Friday, 21 August 2009

TaxPayers' Alliance Bulletin - 21st August 2009
 
Islington TPA making waves
 
The extremely active and innovate Islington branch of the TaxPayers' Alliance has had a major media success today. In a full-page piece in London's Evening Standard headlined "Islington's Living Wall is Dead", they reveal how Islington Council have squandered £100,000 on a failed gimmick. Four years ago, the council built a 30ft high wall covered in plants as a substitute for a local park they had built on. The design and special watering system had never been tried before and has proved a monumental failure. As you can see from the picture, which features Tim Newark, Chairman of Islington TPA, what was meant to be a verdant and beautiful feature now looks like the most expensive patch of dried out scrub in Britain.
 
As well as a getting a big hit in the Standard, the story made the front page of the Islington Tribune and is now being reported by the Daily Mail, the BBC News website and the broadcast media. Well done Tim and the rest of Islington TPA!
 
This is a great case that demonstrates the big impact that TPA supporters can have in highlighting and campaigning against the waste of taxpayers' money. If you'd like to set up a branch, or you know of a similarly ridiculous waste of money in your area that deserves to be in the news, contact tim.aker@taxpayersalliance.com
 
 
Making the academic case against Green taxation
 
This week TPA Research Director Matt Sinclair had an article in the respected academic journal Energy and Environment looking at the effectiveness of green taxes. As well as discussing the failings of Pigovian taxation, Matt's article also highlights the many social and economic problems that have been caused or exacerbated by the excessive application of green taxes. This is a good example of the way that the TPA's research penetrates academic circles as well as the media and the wider population. You can read the piece in full here.
 
 
Thanks to Avanta - and a charity event for your attention
 
You may remember that a few weeks ago we reported that we have moved into a new office on Victoria Street, Westminster. We're delighted to be able to say that Avanta, the office space company, have been generous enough to provide the office free of charge as a gesture of support for the TPA's aims and campaigns. This provides the TPA with a stable base, close to Westminster, from which to lead campaigns aimed at supporting SMES and entrepreneurial businesses.

Matthew Elliott, Chief Executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: “We need to be in the heart of Westminster and close to TV studios at Millbank so when Avanta’s managing director, David Alberto, attended one of our presentations and offered free office space we were overwhelmed at the level of support being offered.”

“SMEs and entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of this country and it will be their endeavours at business growth and job creation that will ultimately haul the UK out of recession,” comments David Alberto of Avanta (pictured, right, with the TPA's staff in the new office). “So I jumped at the chance to support the TPA as I believe that their ongoing campaigns will have a major impact on stimulating growth in British industry.”     
 
On that note, Avanta have alerted us to a charity Race Day they are organising in aid of Sparks, the children's medical research charity, on the 21st of September, which may well be of interest to many of you and is for an excellent cause. You can find out more information regarding the event here.  


Action Day in Hove

TPA activists were out and about in Hove on Wednesday delivering hundreds of leaflets as well as a notice to Hove residents about their MP’s expenses.  In the expenses expose, Celia Barlow claimed £28,000 on stamp duty, moving costs and renovations, so we were determined to let the people know.  If you live in the area and would like to get involved, you can get in touch with our Brighton and Hove campaigners here.


Help hold Harrogate District and Wokingham Borough councils to account

Harrogate District Council and Wokingham Borough council are looking for new members of their Independent Remuneration Panels (IRPs).  These panels are very important.  They judge and recommend what pay, perks and expenses councillors get, so it’s a prime opportunity for you to have a say on the quality of service your councillors are providing. For details about how to apply if you live in either Harrogate or Wokingham, see our blog.


‘Twin-Hatter’ councillors in Norfolk

TPA supporter John Martin has written an excellent piece for the blog on the ‘Twin-Hatter’ councillors on Norfolk County Council.  You can read John’s article here.


Best of the blogs
 
Better Government: The MoD 'loses' vital kit  
Better Government: Problem = State Funding  
 

Posted by Britannia Radio at 20:27