Last week there was a debate on the planned changes in formula for calculating local government finance. It was noticeable how the MPs of all parties from Staffordshire spoke in favour of the increases needed for certain Shire counties. They worked impressively regardless of party interests. The upshot of the debate was that Ministers have promised that no area will lose out from the review and to quote Christopher Leslie MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister "Transparency must be out ultimate goal. If aspects of the formula can be seen as logical and rational, and based on clear reasons, that will be a major step forward." The consultation on the actual formula continues.

The National Flood Forum held its first Annual Conference in York on the 28 October. About 180 people attended and it was reported to me as a great success. An All Party Associate Group met in the House of Commons on 29 October to hear particularly about the arrangements for flood insurance worked out by the Association of British Insurers. They promise the full benefits of a competitive insurance market for those households and businesses that are protected by flood defences at the moment and to existing policy holders in areas where defences are going to be in place by 2007. People who are not in areas that will be protected from flooding will be able to discuss their cases with insurers who promise to take into account all measures of self protection that such property owners have instituted.

The Associate Parliamentary Group is going to check with Elliot Morley, Minister for Floods, that there will be financial help towards temporary defences such as the pallet system which can be used as a far cheaper alternative to permanent flood defences for isolated properties and some river banks perhaps even the Wribbenhall river bank.

I attended the launch of Make Space, a new national campaign organised by the Kids Clubs Network in association with the Nestle Trust to look at ways of promoting opportunities for bored vulnerable 11-16 year olds to be interested and occupied in a wide range of after school activities.

R.T.