LibDems in government: 880,000 people out of income tax

One example of the influence of the Liberal Democrats on the coalition was recently pointed out to me. The first step on the way to the Liberal Democrat policy of lifting the income tax threshold to £10,000 was announced in the emergency budget. This first step increased the tax allowance by £1000 to £7475.

Despite the tight budget constraints left by Labour this first step will lift 880,000 out of paying income tax. It also is a step towards breaking the situation where some people end up worse off if they start work than if they stay on benefits.

The tax cut in the Conservative manifesto was an inheritance tax break for millionaires. The Liberal Democrats have made a real difference here.

Electoral Register: Don't lose your right to vote!

The forms for the 2010 electoral register have started to go out, and I received mine yesterday.

Make sure you return it as soon as you can! Don't lose your right to vote. Next year we definitely have local elections, and almost certainly have the AV referendum for a better electoral system for Westminster too.

You don't need to wait to return the form, and can respond to it by phone or on the web too. Details are on the form.

If you are reasonably sure you won't be moving before 15th October then please don't wait: get the response in now. I'm about to go downstairs and phone mine in.

If you haven't got a form by the end of September get in touch with the Electoral Registration team.

There is a detailed FAQ on the Council website.

If you weren't born in the UK the list of who is eligible to vote is quite complex, and if in doubt get in touch with the City Council's election team who are very helpful. (As always if there is a problem get in touch with the team).

Twenty is plenty in the City Centre, but not in King's Hedges...

The new 20mph limits in parts of the City Centre is a welcome sign that the County Council are perhaps becoming more flexible in their previously rather rigid approach to speed limits.

However they are still only willing to put in such limits where the speed of the traffic is already below that limit: basically where there is less need to do so.

As a result Northfield Avenue remains off the list of possible reduced limits. This is despite the decision of the City and County's Joint Committee to look at possible options in February 2008.

(Picture shows Andy on Northfield Avenue)

Help save Arbury Court and Milton Road Libraries

As you may be aware the County Council have announced a review of the Library service. They seemed to be surprised at the outcry this provoked and have started holding some public meetings on the plans. The next one in Cambridge is 9th September, from 7pm to 9pm at the Central Library.

The County Council report makes it clear that they are considering closing local libraries, and it is vital to show the support and need for both Arbury Court and Milton Road libraries.

There is a recently set up Friends of Arbury Court Library who are keen to get new volunteers, and have organised a petition to save the library. They also have a Facebook group. Please sign the petition and join the group.

When the Friends have a web site and a settled contact address we'll advertise it here, but if you dislike Facebook the Focus team will put you in touch with the organisers.

Milton Road library has a well established friends group who are campaigning to save their library. They can be contacted via email, and have a web presence at Chesterton Community Association.

Andy Pellew and you City Councillors will be campaigning to keep both libraries open and providing a vital service to the local community.

Planning on Lovell Rd

No planning applications last week, and just one this week.

It is for "Extension of time for implementation of 07/0484/FUL for first floor rear extension", that is to say a previous application is about to expire. This application has reference 10/0577/EXP. More information on it can be obtained at the public access, or in person. See the city council's development control pages for more info.

As usual, in case of difficulty contact the team.