Early Day Motion lodged by Paddy Tipping

Paddy Tipping has lodged an Early Day Motion

That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that the Local Government Pension Scheme (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 3372), dated 17th December 2004, a copy of which was laid before this House on 22nd December, be annulled.

It has gained considerable support with 97 signatures to date.

Paddy Tipping also spoke up in the Commons at a recent debate on Local Government Grants on 2 Feb 2005

"The Minister will know that there has been widespread consultation on the local government pension scheme and that regulations have been laid before the House. Will he give two assurances? First, will Members have the opportunity to discuss those new regulations? Secondly, even at this late stage, will he meet representatives of the members involved?"

In 2001, Paddy Tipping was one of a few MPs who voted against an increase in their own pensions.

Nottinghamshire Law and Order

Nottingham has acquired a reputation for the city centre being overrun with binge drinking louts, or as Paddy Tipping rather more kindly put it, "The town has a history of being a lively night out". He recently spent Friday night with the police to see it for himself. He is in favour of 24 hour licensing, particularly as it will stagger closing times. I would agree with this, and also think that people should be allowed to decide themselves the times at which they wish to buy and sell alcohol.

Hucknall Today

At the Commons, he also engaged in a little mutual back patting on the topic of police funding with Hazel Blears (highly career motivated Home office minister). Apparently there are more police than ever in Nottingham (although with rising population, you'd be worried if there were less), and also record investment. (Where MPs say investment, I would normally say spending, because you don't get the money back, as you normally do when you invest).