McDonald's - Declaration of Interest

The McDonald Belgian Bliss Brownie

In light of the accusations that have been thrown my way lately, I wish to declare that my sister gave me a brownie that I really enjoyed this lunch time. When I asked where she got it from I was presented with a McDonalds wrapper!!

I deeply regret any offence this may cause.

Buy from your local Butcher

My Lidl Pony?

We have excellent butchers in Farnborough. A friends father saw the following in a local butchers window.

PORK: From local farms

LAMB: From local farms

BEEF: From local farms

HORSE: In the stable where it belongs

Firgrove Parade, Farnborough

I have learnt today that the planning application for the redevelopment of this site has been validated and will shortly go out for public consultation.   The new development would provide 14 residential units with shops below together with an 80 bed hotel with 726 sqm ground floor restaurant/bar with associated car parking and landscaping works.   

Hitting the Cold Spots Project

I have been made aware of this project which provides practical assistance to vulnerable families and individuals who are affected by the cold weather and fuel poverty.   It is funded from the Department of Health Warm Homes and Healthy People Fund and is open until 31 March 2013.  The service can be accessed via the Freephone number 0800 804 8601 and visits can be requested through an advisor on line at http://www3.hants.gov.uk/cold-spots

The range of services available are

• A free local information and advice phone line staffed by friendly, trained advisors - 0800 804 8601
• Hitting the Cold Spots advisors who will visit individuals in their own homes to offer practical assistance and support
• Financial help with hot water and heating systems repairs if they meet the criteria
• Support with alternative heating measures (electric oil filled radiators) for those without heating
• Access to small grant support to help cope with winter fuel emergencies –open and available now!
• Advice and access to current insulation offers – (loft, cavity and solid wall insulation)
• Assistance to switch energy provider or tariff to help make savings on fuel bills.
• Debt advice tailored to individual circumstances
• Free Home Safety visits including a carbon monoxide monitor, smoke detector and a fire safety plan 

DC 2 DC - My mate updates me on Energy Bills

Dear David,

As Prime Minister - and as a Conservative - I'm determined to do everything I can to help people with the cost of living. We've already helped freeze council tax, stopped Labour's fuel duty rise, capped the increase in rail fares and taken two million people out of paying income tax altogether.

Last year, I said we would do something else: take action on the sky-high energy bills that families across the country struggle with. At the moment, people often face a mind-boggling number of tariffs and pay a lot more than they should do.

That's why I made a personal commitment. I said it was time for energy companies to be straight with their customers and offer them the lowest available tariff. No more tricks, loopholes or small print; time for transparency.

So I'm delighted that yesterday OFGEM - the energy regulator - said it would deliver on my plan to get bills down. Starting this summer, energy companies will need to:

	Present clear bills with the cheapest available tariff
	Offer no more than 4 tariffs for each type of fuel
	Abide by a rigorous code of conduct or face heavy fines

And the Government is going to use its Energy Bill to push things further still. Once this becomes law, suppliers will have to put people on the cheapest variable rate unless they choose otherwise.

These changes will at last help to switch the balance of power in the energy market. People will be in the driving seat and companies will be competing hard for their custom.

We said we'd do everything possible to help the hard-working families of this country - and we are keeping our word.

David Cameron