By Veronica German AM, on April 11th, 2011
Around 8,200 people in South East Wales will no longer have to pay Income Tax and a further 241,000 will get £200 extra in their pockets.
Liberal Democrats in Government secured a rise in the Income Tax threshold, the point from which people start paying their taxes, of £1,000 to £7,475 which comes into force today.
Across Britain nearly 900,000 people will be lifted out of paying Income Tax while around 23m basic-rate tax payers will get an extra £200 in their pockets.
This increase is the first step toward the Liberal Democrat commitment to raise the Income Tax threshold to £10,000, with a further rise of the threshold was announced in the budget for 2012.
Commenting, South Wales East Regional Candidate Veronica German, said:
“At a time when people are worried about their personal finances, this tax cut will help millions of people.
“In South East Wales, 241,000 will get an extra £200 to spend this year and I know this will make a real difference.
“I am proud that thanks to Liberal Democrats in Government, almost a million people will be lifted out of paying tax altogether across the country, while 23m people will get a tax cut.
“This tax cut is straight from the front page of our manifesto to the pockets of 23m tax payers.”
Commenting further, Deputy Prime Minister and Liberal Democrat Leader, Nick Clegg, who visited Bettws last week, said:
“We have to make difficult decisions but we can still make life fairer and that’s what Liberal Democrats in government and across Britain are doing.
“From today Liberal Democrats have delivered a £200 income tax cut to every basic rate taxpayer, and there’s more to come – our ambition is a country where no one pays any income tax on the first £10,000 they earn.
“These are the kind of decisions Liberal Democrats are making in Government to make life just that little bit easier for people who are facing difficult times.”
NOTES:
1. The raising of the Income Tax threshold to £10,000 was a priority for the Liberal Democrays om the General Election: it was one of four policies we put on the front of our manifesto (along with the pupil premium; a rebalanced economy; and long-lasting political reform).
2. We have already started to deliver on all four of those key priorities.
3. By 2012/13, the Income Tax Threshold will be raised to £8,105, meaning that Liberal Democrats will have lifted 1.1 million people of of paying tax and will have given 25 million people a tax cut worth £326.
By Veronica German AM, on April 5th, 2011
The Merthyr Liberal Democrats first became aware of Covanta’s proposals for an incinerator in 2008 and immediately organised a public meeting in the town centre.
From then on we have been trying to raise awareness of this issue.
This is not what some might describe as Nimbyism (‘Not in my back yard’). This is making sensible arguments against proposals that are too large and clearly contradict Welsh Assembly Government policy.
For example, the Government’s policy on waste states that any incinerator needs to function at 60% efficiency (or better) in order to be environmentally acceptable. To achieve this, incinerators must generate electricity and fully utilise the heat as heating for homes and for industry. These proposals suggest this will not be the case.
The size of the plan would demand that Assembly Government accept this single incinerator to deal with all the residual waste in Wales. That would require waste to be moved from all aprts of Wales. This is also against Assembly Government policy.
The incinerator planning process is an example of democracy not working. The consultation with local residents has been poor. It is startling the number of people I have spoken to who weren’t aware of the proposals, or at least were not aware of the size of the development planned.
I must question the Assembly Government’s role in these proposals.
Only recently I quizzed the First Minister on his Government’s involvement in the proposed incinerator. He informed me that it was “not a matter for the Welsh Assembly Government” !
In the past the First Minister has said that he would not be able to intervene because his Government was not a statutory consultee in the IPC’s (Infrastructure Planning Committee) application process. However, on the IPC website, it clearly states that the Assembly Government is a statutory consultee at both the pre-application and examination stage of the process.
The fact is that the Assembly Government could have influence if it wanted to. Carwyn Jones needs to explain why his Government has decided to stay silent on this.
The IPC suggest it may be useful for the local authority to receive comments from local people to help them compose a Local Impact Report. I believe there is a strong moral obligation for Merthyr Council to do this and I suggest that residents send their views to the Leader of the Council.
The incinerator would create a handful of jobs, but this would be incredibly short sighted: A recent report showed that increased recycling could provide more than 3,000 new ‘Green Jobs’ in the Heads of the Valleys. The research said that recycling creates 10 times as many jobs as incineration and the region could have a green, successful and thriving future. This is the direction the region needs to be heading, rather than the unsustainable incinerator.
First published in Merthyr Express.
By Veronica German AM, on March 30th, 2011
Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales East, Veronica German has today questioned the First Minister on his government’s involvement in the proposed Covanta Incinerator in Merthyr.
Speaking in the Assembly today Ms German asked if he could explain why the First Minister had stated that his government was a not a statutory consultee on this planning application.
The Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) website clearly states that the Welsh Assembly Government is a statutory consultee at both the pre application and examination stage of the process.
When asked, the First Minister stated that it was “Not a matter for the Welsh Assembly Government”.
Ms German Commented:
“I am amazed that the First Minister can so easily turn his back on the people of Merthyr.
“It comes just days after a protest outside the Senedd by protesters from Merthyr, the Rhymney valley and Blaenau Gwent.
“They do not understand why their government are not willing to state their position on this proposed development, particularly since it seems to conflict with the government’s strategy for waste.
“The fact that the First Minister refuses to even comment is shameful.
“The Welsh Liberal Democrats are determined to fight this inappropriate proposal all the way.”
By Veronica German AM, on March 23rd, 2011
Welsh Liberal Democrats Shadow Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Veronica German AM has today welcomed a report from BMA Wales which lists numerous ways that the Welsh NHS could save money.
The BMA Wales has drawn up a list of savings to the tune of £100 million – whilst still delivering an effective service.
One such way is cutting down on the use of consultancy companies such as McKinsey & Company, which was commissioned by the Assembly Government.
The controversial McKinsey ‘report’ cost a staggering £500,000, BMA Wales believes that the NHS could save up to £4m by not relying on such companies.
Ms German Commented: “This latest investigation from the BMA rings true with what the Welsh Liberal Democrats have been saying for some time, that there are savings to be made without affecting the service that is delivered.
“We need to drive efficiencies and find savings wherever we can – this includes investigating the £1 billion being spent ineffectively in the Welsh NHS.
“I hope that the Welsh Assembly Government will listen to the BMA and seriously consider their suggestions.”
By Veronica German AM, on March 21st, 2011
 Veronica at the action day with Cllr Bob Griffin Welsh Liberal Democrats Veronica German AM and Councillor Bob Griffin last weekend took part in a ‘No Monster Incinerator’ action group day in Merthyr town centre.
Over the course of the day, 600 local residents completed and signed the IPC (Infrastructure Planning Commission) registration forms in protest against the incinerator.
Ms German, Assembly Member for South Wales East commented:
“I am pleased with the support local residents are giving to the campaign against the proposed incinerator. In fact, people felt so strongly on this issue that they were actually queuing up to register their objections to the plans. Recent community public meetings have been packed, illustrating the strength of feeling of local residents.
“The incinerator might create a few jobs, but this would be incredibly short sighted. A recent report illustrated that increased recycling could provide more than 3,000 new ‘green jobs’ in the Heads of the Valleys. The research showed that recycling creates ten times as many jobs as incineration and that the region could potentially have a green, successful and thriving future. This is the direction the region needs to be heading, rather than the environmentally unfriendly incinerator.
“There also seems to be a big problem over the lack of consultation with local residents. It was startling the number of people I spoke to who hadn’t been aware of the proposals, or at least were not aware of the size of the development planned. Covanta held some meetings which according to many residents lacked any sort of detailed information. Since then, the IPC have held some meetings that were poorly advertised and also lacked any proper information. There is a sense of feeling in the local community that their voices are not being heard.”
Veronica will be meeting a group of constituents who are visiting the Senedd tomorrow afternoon after they have presented a petition to the Infrastructure Planning Commission.
By Veronica German AM, on March 17th, 2011
Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Minister for Health, Veronica German has today expressed her support for Macmillan’s calls to overhaul cancer services in Wales.
Ms German commented:
“Last month we released our cancer plan for Wales which is calling for a more comprehensive cancer strategy in Wales.
“There is an increasing body of evidence that shows that under the Labour-Plaid government, Wales has slipped behind England, despite spending more per head on our health services.
“The Welsh Government has failed to develop proper strategies to improve the prevention and treatment of cancer, as Scotland and England have done. The result of this has been patients in Wales receiving worse services in Wales than over the border.
“Wales needs a cancer service that is focused on the patient and their family from diagnosis, treatment through to aftercare, remission and palliative care.
“In short, a service that doesn’t stop when the treatment stops.”
By Veronica German AM, on March 15th, 2011
The Welsh Liberal Democrats will be using their opposition debate this week to call on the Labour-Plaid Government to increase the use of personalised budgets for social care patients and scrap the ‘one size fits all current’ model.
Veronica German AM, Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Minister, is calling for a radical change in social care to end the ‘one size fits all’ approach that ensures that many in Wales do not receive care packages appropriate to their needs. Instead, the Welsh Liberal Democrats will make a tailored social care a priority in their election manifesto, using ‘personal care budgets’ to ensure that individuals can choose their own care package.
Personal care budgets give people, and their carers, greater choice and control over the social care they receive. Users can tailor services to meet their specific needs. Welsh Liberal Democrats have also pledged to reform the regulations to give patients greater flexibility over what they can spend their care money on.
Veronica German AM, Shadow Welsh Liberal Democrat Health Minister said:
“Social care is a vital service for many older, disabled and vulnerable people. It embraces the most intimate care and support for people at times of greatest need. How well we look after each other says a great deal about the strength and character of our society.
“Often people in Wales find the social care system confusing, inflexible and not suited to their needs. That’s not good enough. Welsh Liberal Democrats want to offer more choice, control and flexibility over care.
“Labour and Plaid have left Wales in the position where we are the worst nation for allowing people to pick their own social care. Although there is a direct payment system, take up is appallingly low and many are not getting the kind of personal care package that they need.
“The Welsh Liberal Democrats will offer everyone receiving social care through the NHS or their local council the opportunity to use personal budgets so that they can chose the kind of care they need, when they need it.
“Too many people are stuck receiving care that is just not right for them. Under Welsh Liberal Democrat proposals we will make sure that we change social care so that it treats people as individuals, offering them the dignity and respect they deserve.
“The Labour-Plaid policy for social care remains that the man in Cardiff Bay knows best. They refuse to accept that it is social care patients in Wales who are best placed to understand what help and support they need.”
By Veronica German AM, on March 15th, 2011
Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Veronica German AM has today welcomed the news that Welsh Assembly Government has confirmed that they will be providing compensation to Welsh victims of the contaminated blood scandal.
In January the UK government confirmed that payments to people in England who contracted Hepatitis C as a result of being given contaminated blood products would be significantly increased.
The Health Minister today announced that victims in Wales will be receiving the same levels of compensation as victims in England.
The Welsh Liberal Democrats have been vocal campaigners for justice for the victims of the scandal which saw thousands of people contract Hepatitis C and HIV as a result of being given contaminated blood by the NHS.
Veronica German, Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Minister commented:
“The Welsh Liberal Democrats have lead the way in calling for the Welsh Assembly Government to provide Welsh victims of the contaminated blood scandal with appropriate compensation.
“I am thrilled to see that the Government has listened to our calls and is now providing compensation which is the same as England.
“I am also glad to see that the Government has not included a date by which to claim compensation for those who have already died.
“However this statement is only the first step. I will be campaigning strongly to tackle other injustices that have occurred because of this incident”
“Furthermore I hope that the Labour-Plaid government acts fast and provides compensation in a timely manner.
“I will keep a close eye on this situation now to ensure that we are not left in a similar situation to the continuing care claims disaster, which left thousands waiting years for reimbursement for care they should never have paid for in the first place”
By Veronica German AM, on March 2nd, 2011
Veronica German, Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Minister for Health and Wellbeing, is encouraged to see that there has been an improvement in ambulance waiting times across Wales but has noted that there is still a great deal of improvement needed.
The new stats show that in January 2011, 59% of emergency responses arrived within 8 minutes. The All-Wales target is 65%.
Veronica German, Assembly Member for South Wales East, said:
“In December the weather conditions were absolutely horrendous, which obviously put the ambulance service under a lot of strain. Across Wales, ambulance figures for December were understandably poor, so it’s good to see that they are starting to head back in the right direction.
“I’m also pleased that the new stats show that across Wales there has been a slight improvement in urgent response times when compared to the same time last year. Nonetheless, there is still a long way to go. Ambulance staff are working incredibly hard but the increase in percentage of ambulances arriving for urgent calls is up only about 1%. There are some areas, such as Torfaen and Newport, that are actually worse this year when compared to last.
“Sadly, not a single unitary authority in South Wales East met the Government-set target. In Torfaen, only 40% of ambulances that were needed urgently arrived within 8 minutes. I welcome that this is an improvement on December, but this is still nowhere near good enough. It is clear that residents in South Wales East continue to receive inferior treatment compared to most other parts of Wales.
“It is clear that the improvement will require a joint effort by Local Health Boards as well as the Ambulance service. If ambulances are queuing up outside hospitals they cannot be sent on emergency calls. The Labour-Plaid Government have still not got a grip on our NHS which has resulted in the people of Wales not receiving the treatment that they deserve.”
By Veronica German AM, on March 2nd, 2011
Commenting on the announcement by the UK government that it will invest in electrifying the Great Western mainline from London to Cardiff and investing in new trains to run from London to Swansea, Veronica German, Lib Dem Assembly Member for South Wales East AM, said:
“The news that the UK government is investing so heavily in Welsh railway infrastructure – both track and trains – is fantastic news for South Wales and for the Welsh economy.
“The Welsh Liberal Democrats have always been fully committed to the project and have lobbied government extensively for a positive announcement to be made as soon as possible.
“Passengers will benefit from faster journey times and new trains running between London and Swansea.
“Gordon Brown announced an electrification project in 2009 saying that work would start immediately but nothing happened. Not only did Labour fail to put aside any money to pay for the project, they had not carried out the detailed technical work needed.
“This announcement is of course good news for all of South Wales and will benefit many hundreds of thousands of passengers making the trip from Swansea to London. We will continue to push the case for electrification to be extended from Cardiff to Swansea.”
|
|
|
