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Axminster, Tax avoidance

HMRC misses out on £50m of stamp duty from Middle Eastern bank

Because it sued the wrong company … who were their lawyers?

“HM Revenue & Customs has lost its bid to recover up to £50m in stamp duty from the sale of the Chelsea Barracks in 2007.
Three Court of Appeal judges decided that the tax office had pursued the wrong party for the tax.

The purchaser, a firm owned by the Qatar Investment Authority, had used a type of Islamic finance that meant a bank actually owned the property.

HMRC said it was “disappointed” by the ruling.

“The Court of Appeal ruling supports our view that SDLT [stamp duty land tax] is payable. We are disappointed that the decision makes that tax much harder to collect so we are considering an appeal,” HMRC said.

The judges’ decision is likely to reignite criticism of the complexity of the UK tax system, if HMRC itself can be caught off guard. It will also expose alternative financing arrangements to more scrutiny from tax campaigners.”

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-36397905

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Austerity cuts, Economy

Austerity policies do more harm than good, IMF study concludes

“A strong warning that austerity policies can do more harm than good has been delivered by economists from the International Monetary Fund, in a critique of the neoliberal doctrine that has dominated economics for the past three decades. In an article seized on by the shadow chancellor, John McDonnell, the IMF economists said rising inequality was bad for growth and that governments should use controls to cope with destabilising capital flows. …”

http://gu.com/p/4jm68

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Axminster, Neighbourhood Plans, Persimmon

Axminster: Persimmon and Crown Estates meet the neighbours

DEVELOPERS have met with the people of Axminster face-to-face to discuss plans on a massive development to the east of the town.

Persimmon Homes had plans for a large development turned down in January 2015 and are now attempting to right that wrong by consulting with local residents over their plan for the land between Sector Lane and Chard Road.

Persimmon Homes said: “East Devon District Council have a newly-adopted Local Plan – Persimmon submitted proposals in the form of a planning application in January 2015 to commence the process of implementing the council’s strategy. EDDC refused the applications.

“We are aware that Axminster Town Council is preparing a Neighbourhood Plan and wish to hear how Persimmon’s proposal might contribute to that. We wanted to hear views in the issues that are important to Axminster.”

The application site forms part of the Local Plan and is allocated for mixed use. The site is available for the delivery 650 dwellings, employment land, community and open space facilities, a primary school and a north/south relief road. A road linking through the scheme would act as a relief road to traffic from the A358 Chard Road to the north and Lyme Road to the south.

At the public meeting Persimmon laid out some of the positives of the site and also how they will deal with some of the constraints.

They stated that the site benefits from its green surroundings, there are good existing road links to provide access, an existing public footpath provides walks to the countryside, plenty of views to the surrounding hills and a provision of a relief road would ease congestion in the town.

Persimmon said: “Existing significant trees and hedgerows on the site boundary will need to be protected; Weycroft Hall and Mill Brook at the north of the site both require sensitive treatment. Residential edges would be dealt with carefully and industrial edges of the site will need buffers.”

The Crown Estate, who owns around 50 per cent of the land Persimmon hopes to build on, were also at the public consultation and explained their role.

The Crown Estate said: “We are committed to working with the local community, other landowners including Persimmon and the district and town council to deliver the vision set out in the Local Plan.

“We understand there are realistic concerns about traffic levels and are looking at options to address this, including a possible relief road. We will look to carry out further public consultations on our emerging proposals later this year and will announce more details nearer the time.”

Plans for the original development were turned down in January last year for several reasons, including an unacceptable masterplan that had not been subjected to meaningful consultation.

There was also a failure to provide an acceptable level of affordable housing.

Persimmon Homes will look to re-submit plans for the new development later this year factoring in details that have arisen from meeting with local residents.

http://www.viewnews.co.uk/housing-developers-face-public/

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Accountability, Electoral Commission, General Election, Voting

Calderdale Tory Association has accounts seized

The chair of the Calderdale Conservatives Association has resigned after growing internal controversy over its accounts being submitted to the Electoral Commission.

A sourced leaked the resignation emails to Political Scrapbook this morning.

In an email sent yesterday afternoon by Charles Moran, ex-chair of the CVCA, said he was resigning after a “breakdown in relations” with the MP and two officers of the Association.

But the main reason for his resignation seems to be launch of a criminal investigation into financial irregularities at the Association.

An email from Councillor Rob Holden, Deputy Chair of the Calder Valley Conservatives, leaked to Political Scrapbook, says that West Yorkshire police seized the accounts in connection with their enquiries.

West Yorkshire Police released a statement to Political Scrapbook this afternoon:

“Police in Calderdale have been made aware of an allegation of financial irregularity. A criminal investigation has now been launched to examine this allegation, and is its early stages.”

In a phone conversation with Political Scrapbook this afternoon, deputy chair cllr Rob Holden confirmed the resignation and the email. He added:

“All I can say right now is that West Yorkshire police have mine and the Association’s full cooperation.
The blog Impolite Conversation claims that Craig Whittaker MP’s office is to be investigated next, but we could not confirm that.”

The emails below give more insight into why the chair resigned, and why West Yorkshire Police is now investigating.

More on this developing story soon…

LEAKED EMAILS

———-

Subject: Resignation CVCA
Sent: 26 May 2016 14:03
From: Charles Moran
To: Rob Holden, Jasbir Singh
Cc:
Dear Rob

It is with regret that I am writing to you to tender my resignation as Chairman of CVCA as of today’s date.

As you are aware, it has taken some time to get to the bottom of the Association’s finances, a task you requested be carried out last October.

Whilst there are still outstanding issues with the accounts I have submitted to the Electoral Commission,it is a best estimate and I have also copied it to Andy Stedman at Compliance.

The reason I have been unable to accurately finalise the accounts is as a result of missing records that have been requested from the Treasurer on several occasions and have not been supplied.

Attached to this email is a copy of a Chartered Accountant’s report which states that the accounts are not being kept as they should be. There are issues regarding the recording of cash receipts, lack of cash recording with no receipts issued for payments received, missing invoices and a lack of authorisation for expenditure. Clearly the Executive has a responsibility to correct these shortcomings.

You will also be aware of the toxic nature of my tenure as Chairman, due to the breakdown in relations with the MP and two officers of the Association. This situation is unacceptable and steps need to be taken to separate the Parliamentary Party from the Voluntary Party.

The fact that the MP is able to not only access the Association’s funds without authority from the Chairman or the Executive is a matter of grave concern. The Constitution is clear that all funds are controlled by the Association and its Executive, the fact that two officers are able to withdraw funds without authority is clearly in breach of the rules.

The fact that I, as Chairman, am not on the mandate and neither are you, the Deputy Fund Raising and Membership, is also a matter which I consider to be unacceptable.

Whilst it has been difficult for me as Chairman for the past year, I can’t help feeling disappointed that once again we have failed to take outright control of Calderdale Council, largely as a result of resources being diverted to a safe seat at the expense of target seats. We lost one of the target seats by less than a100 votes.

Above attached is a schedule of missing information, Chartered Accountant’s report and a copy of the estimated accounts that have been sent to Compliance and the Electoral Commission. Would you mind ensuring that these documents together with my email to you are circulated with the AGM calling notice to all members when you decide to call it please?

Regards

Charles

———-

Subject: FW: Resignation CVCA
Sent: 26 May 2016 14:27
From: Rob Holden
To: Brighouse Campaign Centre
Cc:

Dear member.

I am writing to you further to receiving the resignation of Mr Charles Moran as Chairman of the Calder Valley Conservative Association. I feel saddened that he has felt the need to stand down but thoroughly understand his reasons following his extremely poor treatment by certain members of the Association. The accounts (albeit incomplete) have finally been filed with the Electoral Commission.

Attached are the findings of the financial review that I requested back in October 2015 and I have to say that they do not make great reading as far as record keeping and propriety are concerned.

Yesterday the accounts of the Association were seized by the Police in connection with enquiries they are currently undertaking; the officer from the fraud and financial irregularities team has been assured that they will receive the ongoing co-operation of the Association with their investigation.

I am currently in discussions with the Area Chairman regarding the next steps concerning the AGM etc. and as soon as possible I will provide everyone with an update.

I would like to thank Charles for the considerable contribution that he has made to both the Association and the party as a whole and hope that now the financial review has been completed, lessons will be learned and we can move the Association forward.

Kindest regards

Councillor Rob Holden
Deputy Chairman, Calder Valley Conservatives.

https://politicalscrapbook.net/2016/05/calderdale-conservatives-chair-resigns-after-police-investigation-over-election-expenses-emails-leaked/

Further information on MP and missing invoices here:

http://www.impoliteconversation.co.uk/police-seize-calder-valley-conservative-association-accounts

Local Lib Dems view:
http://calderdalelibdems.focusteam.org/2016/05/27/grave-concern-following-the-seizure-of-calderdale-conservatives-accounts-by-the-police-and-the-resignation-of-the-chair-of-the-conservative-association/

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Comments

PCC Hernandez voted in on party political ticket can stay at work but can’t talk politics!

Bad luck those of you who voted for a Tory Police and Crime Commissioner because she was … well … a Tory because now she can’t talk about politics.

“A newly-elected police and crime commissioner under investigation over election expenses can continue in her role, a panel has ruled.

Alison Hernandez faced allegations she failed to declare expenses as election agent in Torbay in the 2015 Election.
At an emergency meeting, the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Panel said she was still able to discharge the functions required of her role.

It would continue to scrutinise decisions made by Ms Hernandez.

The panel also told her to stop making political statements.
In its recommendations, the panel said: “The panel notes that whilst the commissioner is subject to allegations she has not been charged with a criminal offence.”

It says that the functions of the police and crime commissioner are able to be discharged by Ms Hernandez.
Read more on this story as it develops throughout the day on our Local Live pages.

The meeting heard a series of hostile questions from the public and councillors into how Ms Hernandez could continue in office with investigations into undeclared election expenses ongoing.

Miss Hernandez told the panel she had done nothing wrong and there was no legal requirement for her to stand aside while the investigation was ongoing.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission will also review the allegations.

The referral to the watchdog was made by the chief executive of the office of the police and crime commissioner, Andrew White.

The watchdog will decide whether to investigate, or refer the matter to another police force.”

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-36399080

Should have voted Independent!

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Coastal communities

“Businesses and communities across the Great British Coast could be sailing towards a cash windfall, ministers announced today (23 May 2016).

Creative coastal entrepreneurs can from today bid for a share of £90 million government funding available UK-wide over the next 4 years to support their plans to reel in jobs and revitalise our much-loved seaside areas.

This latest cash boost for coastal communities is all part of the government’s efforts to rebalance the economy and help all areas of the country thrive.

Communities Secretary Greg Clark said:

Our Great British Coast has enormous economic potential and we are determined to see it thrive all year round.

That’s why today we’re investing £90 million in exciting new business ideas across our much-loved seaside areas – bringing not just a wave of enthusiasm but also creating thousands of good new jobs too.

And with grants of up to £4 million each available, I’d urge our coastal entrepreneurs and communities to get involved.

Communities Minister Mark Francois said:

Over the past few years we’ve seen a sea-change in investment across our Great British Coast – with today’s £90 million building on the £120 million we’ve already pumped in.

This money is all about generating jobs and boosting businesses, so if you’ve got a good idea we want to hear from you.

We’re rightly proud of our country’s seaside past but this new money means that we can also look forward to its bright future. …”

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/90-million-boost-for-the-great-british-coast

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Devolution, Hinkley C, Local Enterprise Partnership, Transparency

Hinkley C: Would you buy a used car from EDF?

Hinkley Point: French unions put nuclear plant’s future in doubt

The future of the planned new nuclear power plant at Hinkley Point remains in doubt as key French unions still oppose the project, BBC Newsnight has learned.

EDF, which would build the plant, had delayed a decision on the project in Somerset until the summer while it consulted French union representatives.

The company, which is 85% French state-owned, had hoped to win support from a committee of workplace representatives.
But the committee said staff had not been reassured about the plant’s costs.

Trade union representatives hold six of the 18 seats on EDF’s board.

‘Several reservations’

Jean-Luc Magnaval, secretary of the Central Works Committee that EDF consulted with, told Newsnight that staff feared the cost of the project would cripple EDF.

He said: “We have reservations about several aspects of the project: organisation, supply chain, installation, and procurement.

“The trade unions are unlikely to give their blessing to the project in its current state.

“We are not reassured by the documents we have received. We have been given a marketing folder, not the full information we require.

“We got the documents on 9 May – we are sending EDF a request for more explanations.”

On Monday French Economy Minister Emmanuel Macron wrote to MPs on Westminster’s energy select committee to reassure them the French government remained committed to the project.

But Mr Macron added: “It is also necessary, in the interests of all, that EDF follows due process before committing itself to an investment of this magnitude.

“The consultation of the Central Works Committee brings legal robustness on the decision.”

Chinese backing

EDF chief executive Vincent de Rivaz also told MPs on the committee that he did not know when a final decision on the project would be made.

Earlier this month, French President Francois Hollande said he would like the project to go ahead.

Hinkley Point C, which would provide 7% of the UK’s total energy requirements, had originally been meant to open in 2017.

But it has been hit in recent months by concerns about EDF’s financial capacity to handle the project.

While one third of the £18bn capital costs of the project are being met by Chinese investors, Hinkley Point would remain an enormous undertaking for the stressed French company.

In March, Thomas Piquemal, EDF’s chief financial officer, quit after his proposal to delay the project by three years was rejected by colleagues.

In April, French Energy Minister Ségolène Royale also suggested the project should be delayed.

Much of this scepticism is the consequence of problems in constructing nuclear power stations to similar designs elsewhere.

A plant being built by EDF at Flamanville in Normandy, northern France, has been hit by years of delays and spiralling costs.

‘Red line’

Furthermore, since the company is nationally owned, the decision is also subject to political pressure.

A former energy adviser to the French government told Newsnight that while EDF did not technically need the backing of the trade union representatives, it would be very difficult, politically, to go ahead without it.

Yves Marignac said: “Going for it would for the government be crossing a red line in their relationship with the trade unions, which would make it really difficult for the government, particularly with the perspective of the next general election when they will need to get some support of the trade unions.

“Making a decision for the project is not possible right now. The political costs and the costs for EDF’s financial situation are too high right now.”

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Accountability, Consultation, Democracy, Local Enterprise Partnership, Scrutiny, Transparency

Devolution, councillors, secrecy and scrutiny

Councillor involvement generally

It is surprising that engagement with local councillors seems to have been so patchy.

By and large, councillors have been shut out of the process, with even overview and scrutiny members having to rely on periodic (and infrequent) updates from of officers to keep themselves up to speed.

This is the fault of the system, and the framework (or lack of it) for negotiation between local government and central Government, designed as it is to dissuade the wider sharing of information beyond a carefully selected group.

Even where attempts have been made to engage backbench councillors in a more consistent way (for example, in Norfolk and Suffolk, the LGiU was contracted to travel the area convening awareness-raising seminars) this has principally been about information-sharing rather than dialogue.

Occasional reports to OSCs [Overview and Scrutiny Committee(s)] clearly have not been enough, merely for non-executive councillors to note progress, rather than being part of discussions, negotiation or provision of checks and balances. The role of O&S has been marginalised through perceptions around the complexity, secrecy or urgency of deal making.

This is dangerous for three reasons.

Firstly, the buy-in of a wider range of councillors is crucial to success.

Secondly, the involvement of councillors – beyond receiving updates – is important in ensuring that deals, once they are done, are robust enough to succeed. This robustness is something that can only be tested through effective scrutiny and oversight.

Thirdly, changes in personnel can have a significant effect on the direction of negotiations. Without wider buy-in and dialogue, following an election (or even a by-election) resulting in a change in political control, or any other internal group matter that could result in a new leader, carefully constructed agreements or negotiations could begin to unravel.

It is instructive to bear in mind that in our own engagement with the public, and through the Citizens’ Assemblies, members of the public expressed the strong view that councillor scrutiny should play a critical role in the devolution process.

There are probably a range of different mechanisms that councils, individually and collectively, need to deploy to involve their councillors. Importantly, such involvement needs to be planned – following the sequence set out in the main body of the report above – to ensure that councillors have a stake at every stage in the process. These mechanisms are likely to be:

Engagement within Cabinet. Because negotiations are being led by Leaders, Cabinet members are likely to need frequent updating;

Engagement by leaders within political groups. To secure political buy-in from members of the same party;

Engagement between political groups. Frequent discussion between the leaders of majority and minority parties in local councils to share information, discuss concerns and head off disagreement and discord;

Engagement with scrutiny.

Sharing information, inviting comment and brokering discussion

– as we have discussed, this also provides a formal check and balance on the development and implementation of devolution deals;

Engagement amongst all members.

Other than at full Council, there needs to be sustained engagement with all members – at member briefings, a discussion event specifically convened for discussion of devolution issues, or similar.

All the forms of engagement listed above are probably required, and need to be planned for, for each stage in the sequence of the devolution process. If this seems time-consuming or resource intensive, it has to be placed against the risks of devolution deals or negotiation processes unravelling for want of broad buy-in.

This engagement needs to be underpinned through the provision and use of high-quality evidence. Significant amounts of data will exist between the wide range of stakeholders involved in discussions. Councillors can use this to consider what they suggest about the outcomes that are planned to be delivered, and what this might mean about how governance works on the ground.”

Click to access CfPS-Devolution-Paper-v4-WEB-new.pdf

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Accountability, Consultation, Devolution, Transparency

Devolution: “Cards on the table” report

The report quoted in the post below is here:

Cards on the table: English devolution and governance

It is a thorough and far-reaching document which most councillors should have read BEFORE they made decisions.

It makes the point that much has not been done and makes these points about what needs to be done:

WHAT ALL AREAS CAN DO RIGHT NOW

Consider at what stage in the devolution process they currently stand; Evaluate and reassert what outcomes devolution will deliver to the area;

Agree on what characteristics / principles good governance will need to embody in order to achieve these outcomes;

Check whether effective governance systems are in place that meet those characteristics

– whether those systems are transitional (to manage the process of negotiation and design) or permanent (intended to apply when devolution deals are fully in place);

Ensure that strong data and information sharing – essentially, arrangements for meaningful transparency – is in place to support governance;

Ensure that governance builds in opportunities for meaningful accountability and for the transmission of views and opinions between those in the wider public sphere, and decision-makers.

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Devolution must involve public and back bench councillors

“The Centre for Public Scrutiny has just launched a new paper on devolution in England, writes Ed Hammond.

Our report, Cards on the table suggests the different stages that local areas will have to go through in agreeing and implementing a devolution deals – highlighting the fact that there is a sequence to the process, with each stage in that sequence demanding its own unique governance response. Many of these responses focus on the need to bring in the wider member corps, and the public, to discussions on devolution and its outcomes.

Member and public involvement is critical to the success of English devolution, but it is an element that until now many areas have filed away as “too difficult”. It never seems to be quite the right time to do it. Too early, and plans and proposals may be too vague. Too late, and the decisions may already have been made. In between, many of the negotiations with government are required – by government – to be private. What space is there?

We think that there is more space than you might think, but to take advantage of the opportunities requires a different mindset to that which has been prevalent up until now. Primarily, there are big opportunities to engage non-executive councillors and the public at the earliest stage – to talk to them about “the place” and what they want it to look like in the future. Having discussions with a wide group of people about the future, and their place in that future, helps to do three things:

It places those aspirations front and centre when it comes to working up more concrete plans for devolution;

It frames the future debate and the way that proposals can be presented to government. A proposal for devolved powers which ultimately derives from a local conversation about what devolution might be able to achieve could end up more robust than one which is based on a discussion amongst a comparatively small number of elected councillors and officers;

It engages with the art of what is politically possible. Early discussion of proposals – even using those discussions to frame what the proposals look like – makes it more likely that they will be grounded in reality. Such discussions will highlight where a gap may exist between public expectations and reality – allowing politicians to act to bridge this gap.” …

http://www.lgiu.org.uk/2016/05/23/viewpoint-public-involvement-strengthens-the-devolution-hand/

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Democracy, General Election, Hugo Swire, Lobbying, Transparency, Voting

A snap election?

The Conservatives have raked in nearly £9 million than Labour in donations in the past 12 months – amid mounting speculation there could be a snap general election. …

… According to the official data, most of the Tories’ money came from companies and wealthy individuals.

They include a £569,300 cheque from telecommunications firm Lycamobile, £150,610 from Sun Mark Ltd, more than £500,000 from former stockbroker Alexander Fraser, and £333,000 from Tory peer Lord Glendonbrook.

The Conservatives also received £554,000 from the National Conservative Draws Society – a weekly fundraising prize draw for party members.

Trade union Unite were Labour’s largest single donors, giving the party around £3.5 million in the past year. They were followed by the GMB, who donated £2.7 million.

In total, the main unions gave the party £11.4 million in 2015/16.

https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/political-parties/conservative-party/news/75456/tories-rake-millions-more-labour-amid-early

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Accountability, Democracy, Independent Councillors, Transparency

A national policy framework for independent candidates?

“Wednesday’s meeting in Totnes, organised by South Devon Watch to discuss strategies for political change, was inspiring and challenging in equal part. The inspiration came from so many committed people, all seeking to bring authentic democracy to a system widely seen as unaccountable, if not corrupt. The challenge is to find a way of beating the current system without repeating its manifest failings.

The meeting focused on independent candidates, both at local and national level. Among the speakers was Claire Wright, the independent Devon county councillor who came a good second in East Devon at the general election last year. Also present was Martyn Greene of the Free Parliament campaign, which is putting up serious money to support independent candidates at the next national election.

There can be little doubt that the tribal, adversarial party system typifies much that is wrong with our current politics. If independent candidates are to challenge the party stitch-up, however, they need to work together and show unity of purpose. The distinction between an organised group of independents, working together, and a new party, may not be easily observable to a electorate conditioned to the party system.

What comes first in politics, people or policies? If parliament were filled with independent members all operating under the Bell principles, it is likely that the quality of discourse and deliberation would be far higher than at present, but would effective policy, leadership and decision-making necessarily emerge?

One approach would be to elect government and parliament separately, the former on the basis of its policies, the latter on an independent, non-party basis. The current framework, however, doesn’t work like that: when people go to the polls they suppose that they are voting for the government they want. Government means a combination of policy solutions and the people with the leadership qualities to put those policies into effect.

In response to this, independent-minded political reformers could work together to draw up a national policy framework in they key areas of the economy, health, education, etc., which independent candidates could use as part of their campaigning message. Instead of supporting a party, they would be advocating for a coherent set of policies, the essence of which they would undertake to support in parliament.

In the trade-off between independence and coherence, it makes no sense for every stand-alone candidate to have to reinvent the national policy wheel. A shared set of policies could give national traction, provide a clear story for the media and ensure that the electorate have a better idea of what they are getting.”

http://www.martinwhitlock.co.uk/2016/05/a-national-policy-framework-for.html

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Affordable and Social Housing, Developers/ Development, Local Plan

Short inquiry into Local Plans Expert Group recommendations

The Communities and Local Government Committee has launched a short inquiry into the recommendations put forward by the Local Plans Expert Group (LPEG) to improve the local plan-making process:

Accepting written submissions; the deadline is 27 June 2016

The Committee invites written evidence on the following areas:

The Local Plans Expert Group’s recommendations
The next steps for the local plan-making process
The deadline for written submissions is Monday 27 June 2016.

Send a written submission via the Local Plans Expert Group recommendations inquiry page

Chair’s comments

Clive Betts, Chair of the Communities and Local Government Committee, said:

“The Local Plans Expert Group concluded that substantial reform of the local plan-making process was required and made detailed recommendations for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of local plan making.

The Committee will consider these recommendations and look at how DCLG plans to act on them.”

Background to the inquiry
The LPEG report highlighted difficulties assessing and meeting housing needs through local plans as a central issue, the dominance of which was sometimes to the detriment of other local plan elements. Other issues raised by the report included insufficient engagement with local communities.

In April 2016, the Committee reported on DCLG’s consultation on changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). In the previous parliament the Committee held an inquiry into the NPPF and an inquiry into the operation of the NPPF.

http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/communities-and-local-government-committee/inquiries/parliament-2015/local-plans-expert-group-recommendations-16-17/

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Austerity cuts, Tax avoidance

Land Registry privatisation – all interested companies involved in tax avoidance

“Breaking: our people-powered investigation shows all four companies hoping to bid on the Land Registry have links to offshore tax havens. [1] The revelations are splashed all over The Times today – this kind of publicity is the last thing the government will want as they consult on plans to sell off the profitable public service. [2]

The Times is a paper the government takes seriously – our investigation will have sounded alarm bells.

The government’s already under fire from hundreds of thousands of us, and even from their own experts. If we contact our MPs about the tax havens revelation, we can make sure the ministers responsible for the sell-off are being dogged with questions from their fellow MPs too. [3] This could be the thing that tips them to back down.

Can you email your MP now and ask them to read the news story and speak out against the government’s plans to sell-off the Land Registry? It takes a few minutes, and there’s some suggestions of what to say.”

38 Degrees

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Developers/ Development, EDDC, Sidmouth/ Sidford/ Sidbury

Sidford Industrial Estate Planning Considerations

“Dear Residents

Planning ref:16/0669/MOUT

I hope these notes will help you to make comments about the above planning application. The more people who write in, the better. Please send your observations and ask your friends to do likewise to:

planning@eastdevon.gov.uk or
Write to Planning Dept, EDDC, Knowle, Sidmouth, EX10 8HL

Please remember the following:

Closing date: 8th June 2016
Quote ref:16/0669/MOUT

Note you can ONLY make comments relating to ‘planning considerations’. These, for example, include matters such as:

The impact of a proposal on your property;
The proposed design and materials;
Issues relating to vehicular access and parking;
Impact on trees;
Noise issues,
Concerns about flooding.

Matters which are not classed as ‘planning considerations’ include:

Loss of value to your property; Loss of a view; Boundary and neighbour disputes, or The impact of a proposal on private drainage systems.

Planning policies which relate to this development can be found at:

east devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policy/local-plan-2013-2031/
(Click on The Local Plan 2013-2031 to access this document)

Strategy 46 p.144
Landscape Conservation and Enhancement and AONBs:

‘Development will only be permitted where it:
1. Conserves and enhances the landscape character of the area;
2. Does not undermine landscape quality; and
3. Is appropriate to the economic, social and well being of the area’

Non-compliance with the NPPF
The National Planning Policy Framework puts an emphasis on protecting AONB land, such as at Sidford. Para 116 of the NPPF states that planning permission should be refused for major developments on AONB land except in exceptional circumstances and where it can be demonstrated that the development is in the public interest.

Comments could include the fact that this is a tourist area, plus unemployment is low and the proposed development would require in-commuting to fill any jobs created.

ENVIRONMENT p.182

EN13 – development on high quality agricultural land
Development proposes warehousing which could be a 24/7 operation – noise, lighting, impact of pollution from artificial light on local amenity

EN14 – control of pollution – to residents or the wider environment
Pollution of the atmosphere – School St and pinch points in Sidbury – stationery traffic (especially as volumes will increase)
Noise and/or vibration
Light intrusion
Pollution of sites of wildlife value, especially European designated sites or species (eg otters and horseshoe bats)

EN21 – river and coastal flooding
‘Flood risk assessment demonstrates that the development will be safe, without increasing flood risk elsewhere and, where possible, will reduce flood risk overall.’
NB any increased flood risk would impact Sidbury, Sidford and Sidmouth – remember there were four flood warnings from The Environment Agency in 2012.

EMPLOYMENT p.199

E9 – town centre vitality and shopping areas – THIS NEEDS TO BE PROTECTED
NB. ‘Ancillary retail’ is part of Fords application
Planning application uses include B1 (office), B2 (general), B8 (distribution / warehousing)
…will be permitted provided:
1. ‘Use would not undermine the shopping character, visual amenity, vitality or viability of town centre
4. Amenity interest of occupiers of adjoining properties is not adversely affected by reason of noise, smell or litter
5. Would not cause traffic problems !!! (NB. Lorries already drive on the pavement in School St because they cannot pass oncoming traffic and there are traffic tailbacks during the tourism season)’

TRAFFIC p.221

TC3 – traffic management schemes
,,,’when considering development proposals in town centre, will seek the introduction of traffic management schemes when one or more of the following objectives can be achieved:
1. Safe and efficient movement of mobility impaired, pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles
6. Alleviation of congestion (see E9, 3. And EN14/pollution above)
7. Reduction of traffic conflict and accident potential
8. Reduction of delays to public transport
9. Reduction of environmental damage by traffic’

Please could you also write or email local papers:

Sidmouth Herald:stefan.gordon@archant.co.uk
Pulman’s (View from):pemedia@pemedia.co.uk
Express & Echo:letters@expressandecho.co.uk
Western Morning News:wmn@westernmorningnews.co.uk

Yours sincerely

Kim Scratchley
Two Bridges Road, Sidford”

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DCC, Democracy, Devolution, Local Enterprise Partnership

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DCC Leader has second (and third) thoughts about devolution

A report by Totnes (Green) DCC councillor Robert Vine

“Here’s the webcast of the County Council Annual Meeting where the Leader, John Hart, has a serious rethink about whether to keep supporting the Devolution Bid. Watch from 01:04:00 to 01:12:45 or click “13: Cabinet Member Reports” in the right margin.

In the Minutes it says “Councillor Hart commented, as requested by Councillor Greenslade, on progress with the HOSW devolution bid and advised that a response to repeated requests for a meeting with the Minister to discuss the HOSW bid was still awaited. He recognised the increasing concerns expressed over the imposition of a Mayoral system about which as yet there was no clarification and reiterated his view that any final proposal must be beneficial to Devon.”

In the webcast he is a lot more outspoken…

Council – Thu, 12th May 2016 – 2:15 pm – Devon County Council Webcasting
http://www.devoncc.public-i.tv/core/share/open/webcast/0/0/0/222091/222091/webcast/0/0/0

Indeed Councillor Hart is scathing about current devolution deals – he calls them “an absolute shambles”, says he can see nothing good in current deals that ALL require a Mayor to release money (around £30 million) which is guaranteed only for 5 years [though documents are drafted for 30 years].

He said he had three times asked for a meeting with the Minister and only after doing TV interviews about his concerns, was he telephoned by one of the Minister’s Special Advisers ( who was, he said, probably about 25 and with two degrees and nothing else) offered a 15 minute meeting in London. He refused it and said he would not make the journey for less than a 30 minute meeting.

He did a good resume of devolution deal fiascos from Derbyshire to Bristol via East Anglia, all of them falling at hurdles that Owl, and many others, had seen coming as soon as we learned what was going on.

He mentioned business rates – the raising of which was another carrot being dangled at LEPs, but pointed out they could only be raised by a maximum 2p in the pound and only if the business community agreed.

It seems Councillor Hart will proceed no further without much more assurance about what’s in it for Devon.

One glaring omission from his statement was public engagement, which he did not mention at all.

Let’s hope he cannot be bought off by “weasel words”.

Unlike our own council leader who, given responsibility for housing (i.e developers) couldn’t sign us away quick enough.

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Independent Councillors

Indie-town – coming to a town near you

Good feedback from Totnes – more to follow. In the meantime:

“WWW.INDIE-TOWN.UK
Based in the People’s Republic of Frome, we have been developing a website for independent politics – gathering ideas, videos and stories about independent politics at a local level, so all contributions are welcome.
Do check it out!
Good luck to you all.
Rupert Kirkham
Co-ordinator”

and

‘No Party will Free Parliament’
The No Party
Global Political Movement for Independents
There is No Party worth Voting for!
Taking the party out of politics
http://www.noparty.co
danny@noparty.co

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Affordable and Social Housing, Developers/ Development

“Housing crisis: affordable homes vanish as developers outmanoeuvre councils”

“Private property developers are outmanoeuvring councils in housing negotiations and routinely delivering fewer affordable homes than town halls want, an industry analysis has revealed.

Amid growing anger at the sale to foreign buyers of almost two-thirds of London’s tallest residential skyscraper, which includes no affordable housing, it has emerged that not one London borough that set targets has met them in the last six years.

Councils sometimes secured as little as 13% affordable housing when their stated targets were as high as 50%, according to analysis commissioned by BNP Paribas Real Estate, which advises local authorities and housebuilders in negotiations. On average, the 34 boroughs achieved 22% affordable housing, on targets ranging from 30% to 50%.

A key factor has been the rising value of land for commercial use, which has made developers more willing to abandon housing schemes and turn sites over to more profitable office buildings, the research suggests.

The difficulty that councils have faced in persuading developers to meet their needs illustrates the scale of the challenge facing the new London mayor, Sadiq Khan, who has pledged to dramatically boost affordable housing. Khan revealed on Wednesday that only 13% of the homes given planning consent in London last year were affordable. He has said his “long-term strategic target” is half.

If Khan moves too fast to reintroduce that 50% target, he risks stalling housing development completely, experts have warned. Move too slowly and he will face anger from his electorate, who voted him in with a mandate to tackle the housing crisis.

“Planners are mindful of the need to avoid squeezing the pips so hard that developments stall,” said Dr Anthony Lee, a BNP Paribas adviser who has represented London boroughs in negotiations with developers. “They need to strike a balance between pushing too hard in their negotiations on the affordable housing level on schemes and the impact this could have on overall housing land supply.”

Councils and developers have long been engaged in what amounts to a grand haggle. Developers examine a council’s affordable housing target and then make an opening offer, which is likely to be much lower. It is up to the planning authority to determine whether the basis for the calculations is fair and correct and a battle of the experts often ensues.

Frequently, the developer has not yet bought the site from the landowner, which gives them a significant negotiating advantage because there is a constant threat that if the negotiation doesn’t go their way, they could back out of the deal and the landowner could sell the site for commercial use instead. The local council risks losing not only the affordable homes, but all the homes.

Furthermore, said Lee, council leaders “need developers to deliver their vision for their areas, including town centre regeneration schemes. Councils can’t do it themselves. Marrying the two competing objectives can be quite tough.” …

… So for Professor Danny Dorling, an Oxford University housing expert, haggling with developers to build cheap homes is “nasty planning” and should be abandoned. “We are losing social housing through right to buy at a far faster rate than section 106 agreements could ever replace it,” he said. “There is no reason a strong government can’t do this properly by raising money through tax and develop social housing itself with compulsory purchases if needed.” …

http://gu.com/p/4jhqz

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Misc

Devon Police and Crime Commissioner alleged fraud investigation to continue

Police investigating the alleged false accounting of Conservative Party election expenses have been given more time to carry out their inquiries.

Chippenham magistrates have approved an application from Devon and Cornwall police to investigate four South West MPs, and their own boss – Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez, who had been a Tory general election agent in May last year.

The MPs include North Cornwall’s Scott Mann and Camborne and Redruth’s George Eustice. Election law says that any allegation relating to campaign expenses must normally be investigated within 12 months. But police did not receive any formal complaints until a few weeks ago, following national media coverage of the issue. Detectives now have a further year to decide what to do.

A police statement said: “Representatives from Devon and Cornwall Police have attended Chippenham Magistrates Court on Thursday 19th May. This was to seek an extension to allow further time to investigate allegations relating to improper electoral campaign spending returns in Devon and Cornwall, during the 2015 general election. These extensions have been granted and police investigations are now underway.”

http://www.cornishguardian.co.uk/Devon-Cornwall-police-given-time-investigate-Tory/story-29316992-detail/story.html …

As the Panel is made up of a majority of Conservative councillors they are unlikely to make her stand down during her investigation (which is what would happen to a police officer in a similar position).

A petition for her to stand down can be found here:
https://www.change.org/p/opcc-devonandcornwall-pnn-police-uk-alison-hernandez-police-and-crime-commissioner-for-devon-and-cornwall-should-stand-down/u/16706783

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Accountability, Democracy, Devolution

Lords Select Committee: Piecemeal approach to devolution has put Union under threat

“The Constitution Committee today publishes a major report on the Union and devolution. It warns that successive UK Governments have taken the Union between England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales for granted, without giving proper consideration to the cumulative impact of devolution on the UK as a whole. The time has come to change that.”

http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/lords-select/constitution-committee/news-parliament-2015/union-devolution-report/

If we can’t get this right, how can we get English devolution deals sorted?