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Politics live blog: Thursday 5 April 2012 Politics live blog: Thursday 5 April 2012
(40 minutes later)
3.45pm: Here's an afternoon summary.
• Ken Livingstone has succumbed to pressure and published information about his income and tax payments. This morning he indicated that he would only release this information if the other mayoral candidates published joined him in publishing household tax information. (See 1.20pm.) But, after Boris Johnson and Brian Paddick information about their income and tax payments, Livingstone relented and released his own figures. However he did not disclose how much income Silveta, his private company, had received. The anti-Labour blogger Guido Fawkes claimed that, when you take Silveta earnings into account, Livingstone was paying tax at an effective rate of 14.5%. The Livingstone campaign said this was misleading and, according to a leaked memo, instead referred supporters to Coffee House figures saying Livingstone was paying 37% of his income in tax.
• The Information Tribunal has revealed that it called for the publication of the Health Act risk register because of the "general alarm" at the way the reforms were being implemented. "Risk registers would have provided the public with a far better understanding of the risks to a national institution which millions depended on," it said. (See 2.42pm.)
• The Tories have been urging Ed Miliband to suspend a Labour candidate who posted an offensive tweet about the Duke of Edinburgh. According to the Press Association, Janette Williamson, who is standing for Wirral council, in Merseyside, allegedly asked "why the f**k isn't he dead yet?" in a discussion about Prince Philip on the social networking site. It has also been claimed she described the shadow cabinet as "both unlikeable and quite right-wing" and said party leader Ed Miliband "needs to grow a set of Ed Balls". The Twitter account and tweets appear to have been deleted but were seen by Wirral's Conservative leader Jeff Green who has complained to Miliband. On Twitter Tory HQ has said Williamson should be sacked.
That's it for today. I'm off next week, but I'm back on Monday 16 April.
Have a Happy Easter.
3.16pm: Here's an afternoon reading list.

• Bagehot at the Economist says David Cameron's biggest problem is that voters are not loyal to any party.		3.16pm: Here's an afternoon reading list.

• Bagehot at the Economist says David Cameron's biggest problem is that voters are not loyal to any party.
The most alarming finding from focus groups conducted by the Conservative Party after last month's budget did not involve tax rates. It was that voters suspect that British budgets no longer much matter, because the country is just a little island buffeted by global forces. Most British fear their children will be worse off than they are. They are losing faith that governments can fix this.The most alarming finding from focus groups conducted by the Conservative Party after last month's budget did not involve tax rates. It was that voters suspect that British budgets no longer much matter, because the country is just a little island buffeted by global forces. Most British fear their children will be worse off than they are. They are losing faith that governments can fix this.
An unprecedented 17% of voters told the latest YouGov poll that they favour non-mainstream parties. That "None of the Above" trend will matter long after rows about pasties are forgotten. It was underscored by a parliamentary by-election on March 29th in Bradford West, at which a safe Labour seat fell to George Galloway, an anti-war, hard-left populist who wooed Muslim voters and vowed to oppose all spending cuts.An unprecedented 17% of voters told the latest YouGov poll that they favour non-mainstream parties. That "None of the Above" trend will matter long after rows about pasties are forgotten. It was underscored by a parliamentary by-election on March 29th in Bradford West, at which a safe Labour seat fell to George Galloway, an anti-war, hard-left populist who wooed Muslim voters and vowed to oppose all spending cuts.
Certainly, Mr Cameron and Mr Osborne need to show that they are in touch with the concerns of ordinary voters. Planned reforms to the welfare state, education and policing should help.Certainly, Mr Cameron and Mr Osborne need to show that they are in touch with the concerns of ordinary voters. Planned reforms to the welfare state, education and policing should help.
But a graver test looms. An earlier Conservative critic once coined a deadly phrase, calling the Major government "in office but not in power". Today all big political parties face a similar charge. Their challenge is to convince unhappy, cynical British voters that politicians have power to do much good at all.But a graver test looms. An earlier Conservative critic once coined a deadly phrase, calling the Major government "in office but not in power". Today all big political parties face a similar charge. Their challenge is to convince unhappy, cynical British voters that politicians have power to do much good at all.
• Mehdi Hasan at the New Statesman praises Lady Warsi, the Conservative co-chairman.• Mehdi Hasan at the New Statesman praises Lady Warsi, the Conservative co-chairman.
To her opponents' consternation, the Conservative chairman won't stop pushing her agenda. She is on the verge of hiring a new adviser, to be based in CCHQ and tasked with getting the party to focus on BME communities. I'm told that at a recent meeting with backbench Tory MPs, a defiant Warsi declared that "unless and until campaigning with BME communities is institutionalised and embedded in every aspect of what we do as a political party, we cannot win an overall majority in 2015".To her opponents' consternation, the Conservative chairman won't stop pushing her agenda. She is on the verge of hiring a new adviser, to be based in CCHQ and tasked with getting the party to focus on BME communities. I'm told that at a recent meeting with backbench Tory MPs, a defiant Warsi declared that "unless and until campaigning with BME communities is institutionalised and embedded in every aspect of what we do as a political party, we cannot win an overall majority in 2015".
Over the past two years, she has struggled to persuade her all-white ministerial allies to internalise this argument. But the appointment of Andrew Cooper, founder of polling company Populus and über-moderniser, as the Prime Minister's director of political strategy in February 2011 has helped her cause. "Cooper brought hard data with him to help win the argument on the importance of BME voters," says a senior Tory source. Late last year, he presented his empirical evidence at a meeting of Conservative cabinet ministers in the Prime Minister's suite of offices behind the Speaker's chair in parliament. Cooper identified more than 30 urban seats, with big BME populations, that need to be gained to secure a Tory majority in 2015. "It was where her argument was finally won," says my source.Over the past two years, she has struggled to persuade her all-white ministerial allies to internalise this argument. But the appointment of Andrew Cooper, founder of polling company Populus and über-moderniser, as the Prime Minister's director of political strategy in February 2011 has helped her cause. "Cooper brought hard data with him to help win the argument on the importance of BME voters," says a senior Tory source. Late last year, he presented his empirical evidence at a meeting of Conservative cabinet ministers in the Prime Minister's suite of offices behind the Speaker's chair in parliament. Cooper identified more than 30 urban seats, with big BME populations, that need to be gained to secure a Tory majority in 2015. "It was where her argument was finally won," says my source.
• The Local Government Information Unit identifies 50 councils to watch in next month's local elections.
/> 		• The Local Government Information Unit identifies 50 councils to watch in next month's local elections.
2.42pm: The infomation tribunal has today released the full document setting out its reasons for its decision that the risk register dealing with the Health Act should be published (pdf). Here's an extract.2.42pm: The infomation tribunal has today released the full document setting out its reasons for its decision that the risk register dealing with the Health Act should be published (pdf). Here's an extract.
From the evidence it is clear that the NHS reforms were introduced in an exceptional way. There was no indication prior to the White Paper that such wide-ranging reforms were being considered. The White Paper was published without prior consultation. It was published within a very short period after the Coalition Government came into power. It was unexpected. Consultation took place afterwards over what appears to us a very short period considering the extent of the proposed reforms. The consultation hardly changed policy but dealt largely with implementation. Even more significantly the Government decided to press ahead with some of the policies even before laying a Bill before Parliament. The whole process had to be paused because of the general alarm at what was happening.From the evidence it is clear that the NHS reforms were introduced in an exceptional way. There was no indication prior to the White Paper that such wide-ranging reforms were being considered. The White Paper was published without prior consultation. It was published within a very short period after the Coalition Government came into power. It was unexpected. Consultation took place afterwards over what appears to us a very short period considering the extent of the proposed reforms. The consultation hardly changed policy but dealt largely with implementation. Even more significantly the Government decided to press ahead with some of the policies even before laying a Bill before Parliament. The whole process had to be paused because of the general alarm at what was happening.
The public interest in understanding the risks involved in such wide-ranging reforms of the NHS in the circumstances just described would have been very high, if not exceptional in this case.The public interest in understanding the risks involved in such wide-ranging reforms of the NHS in the circumstances just described would have been very high, if not exceptional in this case.
Risk registers would have provided the public with a far better understanding of the risks to a national institution which millions depended on.Risk registers would have provided the public with a far better understanding of the risks to a national institution which millions depended on.
1.47pm: Ken Livingstone has now released his tax details. You can read them here, on his website. (Rather, you can try to read them here. The print is tiny. I'm using zoom settings on my computer that I have never had to use before.)1.47pm: Ken Livingstone has now released his tax details. You can read them here, on his website. (Rather, you can try to read them here. The print is tiny. I'm using zoom settings on my computer that I have never had to use before.)
Here are the figures for 2010/11Here are the figures for 2010/11
Income from employment - £5,700Income from employment - £5,700
Dividends - £63,333Dividends - £63,333
Pension - £25,502Pension - £25,502
Income tax paid - £22,691Income tax paid - £22,691
Corporation tax paid on dividends - £11,970Corporation tax paid on dividends - £11,970
Total income - £94,568Total income - £94,568
Total tax paid - £34,661Total tax paid - £34,661
And the Livingstone team have put out this statement.And the Livingstone team have put out this statement.
We remain committed to full disclosure based on the framework we set out earlier this morning. Many people have called for that, but now it is proposed, they seem less interested. We are ready to meet the other campaigns to discuss full, agreed, disclosure of household incomes to ensure this issue is fully addressed. For too long this matter has distracted coverage of an election that needs to be about how we ensure Londoners are better off. Only our proposal for full disclosure on agreed terms will deliver this and we urge other campaigns to meet us. It's time to put up or shut up.We remain committed to full disclosure based on the framework we set out earlier this morning. Many people have called for that, but now it is proposed, they seem less interested. We are ready to meet the other campaigns to discuss full, agreed, disclosure of household incomes to ensure this issue is fully addressed. For too long this matter has distracted coverage of an election that needs to be about how we ensure Londoners are better off. Only our proposal for full disclosure on agreed terms will deliver this and we urge other campaigns to meet us. It's time to put up or shut up.
1.20pm: Here's a lunchtime summary.1.20pm: Here's a lunchtime summary.
• Danny Alexander, the chief secretary to the Treasury, has defended the tax changes coming into force tomorrow after Labour said they would cost families with children £511 a year on average, and potentially much more if they receive tax credits. (See 9.31am, 10.14am and 12.05pm.)• Danny Alexander, the chief secretary to the Treasury, has defended the tax changes coming into force tomorrow after Labour said they would cost families with children £511 a year on average, and potentially much more if they receive tax credits. (See 9.31am, 10.14am and 12.05pm.)
• Boris Johnson has revealed that he earned £339,625 in 2010-11 from freelance work, on top of his salary as London mayor. Honouring a promise all the main mayoral candidates made to Jeremy Paxman in last night's mayoral debate, he published details of his income and tax paid. In 2010-11 he paid a total of £213,749 in tax and national insurance. (See 11.28am.)• Boris Johnson has revealed that he earned £339,625 in 2010-11 from freelance work, on top of his salary as London mayor. Honouring a promise all the main mayoral candidates made to Jeremy Paxman in last night's mayoral debate, he published details of his income and tax paid. In 2010-11 he paid a total of £213,749 in tax and national insurance. (See 11.28am.)
• Brian Paddick, the Lib Dem candidate for London mayor, has revealed that he receives a police pension worth £63,000. He has also published details of his tax affairs. The full 20-page document is here (pdf) and Guido Fawkes has a handy summary on his blog.• Brian Paddick, the Lib Dem candidate for London mayor, has revealed that he receives a police pension worth £63,000. He has also published details of his tax affairs. The full 20-page document is here (pdf) and Guido Fawkes has a handy summary on his blog.
• Ken Livingstone, Labour's candidate for mayor, has indicated that he is reluctant to publish his personal tax details unless the other candidates join him in publishing their household tax details too. He argued that people had to see his wife's tax details too because looking at just his tax affairs would not give the full picture. Patrick Heneghan, his campaign director and agent, has sent a letter to the other candidates urging them to supply full household tax returns (pdf). Here's an extract.• Ken Livingstone, Labour's candidate for mayor, has indicated that he is reluctant to publish his personal tax details unless the other candidates join him in publishing their household tax details too. He argued that people had to see his wife's tax details too because looking at just his tax affairs would not give the full picture. Patrick Heneghan, his campaign director and agent, has sent a letter to the other candidates urging them to supply full household tax returns (pdf). Here's an extract.
We believe that household income publication is necessary for full disclosure as the question of Ken's income and his wife's income and their tax has been central to the coverage of this issue. Publication of Ken's returns alone will not address many of the questions that have been raised.

The only way to answer all the questions about this issue and to move the debate on the real issues facing London is for full household income disclosure. This should apply to all the candidates equally to avoid any further questions about the income and tax affairs that may or may not be applicable to them through their households. The same principles need to be applied to all the candidates if this process is to be seen as open and fair.		We believe that household income publication is necessary for full disclosure as the question of Ken's income and his wife's income and their tax has been central to the coverage of this issue. Publication of Ken's returns alone will not address many of the questions that have been raised.

The only way to answer all the questions about this issue and to move the debate on the real issues facing London is for full household income disclosure. This should apply to all the candidates equally to avoid any further questions about the income and tax affairs that may or may not be applicable to them through their households. The same principles need to be applied to all the candidates if this process is to be seen as open and fair.
In addition I believe that the disclosure should be the full actual tax returns in PDF format. This should be done by an independent body to whom we all supply our candidate's household tax returns, and which publishes them simultaneously.

I propose that representatives of the candidates meet as soon as possible to agree on such an independent body and that any costs associated are covered equally by all campaigns.		In addition I believe that the disclosure should be the full actual tax returns in PDF format. This should be done by an independent body to whom we all supply our candidate's household tax returns, and which publishes them simultaneously.

I propose that representatives of the candidates meet as soon as possible to agree on such an independent body and that any costs associated are covered equally by all campaigns.
And Livingstone himself said this in a statement.And Livingstone himself said this in a statement.

I will lodge the details for the last four years with an independent body or individual, to be published simultaneously when all four main candidates have provided them. I will set out income to my company over the last four years, how much my wife and I received and how much tax was paid. Full household income and tax must be released by all candidates because the question of the overall household income and tax has continuously been the subject. This fully meets the terms agreed on Newsnight.
I will lodge the details for the last four years with an independent body or individual, to be published simultaneously when all four main candidates have provided them. I will set out income to my company over the last four years, how much my wife and I received and how much tax was paid. Full household income and tax must be released by all candidates because the question of the overall household income and tax has continuously been the subject. This fully meets the terms agreed on Newsnight.
The Conservative campaign will continue to seek to divert attention from the issues which affect Londoners simply because they want to try to prevent Londoners realising they will be hundreds of pounds a year better off under my policies and hundreds of pounds worse off under Boris Johnson.The Conservative campaign will continue to seek to divert attention from the issues which affect Londoners simply because they want to try to prevent Londoners realising they will be hundreds of pounds a year better off under my policies and hundreds of pounds worse off under Boris Johnson.
• Andy Burnham, the shadow health secretary, has accused Andrew Lansley to order emergency inspections of abortion clinics to gain positive press coverage.

• Julian Assange, the Wikileaks founder, has said that he has suffered from negative press coverage as much as the McCanns. In a written statement to the Leveson inquiry released today, he said: "Those who have been the subject of ongoing, widespread inaccurate and negative media coverage - as I have, possibly on a scale not seen since the abuse of the McCanns - know that the harms created for individuals and small organisations or groups by a failure to maintain high ethical journalistic standards can be severe, consequential and almost insurmountable."		• Andy Burnham, the shadow health secretary, has accused Andrew Lansley to order emergency inspections of abortion clinics to gain positive press coverage.

• Julian Assange, the Wikileaks founder, has said that he has suffered from negative press coverage as much as the McCanns. In a written statement to the Leveson inquiry released today, he said: "Those who have been the subject of ongoing, widespread inaccurate and negative media coverage - as I have, possibly on a scale not seen since the abuse of the McCanns - know that the harms created for individuals and small organisations or groups by a failure to maintain high ethical journalistic standards can be severe, consequential and almost insurmountable."
12.38pm: You can read all today's Guardian politics stories here. And all the politics stories filed yesterday, including some in today's paper, are here.12.38pm: You can read all today's Guardian politics stories here. And all the politics stories filed yesterday, including some in today's paper, are here.
As for the rest of the papers, here are some stories and articles that are particularly interesting.As for the rest of the papers, here are some stories and articles that are particularly interesting.
• Ed Miliband tells the Daily Mail in an interview that he is opposed to the plans to allow intelligence evidence to be heard in secret court hearings as they are set out in the government's green paper.• Ed Miliband tells the Daily Mail in an interview that he is opposed to the plans to allow intelligence evidence to be heard in secret court hearings as they are set out in the government's green paper.
"It's very clear the green paper has been drawn far too widely,' the Labour leader added."It's very clear the green paper has been drawn far too widely,' the Labour leader added.
'Organised crime cases, for example, could be part of these closed procedures. The right to a fair trial, a fair hearing in open court, has got to be the best way forward.'Organised crime cases, for example, could be part of these closed procedures. The right to a fair trial, a fair hearing in open court, has got to be the best way forward.
'It's clear ministers have got to narrow substantially the proposals. It should not be in the Queen's Speech and they should have another go at a green paper. It is very hard to see how that can be done for the Queen's Speech in a way that is orderly.''It's clear ministers have got to narrow substantially the proposals. It should not be in the Queen's Speech and they should have another go at a green paper. It is very hard to see how that can be done for the Queen's Speech in a way that is orderly.'
• Robert Winnett in the Daily Telegraph says American spy agencies refused to give Britain's intelligence services full details of a "Mumbai-style" terrorist plot in this country because they feared that top-secret sources would be exposed.• Robert Winnett in the Daily Telegraph says American spy agencies refused to give Britain's intelligence services full details of a "Mumbai-style" terrorist plot in this country because they feared that top-secret sources would be exposed.
The CIA warned MI6 that al-Qaeda was planning an attack 18 months ago, but withheld detailed information because of concerns it would be released by British courts.The CIA warned MI6 that al-Qaeda was planning an attack 18 months ago, but withheld detailed information because of concerns it would be released by British courts.
British intelligence agencies were subsequently forced to carry out their own investigations, according to Whitehall sources.British intelligence agencies were subsequently forced to carry out their own investigations, according to Whitehall sources.
Several potential terrorists were identified with links to a wider European plot, but it is still not known whether the British authorities have uncovered the full extent of the threat.Several potential terrorists were identified with links to a wider European plot, but it is still not known whether the British authorities have uncovered the full extent of the threat.
The breakdown in relations came after the release of US intelligence in the case of Binyam Mohamed, a former Guantánamo Bay detainee who took legal action over his incarceration. The Government was subsequently forced to pay millions in compensation to him and other detainees.The breakdown in relations came after the release of US intelligence in the case of Binyam Mohamed, a former Guantánamo Bay detainee who took legal action over his incarceration. The Government was subsequently forced to pay millions in compensation to him and other detainees.
• Oliver Wright in the Independent says Ed Miliband wants town hall-style debates at the general election because he performs best in that kind of setting.• Oliver Wright in the Independent says Ed Miliband wants town hall-style debates at the general election because he performs best in that kind of setting.

When he starts with a short pre-prepared speech, the old problems are in evidence. He blinks for an inordinately long time while he speaks. His family anecdotes seem a bit forced. He doesn't quite connect with his audience. Then a strange thing happens. As he answers questions his body language alters. Gone is the blinking, the awkward mannerisms and the strained anecdotes.
When he starts with a short pre-prepared speech, the old problems are in evidence. He blinks for an inordinately long time while he speaks. His family anecdotes seem a bit forced. He doesn't quite connect with his audience. Then a strange thing happens. As he answers questions his body language alters. Gone is the blinking, the awkward mannerisms and the strained anecdotes.
He relaxes. He stops questioners in mid-flow and asks them questions back. He gesticulates with his hands to make his points – but not in a weird way. And perhaps strangest of all for any politician he seems to be genuinely listening ...He relaxes. He stops questioners in mid-flow and asks them questions back. He gesticulates with his hands to make his points – but not in a weird way. And perhaps strangest of all for any politician he seems to be genuinely listening ...
Labour wants to introduce "town hall-style debates" at the next election which would allow voters to directly question the political leaders and that would certainly play to Milband's strengths.Labour wants to introduce "town hall-style debates" at the next election which would allow voters to directly question the political leaders and that would certainly play to Milband's strengths.
Party strategists have held preliminary discussions with broadcasters over the format of future election debates which first took place at the last election. Miliband aides believes he performs better in a question-and-answer style format than in the more formal Presidential style showdowns held in 2010.Party strategists have held preliminary discussions with broadcasters over the format of future election debates which first took place at the last election. Miliband aides believes he performs better in a question-and-answer style format than in the more formal Presidential style showdowns held in 2010.
• Robert Winnett in the Daily Telegraph says Nick Clegg has been accused of hypocrisy after criticising plans to allow secret court hearings that he previously endorsed.• Robert Winnett in the Daily Telegraph says Nick Clegg has been accused of hypocrisy after criticising plans to allow secret court hearings that he previously endorsed.
Lord Carlile, the Liberal Democrat peer and former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, said he was surprised at the Deputy Prime Minister's decision to speak out about his concerns ...Lord Carlile, the Liberal Democrat peer and former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, said he was surprised at the Deputy Prime Minister's decision to speak out about his concerns ...
The concerns expressed by the Deputy Prime Minister were criticised by Lord Carlile. "The Green Paper Mr Clegg appears to have disowned was, as I understood it, a Green Paper he supported when it was issued. We need some consistency from the Government on these issues, and a proper part played by the Government before the political criticism starts; much of it very poorly informed I'm afraid."The concerns expressed by the Deputy Prime Minister were criticised by Lord Carlile. "The Green Paper Mr Clegg appears to have disowned was, as I understood it, a Green Paper he supported when it was issued. We need some consistency from the Government on these issues, and a proper part played by the Government before the political criticism starts; much of it very poorly informed I'm afraid."
• Peter Oborne in the Daily Telegraph says John Major, who won the 1992 election 20 years ago on Monday, deserves credit for being one of Britain's better peacetime prime ministers.• Peter Oborne in the Daily Telegraph says John Major, who won the 1992 election 20 years ago on Monday, deserves credit for being one of Britain's better peacetime prime ministers.
Probably Major's greatest achievement, though, was the Maastricht Treaty. It caused one of the biggest parliamentary revolts in the long history of the Conservative Party, and thus gravely weakened his authority. But viewed in hindsight, Britain's opt-out over European monetary union stands as a visionary moment that has saved us from the humiliation and economic chaos now facing eurozone countries such as Spain and Italy. For that alone Major deserves a statue in Trafalgar Square – but once again he has been afforded very little credit.Probably Major's greatest achievement, though, was the Maastricht Treaty. It caused one of the biggest parliamentary revolts in the long history of the Conservative Party, and thus gravely weakened his authority. But viewed in hindsight, Britain's opt-out over European monetary union stands as a visionary moment that has saved us from the humiliation and economic chaos now facing eurozone countries such as Spain and Italy. For that alone Major deserves a statue in Trafalgar Square – but once again he has been afforded very little credit.
Nobody could ever claim that Major was a great leader. He lacked personal presence, possessed an unbecoming petulance, and had no gift for language. But there is, nevertheless, a case to be made that he was one of our better peacetime prime ministers – a man who turned Britain into a better country.Nobody could ever claim that Major was a great leader. He lacked personal presence, possessed an unbecoming petulance, and had no gift for language. But there is, nevertheless, a case to be made that he was one of our better peacetime prime ministers – a man who turned Britain into a better country.
12.05pm: Labour number crunchers are still churning out budget figures. In response to the Treasury claims about the 24m people who will benefit from the increase in the basic tax allowance (see 10.14am) Labour have sent this note from the House of Commons library. It's a response from statisticians in the library to a question from the party.12.05pm: Labour number crunchers are still churning out budget figures. In response to the Treasury claims about the 24m people who will benefit from the increase in the basic tax allowance (see 10.14am) Labour have sent this note from the House of Commons library. It's a response from statisticians in the library to a question from the party.

What is the real benefit to a basic rate taxpayer of the increase in the personal allowance in 2012-13?
What is the real benefit to a basic rate taxpayer of the increase in the personal allowance in 2012-13?
The income tax personal allowance will be £8,105 in 2012-13, up from £7,475 in 2011-12. Had it been increased with the previous September's RPI (5.6%), it would have been £7,895.1 The difference is £210, which means a basic rate taxpayer would save £42 in tax.The income tax personal allowance will be £8,105 in 2012-13, up from £7,475 in 2011-12. Had it been increased with the previous September's RPI (5.6%), it would have been £7,895.1 The difference is £210, which means a basic rate taxpayer would save £42 in tax.
That's 81p a week, Labour say.That's 81p a week, Labour say.
Labour also say that, for a family with one child or more, the £42 gain is more than outweighed by the loss from the freezing of child benefit. Here's the note from the Commons library explaining the figure.Labour also say that, for a family with one child or more, the £42 gain is more than outweighed by the loss from the freezing of child benefit. Here's the note from the Commons library explaining the figure.

What is the real cost of the freeze in child benefit in 2012-13 for families with one child?
What is the real cost of the freeze in child benefit in 2012-13 for families with one child?
The eldest child rate of child benefit will be frozen at £20.30 per week in 2012-13. Had it been increased with the previous September's RPI (5.6%), as was the norm, it would have been £21.45.2 That is a difference of £1.15 per week or £59.80 per year.The eldest child rate of child benefit will be frozen at £20.30 per week in 2012-13. Had it been increased with the previous September's RPI (5.6%), as was the norm, it would have been £21.45.2 That is a difference of £1.15 per week or £59.80 per year.
11.43am: In America it is normal for politicians to publish their tax returns. And in Scandanavian countries it is standard for all tax returns to be published. But Boris Johnson's decision to publish his income tax payments today - in response to a challenge from Jeremy Paxman, who got all the main mayoral candidates to promise to reveal this information in last night's Newsnight debate - could set a precedent. We know how much politicians are paid, and they generally have to declare outside earnings, which means that it is normally possible to make an informed guess as to how much income tax anyone is paying. But that is not the same as seeing the raw figures for income, allowances and tax paid. I'm trying to find out if any UK politicians have published information of this kind before. So far all Twitter has been able to offer me is the Labour MP Paul Farrelly, who posted his tax returns on his website. But Farrelly has very little outside income, and so you could argue that he had nothing to hide. As journalists discovered when they tried to discover which cabinet ministers would benefit from George Osborne's decision to get rid of the 50p top rate, many politicians are not willing to discuss their tax affairs. Johnson's move will make such secrecy harder to sustain.11.43am: In America it is normal for politicians to publish their tax returns. And in Scandanavian countries it is standard for all tax returns to be published. But Boris Johnson's decision to publish his income tax payments today - in response to a challenge from Jeremy Paxman, who got all the main mayoral candidates to promise to reveal this information in last night's Newsnight debate - could set a precedent. We know how much politicians are paid, and they generally have to declare outside earnings, which means that it is normally possible to make an informed guess as to how much income tax anyone is paying. But that is not the same as seeing the raw figures for income, allowances and tax paid. I'm trying to find out if any UK politicians have published information of this kind before. So far all Twitter has been able to offer me is the Labour MP Paul Farrelly, who posted his tax returns on his website. But Farrelly has very little outside income, and so you could argue that he had nothing to hide. As journalists discovered when they tried to discover which cabinet ministers would benefit from George Osborne's decision to get rid of the 50p top rate, many politicians are not willing to discuss their tax affairs. Johnson's move will make such secrecy harder to sustain.
11.28am: In last night's Newsnight debate, which my colleague Hélène Mulholland covered in a live blog, Boris Johnson (pictured) and the other mayoral candidates promised to publish their tax returns.11.28am: In last night's Newsnight debate, which my colleague Hélène Mulholland covered in a live blog, Boris Johnson (pictured) and the other mayoral candidates promised to publish their tax returns.
Johnson has just sent out the figures now. They are in a letter from his accountant, Robert Maples at Begbies.Johnson has just sent out the figures now. They are in a letter from his accountant, Robert Maples at Begbies.
Here are the figures for 2010-11Here are the figures for 2010-11
Taxable income from employment - £133,117
Taxable income from freelance work - £339,625		Taxable income from employment - £133,117
Taxable income from freelance work - £339,625
Total taxable income (allowing for interest plus allowances) - £473,280Total taxable income (allowing for interest plus allowances) - £473,280
Income tax paid - £210,410Income tax paid - £210,410
Total income tax and national insurance paid - £213,749Total income tax and national insurance paid - £213,749
Johnson has said this in a statement.Johnson has said this in a statement.
I keep my promises as has been shown by my record in office - putting 1,000 more police on the street, securing funding for transport upgrades and cutting council tax.

Last night every candidate gave an unequivocal promise on national TV to release all their earnings, whether through a company or not, and all the income tax they paid on all those earnings.

I have done that today and I would expect, and am sure Londoners would also expect, all candidates to keep their promises.

As I have always said in this election, Londoners should be able to trust their mayor.		I keep my promises as has been shown by my record in office - putting 1,000 more police on the street, securing funding for transport upgrades and cutting council tax.

Last night every candidate gave an unequivocal promise on national TV to release all their earnings, whether through a company or not, and all the income tax they paid on all those earnings.

I have done that today and I would expect, and am sure Londoners would also expect, all candidates to keep their promises.

As I have always said in this election, Londoners should be able to trust their mayor.
11.06am: John Hayes, the skills ministers, has launched a new careers service today. Imaginatively, it's called the National Careers Service. Full details of the launch are here, in a Department for Business news release, and here's the NCS website.11.06am: John Hayes, the skills ministers, has launched a new careers service today. Imaginatively, it's called the National Careers Service. Full details of the launch are here, in a Department for Business news release, and here's the NCS website.
Hayes says anyone will be able to use it.Hayes says anyone will be able to use it.
The National Careers Service, universally available to people at all stages of their careers, has the very best interactive tools on its website and the highest-quality advisers, committed to the noble cause of helping others fulfil their aspirations.The National Careers Service, universally available to people at all stages of their careers, has the very best interactive tools on its website and the highest-quality advisers, committed to the noble cause of helping others fulfil their aspirations.
Making available the right advice at the right time and in the right places is to strike a blow for social mobility, social cohesion and social justice - a society that encourages people from wherever they start to journey to the destination of their dreams.Making available the right advice at the right time and in the right places is to strike a blow for social mobility, social cohesion and social justice - a society that encourages people from wherever they start to journey to the destination of their dreams.
Hayes is answering questions about it on Twitter now. The hashtag is #askhayes and Hayes is responding using @bisgovuk.Hayes is answering questions about it on Twitter now. The hashtag is #askhayes and Hayes is responding using @bisgovuk.
10.51am: Here's the Guardian's Politics Weekly podcast.10.51am: Here's the Guardian's Politics Weekly podcast.
It features Andrew Adonis, Fiona Millar, Jessica Shepherd and Jeevan Vasagar discussing schools.It features Andrew Adonis, Fiona Millar, Jessica Shepherd and Jeevan Vasagar discussing schools.
10.14am: We've had the Labour figures. Now it's time to hear what Treasury ministers have been saying about the tax changes coming into effect tomorrow. Danny Alexander, the Lib Dem chief secretary to the Treasury, and Chloe Smith, his Conservative Treasury minister colleague, have both been giving interviews. Here are the main points they have been making. I've taken the quotes from PoliticsHome.

• Alexander said the government was right to curb tax credit payments.		10.14am: We've had the Labour figures. Now it's time to hear what Treasury ministers have been saying about the tax changes coming into effect tomorrow. Danny Alexander, the Lib Dem chief secretary to the Treasury, and Chloe Smith, his Conservative Treasury minister colleague, have both been giving interviews. Here are the main points they have been making. I've taken the quotes from PoliticsHome.

• Alexander said the government was right to curb tax credit payments.
We proposed as Liberal Democrats reforms to the tax credit system precisely for the reasons that we've seen a huge expansion in the cost of the tax credit system We'd reached a position where nine out of ten families were in receipt of these means-tested benefits. Listening to Ed Balls, you'd think we were taking it back to the £18bn figure they started with. In fact, we will still be spending this year £31.6bn on tax credits, effectively holding the amount of spending constant, making about £3.2bn of savings in real terms.We proposed as Liberal Democrats reforms to the tax credit system precisely for the reasons that we've seen a huge expansion in the cost of the tax credit system We'd reached a position where nine out of ten families were in receipt of these means-tested benefits. Listening to Ed Balls, you'd think we were taking it back to the £18bn figure they started with. In fact, we will still be spending this year £31.6bn on tax credits, effectively holding the amount of spending constant, making about £3.2bn of savings in real terms.
• He said requiring a couple to work a total of 24 hours to receive the working tax credit was fair because a single parent has to work 16 hours to qualify.• He said requiring a couple to work a total of 24 hours to receive the working tax credit was fair because a single parent has to work 16 hours to qualify.
I think you ask a single person to work two days a week before they get a tax credit, I think asking a couple to work three days a week between them is a reasonable position.I think you ask a single person to work two days a week before they get a tax credit, I think asking a couple to work three days a week between them is a reasonable position.
• He said up to 24m people would benefit from the increase in the basic tax allowance. By the time the tax allowance reaches £10,000 - the target set by the coaltion - people will be saving £700 a year, he said.• He said up to 24m people would benefit from the increase in the basic tax allowance. By the time the tax allowance reaches £10,000 - the target set by the coaltion - people will be saving £700 a year, he said.
• Smith said there would be 15 households gaining from the government's changes for every one losing.• Smith said there would be 15 households gaining from the government's changes for every one losing.
What's happening here is that actually, from tomorrow and when all these changes come into place, you've got 24m households who are better off, which is very good news. Actually, 15 times as many gain from these changes as lose. The average household will gain £5.50 a week.What's happening here is that actually, from tomorrow and when all these changes come into place, you've got 24m households who are better off, which is very good news. Actually, 15 times as many gain from these changes as lose. The average household will gain £5.50 a week.
9.31am: Ed Balls has been on the offensive today, saying that the tax measures coming into force tomorrow (the start of the new tax year) will hammer families. We've covered his claims in the paper today, but Labour have also sent out a detailed briefing note and it is worth posting his figures in full.9.31am: Ed Balls has been on the offensive today, saying that the tax measures coming into force tomorrow (the start of the new tax year) will hammer families. We've covered his claims in the paper today, but Labour have also sent out a detailed briefing note and it is worth posting his figures in full.
Labour are making three main claims.Labour are making three main claims.
• Families with children will lose on average £511 as a result of the changes coming into force in April 2012. This is all families with children, not just those on tax credits. Labour have taken the figure from this chart from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (pdf). It's a chart the IFS produced after the budget, but Labour asked them to put a cash figure on the 1.3% loss in annual net household income for families with children.• Families with children will lose on average £511 as a result of the changes coming into force in April 2012. This is all families with children, not just those on tax credits. Labour have taken the figure from this chart from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (pdf). It's a chart the IFS produced after the budget, but Labour asked them to put a cash figure on the 1.3% loss in annual net household income for families with children.
• Around 850,000 families will lose around £545 because they will no longer be eligible for the child tax credit. This is because the income limit for child tax credit is being cut from around £40,000 to around £26,000 for a family with one child. Further details of how this will work are on the HM Revenue and Customs website. Using this answer to a parliamentary question, Labour say 852,900 household will be affected.• Around 850,000 families will lose around £545 because they will no longer be eligible for the child tax credit. This is because the income limit for child tax credit is being cut from around £40,000 to around £26,000 for a family with one child. Further details of how this will work are on the HM Revenue and Customs website. Using this answer to a parliamentary question, Labour say 852,900 household will be affected.
• Up to 212,000 families could lose almost £4,000 a year from working tax credit if they do not increase their hours. These are working couples with children earning less than around £17,000 a year who will be hit by the government's decision to make them work a combined total of 24 hours a week, instead of 16 hours a week, to be eligible for the tax credit. Some of them may be able to increase their working hours. But, with unemployment high, Labour believe that most of them won't. Further details of how this will work are on the HM Revenue and Customs website.• Up to 212,000 families could lose almost £4,000 a year from working tax credit if they do not increase their hours. These are working couples with children earning less than around £17,000 a year who will be hit by the government's decision to make them work a combined total of 24 hours a week, instead of 16 hours a week, to be eligible for the tax credit. Some of them may be able to increase their working hours. But, with unemployment high, Labour believe that most of them won't. Further details of how this will work are on the HM Revenue and Customs website.
Labour have sent out a table showing how many families in each region will lose the child tax credit, how many could lose the working tax credit (because they work more than 16 hours but less than 24) and how many families could lose in total. HM Revenue and Customs have said that there is now overlap between the two groups, so the figures can be added together, giving a total of 1,064,900 families who will or could lose tax credits.Labour have sent out a table showing how many families in each region will lose the child tax credit, how many could lose the working tax credit (because they work more than 16 hours but less than 24) and how many families could lose in total. HM Revenue and Customs have said that there is now overlap between the two groups, so the figures can be added together, giving a total of 1,064,900 families who will or could lose tax credits.
Here are the figures.Here are the figures.
Region - Families losing child tax credit - Families potentially losing working tax credit - Total losing or potentially losing tax creditsRegion - Families losing child tax credit - Families potentially losing working tax credit - Total losing or potentially losing tax credits
North East - 38,800 - 9,310 - 48,110North East - 38,800 - 9,310 - 48,110
North West - 97,700 - 26,845 - 124,545North West - 97,700 - 26,845 - 124,545
Yorkshire & Humber - 76,100 - 20,225 - 96,235Yorkshire & Humber - 76,100 - 20,225 - 96,235
East Midlands - 68,700 - 14,080 - 82,780East Midlands - 68,700 - 14,080 - 82,780
West Midlands - 79,200 - 22,675 - 101,875West Midlands - 79,200 - 22,675 - 101,875
East of England - 84,800 - 14,215 - 99,015East of England - 84,800 - 14,215 - 99,015
London - 72,600 - 46,205 - 118,805London - 72,600 - 46,205 - 118,805
South East - 114,600 - 17,260 - 131,860South East - 114,600 - 17,260 - 131,860
South West - 78,800 - 12,915 - 91,715South West - 78,800 - 12,915 - 91,715
Wales - 43,500 - 9,380 - 52,880Wales - 43,500 - 9,380 - 52,880
Scotland - 73,300 - 11,370 - 84,670Scotland - 73,300 - 11,370 - 84,670
Northern Ireland - 22,500 - 4,805 - 27,305Northern Ireland - 22,500 - 4,805 - 27,305
Foreign /Unknown - 2,300 - 0 - 2,300Foreign /Unknown - 2,300 - 0 - 2,300
Total - 852,900 - 212,000 - 1,064,900Total - 852,900 - 212,000 - 1,064,900
Labour have also sent out some quotes from David Cameron before the election saying the Tories would not take tax credits away from those on low incomes.Labour have also sent out some quotes from David Cameron before the election saying the Tories would not take tax credits away from those on low incomes.
This is what Cameron said during the leaders' debate on 29 April 2010.This is what Cameron said during the leaders' debate on 29 April 2010.

On this issue of tax credits, we are saying, we like tax credits, we'll keep tax credits. But for families earning over £50,000, we think we can't afford the child tax credit. That's one of the savings that we're being upfront and frank about. But for Gordon Brown to say that actually the changes we're making would hit low income families is simply not true.
On this issue of tax credits, we are saying, we like tax credits, we'll keep tax credits. But for families earning over £50,000, we think we can't afford the child tax credit. That's one of the savings that we're being upfront and frank about. But for Gordon Brown to say that actually the changes we're making would hit low income families is simply not true.
And this is what he said on a discussion on Mumsnet on 19 November 2009.And this is what he said on a discussion on Mumsnet on 19 November 2009.

Shineoncrazydiamond and others who asked about tax credits, here's a straight, non-waffle answer. As a part time worker and a lone parent, you should not lose out. We recognise that tax credits help families, that's why we introduced the first one way back in the 1990s. We would stop the payment of tested tax credits to families of incomes of more than £50,000. We've got a massive debt crisis in this country, and so I think that those payments aren't really affordable any more.
Shineoncrazydiamond and others who asked about tax credits, here's a straight, non-waffle answer. As a part time worker and a lone parent, you should not lose out. We recognise that tax credits help families, that's why we introduced the first one way back in the 1990s. We would stop the payment of tested tax credits to families of incomes of more than £50,000. We've got a massive debt crisis in this country, and so I think that those payments aren't really affordable any more.
9.00am: With the budget, pastygate, the fuel shortage, secret courts and internet surveillance, Andrew Lansley, the health secretary, has had the rare pleasure of not being sitting under the media gunge tank for the last fortnight or so. But not anymore. It has emerged that his decision to order emergency inspections of abortion clinics led to the Care Quality Commission, the healthcare regulator, having to cancel nearly 600 other inspections, and there are now claims that his intervention was largely designed to improve his reputation with the Tory right. My colleague Randeep Ramesh has a story about this in today's paper. And the Today programme has been pursuing the story aggressively today. This is what Andy Burnham, the shadow health secretary, told the programme.9.00am: With the budget, pastygate, the fuel shortage, secret courts and internet surveillance, Andrew Lansley, the health secretary, has had the rare pleasure of not being sitting under the media gunge tank for the last fortnight or so. But not anymore. It has emerged that his decision to order emergency inspections of abortion clinics led to the Care Quality Commission, the healthcare regulator, having to cancel nearly 600 other inspections, and there are now claims that his intervention was largely designed to improve his reputation with the Tory right. My colleague Randeep Ramesh has a story about this in today's paper. And the Today programme has been pursuing the story aggressively today. This is what Andy Burnham, the shadow health secretary, told the programme.
The surprising thing is, in the middle of this inspection programme, the secretary of state communicated his findings to a newspaper before the inspection was complete and, indeed, before any statement had been made to parliament ... It's hard not to draw the conclusion that the health secretary was desperately trying to get on the front foot. Nothing else explains why he gve the findings to a newspaper midway through this programme of visits that he ordered, and you may remember that this was the day when the home secretary had been brought to the Commons to make a statement on alcohol.The surprising thing is, in the middle of this inspection programme, the secretary of state communicated his findings to a newspaper before the inspection was complete and, indeed, before any statement had been made to parliament ... It's hard not to draw the conclusion that the health secretary was desperately trying to get on the front foot. Nothing else explains why he gve the findings to a newspaper midway through this programme of visits that he ordered, and you may remember that this was the day when the home secretary had been brought to the Commons to make a statement on alcohol.
More worryingly for Lansley, Stephen Dorrell, the Conservative chairman of the Commons health committee, also questioned his conduct. Dorrell suggested that the CQC should not be taking orders from the health secretary.More worryingly for Lansley, Stephen Dorrell, the Conservative chairman of the Commons health committee, also questioned his conduct. Dorrell suggested that the CQC should not be taking orders from the health secretary.
I think we need to be clear whether the priorities of the regulator are genuinely determined independently by the CQC itself, or whether the priorities are determined by the secretary of state. Is it independent or is it not? I would argue it's very strongly in the public interest, as well actually as it being in the secretary of state's interest for it to be clearly established that the CQC is an independent regulator.I think we need to be clear whether the priorities of the regulator are genuinely determined independently by the CQC itself, or whether the priorities are determined by the secretary of state. Is it independent or is it not? I would argue it's very strongly in the public interest, as well actually as it being in the secretary of state's interest for it to be clearly established that the CQC is an independent regulator.
I've taken the quotes from PoliticsHome. If there are any further developments, I'll be following them today.I've taken the quotes from PoliticsHome. If there are any further developments, I'll be following them today.
Otherwise, it is quiet, as you would expect on the day before the Easter holiday starts. Labour are highlighting the fact that one million families could lose out from changes to tax credits coming into force from tomorrow. We've covered this in the paper, but the story is still running today and I'll be posting more about it. If there are any breaking political stories I'll be covering them, and, as usual, I'll be looking at the papers and bringing you the best politics from the web. I'll post a lunchtime summary at around 1pm.Otherwise, it is quiet, as you would expect on the day before the Easter holiday starts. Labour are highlighting the fact that one million families could lose out from changes to tax credits coming into force from tomorrow. We've covered this in the paper, but the story is still running today and I'll be posting more about it. If there are any breaking political stories I'll be covering them, and, as usual, I'll be looking at the papers and bringing you the best politics from the web. I'll post a lunchtime summary at around 1pm.
If you want to follow me on Twitter, I'm on @AndrewSparrow.If you want to follow me on Twitter, I'm on @AndrewSparrow.
And if you're a hardcore fan, you can follow @gdnpoliticslive. It's an automated feed that tweets the start of every new post that I put on the blog.And if you're a hardcore fan, you can follow @gdnpoliticslive. It's an automated feed that tweets the start of every new post that I put on the blog.