Program your own mind - A non-partisan UK political blog

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Lee Griffin About Lee: Former students' union president and intermitent blogger since the turn of the century, who's aim is to promote objective thinking and a break from partisan politics when discussing the issues of the day. Contact him.

Saving Labour: Reform the way we pay for energy!

Mon 9th Jun 2008

Gas hob flame Source

If you were to ask me what I believe the real problem with Labour is right now, and their gloomy looking future after the recent YouGov poll, I would say that it isn't the 10p fiasco, it isn't fuel prices, it isn't energy bills, it isn't council tax, and it isn't Gordon Brown. Well, at least not individually, it's all of it all more that sums up to one whole that is of greater concern that its parts...it's perception over take home pay and just how much we're being bled dry by various different outlets of our hard earned.

So, what better for Labour and their popularity than to truly start solving this disparity, or at least to make solid and honest attempts to ensure that no-one is under any illusions that the Tories (or anyone else) are actually going to be able to manage the economy better? For me the best place to start is with our energy prices, a subject that the government clearly feel is a priority given the announcements made on the 30th of May. Don't be fooled though, if you're hoping for a cure to the ever booming gas and electricity prices then you'll be sorely disappointed by this latest official announcement.

If I were in charge what would I ask for...nay, demand? I would say that the government needs to demand reform of the pricing structure of Gas and Electricity in this country. It is quite simply like living in bizarro land to see energy companies blathering on in their adverts about how much they care about the environment and just need us (the customer) to change our ways to be eco-friendly, when their pricing structures proportionally benefit those that waste energy and can afford to do so. It is this proportionality of value for energy that is so irking.

If you'd like to read more about my issues with energy pricing structures and what I would like to see happen in the future, please read on by following the link below!

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Touches on: Post, Culture, Organisations, Economic issues, Benefits, Fuel Poverty, Inflation, Minimum Wage, Nationalisation, Privatisation, Environment, Gordon Brown, Age, Labour, Balanced and Sustainable, Change, Waste, Worrying trends

Minimum wage to rise by almost RPI

Wed 5th Mar 2008

Money
Source

So the minimum wage is going up, and it is doing so by 3.8% after last being rose in October 2007. This is a rise not far off the fluctuating RPI rate since October and it is something I support in principle. Is it the fairest thing to do though?

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Touches on: Post, Hypocrisy, Inflation, Labour, Minimum Wage, Money, Prejudice, Salaries

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Latest Politalks:

So what the hell is going on, Labour are slumping in the polls and yet those most naturally in their shadow able to take their place (the Lib Dems) are failing to capitalise in the polls. And even though the Tories are enjoying high times so much they must think it's the 80's all over again (in more ways than one) they have failed to deliver one serious or credible attack against the government that would show them to be the true heir's to the throne. So to speak. Anyway, on with this weeks Politalks. NSFW as usual, transcript can be found if you go through to read more!