The Political Race

Whilst on the racing theme, which has developed over the last few posts, on Tuesday it was announced that the General Election will be on May 6th. This came as no surprise to many of us politicians. In fact, the news came as we were all in the debating chamber at County Hall where a number of significant issues were raised. It was the Annual Council meeting of Oxfordshire County Council, so a new chairman and vice chairman were elected. Again the ruling group broke with tradition and elected both Conservatives, a repeat of last year when they took control of the council for a second term. I proposed Cllr. Purse who had been a previous vice chairman, but this was turned down.

I did, however, have some success on Tuesday by getting my motion through the county council on the funding of personal care for the elderly. As I have previous pointed out on my blog, this will be the subject of some debate in the general election because the issue is whether or not we have a 'National Care Service' and how will it be paid for? Should it be paid through general taxation, an insurance scheme or should local authorities pick up the bill? My motion proposed that the council write to the Secretary of State outlining our concerns and this was agreed by all but the Labour group. Not surprising. You can read more here and my speech is here.