I thought that I’d try a different format for the preview this week, so let’s see how it goes…

Monday sees the Third Reading of the Local Government Finance Bill. After this week’s drama, when the Government suddenly came up with an additional £100 million to support local council tax support schemes during the transition phase, one might expect the Bill to be passed relatively comfortably. However, Labour will almost certainly endeavour to ambush this if they can.

Perhaps more interestingly, and certainly a more emotional moment than most, Lord Falconer of Thoroton will be introducing a Short Debate on the events at Hillsborough Stadium on 15 April 1989.

Tuesday is probably best described as ‘Liberal Democrat Day’, with Tom McNally taking the Third Reading of the Trusts (Capital and Income) Bill. However, Dick Newby will be the Infrastructure (Financial Assistance) Bill through its Second Reading, Committee Stage, Report Stage and Third Reading in the same day, which might be fun. There’s also an Oral Question from Brian Cotter, on action to address the issue of late payments to small and medium-sized enterprises.

In Grand Committee, Tom McNally and Jim Wallace have Orders to deal with, followed by Short Debates on Cyprus, led off by John Sharkey, and on Park Homes, moved by Ros Scott.

Wednesday will be enlivened by Day 9 of the Committee Stage of the Financial Services Bill. Amendment 197, referred to last week, requires banks to transfer accounts to a new institution, if requested, within ten working days and without charge, and this sis likely to be the key bone of contention, unless there is a concession from Lord Sassoon.

My colleague here on Liberal Democrat Voice, Paul Walter, might be interested to note that there is an Oral Question from Lord Berkeley, regarding the lifeline passenger service to the Isles of Scilly following the closure of the helicopter service, whilst in Grand Committee, Robin Teverson will be opening the Debate on the European Union Report on European Defence Capabilities.

No real Liberal Democrat interest on Thursday, although there is a Debate, called for by Baroness O’Neill of Bengarve on the relationship between media standards and media regulation.

And finally, for those of you in Scotland, look out for the Lords Economic Affairs Committee, who will be travelling north of the border for a three-day visit to examine the economic implications for the United Kingdom of Scottish independence, starting on Tuesday. John Shipley and Trevor Smith are the Liberal Democrat members of the Select Committee, chaired by Lord MacGregor of Pulham Market, so if you see them in your town, be nice to them…

* Mark Valladares still thinks that the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Party in the Lords is grossly underrated…