make further savings, and free up money to make more improvements for the benefit of Charnwood residents. These savings will also help us to keep Council Tax low. Government funding is going to be reduced in 2009-10 and 2010-11. We are facing a projected shortfall in our finances of £637,000 in 2010-11. That Is why we must continue to work smarter, control costs and make savings, otherwise services to the public will suffer.
Our association treasurer, Cllr, John Bush who is also the Borough's Deputy Leader and Finance Lead Member, said, "I am very pleased with this budget. We have managed to control costs, Improve services and contain the Council Tax Increase to 2.5%, which is In line with inflation. Value for money for the benefit of Charnwood Council Taxpayers is our motto."
Council Leader Cllr. Richard Shepherd added, 'The budget shows the determination of the Conservative Administration to achieve for the residents of Charnwood what we said we would do. I should like to thank all those who have contributed to producing it"
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