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Ian Titherington
Ian Titherington
Plaid Cymru – The Party of Wales


Incumbent : No

Main message to voters:

Wales faces huge challenges from brexit. I didn't want it, but now believe it is vital that we fight for the very best deal for Cardiff, Penarth & Wales. A good deal will protect funding, creating better paid jobs & give our young people a stable future. If elected, these will be my first priorities

Election history:

I stood for Councill, Assembly & Westminster for Plaid in West Wales, before moving to Cardiff 15 years ago. I have also been the Director of Finance & Elections for Plaid Cymru. I am proud to stand in the constituency my family live, & in which I have worked for 27 years as a Civil Engineer.

Priorities:

  1. Other Working hard to get the very brexit deal for Cardiff, Penarth & Wales. Without this, funding to invest in the economy & public services will be gone.
  2. Other Too many communities in the constituency either do not vote or are not even registered to. I want to be an MP to represent everyone who lives here.
  3. Other There needs to be far better integration between politicians, public services and business in Cardiff. Too often, we talk of this but fail to do so.

Candidate positions on the election issues:

Economy

Targeting tax increases at high earners only is an ineffective way of raising revenue

The idea behind this statement is that high earners have resources allowing them to respond to changes in the tax regime to limit their liability - but there is no conclusive evidence of whether this statement is true or false.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"The earner who can afford to pay more, should pay more. Tax loopholes should be closed to stop people avoiding this but likewise, it should be shown that public funds can be spent openly and wisely. It is about having a fairer & more equitable society"
1 of 40 questions

To encourage economic growth, the UK's corporation tax rates should be decreased

The UK's current 'main rate' of corporation tax is 19%, the lowest rate in the G20 group of countries, however some EU countries, such as Ireland, rates as low as 12.5%.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"For small businesses, having this flexibility can stimulate jobs. In Wales, SMEs produce most of our jobs. Large Corporations should pay and be seen to pay their fair share of tax. Currently, that is not the case."
2 of 40 questions

To fund public services, a financial transactions tax should be levied

The term 'financial transactions tax' covers a wide array of taxes levied on financial transactions. At the moment, in the UK, there is a 0.5% tax or duty on purchasing shares. Most proposals for a financial transactions tax involve expanding this tax or duty to transactions on other asset classes.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"As an addition to aid our underfunded public services, I have no issue with this."
3 of 40 questions

The UK government should expand its ownership of strategically important companies and utilities

This policy mostly refers to the reversal of privatisation - a process that involved the transfer of responsibility and ownership of a company/utility from the public to the private sector.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"There was never any logic in creating vast privatised monopolies. They are just a cash cow for the multi-nationals. However, a mass buy-back is not always the best way. The model used to run Welsh Water enables water business professionals to run the company, but with no shareholders and dividends."
4 of 40 questions

The UK should borrow substantially more money to invest in national infrastructure, even if this increases the national debt

The UK's Office for Budget Responsibility expects UK debt as a percentage of national income to peak in the current financial year at 88%.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"With interest rates so low, investing in our infrastructure has never been more important - as we face a potentially harsh brexit deal."
5 of 40 questions

To fund public services, there should be a small increase in income tax for all earners

Currently, UK income tax outside of Scotland is levied at 0% up to £11,500 (the 'Personal Allowance'), at 20% from £11,501 to £45,00 (Basic Rate), at 40% from £45,001 to £150,000 (Higher Rate) and at 45% over £150,000 (Additional Rate).
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"For the lowest earners, this would not be acceptable."
6 of 40 questions

Brexit

Leaving the EU's Single Market is a worthwhile price to pay to gain control over immigration to the UK

Access to the EU's Single Market tends to be associated with the free movement of people (one of the Single Market's 'Four Freedoms'), making it difficult to envision a scenario whereby full Single Market access can co-exist with full control of immigration.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"No. First of all, it will not give us control and secondly, it will undermine our economy and is already creating a brain drain from our public & private sector. I accept the result of the EU referendum, but will not accept a bad brexit deal that will ultimately hurt our most vulnerable. "
7 of 40 questions

Once talks with the EU are complete, there should be a second referendum on whether to accept the Brexit deal or remain a member of the EU

In the UK, the principle of parliamentary sovereignty means that referendums have a 'non binding' quality. The absence of a formal constitution in the UK means that deciding to have a second or subsequent referendum is a political decision for parliament to make.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"I did not want the EU referendum result and campaigned to stay in, but this is about democracy. If we have a 2nd referendum, we would undermine our democracy, disenfranchising half of our electorate. The risk of this for me, is even greater than brexit."
8 of 40 questions

The UK should remain a member of the EU

This is a close approximation of the wording of the 2016 'Brexit' referendum, which received 48% of the vote on a turnout of 72%, compared to 52% voting in favour of the 'leave' option.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"We have to accept the result of the referendum, or risk a genuine threat of fascism by ignoring it. We cannot risk our democratic system, even for the potential consequences of brexit."
9 of 40 questions

Even if there is no transitional UK-EU trade deal in place, the UK should leave the EU in 2019

Having notified the EU of its intention to withdraw under Article 50 of the Treaty on the European Union (TEU) in March 2017, UK withdrawal will take place either when there is an agreement in place or after two years - unless there is unanimous agreement in the EU to extent the negotiating period.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"The trade deal is critical. To stick to a date for the sake of it, would be economic madness. As long as it takes to get the right deal."
10 of 40 questions

Health

There should be no role for private sector operators within the NHS

While this is a devolved matter, with the National Assembly for Wales controlling Health in Wales, a move in this direction in England would likely have profound consequences in Wales.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Our NHS is precious. It should be a public service free at the point of need."
11 of 40 questions

New taxes raised to support the NHS should be earmarked solely for NHS spending

This would be an example of what is known as 'hypothecated tax' which the Financial Times defines as: 'A tax where the money obtained, or part of the money obtained, is used for a particular purpose, rather than spent on a number of things.'
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"A little risky but if it is the only way to get more cash for our NHS, then so be it."
12 of 40 questions

Social care costs above a threshold of £100,000 should be met by individuals' estates, including the value of their family home

While this is a devolved matter, with the National Assembly for Wales controlling Social Care in Wales, a move in this direction in England would likely have profound consequences in Wales.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"From the cradle to the grave. Next question."
13 of 40 questions

Workers' Rights and Pensions

The UK's minimum wage should be raised to £10 per hour by 2020

Since April 2017, the UK's National Minimum Wage rates are as follows: £7.50 (25 and over); £7.05 (21-24); £5.60 (18-20); £4.05 (under 18); £3.50 (Apprentice)
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"One of the most effective ways of lifting people out of poverty."
14 of 40 questions

Zero hours contracts facilitate flexible working and should not be banned

Zero hours contracts mean that employers are not obliged to provide any minimum working hours to a worker , who is not obliged to do the work when asked. Such contracts legally cannot prevent a worker for looking for or accepting other work.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Plaid have tried to rid/reduce these in Wales 7 TIMES. Each time, Labour have blocked us {oh yes you have} They are an appalling method of employing anyone in most circumstances, and are used to squeeze staff & push up profits."
15 of 40 questions

The UK government should maintain the ‘triple lock’ of increasing the state pension each year

The 'triple lock' promises to increase the state pension annually by whichever of earnings growth, prices growth or 2.5% is the highest
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"yes."
16 of 40 questions

Education

University tuition fees should be abolished

While this is a devolved matter, with the National Assembly for Wales controlling Education in Wales, a move in this direction in England would likely have profound consequences in Wales.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"They do deter young people from poorer backgrounds from going into Higher education. However, we need to be real about the cost of doing this and also, we must incentivise people into training roles we need in society. After brexit, we will have no choice."
17 of 40 questions

The government should dedicate resources to opening new selective 'grammar' schools

This is a devolved matter, with the National Assembly for Wales controlling Education in Wales, but it is a key issue dividing parties in this election.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"100% no. A comprehensive school with streamed classes can offer excellence for all levels of ability, along with all the other advantages of not creating a 'them & us' culture in society."
18 of 40 questions

Social security and Housing

The 'bedroom tax' should be scrapped

The 'bedroom tax' (also known as the 'under-occupancy penalty' or 'spare room subsidy') is a cut in housing benefit if you live in a council or housing association home and are classed as having a spare bedroom.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
19 of 40 questions

The UK government should invest substantially in expanding the number of council houses built in the term of the next parliament

While this is a devolved matter, with the National Assembly for Wales controlling housing in Wales, a move in this direction in England would likely have profound consequences in Wales.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Long overdue. Quality, affordable rented homes."
20 of 40 questions

The government should introduce legislation that caps landlords' ability to raise rents

While this is a devolved matter, with the National Assembly for Wales controlling housing in Wales, a move in this direction in England would likely have profound consequences in Wales.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
21 of 40 questions

Unemployed people who fail to seek a job or accept training should have their benefits sanctioned

Sanctions for failing to seek work or accept training are a key feature of the way that Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) is currently administered.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
22 of 40 questions

The Political System

The voting age should be reduced to 16 in UK elections and referendums

The minimum voting age is currently set at 18 years old.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"A long held Plaid Cymru policy I wholly agree with. We also need lessons in the political system in schools, as well as a Youth Parliament for Wales. "
23 of 40 questions

A system of proportional representation should be adopted for UK general elections

Proportional representation' refers to methods of casting and counting votes that are designed to facilitate a closer correspondence between the proportion of votes and seats won by parties than the current 'first past the post' system.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"STV as soon as we can, please. Again, a long held Plaid policy I am passionate about."
24 of 40 questions

Wales should aim to become an independent country

Wales is not currently an indpendent country, but its devolved parliament controls many key aspects of Welsh life, including healthcare and education.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"It is our party aim, but we are not the SNP and Wales is not Scotland. We can only achieve this through strengthening our economy, Education, Health, infrastructure and confidence. Independnence is not about isolation, but about taking responsibility for your future, working with our neighbours."
25 of 40 questions

Substantially more powers should be given to the National Assembly for Wales

The Wales Act 2017 recently passed into law, and it set out some new powers for the Assembly as well as moving from a 'conferred' to a 'reserved' powers model.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Powers for a purpose, to benefit the lives of the 3 million who live here."
26 of 40 questions

The House of Lords should be reformed so that all of its members are democratically elected

Unlike the elected House of Commons, members of the House of Lords are not directly elected.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Agreed, but not just retired politicians. We need people from all backgrounds, so the parties would have to apporach candidate selection very differently to MPs!"
27 of 40 questions

Wales is currently unfairly underfunded by the UK government

Adjustments to the Welsh budget are determined through the 'Barnett Formula'.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"On a needs based formula, we have been for decades."
28 of 40 questions

Environment

The government should do more to tackle climate change, even if this increases costs for industry

The term 'climate change' in this question refers to the scientific finding that human activity is resulting in changes to the global climate.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"We must, but it does not mean forcing industries away from us and losing jobs. We can use the tax system to make this work."
29 of 40 questions

Regulated 'fracking' of shale gas and oil should be allowed by the UK government

The term 'fracking' in this question refers to the process of injecting liquid at high pressure into subterranean rocks, boreholes, etc. so as to force open existing fissures and extract oil or gas.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"No."
30 of 40 questions

Foreign Policy and Defence

The UK should maintain the 'special relationship' with the USA in international affairs

The Special Relationship is the unofficial term for the exceptionally close political, diplomatic, cultural, economic, military and historical relations between the United Kingdom and the United States.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"There isn't one. Of course we should work closely with the US but we should equally with Europe and the rest of the globe."
31 of 40 questions

Renewal of the UK's Trident nuclear weapons system should be cancelled

Last year the House of Commons voted by a large majority to renew the Trident system.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
32 of 40 questions

The UK should continue to spend 0.7% of its national income on overseas aid

This has been the level of UK spending on foreign aid every year since 2013.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
33 of 40 questions

Social Issues and Crime

The UK should dramatically expand its number of police officers, even if this means cuts in other public services or tax increases

The Home Office reports that there were 124,066 officers in the year ending March 2016 compared with 143,769 seven years previous to that - a fall of 14%
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"They have been cut too far and too fast. They are a vital public service who have been ignored for too long."
34 of 40 questions

For those convicted of a crime, there should be more of an emphasis on rehabilitation than on punishment

Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"This can depend on what the crime is, but re-offending rates are far too high for many of the lesser criminal offences. However, they also need to fully understand the consequences of their actions, in relation to the victims - as part of the rehabilitation."
35 of 40 questions

Burkas and other face-covering garments should be banned from being worn in public

There is currently no ban on Islamic dress in the UK.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Do we also include bee keeping masks? Ridiculous."
36 of 40 questions

The recreational use of cannabis should be legalised

It is currently illegal to possess cannabis in any form in the UK.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"I would describe it as de-criminalised. It is not without risk including the toxins & the potential of mental health issues worsening, but banning it is ineffective."
37 of 40 questions

Immigration

Immigration contributes significantly to the UK's prosperity

The latest ONS report estmiates that annual net migration to the UK was estimated by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) at 273,000 a fall of 49,000 from the previous year.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Doctors, Nurses, Engineers, leading Adacemics etc...... Then, all the hard, dirty jobs that many UK citizens will not do."
38 of 40 questions

Net immigration to the UK should be reduced to below 100,000 per year

The latest ONS report estimates that annual net migration to the UK was estimated by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) at 273,000 a fall of 49,000 from the previous year.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"A pointless figure that is almost unenforceable. Brexit will do what brexit does, then I suspect people will start re-assessing their views on immigration."
39 of 40 questions

Too much immigration has undermined British culture and identity

The latest ONS report estmiates that annual net migration to the UK was estimated by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) at 273,000 a fall of 49,000 from the previous year.
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"I would not say undermined, but there is a responsibility when anyone moves to a new country, to respect and work with the languages & cultures. By doing so, they add to & do not take away from that country. The importance of integration should not be underestimated by any politicians."
40 of 40 questions