New figures obtained by Liberal Democrat Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, David Laws MP show that a shrinking proportion of people coming off Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) have been moving into work over the last six years. In the South East area, the percentage of those coming off JSA who had found work in 2005 is 40.4%, down from 50.2% in 1999.
A decision by Bedford's Mayor Frank Branston to restrict pensioners and people with disabilities to off peak only travel along with limiting bus pass use to borough areas has been challenged by Lib Dems.
Following a number of complaints, David Jack and the Heath Town Focus team went to investigate for themselves the problems suffered by many people when faced with having to use taxis in the City Centre at night.
The November Focus is now being delivered to homes in Heath Town Ward. The main stories are
Charles Kennedy today set out his thoughts on the role of younger people within society, and looked ahead to the future direction of politics in Britain in a keynote speech to an audience of young people at the London School of Economics.
In a keynote speech today to young people, Charles Kennedy has called for young people to given more respect by politicians, and made a call for the voting age to be lowered to 16 so that more youngsters can take part in elections and have a direct say in policies. Local Lib Dem campaigner Sam Matthews has strongly welcomed the call as reaffirming the Party's strong commitment to treating young people with respect.
