The independent Institute for fiscal studies has produced a report which says the new system for paying university fees is more progressive that either the current system or the one proposed by the Browne report.
A number of local authority by-elections took place yesterday (9 Dec) and Lib Dems made a net gain of one seat. Here are the details:
Liberal Democrats on Blackburn with Darwen Council have criticised the ruling Labour Group for their decision to scrap Neighbourhood Boards. Lib Dem Group Leader Cllr David Foster said, "Neighbourhood Boards have allowed local people a real say in how their communities develop. Now they are being scrapped without anything being in place to replace them. They have some vague plans but nothing concrete. Neighbourhoods were a Liberal Democrat initiative and were developing well. Many new people came forward and have played a valuable role in developing their communities. The new Labour administration should be helping the Boards evolve not scrapping them altogether fro doctrinaire reasons."
The state pension will rise for single people from next April, it was announced today.
Liberal Democrat and Conservative Party Leaders have sent a joint plea to Local Government Minister Eric Pickles asking for fair treatment for Blackburn and Darwen.
Liberal Democrat Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg claimed today that the Government's higher education reforms would turn universities into "engines of social mobility" as he tried to stave off a damaging Liberal Democrat rebellion.