Lichfield, Tamworth and Burton Liberal Democrats

(adapted from Lichfield Live)

Paul Ray, Lichfield LibDem councillor, has called on Lichfield and Burntwood MP Michael Fabricant to "get real" over the nation's prospects if a no-deal Brexit goes ahead.

Cllr Paul Ray's comments came after a local newspaper column written by the Conservative MP where he outlined his views around the UK leaving the European Union. He has also written about his take on the situation in a national newspaper. In the Telegraph Mr Fabricant wrote, "It has become apparent that a no-deal Brexit disaster is just not going to happen".

After pressure from Liberal Democrat Peers, the Government have announced major concessions on the Tenant Fees Bill.
The amendment would significantly limit the fees that could be charged to a tenant by their landlord or lettings agent, require a greater amount of transparency when deciding not to refund a holding deposit, and limit the maximum security deposit a landlord can require to five weeks rent.

Responding to the Government amendments, Liberal Democrat Housing Spokesperson John Shipley said "It is good to see the Government have listened to the concerns we raised during the progress of the Bill. These amendments will make a huge difference for tenants, who will save hundreds of pounds every year. We also want to congratulate Shelter, Citizens Advice and Generation Rent who have worked so hard to get this Bill in the right place."

Many of the provisions in the Tenant Fees Bill were proposed in the previous session of Parliament by Lib Dem Peer Olly Grender, in her Renters' Rights Private Members' Bill.

Commenting on the changes to the Bill, Liberal Democrat local campaigner Lee Cadwallader-Allan said "It is the vulnerable in our society who are most affected by the extortionate fees imposed by landlords and lettings agencies. The inability to pay these fees upfront can often lead to homelessness. While I welcomed the Government bringing forward this Bill, there were a number of outstanding issues that could have had severe consequences for low income tenants or tenants on benefits in the private rented sector. There is still more work to be done to get tenants a fairer deal, but I am delighted that the Government have listened to our suggestions and others to improve this Bill. The task now is to get this change for tenants through as quickly as possible."

Cash-starved (£35m shortfall) and Conservative dominated Staffordshire County Council proposes "defunding" school crossing patrols ("lollipop men and women") and passing the running costs on to "community funding" (public working together with schools) - stealth tax?
A public consultation by Staffordshire County Council (web-link: www.staffordshire.gov.uk/education/schoolsandcolleges/SchoolCrossing/SchoolCrossingPatrols.aspx is open until the end of this year, with the final decision to be taken in early 2019.
Liberal Democrats believe we need urgent action to prevent the deterioration and decay of essential public services: NHS, Social Care, Schools, roads, police and all the rest which make this country good for ordinary folk to live in.
Lib Dems stand for serious increases in investment in these services acknowledging that higher earners will likely pay more in tax.
Only recently the Conservatives nationally announced an 'end to austerity'. Do YOU think austerity is over?

Every May, there are local elections in the UK, to elect the councillors that local after our local communities.

In the Liberal Democrats, we're committed to making sure this year's local elections produce the biggest gains ever, returning hard-working Liberal Democrat councillors to town halls right across England.

It is less than a month now to Spring Conference in York. I'm sure many of you will by now have booked your trains and your accommodation to join us for all the interest that two days packed full of motions, training, fringes and meeting up with others from across the country. If you haven't booked yet, you can do so here: libdems.org.uk/spring-conference

We all know the power of a good story.

Storytelling is the oldest way of passing along information, in which facts can be shared but we also know it is also one of the most powerful for sharing our messages.

That's why we want yours.

We want to share your story to help us win the fight for an Exit from Brexit.