“Auditors refuse to sign off EU accounts” – not true!

The headline often appears in the anti-European press. They also say that the accounts have not been signed off for 19 years in a row.  The Daily Mail fumed that, “Auditors yesterday refused to sign off the EU accounts for the 19th year in succession”. The Express chipped in too, “for the 19th year in a row, the auditors refused to sign off Europe’s annual accounts”. Ukip MEP Paul Nuttall pounced on an opportunity too good to miss, tweeting: “EU accounts have now failed to be signed off for 19 years in a row”.

It isn’t as straightforward as that. Auditors often find problems with figures, it’s what they’re paid to do. In this case, it wasn’t a question of fraud, or major financial problems, but a few cases where spending rules had not been scrupulously followed. Read Stuart Bonar’s full article.

New Government powers take aim at empty homes across Sheffield

from Sheffield Lib Dems October 28th

New Government powers adNewhomes-300x229opted by Sheffield City Council have seen an 18% reduction in long term empty homes in the city.

In just four months since the introduction of an ‘empty homes premium’ in April, the number of privately-owned homes empty for more than two years has already decreased from 1041 to 856, an 18% reduction.

The empty homes premium, a power to charge council tax of 150% on private properties empty for more than two years, was introduced by the Coalition Government.

Sheffield City Council agreed to adopt the policy in February 2013, following significant pressure from opposition Liberal Democrat councillors.

Cllr Penny Baker, Sheffield Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Housing, said:

“Providing much needed housing is vital to supporting Sheffield families and by bringing empty homes back into use, we can avoid the need to concrete over treasured green spaces.

“I’m delighted that the Government granted powers for an empty homes premium and that after considerable pressure the Council agreed to use these powers.  In the few months that the premium has been operating it’s already had a significant impact across Sheffield.”

 

Newfield Green Library Public Meeting

Around 25 local residents attended a public meeting last night where Cllr Mazher Iqbal outlined the proposed changes to the library service. There will be 11 core libraries, remaining open and fully staffed, and the Council will support a further 5 community libraries, staffed by volunteers but with some support from libraries staff. Newfield Green is well-placed to be one of these 5 libraries, with the Gleadless Valley Community Forum working up a business plan by the deadline of 10th January.

Sheffield City Council Libraries Review

The Labour-run Council announced plans earlier this month to close sixteen libraries across Sheffield, triggering outcries in communities throughout the city. Read the proposals or the full report.

However, in a heated Council debate on Wednesday 2nd October, backbench Labour councillors waved through the proposals, include councillors representing Beauchief & Greenhill, Broomhill and Walkley wards where libraries are facing closure.

The debate was secured by opposition Liberal Democrats who are campaigning against the plans.

Cllr David Baker, Sheffield Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Libraries, said

“In the last few weeks, I’ve been contacted by dozens of individuals desperate to see their local library saved. They know that Labour’s plan is being driven more by political spite than by the real need to make savings.

“However, I’m still surprised that Labour councillors, who claim to represent areas where libraries are under threat – like Broomhill, Jordanthorpe, and Greenhill – couldn’t break with their party whip and support our motion opposing closures. Libraries are vital for communities; they shouldn’t be subject to petty party politics.”

YOU can help save our library

Thank you to everyone who has already signed our petition or offered to help in other ways. If you would like to find out how you can help the campaign to save the libraries then please click the link below for more information.

Help save our libraries