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ULEZ and The Impact on Charities.
ULEZ is adversely impacting our charities and hampering their work if you like me want to see charities gain the support they need to continue their activism read on…
Whilst the goal of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone or ULEZ zone was to reduce the level of harmful toxic air within a given area. There has been an unmistaken impact of ULEZ on families financially as well as charities which serve their communities. Now whilst clean air is something that we all want for our families, there are still times where the car is crucial whether it be for key works serving the community.
How Charities Support the Community:
Although the public transport system in London is highly effective it is still unable to meet all the needs of its community and is now spilling over into adverse effects on charities. Providing aid for the most vulnerable in society is something that should be a top priority for any local authority and ensuring that works can be taken with the fewest barriers is essential. Often due to the flexibility and innovation of charities and businesses many in our communities have these needs met not just by the public sector but by the private sector.
The Impact of ULEZ
This is where the ULEZ zone particularly impacts the vulnerable, now although some businesses in London and TFL will be able to update their vehicles to reflect the new policies and therefore reduce their emissions charities and small businesses will not be able to do this. This will effectively add greater costs to these organisations. Organisations like Dogs on the Street who are a small charity which serve the homeless residents of London and their pets are one such organisation offering tailored services that these citizens otherwise would not be able to afford. The charity has bespoke services and have specialist equipment on their vehicles to offer these services to the communities and modernising these vehicles will add significant costs to their operation. To adapt to this change that means the donation and fundraising efforts are going towards paying the ULEZ fees rather than into providing crucial support for the residents and their pets.
Scrappage Program Flaws
So, what about the scrappage scheme now whilst the scrappage program offered grant funding for charities or businesses in order to conform with the new charges before they came in the problem lies with purpose refitted vehicles. Specifically having mobile grooming, veterinary and general care vehicles have additional expenses and whilst the grant would go some way to meet these costs it would barely cover the cost of acquisition of a vehicle, and this would often be of an older used model where the battery will also have shown some wearing unlike traditional fuel vehicles which have a longer service life. This scheme has also been closed to new applicants which limits charities making claims for grant funding where the two-year window may have often not allowed the organisation to raise the necessary funds to replace the fleet of specialist vehicles. This two-year window also came at a time when many of the organisations were working flat out to deal with added pressures of Covid-19.
Actions that can be Taken
Now, myself and other activists are calling on the Mayor of London to look again at how his ULEZ zones are still impacting some of the most vulnerable in his community by increasing the financial burden on charities. That is why we are collectively calling on him to review his ULEZ policy for charities who may have been unable to refit or scrap vehicles under the previous scheme. Reopen the scheme to allow for further funding to support specialist sourcing of new efficient vehicles or to provide exemptions. The support for Dogs On The Street from Neil Garratt and Shaun Bailey has been hugely refreshing to see London Assembly members standing up for this charity and others.
Further Reading
https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/scrappage-schemes?cid=scrappage-scheme
https://dogsonthestreets.org/london/
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/jan/05/londons-ultra-low-emission-zone-good-or-bad-idea
https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/news/ulez-checker-zone-map-charge-2021-b1944620.html
https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/environment/pollution-and-air-quality/mayors-ultra-low-emission-zone-london
Remember contact your London Assembly members and add pressure onto the Mayor.
https://www.london.gov.uk/people/assembly
Protest are they for Change or just Unnecessary Disruption:
One of the core elements of a democracy is our right to free speech and a right to protest however, although we have these rights not all campaigns are treated equally. Not all causes are adopted by the public will and therefore just because a minority can does that mean they should.
The protests:
In the news we have seen an increase in protestors taking direct action on the M25 with the aim to disrupt drivers to garner media attention to influence change. With the aim to improve insulation of Britains instead of warming hearts the disruption caused has left protestors out in the cold.
Now I am not against protest or the power of the individual as many of our key moments have come from a small number but many methods are flawed. The 3.5% rule as an example is a principle that so long as 3.5% of the population agree with an action engaging this can influence government decisions. Now to put this into a context the insulate britain protests are headed by a small minority numbering at most a hundred from evidence. Extinction rebellion was in the 1000s and in Leicester BLM had 4000 individuals.
Now 3.5% of UKs population is 2391190 so many of these protests are a long way off of the influential minority.
So how can you have an impact?
You must take the population with you or offer a sensible alternative. Many individuals of these groups often scoff when people question their actions or intentions telling people to do their own research but this does nothing but forces people away from their cause. Campaigners that share research provide resources and are able to work with other groups are often more anecdotally more successful with their campaigns. Looking at campaigns such as Anatonias Law for care home reform, the moves made my the Pet Theft Reform team, Finns law, Tuks Law as well as larger organisations to influence changes. These campaigns however have benefited from the benefit of research they then add in the emotional component which brings people with them.
Take some of Insulate Britains own points:
Their targets of getting central government to change insulation when planning is a district or unitary council issue. A points they are raising is about new homes being built to a standard, yet they do not focus on shoddy developers with documented evidence of cut corners on their builds. They have no strategy to inform house buyers of their rights so they can challenge developers or to work with communities to block inadequate development taking place. This however is also difficult to achieve when they have no firm targets to influence house building targets. So why are they not targeting councils to adopt a higher standard of housing or working with HORNET to influence changes to house building’s standards tackling property developers as they did with leaseholds and as they are still working on with Fleecehold properties.
Issues such as fleecehold properties are an issue that planners (civil servants) do not want to tackle pressure on elected officials in the right way would help to lobby for change. Or better yet get involved to influence the change on the doorstep. The second point they are campaigning for is for government to pay for insulation of old homes to be levelled up to a standard, but without a clear standard this will always be difficult. The green grant scheme had this option but wasn’t well adopted and if the government bring it back in as an incentive businesses or suppliers up the cost or it becomes another tax burden.
The other reason why many have little sympathy for this particular cause however is strategies are already in place to tackle it. There are green grants households can apply for on existing dwellings particularly for the less well off in society. However rather than promote this change and encourage people to take up the scheme by going to the following link: Simple Energy Advice check your eligibility and see if you can get help.
https://carrcenter.hks.harvard.edu/files/cchr/files/CCDP_005.pdf
https://www.ncvo.org.uk/policy-and-research/campaigning-policy
https://www.gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/free-cavity-loft-insulation/
Challenges with EHCPs
One of the core reasons why I got into teaching was to champion the aspirations of young people and to allow them to succeed. Due to specialising in land-based subjects such as Agriculture and Animal Studies I aspired to support the next generation of farmers, equestrians and conservationists. However, I became aware of challenges facing young people rurally was vastly different to those in urban areas. One area, in particular, those with SEND needs so although I continue to aim to support these learners in the classroom I recognise that more needs to be done to highlight their cause across the county and that is one of the reasons I am standing as a County Council candidate this May.
What are they?
EHCPs or Education Health Care Plans (EHCPs). While traditional Special Education Needs (SEN) funding is met through national funding provided to schools. EHCPs are legally binding provisions that outline additional funding for learners who need further or specific support to allow them the same opportunities to access the education system and to be able to succeed.
My Experiences:
Having taught a variety of learners in my time as a lecturer over the last several years, I have recognised the challenges facing the student and their parents who are trying to provide the best opportunities for their child and the difficulties of these EHCPs. The premise of these documents is to increase aspirations and support the learners, but to achieve this, the parents often need a great deal of support and have the correct tools to raise their points in meetings. The problem is two factored here often the parent does not necessarily have all of this knowledge readily available to them. Although support is present and schools or relevant professionals can support them, there is a risk that families are falling through the cracks. I have seen learners who have had their EHCPs lapse who then struggle to get the support put in place midway through the year to allow them to succeed, which causes distress and disruption to the families after the best for their children. The other problem is that the young people, whilst the focus of the meeting may have different views from those supporting them. Hence, it is crucial their aspirations, and their parents are reviewed together but noted as distinctly separate to allow for better reflection. This has been done successfully by independent meetings with the young person with a relevant professional.
Challenges facing SEN families:
Whilst an EHCP is a guidance document for the school or college to provide further support for learners, there have been notable variations across different schools nationally, which will reflect the situation within the county. This variation often is one of the leading reasons parents are dissatisfied with the EHCP and, importantly, is where the conversations need to be open and transparent with what the schools can supply, compared to what the child and parents want (Sales and Vincent, 2018). Research by Sales and Vincent (2018) also pointed out that whilst there are certainly challenges facing learners due to the EHCP elements, further training needs in teaching staff as learners progress further through relevant courses and into work.
What a Good Plan does:
The vast majority of plans offer a tool for young people to engage with their peers and the educational system with the support needed to tackle the different barriers they face. That is why good plans are focused on the aspirations and views of both the family and young person. This gives the schools and providers goals to work towards to identify the strategies to help support the learners transitioning to different levels or goals they are striving towards. The long term focus should always be on allowing them to succeed and bringing career support and the local authority into the discussion. Conversations should be had around what all parties want to achieve. The learner can be supported by identifying barriers that may prevent them from reaching their goal and opportunities for alternative routes or solutions to these challenges. The other important step is the accountability facing the individuals involved in recognising what they are responsible for in the process, allowing them to succeed with the resources they need. In rural villages, whilst SEN, provisions can be provided at schools. Having family hubs where the resources come to the parents and families offering this contact point for the changing needs of the young person and offering the opportunity for consistency of a contact point as they grow into young adults.
What I am calling for:
A review of the process that allows for meetings between learning support, teaching staff and families. Whilst also providing an additional meeting with the individual learner to make the process more inclusive to their targets.
A goal setting plan for the learners is to ensure that the learner’s needs are met, and they are supported to achieve their goals and not just meet their provisions.
Better guidance for Academies, Families, Schools, and Trusts so that the process is easily referenced and supported. Although there is some fantastic support already out there, this must be uniformed and equitable.
Final Remarks:
The EHCP process and challenges facing our young people were just one of the reasons that brought me into politics. As a teacher, more support is needed for families going through this process. It is my view that this also disproportionately affects those in rural villages, such as those in the Cosford division (Narayan and Patnaik, 2020). So whilst this is a problem I have seen whilst teaching in both urban and rural areas, it is a cause I want to continue to push for improvements in. That is why I am calling for your support on the 6th of May as your Conservative County Council Candidate.
https://www.tes.com/news/everything-you-need-know-about-ehcps
https://councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/sites/default/files/field/attachemnt/EHCP%20Exemplar%20Guide%202017.pdf
Sales, N. and Vincent, K., 2018. Strengths and limitations of the Education, Health and Care plan process from a range of professional and family perspectives. British Journal of Special Education, [online] 45(1), pp.61-80. Available at: <https://nasenjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1467-8578.12202> [Accessed 25 April 2021].
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/695100/Education_Health_and_Care_plans_-_a_qualitative_investigation.pdf
https://www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk/media/362437/ctc-8-education_healthcareplans.pdf
Narayan, J. and Patnaik, N., 2020. Inclusive and Special Education Services in Rural Settings. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Education,.
Resources for families needing support:
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/education/extra-help-at-school/england/ehc-assessment
https://www.ipsea.org.uk/pages/category/education-health-and-care-plans
https://www.valuingminds.com/education-health-care-plans-ehcp/
https://www.sen-help.org.uk/the-system/ehc-plans/
Care Homes and Monitoring
The continuance of a conversation with Tony Stowell addressing the importance of financing, monitoring and resourcing the care sector.
Introduction:
Continuing on from my conversation with Tony Stowell the recognition of the service that our care home staff provide to all ranges of residents from the young, the sick or the older individual their dedication has been deeply valued by the communities they work in. However, as I said in the previous article we do not want those who are not showing the strength of character of their peers reflecting purely on the sector.
Monitoring:
In terms of monitoring, both Tony and I spoke at length about the need for monitoring changes to reflect a tougher framework for investigation. We acknowledged that organisations will never be able to address stressors in the sector if they do not see this and the current framework will only put extra pressures on staff. Improving what monitoring and inspections teams are looking for will not address the issue if there are methods in place whereby management can demonstrate one area which may not be the true reflection of the organisation. This would easily be remedied by surprise visits and yes as with any inspection this would cause short term stress but when these visits are known about in advance it places additional pressures on staff and management to meet these needs. The second element needs to ensure that reports point out flaws but give a road map for improvement as with no clear areas for improvement that must be met. Now abstract targets are often difficult for organisations to make changes in, why is this? Because current systems of grading will remove public confidence, reduce funding which increases pressure which then promotes a vicious circle of a challenge for organisations and businesses and impacts the residents and staff the most.
Funding:
Once we solve the funding challenges for a care home we will be able to provide a more suitable method of retaining staff by allowing those within and joining the sector to have a solid and long term prospect of fair employment. That way we can ensure our vulnerable residents are getting the care they deserve and need as well as making sure that staff are provided with the correct resources to be able to do high quality of service for years to come. We want to ensure that the sector is able to deliver this and will do so in a way that allows it to develop into the future. Now part of the solution has to be in ensuring that we use our resources to the best of our ability and we can do this by making sure that as many individuals as possible can get the treatment in the right places and in the right way. This can be at home care where they receive the support of professionals who can either help repurpose the relatives home and offers provisions to ensure that the relatives are able to not only safeguard their family members but make sure that they can maximise their independence. If they are able to have their independence this will reduce the number of individuals in care homes reducing the pressure on the organisations. Thereby having a lower staff to resident ratio which then allows for a more specialised care regardless of the individuals circumstances the reduced financial pressure can also then allow for more training and development of staff. We can do more by restructuring how we see care as a supported service offering reviews of the individual’s profile and looking at what support can be provided to the individual to prevent an escalation of the provisions necessary without solely resulting in increasing the funding. Although as we see a rise in the ageing population we must ensure this sector sees all forms of support and measures established.
Care homes and Social Services
Today’s article looks at key areas of the care home sector both the pressures it is facing, highlighting the importance of a campaign by Tony Stowell of Antonia’s Law. It also introduces what can be done to help the sector sustain itself.
An Introduction:
Care homes and social services are a lifeline for many families and vulnerable residents. The care system is facing its fair share of challenges and with an ageing population, this is unlikely to be resolved. The industry like any other has obstacles to overcome and the question I aim to seek the answers to are what these obstacles are and how do we overcome them.
The Challenges:
So first of all what are the challenges facing the care sector; finding staff to fill its vacancies, financial penalties, changes to regulation and increasing care needs.
Antonia’s Law:
What can be done to resolve some of these issues and where are the changes needed most we need to recognise the barriers creating by these challenges and think of workable solutions. On top of this, we do not just have to be made aware of the challenges facing the care system but its residents as well. It is crucial that we take the approach to but resident care and well being at the forefront of any improvements or changes made. It is at this point that I want to address the campaign by Tony Stowell “Antonia’s Law” his campaign has gained so much traction not only because of the abuse it is attempting to curtail. This campaign does not place an additional burden on the institutions with the cost it merely allows families to be able to place additional measures into care home facilities to offer protection for their family this can be nanny cams, additional CCTV provisions or the likes of smart home devices such as google home or Alexa units. This is the least we can do and the nature of the campaign has no consequences for staff unless they are committing abuse of residents as with other areas of the public sector where this could be applied should make the environment safer for staff and residents. It will allow the families to know the challenges befalling the staff looking after their relative which would then allow staff to highlight challenges for them. So why is it necessary we have seen a rise in care home abuse over the past number of years Tony’s own accounts ranged from neglect where residents leave the facility which put them at a greater risk of harm befalling them whether through lack of resources, staff or time. He has also highlighted deliberate abuse in care homes by staff which do not convey the hard work and effort put in by so many staff members they do their sector a disservice. So what signs can you look out for in your relative’s sudden changes or gains in weight, your relative may become reclusive or avoiding social interaction, and is unable to do activities that are related to what they enjoy. Some other clear signs may be a generally unhygienic environment, malnutrition or dehydration and recognisable lack of independent aids provided such as sensory needs, that do not relate to their needs. This is also reflective outside of the care sector in other areas such as education.
The Challenge:
So what factors have added to pressures for the sector now although councils have increased funding for the sector, the level of need for residents is continuing to increase and although the ambition is to allow residents to stay at home for as long as possible this is not always an option. We must ensure that all organisations public or private that are receiving contracts to care for residents or generally serving the community are providing the needed care. Now whilst social care is funded by a council precept the challenge here for residents of care homes and their families is that cost for care homes are also likely to increase as staffing costs grow. Now care homes should not use loopholes in current systems to avoid paying staff full wages for their complete shifts. In the news recently we have seen the employer gain in favour of staff for workers that work overnight shifts. Now in this particular example, it will lend to staff either arguably working a full shift for no pay or to cut the quality of care they provide. This could likely lead to staff leaving the sector to seek better pay conditions. Now the employers are then faced with the challenge to increase bills for relatives or increase the cost for the taxpayer. Now we can ensure that staff are deployed to the areas of greatest need and investing in keeping residents at home for as long as possible to provide them with the comfort of their household will ensure resources can be more sustainably spent. One particular area is technology wearable sensors, activity trackers with features that trigger an alert if activated this is something that is already being invested in and likely will support the sector. With this investment in technology, we can consolidate our resources to work to prevent the level of care needs being necessary at an early stage.
Conclusion:
The issues facing care home staff and residents are an area that we all must safeguard, support and scrutinise. To ensure staff have suitable resources and facilities as well residents get quality care and independence. A follow up piece will be issued with proposed solutions and opportunities for the sector.
https://www.caitlin-morgan.com/the-current-challenges-facing-nursing-homes/
https://www.nice.org.uk/news/article/be-aware-of-the-signs-of-abuse-and-neglect-in-adult-care-homes-says-nice
https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/assets/council-and-democracy/our-aims-and-transformation-programmes/suffolk-county-council-business-plan-2021-2022.pdf
https://www.accessandmobilityprofessional.com/tech-to-revolutionise-new-normal-of-social-care/
http://www.iproscube.com/images/pdf/Tackling_the_Challenges_Facing_Care_Homes_Release.pdf
https://www.dlapiper.com/en/uk/insights/publications/2017/02/an-age-old-problem-the-collapse-of-care-homes/
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/08/care-sector-challenges-covid-19-oecd-report/
https://pureadmin.qub.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/141504509/NOP_Care_Home_Challenges_Context_Accepted_Manuscipt.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgNDNg-0iZg video following conversations with Tony Stowell.
Community Activism: My Thoughts and Perspectives
Local activism and volunteering highlight the best that our communities have to offer. My personal account of what has motivated me to aspire to serve our community.
We have arguably never seen a greater call for volunteer support of community initiatives during this pandemic. We have seen countless people from a range of walks of life help their community out. They have contributed to the efforts against the coronavirus by helping man the test and trace centres and answering the call to jab back to normal. With the added pressure that these projects would have had on the front line national health service, we likely would not have seen such a successful role out. Now the altruism shown by these individuals is both something that should be hugely admired and appreciated. This has also shown us the strength of our communities. These volunteers underwent training programs and joined the front line alongside other key workers, our health care staff, teachers, police, firefighters, and the various other professions that have worked through the pandemic. Over the weekend, I was reminded again of the importance of activism within our local community. In this article, I want to highlight why we must celebrate the communities we build, whether online social networks, local groups and projects, or acts of individual activism.
Now, litter picks have been able to continue due to the ability to socially distance yet still achieve the group’s goals. We, as volunteers, were suitably guided through the event we arrived at Hitcham Village Hall car park. We then selected our routes around the village and were given our equipment so that the small group of around a dozen volunteers could cover the village itself and then return to the Village Hall following the hours’ activity. My route paralleled other volunteers alongside the community play area and finishing at the parish church. Many of us easily fill a bag load of rubbish with discarded items that had drifted into hedgerows off the footpath and roads. When I met up with fellow volunteers, the largest item we encountered was parts left over from a damaged car and discarded traffic cones. The general openness and pride that these volunteers had in their local area were echoed in new and established residents I was happy to do my small bit to contribute.
This wants to contribute lead to my reason to get into the educational sector prompting me to help the next generation of young people in the land-based field to not only grow but to develop within their local areas. I noticed through my years of teaching that whilst in my day job I was helping the next generation take their next steps in their careers the current processes that were in place were the same ones that I had dealt with when I was moving into higher education. Being the first member of my household to go to university my parents did not have all the answers and the schools had more general advice and this started me thinking about what more could be done. I set up a small group to support graduates and offer advice to college students sharing jobs in the local economy as well as informing them about internships and scholarships. This was because in my experience the reason many applicants are not aware of these resources is because of a lack of information whether that is about additional opportunities or more general knowledge about the next steps after their compulsory education ends. Now, whilst this group could solve some of the problems I became aware of other impacts such as learners leaving Suffolk to pursue careers and study away from the county as well as making sure that the strong support systems which were in place for learners were actually getting to those that were needed. This I could not resolve solely as a teacher as it involved working with various stakeholders from across different industries and specialisms now it has always been my view that you build progress through hard work and opportunity. This drew me to stand for the County Council so I could not only work to continue to improve our educational sector but also ensure that our communities grow with the next generation and are not left behind. I was proud to be selected to stand as the Conservative Candidate for Cosford as the rural communities that have such a significant heritage and sense of belonging deserve a candidate who will make sure that our community has the tools to succeed at whatever stage of life they are. My commitment to you is to build on the strong community spirit and pride in Cosford’s heritage. This is something at the heart of the Conservative Manifesto which is our promise to you to build back, stronger, better, and greener. So on the 6th of May, I ask that you vote to elect me, Jordon Millward as your County Councillor.
Fly Tipping and Litter
Litter is an issue that impacts us all and our shared spaces we have all seen the value of our communal spaces so how do we protect these and ensure protection for our communities.
Now an area of Rural Crime is very important to residents as well as impactful on the local environment. Now firstly whilst we all know what littering is Fly Tipping, now this is the illegal dumping of waste on a given location.
One impact which we have to address is where the waste is dumped now whilst police forces including those in Suffolk are working to reduce the crimes they cannot be everywhere at all times. Often when they are alerted to a site they are able to put measures in place to reduce the return of Tippers however, this often causes them to simply find another site. It is also relevant to mention that unlike incidents tipped on public land the farmers often will be responsible for the cleanup. Now in conversation with my colleagues in the sector, this often causes unnecessary cost and can impact livestock, machinery or crops which has unintended consequences as the farmer will both have to cover any damages, clean up the site correctly and protect their site. These cases are also not just small scale occurrences one of the largest Tyre dumps with five hundred tyres have been dumped on a Suffolk. Now, this was committed on a farm between Monks Eleigh and Milden, not through small cars dumping goods but an opportunistic HGV that was spotted. The distress and financial pressure which this likely brought to the farmer who would be saddled with the bill are fundamentally unfair and justice needs to be served by those who committed the offence. In terms of the statistics, Suffolk was at three thousand and eighty incidents which dropped slightly to three thousand and twenty-three. Two hundred and thirty-five of these are in Barbergh the figures are not calculated yearly by region but the district council is investigating the level of industrial waste which has been dropped over the recent lockdown.
What are the laws and whose duty does it fall on, firstly nationally it is the responsibility of the environment agency to work to resolve this particular rural crime. Legally they can be fined up to £50,000 however, this is the maximum, not the average amount fined. From my conversation with Tim Passmore, we mutually agreed that sequestering the assets of the individual or group involved is also something that must be done this is linked to the Magistrates Court system. Whereas the Crown Court has unlimited fines and a five-year prison sentence. Again these are up to five years or an unlimited fine the selection of which court depends on the severity of the crime and is largely dependent on contributory factors such as damages to land or property. Now although the EA has a focus on protecting the environment management of these space falls to your county and district councils in Babergh. Now whilst the council has to move dangerous debris and litter from roads or public spaces where they pose a danger litter on private land is the responsibility regrettably of the landowner (the UK Rules, 2021). Now my concern here is for those on private land who are often saddled with both the legal necessity that they have to clear the rubbish otherwise risking further fines. This can often be because of the nature of the rubbish and its effect on the land as well as those surrounding the dumpsite. I stand by calls by councils that further cost should not be imposed on the landowner by making it free for them to dispose of the waste for no cost. This is something that is already being called for by East Suffolk I believe this should be adopted by all Suffolk Councils.
The information that you need for relevance is the time when you have seen the incident and the date that you have seen it if you have seen them dump the rubbish. Descriptions of the individual and of the vehicle try to get make, model, and licence plate. Identify what the rubbish is and if there was anything specific about the site such as if rubbish was there before finally take as many photos or videos as you can. Also do not at any point confront them or examine the waste leave the seen undisturbed. Now in the public sector, this can also directly impact those who use the streets, roads, highways and our local green spaces. We need to do our best to ensure that we do not contribute we can also get involved with local activism to clean up our green spaces. Whilst councillors should continue to ensure that our highways team are able to keep our roads clean and safeguard our green spaces.
Now, what methods are being practiced around the UK to deter fly-tipping and littering. The police forces in Suffolk and nationally will try to use surveillance systems to ensure that we can have a notable reduction in waste dumping. However, this relies on either mobile surveillance sites or fixed cameras that have a cost limitation. Some methods which have had some impact is arguably the same method we use in honesty boxes for fruit and vege stalls or for eggs in our rural areas. The science indicates that if we place eyes or pictures of eyes above the at-risk areas they arguably reduce the spread of litter in these areas why? “The feeling of being watched”. The final point to bring up is that of a scheme carried out by Croydon Council which incorporated a Hall of Shame where litters or fly-tippers pictures are shared to further act as a deterrent.
If you have had any incidence of Fly Tipping contact the police at 101, Babergh council on 0300 123 4000 (option 7) or crime stoppers https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ also use fixmystreet to flag any concerns. https://www.fixmystreet.com/around?js=1&zoom=2&lat=52.10757&lon=0.79541 or https://www.mysociety.org/wehelpyou/report-fly-tipping-to-your-local-council/
https://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/suffolk-rubbish-dump-local-authority-defra-figures-7795404
https://www.suffolkrecycling.org.uk/fly-tipping
https://www.theukrules.co.uk/rules/legal/community/littering/fly-tipping.html
https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/planning-waste-and-environment/fly-tipping/
https://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/east-suffolk-and-cla-flytipping-waste-figures-response-7807738
https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/john-west-letter-a12-a14-litter-2690654
https://www.keepbritaintidy.org/faqs/advice/fly-tipping-and-law
https://www.keepbritaintidy.org/local-authorities/reduce-litter/fly-tipping/policy
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-37350153
Quiet Lanes
Road safety is something that everyone should take seriously yesterday I had the privilege of speaking with a member of the Suffolk Quiet Lanes team. Initially, this was a fact-finding opportunity to get a broader understanding of what Quiet Lanes do as well as what they cannot which will bring me onto the wider point on road safety. It is important that residents recognise what they do as many parishes across the county are adopting this initiative as well as the county councils wider pledge.
To introduce what a Quiet Lane is the main thing to establish is the group’s goals to reduce the cost facing the parishes. Now this is crucial to establishing these routes as one of these lanes may cost the parish approximately five thousand pounds as a rough guide, but by placing the burden on parishes this often racks up the cost and this is often an area that the group intends to support the parishes presently with proposals in place. Parishes currently going through the process are Monks Eleigh, Brent Eleigh, Nedging-with-Naughton as well as others. The group’s other aims are to further promote the safe and responsible use of the roads where all parties feel able to utilise the roads being able to get the best use out of them. Now whilst a benefit of Quiet Lanes would see a greater uptake of the roads by other road users its goal is to make it safer for all involved.
The group views it as a tool for reducing traffic on the road but this has to be achieved by a variety of methods not simply Quiet Lanes as a silver bullet. Noting that they work in tandem with a variety of schemes specifically Home Zones which have a more residential application. Now we can all recognise how important a clear and expansive network of Quiet Lanes could be as well as ensuring that we are all able to use them. The map attached in the second link below will give you an indication of where these roads are and the network has already seen trials running in East Suffolk in Snape and Glemsford.
Suffolk County Council has awarded two hundred and thirty-five thousand pounds of funding to invest in the scheme and the group would very much welcome the opportunity to grow the fund. Councillors from across the chamber have worked to improve road safety and reduce the levels of traffic present on our rural roads. Now like other councillors I also agree that speed limits need to reflect the nature of the roads and need to be suitable for all users and from conversations with the PCC we agreed that traffic calming is a broad issue and needs enforcement alongside reduction. Steps were taken to such as the specific targeting of HGV’s to ensure that they are taking appropriate routes. It is therefore crucial that we recognise the importance of managing the vehicles that use our road and make sure that residents are safeguarded as well as the responsible drivers. The seventh link provides cases of where lanes were adapted as well as further information about where they are suitable.
So to conclude will you agree with me that:
We should support the principle aims of quiet lanes to lower traffic levels, to maintain the tranquillity of our roads, allow us to be able to sustain the healthier lifestyle we have all enjoyed on our roads, promote environmentally friendly transport, increase the range of transport available to road users and help to tackle road dangers. Building on the hard work that various stakeholders, parishes, and councillors have put into the success of this project.
https://sites.google.com/view/quietlanessuffolk/quiet-lanes?authuser=0
https://sites.google.com/view/quietlanessuffolk/map?authuser=0
https://www.suffolkconservatives.org.uk/news/suffolk-launches-quiet-lanes-residents-enjoy-lockdown-eases
https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/eastern-region-truckwatch-donate-monry-to-tackle-lorry-crime-in-2551668
https://www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/news/suffolk-launches-quiet-lanes-for-residents-to-enjoy-as-lockdown-eases/
https://southdownsnetwork.org.uk/quiet-lanes/
https://www.cpre.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/quiet_lanes_1.pdf
https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/council-news/show/quiet-lanes-suffolk-secures-funding-to-help-residents-stay-active-and-reduce-their-carbon-footprint
Locally Tackling Pet Theft What Can We Do?
Speaking with Suffolks Police and Crime Commissioner we discuss Pet Theft in Suffolk and outline the need for reform to our laws to better safeguard our four-legged family members.
We all recognize that Pet Theft is sweeping across our United Kingdom and in Suffolk, we are equally as afflicted by this rise in crime as other counties. This report will be following on from my conversation with Suffolks Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore.
Tim as an avid dog owner and lover was very open about the impacts on Pet Owners across the county. Now in Suffolk, we have eighteen reported cases of Dog Thefts. This is a clear distinction which we need to make as cases are reported as Thefts not as specific crimes. Now as I spoke to Tim he expressed his views candidly about how “Adhorrent the crime is and how it affects owners like a child being taken from them”.
The importance to remember here was that local constabularies are obligated to record the crime as a possession theft as they are recorded as an object first. Tim makes the clear point that the animal is a living being and it is my view that we should rightly view them as such this links back to Animal Welfare Sentencing reform which would recognize a greater severity for sentencing guidelines. We still have work to do in this area as we need to apply this sentence in my view to a specific act of UK law. Now whilst Suffolk Constabulary records these thefts as both traditional item theft and pet thefts is certainly useful in tackling this crime. It is also where we must recognize not only the distress that this has caused on owners but also on how wider implications of sentencing could be applied against those that commit these offenses.
Presently the UK like other countries applies sentences in a discounted way where the crimes will have been recorded but the time they have served will be served concurrently or at the same time as the first sentence. Rather than a cumulative approach where if the offender commits a series of offenses the sentences do not sequentially add on to each other. Now in the UK, we have three specific types of sentencing Suspended sentences where the duration is less than a year this is often how Pet Theft is dealt with nationally which also highlights the need for reform. The aim would be to push for a Determinate sentence were unlike the suspended sentence where the sentence is held unless the guilty party reoffends a determinate sentence sees half of the offender’s sentence in prison and half in the community. This is where the probationary sentence comes into account and ensures that the guilty party does not re-offend. Indeterminate sentences are used to identify where the courts can use their powers to determine a minimum imposed sentence which could be used where you have a repeat offender or when the individual is linked to organized crime.
Now Tim highlights that the maximum sentence for theft is up to seven years but this does not mean that the judiciary has to sentence up to this amount and the guidance for the courts may be tied from using tougher sentences. Now why is this the case, one area is culpability is an area that should be reflected on in a specific act because although this relates to the planning and coordination of the theft. Guidelines then have to further examine the level of harm to an individual now this form of measurement is a subjective matter and should not necessarily be applied in this way. If the animal itself was recognized as having harm applied to it by recognizing the conditions or impact on it and the distress to owner or keeper in a way that is more referencable to the courts this could likely lead to tougher sentences. We went on to discuss the importance of the Animal Welfare Sentencing Bill both its importance and significance as a way to develop specific and tougher sentences but also as a way to build on changes brought in at a later stage.
In terms of trends, Tim says that present data does not trend to any particular breed but as always high demand or popular breeds can be easier targets as the criminals are aware they can move them on easier. Now from this, I draw the conclusion that they are also aware of how much these popular breeds fetch online and as a result the value of the breed specifically. Whereas we could draw from this less well-known breeds may not be as identifiable and whilst we certainly should not let our guard down as dogs are stolen for a variety of reasons where we must be vigilant to protect our precious pets. There is no evidence as of yet to suggest that breeds are stolen to order and therefore business owners should remain vigilant of their risk to theft but they are at no greater risk of opportunistic thieves than the general public. Now building on my previous article Tim points out that whilst these thieves are stealing pets from gardens as well as kennels they have a variety of methods and are not deterred from entering a house to steal a litter of puppies. Now, this highlights ways you can reduce the risk of break-ins by methods such as alarm systems which must be armed, CCTV, robust locks, and not advertising any litters of puppies or kittens which may attract opportunistic thieves. One area which Tim points out that we have not spoken about is how something which may not be outrightly suspicious may be a tool for criminal groups using distraction theft to talk to the owner and cause someone to let their guard down and allow someone to abduct their pet.
https://www.law.ox.ac.uk/centres-institutes/centre-criminology/blog/2016/01/more-one-crime-sentencing-multiple-offences
https://www.lawtonslaw.co.uk/resources/sentencing/
https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk/offences/crown-court/item/theft-general/
https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk/offences/magistrates-court/item/theft-general/
World Wildlife Day
The importance of wildlife and diversity in the natural world has never been as much as a focal point as it is today we all appreciated the opportunity to escapee lockdown wows with green vestigates. Now it is our turn to protect these valuable green spaces.
First of all, to raise awareness, different organisations worldwide show what affects disappearing wildlife by linking it to their branding. Now, why are they doing this?
In today's article, I discuss what the day brings awareness for. The reason why we need to keep wildlife at the centre of our policies. What we can do to help as general citizens.
Now the impact which humans have on the natural world is plain and clear for everyone to see. The importance of days such as today to highlight our place in the world and are impacts is crucial. Now what these days do is highlight what we can do better rather than encourage a sense of regret because we need to recognise what we can do better.
In terms of highlighting impacts on various animals, countries such as India highlight their rich wildlife and make it clear that their natural heritage is essential. In particular, the steps taken toward the reintroduction of other predators like Cheetahs show that they recognise that as well as maintaining the existing animals in the region, they need to reintroduce historic species to help the region recover. Countries such as India recognise the need to promote greater cohesion with wildlife organisations, such as how UK football clubs highlight the impact of World Wildlife day by removing animals from their logos. This is more for publicity, making more people aware of the effects we are having and raising awareness. This links us to the theme this year, where we look at how Forests and Livelihoods: Sustain People and the Planet.
My interest in this field is the impact that our industries have on pollinators. Comprehending how they utilise their habitats effectively is key to understanding how to preserve the species and biodiversity. The crux of this process is applied broadly to other animal conservation. Noting the importance of conservation projects and planting endeavours to help the animals recover in their environment. Comparing this with infrastructure projects that restore the vibrance of our woodlands. In Suffolk, the focus needs to be on developing works in the conservation and regenerative agriculture fields. For the Agricultural sector to grow in a sustainable direction, research needs to identify areas that producers can continue developing to maximise sustainable growth for both the industries and wildlife.
My interest in pollinators, significantly the benefits they bring to the natural world for flora and their important place in food webs. Now forests have a significant advantage in terms of how they safeguard the planet. They are quoted as being the lungs of our world. We need to recognise how we sustainably grow to limit our damage to these valuable green spaces. Many flora species have contributed to our medicines and food production. Each year, new resources, such as; plants, pharmaceutical, food resources, and natural beauty, are discovered alongside animal species. We also need to remember that the natural biodiversity all reduces how many species densely congregate in a given space. This is key for epidemiological reasons are it provides a barrier against disease spread. While animals would naturally interact in forests or different biomes, their interaction frequency is limited outside of the human environment. The increased interaction in intensive settings like wet markets has arguably lead to an increase in disease spread.
So in terms of how you can protect animals in terms of policy areas, the Dutch indeed lead the way in giving animals a front and place centre in their infrastructure projects. Often building animals into their design, they include Wildlife corridors, giving animals access to other habitats, enabling more extraordinary biodiversity and not limiting them to a closed environment and isolated population. This is a more expensive form of infrastructure design, but it is crucial we need to reflect on this when we look at designing our environments at home. Connecting farms via hedgerows and allowing green spaces to be connected, not isolated. Countries like Rwanda, India, Scotland, and Costa Rica are increasing the number of trees they are planting to increase forest cover and biodiversity. In Suffolk, we are doing the same thing by establishing our memorial woodlands and engaging in our own planting initiatives. Countries like Zambia have set up organisations to monitor and regulate our impact on animals ensuring they have the opportunity to thrive in the environment. Countries like Canada, the Central African Republic, Zimbabwe, Bhutan, Tanzania, and Botswana have invested heavily in National parks and the different safeguards that can establish vestiges of protection for vulnerable habitats. Norway and Namibia have particular safeguards in their policy that recognise protected species and safeguard animals in law and society.
Now to summarise how you can help as well as engaging in conservation projects locally, you can also make sure your home is wildlife-friendly. Whether that be providing food and resources for animals that are unable to find resources at particular times of the year, such as Hedgehogs. Putting wildlife shelters in place or bird boxes to offer them an alternative home to replace the lack of suitable nesting sites. Planting trees and hedges which are ideal for nesting and foraging, which animals can use as valuable resources. In terms of what these plants are, heritage plants are good places to start but think Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Dogwood. Think about what you can offer to animals. Can you provide food for animals or even small plants for pollinators in the window? Could you plant a heritage hedge? Can you get involved with other projects rewilding, tree planting or conservation projects?
https://rr-africa.oie.int/en/projects/world-wildlife-day-2021-forests-and-livelihoods-sustaining-people-and-planet/
https://www.republicworld.com/lifestyle/festivals/world-wildlife-day-here-is-the-theme-history-and-significance-of-this-day.html
https://www.discoverwildlife.com/news/world-wildlife-day-when-is-it-this-years-theme-and-how-to-take-part/
https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/which-countries-are-the-best-in-wildlife-conservation.html
https://nationaltoday.com/world-wildlife-day/
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/news/articles/three-top-tips-to-help-give-nature-a-home-in-your-garden/
Mind Your Head
With the importance of Agriculture to both the economy and our ways of life, we need to ensure that we look after its workers. This article focuses on the Mind your Head Campaign bringing awareness to mental health in farming and links to resources to help.
Further to my earlier article about mental health today marks the start of the Mind Your Head campaign.
The Yellow Wellies group rightly has highlighted some key points about farmers mental health. Now some issues which they have isolated would be challenging to control or resolve. Now whilst there are specific agricultural loans to help with the business or equipment needs this, unfortunately, is often at a great interest rate as well as which when coupled with other stressors. Some of these stressors can be highly varied from the direct impacts such as the financial impacts on the business to the secondary elements such as one which livestock farmers face. Livestock farmers often face increased opposition to both the changing diets of the masses that has caused abuse and heated debates on both sides. However, whilst both sides of the debate have valid points and passionate views only one directly impacts their livelihoods. Now whilst this debate will likely be on going for a number of years as it one about ideology. Some positives have been drawn from it alternatives to different movements such as Reganuary which puts a focus on a more sustainable form of agriculture. Now rather then discuss this movement in this article the reason for highlighting it, is that this is a way for the industry to champion better practice by highlighting innovations as well as supporting the local businesses. This can also be seen with concerns between farmers and others who use the countryside or visit farmers lands. With an increased amount of walkers in the countryside farmers can be drawn into conflict when dogs are off lead distressing stock. If the stock animals are distressed or attacked by the dog the farmer has the right to shoot the dog but this can be deeply distressing either by seeing the damage a dog can do to the stock or through shooting the dog. Neither is an option that the farmer wants to pursue however it is something which does often happen with a lack of understanding of the environment.
Now when looking at stress in farmers it is important that all actions are taken to reduce stress. Finding people to talk with whether that be online or those in local support group by engaging in conversation and offloading some of the stress recognising they are not alone. Making sure that those that work on farms especially for those whose lives and work focus on the land need somewhere else to focus such as going off site, exploring a hobby or a trip. Making sure you also take the chance to regularly exercise and follow a suitable routine.
Now campaigns such as Fit to Farm also highlight characteristics about the various roles which are often not explored. The working hours which farmers often do can be up to 65 hours per week this is comparable to the 56 hours per week doctors do. Now not all farmers have this type of working environment but for those who do it should be rightly recognised the pressures they face. Especially at busy periods like harvest where they are flat out for days and hours at end. Now because of working and living on site taking leave from your family farm can be a far flung fantasy for some it is not as simple as leaving your home for holiday for those who business needs require careful monitoring but are tied to a fixed location. Many entrepreneurs or professionals can take their work with them and therefore find some release this is arguably the same for large companies but a challenge for the small family farms. Now respondents to the survey by the Fit to Farm campaign have outlined areas they need help in would it not be the best time for the communities to rely around them and support their efforts.
We also need to remember what great resources we have available to support us and those within our community. YANA specifically targets mental health in farming whilst the Yellow Wellies looks at farm safety follow the links below to find out more about their work and how to support them. Together we Can.
http://yellowwellies.org/StressManagementBooklet_0319/StressManagementBooklet_0319/?page=23
Mental Health in Farming
With Mental Health Week coming a close it comes as the Mind Your Head campaign starts specifically looking at how farmers safety and Mental Health needs a specific focus.
With my articles over the last week, I have played close attention to Mental Health and specifically the impacts on isolation. Now, something which I want to focus on is isolated sectors in rural Suffolk. The isolated primary industry is that of farming. Agriculture is both an industry which has given me a great deal of opportunity and experiences.
Still, I would be remised if I said that you did not notice the effects of being disconnected from many outside of your farm. Now my experience was only brief, often seeing and visiting many farms which Faccenda Foods had ownership of or were contracting out their growing of broiler chickens. Now, although many of my experiences was visiting a variety of farms from large industrial sites with bungalows or living areas for the manager as well as maybe an assistant on-site, this was not often the case for smaller farms where the need for a second staff member on-site was not as justified fiscally. Now the farmers often had family members on the site where their kids and spouse often worked or studied offsite. The farmer primarily stayed on-site for the crop's duration, taking the odd day off throughout the six to seven-week cycle. When off relief staff would work on-site by travelling from other areas to cover the staff member temporarily, and when the site was being prepared for the next crop they would often take the opportunity to holiday away from the site. This chance to leave the area is usually not possible on the traditional farming business. When the land is not working or being prepared for work, it still needs management or other maintenance. Therefore this leaves the farmers working tirelessly for our communities year-round which is both a service and calling which many would not trade.
Now farming is quoted as having one of the worst safety records, which is exaggerated by the number of time farmers spend working in isolation. The larger farms will often see collaboration between owner and employee or generally between generations. Smaller sites are may be unable to justify offering work outside the family and if there is no one within the household to assist then the work can be more isolating. The long hours in the fields tied with the many hats they have to wear; mechanic, accountant, weatherman, and engineer. Now when your livelihood and to an extent your history is deeply rooted in your land, the looming financial uncertainty is a deep concern. With the risks around changes to income and direct payments changes looming post-Brexit, the stress can be too much for those with no one to talk again. This is why the work that charities such as YANA do is so valuable and the results of educators like myself to highlight these groups to the next generation is critical. The Mind Your Head campaign, which I will discuss later this week, needs to be shared and continually championed. After all, although we see shifts in our habits or dietary preferences and sometimes are attitudes, we need to remember the differences in our communities highlight them and ensure that we all continue to move forward together.
Lockdowns Effect on our Community
How can we all stay connected with our communities during the ongoing lockdown. With the continued pressure that lockdown has on mental health particularly in young people what can, we do to help out those in our communities. This is also something that can benefit our businesses and each other.
Whilst listening to the Front Row yesterday, the discussion looked at how the next generation of learners is affected by the pandemic. Now part of the impact that the pandemic has had on them is exploring different opportunities available. Understanding how we can best promote knowledge sharing the skills we can encourage, techniques they can be taught, industries which they can see. Lockdown affords us the chance to use communities to support businesses and refine how our communities develop and grow this is an area that I believe we should investigate. Alongside the provisions that we can provide the next generation with we can use the same community to benefit businesses. We all intend to share products, craftsmanship, knowledge and talents.
This article addresses the concerns that affect businesses and our students with thoughts on building back better. With the researcher's main point being highlighted, the individuals at a disadvantage in the labour market. The general focus is lack of opportunities immediately available to young people in the present circumstances. With many people being furloughed or out of work, it is not just the lack of job prospect post-college or school. Still, it also allows us to learn or experience whilst again to grow academically with all but a small number of work experiences being offered by businesses able to field these rare opportunities. Learners need to work with various companies to understand how they work within the sector and establish their likes and dislikes. Employers also need to recognise the next generation's strengths and weaknesses, working with educators and tutors to fill these skill gaps (Johnston and Maddox, 2021).
This brings me to the point about lockdown sectors the first jobs for many the opportunities to develop soft skills. Those who go onto university can recover academically from this disruption, but those emerging into the job market are disadvantaged here (Dias et al., 2020). With other impacts being the effect on people's mental health, the implications of many in the community isolated coming together in new ways to share our experiences should be encouraged. Many have concerns about health, education, careers, and livelihoods having a sense of community where people can share their thoughts before returning to normalcy (Peter Madeley, 2021).
However, how this is delivered is equally as important as the messages discussed. Providing a sense of routine whether that be a discussion by business groups, talks about soft skills, mental health days or sharing a craft all need to be provided in a way that encourages positive habits to form (Mental Health, 2020).
This is where a community is needed rather than letting lockdown impact our lives. We have the chance to promote and showcase what communities can do. Allow people to find out about hidden talents within groups, allowing us to restore our link attachments. A pandemic which has forced us to be disconnected could bring us a greater sense of togetherness.
What we can do to build this sense of togetherness and community. Enabling businesses to share what they do and what they produce it gives individuals a sense of involvement in the process. By following the steps you take, we can learn from your experiences, collectively feel involved with your business and its place within our community. This can let people know what your offering, gives someone insight into your profession and build that link with your brand. Teachers, individuals and professionals can also share their content and experiences to best provide tips for working through lockdown, helping someone discover a new hobby or just helping someone get through the day. If there is something we can provide to wider communities in either core or fringe subjects that gives them a similar advantage to their peers, we should encourage them. There is no equivalent exchange for part-time jobs or being with our peers in terms of soft skills, yet what we can do is share our experiences and knowledge openly talking about mental health, finance, work-life balances (Nick Morrison, 2021).
Your County Council Candidate
I am delighted to introduce myself as your County Council candidate this page and website will give you an introduction to me within this article are my initial pledges to you.
Working for Communities and the Environment
Jordon Millward has been selected to stand as the Conservative candidate for the Cosford Division in next May’s County Council elections.
Jordon’s passion for animals and the environment led him to study for his undergraduate degree at Harper Adams University. He now teaches in colleges in Suffolk to pass on this knowledge and passion to the next generation.
His experience has helped him understand what it means to live and work in the countryside and the needs of rural communities. His time studying and working has informed his understanding of the balance between nature and the needs of the agricultural and rural communities.
Jordon is committed to ensuring that the next generation has a strong community connection to the land and the opportunity to thrive. As your County councillor, he will advocate on your behalf for strong educational provision, for an environment which is there for current and future generations, and for an economy which can support them.
Farming for the Future
Together we need to ensure that our rural landscape is fit for tomorrow and today. As your councillor, Jordon will work with farmers, landowners and countryside groups to ensure that our countryside continues to prosper and provide a biodiverse haven for wildlife for future generations. With his experience in the sector, Jordon will champion the work of the farmers, and support young people entering the industry including through promoting opportunities in our valuable County Council farms and estates.
A Voice for the Next Generation
It is crucial that we continue to develop educational provision in our communities. As your councillor, Jordon will be the voice for the next generation ensuring that young people of all abilities have the facilities and opportunities to thrive that they need. Jordon already works with schools and colleges on how to meet the needs of students with SEND.
SUFFOLK CONSERVATIVES HAVE DELIVERED
Suffolk County Council’s Conservative Administration has led the county’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, protecting our most vulnerable residents during lockdown.
We have balanced sound financial management with caring for our most vulnerable residents – an approach that is needed more than ever in these unprecedented times.
Working with partners, we ran the successful Home But Not Alone phoneline and sourced and distributed PPE when it was in short supply.
We set up the Suffolk Advice and Support Line helping families facing hardship with debt advice, as well as with food and fuel vouchers, paying utility bills, buying school uniform, covering rent arrears and more. Call: 0800 068 3131 (weekdays 9am – 5pm)
Suffolk Conservatives lead the campaign on Climate Change with our promise to make the Council’s carbon neutral by 2030. We will plant over 100,000 trees, including healing woods in memory of those who died from Covid19, and will fund and promote town and village projects supporting local wildlife and biodiversity.
Between 2017 and 2021 we will have spent over £1billion caring for our most vulnerable children and adults. We are spending £45m building 800 school places for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, with 200 places opened this year and three new SEND schools opening in the next two years.
We will set up a network of Family Hubs for children and young people aged 0-19 and their families.
Fleece hold: where one's castle becomes their burden
Now an Englishmen’s home is their castle but for me, on new build estates, these castles can turn into a burden. Now how does a fresh new property become a cumbersome burden “Fleecehold”.
An English men's home is their castle but with the recent increase in the amount of Freehold homes which are found to be better befitting the name Fleecehold. Why is this? It is often because of covenants or agreements which have been placed on the property by the developer. The owner is contractually obligated to pay a fee to a management company often owned by the same company or with shared board members as the developer. The management company often then contracts out the maintenance to local firms to maintain the land and green spaces. Now whereas the current problem facing new build freehold properties are not new, they can often be compared to leasehold properties. These homes saw a great deal of scrutiny and improvements because of action taken by people directly affected by the leasehold scandal as well as by groups such as HorNet. This intervention by groups like HorNet has seen a lot of pressure on management companies to offer compromises to the existing problem of rising fees and to provide buying guidance for first-time buyers many of which are unaware of the issue before contractually agreeing to buy the property.
This document delves into some of the critical problems that householders face in Fleecehold homes and discusses why this is a scandal waiting to unfold. The document will also provide an outline of some solutions that local councils can do to address this problem without direct intervention by government legislation. Now part of the initial issue is that the very definition of Free Hold is up for debate with Fleece Hold properties. It goes against the very definition of freehold where the owner owns the "title absolute" as they often do not have complete ownership of the land as other parties can claim against the property. With the other parties being able to stake a claim on the property having this form of overarching power over the householder, they can interfere with several processes that homeowners would reasonably expect to do. These include examples such as; apply to alter their property, be free from regular charge for adjacent land, obstruct the sale of the property.
This moves onto the next step of the home buyers issues with the Fleecehold property, and the house may well have elements that, although not miss-sold, are not highlighted to the buyer. Now whilst the buyer of this build would rightly be made aware of these issues or concern when the recommended solicitor has not emphasised this to the buyer. They are often only made aware of the situation just before it becomes a problem which they are unable to resolve. The sales team of the various housing associations can then compound the problem by suggesting that the only way for an effective sale to take place is to follow the guidance of the developer. Using the recommended conveyancer, which is compounded when the individual is unaware of the procedure when buying a house. This is often as many are first-time buyers or the first in their family to buy a property.
Now, this becomes a problem for the owner when they notice the maintenance charge this charge is often downplayed as a small management fee and typically one which is minor for the upkeep of unadopted areas which the council does not operate. This lack of information contributes to the start of often deeply problematic situation for the buyer as the critical information is often shrouded from them which is a process that needs to be hastily removed so that the individuals are not trapped in a system they cannot get out of. Now the stream of problems increases once the buyer has exchanged the necessary paperwork and is often in the property once the developer's agent sends over the essential documentation outlining the charge once the estate has been finished. This can vary from an initial minuscule amount to a significant financial burden similar to council tax or mortgage rates they are already paying. These ECPs or external common parts are owned not by the council but by a management company these companies can have a variety of different levels of thoroughness some maintaining the spaces well and others often giving minimal service for the extensive charges. These charges can frequently accumulate and grow over the years, causing homeowners to be unable to afford to pay the amount Estate Rent Charge or ERC. This ERC under specific laws which treat the owner as a Tenant allows management companies to take income from the owner or repossess the home until such a time that the debt is cleared. If the owner then attempts to settle this dispute, they can often then be refused due to the property being under the management of a trustee to oversee the reclaimant of funds. This coupled with a lack of legal protection often available to leaseholders but not granted to freeholders compounds the issue. They are left in a situation with no recourse to live in their usually newly furnished and designed property which many homebuyers have slaved over the aesthetics of their home. Leaving the homeowner, the option to sell their home. However, they are often shackled to it as many lenders and surveyors who know about Fleecehold properties will advise clients against the purchasing of the property in question. This leaves the owner in the situation where they cannot continue owning the property but may be unable to sell it. This could culminate in a perfect storm of a scandal waiting to happen unless acted upon promptly.
Now whilst banning the sale of these properties outright is not a viable solution as the UK demand for homes increases. The removal of the management fees and the granting of legal protection to homeowners so they can dispute the charges is crucial. One way of removing the charge would not be possible within the existing structure, so therefore the often argued solution to the problem is for councils to adopt these communal spaces both in terms of its maintenance and overall management. This solution is not usually the one pursued many instead elect a board of residents to manage the ownership of the management company to maintain the resident's estates effectively.
Now in other blogs, we will look at other potential solutions as well as proposals to safeguard the future of homeowners and avert the potential scandal in the waiting.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-51413320
https://www.homeownersrights.net/welcome-to-hornet/
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/you-need-know-fleecehold-charges-17006131