Leila's blog

Thu, Mar 13, 2008

Labouring over the figures, but not facing up to the facts

I am disappointed with Alistair Darling's first Budget,he has climbed down on the planned 2p increase in fuel duty and the missed opportunity of a windfall tax on energy company profits to tackle fuel poverty. He has focused on Economic Growth over long term stability and happiness - simple measures like charging for plastic bags will not 'save the planet', especially when placed next to incentives for further exploration of North Sea oil and gas reserves and planned airport expansion. Altering the way the economy is structured by raising revenue from green taxation is possible and can be ring-fenced (hypothecated). This taxation should not be in addition but as a replacement for existing taxation. Reintroducing the 10p rate of income tax is one example of how green taxation needn't mean more taxation.

I also condemn the proposed Post Office closures. Whilst only 13 rural post offices have been earmarked for closure in Wales, this is 13 too many. These forced closures will be in addition to the steady decline in rural post offices across Wales. Living in a rural location myself I have seen two of my nearest post offices close, with a third, Llanilar, now on the condemned list. It is this loss of services and the jobs that go with them which turns thriving villages and hamlets into commuter country. When small shops, schools, and services are lost this increases the pressure on people living in the countryside to travel to meet their needs. This disadvantages those without their own vehicle and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. I am calling on the Welsh Assembly to give serious consideration into buying out these Post Offices like Essex county council is proposing to do. They argue that such a move would help ensure their survival and could revive rural areas. Candidates for Wales Green Party standing in the forthcoming council elections have promised to make support for local services and businesses one of their key priorities if elected.

What bothers me most is the inherent short-sightedness in politics in the UK - build coal powered stations today think about the emissions tomorrow; build on flood plains today, deal with the property damaged by flooding tomorrow; cut bus services today increase car duty tomorrow. Why they can't join the dots is beyond me, the sad thing is the consequences for the rest of us.

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