badgerx16

No, but they would not have been as deep, nor implemented over as short a time. And I doubt that the northern cities and Inner London boroughs with most deprivation would have the largest %age reductions whilst some southern Tory shire councils get a budget rise.

I think it highly appropriate that fat basturd Pickles is the Tory pinup boy for this dogmatic exercise in slash & burn economics. I also liked the question on the radio this morning to the LibDem talking head posted to face up to the real fact the the heath budget is being cut, despite being "ring fenced"; "Why is it that the LibDems are being used as 'human shields' for all the bad news coming out of the spending review ?".

Do it yourself, you lazy, greedy, tory barsteward

I have a copy, thanks. Now all I need is the IP address of your computer, and a user account with administration rights so I can map your hard disc as a networked drive, then I can transfer it over to you.

It's on the Dept for Communities & local Government website, you can download a spreadsheet.

How many people in the western world live in "basic concrete tower blocks" and earn a "pittance of a wage". Can you please answer the question posed earlier - account for the poverty and deprivation in the most "successful" market economy on the planet.

As a concept or an ideal it can work, and there is nothing wrong with aspiring to an ideal. Unfortunately, whilst the predominant controlling doctrine is the one that deems it necessary to aspire to the most expensive baubles, gewgaws, and trinkets; that to show off one's accrued bling is deemed 'celebrity'; and that success is measured in horsepower and gallons to the mile, it is fighting a losing battle. The multinational advertising juggernaut will pander to western materialism, and will inform third world populations that what they all need is an iPad and a Porsche Cayenne, and the rape of 90% of the globe to fatten the remaining 10% will continue.

I will if you want me to ! China. A Socialist country so successful it is estimated by some to own about $1.7 TRILLION of the US national debt.

John Cage for XMAS #1

Can you identify at birth which will be which ?

Why must you always resort to petulant playground taunts ? It hardly helps your credibility, or that of any argument you attempt to support. ( And in typical playground style, I know that I subsequently referred to you as 'June', but you started it ).

Interesting the in the "Sweet Land of Liberty", to be a 'libertarian' is to be consigned to the political wilderness.

That's why June's crony, St George, refers to BO as a 'commie'.

You do know that you get child raping murderers in capitalist countries, don't you ?

Is that your clockwork brain ? It's very loud. Explain the poverty and deprivation in the US.

If you measure 'success' by materialism and accrued wealth & possessions you may be correct, but consider this : http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-11950843 Once you have all that you absolutely need, why not gain the 'feel good factor' of helping as many others as possible ?

If you measure 'success' by fiscal performance alone, there are bound to be 'successful' capitalist countries, ( though I doubt they would currently include Eire, Greece, or Portugal ). However, the majority of countries around the world, whatever their political affiliation, would classify as failures because of the exploitative consumption of the western 'civilisation'. The dominance of the G8 distorts everything. But even with all the wealth creation, there are still significant levels of deprivation and poverty, even in the archetypal market economies. If you earn over £21k pa you are in the richest 5% of the world's population.

osprey

Capitalism is a philosophy of greed, the creed of avarice, and the gospel of hate. It's inherent value is to subjugate the majority for the benefit of the minority. It is the cult of materialistic gluttony. True Socialism is founded in the principle that all men are created equal, it builds on this with the altruistic creed that each should have the same opportunity, and takes a realistic position on materialism - that everybody is entitled to food, clean water, health, secure housing, and the right to work to support themselves and their dependents.

1) 5 points off automatic promotion with a game in hand. 2) Everybody else is also inconsistent. 3) If NC is to achieve his avowed aims, there will be changes in 3 weeks when the window opens.

steroid

One student is in hospital with brain injuries, apparently hit as he was trying to leave : http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-11967098

formaldehyde

I think that there are 2 very important issues that are being clouded by the fees debate; Firstly, in a travesty of Parliamentary process, the votes last night were to establish the principles that £6000 and £9000 could be set for the stated circumstances. At no point yet, it was stated on the news this morning, has a White Paper been presented to Parliament to give the details and processes by which these decisions will be implemented - very 'cart before the horse'. Secondly, there is the cut of 80% in the universities' teaching budgets, which it is inferred is to be partially met by the fees changes. Given the first phases of the cuts are likely to be imminent, and the first repayments through the new arrangements can not possibly be for at least 5 years, what bridges the gap ?

If you have 3 kids, say with 5 years between the oldest and youngest, and they all want to go to Uni, how would your finances fare then ?