FT.com / UK - Tories pledge rapid reform on regulation

FT.com / UK - Tories pledge rapid reform on regulation: "'Think about the enormous disruption this would create at a time of great uncertainty for the financial services sector and the economy generally. To say that this would be ill-timed is a massive understatement,' Andrew Love, a Labour member of the Treasury select committee, told a Westminster event.
Vince Cable, Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesman, said the reforms would involve 'major costs . . . and massive uncertainty . . . at a crucial time'."

Dear Tories, please stop and think, listen to those who have been regulated rather than those who have been regulating as well as those who have created every manifistation of failed regulators to date.

BBC News - Elfyn Llwyd calls for withdrawal from Afghanistan

BBC News - Elfyn Llwyd calls for withdrawal from Afghanistan: "He told delegates in Cardiff that his MPs would fight to protect public spending in Wales after the election."


We shall see what we shall see!!

Plaid Wrecsam: Planning in Scotland.

Plaid Wrecsam: Planning in Scotland.: "Can we really imagine the Snowdonia National Park granting planning permission for an 8 storey concrete monstrosity in Llanberis?"

Section 106 is only one tool in the planning armoury for raising funds, unfortunately in Gwynedd, which includes the SNPA, these agreements are used to discriminate against locals and even within locals depending upon who you are, these restrictions include maximum selling prices, 4 mile radius, within gwynedd only, all in the name of meeting affordable housing targets which have been unatainable for decades thanks to the hysteria about 'inmigration'.

back to the subject, have you seen the bunker on the hill, the 'highest slum', the cafe on top of Snowdon? Have you seen the SNPA offices or the mansions they allow to be built for 'agricultural workers' and those in the clique? How about the monstrosity which is supposed to replace St David's hotel? Sorry for the rant but I thought some balance was in order.

Welsh Assembly launches boiler scrappage scheme

Welsh Assembly launches boiler scrappage scheme: "The Welsh scheme will be targeting over 60s, who they consider to be more vulnerable to fuel poverty."

Nothing for hard pressed families? Yet more disparity for the Welsh to endure when compared to their fellow taxpayers in England.

WalesOnline - News - Wales News - Hain compares Wales with Rwanda

WalesOnline - News - Wales News - Hain compares Wales with Rwanda: "In a statement issued later, Mr Hain said: 'Frankly, I could have chosen my words more carefully."

In Mr Hain's case I would suggest that silence is golden.

Snowdonia For All

Snowdonia For All: "Welcome to 'Snowdonia for All', a project which aims to encourage disabled people, people with restrited mobility or parents who have young children to visit Snowdonia and have an enjoyable and relaxing time."


If they can afford the parking fees?

BBC News - Backing for Blaenau Ffestiniog's bid to join park

BBC News - Backing for Blaenau Ffestiniog's bid to join park: "Blaenau Ffestiniog was not originally included because when the park was being developed urban and industrial areas were not included, but times had changed, he added."

Who defined what was 'urban' or 'industrial'? There are vilages in the park, there is a dirty great airfield too!

As far as any community wishing to be ensnared by the planning constraints then they need their bumps feeling pdq..

WalesOnline - Business - Business News - Business parks get £2.55m injection

WalesOnline - Business - Business News - Business parks get £2.55m injection: "Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said: “The Welsh Assembly Government is determined to do everything within our powers to lead Wales out of recession which includes helping existing businesses to grow and prosper – to deliver more and better jobs for the people of Wales."

What about us? Snowdonia, Dyffryn Ardudwy in particular, has the highest housing and healthcare deprivation in Wales, looks like the stady decline is becoming steeper each day.

Ieuan, you talk of "The people of Wales", well some parts of Wales don't even feature on your radar do they?

House building to hit lowest levels since 1923 - Planning Resource Daily Bulletin - PlanningResource

House building to hit lowest levels since 1923 - Planning Resource Daily Bulletin - PlanningResource: "'The three main political parties must demonstrate their commitment to helping the millions of Britons in desperate need of an affordable home by pledging to safeguard investment in housing – and giving it the same priority as health, education and policing.'"



Commendable recommendations, however thes people are unable to comprehend what it is like living in "Granny's" back bedroom, dossing on teh sofa in a mate's house of as is the case with my son being unable to live in a caravan on our land.

Daily Post North Wales - News - North Wales News - Peter Hain under fire for saying Wales is 'a wealthy country'

Daily Post North Wales - News - North Wales News - Peter Hain under fire for saying Wales is 'a wealthy country': "Plaid Cymru’s Caernarfon MP Hywel Williams said: “I'm sure that workers who’ve lost their jobs in the economic crisis will be aghast at Mr Hain's incredible comments.

“It appears as if he thinks we should be grateful for the way Labour has brought about the recession and continues to under-fund Welsh communities.
“The way in which Wales is funded by Westminster has to be completely overhauled or Wales is going to suffer the effects of the recession for much, much longer"


What happened to the 'coalition'?

I would like to see the evdidence supporting the comments reportedly made by Mr Hain.

BBC News - Welsh law process 'unaccountable'

BBC News - Welsh law process 'unaccountable': "Once an LCO is approved at Westminster the Welsh Assembly Government is empowered to pass its own laws in the subject area covered by the LCO, such as education and training, vulnerable children.
These are known as assembly measures and are enforceable by the courts in the same way as acts of parliament.
Mr Trench said the LCO system, 'undermines accountability and clarity for electors...it is unclear which government is responsible for what'."

This is shockingly bad for Welsh people.

BBC News - First chief scientist for Wales

BBC News - First chief scientist for Wales: "'The role includes acting as head of profession, providing a focus for good practice and the enhancement and encouragement of scientists and engineers in Wales.
'This is a job that encompasses two (along with my family and rugby) of my great passions - science and Wales. I will give it my very best effort.'"

I have no idea how much we are paying this man, or why - when we already have UK scientific advisers, but however much it is we expect more than a "best effort".