VIEWPOINT FOR 1 MAY 2008
FROM DR RICHARD TAYLOR

I regret that last week's Viewpoint owing to deadlines and unbreakable commitments here was just out of date. The Prime Minister announced during questions last Wednesday that he was going to arrange a packet of compensation for all those disadvantaged by the abolition of the 10p tax band. 
This was in response to a threatened rebellion by over 40 back bench Labour MPs. However it was too late to avoid it being regarded as a u-turn and a sign of weakness.
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During a debate on this issue last Monday, speakers attempted to get the Minister responding to list the details of compensation, whether this will be backdated and how soon it will be available. 
Although Frank Field MP, the leader of the potential rebellion, spelt out his understanding of the Prime Minister's undertaking for compensation, the Minister noticeably failed to confirm any of these measures. So we are left not knowing who will be compensated and how or when. It is an unsatisfactory position, especially for people like a constituent whom I saw last week and whom I mentioned, anonymously, in my contribution to the debate. This person is on a low income, childless, unmarried and disabled, under the age of 60 and has suffered an annual tax increase of nearly £300. This is impossible to meet and we have no idea if there will be compensation or when it might come. Perhaps the back bench Labour rebellion still hangs over the Prime Minister unless he produces plans for compensation very soon. We will have to wait and see.
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I wonder when Mr Brown will realise that to change his mind on the 42 day detention without trial proposal, before a rebellion is threatened, might be seen as a sign of common sense if not of strength.
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Other debates I have taken part in recently include one on the future of family doctor services when the Secretary of State for Health implied that no Primary Care Trust (PCT) was being forced to have a polyclinic and the definition of such a clinic became more and more blurred. 
On Tuesday there was a debate on the funding of drugs for exceptional patients by PCTs. This came down to looking at the definition of exceptional patients and post code rationing and sadly reached no helpful solutions.
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I attended a reception in London for representatives of the Federation of Small Businesses where we were told the burden of crime is heavy. I promised to arrange a meeting at home with representatives of the Federation and the local police to explore ways of helping.
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A large number of guests enjoyed themselves at our popular Mayor's Charity Ball. We wait to hear how much has been raised for his charity, the Millbrook Suite, provided by local people 10 years ago, now awaiting refurbishment supported by the Hospital League of Friends aided by this contribution from the Mayor's Charity.
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Last Sunday over 1000 young people, Scouts and Guides of all ages from Rainbows and Cubs to Leaders paraded through our streets after services at three separate churches to mark St George's Day. Amazing and how hopeful for the future!

RT

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