We should be addressing youth unemployment which is set to increase again rather than bin collections. This says the wrong things about the Government ie care more about waste while wasting young people. Which has the greater impact on us in the future - bin collections or massive youth unemployment leading to increased crime rates. We stand a greater chance of upping our economic performance by training and developing our unemployed young people.

£250 million for bin collection. Would do better spending that on bringing down youth unemployment. What message does this send out about our priorities?

Don't forget rural areas too. Where I live lovely villages and views across fields etc are spoilt by unnecessary roadsign clutter. Some have been stolen I presume for the smelting down, leaving behind empty poles or parts of signs redered meaningless. A complete waste of money.

The first item says "A 5% in public sector pay; " A five percent what in public sector pay?

As a Tory-voting-Guardian reader I was dismayed by the article. I would have preferred to see pictures of those candidates who are standing for the second,third or fourth time who will finally win at this election because of their sheer hard work and dedication.

Brilliant news and well deserved too. Congratulations to Rob and his team.

I work at a Further Education College with high levels of success in developing young people and adults in vocational subjects. Many of our learners following vocational programmes progress onto university degree courses. Please remember that not only those following academic pathways go to university. Having said that, the College would welcome setting up a technical Academy. Further Education has long seen itself as the Cinderella of the education sector in the UK. This is something the Conservative Party should address. We develop thousands of young people and adults who set up their own businesses and who then become employers. These people are most often loyal supporters of the Conservative Party. Today we have received our indicative funding allocation for adult learning for next year. This funds not only those returning to learn aged 19 plus but also young people following A-levels and vocational programmes when they become 19 years old. The budget is £290,000 less than last year, the equivalent of 9-10 members of staff.

If you read the very well-written, well-argued monograph, you will learn that it gives valid reasons for continued government expenditure post-compulsory education (and that means adults aged over 21) with the funding going to the individual learner. As for £5000 per learner, the FE College at which I work would welcome that figure, as the 16-18 year olds that we teach are funded at about £3500 each, a far smaller sum than is currently paid per learner to schools delivering the same courses. Currently we have 400 learners that are not being funded at all, the Government failing to allocate the much vaunted £650M appropriately.

Very well put Tarek. I completely agree.

No to Churchill day. St Edmund was originally the patron saint of England from the 9th century until the Norman invasion. He should be restored as the true patron saint of England as St George was introduced to destroy our original national identity. King Edmund was martyred on the 20th November 870, killed by the Danes. I would propose that for our national day.

I agree. And it is a good argument against changes to the 'first past the post' system. Their poison will be directed towards the conservatives soon.

Thank you Robert for letting us in on your busy schedule. I know Harlow will do well with you as MP after the next election, as we are with our dedicated Conservative run council. I also know your student volunteer and can vouch for his energy and commitment. I have also seen him take on some of the hard left we have in the town.

What is also required is a reality check by local planning officers. I know of several families looking to increase the size of their property by extending their homes, or seeking to raise income by converting old barns on their property. This would be a big boost to the local economy and keep local builders, craftsmen, suppliers in business but planners are putting up the most ridiculous arguments against. In the case of two barn conversions, planners from South Cambridgeshire want them to be converted into office or workshop accommodation. Haven't they noticed that there is a lot of business accommodation empty? A barn would keep a small building firm in business for nearly a year.

Brilliant news and how great it will be to have West Suffolk back again!

Tory Suffolk County Councillors would be advised to recognise that the dismantling of the three tier system, which parents feel has worked well in Suffolk, will cost them votes. It is causing immense disquiet amongst many of the villages who forecast the disappearance of their village schools and the Clare Middle School fiasco is stoking this fear. Those of us working on the doorsteps for the party are being taken to task on this issue. The parents like the primary and middle school system.

Why on earth was a crowd allowed to gather to witness this awful event. I understand the situation lasted several hours.