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A fairer tax system, putting money back in the pockets of ordinary people, was demanded by Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg today in a major speech which has already received positive reaction from across the political spectrum.

The centre-piece of the speech was a call for the Coalition to move further and faster on introducing a £10,000 income tax allowance, taking millions more out of income tax completely and saving working people £700 per year on average.

This would be paid for by increasing the amount of tax paid by the very richest and blocking Conservative moves to cut the top tax rate.

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On the face of it the Councils Leaders attempt, to allow more choice for landlords in who they get their beer from, is fairly harmless.

Choice is often an important factor for customers and our pubs have been having a thin time of it during the recession.

The successful ones have diversified. Good food and entertainment are keeping user numbers up.

Publicity stunts involving local personalities staggering round serving pints of beer may also have a role to play.

But cheaper booze could increase the threat to the health of many vulnerable residents.

It also impacts on local taxpayers who often have to pick up the bill for alcohol fuelled disorder and the police and NHS response.

Everyone is a responsible position needs to make their position absolutely clear on the need to limit alcohol consumption to sensible levels.

According to new figures out this week even more small businesses have started up in York than ever before.

The latest data taken from a national BankSearch survey shows a 9.2 per cent increase on new businesses starting up in the city during 2011 compared with the previous year.

Out of all 15 Local Authorities in the region, York sits among the top three for the largest percentage increase from 2010.

Local Authorities % change from 2010
1.Kirklees 11.4 % more
2.Selby 11.2% more
3.York 9.9% more
4.Calderdale 3.2% more
5.Leeds 2.9% more
6.Craven 2.9% more
7.Ryedale 2.4% more
8.Hambleton 1.8% more
9.East Riding of Yorkshire 1.6 % more
10.Bradford 1.4% more
11.Harrogate unchanged
12.Richmondshire unchanged
13.Barnsley 2.8% fewer
14.Wakefield 2.6% fewer
15.Scarborough 1.2% fewer

Simon Williams, North Yorkshire Regional Chairman for Federation of Small Businesses, said: “Setting up and running a business can be a daunting prospect, and it is a lot of hard work. But it is also one of the most rewarding things that you can do and can be one of the most positive changes someone can make for themselves and the community they live in. We are delighted that so many in York are taking the step. These are the people that we should champion – the Real Life Entrepreneurs”

The total number of businesses starting-up in York in:
2008 = 1,119
2009 = 1,266
2010 = 1,511
2011 = 1,661

City of York Council has teamed up with Heworth Golf Club to offer coaching lessons for beginners this February.

The courses are an ideal opportunity for anyone who is still trying to get into the swing of 2012 and are looking for a new sport to play.

The courses will be running for five weeks, starting on Saturday 11 February. It will cost £20 per person for all the sessions and this includes an hour of expert tuition from a club professional, as well as equipment hire.

The previous golf sessions have been highly successful, attracting over 100 people who are new to the sport.

Will Saville, Sports Participation Officer at City of York Council, said: “After the success and popularity of the last lot of coaching at Heworth Golf Club, we decided to offer more opportunities for beginners to get into the sport.”

Places are limited to a maximum of eight per course and are for over 16’s only. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
For further information or to book a place members of the public can contact Will Saville or Robin Lavin on 01904 553377.

Energise run many extra courses and activities during school holidays, including climbing, trampolining, tennis and rollerskating. Details on upcoming holiday activities at Energise are available from the Shine webpages.

Activities can be booked by calling Energise on (01904) 552424, or visiting the centre in person. Cash, cheque and most credit or debit cards are accepted and payment must be made on booking.

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There isn’t much movement at present in our area in the property market. 10 sales were recorded in the Westfield area in October and November 2011. With prices ranging from £93,500 (Hinton Avenue) to £172,500 (Westfield Place)

There are some bargains around (see right)

Elsewhere in the area, 4 bedroomed houses are advertised for between £134,950 (Morrell Court) and £199,950 (Bellhouse Way)

You could move straight into empty property in Bramham Road (2 bed) for £119,950 or into one in Queenswood Grove (4 bed) for £234,950. A two bedroomed flat in Shelley House is advertised at £120,000
There is a good choice of properties to rent on the private market.

North Yorkshire Police will be carrying out mobile safety camera enforcement on 38 roads between Wednesday 25 and Tuesday 31 January 2012.

The roads include:
• A64 Malton by-pass eastbound
• A64 Malton west-bound
• A64 between Whitwell Hill and Barton Hill
• A64 between Barton-le-Willows and Jinnah
• A64 between Barton Hill and Whitwell Hill

A full list can be found on the North Yorkshire Police web site at http://www.northyorkshire.police.uk

YORK council leader James Alexander will work a shift at the Fulford Arms pub on Wednesday night to learn more about the trade.

We think he is right to keep his skill levels up!

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Acomb Office. Set to close soon?

Rumours are circulating that Labour intend to close the Councils Acomb Office before the end of February. Previously the plan had been to move staff into the new Council HQ which is being built in Toft Green when it was completed in early 2013.

Now it seems that staff face a double move suggesting at least £50,000 extra in costs together with an, as yet unknown, bill for the termination of the York Road office lease. It is expected that the Council will also be liable for dilapidations.

It will almost certainly mean another empty building in the Acomb shopping area which has been blighted in recent months as it struggles to face up to changing economic times.

Officials have been scouting the area looking for cheap premises in which to hold “drop in” sessions but there has been no recent consultation with users of the office about their needs.

The Liberal Democrat Council had announced 2 years ago that it was to move customer facing staff into a small extension to the Acomb “explore” library. The plan was abandoned by Labour after the local elections following a deluge of misinformation about costs. Ironically the current double move strategy will cost taxpayers and tenants more than the original plan while severely limiting the opportunities that customers have to speak with estate managers and community workers.

The panic move comes only a few days before Labour announce, in their budget for the forthcoming year, what is expected to be the biggest cut in public service standards for over 50 years.