VAT reduction on the cards?

The BBC are reporting that the Government proposes to cut VAT by 2.5% in an attempt to stimulate the British economy.

Since the G20 summit in Washington there has been speculation of possible tax cuts including

• Increased tax allowances.
• A rebate.
• Increases in payments to those in receipt of tax credits

Whilst this may be a fair and equitable way of reducing costs, in isolation I doubt it is enough, it works out as ~£25 per £1k spent. Hardly noticeable. In addition, the reduction may not be passed on to consumers as retailers, wholesalers, importers and manufacturers swallow the reduction in increased profit margins.

I do hope you have more to offer Mr Brown.

As things stand, most people have received pay-rises well below inflation, the value of the pound is dropping like a stone, jobless figures are rising and so on.

"No more boom and bust"?

Yeah, right!

The Tories are talking about targeted (funded) tax cuts. This probably is the better policy in the long term. However, many are struggling and can't afford the luxury of thinking long term. In addition, the bank bailout is going to cost us all very dearly as time goes on, why shouldn't the taxpayer have some kind of assistance from this?

Gordon Brown on "Baby P"

PM Gordon Brown has denied his government are passing the buck in the tragic case of "Baby P".

His spokesman said

"There is an appropriate body for complaints regarding social care

"It is right that complaints should be directed to the Commission for Social Care Inspection to take appropriate action."

I'm sure that baby would agree had it become old enough to know the difference.

As it stands, a whistleblower alerted a number of Ministers of the situation in Harringey and were just bounced around difference organisations instead of someone realising the significance and taking ownership.

Quite frankly these despicable people have blood on their hands today.

Anyone working in industry knows that taking ownership of issues as they arise is critical. Why do ministers (elected to serve) not share in this?

And now, the cold hearted PM dismisses criticism by hiding behind process and procedure.

Nice to know how caring the state is.

Goodbye Blair

I'm not a fan of Blair, I never have been.

Just seen his speech in Parliament this afternoon.

Over the years I've said my bit on each of his plans, policies & actions.

He's made some poor decisions which have cost us all dearly. He's lied to us (intentionally or not) and he's took us into a number of wars. Some valid, some not.

That said, I do admire the way he bowed out today. It was odd to see him going after all this time. I was pleased to see the applause from all sides of the house.

I have a bottle of Glen Morangie here and I think a drop is in order. Not as a celebration more to toast the end of an era.

The question is of course, what happens now? What is Brown going to do now he has his prize?

I'm not a fan for various reasons but will judge him (as I suspect most will) on what he does. Lets hope its for the better.

Gordon Brown is a cunt

Firstly, no posts about the language in this post. Go read some wishy-washy PC claptrap blog if you don't like it.

BBC

Gordon Brown has rejected calls to block a controversial move by MPs to get out of freedom of information laws.

MPs pushed the plan closer to becoming law earlier in what critics called a "shameful day for Parliament".

The MPs say they want to protect private letters from constituents - but critics say the move would also allow them to keep their expenses secret.

Mr Brown, who takes over as Labour leader and prime minister next month, has pledged more "open" politics.

A spokesman for the chancellor said he had also promised not to dictate to MPs.

"Gordon has also spoken about the sovereignty of Parliament. If MPs have voted this measure through then that is a matter for them", his spokesman said.

So this is how its going to be with the unelected Brown?

I wasn't sure what to make of him, he's been so quiet in public in the last decade its been difficult to identify him against the background noise of New Labour/Blair(ism). Now its becoming clear what he's like - weak & arrogant.

For starters Brown, you are also an MP and are entitled to express an opinion on this. By implication you obviously support this move meaning that you believe in one rule for MP's and another for everyone else.

People can talk about his raids on pension funds and all the rest of his poor judgements but he'll be remembered most for what he does between now and the next election. He better buck his ideas up or the loss he will suffer at the next General Election could be unprecedented.

And where is this moron? Nowhere to be seen? Funny how this spineless toad disapears when the going gets tough.

Brown; Go fuck yourself.

Budget: Does nothing for me, screw you Brown

What a crap budget.

Trying to use this to gain some popularity? Cretin.

I would critique it point by point but I'm really not inclined to do so.

Brown: You are a no-hoper. You are a waste of space just like the rest of your party.

It does nothing for anyone.

Go hang your head in shame.