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Celebrations are now in order
WHILST world leaders address the world's economic problems in London this week, there are causes for celebration not too far away.
This week marks the tenth anniversary of the National Minimum Wage. This flagship policy for Labour has done much to fight poverty, make work pay and allow people dignity at work. At 5.73 per hour (for workers aged 22 years and older) it won't make you rich but millions of people, especially low paid women, have benefited from it.
Last week it was announced that the target of an 18 week maximum waiting time for NHS operations has been met. The target used to be 18 months! Waiting time is now at its shortest ever. This is due entirely to the extra money that the Government has put into the health service.
From next week, the 4.5 million parents of children under the age of 16 have the right to request flexible working arrangements from their employer for family caring duties. Working carers and the parents of disabled children already have this right.
At 3%, the rise in Council Tax across the country is the lowest for 15 years because the Government has been funding councils fairly.
We have also told councils to keep their increase in council house rents down this year. Typically this means halving the proposed rise from (typically) 4 a week to 2 a week. I hope High Peak Borough Council will be taking up this offer of Government subsidy.
This month, the Basic State Pension will go up by 5%, ensuring someone on a full pension will see their weekly income go up from 90.70 to 95.25. Pension Credit also increases, by the highest amount ever, up from 124.05 to 130 per week for a single pensioner.
Given the amount of gloom in all the national newspapers, I hope this brings some cheer!
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Weather for Buxton
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -1 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light snow
Temperature: -2 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South east
