Confusion reigns over e-agendas

The administration has rushed through its new centralised meeting arrangements so hurriedly that officers seem to be having difficulty keeping up with it all

The agenda and papers for Monday’s scrutiny meeting were not put up on the website till 11.15 that morning, yet any member of the public wishing to speak or ask questions was expected to alert officers last week. One of the agenda items was on the new democratic arrangements, namely area forums!

Let’s hope we soon see an increased commitment from the ruling party to involve the public at future meetings!

Important meeting about car park charge increase

Ruth is attending a Scrutiny meeting on Monday 10 January to present a paper to councillors on car park tariffs at Headington car parks

Those of you who braved the snow and came to the last NE Area Committee meeting will know that many residents’ groups and businesses have huge concerns about the proposed increases which even the officer calls “significant”

The paper outlines some alternative ways to raise car parks income so that rises don’t have to be so severe. Here are just some of our concerns:

  • Families and friends of Old High Street residents unable to find the very few visitor spaces available in Old Headington  will have to pay £12.50 for a stay of four hours in Headington Car Park on Sundays
  • Resistance to the increase in charges (for 2-3 hours, the charge is set to double from £1.50 to £3.00)  will mean less trade for our businesses as shoppers will park for as short a time as possible because of the expense

We have worked with members and officers of local residents groups and businesses to come up with an alternative plan which will generate as much income but encourage shoppers to stay for up to two hours. We shall see how much support the Labour councillors will give to these ideas and will let you know the result. You can find the relevant papers here.

In the recent past, these tariff charges have been decided by local councillors at Area Committees but a decision has been made by the City Executive Board that they will be made centrally now and in the future. We’ll know tomorrow whether that change is for better or worse!

Lib Dems delivering for Britain. Part 9. Your say

This is the concluding post in our series on the Lib Dem manifesto in action

Lib Dem manifesto p.94

“We will scrap the intrusive ContactPoint database which is intended to hold the details of every child in England.”

The ContactPoint database was switched off on 6 August 2010

Lib Dem manaifesto p.92

“We will implement the recommendations of the Calman Commission to give significant new powers and responsibilities to the Scottish Parliament.”

The Scotland Bill had its first reading on 30 November. It implements the recommendations of the Calman Commission, devolving landfill tax and stamp duty, and introducing a Scottish Income Tax and new borrowing powers.

Lib Dem manifesto p. 89

“We will introduce fixed-term parliaments to ensure that the Prime Minister of the day cannot change the date of an election to suit them.”

The Fixed Term Parliaments Bill is in the process of going through Parliament.

Lib Dem manifesto p.87

“We will give people a real say in who governs the country by introducing fair votes.”

The Parliamentary voting system and constituencies Bill is currently before Parliament. It provides for a referendum on the alternative vote, a new fairer electoral system, most likely to be held in May.

Lib Dem manifesto p.92

“We will scrap the Government Offices for the Regions and regional ministers.”

We have scrapped the Government Offices for the Regions and regional ministers, devolving some of their powers and resources to local government.

Lib Dem manifesto p.92

“Give the National Assembly primary legislative powers so that it becomes a true Welsh Parliament. We also support passing on a greater number of responsibilities to the National Assembly.”

A referendum on extending the law-making powers of the National Assembly of Wales is to be held on 3 March 2011

Lib Dems delivering for Britain. Part 8. Your community

Here is the latest in our series showing the Lib Dem manifesto in action

Lib Dem manifesto p.76 

“We will end the detention of children in immigration detention centres”

On 16 December, Nick Clegg announced the ending of child detention for immigration purposes.

Lib Dem manifesto p.83

“Through our policy on capital gains tax, ensure that those who use second homes as speculative investments will pay tax on enhanced capital value at the same rate as on earned income, not 18% as at present.”

In June’s emergency budget, we increased the rate of Capital Gains Tax to 28% for higher rate taxpayers while keeping it at 18% for basic rate taxpayers

Lib Dem manifesto p.77

 “In a fair society, everyone should have the right to a decent home, but this is not the reality of Britain today. There should be quality social and private rented housing available for those who need or choose it.”

We have announced plans for 150,000 new affordable homes over the next four years, the first net increase in the social housing stock by any government in 30 years.

Lib Dem manifesto p.77

We will make sure every new home is fully energy efficient by improving building regulations”

We have required a 25% improvement in energy efficiency standards for new buildings.

Lib Dem manifesto p.78 

 “We will scrap burdensome Home Information Packs, retaining the requirement for homes to have an energy performance certificate”

We have scrapped Home Information Packs, and retained the requirement for homes to have an energy performance certificate

 Lib Dem manifesto p.82

“We will stop ‘garden grabbing’ by defining gardens as Greenfield sites in planning law so that they cannot easily be built over”

We have ended ‘garden grabbing’ saving considerable amounts of green belt land from being built over

Lib Dem manifesto p.83

“We will promote schemes for affordable homes like equity mortgages and ‘Home on the Farm’ which encourages farmers to convert existing buildings into affordable housing”

We have promoted ‘Home on the Farm’ schemes that encourage farmers to convert existing buildings into affordable housing

Lib Dem manifesto p.74

“We will make prisoners work and contribute from their prison wages to a compensation fund for victims.”

The government’s sentencing green paper included proposals for ‘working prisons’ to get prisoners used to working regular hours, and to contribute toward financial reparations for victims.

Lib Dem manifesto p.75

“We will give people a direct say in how petty criminals and those who engage in antisocial behaviour are punished by setting up Neighbourhood Justice Panels”

The sentencing green paper also included proposals for increasing the opportunities for communities to become involved in local justice through Neighbourhood Justice Panels

Lib Dem manifesto p.75

“Champion restorative justice programmes which make offenders confront their behaviour and are more successful at reducing crime.”

The sentencing green paper also includes proposals to make more use of restorative justice as a more effective punishment

Lib Dem manifesto p.74

“Move offenders who are drug addicts or mentally ill into more appropriate secure accommodation”

As of June 2011 we will pilot drug recovery wings in priosons, reviewing this in June 2012 with a view to working with the Department of Health to roll it out more widely.

The sentencing green paper proposes to pilot and roll out liaison and diversion services nationally by 2014 for mentally ill offenders who present a high risk of harm where this is linked to a severe personality disorder

Lib Dem manifesto p. 73

“Require better recording of hate crime against disabled, homosexual and transgender people”

In December 2010 Lynne Heatherstone launched the government’s new equalities strategy, which includes a commitment to promote better recording of, and response to, hate crimes.

Lib Dem manifesto p.79

“Include promotion of safer cycling and pedestrian routes in all local transport plans”

In September Norman Baker announced plans for a new Local Sustainable Transport Fund to challenge local transport authorities outside London to develop packages of measures that support economic growth and reduce carbon in their communities, as well as delivering cleaner environments, improved safety and increased levels of physical activity.

Lib Dems delivering for Britain. Part 7. Your World

Part 7 of our series showing our manifesto in practice 

Lib Dem manifesto p.23

“If you choose micro-generation, you will be able to sell the energy back to the National Grid at a profit, with a more attractive feed-in tariff than under current government plans”

Feed-in tariffs were protected under the spending review. Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Chris Huhne has announced that the Renewable Heat Incentive, which pays for every kilowatt hour of heat produced, will go ahead in 2011

Lib Dem manifesto p.58

“Begin a ten year programme of home insulation, offering a home energy improvement package of up to £10,000 per home, paid for by the savings from lower energy bills, and make sure every new home is fully energy-efficient by improving building regulations.”

At the beginning of November, Chris Huhne announced the Green Deal. Through the Green Deal, people will be able to pay the up front costs of home insulation work through the lower bills that will result.

We’ve also recognised that those in fuel poverty need extra help. This is why, under the new Energy Company Obligation, we’ll be requiring energy companies to help poorer customers, by providing basic heating and insulation to the most vulnerable households. Until the Green Deal and ECO kick in, we’ve put in place the Warm Home Discount which will help around 2m households per year take up to an anticipated £130 off their bills.

Lib Dem manifesto p.58

“We will set out a clear renewable route map to 2050, covering grid access and investment in electricity networks.”

We are mapping out the path to renewable energy in 2050, and have enabled £110bn investment in low carbon electricity infrastructure over the next decade.

Lib Dem manifesto p.59

“Block any new coal-fired power stations – the most polluting form of power generation – unless they are accompanied by the highest level of carbon capture and storage facilities.”

Chris Huhne has stated the coalition would not allow any new coal power station to be built without being equipped with CCS technology.

Lib Dem manifesto p.62

“We will increase the UK’s aid budget to reach the UN target of 0.7% of GNI by 2013”

The overseas aid budget has been protected from cuts and will rise to £11.5bn over the next four years. The effect will be that the UK will reach the United Nations goal of giving 0.7% of national income by 2013.

Lib Dem manifesto p.63

“We will prioritise health and education programmes in the developing world which aim to promote gender equality and reduce maternal and infant mortality”

In September 2010, Nick Clegg announced that the government will refocus its aid efforts to put the lives of women in developing countries at its heart.

Lib Dem manifesto p.68

“We will hold a full judicial enquiry into allegations of British complicity in torture and state kidnapping as part of a process to restore Britain’s reputation for decency and fairness.”

The coalition government has announced a judicial enquiry into Britain’s role in torture and rendition since the al-Qaida attacks of September 2001. A three-person inquiry panel will be headed by Sir Peter Gibson, a former appeal court judge, who is currently commissioner for the intelligence services.

Lib Dems delivering for Britain. Part 6.Your family

Lib Dem manifesto p.49

We will protect existing childcare support arrangements until the nation’s finances can support a longer term solution: a move to 20 hours free childcare for every child, from the age of 18 months”

We have extended 15 hours free early education to all disadvantaged two year-olds, while keeping the free offer of 15 hours early education for every three and four year-old. We will be spending £300m more on this by the end of the Parliament

Lib Dem manifesto p.52

“We will offer a week’s respite for the one million carers who spend 50 hours every week looking after a sick relative.”

Paul Burstow has made over £400m available in additional funding over the next four years to provide a week’s respite care to the almost 1m carers who work over 50 hours a week.

Sarah Teather also recently announced £800m investment in short break provision for disabled children and their families.

Lib Dem manifesto p.50

“Maintain the commitment to end child poverty in the UK by 2020.”

This commitment has been maintained.

Lib Dem manifesto p.50

“Enhance child protection. We will enforce the publication of an anonymised version of Serious Case Reviews to ensure that lessons are learned.”

Serious Case Reviews, including that of Baby Peter, have been published.

Lib Dem manifesto p.52

“Scrap compulsory retirement ages, allowing those who wish to continue in work to do so.”

The government has announced it is ending the compulsory retirement age.

Lib Dem manifesto p.54

“We will stop private sector wheel-clamping.”

Lynne Featherstone has announced that wheel-clamping on private land will be banned.

Lib Dems delivering for Britain. Part 5. Your life: culture and sport

Continuing our series of the Lib Dem manifesto in practice

Lib Dem manifesto p.44

“We will maintain free entry to national museums and galleries and open up the Government Art Collection for greater public use.”

We have maintained free entry to national museums and art galleries, and Government Art Collection works are to be shown in a public gallery for the first time.

Lib Dem manifesto p.46

“Use cash in dormant betting accounts to set up a capital fund for improving local sports facilities and supporting sports clubs”

Don Foster is currently conducting a review into dormant betting accounts, due to report soon.

Lib Dems delivering for Britain. Part 4.Your life: health

Part 4 of our series on the Lib Dem manifesto in practice

Lib Dem manifesto p.41

“Integrate health and social care to create a seamless service, ending bureaucratic barriers and saving money to allow people to stay in their homes for longer rather than going into hospital or long-term residential care”

Around 35,000 people will benefit from a £70m cash boost announced by the Coalition that will enable the NHS to support people back into their homes after a spell in hospital.

Lib Dem manifesto p.40

“We will…scrap Strategic Health Authorities”

The government white paper on health states that we will scrap Strategic Health Authorities.

Lib Dem manifesto  p.43

“Giving every patient the right to choose to register with the GP they want, without being restricted  by where they live.”

The NHS white paper states that we will give every patient a clear right to choose to register with any GP practice they want with an open list, without being restricted by where they live.

Lib Dem manifesto  p.41

“We will prioritise dementia research within the health research and development budget”

The Treasury confirmed in October that this commitment on dementia research will be prioritised within health research and development. Paul Burstow is now personally overseeing this commitment through his role as Chair of a Ministerial Advisory Group by ensuring that dementia researchers get a fair share of the £1.7bn research fund. Plans will be published in the New Year to accelerate the pace in this vital area of research.

Lib Dem manifesto  p.41

“We will improve access to counselling for people with mental health problems, by continuing the roll-out of cognitive and behavioural therapies”

The spending review included funding to expand access to talking therapies, including those with severe mental illness, and for the first time children and adolescents. We have already committed £70m this year to give more people the opportunity to access talking therapies. This funding will help tackle the devastating human cost of mental health by ensuring that the right action is taken early in people’s lives. By March 2011, services will be offered to around 60% of the country, increasing to 100% by 2014.

Lib Dems delivering for Britain. Part 3. Your life: education

The Liberal Democrats’ manifesto in practice. More actions on our May pledges..

Lib Dem manifesto p.34

“We will increase the funding  of the most disadvantaged pupils, around one million children. We will invest £2.5bn in this “Pupil Premium” to boost education opportunities for every child.”

The government has delivered on the key Liberal Democrat pledge of a £2.5bn pupil premium to bring extra funding to the most vulnerable students.

Lib Dem manifesto p. 34

“We will improve discipline  by early intervention to tackle the poor basic education of those children who are otherwise most likely to misbehave and become demotivated.”

The schools white paper introduced simple reading checks at age 6, designed to stop young children falling behind in basic skills which go unnoticed until it is too late and therefore contribute to bad behaviour.

Lib Dem manifesto p.35

“We will confront bullying, including homophobic bullying, and include bullying prevention in teacher training.”

The schools white paper specifically states that we will expect teachers and head teachers to take a strong stand on homophobic bullying. It sets out plans to rationalise and simplify anti-bullying guidance from a fragmented 500 pages to around 20 pages. It also commits to working with NGOs  such as Stonewall and the Anti-Bullying Alliance to promote best practice and make sure that schools know where to go to get support.

Lib Dem manifesto p.34

“We will…support the expansion of Teach First to attract more top graduates into teaching.”

The government has announced plans to expand the Teach First scheme. It also announced a new Teach  Next programme to encourage more mature entrants into teaching.

Lib Dem manifesto p.34

“We will improve teacher training by increasing the size of the school-based Graduate Teacher Programme… we will improve training for existing teachers over the course of their careers to keep them up to date with best practice.”

We have announced plans to expand the Graduate Teacher Programme.

Lib Dem manifesto p.34

“Axe the rigid National Curriculum, and replace it with a slimmed down ‘minimum curriculum entitlement’ to be delivered by every state funded school.”

The schools white paper announced that both primary and secondary national curriculums will be reviewed and slimmed down to become a national benchmark of the knowledge and concepts children should be expected to master in core subjects at each key stage. It will be designed so that parents can hold schools to account for what their child has learned.

Lib Dem manifesto p.36

“Reform league tables to give parents more meaningful information which truly reflects the performance of a school. Schools should be working to get the best from all their pupils but government league tables are forcing them to focus on those who are just above or just below the key “C” grade borderline.”

Under government proposals, performance tables will include a measure of how well pupils progress  as well as attainment. All of the information that underpins government statistical tables will be published for each school, and DfE will publish ‘families of schools’ documents that group similar schools in a region, and provide detailed performance information that can be used to identify best practice.

Lib Dem manifesto p.38

“Reform the existing rigid national pay and conditions rules to give schools and colleges more freedom.”

The schools white paper announced that we would give schools greater flexibility and freedom to set pay.

Lib Dem manifesto p.35

“We will replace the bureaucratic Early Years Foundation Stage with a slimmed-down framework which includes a range of educational approaches and enough flexibility for every young child.”

Dame Clare Tickell has been commissioned to review how the curriculum of the Early Years Foundation Stage prepares all children for school, reporting in Spring 2011.

Lib Dem manifesto p.37

“Introduce an Education Freedom Act banning politicians from getting involved in the day-to-day running of schools.”

The schools white paper introduced this year addresses many of our concerns, removing much of the centralised and stifling bureaucracy imposed by Labour. Every school will have more autonomy, but the white paper also includes provision for local authorities’ strategic oversight.

Lib Dem manifesto p.40

“We will end Train to Gain funding for large companies, restricting the funds to the small and medium-sized firms that need the support.”

The government has announced that it will end Train to Gain and replace it with an SME-focused programme to help small employers train low-skilled staff.

Lib Dems delivering for Britain. Part 2. Your job

Lib Dem manifesto p22

“We will break up the banks, to ensure taxpayers are never again expected to underwrite high-risk banking. We will introduce a Banking Levy so that banks pay for their tax-payer guarantee until the break-up is complete”

We have set up an independent commission on separating investment and retail banking, reporting by September 2011, and introduced a banking levy that will raise £2.5 bn a year

Lib Dem manifesto p.24

“To help the transition to a green economy over the longer term, we will set up a United Kingdom Infrastructure Bank (UKIB) to attract private finance”

The creation of a UK-wide Green Investment Bank will be funded by £1 bn spending allocation and additional proceeds from the sale of Government-owned assets. The Bank will encourage significant additional investment in green infrastructure.

Lib Dem manifesto p.26

“Support public investment in the roll-out of superfast broadband, targeted first at those areas which are least likely to be provided for by the market”

The Government has published an action plan, “Britain’s Superfast Broadband Future”, announcing an £830 m strategy to put a digital hub in every community, making sure the UK has the best broadband in Europe by 2015.

Lib Dem manifesto p.28

“Give both the Royal Mail and post offices a long-term future, by separating Post Office Ltd. from the Royal Mail and retaining Post Office Ltd. in full public ownership.”

The Postal Services Bill is curently passing through Parliament. It allows for the restructuring of Royal Mail, including the introduction of private sector capital and expertise from the sale of part of it, an employee share scheme, and provisions for Post Office Ltd. to continue to be owned by the Crown or a mutual ownership structure.

Lib Dem manifesto p.30

“We will extend the right to request flexible working to all employees”

We have put in place secondary legislation to extend the right to request flexible working to parent of children up to age 18 and are consulting with busines on shared parental leave and extension of flexible working to all employees.