Governments First Budget

LizzieDrip

David why should the monarchy be exempt from IHT & CGT?

It’s not an issue I worry about, would the average person be better off if the state owned it - NO, from what I read it’s responsibly and sustainably managed and benefits the people in those localities

Personally I support the monarchy it needs to be slimmed down, which seems to be happening. As a ceremonial head of state the King or Queen is better than some come day, go day, polititian. I’m sure the majority in the UK think the same, disagree if you want but I think the UK would be poorer without the Monarchy.

So, talking of the Duchy of Cornwall, the RF owns Dartmoor prison, and we are paying them to use it to lock up criminals. Seeing as the government can't find enough spaces for prisoners anyway, and probably can't afford to just buy a prison tomorrow to fill the gap, what do people expect the RF to do? Offer it for free?

What has struck me in the discussions about farmers above is how little we have in place any kind of "food plan" for the UK.

It's a tough one to crack, what with climate change here (wetter) and in countries we get food from (think Spain currently).

In the UK we have problems getting seasonal workers for many products.

When we walk into the supermarket the public is now clearly attached to purchasing flown in food all the year round. (air miles) .We seem to tinker around at the edges?

Time for cross party serious look at "feeding the UK" into the future?

David49 two members of the Royal Family perhaps three have not shown too much personal responsibility in recent years.
I was surprised to see mud slung at the Spanish king and queen on a walkabout of the devastation and wondered if that would happen here in similar circumstances.

escaped Dartmoor prison is no longer being used to house prisoners because of some sort of gas escape making it unsafe.

However, the RF is still charging the taxpayer rent on the empty building and, as it falls into disrepair, the taxpayer not the RF is liable for any repairs.

In answer to your final question - yes, the RF should allow all public sector and charity buildings on Duchy land to be used either free of charge or for a peppercorn rent.

That would be for the benefit of the country, which the RF profess to care so deeply about!

Wyllow3

What has struck me in the discussions about farmers above is how little we have in place any kind of "food plan" for the UK.

It's a tough one to crack, what with climate change here (wetter) and in countries we get food from (think Spain currently).

In the UK we have problems getting seasonal workers for many products.

When we walk into the supermarket the public is now clearly attached to purchasing flown in food all the year round. (air miles) .We seem to tinker around at the edges?

Time for cross party serious look at "feeding the UK" into the future?

Indeed. And we all know the major reason- even if any mention of it gets 'oh I'm bored with this- get over it' from some.

As said before, when there is plenty left over, of food, or anything else for that matter, including chemicals, medicines, etc, etc- other countries will be happy to sell surplus. First to their political and commercial allies - those with no barriers, no expensive controls and no tarifs, and close by geographically and with same currency. Because it is cheaper and easier. Simple as.

In the case of shortages, be it due to climate change, war, or whatever- countries will begin to keep their produce- whatever it is, agriculture, energy, anything really. And possibly just exchange some for those countries close by, and as said above, same currency and ease of import and export. It is not complicated to understand. Market Forces combined with alliance and ease.

Oh yes, I've just read about Dartmoor prison being closed a couple of months ago LizzieDrip. Due to high levels of radon, quite common in Devon/Cornwall.
Perhaps they can turn it into a Bodmin Jail type attraction? We went on Saturday, it was brilliant according to the kids!

Whatever the reason for "ending up as we are "food-wise" we do seem to lack any vision going ahead. Maybe there is one but I'm not aware of it - my knowledge of farming is mainly from the Archers, where there is now a big conglomerate and a tiny number of small farms. They've stopped growing soft fruit under poly tunnels (no seasonal labour).
Whats needed? What's possible? Who gets the subsidies?

escaped not really bothered what happens to the now defunct prison but, as long as it remains part of the public sector estate, the RF should stop charging the taxpayer for it, IMO.

In answer to your final question - yes, the RF should allow all public sector and charity buildings on Duchy land to be used either free of charge or for a peppercorn rent.

That would be for the benefit of the country, which the RF profess to care so deeply about!

My thoughts exactly, LizzieD

At the moment they seem to be just the same as other wealthy people seeking to extract as much money from people and institutions as they can to enhance their wealth.

Which really doesn't justify them being believed to be particularly caring about, or special to,the country.

Apologies if this has been posted already, but this BBC fact check is very interesting on the number of farms likely to be affected. .
www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8rlk0d2vk2o

escaped

Oh yes, I've just read about Dartmoor prison being closed a couple of months ago LizzieDrip. Due to high levels of radon, quite common in Devon/Cornwall.
Perhaps they can turn it into a Bodmin Jail type attraction? We went on Saturday, it was brilliant according to the kids!

Judging by that criterion, half the homes and public buildings in the South-west (and other areas) should be evacuated!

Levels of radon:
The darker the colour the greater the chance of a higher level. The chance is less than one home in a hundred in the white areas and greater than one in three in the darkest areas.

Radon is found in bedrock.

Wondering if the closure of Dartmoor (686 inmates) was part of the cause for early release. Timescale works out.

Apparently it was originally due to be scrapped in 2019 but keep open due to pressure.

I can remember when there were several escapees from Dartmoor Prison one Chritmas years ago. The traffic was stopped by police and we all had or cars searched.

Security at Dartmoor Prison was always notoriously lax.