Answered by Paul Rowen
As we have seen with last week’ Goldman Sachs revelations, bank executives clearly have short memories. In the space of ten months, they’ve gone from taking a begging bowl to the US Government to paying out massive bonuses. I strongly believe that this bonus culture must end, the public own majority shares in many banks and the Government should use this position to impose stricter controls of banks. Bonuses should be paid only as a consequence of results and long term bonuses should be paid at longer intervals. Whilst banks are losing money they should stop paying money to top executives. We need to ensure that the banks are profitable again so that, in the end, the British taxpayer may benefit from the recession.
As far as manufacturing is concerned we need to invest in green manufacturing. Earlier this year the Liberal Democrats launched a policy paper on the Green Road out of the recession containing plans to invest in green schemes that will make homes warmer, cut energy bills and improve public transport. These plans will cost £12.5 billion , which would be paid for by scrapping the proposed VAT cut. The vast majority of that money will be spent immediately, making a real impact on the economy and people’s lives right away.
Green Road out of the Recession proposals include:
· A five-year programme to insulate every school and hospital, with 20% completed in the first year
· Funding insulation and energy efficiency for a million homes, with a £1,000 subsidy for a million more
· Building 40,000 extra zero-carbon social houses
· Buying 700 new train carriages
· Reopening old railway lines and stations, opening new ones, electrifying the Great Western and Midland mainlines and beginning the Liverpool light rail network
· Installing energy and money saving smart meters in every home within five years
The plans proposed by Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats will give an immediate boost to the economy in Rochdale. And by insulating people’s homes, it will help thousands of residents whose heating bills have gone through the roof in the past year.
Whilst Labour and the Conservatives are quietly dropping serious interest in tackling climate change and damage to the environment, Liberal Democrats believe that moving forward with green action on homes and transport will create jobs, cut energy bills, put money back into people’s pockets and protect the environment.
100%
of people thought this was a good answer (12 votes).
Do you think this is a good answer?
Yes
No
Rating ...