Read my latest news and views…
The Generation Game
The "battle between the generations" is the great lie of modern British politics. It is a cynical distraction, carefully curated to ensure we are fighting each other rather than looking at the state.
To convince people of the need for change, we must abandon the divisive identity politics of the generation war. We need a new social contract: one that prioritises our families over the expansion of the state.
Keeping phones out of the classroom
Mobile phones during the school day they distract pupils, disrupt classes, can lead to poor discipline and lower attainment.
Is the government calling time on local pubs?
Following the Chancellor’s budget in late November, which put an even greater tax burden on millions of people across the country, there was even worse news for our struggling hospitality industry.
New analysis from UKHospitality shows that the average pub’s business rates, even with the reduced multiplier and transitional relief, will increase 15% next year.
Planning Inspectors slam South & Vale councils for Local Plan failure
In an extensive nine-page letter to both Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire District Councils the Planning Inspectors have concluded that the councils have failed to discharge their statutory obligations and the draft Joint Local Plan 2041 should be withdrawn.
Is there anything they won’t tax?
Death and taxes. The two things that we all know are guaranteed in life; and there seems to be a growing feeling that there is not much that governments would not slap a tax on.