Torridge and West Devon Liberal Democrats
PeopleLiberal Democrats Representatives and Prospective Candidates at all levels of government. Adam Symons PPC
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Adam Symons NewsFor more information on any of the news items below contact Adam Symons on 01237 431498 or 07786 277470
Plans to Charge to Compost Labelled as ‘Bonkers’Changes to the Waste Management Licensing RegulationsFriday 31 October 2008 Plans to charge local schools and community groups that compost has been labelled as ‘bonkers’ by the lead Councillor for recycling in Torridge. DEFRA and the Environment Agency have outlined their proposed changes to the waste management licensing regulations, which cover the activities of community and school composting.
The changes would mean that the current exemption of around 500 tonnes or materials per year would be reduced to just 25 tonnes. For the privilege of doing this, schools and community groups will have to pay £50 for an exemption. “This is a far too bureaucratic way of controlling something which has little or no risk to the environment”, said Adam Symons, Lead Councillor for recycling in Torridge. “Charging a school £50 for a licence to compost is bonkers. We are meant to be encouraging communities and schools to compost their wastes, not penalise them. The national Community Composting Network (CCN) said: “The major objections to registration revolve around the charges which are seen as grossly unfair for many organisations.” Nicky Scott, Devon-wide coordinator for community composting who objects to the changes said: “Even small projects tend to have compost maturing on site for some time and can easily have a pile of 20 – 40 tonnes or so quietly maturing and being sieved and bagged, by hand over a period of time.”
Note: DEFRA announced these changes through a consultation paper on waste management licensing changes and exemptions.
Call for help for Local Small BusinessesGive Them a Fighting Chance to Get Through the RecessionThursday 30 October 2008 Adam Symons, Lib Dems PPC for Torridge and West Devon has called for the Government to implement plans to help small businesses survive the looming recession. The call for action comes as figures released show that the country has entered recession already. The plan by the party to boost businesses was launched by leader Nick Clegg and the party’s Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable. The plan includes:
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy here in Torridge and West Devon,” said Adam. “It is vital that we give them a fighting chance to get through the recession.” “The government has given a massive bailout to the banks. But ministers must now look at the bigger economy. Small businesses here in Torridge and West Devon, and throughout the country generally, are suffering from the downturn. Profits are being squeezed and jobs are at risk.” “A big cut in interest rates will be a big boost to many local businesses and could mean the difference between staying open or closing down.” Adam is a freelance environmental scientist who runs his own business advising and working with businesses, local authorities and universities.
Climate Change Bill Will Mean Jobs For TorridgeTargets Will Drive Forward InnovationTuesday 28 October 2008 “Today marks a significant shift in our energy supplies, and the health of the Torridge economy”, was the verdict from Adam Symons, Lib Dems PPC for Torridge and West Devon. His comments came as the remaining stages of the Climate Change Bill are being covered in the House of Commons today. The Government have said that they will back Lib Dems proposals to increase the targets in the legislation to ensure an 80 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emission by 2050. The new targets will help to drive forward innovation in the renewable energy sector, and according to Adam Symons, who works as an independent environmental scientist, this will be good for both the economy and the environment. “We have so many natural resources in Torridge which could be used for energy generation, from tides, rivers, wind and waves”, said Adam. “The new 80 per cent target which we have been lobbying for means that more investment will happen in innovative new renewable energy projects. This can only bring benefits to Torridge. Today marks a significant shift in our energy supplies, and the health of the Torridge economy.” “People are incredibly supportive of renewable energy, if located in the right place. We have sent out 20,000 environment surveys to local residents asking them for their views on renewable energy. The vast majority we have had back are incredibly supportive. We have such a vast potential here, and we need to make sure we are at the front of the queue when it comes to developing the industry.”
Note: The Government initially proposed a target of 60%, but the Lib Dems have argued hard for an 80% cut. The Government also announced that it will include rapidly growing aviation and shipping emissions in Britain's commitment to curb its carbon footprint by 80% by 2050. Ed Miliband, the energy and climate change secretary, bowed to pressure from the Lib Dems, environmentalists and rebel Labour MPs by announcing he will accept an amendment to include these emission sources in the climate change bill.
£1.1 Million Investigation Into Grey And Pleasant LandWelcomed At Rural Health ConferenceWednesday 22 October 2008 A £1.1 million detailed investigation into the rural elderly was welcomed by Torridge and West Devon’s PPC Adam Symons, at West Devon’s Rural Health Conference today. The rural south-west England has been specifically chosen as a location for the so-called Grey and Pleasant Land study because it is at the forefront of a demographic “age wave”. The region has the most ageing population of all regions in England, which is growing faster than the overall UK population and has the highest life expectancy of all regions. Torridge and West Devon has some of the highest rates or rural elderly in the country, with over a third of the population expected to be over 65 by 2020. Speaking at the Community Council for Devon’s Rural Health Conference held at Bridestowe, Adam Symons said: “Our age profile in Torridge and West Devon is cause for concern because of the demand for rural social care amongst other things. I am also worried that older people are feeling increasingly isolated, with poor public transport and declining services such as Post Offices.” “I welcome this study as it takes the view point that older people are a benefit, not a burden. However, we need to better understand what life is like for older people in our rural communities. What services do they really need? How can communities use their considerable skills and experience?”
Note: Five universities have teamed up for the three-year research project led by the University of Plymouth. The study will focus on the quality of life of older people in rural areas by analysing their involvement in local communities, leisure patterns and cultural interests. It will also investigate the barriers and opportunities experienced by older people and their attitudes to the countryside as a social, cultural and environmental space. Innovative methods being used to engage older rural people in the project include a museum exhibition, an art-based book, interactive websites and videoconferences.
Welcome for Housing ‘Protection’ for Local FamiliesEnsuring Affordable Housing is RetainedWednesday 15 October 2008 “Government is starting to recognise the scale of the rural affordable housing crisis” said Adam Symons, Lib Dem PPC for Torridge and West Devon, in response to a consultation on ‘protecting’ houses for local families. Two consultation documents released this week propose new powers which will significantly impact Torridge and West Devon. The first proposal is that rural communities with severe housing shortages such as Torridge will be designated as protected areas, ensuring affordable housing is retained for local families.
This plan would enable affordable housing providers in protected areas to retain a share in new shared ownership homes, or have the first option to buy back such properties, ensuring they remain available for local families. The second proposal outlines the expansion of Community Land Trusts (CLTs), such as Holsworthy, who so far have only played a minor role in providing affordable housing. The expansion of CLTs would see buyers only pay for the building, not the land, of a property. Holsworthy Community Property Trust is already offering local people flats that cost £115,000 for prices as low as £59,500. Adam Symons said: “I am out knocking on doors every week, and affordable housing is the most pressing issue for many people in Torridge and West Devon. We need to make sure that where housing is designated as affordable, that they are protected for future generations.” “Government is starting to recognise the scale or the rural affordable housing crisis. It is not about numbers, it is about real people struggling to find a place to live on the wages they earn. It is about families who are locked out of the housing market. Action is needed now.” A recent independent review by Matthew Taylor MP found that rural communities were being hampered by a limited supply of affordable rural housing.
Note: The first proposal is contained within the consultation document Shared Ownership and Leasehold Enfranchisement and Designation of 'Protected' Areas. This second proposal is detailed within the consultation document Community Land Trust: A Consultation. The planning policy for housing (PPS3) already puts the onus on local authorities to determine the right level of housing in the right places, taking full account of evidence of local need and demand. It makes clear that councils can enable small sites in rural areas to be used specifically for affordable housing in and around villages, and provide affordable housing in perpetuity to meet local needs. Councils also have the flexibility to lower the thresholds above which new development should include affordable housing. Both consultations close on 31 December 2008.
Campaign to Improve Schools TransportNorth Devon Children are DisadvantagedFriday 10 October 2008 North Devon children are disadvantaged by a lack of public transport and rising fuel costs, reveals a study. Councillors and parents joined together today to launch a campaign to improve school transport. Their frustration at the lack of funding for children’s school transport costs comes as a study reports that more than 70% of teachers believe that transport problems mean children have difficulty participating in school events, leaving pupils unable to get involved in school sports, choirs and orchestras or plays.
Parents from around the Hartland, Woolsery, and Clovelly area are frustrated by the lack of financial support provided to pupils going to Budehaven School. Pupils from these villages which attend Bideford College get free school transport, but those that attend Budehaven have to pay nearly £800 a year, and the cost is rising. Hartland & Bradworthy Councillor, Adam Symons, who is spearheading the campaign said: “It is ridiculous that some parents have to pay, while others, who are only a mile away, do not. These rules are governed by Devon County Council, but I know they are constrained by funding. The Government allocated Devon one of the lowest financial settlements in the country for education.” “The parents around here are fed up that the costs of sending their children to school are rising so dramatically. Even the teachers know that the poor transport service for rural children mean that many miss out on school activities. With the Government’s promise to widen the curriculum and give more ‘choice’ these transport problems will only increase. The new diploma programme could fail in the countryside if children cannot get to the colleges running the courses.” Sarah Johns, a parent from Hartland said: “The mileage from Hartland to Bude is the same as Hartland to Bideford, so we would like a free transport choice to either of the two schools. Our transport options are limited, and are going to get worse as they implement changes to the school curriculum.” Sue Jinks, another parent from Hartland said: “The Government say we have choice, but really we don’t. If we choose another school, we have to pay for it, even though it is just as close!” Cllr Symons has written to the Secretary of State, Ed Balls, to express his concern that local children are missing out on activities, and that parents are being penalised for choosing an alternative school.
Note: The Association of Teaches and Lecturers questioned 475 teachers in schools and colleges earlier this summer. Some 77% of teachers said transport problems prevented children from taking part in after-school activities. Over 50% said a lack of transport prevented parents from attending school or college parent meetings to discuss their children’s progress and seeing their children perform in school events. Teachers also highlighted concerns about the isolation of their poorer pupils because of their inability to mix with friends or get to and take part in local sports, drama or music events. Other problems highlighted by the survey included a lack of employment opportunities for part-time work and those over 16, as well as a lack of work in the local area, and a lack of apprenticeships locally A lack of pupil aspiration and motivation was cited by 80% of teachers as the biggest challenge when working with disadvantaged children in rural areas. More than 70% said a lack of parental support was a significant deterrent to children’s learning.
Concerns Expressed Over Wharf TreatmentCouncil Overlooks Opportunity to Increase FacilitiesThursday 9 October 2008 Concerns were expressed today about the treatment that the Wharf cultural centre has received at the hands of West Devon Borough Council. Adam Symons, Lib Dem PPC for West Devon and Torridge met this week with representatives from the Wharf, and the West Devon Environmental Network, to discuss the problems faced by the Wharf in finding space to accommodate their burgeoning cultural programme. The building next to the Wharf, 5 Canal Road, was offered by West Devon Borough Council for lease in May this year. The Wharf expressed interest in leasing the building, however West Devon Borough Council have decided to offer the lease to a design company from Plymouth. Adam Symons said: “The Wharf is an important community facility for Tavistock. Their plans for 5 Canal Road would increase the facilities available for the community, improve the delivery of shows and provide meeting facilities for a range of organisations.” “I was astounded when West Devon Borough Council overlooked the Wharf in letting the lease. I have had several complaints that Councillors were not informed that the Wharf was interested in taking on the lease. I urge West Devon Borough Council to reconsider their position for the sake of the community in Tavistock.”
Affordable Housing Waiting Lists SoarMore Affordable Homes Urgently NeededWednesday 8 October 2008 The number of people waiting for an affordable rural home has soared, suggest new figures released this week by the National Housing Federation and CPRE. Nearly 700,000 people are stuck on waiting lists for an affordable home in rural England. In south-west England, for example, at least 11% of the local population in four rural districts is on a waiting list for affordable housing. Adam Symons, PPC for Torridge and West Devon said: “More affordable homes are urgently needed in Torridge and West Devon. On average, almost 15,000 people have been added to housing waiting lists in rural areas every month for the last four years. Young people need houses they can afford in areas they live and work in, and the figures show that this has not happened.” “The Government clearly have not grasped the problem yet. Matthew Taylor published his substantive report on the state of affordable housing in July and the Government have yet to respond. The Housing Corporation needs to be given a clear mandate and long-term funding to resolve this crisis.” Over the last five years, the number of people waiting for an affordable home in country areas has soared by 37% - up from 507,757 in 2003 to 695,735 last year. The report also reveals that the proportion of homeless households in rural areas has more than doubled over the last five years from 16% to 37% of the national total.
Note: The figures were released by the National Housing Federation and the Campaign to Protect Rural England. The two organisations have teamed up to launch a charter, Save Rural England, Build Affordable Homes (pdf, 812kb), setting out how the supply of affordable homes could be increased in rural communities.
Lib Dems Seek to Protect Wind Turbine RefugeesMotion Proposes a Separation DistanceSaturday 4 October 2008 Local Lib Dems are seeking to protect residents from the impact of on-shore wind turbines through a motion to Torridge District Council (TDC). The motion, tabled by Hartland & Bradworthy Councillor, Adam Symons, proposes a separation distance between turbines and areas of population of 2km. The motion also requires TDC to develop supplementary planning guidance (SPG) which protects residents against developments which “have a significant long term detrimental impact on the amenity of people living nearby.”
Cllr Symons said: “I have talked to a lot of people in my ward, and residents out towards Halwill Junction and beyond. They are fearful of the impacts that onshore wind turbines will have on their lives and their properties. I want to ensure that Torridge has strong planning rules which protect residents.” The motion also proposes that developers enter into negotiations with affected residents to guard against the loss of value to their property. He said: “In the same way that you would get compensation if a motorway was built next to your home, the same should apply to wind turbines. I am also calling on the Government to update their guidance on wind turbines, to take account of new evidence on the impact of low-frequency noise (infrasound).” “Lib Dem policy is to support renewable energy projects, and improve energy efficiency in order to cut pollution. However, it is imperative that we provide protection for residents living in areas which might be designated for renewable energy installations.” A local resident, Steve James, who lives near Holsworthy, said: “Local people are afraid of the impacts of these things. They fear that local councils appear to be powerless to enforce reasonable conditions that safeguard people's quality of life. Other countries have legally enforceable distance restrictions, why can't we?”
Note: The full text of the proposed motion is available here. Current Government guidance is contained with ETSU-97 and PPS 22.
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