North East Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats

Cllr Sarah Holland A community scheme to improve the area around Eastcotts Road in Bedford got underway this weekend with a litter pick of the Fenlake Meadow car park. A team of 17 volunteers arrived on site on Saturday morning and in just two hours cleared some of the following: 55 bags of litter 2 rolls of carpet 3 wheel trims 2 road cones Broken rusty scooter Kids scooter Wheelbarrow wheel Broken garden chair Flattened shopping trolley The 'Pride in Bedford'' litter pick is part of a wider scheme, supported by Bedford Borough Council, which will improve the area around Eastcotts Road. New trees will be planted and other improvements are expected to made to the land alongside the road in the coming months. Councillor Sarah-Jayne Holland, Portfolio Holder for Community and Regulatory Services, said: "This litter pick, with the help of local residents, saw a significant amount of rubbish removed from the Fenlake Meadow car park. This is part of a wider scheme to improve the area near Eastcotts Roadand it is great news that local residents are getting involved to improve the area they live in." Anyone wishing to help out with the project can contact the Council's Pride in Bedford team, by calling 01234 267422 or by emailing prideinbedford@bedford.gov.uk The next Pride in Bedford litter pick takes place this Saturday 25th February at the Cauldwell Community centre car park on Althorpe Street from 10am Published and promoted by North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats, 37 Kathie Road, Bedford MK42 0QJ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Sarah Ludford MEP Liberal Democrat MEP Sarah Ludford is calling for the European Parliament to freeze MEPs' allowances until the end of the legislature in 2014 as well as to seek freezes on travel costs and administrative spending in all EU institutions. Commenting ahead of tomorrow's vote in the European Parliament on the 'guidelines' for the EU's budget in 2013, Sarah Ludford commented: "At this time of national austerity, the EU's budget also needs to be shaken up to get rid of waste. MEPs must lead the way in tightening our own belts. Freezing our allowances and capping our travel budget at its present level is a good start." "There should also be a freeze in administrative spending of all EU institutions. An independent spring clean of the European Parliament's budget is greatly overdue." "The most obvious candidate for the chop is the £180 million on the MEP 'travelling circus' between Brussels and Strasbourg in which the 27 governments have trapped us. MEPs should support an amendment for a single seat to send a strong message that national capitals must liberate us from this shameful and indefensible waste." Notes to Editors The full report on the guidelines for the 2013 budget can be found here: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&reference=A7-2012-0030&language=EN Published and promoted by North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats, 37 Kathie Road, Bedford MK42 0QJ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament, Greg Mulholland, has today submitted an EDM calling on the Government to take action to bring an end to excessive increases in energy prices by energy companies, in light of the publication of research demonstrating that the increases have coincided with a succession of cold winters and an increase in the number of pensioners dying of hypothermia. Figures that have been compiled show that there has been an increase in patients treated for hypothermia from 950 in 2006/2007 to 1,876 in 2010/2011. This has coincided with the energy company's price increases over the past five years, in particular for gas, where there has been a 40% increase. These increases are now leaving many more pensioners in fuel poverty. Greg has called on the Government to take action to stop energy companies' increases in energy costs, to ensure that people are properly able to heat their homes, so they do not face the very real threat of illness and even death as a result. Greg commented: "The figures published, which show a strong correlation between the drastic increase in energy prices we have seen in recent years and an increase in the number of patients admitted with and pensioners dying from hypothermia, are extremely concerning. "It should not be the case in this day and age that people have to make a decision between properly heating their homes and purchasing other essential commodities. "The Government must look to address the significant increase in energy costs, to ensure that people are not left unable to properly heat their homes and as a result face the very real threat of illness and even death." END The EDM Expresses concern at the news that the number of pensioners dying from hypothermia has nearly doubled in five years, a period which has coincided with a succession of cold winters as well as drastic rises in energy bills by energy companies; notes that 1,876 patients were treated for hypothermia in 2010/11, up from 950 in 2006/2007; further notes that this coincides with an increase in energy costs over the past five years, especially gas, which has increased in price by 40%; recognises that the energy companies price rises are leaving more and more pensioners in fuel poverty; calls on the Government to take action to stop energy companies increasing prices to ensure that people are able to properly heat their homes and not be left with the very real threat of serious illness and even death. Published and promoted by North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats, 37 Kathie Road, Bedford MK42 0QJ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Cllr Sarah Holland A multi-agency 'Day of Action' will be focussing on Tavistock Streeton Thursday 16th February. Organised by Bedford Borough Council and the Borough Community Safety Partnership, the day runs from 12.30-2.30pm and 5-7pm and aims to raise the profile of the Council's 'Why Would You?' campaign by tackling anti-social behaviour such as littering, dog fouling, graffiti and fly-tipping. In addition to a targeted neighbourhood 'clean up', Council officers will be joined by officers from the Police and Fire services, bpha and other community safety partners to provide advice and support to local residents on a range of community services. This includes home security and fire safety advice, help to deal with anti social behaviour as well as advice on household recycling and energy saving tips. Councillor Sarah-Jayne Holland, Portfolio Holder for Community and Regulatory Services, said: "This Day of Action will enable us to work with our partners and local residents to improve theTavistock Streetarea ofBedfordin an effective and coordinated manner. "As well as carrying out work to improve the public areas in and aroundTavistock Streetwe will also be listening to local people and finding out what we can do to help improve their lives and local neighbourhood." You can report anti-social behaviour incidents at any time by visiting www.bedford.gov.uk and click 'Report It'. Published and promoted by North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats, 37 Kathie Road, Bedford MK42 0QJ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Mayor Dave Hodgson Mayor Dave Hodgson, commenting on his own website, said this week: On Friday night, I am taking part in the King's Arms Project's 2012 'SleepOut 2012.' The King's Arms project is a Christian charity which supports homeless people in Bedford. It does fantastic work in support some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people in our community, and I am very pleased that it is one of the causes which will be benefitting from the fundraising activities of the Mayor's Charity throughout this year. More details can be found by clicking here along with further comment. Published and promoted by North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats, 37 Kathie Road, Bedford MK42 0QJ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Sir Graham Watson MEP Liberal Democrat MEP and ELDR President Sir Graham Watson, who is Chairman of a global network of MPs and MEPs from all mainstream political parties working to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy called the Climate Parliament has today said that the switch to green energy has now become just as much an energy security issue as an environmental imperative. Commenting on the ongoing crisis where Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey and Germany have experienced reductions of up to 30% in Russian gas supplies from Gazprom over the last few days, Sir Graham said: "The freezing conditions across Europe highlight yet again the dangers of being so overly-reliant on Russia for a quarter of our gas. Gazprom has - understandably - diverted its supplies to keep Russian homes warm, leaving many European countries short and prices on the rise." "And we just don't know what Gazprom will do next." "But the wind is blowing harder than ever in the Scottish Hebrides and it is 15 C and sunny in southern Spain and Greece. If, instead of building gas pipelines, we were building electricity transmission infrastructure and switching from fossil fuels to wind and solar power, this week's energy outlook would be a different story. European renewables are the answer to our energy security." "Indeed, the sun is also shining bright as ever in the Sahara. Importing electricity from North Africa would in fact be more secure than Russian gas, due to the larger number of potential trading partners and the fact that electricity cannot be switched off like gas. Electricity is the ultimate 'just in time' product: that which is not transmitted today is lost forever." Published and promoted by North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats, 37 Kathie Road, Bedford MK42 0QJ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

This type of lorry would have been threatening the safety of the Borough's roads if the Incinerator had been passed Mayor Dave Hodgson, writing on his own website on Saturday said: I was delighted to receive an email from the Department of Communities & Local Government yesterday morning carrying the excellent news that the local decision to refuse planning permission for the proposed waste plant at Twinwoods near Thurleigh has been upheld. This plant would have caused real disruption to local communities, creating an unacceptable increase in lorry traffic in nearby villages and harming the enviroment, working against efforts to increase recycling. The full article can be read by clicking here Published and promoted by North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats, 37 Kathie Road, Bedford MK42 0QJ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Liberal Democrats made two landslide gains from Tories in the latest council by-elections, suggesting their voting support has not been dented after the resignation from the Government of Chris Huhne. Their candidate Chris Lofts took Northamptonshire County Council's Towcester division on a massive swing of more than 30% since the 2009 shire polls. Party colleague Lisa Samiotis triumphed at Towcester Brook, South Northamptonshire District. This brings the total of Lib Dem gains this month to three, after a win from Labour last week. RESULTS Northamptonshire County - Towcester: Lib Dem 1279, C 638, Ukip 124, BNP 66. (June 2009 - C 1648, Lib Dem 760, Lab 293). Lib Dem gain from C. Swing 31.6% C to Lib Dem. South Lakeland District - Windermere Town: Lib Dem 418, C 85, Lab 50, Ukip 20. (May 2011 - Lib Dem 537, C 117, Lab 114). Lib Dem hold. Swing 1.7% C to Lib Dem. South Northamptonshire District - Towcester Brook: Lib Dem 774, C 401, Ukip 129. (May 2011 - Three seats Lib Dem 857, C 831, Lib Dem 811, C 785, 753, Lib Dem 645, Ukip 266, 178). Lib Dem gain from C. Swing 13.6% C to Lib Dem. Published and promoted by North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats, 37 Kathie Road, Bedford MK42 0QJ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Cllr Tim Hill Covanta Incinerator - The latest news on "the grapevine" is that the challenges by Covanta and the Government to the Special Parliamentary Procedure petitioned for by Bedford Borough Council, Central Beds District Council and 23 Parish Councils have failed. However, that is still to be formally confirmed. If it is confirmed a Joint Committee of the Commons and the Lords will review the IPC decision to approve the proposal. Highways Programme 2012/13 - No update. Ward Fund - 2012/13 Ward Fund - No growth in amount available. Please advise of any suggested Projects that may benefit from a Ward Fund contribution. Ward Name - Needs to be formally consulted on with all affected residents i.e. All residents of Elstow Ward. This means as little as an article from the Borough Council in both Parish Newsletters. - Have requested that it be discussed at 14 Feb 12 meeting of Elstow Parish Council. It does not need to be in favour, just to consent to a Parish Newsletter article. Manor Road, Kempston Hardwick - volume and speeding of cars. - I have done a consultation exercise by post with allManor Roadresidents. All bar one want action ASAP but with no commonality on solutions. Will be discussing this with Cllr Charles Royden the relevant Portfolio Holder. Various Highways matters - Lay-by near railway bridge. Amey have installed the "grasscrete lay by". - Broadmead Road- Work is now planned for early spring. Still pressing for an earlier start. Sir Malcolm Stewart Homes - Double glazing and satellite tv: No update. - Gritting lorries: Am told they do not do The Crescent. Will be pressing for this. Village Heritage - Cllr Doug McMurdo the relevant Portfolio Holder has had a positive response from the Heritage Lottery Fund but none as yet from Heidleburg. Borough Council - The Council's Library Service has linked up with Family History Detectives to promote family history at Bedford, Kempston and Wootton Libraries this month. If you get along to one of these libraries this month you will be provided with free access to computers and library online resources including www.ancestrylibrary.com. Those who have been bitten by the family history bug know how fascinating and enjoyable it can be. Through this initiative, it is hoped that people will be able to get even more out of their research at their local library. Published and promoted by North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats, 37 Kathie Road, Bedford MK42 0QJ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Commenting on Liberal Democrat Transport Minister Norman Baker's announcement of £15m to boost cycling, including £8m for transport charity Sustrans to enhance cycle routes and £7m to make it easier for cyclists to use the railways, Co-Chair of the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Party Committee on Transport, Julian Huppert said: "Promoting cycling and green transport is the right thing to do and I am delighted Liberal Democrats in the Coalition Government are taking action. "This comes at a crucial time. Just recently The Times launched a cycle campaign in response to the shocking increase in fatalities among cyclists on our roads. "It is absolutely essential people should be able to walk to work or cycle to school in a safe environment. The extra £8m for Sustrans will go a long way to achieving this. "And the £7m for improved rail-cycle links will ensure that we continue to build a transport network which puts passengers first." Published and promoted by North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats, 37 Kathie Road, Bedford MK42 0QJ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Cllr Tim Hill Village-wide Issues a) Street lights in the old village that are more in keeping with its Conservation Area -Sustainability Committee on 25th January 2012 approved the proposal and the money has been transferred from my Ward Fund into Highways. b) Dog fouling - especially at the south of the old village - No update. c) Speeding in Abbey Fields/Elstow Lower Parking - No update. Highways Programme 2012/13 - No update. Local Issues - Since my last Parish Council Report, I have amongst other local issues progressed the following raised by residents: a) Grass verge near 9, Bayham Close needs cutting -Borough Officers are clarifying if it is adopted. No update. b) Speed checks - I have asked the local SNT for details. No update. c) Progress Way roundabout - No update. d) Overgrown bushes on verge in Wigram Close needs cutting - Officers have advised resident that it is on his land and therefore he should check his deeds. If deeds confirm officer's view, resident will need to cut back and in future, maintain bush. e) Bunyans Mead footpath - Dropped kerb. Highways asked for my feedback on exact position and I advised it needs to be outside Social Centre. f) Bunyans Mead footpath - General tidy up and weeding. . No update. g) Proposed development nearInterchangeRetailPark- Arranged meeting with Planning and Highways Officers. Developers believe it will have no impact on local traffic flow. Officers and I disagree. h) Bus timetable inProgress Waybus shelter - Ted Bowen contacted me asking me to chase this. Bus shelter will be replaced in spring and will include a bus timetable area. i) Red Lion - I have asked the Licensing Officers and the Police to work with the Red Lion management to reduce the nuisance caused by its customers to local residents. BPHA Walkabout - Attended summer "walk-about" with Graham Leach and Keith Hooson from BPHA, and Sue. a) Medbury LaneGarages - In need of maintenance and repair. No update. b) Bunyans Mead footpath - Part of the problem is of course that BPHA is only responsible for the parts of the footpaths fronting BPHA properties. I will be asking the Borough for confirmation of who "owns" the other parts. No update. Ward Fund - Street lights - See above. - Bunyans Mead - Dropped kerb. - 2012/13 Ward Fund - No growth in amount available. Please advise of any suggested Projects that may benefit from a Ward Fund contribution. Borough Council - The Council's Library Service has linked up with Family History Detectives to promote family history at Bedford, Kempston and Wootton Libraries this month. If you get along to one of these libraries this month you will be provided with free access to computers and library online resources including www.ancestrylibrary.com. Those who have been bitten by the family history bug know how fascinating and enjoyable it can be. Through this initiative, it is hoped that people will be able to get even more out of their research at their local library. Covanta Incinerator - The latest news on "the grapevine" is that the challenges by Covanta and the Government to the Special Parliamentary Procedure petitioned for by Bedford Borough Council, Central Beds District Council and 23 Parish Councils have failed. However, that is still to be formally confirmed. If it is confirmed a Joint Committee of the Commons and the Lords will review the IPC decision to approve the proposal. Published and promoted by North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats, 37 Kathie Road, Bedford MK42 0QJ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Mayor Dave Hodgson Bedford Borough Council has secured an extra £124,500 funding to ensure vulnerable people stay warm throughout life-threatening spells of cold weather. The outcomes of the Warm Homes, Healthy People project will reduce the level of cold related illness and winter deaths in Bedford Borough due to cold housing. Bedford Borough Council are sharing the funding with Warm Homes, Healthy People project partners, Age UK, the Salvation Army, Bedford Citizens Advice Bureau, Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation and Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (BRCC), to ensure those in need receive practical information, advice and support including warm clothing and heating equipment. The money will serve to reach out to those in urban and rural areas as well increasing the availability of shelter to homeless people during particularly severe weather conditions. Mayor Dave Hodgson said, "This is wonderful news. The cold weather is really biting at the moment and to secure this money now means that many more people locally will be able to better deal with the extreme cold." Bedford Borough Council was also successful in their bid for funding to deliver boiler replacements for homeowners over the age of 60 with inefficient boilers. If the home's current boiler is more than 12 years old, 'G' rated, a back boiler, been condemned, or is not working, residents may be eligible to benefit from the Council's Boiler Replacement Loan Scheme. People who feel they could benefit from an application to the Warm Homes, Healthy People project should call Bedford Borough Council on 01234 228 635 and ask to be referred. Likewise, Bedford Borough organisations in touch with people who could benefit, can also call the same number. Please also bear in mind, this Friday 10th February is Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, for more information visit http://www.nea.org.uk/fuel-poverty-awareness-day-2012/. Published and promoted by North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats, 37 Kathie Road, Bedford MK42 0QJ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Lorely Burt MP Commenting on yesterday's opposition debate, Co-Chair of the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Party Committee on Business, Innovation and Skills, Lorely Burt said: "The sheer hypocrisy of Labour to point the finger on bankers' bonuses is staggering. Labour presided over the biggest boom in bonuses this country has seen, from £3.1bn in 2001 to £11.5 billion in 2007. At the same time, they sat back and knighted the financial speculators who led this country to the brink of economic collapse. "The Coalition Government inherited this economic mess from Labour and has taken decisive action to put the country back on track. We've capped cash bonuses at state owned banks to £2,000 and overall, the bonus pool is smaller than last year and considerably less than under Labour. "In Government, Liberal Democrats are doing the right thing - implementing the Vickers' proposals to make banking safer in the future, continuing our fight to get the banks to lend more and introducing the banking levy which raises £2.5bn a year. All Labour can do is complain from the side lines. "While Labour spent thirteen years being intensely relaxed about people getting filthy rich, Liberal Democrats have made clear that our priority is lifting the lowest paid people out of paying income tax all together." Published and promoted by North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats, 37 Kathie Road, Bedford MK42 0QJ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Andrew Stunell MP Zero-Carbon Homes are a step closer today after new proposals were announced to cut carbon emissions in new and existing buildings by Communities Minister Andrew Stunell. Mr. Stunell said changes to the country's building regulations would make new homes, shops and offices warmer and cheaper to run, support growth and take England a step closer to meeting its bold low carbon commitments. Today's ambitious measures, developed together with the construction industry, will help reduce the regulatory cost for businesses, and pave the way for the introduction of zero-carbon homes from 2016. The proposals will also help with the roll out of the Green Deal this Autumn, stimulating demand, whilst helping to cut both carbon emissions and energy bills for householders. The new set of Building Regulations published for consultation today will save over £63 million a year for businesses by cutting excessive red-tape and deliver safer and more sustainable buildings. When these amendments come into force next year, more energy efficient homes will typically save householders over £150 a year on energy bills compared with homes being built in May 2010. Homeowners will also save money with an extension to the range of simple, electrical DIY jobs that can be carried out without the need for a building inspector, reducing costs for both consumers and installers and the burden on local authorities who inspect work. Launching the consultation, Mr Stunell said: "A quarter of the carbon emissions produced each year come from our homes, so it is vital we get to grips with energy efficiency to tackle this problem. Making our homes more sustainable will also keep people warm, drive down bills and support jobs in the construction industry. "The Coalition is committed to being the greenest government ever, so improving the energy efficiency of our existing buildings through the Green Deal, and ensuring that all new homes are zero carbon by 2016 is a top priority. "But we need to do this in a way that doesn't add to the regulatory burden on businesses. So I'm delighted that these much-needed changes will provide guidance that is both fit for purpose and will cut carbon emissions, whilst also saving money for householders and businesses alike." The Department is now looking for views and evidence on the proposed regulations and will continue working with industry and other key partners before finalising proposals. Notes to editors 1) The consultation opens today and responses can be provided up until 27 April 2012, other than the proposals related to the Green Deal where responses have been requested by 27 March 2012. 2) The Government will consider the responses and aim for new building regulations to come into force in 2013, although some changes might be brought in earlier to support the Green Deal framework. 3) The consultation document on the new proposed regulations has four sections: changes to technical details increasing the energy efficiency of buildings electrical safety in homes; and changes to the building control system. 4) The proposed 2013 changes take the next step towards the 2016 zero carbon standard for homes by tightening the carbon dioxide targets for new buildings and introducing specific energy efficiency targets for new homes. 5) The energy bill savings under this Government include those from 2010 Building Regulations changes as well as those proposed in this consultation. 5) An 'Easier to Read' summary of the 2012 consultation on changes to building regulations can be found here: www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/2077415.pdf (PDF, 212kb). 6) The four sections of the consultation can be found here: www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/buildingregulations/buildingregulationschanges/. Published and promoted by North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats, 37 Kathie Road, Bedford MK42 0QJ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Bedford Borough Council has backed a campaign to reduce the unfairly inflated petrol and diesel prices charged across the borough. At Wednesday night's Full Council meeting, councillors agreed to back a motion from Mayor Dave Hodgson calling for fuel retailers to lower their prices in the borough and bring them in line with neighbouring counties and boroughs. The Council's Chief Executive will now write to fuel retailers with sites in the borough requesting an explanation why Bedford Borough residents are paying more for their fuel and for their assistance in bringing prices to a level comparable with nearby towns. Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said: "We currently have an unacceptable situation whereby local residents in and around Bedford are forced to pay typically around 5 pence per litre more for petrol, and around 4 pence more for diesel, than drivers in nearby towns. I hope that the unanimous support for this motion will put further pressure on fuel retailers to address the shocking disparity in prices between Bedford and neighbouring towns. "Fuel bills make up a large part of many residents' household budgets, while higher prices here are also bad for local businesses. I am therefore pleased that the Full Council backed this motion and we will now be taking this issue up with petrol stations in the borough and calling on them to reduce their prices in line with other areas. "The fuel retailers should be embarrassed by the raw deal they are givingBedfordresidents and businesses, which is plain for all to see. I am hopeful that the more that the media, the Council and residents stand up and say 'this is not acceptable,' the more likely they are to do the right thing and bring prices down." Published and promoted by North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats, 37 Kathie Road, Bedford MK42 0QJ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Mayor Dave Hodgson has reshuffled his Cabinet after the Conservative Group on the Council failed to even vote on the crucial Council budget on which he had worked with them throughout the past year. Mayor Dave brought together a Cabinet of all parties on the Council following his re-election in May last year, casting aside party politics in the interest of working together in these difficult times. The Conservative Group have now thrown that back in residents' faces even after Mayor Dave had worked with them all year to set a budget in these difficult times to which protects services and freezes Council tax again. The breaking of the agreement to work together in support of local communities and deliver a joint budget is the second time the Conservatives have broken a pledge to work together for the good of the Borough. After Mayor Dave's first election victory in 2009, the defeated Conservative candidate made a public pledge that the Tories would work with him for the good of the Borough. Mayor Dave reached out to the Conservatives, who initially indicated their willingness to join his Cabinet, before a shock refusal without even a moment's discussion with the Mayor on working together. Following the Conservatives' refusal to rise to the challenge to making the important decisions for the Borough, Mayor Dave has moved to reshuffle his Executive of Liberal Democrat, Labour and Independent Councillors. Conservative Cllr Roger Rigby leaves the Cabinet, with his Adult Services Portfolio now taken by Labour Cllr Colleen Atkins . The Mayor will take on Cllr Atkins' existing responsibilities other than health reforms, which she retains. Commenting, Mayor Dave Hodgson said: "Despite broken promises in the past from the Conservatives, I was pleased to bring them into the Cabinet last year in order to have all parties working together to meet the unprecedented challenge presented by the current financial situation. However, sadly the Conservatives have proved unwilling to work together in the interests of our communities, and have turned their backs on the task we face at the crucial moment. They have been involved in this process throughout the year, at every stage. Now they have sadly let residents down by failing to even cast a vote when it matters, breaking an agreement to support our communities despite their involvement throughout the process on this joint budget.' "Their actions in refusing to take responsibility on the most important decision of the year after all the work that has taken place with them contrasts sharply with those of local residents. Residents got involved in budget process, responding in their thousands to give their views on the proposals and shape the budget to ensure we get the best for our Borough in these extremely tough times.' "I want to thank Cllr Rigby for his work on the Executive. The multi-party Cabinet we move forward with is an extremely strong team, which is well placed to continue to deliver for local residents across Bedford Borough" Bedford Borough Council Finance Portfolio Holder Cllr Michael Headley added: "Having broken a pledge to work together in support of local residents, how can the Conservatives now be trusted to deliver this joint budget, which is the all-important task which lies ahead? The Tories have a long record locally of spiralling tax increases and poor services, and now in these tough times they reject the opportunity to work together in the cause of keeping tax down and protecting key services for residents. They have offered no alternatives at all, preferring instead to sit on their hands. At a time which demands leadership and responsibility, their response to the unprecedented challenge we face has been to freeze like rabbits caught in the headlights. Faced with the most important decision of the year, they have quite simply bottled it." The Council's 2012/13 budget was approved by a meeting of the Full Council on Wednesday, despite the Conservative Group's shock abstention. There were no votes against. Last week, at a meeting of the Budget Scrutiny Committee containing Councillors from all parties including the Conservatives, no objections or alternatives were raised. While delivering the £13 million of savings required this year, the budget freezes Council tax, protects key services which are being cut elsewhere and delivers investment in the Borough's future. Published and promoted by North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats, 37 Kathie Road, Bedford MK42 0QJ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Julian Huppert MP Welcoming the decision by the Transport Secretary to maintain yearly MOT tests, Co-Chair of the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Party Committee on Transport, Julian Huppert said: "In 2010 there were 1,850 deaths and more than 200,000 injuries on our roads. That's some 600 every day. With mechanical failure already contributing to a significant number of these, the Coalition Government has made the right decision to keep frequent MOT-tests. "This will also see the system strengthened through a combination of open public data and stronger regulation. "Liberal Democrats strongly believe road safety should be central to the Coalition Government's transport strategy. I look forward to working with the Secretary of State to further this agenda." Published and promoted by North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats, 37 Kathie Road, Bedford MK42 0QJ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

The Advertising Standard Authority (ASA) has upheld a complaint by Co-founder of the Campaign for Body Confidence, Jo Swinson MP, about a misleading L'Oréal advertisement featuring Rachel Weisz. The ASA ruled that the image used in an advertisement for L'Oréal Paris' Revitalift Repair 10 was altered to change Rachel Weisz's complexion, making it appear smoother and more even. It was judged to be in breach of industry code and "misleadingly exaggerated" the performance of the product. The advertisement has been banned in its current form and the ASA has warned L'Oréal not to use digital retouching to misrepresent the effect of their products. Jo Swinson MP Commenting, Jo Swinson said: "The beauty and advertising industries need to stop ripping off consumers with dishonest images. "The banning of this advert, along with the previous ASA rulings banning heavily retouched ads featuring Twiggy, Julia Roberts and Christy Turlington, should act as a wake-up call. Thankfully the advertising regulator has again acknowledged the fraudulent nature of excessive retouching. "The Royal College of Psychiatrists has spoken out about the harmful influence of the media on body image and has highlighted the airbrushing and digital enhancement used to portray physical perfection as an area of concern. "There needs to be much more diversity in advertising - different skin colours, body shapes, sizes and ages. Studies show that people want to see more authenticity from brands. Images can be aspirational without being faked. "The Campaign for Body Confidence challenges the narrow ideal of beauty perpetuated by the media and other industries. Tonight the All Party Parliamentary Group on Body Image is hosting a screening of the documentary Miss Representation which explores the impact on society of such an intense focus on women's appearance, instead of their achievements. "The film shows how media misrepresentation and under representation of women results in a leadership gap and the silencing of difference." Published and promoted by North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats, 37 Kathie Road, Bedford MK42 0QJ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Mayor Dave Hodgson Against a backdrop which requires savings of £36million over the next four years Bedford Borough Council has set a budget that will freeze the Borough's average Council Tax levels after a small reduction last year. To help find the savings needed to balance the Council's budget following a reduction in central government funding, Bedford Borough Council carried out a full, open and transparent consultation with local residents last year. This helped contribute towards the budget that was agreed at last nights Full Council meeting which has provided £13million of savings while enabling extra investment and support to key services for residents. The Council has also made it clear it wishes to minimise the impact on local residents throughout this period, by freezing Council Tax while striving to protect front line services as much as possible. This has been achieved by identifying further back office savings such as introducing electronic pay slips, removing subsidies for free evening meals and streamlining and improving customer serves. Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said: "We are facing up to the unprecedented challenge presented by the current financial situation, and have delivered a budget which prioritises front line services and keeps council tax bills down. "This is a budget that protects Children's centres and libraries, provides major investment in school buildings and delivers vital improvements to our infrastructure areas such as the completion of the Western Bypass. Meanwhile, with the help of local residents, staff and service users we have identified £13million of savings for next year as we work towards achieving the £36million of savings needed over the next four years. "We also want to support local residents during these tough economic times, and we are therefore following last year's council tax cut with a freeze in the average bill for local households." Councillor Michael Headley, Portfolio Holder for Finance, added: "We have been clear throughout this process that we are looking to find savings from back office costs as much as possible. That is why we have identified savings, which allow us to save money without impacting directly on local residents. These savings have enabled us to avoid many of the cuts and closures being put forward elsewhere while providing additional support to the most vulnerable." Key issues from the budget include: · A freeze in the average borough element of council tax · No additional External Borrowing · £0.9 million a year extra for vulnerable children looked after by the Council · £41 million to bring improvements to school buildings and facilities £0.9 million a year extra for vulnerable children looked after by the Council · Almost £6 million a year to enhance and restore roads and pavements · Funds to deliver the final section of the Western Bypass · £0.9 million a year extra for support for an ageing population · An additional £200,000 a year for adaptations to help people stay in their homes and live comfortably Published and promoted by North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats, 37 Kathie Road, Bedford MK42 0QJ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY