Two ways to cut the deficit that don't hurt the poor

Not every way to save money has to involve cutting frontline services.

The BBC reports that it costs the Metropolitan Police £310,000 a day to protect VIP's, paid for by central funding and London council tax.

Prince William's security arrangements while he trains in Anglesey will also be paid for out of central funding, at a cost of £1.4 million.

Given the dire financial situation, I would urge the Home Secretary to consider how the richest VIP's can be charged for the police protection they get.

I am not saying that the VIP's do not need police protection, nor that they should have to go private, but we need to prioritise public spending.

Another way to save money is highlighted by Tom Watson, Labour MP for West Bromwich, on the Liberal Conspiracy blog.

Many Coalition ministers, including William Hague (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) and Michael Gove (Department of Education) have not kept their promise to reduce the departmental car fleet.

Watson has estimated, based on information supplied through parliamentary questions, that getting rid of all ministerial cars could save at least £6.2 million per year.

In the comments, it is asked how foreign diplomats will feel when they are "[picked] up...in a mini cooper and ask[ed]...to pay the congestion charge."

Given that the recession is global, I would imagine foreign diplomats will be impressed. If, however, ministers are concerned that a poor impression will be made, perhaps a car or two could be spared for this purpose.

If the left wants to oppose the Coalition's cuts, it needs to propose alternative ways of saving money. The above is a start.