THE Coalition Government inherited the dreadful financial situation from the outgoing government. George Osborne's emergency budget is necessarily tough and will certainly be challenging, but there are positive aspects which are worth accentuating which will help see us through these difficult periods.
The increase in the income tax personal allowance by £1000 will benefit more than 1 million basic rate tax payers in Wales. That is good news.
The proposed tax break for businesses to assist in creating jobs outside of London and the South East of England will benefit businesses in Wales. The increase in the state pension linking it to average earnings, or 2.5%, whichever is higher, is very good news for pensioners in Wales.
I am also extremely pleased that the government has reversed Labour's proposal to tax capital allowances for self-catering operators which would have hit many tourism businesses in Powys very hard indeed.
Meanwhile, of course, we have other massive challenges to face in Powys.
The proposals for the future of our High schools is going to occupy a great deal of the tension in Powys, not just because of the importance of the first class education offered by these schools, but of their importance for their communities throughout the county. I believe the starting point needs to be how we keep schools in our communities open and make necessary changes in the light of challenging falls in school rolls. Incidentally school rolls won't continue to fall forever.
There is growth in the population and a reversal of the trend will mean that at some stage we will need these schools. We will obviously need these schools to accommodate an increase in entry to our excellent schools.
I was delighted to hear that the Royal British Legion has a preferred bidder for Crosfield House who is a care home provider.
This is fantastic news for residents there, the staff and the community as well. I have been involved very closely in the future of the home and in discussions with the Royal British Legion and at last we are getting some positive news on that front.
On a very positive note I am very pleased that Powys seems now to accept that more pupils should be admitted to Ysgol Cedewain.
The work done by the school, and the fantastic opportunities offered to pupils there, is something that we must preserve. I visited the school recently and saw many happy pupils, dedicated staff and committed parents and governors - a triple win.
I am also very pleased that progress is being made at Dolmynach House, which was bequeathed to Powys County Council some 16 years ago by the owner, Leila Williams, with the aim of it being preserved as a period property for the general public. Progress is being made by the Dolmynach Community Trust which has worked hard to get the museum open for the enjoyment of the public, and I certainly look forward to visiting Dolmynach House in the near future.
These are difficult times for our county and our nation as we seek to deal with the massive deficit. There are plenty of local challenges too but I am confident that the strength of community and the commitment and dedication of local people will mean our communities will pull together and emerge stronger.