A new plan for how to run Nottinghamshire libraries has been approved – despite concern some will only be open for 12 hours a week.
An updated Nottinghamshire library strategy, that will run from 2025 to 2035, was approved during a full council meeting on Thursday (5).
The council passed the running and operation of libraries to the organisation Inspire in 2016.
The organisation’s role is to maintain service levels while reducing the council’s costs, securing investment and improving facilities. Its contract will expire in 2026 with a proposed extension until 2028.
The new plan maintains the split of libraries into three categories or ‘tiers’ in order to organise the network and give best value for money (PHOTO: Inspire)Councillor Scott Carlton, Portfolio holder for Communities and Public Health, clarified that the administration will not close libraries and he will stand by that guarantee.
While discussing the new strategy, Councillor Scott Carlton (Con), Portfolio holder for Communities and Public Health, clarified “this administration will not close libraries and I stand by that guarantee”.
The new plan maintains the split of libraries into three categories or ‘tiers’ in order to organise the network and give best value for money.
Tier one libraries will serve major towns and offer services for at least six days a week with paid staff.
Tier two libraries have paid staff, serve smaller towns and are open for at least four days a week while tier three libraries provide a core book loan service, are small and can be co-located in another building.
Over the past decade, the council has invested over £30 million into library buildings and technology to modernise and enhancing the services.
The new strategy includes a 12-point action plan to enhance library services such as using technology, investment into buildings, and increased staff training.
Cllr Steve Carr (Ind) acknowledged a cross-party effort in the retaining of the library network during difficult circumstances – Nottingham City Council is proposing to close some of its libaries to save money.
He said: “One of the reasons our libraries are in such a good place is because of the agreement across the floor here.”
Councillor Tom Hollis (Ind) expressed his concern for the discrepancy in services offered by the different tiers.
He said: “There’s 28 libraries as tier three libraries- including Huthwaite.
“Huthwaite opened its own Carnegie library in 1913… this library has served Huthwaite for 111 years but is now only open for 12 hours a week.
“My issue is with the tier system that’s been reinstated, residents in Huthwaite will just have a third tier service.
“Whilst keeping the library open is welcome, we can do so much more- what continuing a tiered service shows is this council has absolutely no intention of improving the services and opening hours in the second and third tier libraries.”
Cllr Penny Gowland (Lab) asked if the strategy could be amended to enable tier three libraries to engage in public health messages.
She said: “The tier one and two libraries have an active role in public health, the tier three ones seem quite a passive role – I ask to try and make a more active engagement for public health in tier three libraries- its a key location where the council actually reaches the community.”
Cllr Helen-Ann Smith (Ind) asked if Cllr Carlton would consider changing Skegby Library from tier three to tier two and extending the hours.
She said: “A lot of our libraries, they’re not just libraries anymore, they are community hubs.
“Local community groups do a lot of work in the library in Skegby, like community food share, if it was open more hours then that would be [good]- libraries are a safe place for people to go.”
Cllr Carlton agreed to have a conversation regarding Cllr Smith’s requests.
Cllr Bruce Laughton (Con): “I’ve got three libraries, every single one of those Parish councils, the libraries have been under political attack, people saying they were going to close, sacking staff, and scaremongering- that is completely wrong.”
Cllr David Martin (Ind) responded to Cllr Laughton’s accusation using the experiences from his own ward.
He said: “All of my libraries closed, they all got moved into different buildings, they all had employees and now they’re all run by volunteers- it works, but don’t come out with [scaremongering].”
Councillors voted unanimously to approve the updated library strategy.
Residents living in Arnold have been given a look at a new masterplan for the regeneration of the town centre.
Gedling Borough Council unveiled their new masterplan, dubbed “Ambition Arnold,” this week which aims to transform the borough’s capital into a vibrant, modern, and community-centred space.
The masterplan, which was officially introduced in July 2024, proposes a series of improvements to address current challenges the town faces while also creating opportunities for residents and visitors. It aims to improve vehicle movement, parking, pedestrian access public transport and flooding issues. It also outlines plans to preserve heritage buildings to help celebrate Arnold’s cultural history.
If funding is found for the plans to move forward then three new distinct zones within Arnold. Zone 1 would focus on the north of the town and would incorporate key landmarks like the Bonington Theatre, the library, and the leisure centre. These facilities and streetscapes would be improved along with connectivity between Front Street and High Street.
Zone 2 would cover the southern area of the town centre and will see improvements to Eagle Square and the market area, as well as new green spaces and improved shopfronts.
Zone 3 encompasses areas such as Arnot Hill Park, the civic centre, and Nottingham Road—with an emphasis on connecting green spaces, improving pedestrian routes and considering new opportunities for the park’s underutilised areas.
One of the standout features of the masterplan is the proposal to create a new cultural heart for Arnold. A ‘cultural campus’ would be created that would bring together the theatre, leisure centre, library, and public services under one roof. The Bonington Theatre would also be expanded to offer a broader range of events for the community.
Arnold marketplace would also be expanded so it could host a wider range of events.
Although plans have been created, the council said the master plan would need significant backing from the government and private investors to have the impact intended.
Innovative techniques in chemical analysis offer unprecedented insights into material composition at the molecular level. Scientists can extract crucial information about a substance’s structure and properties by utilising advanced methods that examine the interaction between light and molecular vibrations. As industries increasingly depend on precise material analysis, the importance of such techniques is escalating.
Despite their numerous advantages, many potential users remain unaware of the full potential of these analytical methods. Issues like sample preparation and specificity can create barriers to adoption. However, understanding how these technologies operate and their diverse applications can highlight their significant role across various sectors. By exploring the intricacies of modern analytical techniques, we can appreciate their impact and discover strategies to optimise results.
Understanding Innovative Analytical Techniques and Their Mechanisms
Innovative analytical techniques primarily focus on scattering monochromatic light, often from lasers. When light interacts with molecules, most photons scatter elastically, while a smaller fraction scatter inelastically, resulting in an energy shift corresponding to the molecules’ vibrational modes. This inelastic scattering generates a unique spectral fingerprint of the material being analysed, often achieved through a Raman spectrometer.
Comprehending these methods is crucial as they allow for identifying and characterising substances without altering their physical state. Their non-destructive nature is particularly valuable in pharmaceuticals and materials science, where maintaining sample integrity is essential.
Exploring the practical applications of these techniques offers valuable insights across various sectors. For example, innovative analytical methods in pharmaceuticals ensure the quality and consistency of drug formulations by verifying ingredient composition.
Academic researchers rely on them to investigate new materials, while environmental scientists monitor pollutants. Understanding how these techniques function empowers professionals to effectively implement them in their analyses, maximising accuracy and reliability.
Advantages and Limitations of Advanced Analytical Methods
One of the key advantages of advanced analytical techniques is the ability to analyse samples in their natural state, often requiring minimal preparation. This convenience reduces time and resource expenditure, rendering these methods attractive for laboratories and industries. Furthermore, they can be applied to various materials, including solids, liquids, and gases, providing versatility unmatched by many other techniques.
However, it is crucial to acknowledge certain limitations. The signals produced by these methods can be inherently weak, making them susceptible to noise, especially in complex samples. Fluorescence from specific materials may also interfere with the signals, complicating the analysis process.
To maximise the benefits of innovative analytical techniques, users should remain aware of potential issues and adopt strategies to mitigate them. For instance, selecting appropriate wavelengths and employing advanced filters can enhance signal quality. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of these methods enables researchers and industry professionals to make informed decisions, ensuring successful analytical outcomes.
Applications of Advanced Analytical Techniques Across Various Industries
Advanced analytical techniques have established diverse applications in multiple industries, reflecting their adaptability and effectiveness. In pharmaceuticals, these methods play a vital role in drug formulation, quality control, and material identification, ensuring the safety and efficacy of medications. The food and beverage sector employs these techniques for quality assurance, detecting contaminants, and verifying ingredient authenticity.
In materials science, innovative analytical methods assist researchers in studying the properties of new materials, including polymers and nanomaterials. These techniques provide insights into structural characteristics that propel innovation and development. Environmental monitoring also benefits significantly, as these methods facilitate the analysis of air and water quality, supplying critical data for compliance with regulations and public health.
The use of advanced analytical techniques in forensic science is increasing rapidly. Forensic investigators use these methods to analyse evidence, such as drugs, inks, and paint samples. Their capacity for rapid, non-destructive analysis makes them invaluable in crime scene investigations, expediting the investigative process and enhancing the accuracy of evidence analysis.
Implementing these techniques in various fields is essential for achieving improved outcomes. For industry professionals, investing in training and resources for these technologies can lead to enhanced analytical capabilities and higher-quality products. By leveraging advanced analytical techniques, industries can address challenges more effectively and ensure compliance with regulations and standards.
The Role of Advanced Techniques in Environmental Analysis
Innovative analytical methods are crucial in environmental science, particularly for monitoring pollution and assessing ecological health. For instance, they enable researchers to detect hazardous substances in water sources, conduct air quality assessments, and study soil contamination. The ability to perform in-situ measurements is particularly important, allowing for real-time monitoring of environmental conditions.
The sensitivity of these techniques to molecular vibrations makes them effective for identifying organic pollutants such as hydrocarbons and pesticides. Researchers can track changes in environmental samples over time, facilitating the identification of pollution sources and understanding their impacts on ecosystems.
Innovations in Analytical Technology
Rapid advancements in technology are enhancing the capabilities of modern analytical methods. Innovations like portable analytical devices make it easier to utilise these techniques in field studies, expanding their range of applications. These handheld devices empower scientists to conduct on-site analyses without extensive laboratory setups, which is especially beneficial in environmental monitoring and pharmaceutical distribution sectors.
Another significant development includes the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in analytical processes. These technologies enhance data interpretation, allowing researchers to identify patterns and correlations more effectively. By applying machine learning algorithms to analytical data, scientists can improve accuracy while reducing the time required for data processing.
The future of advanced analytical techniques may see increased automation, leading to faster and more accurate analyses essential for research and industrial applications. With automation becoming more prevalent, laboratories can increase throughput and standardise analyses, ensuring consistent experiment results.
The Impact of Advanced Analytical Technologies on Future Research
The impact of innovative analytical techniques on research and industry is expected to expand. The continued development of more sensitive and selective methods allows for detecting low-abundance molecules, presenting new opportunities in biomedical research and diagnostics.
In the pharmaceutical realm, advanced analytical techniques are being explored for real-time monitoring of drug delivery systems. The capability to track the release of active ingredients in formulations can enhance patient outcomes and develop more effective therapies. Similarly, in nanotechnology, these methods assist researchers in characterising nanoparticles, paving the way for drug delivery and materials science breakthroughs.
By staying informed and adapting to new advancements, researchers and industry professionals can better utilise innovative analytical techniques, driving innovation and success in their fields. Incorporating these methods into analytical practices can simplify complex challenges and enhance work precision.
Nottinghamshire County is an appealing place to visit because of its connection to the story of Robin Hood and UK history. When it comes to living here, the area boasts many qualities that appeal to families, including the overall safety of the area, its affordability, and, quite notably, its schools. The schools perform well regionally and nationally, earning Nottinghamshire County a positive reputation regarding children’s education.
The schools listed here are among the region’s best, though they are just the tip of the education iceberg. The list consists of secondary schools highly rated by Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services, and Skills) or that have achieved above-average Progress 8 scores. However, even primary schools and nurseries perform well in the region.
What Are the Ofsted and Progress 8 Ratings?
The Ofsted ratings have fallen into four categories in the past: inadequate, needs improvement, good, and outstanding, though this is changing. It rates schools in several categories to signal the quality of a school’s education. The ratings are assessed every four years (sometimes more frequently) and are a go-to resource for many parents and guardians evaluating their children’s education.
Progress 8 scores are also a valuable statistic in measuring the quality of a school as it looks at how much students have progressed in their understanding and academic performance. The progress is compared to the average pace of all students in the UK, with ‘0’ representing the average or baseline for understanding a school’s score.
These two ratings help us identify high-quality schools in Nottinghamshire County, which we’ll explore more closely below.
1. Rushcliffe Spencer Academy
Rushcliffe Spencer Academy stands out as one of the top schools for students, earning an ‘outstanding’ from Ofsted and an above-average 0.44 Progress 8 score. The school has gained status as a World Accredited School and has won many awards, including CareerMark Gold and The Eco-Schools Green Flag Award.
2. West Bridgford School
Like Rushcliffe Spencer Academy, West Bridgford School has earned an ‘outstanding’ from Ofsted and garnered a positive reputation in the county and country. It accommodates over 1,300 students and was a founding member of East Midlands Education Trust (EMET), a group of schools across Nottinghamshire County and adjacent communities dedicated to high academic performance.
3. Alderman White School
In just three years, Alderman White School raised its Ofsted rating from ‘needs improvement’ to ‘good,’ earned a 0.51 Progress 8 score, and improved its reputation in the county. The headteacher describes it as a ‘community of opportunity for all’. It achieves this through a broad range of learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom and with plenty of extracurricular activities.
4. Bluecoat Wollaton Academy
Another outstanding academy in the county is Bluecoat Wollaton Academy. The school, which also stands out for its long history, was founded in 1705 as a charitable school that taught impoverished children about God and religion. The school has relocated several times in its history but is currently at a multi-building campus and is unlikely to be fully relocated again.
5. The Becket School: A Catholic Voluntary Academy
The Becket School has an above-average Progress 8 score of 0.43 and a ‘good’ Ofsted rating. However, it achieved an ‘outstanding’ rating in three categories evaluated by Ofsted, including personal development and management. It’s a Catholic school with a chapel built with support from the surrounding community and its parishes.
6. Toot Hill School
With a ‘good’ Ofsted rating and an above-average Progress 8 score, rating in the top 2% of the country, Toot Hill School is another secondary school in Nottinghamshire County for students and parents to have on their radar. The school’s success on these ratings is especially impressive, considering it accommodates nearly 2,000 students, making it one of the largest schools available.
7. Fernwood School
Fernwood School in Nottingham has earned an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rating and is yet another school that scores above average on student progress during their time there. The school prides itself on being an inclusive multicultural hub where students can embrace their unique skills and interests to thrive in the school setting.
8. The Trinity Catholic School: A Voluntary Academy
The Trinity Catholic School is another school with a long history, quality reputation, and rating. The school serves over 1,100 students, has a ‘good’ Ofsted rating, and an above-average Progress 8 score of 0.13. The school was founded in 1844 as an elementary, day, and boarding school. The school relocated to its current site in 1962 to accommodate its growth. The school has remained progressive with its teaching methods and recently set new GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) exam results records.
9. Bluecoat Aspley Academy
Bluecoat Aspley Academy serves just under 1,400 students with a ‘good’ rating from Ofsted and a good Progress 8 score. Like others on this list, it’s a Christian-based school dedicated to helping students excel in their education and into adulthood. It’s part of the same school group as the Bluecoat Wollaton Academy listed above and grew from the same founding charity school.
10. Nottingham Free School
Last but not least, the Nottingham Free School is another highly regarded school with a ‘good’ Ofsted rating. Though small, with just over 600 students, the school serves several communities in the county and is a fairly recent addition to the area’s school options, opening its doors in 2014. The school’s motto, ‘work hard, be kind’, is simple but resonates with the students and their academic and social endeavours.
Conclusion
These schools are the highlight secondary schools of an impressive array of education options in Nottinghamshire County. They invite students to excel at their work with dedication to learning and discipline during class hours. While mobile play with seamless phone payments might not be too prevalent within their walls, these schools strive to limit distractions such as mobile use and gaming and look out for the emotional well-being of students. Their dedication to the education of their students makes the county an appealing place for families to settle in.
Our readers from across the borough give their weekly take on the biggest issues impacting Gedling and beyond.
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Wetherspoons would boost trade at Carlton Square – not just a lick of paint
Sir,
I recently read about plans to do up Carlton Square and must admit my first thought was ‘is that it?’.
A bench here and there along and a lick of paint will not make people shop at Carlton Square. The solution is simple: get in a Wetherspoons.
The pub on Carlton Hill is always busy and helps draw trade to the local shops and I believe Wetherspoons would do the same at Carlton Square.
I know a bar and cafes already operate on the Square and I don’t think they would be affected. I do not like a Wetherspoons breakfast but do enjoy the one at the cafes up there as they are not from the microwave so would choose them. I really enjoy the real ales at Wetherspoons but also like to roam, so more than likely I would also spend money at the other bar if I was in the mood for a drink.
The owners should now work on enticing them and saving the other shops.
H Rowley, Carlton
Common sense needed at Carlton level crossing
Sir,
I recently witnessed a fire engine responding to an emergency, but it held up by two trains at the Carlton level crossing. After 5 minutes, the driver had to do a U-turn.
It’s bad enough for an ordinary punter, but when an fire engine is delayed like this it is obviously potentially a matter of life and death.
Surely, there’s a way of holding up the train at Burton Joyce or Nottingham.
Paul Hackett, Rivermead
Do cyclists getting points for frightening pedestrians?
Sir,
Waiting patiently for the green man to come on, I noticed a lady cyclist slowing down at the lights.
As the green man came on I began to cross the road, only for the cyclist to speed up, mount the pavement and nearly knock me down.
All this happened in daylight at 9.15am.
Has frightening the pedestrian become a new sport for bored cyclist – and how many points do they get for actually knocking people down?
Ron Marsh, Gedling
Pavement cyclists should have to be insured
Sir,
I’m a big believer in common sense and I really think we’ve to many bikers – both electric and normal – riding all over the footpaths! What happens if they collide with any person of any age while there walking along? Injuries obviously are the main concern!
I think they should at least all be insured, then at least there’s a case for compensation!
Peter Cookson, via email
Rise in number of mobility scooters transforming Arnold into ‘Benidorm’
Sir,
Having read several previous letters I note that no one has mentioned the dangers of the massive mobility scooters that contest the pavements in Arnold.
It has become more like Benidorm over there with a vast number parked outside Betting shop and so-called vape shops. This is at the expense of the tax payer
Gedling Eye has compiled a list of the cheapest petrol pumps in Gedling borough. The data is sourced from PetrolPrices.com, which covers major service stations including brands like BP, Shell, and Texaco as well as supermarkets, smaller chains and independent stations.
The website combines price data from Catalist with its own crowdsource data, which comes from website users and forecourt owners. The site says it hopes to have “the most up to date and reliable price data across the industry”.
The UK’s average fuel price is 135.69p per litre for Unleaded and 140.58p per litre for diesel.
The following prices were reported locally on 04/12/24
Here are the latest prices from across the borough…
He was officially confirmed following a vote at yesterday’s (5) Full Council at County Hall.
Cllr Smith, who represents Newark East and was previously Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, replaces Cllr Ben Bradley who has stepped down for family and personal reasons.
Councillor Sam Smith has now been elected as the new leader of Nottinghamshire County CouncilSmith has now been elected as the new leader of Nottinghamshire County Council.
The new leader said he is honoured and privileged to be elected and has spoken about his priorities for Nottinghamshire residents.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted to be elected leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, and I am looking forward to working tirelessly to deliver on key priorities for people across the county.”
Cllr Smith highlighted the county council’s ‘great’ record of delivering services and spoke of the ‘challenging’ outlook facing all local authorities.
He said: “One of my first priorities will be balancing the budget in February 2025 and we have an excellent record in delivering well-run, efficient services while keeping Council Tax low.
“I am proud that we are one of a few local authorities that have not closed a single library, maintained a thriving youth service and have expanded rural bus services with our Nottsbus OnDemand.
“We have invested more than £100 million in our capital programme and have ploughed millions of pounds into improving our roads, as well as delivering on our commitment to build schools and improve the standards of education across the county.”
In his previous role as Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, Cllr Smith said he would remain focussed on his commitment to hit the government’s 50 per cent target of Educational, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) timescale by the end of the academic year. He stressed that as leader he would continue to lobby the government on SEND issues.
Cllr Smith will announce his successor as Cabinet Member for Education and SEND in the coming days.
The new leader said he will also be a loud voice for a fair Local Government Settlement, due to be announced on December 23, through his work with the County Councils Network, Local Government Association and the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).
Cllr Smith said: “As a board member on EMCCA, I will be banging the drum for Nottinghamshire on transport, infrastructure, skills and investment funding for and I look forward to working closer with the Mayor in these key areas.
“There are projects like STEP Fusion in Bassetlaw, which will provide thousands of highly skilled jobs for Nottinghamshire residents, including hundreds of apprenticeships for young people.
“Key infrastructure projects require the backing of the Mayor and our local MPs and I will be knocking on their doors regularly to fly the flag for funding across Nottinghamshire.
“For me it’s about delivery, delivery, delivery for Nottinghamshire residents as part of our ongoing drive to make our county a great place to live, work and visit.
“I hope I can maintain our proud record on the building and maintenance of schools, transport improvements, maintaining our library network and our fantastic youth service.”
Cllr Smith thanked his predecessor Cllr Ben Bradley for his three-and-a-half years as leader, saying he hopes to build on his legacy.
KH Hair in Arnold has handed over gift donations to the local branch of the Salvation Army to help families whose children may be at risk of missing out on the joys of Christmas.
The High Street salon appealed to its clients and the local community to help support the Salvation Army’s “Be a Star” Christmas Present Appeal (CPA) which works to ensure local children don’t miss out on the joy of opening a gift on Christmas Day.
Following the appeal, the KH Hair team received a total of two full boxes and three bags filled to the brim with new toys, clothes and more. Salon manager, Helen Stilwell, said: “We are incredibly happy and grateful to everyone who helped us gather donations for the Salvation Army’s “Be a Star” charity appeal.
“Supporting others is something we are deeply passionate about all year but, during Christmas, it feels especially important to spread love and joy to children and adults alike. Thank you so much to everyone for their generosity.”
The KH Hair Arnold salon appealed to its clients and the local community to help support the Salvation Army’s “Be a Star” Christmas Present Appeal
Last year, the Salvation Army distributed more than 76,000 gifts across the UK as part of the CPA appeal and, this year, the number of families requesting help is expected to rise as a result of the cost of living crisis.
Leader of the Salvation Army in Arnold, Major Janice Lahouel, who collected the gifts from the salon at the end of November, said: “We want to say a massive thanks to KH Hair Arnold and their customers for supporting our Christmas gift appeal.
“We are extremely grateful for the generosity shown which has provided gifts for needy families in and around Arnold this Christmas. Children who otherwise would have gone without will be able to wake up this Christmas with a smile on their faces and parents will have some of the burden taken away from them.
“Everyone involved has made a real difference in the lives of those less fortunate this Christmas, so thanks once again.”
If anyone would still like to donate a new, unwrapped gift for a child this Christmas, they will be welcome at the Salvation Army at 99 High Street, Nottingham or Sally’s charity shop on Front Street in Arnold.
Gedling borough residents are being urged to post their Christmas cards and presents early this year to avoid disappointment.
Royal Mail has launched a special postmark which reads “Remember to post early for Christmas. royalmail.com/greetings” to encourage early posting.
The postmark is now being applied to stamped mail nationwide until Thursday, December 19.
With the festive season fast approaching, people are being urged to keep an eye on the last posting dates to ensure their Christmas cards, letters, and parcels reach their destinations in time.
The last recommended posting date for second class and second class signed for is Wednesday, December 18.
For first class, first class signed for, and Royal Mail tracked 48, it is Friday, December 20.
For Royal Mail tracked 24, the last recommended posting date is Saturday, December 21, and for special delivery guaranteed, it is Monday, December 23.
Nick Landon, chief commercial officer at Royal Mail, said: “We all have a lot on at this time of year and it’s easy to leave posting cards and presents to the last minute.
“However, the run-up to Christmas is by far the busiest time of the year for our posties and we don’t want anyone to be disappointed by not getting their cards and presents in time for the big day, so we are reminding customers to post by the deadlines.”
‘A betrayal’ were the words used by Gedling’s former MP to describe Labour’s national insurance increase for businesses, that he said could lead to the loss of 130,000 jobs.
Former Conservative MP Tom Randall slammed the increase and said he would fight against the tax on behalf of local employers.
The government announced in the October budget that employers’ national insurance contributions will rise to 15% from April 2025 – would also hit charities and local councils.
“Gedling’s economy relies on employers of all sizes,” Tom said.
“And I am sure business people and their families here and across the country will not forgive Labour MPs or the Government for what they have done and the harm they are doing to our local economies and communities.
“But the Labour Government is putting our economy under threat with their betrayal of business. On Small Business Saturday we should be celebrating local enterprise. Instead, Labour MPs are clobbering local small businesses with more taxes.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the rise in her first budget as chancellor
Yesterday, MPs were given the chance to back a Tory proposal to end the new tax, which the Office for Budget Responsibility estimates will cost businesses an additional £800 per employee and lead to lower wages, fewer jobs and higher prices for families.
“I’m pleased that my Conservative colleagues in Parliament are doing all that they can to be an effective opposition to stop Labour’s National Insurance Jobs Tax,” Randall added.
“But led by Keir Starmer, Labour MPs – including Gedling’s Michael Payne and Sherwood Forest’s Michelle Welsh – voted to push on with the tax which some experts claim could lead to the loss of 130,000 jobs across the country.”
The former said he would continue to back businesses in Gedling and fight against the tax.
And he also urged people to sign the petition at stopthejobstax.com if they were against the rise.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves admitted it would not be “easy” for businesses to “absorb” the increase in employers’ national insurance contributions that was announced in the budget.
Speaking at The Yorkshire Post’s great northern conference in Hull yesterday, the chancellor said: “We made a commitment during the general election…that we wouldn’t increase taxes on working people, because over the last few years it has been working people that have had to bear the brunt of tax increases.”
Ms Reeves cited Labour’s election campaign promise not to increase income tax, VAT or national insurance on employees, saying the party had “managed to stick to that manifesto commitment”.
