A 30-minute news programme, hosted by Richard Whiteley. This episode sees a panel hosted by Whiteley, featuring Alan Beith MP, Kenneth Clarke MP, and Michael Meacher MP. Focusing specifically on voters in York, as they are the Tory’s most marginal seat in government, the episode is split into dedicated segments for hearing the views, and concerns of residents, which are then discussed in the studio by the group. Footage in and around York City Centre is shown, and interviews with residents...

A 30-minute news programme, hosted by Richard Whiteley. This episode sees a panel hosted by Whiteley, featuring Alan Beith MP, Kenneth Clarke MP, and Michael Meacher MP. Focusing specifically on voters in York, as they are the Tory’s most marginal seat in government, the episode is split into dedicated segments for hearing the views, and concerns of residents, which are then discussed in the studio by the group. Footage in and around York City Centre is shown, and interviews with residents and business owners appear at the beginning of each segment, so as to lead the topic of studio debate. Whiteley, Beith, Clarke and Meacher discuss current concerns in York such as business, exchange, and interest rates, education, pensions, and poll tax. An opening segment reporting on the economic issues in York. Footage of and within York City Centre is shown. The medieval streets have been a tourism magnet; in kinder economic times, tourism ranked amongst the city’s top industries. This is not the only industry to consider though, as traditional industries like chocolate factories and railways are a big party of the city also. Streets that are usually full are now almost empty as a result of the recession; heavy business rates and rents are forcing many traders out of business, and industries are suffering. The city is not a traditional Tory stronghold, but rather, had a Liberal tradition. Present Tory MP Conal Gregory has the smallest majority in the House, with 147 in the last election. First segment hears the concerns of a Hotelier in the city. Footage of the Grange Hotel in York, and an interview with its Managing Director. He has found business slow, and does not expect this to change until interest rates decrease. He explains that the rates can be crippling for business, and makes outside businesses and individuals reluctant to stay in the hotel due to the extra expense. This creates a double-strain effect for his business. Beith suggests that other two parties are not lowering interest rates enough to make an impact. He calls for a credible anti-inflation policy, with involvement from the Bank of England, and that this will make the biggest difference for independent businesses. Meacher believes interest rates must come down if businesses like this are to survive, but there are alternative routes. The most important thing to him is to look to other resources to control credit, and a system in which banks cannot lend at the rates that produces the inflation. Clarke believes that underlying problem is that the government was too slow in putting up interest rates; there has been too high a level of borrowing and spending. He believes that change is beginning to happen, and does not think other parties’ ideas can keep the economy competitive. Second segment shares the concerns of another business owner, who is affected by the business rates and rent. Footage of the shop -front on High Petergate and an interview with the shop’s owner. He believes the government could do more to help with the business rates, and expresses concern with the exchange rate from the British Pound to the American Dollar; this means that American’s who visit the UK are finding prices to be very expensive. Meacher expresses sympathy for businesses who are being affected by high business rates, and believes that poll tax has created problems in this area. Labour would get rid of poll tax and uniform business rates, and return to a previous system. Beith agrees that the Democrats would also get rid of poll tax and uniform business rates. Once properties are revalued, they become subject, not to a local set tax which reflects increased value of York properties, but a nationally set figure; he wants to see a site-value based rating on properties. Clarke defends the uniform business rates, stating that this has rescued businessmen from local government spending, but hasn’t wholly protected the Community Charge payer. Believes county councils have gone overboard with spending, and are then causing issues to this system. Third segment covers education, and an interview with a chairman of local education. He thinks the governments should overhaul the national curriculum, so as to improve standards rather than lower them, Re-assess the examination system to produce some choice against GCSEs, and prioritize pencil and paper tests for students, that can be published for parents so they can choose the best performing school. For the long term, he wishes to see a return of a voucher system to parents for the cost of the child’s education for a term, or a year, which will increase parental interest in what is happening in their child’s schools. Beith doesn’t believe a voucher system will solve wider educational problems, and that money should be put towards bettering the system as soon as possible; teachers are struggling with demoralisation and a lack of resources. Meacher is concerned about standards having remained so low in education, and that problems such as teacher morale, inadequate supplies and dilapidated buildings have only increased under a Tory government. He believes we have to ensure a rise in standards and an improvement in teacher training, as well as a larger range of parent involvement in education systems. Clarke does not agree with the voucher system being re-introduced, but believes that the national curriculum is broadly accepted. Thinks that there needs to be regular testing and reporting to parents, as well as more funds put into education. He believes the party is moving in the right direction. Final segment covers pensions and poll tax. Footage of St Sampson’s Church in York, now used as a social centre for pensioners is shown, with interviews with visitors and volunteers. They suggest that the government should re-evaluate pensions, and how to reduce the poll tax, as well as allowances made by the NHS for prescriptions. Pensioners do not get sufficient living funds, and the poll taxes make this harder. They believe they should be keeping up with the cost of living, and keep pensioners up to date with changes. Meacher believes that pensioners have had a difficult deal, and suggests that Labour would increase pension for single and married pensioners, and restore the link with earnings. Beith doesn’t believe that a Labour government can supply this within the current economy; he calls for a scrap in poll tax, an improvement in pension, and a recognition of the contributions of pensioners to society. Clarke also expresses doubt in the Labour policy; and suggests that the system needs re-evaluating, but suggests that some pensioners are better under the current system. Featuring ALAN BEITH MP, KENNETH CLARKE MP, MICHAEL MEACHER MP Reporter SARAH FLETCHER Director ALAN RODMAN Political Editor RICHARD WHITELEY Executive Producer GRAHAM IRONSIDE YORKSHIRE TELEVISION Production