Good news for pensioners!

Government has finally caved in on Labour’s campaign to protect pensioners from rip-offs and mis-selling - Reeves

Rachel Reeves MP, Labour’s Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, following reports that the FCA will introduce a ‘second line of defence’ for pension savers, said:

“After spending months opposing Labour’s campaign to protect pensioners from rip-offs and mis-selling I am pleased the Government has finally caved in today. Labour have put the interests of savers first on fees, on charges and on pension guidance and time and time again ministers are left playing catch up.

“We remain extremely concerned about the inadequate preparations by government ahead of the introduction of the new pension freedoms in April 2015. The Government must act quickly to prevent pension changes descending into chaos in two months’ time.”

Launch of South Leicestershire PPC campaign!

Today South Leicestershire launched the campaign for our PPC, Amanda Hack.

Amanda is a local resident, a working mum, and a local councillor, so she is well-versed in local issues. She gave a great speech today, passionately expressing her wish to improve the lot of ordinary working people who have suffered over the past 4 years, with measures such as the bedroom tax, zero hours contracts and the fragmentation of the NHS. She hopes to see the minimum wage raised to become a living wage, many more houses built to supply the demand the Conservative government have failed to provide, and a fairer tax system where the rich pay their share of the tax bill.

The launch was preceded by a canvas and leafleting drive.
Speeches of support were given by Alan Methven, Councillor Jo Fox and Lord Willy Bach, Shadow Attorney General.
There was a great turn out to show support for Amanda, and we all wish her well in the campaign!

 Vote Amanda Hack!

Lots of support for Amanda!

 

Amanda Hack, PPC

 

Alan Methven and Lord Willy Bach

Councillor Jo Fox

 

Amanda and her daughter

 

 

 

 

Broken bus market

Michael Dugher, Labour's Shadow Transport Secretary, commenting on the Campaign for Better Transport's report on local bus services, said today:

This is more evidence that like with the energy sector, the bus market is broken.  On David Cameron's watch bus fares have risen by 25% - an increase five times faster than wage growth - and big bus companies have been cutting crucial routes that people rely on to maximise their own profits.

The Competition Commission estimated the failure in competition within the bus market costs the taxpayer £305 million each year, but David Cameron has refused to stand up to the bus barons.

Labour is determined to see passenger power by regulating bus services in a better way.  We will act fast and legislate to give cities and county regions greater control over local bus services.  This will result in communities being able to determine routes, set fares and integrate and improve bus services.

Personally, I was with Michael all the way until that bit about counties.  Leicestershire County Council won't even fund rural libraries, so a fat lot they care about rural bus routes.  

I'm afraid many councils have completely failed to use the few powers they still have to face up to service provider cartels.  Another mechanism for breaking up the monopolies urgently needs to be found.  But at least we know Labour will look for one.