Daily Archives: 4 Jul 2017

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4 Jul 2017

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Accountability, Austerity cuts, DCC, Education (local), Inequality, Sidmouth/ Sidford/ Sidbury

Sidmouth mum exposes the reality of education cuts at primary academy school

Received by Owl:

“I wonder whether you’re aware/ could draw attention to the fallout from the budget cuts in our local school.

Parents discovered today that at Sidmouth Primary School funding cuts are having a direct impact on the children and structure of the school. They have had to reduce the number of classes in the school so children are being taught in mixed Year classes: Years 3&4; 5&6. This cost-cutting exercise means that teachers will be teaching an incredibly broad spread of abilities within the same class: they will have to differentiate hugely to cater for the weakest Year 5 and strongest Year 6 pupil for instance. Classes are heading towards 30 so it’s not as if these mixed groups are resulting in smaller groups.

When the school became an academy parents were told that this would mean more autonomy and access to more funds. This clearly has not materialised yet the former headteacher now seems to be sporting the title of ‘Executive Headteacher’. I imagine that his salary could cover the cost of a couple of those disbanded classes…”

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4 Jul 2017

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Austerity cuts, Rural communities

Rural banks gone, now rural cash machines at risk

From AOL Money website:

“The supermarkets are warning that the days of free ATMs could soon be over – especially for those in rural areas. People living in less densely populated places tend to rely on free ATMs in shops, supermarkets or petrol stations – as the last bank in town is long gone. It means that if the retailers lose an appeal against the government, they could lose their fee-free access to cash.

The problem is that shops make money from their cash machines – even when they are free to use – and in 2013, the government decided it wanted a piece of the action. It issued a huge tax bill, and put the future of the network in jeopardy.

Tax

Retailers don’t run these cash machines out of the goodness of their hearts – they actually make money from them. They haven’t gone public with exactly what they make from their machines, but we know that the ATM operator will pay them either by paying rental on the space, paying a flat fee, paying a percentage of each transaction – or a combination of all three.

In 2013, the government noted that the network had grown dramatically and presented them with a new way to make money, so it started to charge business rates on cash machines attached to shops. It sent bills to the supermarkets that were backdated to April 2010. The cost for each machine comes to an estimated £2,800, so the total bill for Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Co-operative group runs to hundreds of millions of pounds.

To make matters worse, the recent revaluation of business rates has pushed the cost of operating ATMs even higher, so they will have to pay £206 million for the next five years.

The supermarkets didn’t take this lying down, and took the government to court in order to claw back the tax they had been forced to pay out on their cash machines. Unfortunately in April the courts decided in favour of the government – so the bills will have to be paid. They have now filed an appeal.

The impact

If this appeal fails, ATMs will become much less lucrative for the supermarkets, and for any petrol station or shop that currently offers a free ATM. It may put them off operating them altogether, and where they decide to continue providing the machines, it could mean they start charging a fee in order to cover their tax bills.

For many people, who have seen the last bank leave town, this could mean that aside from getting cashback in stores, they have no alternative to an ATM that charges a fee.

We will have to see whether the appeal succeeds, or whether for this group of people, the days of free ATMs are over forever.”

https://t.co/Mnrql9OdJC

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4 Jul 2017

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Accountability, Austerity cuts, Health and Social Care (local), NHS (local)

Clinical Commissioning Group – a sinking ship taking us with it

“THE Northern, Eastern and Western Devon Clinical Commissioning Group and the Success Regime are both set to lose high ranking members of their teams.

Chief Executive of the Sustainability and Transformation Plan Angela Pedder and Chief Officer of the CCG Janet Fitzgerald are both set to leave later this year, while Chairman of the Eastern and Mid Devon Locality Dr David Jenner has already left his position after announcing his plans in January.

The CCG stress that the three resignations are unrelated and entirely separate cases.

Janet Fitzgerald asked to be released from her contract early due to ill health and will officially be leaving her role on August 4th. She was on a year long fix term contract and decided to end it early.

Angela Pedder resigned from her role as chief executive for the Devon STP on May 31st. Ms Pedder has worked for the NHS for 42 years and spent the last 18 months as chair of the Success Regime. She was at times labelled ‘Public Enemy No 1’ by angry protesters in relation to the closing of hospital beds across East Devon.

Following her resignation, Ms Pedder said: “I had always planned to rebalance working life during 2017, on reaching 60. The STP is a key element of the NHS Five-Year Forward View, which will see big changes to the health and care system in the years to come.

“Our plan is now sufficiently developed, with strong clinical and managerial leadership in place to take it forward.

“I feel privileged and proud to have worked for the NHS for more than 40 years. I have been pleased to have led the improvements the Devon system has achieved within the success regime and STP.”

Ms Pedder, who was previously chief executive at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, also paid tribute to the ‘dedicated’ staff and group leaders across the health and social care system.

Mrs Fitzgerald, who will leave her role in August, said: “It has been a privilege to work with a strong , skilled and committed executive team, who have not only been unfaltering in their support of me, but who will confidently lead the CCG through out next phase of development.”

Dr Tim Burke, NEW Devon CCG chairman, said Janet had had an ‘enormous impact on the organisation’.

Dr David Jenner tendered his resignation at the end of March, after announcing his plans earlier in the year, saying: “Life, it seems, has entered a different phase.

“This has caused me to pause; to consider how I can best use my time in future to benefit my patients, my local population and, I am not ashamed to say, myself and family too.”

Dr Jenner added: “My decision is unconnected with any dissatisfaction regarding my role or the direction of the CCG.

“Indeed, I have already offered to remain a ‘friend of the CCG’ over the coming months and you will probably still see me on the TV or hear me on the radio in my GP role.”

Pulman’s View from approached the CCG regarding rumours that Angela Pedder, Janet Fitzgerald and Dr David Jenner were all leaving the organisation following a passing comment from a regular contributor.

There was no information on the CCG’s website or social media regarding the three high profile members leaving their posts.”

https://www.viewnews.co.uk/new-devon-ccg-success-regime-set-lose-prominent-members-teams/

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4 Jul 2017

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Developers/ Development, EDDC, Exmouth, Grenadier, Philip Skinner, Regeneration

Grenadier test drills on Exmouth seafront

Let’s hope (or not) that they don’t come across too many sink holes!

“An environmental site investigation is being carried out on Exmouth seafront by Grenadier Estates ahead of submitting a planning application for a new watersports centre. Grenadier Estates are currently working on proposals for a new Watersports Centre on Queen’s Drive as part of the multi-million pound redevelopment plans for the seafront.

Ahead of submitting a formal planning application, Grenadier Estates have been granted a temporary licence by East Devon District Council to carry out environmental site investigations on the seafront.

An East Devon District Council spokesman said: “Works will involve the drilling, monitoring and sampling of boreholes in accordance with an agreed method statement. This activity is standard practice in the run up to a planning process and the information from the investigations will be used to inform the detail of Grenadier’s planning application. …

… Nick Hookway, Save Exmouth Seafront spokesman, Why are the council carrying on with the proposals when there is no developer interested, apart from the watersports centre which is just a small part of the plan.

“When the fun park closes, the rest of the seafront will just be derelict and it is horrifying the thought of the seafront being all boarded up.

“We are concerned that the area will be left empty and there will be an air of dereliction about the whole site. Why should Exmouth residents have to put up with a derelict seafront as a result of this? There is already an air of dereliction on the site as metal hoardings appear. This is a situation that will get worse when these last two businesses close.

… Cllr Philip Skinner, East Devon District Council’s Portfolio holder for the Economy, said: “We have said on a number of occasions that residents will be consulted fully on what is proposed for this vital site on the wonderful seafront of Exmouth. We want to see investment and new, more modern activities there for everyone to enjoy. We look forward to shortly signing an agreement with the watersports centre developer Grenadier who will reveal their building designs soon. Following a period of full public consultation, the proposed watersports centre development will go through the planning decision process later this year.

“We have already received planning permission to build the new road and car park which can begin once a decision on the watersports centre is made. Phase three of the project will see further public consultation independent of any developer and the public’s views will be sought as to what they would like to see there. Everyone will get a number of opportunities to have their say. …”

http://www.devonlive.com/watersports-centre-for-exmouth-seafront-plans-move-a-step-closer/story-30423327-detail/story.html

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4 Jul 2017

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Cranbrook, Developers/ Development, EDDC

First impressions of Cranbrook expansion plans

“Jill Ellis said: “This will make traffic chaos from Cranbrook to the A30 a massive problem. There are already so many accidents because of the layout of the junction. This will get much worse.”

Mac McLaren said: “This planned expansion of Cranbrook has been expressed since the inception. It wont end with the 1200 dwellings, but grow massively, with extra `travellers sites` . The current highways structure does not cause RTC`s, its the drivers. Where better could developers chose for the housing that is required?”

Alan Grace said: “Next week, they will be asking where the wildlife has gone – butterflies are suddenly disappearing, and bird numbers dropping. And the other great question, is why the hospitals and roads can’t cope?”

Rachel Perram said: “Oh the glamour keeps on coming. What about the amazing and vibrant high street and community feel promised by EDDC planners when Cranbrook was in the offing?”

Veronica Anstey: “Don’t like, they keep going on about global warming, yet we are allowing our countryside to be destroyed disgusting.”

Gill Hargrove said: “What about all the extra traffic, roads will be grid locked.”

http://www.devonlive.com/cranbrook-expansion-plans-draw-criticism-from-devonlive-reader/story-30422811-detail/story.html

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4 Jul 2017

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Accountability, Police (local)

“Who is Alison Hernandez? The ex-cannabis smoker and gangsta rap fan who became police commissioner?”

When your local newspaper runs articles like this, you know that there is a serious problem. It really is time for this incompetent and rather witless person to be replaced.

“Devon and Cornwall Police Commissioner Alison Hernandez has been embroiled in controversy ever since her appointment to the post last year.

She caused consternation yesterday when she said members of the public with guns could form ‘some of our solution’ to terrorism in isolated rural areas.

The post of Police Commissioner is in itself controversial, but current incumbent Ms Hernandez has increased scrutiny of the role after a string of controversies.

She has been the subject of an investigation by the police, admitted to smoking cannabis and has a penchant for gangsta rappers N.W.A – who sang ‘F*** da police’ on their debut album, which launched the careers of Dr Dre and Eazy-E and Ice Cube.

The police investigation into allegations she failed to properly declare expenses was referred to criminal investigators and the CPS.

She was accused of failing to properly declare election expenses when employed as the election agent for Conservative MP Kevin Foster during the 2015 General Election.

However, the CPS decided to take no further action against Ms Hernandez, or former Plymouth Tory MP Oliver Colvile, or Cornwall Conservatives George Eustice and Scott Mann

The Tory police and crime commissioner (PCC) has also revealed she was a one-time “fly girl” and a fan of California rap outfit NWA (Niggaz Wit Attitudes) – who were branded “the world’s most dangerous group”.

The group’s debut album in 1988, Straight Outta Compton, began with the track “F**k tha Police”, a protest against police brutality and racial profiling.

Ms Hernandez, who grew up in Torbay – one of the most deprived areas in the South West – told twitter followers she used to listen to Public Enemy, famous for the track Fight the Power, made famous in the Spike Lee movie Do the Right Thing.

Ms Hernandez also raised eyebrows when she admitted smoking cannabis, but said she doesn’t want to see the drug legalised.

The police and crime commissioner’s statement came in response to questions about legalising the drug.

She also faced fierce critcism for apparently taking selfies at the scene of a devastating fire in Exeter city centre.

Alison Hernandez did not post, the images on social media – but an MP has called for her to apologise.

Exeter Labour MP Ben Bradshaw said: “I’m not sure this is appropriate behaviour for our Police and Crime Commissioner.

And, in April of this year, it was revealed she was considering appointing a deputy – at cost to the taxpayer estimated to be around £50,000.”

http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/who-is-alison-hernandez-the-ex-cannabis-smoker-and-gangsta-rap-fan-who-became-police-commissioner/story-30387275-detail/story.html

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4 Jul 2017

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Accountability, Neighbourhood Plans, Paul Diviani, Yarcombe

Yarcombe Neighbourhood Plan: Inspector unhappy about throttling of new businesses

In this month’s Cabinet agenda papers (page 56) there is a report of changes that its Inspector wishes to see before EDDC accepts it.

This comment caught Owl’s eye:

“It is not the role of the planning system to protect existing businesses from the impact of market forces and competition from new entrepreneurs, which would run counter to national policy to support the sustainable growth and expansion of all types of business and enterprise in rural areas. For this reason, I am not satisfied that part ii) of policy CFS2, which requires new proposals not to have a negative impact on existing businesses, has appropriate regard to national policy. Nor would it contribute to the achievement of sustainable development. I therefore propose to modify policy CFS2 to delete ii) of CFS2, paragraph 6.9 and the last part of paragraph 6.8 after ‘our community’. For the reason explained in paragraph 4.9 above, I am modifying the policy to clarify in iii) that any ‘adverse impact’ should not be ‘significant’”

Click to access 140617combined-cabinet-agendapublicversion.pdf

It seems that Yarcombe puts the protection of existing businesses over and above the creation of any new ones.

Leader Paul Diviani is the district councillor for Yarcombe and lists amongst other responsibilities:

Blackdown hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) joint advisory committee
SPARSE rural special interest group
Making it Local Action Group (Chairman)

Surely he supports Tory free market policies and will wholeheartedly support the Inspector’s suggested changes.

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4 Jul 2017

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Accountability, Developers/ Development, Housing (local), Inequality

Austerity and the poor

Letter in today’s Guardian:

“• Deborah Orr (Opinion, 30 June) is unfortunately absolutely right in all she says about the Grenfell catastrophe. A contempt has developed for health and safety considerations and they are considered a pathetic nanny-state approach.

This, coupled with the worship of cost-cutting at the expense of humanity, has caused this tragedy.

Even though I understood that terrible things were happening in the name of austerity I must admit I still thought we lived in a country that used regulation to require housing to be built or altered so as to offer adequate fire protection. Not if you live in social housing it seems. Could that be any more shameful?

Linda Maughan
Hartlepool”

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4 Jul 2017

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Accountability, Police (local)

Plymouth City Council passes ‘no confidence’ vote on Hernandez

“Plymouth City Council has narrowly passed a motion of no confidence in Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez.

The motion, passed by 26 to 25, was proposed by Labour councillor Chris Penberthys.

It said: “Plymouth City Council is extremely alarmed at the recent comments from Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez about licensed firearm owners being allowed to act during terrorist incidents. Ms Hernandez’s statement that she would “really be interested” in the suggestion shows she is unfit and unsuitable for office.”

Source: BBC DevonLive Website 08.02