Thursday 9th March 2017
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Thursday 9th March 2017
Morning all.
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
Morning
http://www.communitycare.co.uk/2017/03/ ... -care-act/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The care package changes testing the limits of the Care Act
http://www.communitycare.co.uk/2017/03/ ... -care-act/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The care package changes testing the limits of the Care Act
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/201 ... s-ted-cruz" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Healthcare hearing: Democrats try to stall bill as Ted Cruz voices pessimism
Healthcare hearing: Democrats try to stall bill as Ted Cruz voices pessimism
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
https://www.ifs.org.uk/tools_and_resources/budget/515" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
IFS briefing at 13.00,will be posted above.
IFS briefing at 13.00,will be posted above.
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
Morning all.
I heard Hammond doing his best to ignore the manifesto commitment and try and stick to the "well, it was in the legislation!"David Allen Green @Law_and_policy 23m23 minutes ago
More
The 2015 Conservative manifesto pledges on safeguarding UK in single market and for no increases in NI have both now been 'clarified'.
If I'm not here, then I'll be in the library. Or the other library.
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfr ... dApp_Tweet" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Cutting tax, clawing back disability benefits: Hammond’s plan is familiar
Frances Ryan
Cutting tax, clawing back disability benefits: Hammond’s plan is familiar
Frances Ryan
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
Well now...
Given a number of disgruntled Tories that might be indeed tricky.
Given a number of disgruntled Tories that might be indeed tricky.
If I'm not here, then I'll be in the library. Or the other library.
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
The below is from the Resolution foundation (quoted in the Guardian) who, to be fair, seem be a little isolated in welcoming this change.
This is a welcome and progressive change that will mean the bottom 54 per cent of self-employed earners pay less national insurance, or none at all. Those earning over £16,250 will pay more, with anyone earning over £50,000 paying a little over £600 more tax each year.
What strikes me is that (if I read it right) 54% of self employed earn less than £16,250 per annum.
Correct me if I read it incorrectly, but if I am right, I find that figure puts into perspective a situation I already thought was pretty scandalous.
This is a welcome and progressive change that will mean the bottom 54 per cent of self-employed earners pay less national insurance, or none at all. Those earning over £16,250 will pay more, with anyone earning over £50,000 paying a little over £600 more tax each year.
What strikes me is that (if I read it right) 54% of self employed earn less than £16,250 per annum.
Correct me if I read it incorrectly, but if I am right, I find that figure puts into perspective a situation I already thought was pretty scandalous.
Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
BBC news story from last OctoberScarletGas wrote:The below is from the Resolution foundation (quoted in the Guardian) who, to be fair, seem be a little isolated in welcoming this change.
This is a welcome and progressive change that will mean the bottom 54 per cent of self-employed earners pay less national insurance, or none at all. Those earning over £16,250 will pay more, with anyone earning over £50,000 paying a little over £600 more tax each year.
What strikes me is that (if I read it right) 54% of self employed earn less than £16,250 per annum.
Correct me if I read it incorrectly, but if I am right, I find that figure puts into perspective a situation I already thought was pretty scandalous.
Self-employed 'now earning less than in 1995'
According to the research, average self-employed wages were £240 a week in the 2014-15 financial year - the most recent period for which data is available - down from about £300 a week in 1994-95.
The Resolution Foundation - a think tank that aims to improve pay for families - partly blamed the changing nature of the self-employed workforce.
The foundation said that many more people had taken up lower-paid jobs in the so-called "gig economy", essentially self-employed workers taking on a variety of different roles, while the proportion of self-employed business owners with their own staff had fallen. The number of hours worked by the self-employed had also declined.
I still believe in a town called Hope
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
I'm not sure that's totally correct. There's an increase in the lower tax threshold to factor in?ScarletGas wrote:The below is from the Resolution foundation (quoted in the Guardian) who, to be fair, seem be a little isolated in welcoming this change.
This is a welcome and progressive change that will mean the bottom 54 per cent of self-employed earners pay less national insurance, or none at all. Those earning over £16,250 will pay more, with anyone earning over £50,000 paying a little over £600 more tax each year.
What strikes me is that (if I read it right) 54% of self employed earn less than £16,250 per annum.
Correct me if I read it incorrectly, but if I am right, I find that figure puts into perspective a situation I already thought was pretty scandalous.
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
France, Harris poll:
Macron (EM-NI): 26% ↑
Le Pen (FN-ENF): 25%
Fillon (LR-EPP): 20% ↓
Hamon (PS-S&D): 13% ↓
Melenchon (FG-Left) 12%
Macron (EM-NI): 26% ↑
Le Pen (FN-ENF): 25%
Fillon (LR-EPP): 20% ↓
Hamon (PS-S&D): 13% ↓
Melenchon (FG-Left) 12%
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
Wow, that's tight. What's the format used to get through / eliminate?HindleA wrote:France, Harris poll:
Macron (EM-NI): 26% ↑
Le Pen (FN-ENF): 25%
Fillon (LR-EPP): 20% ↓
Hamon (PS-S&D): 13% ↓
Melenchon (FG-Left) 12%
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
https://about-france.com/presidential-e ... #electoral" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-39204711" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Councils 'exploiting' outsourced care workers, union says
Councils 'exploiting' outsourced care workers, union says
Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
I've seen the proposed self-employed NIC rise described as progressive. And Rees-Mogg seems unhappy about it. Kind of makes me wonder why Labour are opposing it, tbh.
Could Labour not have focused today on some of the bigger injustices, such as ongoing cuts to families and disabled alongside cuts to inheritance tax for a handful of the super wealthy? Or more on the money being wasted on free schools?
Can't help but feel the NIC rise is getting a lot of media interest because it primarily affects self-employed people on good incomes like, well, people working in the media. People who have so far been carefully cushioned from austerity by Osborne who, to be frank, could possibly afford to contribute a bit more.
Could Labour not have focused today on some of the bigger injustices, such as ongoing cuts to families and disabled alongside cuts to inheritance tax for a handful of the super wealthy? Or more on the money being wasted on free schools?
Can't help but feel the NIC rise is getting a lot of media interest because it primarily affects self-employed people on good incomes like, well, people working in the media. People who have so far been carefully cushioned from austerity by Osborne who, to be frank, could possibly afford to contribute a bit more.
"Fall seven times, get up eight" - Japanese proverb
Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
StephenDolan wrote:Wow, that's tight. What's the format used to get through / eliminate?HindleA wrote:France, Harris poll:
Macron (EM-NI): 26% ↑
Le Pen (FN-ENF): 25%
Fillon (LR-EPP): 20% ↓
Hamon (PS-S&D): 13% ↓
Melenchon (FG-Left) 12%
Top two through to a run-off.
I still believe in a town called Hope
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
It's what it represents. A break of a key manifesto pledge that was used as an attack line against Labour in 2015.Willow904 wrote:I've seen the proposed self-employed NIC rise described as progressive. And Rees-Mogg seems unhappy about it. Kind of makes me wonder why Labour are opposing it, tbh.
Could Labour not have focused today on some of the bigger injustices, such as ongoing cuts to families and disabled alongside cuts to inheritance tax for a handful of the super wealthy? Or more on the money being wasted on free schools?
Can't help but feel the NIC rise is getting a lot of media interest because it primarily affects self-employed people on good incomes like, well, people working in the media. People who have so far been carefully cushioned from austerity by Osborne who, to be frank, could possibly afford to contribute a bit more.
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
Thanks for the France info folks.
Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
I guess.StephenDolan wrote:It's what it represents. A break of a key manifesto pledge that was used as an attack line against Labour in 2015.Willow904 wrote:I've seen the proposed self-employed NIC rise described as progressive. And Rees-Mogg seems unhappy about it. Kind of makes me wonder why Labour are opposing it, tbh.
Could Labour not have focused today on some of the bigger injustices, such as ongoing cuts to families and disabled alongside cuts to inheritance tax for a handful of the super wealthy? Or more on the money being wasted on free schools?
Can't help but feel the NIC rise is getting a lot of media interest because it primarily affects self-employed people on good incomes like, well, people working in the media. People who have so far been carefully cushioned from austerity by Osborne who, to be frank, could possibly afford to contribute a bit more.
And yet it lands Labour arguing alongside Rees-Mogg against what looks like a progressive tax reform.
"Fall seven times, get up eight" - Japanese proverb
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
Willow904 wrote:I guess.StephenDolan wrote:It's what it represents. A break of a key manifesto pledge that was used as an attack line against Labour in 2015.Willow904 wrote:I've seen the proposed self-employed NIC rise described as progressive. And Rees-Mogg seems unhappy about it. Kind of makes me wonder why Labour are opposing it, tbh.
Could Labour not have focused today on some of the bigger injustices, such as ongoing cuts to families and disabled alongside cuts to inheritance tax for a handful of the super wealthy? Or more on the money being wasted on free schools?
Can't help but feel the NIC rise is getting a lot of media interest because it primarily affects self-employed people on good incomes like, well, people working in the media. People who have so far been carefully cushioned from austerity by Osborne who, to be frank, could possibly afford to contribute a bit more.
And yet it lands Labour arguing alongside Rees-Mogg against what looks like a progressive tax reform.
The NI change is a good and progressive one.
Which is why all the opposition is coming from the right (the Torygraph is in flames).
Labour is just not relevant.
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
Scottish voting intentions: #local elections2017: STV/IpsosMORI poll:
SNP 46%
Con 19%
Lab 17%
Grns 8%
LD 6%
UKIP 3%
Some encouraging signs for the Greens there.
SNP 46%
Con 19%
Lab 17%
Grns 8%
LD 6%
UKIP 3%
Some encouraging signs for the Greens there.
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
If this and the single market manifesto pledges can be ditched, then the "it was in our manifesto" excuse is no longer relevant and can be highlighted. It questions their honesty. Strange bedfellows doesn't mean that this is the wrong position to take by Labour, absolutely it is the right way to go.Willow904 wrote:I guess.StephenDolan wrote:It's what it represents. A break of a key manifesto pledge that was used as an attack line against Labour in 2015.Willow904 wrote:I've seen the proposed self-employed NIC rise described as progressive. And Rees-Mogg seems unhappy about it. Kind of makes me wonder why Labour are opposing it, tbh.
Could Labour not have focused today on some of the bigger injustices, such as ongoing cuts to families and disabled alongside cuts to inheritance tax for a handful of the super wealthy? Or more on the money being wasted on free schools?
Can't help but feel the NIC rise is getting a lot of media interest because it primarily affects self-employed people on good incomes like, well, people working in the media. People who have so far been carefully cushioned from austerity by Osborne who, to be frank, could possibly afford to contribute a bit more.
And yet it lands Labour arguing alongside Rees-Mogg against what looks like a progressive tax reform.
Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
Good morfternoon.
For information -
For information -
Chris Leslie (@ChrisLeslieMP)
Commons Library confirm for me: "Government will have to introduce separate primary legislation" (to introduce any National Insurance rise)
March 9, 2017
(Politics Live, Guardian)
Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
Good-morning, everyone.
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
Though the bark of "Tory rebels" - in the HoC, anyway - has proved rather bigger than their bite thus far.......RogerOThornhill wrote:Well now...
Given a number of disgruntled Tories that might be indeed tricky.
"IS TONTY BLAIR BEHIND THIS???!!!!111???!!!"
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
I think the line for Labour is "Tory Brexit NI rise" to go wit "Tory Brexut cuts".
It's very hard to respond to a budget on the day, and sounds like it wasn't the best. But still plenty of time to get stuck in.
It's very hard to respond to a budget on the day, and sounds like it wasn't the best. But still plenty of time to get stuck in.
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
Yep. Are we in 1994 VAT on fuel territory? Probably not.AnatolyKasparov wrote:RogerOThornhill wrote:Well now...
Given a number of disgruntled Tories that might be indeed tricky.
Though the bark of "Tory rebels" - in the HoC, anyway - has proved rather bigger than their bite thus far.......
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
Also a 50-50 split on independence, apparently. Which may or may not help explain the rather unimpressive - by recent Scottish standards - Tory figure.SpinningHugo wrote:Scottish voting intentions: #local elections2017: STV/IpsosMORI poll:
SNP 46%
Con 19%
Lab 17%
Grns 8%
LD 6%
UKIP 3%
Some encouraging signs for the Greens there.
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
http://press.labour.org.uk/post/1581868 ... failure-of" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Labour Press
These statistics demonstrate the total failure of Tories’ punitive social security regime - Debbie Abrahams
Labour Press
These statistics demonstrate the total failure of Tories’ punitive social security regime - Debbie Abrahams
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
Talk that the Government are very wary of saying "Brexit". Say it. Brexit cuts, Brexit tax rises, Brexit inflation, Brexit fuel bill rises.
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
http://press.labour.org.uk/post/1581871 ... -a-damning" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Labour Press
These NHS performance statistics are a damning indictment of Theresa May’s neglect of our NHS - Jonathan Ashworth
Labour Press
These NHS performance statistics are a damning indictment of Theresa May’s neglect of our NHS - Jonathan Ashworth
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/s ... a-2016-17/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/ec ... udget-2017" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The disability benefit cuts Philip Hammond forgot to mention in Budget 2017
The disability benefit cuts Philip Hammond forgot to mention in Budget 2017
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
"Spreadshit Phil"
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk ... e-yet-come" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The biggest Budget rows could be yet to come
The biggest Budget rows could be yet to come
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
Well it's not like there's anything more useful or constructive to do with our collective timehttp://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/po ... 18371.html
Processing EU citizens' applications to stay in Britain 'could take 50 years'
LET'S FACE IT I'M JUST 'KIN' SEETHIN'
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
https://www.theguardian.com/housing-net ... nefit-camp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I'm 82 and MPs need to hear my views on this devastating housing benefit cap
I'm 82 and MPs need to hear my views on this devastating housing benefit cap
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
https://ukcampaign4change.com/2017/03/0 ... harmacies/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Capita said to owe thousands to pharmacies
Capita said to owe thousands to pharmacies
Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
Are we to assume that Capita already have the money from the NHS, but are sitting on it (and, presumably, collecting the interest)?HindleA wrote:https://ukcampaign4change.com/2017/03/0 ... harmacies/
Capita said to owe thousands to pharmacies
Edited - typo
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
Dutch grid operator Tennet and Denmark’s Energinet have reached agreement on further developing a large renewable European electricity system in the North Sea.
The plan, first unveiled in June 2016, will play an important part in meeting the 2050 climate goals formulated in the Paris Agreement (COP21), the partners said in a statement on Wednesday. Discussions with other potential partners are ongoing.
http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2 ... anan-demo/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
LET'S FACE IT I'M JUST 'KIN' SEETHIN'
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
https://ukcampaign4change.com/2017/03/0 ... -the-book/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
A classic “waterfall” IT project disaster – yet officials went by the book
A classic “waterfall” IT project disaster – yet officials went by the book
Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
Appalling ! There is plenty more yearly comparable figures in this article - alas, nobody pointing out that under Labour, the waiting time limit was 98% and was largely met throughout Labour's time in power.Just 85.1% of patients attending A&E were seen within four hours in January - making it the worst month on record.
The latest figure for NHS England is down from 86.2% of patients in December, also a record low at the time, and is the worst performance since monthly reporting began in 2010.
The target for hospitals is 95% - a figure emergency departments have failed to meet since July 2015.
There were 492,231 emergency admissions in January 2017, an increase of 1.5% compared to January 2016, and a year-on-year rise of 3.3%.
It means 73,342 patients were not seen within the four-hour target.
And almost 1,000 people waited more than 12 hours to be admitted to A&E departments in January - the highest figure on record for trolley waits, when patients are put on trolleys or in side rooms while a bed is found for them.
The equivalent figure for January last year was just 158.
http://news.sky.com/story/worst-month-o ... s-10795364" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
@yahyah if you're looking in
I see John Lewis and staff bonus & it makes me think of you
Please log in again
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-39216159" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;Bonuses for 86,700 staff at John Lewis and Waitrose have been cut for the fourth year in a row.
Employees will get a 6% bonus, more than three weeks' wages, down from 10% last year and the lowest since 1954, when it was 4%.
I see John Lewis and staff bonus & it makes me think of you
Please log in again
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
Have just seen this morning's Graun editorial on the budget. The kindest thing I can say is that few takes have aged less well more quickly.
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
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Why do politicians continue to push the zombie creed of austerity?
Eliane Glaser
Why do politicians continue to push the zombie creed of austerity?
Eliane Glaser
Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
From the G live blog.
Paul Johnson from the IFS has this to say about the NIC rise:
Paul Johnson from the IFS has this to say about the NIC rise:
He suggested politicians and voters were to blame with Britain having an unfair and inefficient tax system.
"Clearly the most controversial announcement yesterday was the increase in self-employed NI rates. This appears to break a foolish manifesto commitment not to raise any of the major taxes. On the other hand it is a small change taking a small step to correcting a big problem with the current tax system. That problem needs a much more thorough review and strategy to deal with it, as do many other problems in the tax system. If politicians continue to make silly manifesto pledges about not changing taxes and the rest of us resist sensible changes such as this we will end up with the tax system we deserve – inefficient, inequitable, complex and increasingly unable to raise revenue in the face of a changing economy."
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
That seems like fair comment.
So what should Labour do?
So what should Labour do?
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
Yeah but Labour target culture bad. Blah blah Wales.pk1 wrote:Appalling ! There is plenty more yearly comparable figures in this article - alas, nobody pointing out that under Labour, the waiting time limit was 98% and was largely met throughout Labour's time in power.Just 85.1% of patients attending A&E were seen within four hours in January - making it the worst month on record.
The latest figure for NHS England is down from 86.2% of patients in December, also a record low at the time, and is the worst performance since monthly reporting began in 2010.
The target for hospitals is 95% - a figure emergency departments have failed to meet since July 2015.
There were 492,231 emergency admissions in January 2017, an increase of 1.5% compared to January 2016, and a year-on-year rise of 3.3%.
It means 73,342 patients were not seen within the four-hour target.
And almost 1,000 people waited more than 12 hours to be admitted to A&E departments in January - the highest figure on record for trolley waits, when patients are put on trolleys or in side rooms while a bed is found for them.
The equivalent figure for January last year was just 158.
http://news.sky.com/story/worst-month-o ... s-10795364" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Thursday 9th March 2017
It's incredibly good for the SNP, seeing they've basically passed all the hard decisions on to councils, like Westminster has.AnatolyKasparov wrote:Also a 50-50 split on independence, apparently. Which may or may not help explain the rather unimpressive - by recent Scottish standards - Tory figure.SpinningHugo wrote:Scottish voting intentions: #local elections2017: STV/IpsosMORI poll:
SNP 46%
Con 19%
Lab 17%
Grns 8%
LD 6%
UKIP 3%
Some encouraging signs for the Greens there.