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05 Oct 15
12:18
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05 Apr 06
BBC2
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George Osborne’s speech - Snap verdict: In the hall George Osborne’s speech seemed to fall a bit flat, but that is because no one in history has every given an exciting speech about local government finance, and yet, bravely, Osborne chose to put business rates reform at the heart of his address to the conference. In a speech like this it is common for politicians to over-hype their announcements, to pretend that they are more important than they really are, but this was a genuine biggie. Osborne called it “the biggest transfer of power to local government in living memory”, and that seems fair. The implications are considerable - and potentially worrying for areas with little business revenue - and I will be covering reaction and analysis as it comes in.
Otherwise? It was striking how little there was about the general state of the economy in the speech, and Osborne ignored the tax credits problem entirely, even though it is becoming one of the stories of the conference. Instead we got a thoughtful overview that will do nothing to dispel claims Osborne is building himself up as a future prime minister. As well as a hint of Ronald Reagan (see 11.58am), there was some Thatcher in his home-owning, share-owning democracy rhetoric. But the business rates reforms actually represent a rolling back of a key Thatcherite nationalisation, and it was interesting to note too how much effort he put into appealing to Labour voters. (See 12pm.)
Otherwise? It was striking how little there was about the general state of the economy in the speech, and Osborne ignored the tax credits problem entirely, even though it is becoming one of the stories of the conference. Instead we got a thoughtful overview that will do nothing to dispel claims Osborne is building himself up as a future prime minister. As well as a hint of Ronald Reagan (see 11.58am), there was some Thatcher in his home-owning, share-owning democracy rhetoric. But the business rates reforms actually represent a rolling back of a key Thatcherite nationalisation, and it was interesting to note too how much effort he put into appealing to Labour voters. (See 12pm.)
A think tank director has apologised for "crass" comments he made about cutting pensioner benefits, and
scrapping the winter fuel allowance.
Alex Wild, of the Taxpayers Alliance, said the government should act fast to make cuts because many of those affected would "not be around" at the next election to vote against them.
His comments sparked a furious reaction on social media, where he was accused of being heartless and unfair.
He said in a statement he was "sorry" for the "off the cuff" remarks.
Mr Wild made the comments at a fringe meeting at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester, where he also suggested that by cutting benefits now, many older people would forget which party had enacted the policy.
What a coont! Why hasnt he been sacked?
scrapping the winter fuel allowance.
Alex Wild, of the Taxpayers Alliance, said the government should act fast to make cuts because many of those affected would "not be around" at the next election to vote against them.
His comments sparked a furious reaction on social media, where he was accused of being heartless and unfair.
He said in a statement he was "sorry" for the "off the cuff" remarks.
Mr Wild made the comments at a fringe meeting at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester, where he also suggested that by cutting benefits now, many older people would forget which party had enacted the policy.
What a coont! Why hasnt he been sacked?
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