Parishes of Mabe, Perranarworthal and St Gluvias

Olympic Torch Relay

2012-02-15T22:34:00.001Z

Strange that at a time when there are so many important issues to be addressed that the next meeting of Cornwall Council has to deal with a motion on the status of the Chairman. As the motion merely restates what is already the agreed position it does beg the question as to whether the motion is a good use of councillors time.

Also odd that the motion assumes that Cornwall Council will be represented at Lands End and RNAS Culdrose when, of course, the decisions as to who to invite will rest with the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games. Some councillors seem to assume that Cornwall Council is so important that there is no question it will be invited to send representatives.

I was under the impression that it is bad manners to expect an invitation and to be pleased if one is received.

Lib Dems: Still keen on spending Taxpayers' Money

2011-10-16T20:41:00.000+01:00

I understand from a journalist that Cornwall's Lib Dems have issued a press release attacking the decision to put out for review future options for Cornwall Newquay Airport. They are quoted to me as having called the decision evidence of a 'fire sale'.

I sincerely hope that the journalist is mistaken as otherwise it would mean that the Lib Dems:

May have read into a Cornwall Council press release something that is not contained within it,
Are not supportive of reviewing Cornwall Council's cost base,
Are not supportive of optimising the value of the Airport to the Cornish economy and the creation of jobs,
Have learn nothing from their financial management of Cornwall County Council as evidenced in the damning reports from the Audit Commission,
Continue to believe that money grows on trees or at least feel it right to spend taxpayers money without exercising financial prudence.

Liberal Democrats: Friends of Cornwall?

2011-08-28T15:19:00.001+01:00

I confess I'd put aside the awful state of affairs that the Cornwall Council Conservative/Independent Administration inherited from the Liberal Democrats following the electorate's very sensible decision to boot them out of power from New County Hall in 2009. However the awfulness of the Lib Dem legacy came rushing back into focus when I read the press release from Stephen Gilbert MP (St Austell and Newquay) on his opposition to the budget allocated to the Olympic Torch Relay.

To recap; the Lib Dems performance in Cornwall County Council amassed a sizeable collection of 'red flags'. That was the Administration that botched the transfer of Newquay Airport from the RAF leading to its closure and was responsible for putting the Fire Brigade and Childrens' safeguarding into interventions. Those failures being only the tip of an iceberg of inept political leadership.

The Newquay Airport fiasco was not a 'one off' but rather evidence of an appalling lack of attention to risk management. Soultions to all of these problems, and many more besides, have kept the current Administration busy whilst, at the same time, it has introduced fiscal prudence and set the Council on a journey to sustainable superior performance as already recognised in reports from various external auditing bodies and nominations for awards.

I'm sure that most of us want to live in a economically successful County rather than one which, for too long, has failed to achieve its potential. To me having Objective 1 and, more recently, Convergence status are not badges of honour bur rather symbols of failure.

I had mistakenly believed that all politicians, irrespective of their beliefs, would want to see Cornwall and its people prosper. Initially when I read Stephen Gilbert's comments I regarded him as a lone voice which, with a few minutes consideration, all other members of the Lib Dems would want to disassociate themselves from. But no, the opportunity to put Cornwall down, again, has proved too strong for some of them to avoid.

The Olympic Torch Relay provides a unique opportunity to promote Cornwall to national, European and worldwide audiences. The budgeted cost, of which over 50% is for road closures, security, first aid support and other necessary expenditures, will be in line with the costs which other Counties, and indeed Cities, will have to bear if they are on the Torch's route. However, unlike them we are the starting point for the relay on Great Britain which, being a Saturday, enables us to reach not only people outside Cornwall but also the majority of the Cornish population.

The economic benefits hold out the prospect of being enormous, particularly well-timed as the Relay is at the beginning of the peak holiday season. Coincidentally I met someone yesterday who is involved with the ticket office at the Lost Gardens of Heligan who reported that following last week's television programme on the Gardens, attendance has rocketted from both Cornish and non-Cornish visitors. Even without any detailed consideration of figures it does not take a genius to extrapolate that effect across Cornwall when we appear on television news programmes, Sunday papers and other media outlets. The benefits have every likelihood of lasting a long time and, rather than diverting the initial budget elsewhere to front-line services, we instead have the prospect of leveraging that budget into something far more significant to the long term advantage of Cornwall Council's front-line services.

The week ahead of the Torch Relay is Cornwall Business Week. By attracting targetted journalists to come and experience the economic renaissance which is taking place in Cornwall, such as Wave Hub, Superfast Broadband, Combined Universities, Innovation Centres, Marine Energy Park, Heartlands, can be expected not just to extol Cornwall as a tourist destination but also as a suitable base for businesses and jobs.

Whilst I'm disappointed by Stephen Gilbert's comments they do, unfortunately, seem to fit into a pattern whereby some Lib Dems 'talk Cornwall down'. Hopefully there are more strategically minded Lib Dems who will correct this view.

Port of Falmouth and the Chancellor of the Exchequer

2011-08-19T14:10:00.000+01:00

Whilst the publicity surrounding the Chancellor's visit to Cornwall focused on the economic and job prospects arising from the successful bid for an Enterprise Zone at Newquay airport, he also gave time to understand the opportunities that the implementation of the Falmouth Harbour Masterplan would create. The Masterplan identifies hundreds of new jobs and a major boost to the Cornish economy, including marine renewable energy developments and an increase in cruise liner tourists who would have opportunities to travel to attractions across Cornwall.

Attending the meeting were Sarah Newton MP, Peter Childs and Mike Reynolds of A&P Falmouth, Mark Samson of the Falmouth Harbour Commissioners and myself.

Perranwell Station and the Financial Times

2011-08-17T10:01:00.000+01:00

The story so far; copies of the FT were noticeable by their absence in the Perranwell Stores last weekend so a request to the FT for explanation has produced this response:

Thanks for letting us know: we are investigating what may have happened, generally this outlet receives around 7 copies at the weeekend. We certainly didn't do anything here to stop that, I suspect a packing error by our wholesaler but we will find out.

I note also from the figures that sales of the FT Mon-Fri at this shop are rarer than a Cornish suntan this year. Can't interest you in a print subscription, I suppose??

Martin Ashford
UK Circulation Director

The Strange Case of the Missing Opposition

2011-07-07T21:25:00.003+01:00

For some time I've puzzled as to why the Lib Dems in Cornwall Council are not providing strong opposition. They are clearly an intelligent group of people who, like councillors of all political beliefs, are committed and passionate about their communities and the overall good of Cornwall.

Despite all the changes being made in Cornwall Council, which I regard as positive for Cornwall although I accept that some have a different view, the Lib Dems have restricted themselves to, in effect, saying "we disagree" without proposing alternative courses of action. Twice they have voted against the annual budgets and on both occasions have not tabled alternatives.

I've come to the conclusion that their focus on being negative reflects an overwhelming desire to avoid facing difficult decisions. They appear to have no strategy and are therefore forced into being tactical. They are good at expressing negative views on individual items of policy although generally without proposing alternatives.

They made a 'song and dance' over a tourism tax, even though it was not part of Cornwall Council policy, yet failed until it was dragged out of them to acknowledge that a hotel tax is one of their official policies! As is often the case, they took the line that they do not support their own Party's national policy. Will the real Lib Dems please stand up!

Currently it feels as if the Conservative/Independent administration is like one of those wagon trains you see in Western movies. It has a sense of purpose and direction and although it will suffer a few losses to marauding native North America people (aka Lib Dems) is not being seriously hampered in its strategic objective of reaching its destination.

A focus on tactical issues, without an overarching strategy, does leave you vulnerable to supporting far more than the budget will allow. This suggests why they are, nationally, increasingly seeking to take over Labour's mantle as the high tax Party. It appears that they want to retain the 50% income tax rate for higher earners, charge higher rates on lower incomes and, in the Coalition negotiations, insisted on increasing capital gains tax from 18% to 28% without reinstating any reliefs. This places them firmly as the Party who want to increase the tax burden on the middle class which would harm the international competitive position of the UK to the detriment of all, including those paid the least.

Cornwall's Rail Services

2011-05-15T09:01:00.000+01:00

Whilst we will need to influence the next rail franchise for future rail services, following First Great Western's decision to exercise a contractual option to terminate early the existing franchise, to ensure reliability, affordability and frequency of trains the good news is that rail travel is making an increased contribution to journeys within Cornwall. Also the plans to secure faster services between Cornwall and London remain on course.

Cornwall's branch line network saw journey numbers increase by 6.3% (over 2009) to 1.69m in 2010 with early indications of further substantial increase in 2011.

For details see appendix 4 to http://democracy.cornwall.gov.uk/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=3140&T=10

Election Results

2011-05-06T18:27:00.000+01:00

A mixed bag of results.

By far the most profound is the SNP success and, when all other results are forgotten in a few years as political fortunes change (as they will), I wonder if we will look back on Thursday 6 May as the day that started the beginning of the end game in the final move towards Scotland's independence. And if Scotland achieve independence through the ballot box, can Wales be far behind?

Probably best not to speculate on Cornwall's status..........at this stage.

Funding for Cornish Schools

2011-05-05T22:56:00.000+01:00

Interesting that the BBC has only just caught up with this issue on 4 May: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-13277196

It has already been addressed by Cornwall Council under the subject of 'Championing Children, Championing Excellence' at various meetings, including those of 11 April http://democracy.cornwall.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=579&MId=3035&Ver=4 and the Cabinet of 20 April http://democracy.cornwall.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=577&MId=2500&Ver=4

Ageism

2011-04-30T16:37:00.000+01:00

Patronising beyond belief: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-13247915

Surely the purpose should be to encourage everyone, irrespective of age, to access the woods. Rather than treat the over-50s, or any other age group, as 'special' the focus should be on building stronger inter-generational links rather than 'shipping granny off to the woods' to, presumably, not meet Little Red Riding Hood.

Public Sector Non-Jobs

2011-04-22T21:02:00.000+01:00

Reading Graham Smith's blog on the BBC web site is an increasingly sad affair with every indication that he has lost the ability to research news and is reduced to relaying the tittle tattle emanating from those in County Hall who, instead of concerning themselves with advancing improvements for who live in Cornwall, are more concerned in political point scoring. Jeremy Paxman he ain't.

Priorities

2011-04-16T20:30:00.001+01:00

So we are at war, in effect, with the Libyan government and have thousands of troops on the ground in Afghanistan. The economic position is dire (thanks to the last Labour Government) and we are all having to adjust to the changes required. So what is Nick Clegg concentrating on? You would never guess that it is constitutional matters about succession to the throne. A straightforward subject, clearly needed to deliver equality, however something which should just 'happen' and not be the subject of major news bulletins.

Whilst many local Lib Dems find Nick to be a great embarrassment - looking forward to local election melt-down and AV referendum failure - however surely he can, at least, pretend to be taking more interest in those issues which face so many of us.

Truro Shops

2011-04-05T21:04:00.000+01:00

Sue reports that today's trip to Truro was noticeable for the fact that shop assistants were speaking to customers. A sure sign that the retail trade is suffering and that the 'make sales or else' message has been issued by owners to their teams.

The roads have been quiet for some time - Brent oil is now US$118 - so petrol and diesel prices are going to rise despite the price reduction and price stabilisation introduced in the recent Budget.

All in all it's going to be a difficult year for businesses and individuals, I fear. The price we are all paying for the inability of the last Government to manage the Nation's finances.

Perranwell Station: Stopping Trains

2011-04-05T08:56:00.002+01:00

Given the articles in this month's Perran News, I felt the debate would be assisted by the following comments which were included in my report to the March meeting of Perranarworthal Parish Council:

"The question of seeking to automatically stop all, current request, trains has been considered before. There are two reasons for it not occurring and hope for change in the future. The negatives are: the tightness of the timetable and, less importantly, the cost in time and money of stopping/starting a train. As a guide the annual cost to stop/start a mainline diesel train at one station every day for a year is £5,000 (cost of braking and fuel to accelerate) – it is accepted that the cost on the Maritime Line is less (more precise figure is not available as First Great Western (FGW) representative was not at the recent Cornwall Rail Forum meeting). The Maritime Line timetabling is currently having a negative impact on mainline punctuality with increased stops at Perranwell Station only likely to worsen the mainline punctuality.

The positive message is that if (a) we can get to a position where most ‘request stop’ trains have to stop for passengers (suggesting an increase in use), and (b) FGW obtain permanent twin carriage trains, which accelerate quickly, then the pressure to move away from ‘request stop’ might become easy. I understand that FGW are in negotiation to obtain twin carriage trains for the Maritime Line.

Network Rail and the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership are keen on ‘friends of’ groups for individual stations provided they are about general interest/involvement with a station rather than single issue pressure groups. Given that there are a few initial volunteers – two names are mentioned in the Maritime Line papers and I have received an offer of involvement from (name removed) - to consider forming such a group I would appreciate the Parish Council deciding whether they want to be involved or not in creating such a group. A speaker from Cornwall Council can be arranged to come and discuss ‘friends of’ arrangements with a prospective group."

Healthy NHS

2011-04-04T19:57:00.000+01:00

I am pleased that the Government has today taken the opportunity to "pause" the transformation of health services to allow additional time for further consultation. The Health and Social Care Bill, currently making its way through Parliament, promises the most profound changes to the NHS since it was created.

The challenges facing the UK's health services are enormous including the rising costs of treatment, the development of new (and expensive) drugs and surgical procedures, and the demographic effect of an ageing population. Getting my head around the proposed changes has not proved an easy task - in recent months just as I though I understood the new structure then a further organisation chart would appear which caused me to question the extent of my understanding.

Now I have to declare a personal interest; I was born in a NHS hospital and all medical tests and treatment since then have been delivered by the NHS and NHS funded GPs.

I wish the NHS well and believe that for the overwhelming majority of the population it remains the only source of their health services. Taking time, before decisions are finalised, has to be a good step. In the last decade I, with other Conservatives, have worked to ensure that our Party is seen as NHS-friendly and lost its 'nasty' tag which we acquired the last time we were in government. Reforms are necessary, including reducing the administrative costs, if the NHS is to remain fit for purpose in the coming decades.

As part of the "pause" I expect that the Government, and particularly the Conservative Cabinet members, to reinforce the message that "the NHS is safe with us".

Fair Share for Cornwall

2011-04-03T20:50:00.000+01:00

Back in July 2010 Cornwall Council passed a motion regarding seeking an end to the end of underfunding for Cornwall. The issue was taken up with the Coalition Government and the six Cornish MPs; we await the outcome of their deliberations which should be reflected in a re-distribution of funding starting in financial year 2013/14 when the current arrangements are to be replaced. With a correction to England's funding allocation, we can then expect a suitable increase in our distribution to reflect our population dynamics which, in financial requirements, place us in need of funding over and above that implied by a simple pro-rata allocation.

The available evidence from England's funding (allowing for the current funding advantages enjoyed by Scotland by virtue of the Barnett formula devised in the 1970's) when taken in context with, for examples, the funding for Cornwall's schools and NHS strongly points towards a existing substantial disadvantage for Cornwall. The Barnett formula sets out that out of every £1 of Government funding, 85p goes to England, 10p to Scotland and 5p to Wales.

According to the Office for National Statistics (source: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?id=6) the UK population in mid-2009 was 61.8 million. The Scottish population is 5.2 million (source: http://www.scotland.org/facts/population/) and Northern Ireland's population is 1.8 million (source: http://www.nisra.gov.uk/publications/default.asp10.htm). The population of Wales is 3.0 million (source: http://wales.gov.uk/topics/statistics/headlines/population2010/101027/?lang=en).

So based on the above the actual and correct distributions of spending should be:


	Population	Percentage of Population	Barnett formula	Correct formula

England	51.8m	86.3%	85p	86.3p

Scotland	5.2m	8.7%	10.0p	8.7p

Wales	3.0m	5.0%	5.0p	5.0p

Total	60.0m	100.0%	100p	100p

Not a lot of People know this

2011-03-31T21:41:00.000+01:00

Four of us were standing in the entrance hall of Perranarworthal Village Memorial Hall (excellent location with good facilities and low hire costs: http://pvmh.org.uk/ ) earlier this evening debating the estimates of costs we had for new disability compliant entrance double doors. A decision was made. We then went off on one of those rambling conversations which included the following.

Colin demonstrated that it was not possible to remotely unlock his car at the distance he was from it if he held the key fob at arm's length from his body. However by then holding the key fob next to his head and pressing it (the key fob not his head), the car unlocked! Bet you give it a try.....

Not to be outdone Peter then recounted the story of unlocking a car in Basingstoke with a key fob in Perranwell Station. He had managed to lock his car with the key fob in it. However by use of a mobile phone call to his wife in Perranwell Station, she was able to unlock the car by holding the spare key fob close to her phone and pressing it whilst Peter held his phone near the car. If you do test this I recommend that a shorter range, probably of a couple of hundred yards, might be sensible rather than driving miles.

Proposed Housing Development: Rame and Longdowns

2011-03-30T21:33:00.001+01:00

This evening's meeting at Wendron Cricket Club was pure farce. The numbers of residents who turned up simply overwhelmed the meeting room meaning that dozens were left outside and could not hear what was happening. By my estimation there were over 300 people all trying to fit into a room which could probably safely accommodate about 100.

Councillor Mike Clayton, who as the local councillor took on the role of impartial chairman, was hampered by a faulty audio system. The frustrations of the audience was evident and, in fairly quick order, without hearing the presentation from Ocean Housing a vote, initiated by some members of the audience, was taken which was almost 100% against the proposed 1,000 home development.

Councillor Neil Hatton (Constantine) was in attendance. Councillor Neil Plummer (Stithians) was absent with the news given to the meeting that he did not want to attend and risk compromising his Planning Committee obligations (odd given that Mike Clayton had taken Council legal advice regarding his attendance - he is the Council's Planning Champion and also is on two Planning Committees).

I would have preferred a meaningful discussion to have taken place however this was simply not possible. I do feel that the best course of action should have been to postpone the meeting until a later date at a location which could adequately accommodate everyone.

Budget: Lib Dems influence (limited?)

2011-03-27T11:46:00.000+01:00

I've been trying to establish which parts of the budget were influenced by the Lib Dems and have identified three major items: (1) the £2bn oil industry levy which appears to be sounding the death knell for certain major investments in the North Sea so placing us at the risk of importing more oil and gas (I'm glad the Lib Dems are taking ownership for that one as it appears that the Treasury, under George Osborne's lead, will find ways to side-step the proposed changes); (2) the £1bn action on tax avoidance (very sensible however I expect that George Osborne would have suggested the same idea so perhaps it is a case of letting the Lib Dems have their 'day in the sun') and (3) the raising of the income tax threshold (good idea).
All in all it appears to be substantially a Conservative Budget as evidenced by Nick Clegg's off the microphone comment at the Boots factory where he appeared to suggest that the Lib Dems found nothing to disagree with in the budget.

Are the Lib Dems becoming the Conservative Lite Party? Which raises the question for the electorate: Why vote for a pale imitation when you can have the real thing

Perranarworthal School: Speeding Traffic

2011-03-26T22:35:00.000Z

According to the Police the average vehicle passes the school at 26mph; in a 20mph speed limit. This means that some vehicles go past much faster and threaten the safety of pupils.

I have decided to use most of my roads budget allowance to upgrade two sets of the current road humps into road tables. Yes, until recently I had no idea of the difference. However I'm assured that road tables, which are raised areas across the full width of the road, will have the effect of slowing traffic.

So how long to install them? Well firstly we have to consult with local residents (fair enough), the Parish Council (who are fully behind the proposal) and First Devon & Cornwall (as the road is on their routes). I'm hopeful that with speedy consultation the work will be completed within four months.

Good news for Cornwall?

2011-03-22T21:57:00.000Z

Within all the effort to move Cornwall Council, which after all solely exists to deliver public services, forward it is occasionally good to reflect on how far it has come since its creation two years ago. Tomorrow the Council will hear the outcome of its shortlisting for 'most improved Council'.

http://www.lgcplus.com/Journals/3/Files/2011/2/3/Condensed%20Awards%20Shortlist%20new.pdf

Of course the real challenge, over the next few years, is get to the position where it wins 'Council of the year.'

Children's Safeguarding

2011-03-12T12:07:00.000Z

Cornwall Council's Cabinet consideration of the recent Ofsted report and the resulting action plan is on their 16th March agenda; http://democracy.cornwall.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=577&MId=2499&Ver=4

This will be followed by detailed consideration of the documents, including taking verbal evidence from and questioning a number of key individuals, at the 21st March meeting of the Children's Scrutiny Committee; http://democracy.cornwall.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=579&MId=2511&Ver=4

Whilst, in many areas, there has been progress since the 2009 Ofsted report, the councillors on the Scrutiny Committee can be expected to want to understand why Cornwall has not yet achieved a satisfactory rating, as the first step towards achieving a good rating. In particular they can be expected to test the relevance and completeness of the action plans. The journey to a good rating is set out in the Council's business plan; http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=23098

Cornwall's Safeguarding of Children

2011-03-07T21:32:00.000Z

There are plenty of complaints being expressed, in the media and to councillors, about the children's safeguarding performance of Cornwall Council and its partners, including NHS and Police.

Have your chance to ask the question you want to about the performance by using your democratic right on 21 March at the meeting of Cornwall Council's Children, Education & Families Overview & Scrutiny Committee: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=22661 .

You do not have to attend the meeting in person although if you do you will have the opportunity, on hearing the answer to your question, to ask a supplementary question.

Latest Ofsted report, http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxcare_providers/la_download/%28id%29/6353/%28as%29/LAC/lac_2011_908.pdf

Local response: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=27267 .

Victims of Victim Support

2011-02-24T19:28:00.000Z

Before the terms ‘localism’ or ‘Big Society’ existed, Victim Support Cornwall (VSC), as a member of a nation-wide federation of similar charities, got on quietly and successfully with providing emotional and practical support to victims of crime. It also supported those who faced the stress of having to appear as witnesses in court, arranged services such as anti-bullying programmes for schools and supported women leaving abusive relationships.

The federation of local charities looked to a national body to provide those services, such as computer systems, where genuine economies of scale exist.

A few years ago the national organisation, holding the purse strings of funding from central government decided, contrary to the evidence of the success of VSC, to seek agreement to merge all locally based charities into a single nationwide charity. VSC fought a campaign to retain the existing locally run charity. We believed that the harnessing of local knowledge and accountability, with locally raised donations to augment the national funding, alongside nationally agreed service standards would promote consistency of quality service for victims from Penzance to Carlisle. Unfortunately the campaign was unsuccessful.

One of our main concerns was that the national charity, with heavy fixed costs, was at risk of financial overstretch. VSC’s trustees were unpaid whereas in the national organisation the Chief Executive is paid between £100,000 and £110,000, with the five most senior managers salaries totalling some £425,000.

I, as the last chairman of VSC before its dissolution, have now learnt that due to reductions in government funding all initial telephone contact with Cornwall’s victims will be relocated from Pool (an office opened by the Princess Royal in October 2007) to Bristol which will result in a loss of Cornish jobs. An administratively costly national organisation does not possess the operational flexibility inherent in a locally run charity.

Fortunately the local volunteers who, throughout Cornwall, provide a critical element of the service, including face-to-face discussions with victims, remain unaffected by these changes.

I know that the local employees, who despite facing a great deal of personal uncertainty, will continue to provide an excellent service to victims for as long as they remain employed. My sadness is that they have been put in this position by the desire of a national charity to discard a business model which worked well.

Children's Poverty and Deprivation

2011-02-21T21:21:00.000Z

It never ceases to amaze me as to the generosity and sheer commitment of various volunteers in Cornwall. Whilst I admire anyone who volunteers for anything I reserve special thanks to those who engage with issues, about human misery, which it is all to easy to avoid as being someone else's problem.

Today I listened to presentations from, and discussed with, a number of individuals who provide emergency support to those who through no fault of their own find themselves without money, often standing up in the only clothes in their possession, sometimes with children in the same dreadful state. Councillor Andrew Wallis has blogged earlier today providing the background on food banks: http://cllrandrewwallis.blogspot.com/2011/02/child-poverty-panel-and-food-banks.html

My issue is that sadness and misery of this magnitude which exists not in some far off third world country but here in Cornwall should receive far far more attention than it does. It appears unbelievable that some children are, today, going hungry in the Duchy. Clearly in any civilised society it is morally indefensible to allow such distress to exist. However to tackle it requires courage, willingness and commitment to stop individuals falling through safety nets and providing them with the skills, knowledge and support to improve themselves. The first step has to be to recognise that whilst each individual's circumstances are unique they fall under the general headings of domestic violence, illness and lack of employment.

There are considerable efforts, both locally and nationally, to understand and address the issues. However the numbers of individuals at risk have not declined and that implies that something rather more effective has to be designed and implemented, to harness the voluntary, public and private sectors in working together. This has to be the objective of those councillors who are currently considering children's poverty and deprivation.

Knowing what I now know I will certainly be unable to walk past the food bank in ASDA, Penryn without making a donation.

Council Budget

2011-02-15T22:45:00.001Z

My view that full Council meetings are the least successful, and most diverse, in the schedule of formal meetings was reinforced today by the apparent 'grand standing' of certain councillors.

There was a budget proposal from the Cabinet on offer today with plenty of opponents prepared to say why it was wrong without putting forward alternative budgets. That is particularly surprising and disappointing given that those opponents have had over two months to develop their proposals since the emergency budget was considered, and agreed to, by full Council at its 3 December2010 meeting.

It is quite appropriate to argue, as some councillors did, that certain items in the budget are unacceptable. However to not identify where the savings will otherwise be made seems to be based on the presumption that 'you can have your cake and eat it'. It seems to me that not to identify where you will make savings, to fund what you argue requires additional funding, shows a lack of developed thinking.

Given the very considerable efforts that has gone into preparing the proposed budget, including taking some 90% of the savings as internal savings with all the risks attached to the transformational programme that that requires, does demonstrate a very real commitment to minimising the effects of budget cuts on the services delivered to Cornwall's residents.

Had alternative budget proposals been on the table then they would have formed the basis for a rather more constructive and informed debate than the spectacle that occurred today. I, for you, would have given those alternatives due consideration - I speak as someone who did not support the council tax increase approved by Council for 2010/11.

Kernick Roundabout: Pedestrian crossing

2011-02-14T21:07:00.000Z

The installation of a pedestrian crossing at the Kernick roundabout (the one near Penryn's ASDA) on the A39 took a major step forward last week when at Mabe Parish Council’s meeting on Thursday 10 February they approved a proposed crossing designed by Cornwall Council’s Highways Department. The crossing includes pedestrian activated lights to stop the traffic and is similar to other such crossings on major roads in the Duchy.

Kernick roundabout is operating at near maximum traffic volume capacity so the pedestrian crossing is intended to form phase 1 of a programme which, in phase 2 at a later date, will see traffic flows through the junction controlled by traffic lights.

The cost of the pedestrian crossing works is estimated at £362,000, excluding a topographical survey and design fees. There is expectation that some £330,000 of the total cost will be sourced from Cornwall’s local transport plan funds leaving the Parish Council to find some £70,000. Parish Councils are able to seek such funds from contributions arising from planning conditions on proposed building developments.

Having worked closely with the Parish Council and Cornwall Council in seeking a safer A39 crossing, I'm delighted that the installation of a pedestrian crossing will encourage more local residents to walk for short journeys.

The Parish Council will seek written letters of support for the pedestrian crossing proposal from interested local residents and organisations, including Mabe Junior School and Penryn College each of whom have students whose walk to school route crosses the A39.

Whilst the timetable for completion of the crossing has yet to be finalised, and will be primarily determined by the completion of funding, there are grounds to believe that two years may be achievable.

Saving Money

2011-02-13T20:23:00.000Z

The experience of Greece and Ireland, and, potentially Portugal and Spain seems not to have reached those who argue for reduction or removal of the Government's spending cuts.

For the record; Greece and Ireland have all but destroyed their economies and, aside from national default, have no choice other than to bear many years of financial hardship before they restore strength to their national economies. Without great care, Portugal and Spain will suffer the same pain. They each have high unemployment rates, particularly amongst the younger sectors of their populations.

The UK has no choice; either financial pain now or something far fat worse in the medium term.

On being Conservative

2011-02-06T20:26:00.001Z

Well, in fairly quick order, we seemed to be a country full of citizens who believe that the Coalition Government's financial cuts are too harsh, or even unnecessary, and that we should, as a nation, continue to spend more than we earn. So, let me state the facts as I see them and invite a torrent of alternative views.

For the last 10 or more years we in the UK have had the (false) luxury of exporting our inflation to, mostly, China, India and South East Asia. The days of reckoning have now arrived as those territories seek to progressively move towards enjoying our standards of living. We have inflated our property prices (see Ireland and Spain as examples) and have, in global terms, paid ourselves too much. It has been easy to blame the bankers, who do deserve part of the blame, although the full blame attaches to any of us who have lived beyond our means or not done enough to protect those less able than ourselves.

The World does not owe the UK a living. To pretend otherwise is an insult to all those countries whose GDP per person is below the UK's.

We have, in recent years, been a net borrower whilst countries such as China have financed our excess standards of living, by being net lenders. Payback time has now arrived.

We face two simple choices. We can follow the Greek, Irish or Iberian Peninsula models whereby we accept lack of international competitive status, an inability to reduce our debts and an eventual sovereign debt crisis. Alternatively we can 'bite the bullet' and reduce our debts and, most importantly, stop wasting so much money on interest payments. Money which would be much better spent on improving public services.

There are different approaches to debt reduction. The USA has chosen to engage in Keynesian financial simulation; the UK has embarked on a monetary policy. Only time will tell which approach yields the best results.

The cuts are, and will be, painful. The primary duty of national and local government, beyond ensuring the security of the State, is to protect the more vulnerable members of our society. This does not reduce or remove the very difficult choices that have to be made.

As a conservative I believe, based on all the evidence I can access, that the Coalition Government has chosen the least risky path in restoring the UK's financial soundness. I am surprised when the Chancellor talks about the absence of 'Plan B'. Whilst an alternative course of action may be more risky I do recognise that as the financial and economic environment changes that there will be necessary touches to the tiller to keep the ship on course.

Youth Parliament

2011-02-06T12:27:00.001Z

Yesterday's Youth Parliament elections in County Hall was, as you would expect, a positive event showcasing what is good about Cornwall's young people. The election results are available at: http://www.cornwallyouthforum.org.uk/Cornwall_Youth_Forum/Welcome.html

For anyone who regards this as simply a 'box ticking' activity whereby lip service is paid to young people you could not be further from the truth as the 'voice of the child' is a key priority in Cornwall's Children & Young Persons Plan: http://www.cornwallcypp.org.uk/Default.aspx?page=2 Considerable effort is given to ensuring that the voice of every child is heard including through school councils, youth forum and the children in care council. Children represent approaching 25% of Cornwall's population and as many of the decisions taken by adults have direct influence on children, e.g. academies and health services reorganisations, it is only right that they have their opportunity to consider and decide their responses and then seek to influence the decision-makers.

2011 is the first year in which young people will have opportunities to present to the Chief Executive and Directors of Cornwall Council as a regular agenda item on their meetings.

Slightly disappointing that just four councillors attended the elections: Neil Burden, who delivered a speech and rather than keeping it bland included STDs in his discussion, Pat Harvey - proving yet again the great support she gives as Cornwall Council chairman, Pat Rogerson and myself.

A number of agencies were on hand including representatives from the Children's Trust and the Devon & Cornwall Police Authority. Equally importantly there were three Cornish MPs in attendance: Sarah Newton, Sheryll Murray and George Eustice. I saw no sign of the Duchy's Liberal Democrat MPs.

If you like to see the Youth Parliament in action, with one of the debates led by a Cornish representative, follow this link: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_192005

2011

2010-12-31T16:23:00.001Z

If you are pessimistic by nature then 2011 holds much in store for you:

(1) Virtual absence of growth in the UK economy with the slight prospect of recession,
(2) Reduction in consumer spending due to inflation, job losses, income freezes/cuts, increase in VAT,
(3) Union action to seek to protect their members' interests,
(4) Reducing house prices,
(5) Next stage of the financial crisis (increase in UK domestic mortgage defaults?; Greece to be first country to leave the euro?; further difficulties for some bank as they seek to refinance existing debts)

Personally I'm optimistic by nature so whilst others see problems I see opportunities to increase community power, reassess what is really important and spend more time working on what is critical rather than what is urgent.

Elections

2010-12-27T14:32:00.000Z

The primary purpose of the Conservative Party, like other political parties, is to govern by winning elections. Sadly nobody won the 2010 General Election so we have been saddled with a coalition and now, horror upon horror, there is some suggestion that we would fight the next General Election on that basis.

Let me make my position absolutely clear. I want the Conservative Party to win the next General Election without the assistance of any other political party. The sooner that election takes place the better it will be for the UK. There are already plenty of signs that the Liberal Democrats are unreliable partners (what a surprise) so I can only hope that they decide to walk away sooner rather than later.

What chance a 2011 General Election?

Make £3,300 for Cornwall

2010-12-17T16:00:00.000Z

The next national census takes place on 27 March 2011. In 2001 there was a 94% return of census forms in Cornwall. According to information provided by the 2011 Census area manager for Cornwall each additional person included in the 2011 Census will be worth of the order of £330 each year to Cornwall in terms of Government grants.

Considerable efforts will be made to encourage a 100% Census return for Cornwall; anything anyone can do to encourage the achievement of the higest possible return of Census forms will have direct impact on the monies available to spent on local services for the ten years until the 2021 Census.

£330 per year equates to £3,300 over 10 years.

It is disappointing that the 2011 Census will not have a 'tick box' for Cornish origin. There will be a box in which 'Cornish' can be written . However a protest vote by anyone deciding not to complete the Census form, due to the absence of a Cornish 'tick box', might succeed in registering a protest but at the above cost to funding for local services.

Bankers' Bonuses

2010-12-12T17:37:00.000Z

I'm clearly missing something. The UK banks have enormous loans granted to them by the Bank of England when the credit markets dried up, with the BoE requiring repayment by end 2012. Without those loans those banks would have gone bust.

The banks with the largest loans are Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds TSB. So the BoE, 100% owned by the taxpayer, is lending to banks partially owned by the taxpayer.

Yet RBS and Lloyds TSB will be paying £100k+ bonuses to certain staff. So why are they not, instead, paying off their loans first?

I'm all for bankers, or anybody else, getting rewarded for their efforts but does that reward not come after settling the debts owed to taxpayers?

Schools Funding

2010-11-13T14:38:00.000Z

Today's articles in the Media give some expectation that the long-standing under-funding of Cornwall's schools, when compared with pupil rates enjoyed by many other counties, may be in sight of coming to an end. Whilst the Media is focussing on the removal of local authorities from the decision making process regarding the allocation of funding per school, the move to a new arrangement whereby the Government pays each school directly seems a good step forward.

Of course it will be necessary to ensure that the funding formula is genuinely fair, hence the reason that there will be a period of consultation, and fully addresses the range of issues including rural, inner-city, special educational needs, deprivation and disabled pupils to name a few.

Voice of the Child

2010-11-09T14:36:00.000Z

Excellent morning yesterday listening to and watching presentations from seven groups - Youth Parliament, Germoe School, Young Carers, Penponds School, Illogan School, Volunteer Cornwall and Landrake Young Ladies.

Each of the presentations was well made demonstrating that youngesters are aware of issues, engaged with issues and able to put forward solutions.

The event was part of a programme of increasing (and boy does it need increasing) the attention given to seeking and understanding children's as part of the decision making process for those issues which effect them (and that is most issues) and ensuring that they understand the rationale for decisions when they are taken.

Public Consultation

2010-10-17T11:07:00.001+01:00

The 'Hard Choices' public consultation evening meetings in Penzance, Saltash, St Austell and Bude last week were, given the lack of large numbers of attendees due to the short notice, a start in a process that should be continued; namely Cornwall Councillors holding meetings across the Duchy to seek the views of the local population. This activity should not cut across the existing local activities of Cornwall Councillors but rather provide an opportunity for groups of Councillors, against the background of issues which to greater or lesser extent effect the entire Duchy, to seek the views of more representative samples of the population.

One noticeable absence from the meetings was people under the age of 40 (my apology if you were there and are under 40!). I don't recall any children or young people attending. The absence of children and young people, or rather more likely finding better ways to engage with them, will be addressed at meetings I'm attending over the next few days organised by Cornwall Council and voluntary partners. These meetings will be centred on and led by children and young people as part of the programme to achieve in Cornwall real meaning for the 'giving a voice to the child' initiative.

Cuts are OK but.....

2010-10-09T15:31:00.003+01:00

Given the amount of Media space devoted to the wails of those on 40% income tax who will lose child benefit you could be forgiven for believing that everyone is in favour of Government spending reductions unless the cuts directly effect them. Maybe the wails of anguish simply reflect the ability of some of the more articulate members of society to get their voices heard.

Perhaps a simple definition of spending reductions is that they must and will hurt; the challenge being to minimise the pain and to shelter the more vunerable members of society from the effects of the cuts. There is only so much that can be achieved by efficiency savings, and even then it probably means some people losing their jobs, before the effects touch others. There seems a world of difference between giving up something which you can live without when compared with keeping in place services which, literally, are a matter of life and death. So 'ring-fencing' the NHS from having to introduce front line service cuts, whilst expecting efficiency gains, is a logical way forward.

I'm not looking forward to 20% VAT or having to wait until I'm 66 to receive a State pension. However I'm prepared to accept that my modest financial loss is for the overall good. My loss is immaterial alongside those who will lose their jobs and have to find new employment. I've been there and done that and, at the time, it is a traumatic experience.

Cornwall's Budget: Everyone's Responsibility

2010-10-03T13:05:00.002+01:00

Just 17 days to go now before the Coalition Government's spending plans are made public. Everyone can have their say as to where they think the changes in Cornwall should be made: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=25332

There are plans afoot - congratulations to Cllr. John Keeling, in his role as chair of the Corporate Resources Scrutiny Committee, for taking the lead here - for councillors to attend evening public meetings across Cornwall to directly hear the views of the public. I understand meetings are being arranged for the North, South, East and West of the Duchy.

It has to be emphasised that the Cornwall Council's budget proposals are exactly that; proposals which are first subject to scrutiny by the scrutiny committees (consisting of 72 councillors, i.e. well over 50% of all Cornwall councillors) and then to consideration and debate by the full Council. The scrutiny process will test the budget proposals for fairness, appropriateness and value for money. If councillors, by majority by scrutiny committee, consider that the proposals can be improved then their recommendations will inform both the Cabinet and the full Council when it considers the budget proposals.

The budget only moves forward into effect should over 50% of the councillors who attend the full Council meeting positively vote for it.

Personal Debt

2010-10-01T10:04:00.003+01:00

If personal debt was regarded as a disease such as typhoid then the scale of it in Cornwall would justify 'moving heaven and earth' to eradicate it; this was the gist of a presentation given yesterday by Cornwall's Citizens Advice Bureau to six Cornwall councillors.

The number of families and individuals with unmanageable debts should be of major concern to policy makers. There is likely to be very appreciable increase in the numbers as the effects of the 'age of asterity' gather pace.

What can be done? A three point programme is the way forward:

1. Get the issue given the priority it demands by policymakers.
2. Educate those at risk of their rights.
3. Promote responsible borrowings.

The CAB presentation is part of an on-going evidence gathering activity about poverty in Cornwall.

The implications of excessive personal debts are profound and range across family stability, child poverty, mental health and community viability, to name just a few.

Cornwall Council: Services

2010-09-23T17:55:00.000+01:00

Today's Cornwall Council Children, Education & Families ("CEF") Overview & Scrutiny Committee had a full agenda so it's thanks to the officers and councillors that we got through it so well without stinting on the discussions.

There is understandable concern that whilst the grant reductions to date, in the CEF arena, have been absorbed without too much difficulty - although it would be wrong to assume that there has not been a reduction in services or some lost jobs - the future range and number of cuts will not be known until after the Government's autumn spending review which takes place on 20 October.

As the Cornwall Council Cabinet develop their proposals to manage the funding cuts, whilst continuing on the overall journey of achieving value for money, there is a critical role for the Scrutiny Committees, whose memberships is over 50% of the councillors, to understand, challenge and, where appropriate, recommend alternative options in the implementation of the funding reductions. A strong scrutiny function can then inform the deliberations of the Full Council when it meets in November to decide on the emergency budget.

Cornwall Council: Good Progress

2010-09-16T10:52:00.000+01:00

It was good to hear at yesterday's Cornwall Council Cabinet meeting of the very real progress being made in moving Cornwall Council towards being a top class council. This will benefit everyone in Cornwall, as quality services are delivered at lowest possible cost.

The details are that Cornwall Council has achieved the second best performance standards of all those councils who moved to unitary status in 2009. There was already clear evidence that performance standards across the Council have been improving however it is particularly gratifying to have independent confirmation of the progress made since the Conservatives, working alongside the Independents, took control of Cornwall Council in 2009.

The independent report was prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers who provide a benchmarking service to a number of Councils to allow performance to be compared.

This positive performance result sits alongside continued effective management of the Cornwall Council budget which is on track to deliver well over £50m of savings in the current financial year. These savings comprise the initial Cornwall Council target of £40m savings in 2010/2011 (which were needed to keep the council tax increase low) plus the subsequent additional savings required from the reduction in Government grants. Whilst the latest forecast is of a small overspend this primarily arises from the effect of the Government grants reduction and there is every expectation that the budget will be back in line before the financial year comes to a close.

Further savings arising from the rationalisation of Cornwall Council’s office property will be achieved by the adoption of modern working practices. This will reduce the number of offices which the Council needs to occupy. There will be some short-term costs, especially regarding refurbishments of offices in Dolceath Avenue, Camborne, and New County Hall, Truro to allow more staff to be based in these locations however overall the changes will achieve significant long-term savings.

Much remains to be done. The current performance improvements, whilst welcome, are not any reason to reduce the efforts to make further substantial improvements.

Penryn Fair Day

2010-08-29T12:06:00.003+01:00

My, sadly lacking, knowledge of Cornish history was improved by listening to the Grand Bard's presentation about the Prayer Book Rebellion of 1549 at the prelude to Penryn Fair Day.

Congratulations to the organising committee for Saturday's excellent day.

A note for your diary: the Gorsedd comes to Penryn in 2013.

Prayer Book Rebellion:

www.cornwallgb.com/cornwall_england_howard.html www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1192787

Gorsedd:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorsedd gorsethkernow.org.uk/english/about.htm

School: Term Times

2010-08-29T11:42:00.001+01:00

My initial research has established the following.

The school year, of three terms, was established in 1875 and with just a few minor changes has broadly remained unaltered since then. It's initial design included recognition that many children would be involved in harvesting crops.

The current arrangements act to the educational disadvantage of children, particular those from poorer families, as reading and numeracy skills fall during long periods whilst away from school, such as the current six weeks summer holiday.

There are various proposals to both shorthen the summer holiday and increase the time that children spend at school. One that I have come across proposes a five term year with each term of about nine weeks. This would increase the total time at school from the present 42 weeks to nearer 45 weeks per year. The summer holiday would reduce to 3 weeks.

This is only the start of my enquiries as there are many other factors to be addressed including:

1. the extent of the educational disadvantage created by the current structure,
2. how any additional schoolling would be funded,
3. the opportunity for parents and carers to take children out of school, during term time, for holidays.

Poverty

2010-08-27T11:55:00.001+01:00

I'm very pleased that Cornwall Council's Children, Education and Families Scrutiny Committee has decided to carry out an in-depth review of deprivation and children's poverty. Cornwall and its people suffer greatly from poverty. That is not just financial poverty resulting from low wages (in inself a reflection of an inbalance betweeen low and high skilled jobs) but also, more importantly, poverty of aspiration. That lack of aspiration is clearly not universal. However the positive areas of progress do not mask the continuing real need for major improvements.

Some individuals will find this lack of aspiration difficult to accept. Some may not realise what they can achieve. Some may choose to deny it. However the evidence indicates that part of Cornwall's progress, towards achieving acceptable living standards and well being for all of its population, does require major and effective changes to be pout in place.

The Coalition Government has, quite rightly, maintained the previous Government's target of eradicating children's poverty by 2020. Ten years seems like a long time. It is not in the context of what needs to be done particularly as it should be done sooner rather than later.

The councillors involved in this review will take evidence from a variety of sources including some organisations and individuals deeply involved in the subject. However anyone who has any thoughts, ideas or suggestions on this topic is invited to contact me; 01872 865407 or chridgers@cornwall.gov.gov.uk

Spending Cuts

2010-08-23T12:09:00.000+01:00

The coming weeks, leading up to and just after the Coalition Government's Spending Review, due on 22 October will be demanding on councillors as they seek to influence the Cornwall Council Cabinet's views on where the spending cuts should fall. Whilst the Cabinet will develop proposals the approval of or change to the Cabinet's proposals are in the hands of all councillors who will vote on the proposed budget.

Of course until the Coalition Government publish their spending details it can only be a matter of estimation and informed opinion as to the size of cuts which will be required in Cornwall.

Within this activity the role of the four scrutiny committees in Cornwall Council, to review the details of the proposed budget, will be pivotal.

Whilst members of the public have had opportunity to influence Goverment policy - http://spendingchallenge.hm-treasury.gov.uk/ - there is a further, and local, set of opportunities to make your views known by asking questions of the scrutiny committees.

Lib Dem Defection

2010-08-22T20:18:00.001+01:00

Forget about Charles Kennedy.

The obvious big fish, to wake up and smell the coffee, is Nick Clegg.

Cornish Holidays

2010-08-21T12:27:00.000+01:00

Have just experienced a few days of 'holidaying at home' and attempting to see Cornwall through the eyes of tourists. The following are my personal highlights:

Walking from St Just to Sennen Cove along the coastal path; passed only five people

Gwennap Pit (and the very knowledgeable volunteer guide)

Portreath pasty

Cornwall Council: Personal Sites

2010-07-20T16:47:00.000+01:00

Recognising the importance of having a wide a range of communication opportunities, Cornwall Council is now creating personal sites for councillors from which they will have the opportunity to post relevant, non-politically biased, comments and news.

Whilst it will take time for those councillors who wish to use this facility to set-up their pages and post comments, those comments will likely become a further rich source of information for those interested in Cornwall Council and what it does. With the challenges created by the pressure on budgets, those comments are likely to supplement the existing official channels of communication already used by the Council.

http://democracy.cornwall.gov.uk/mgMiniSite.aspx?UID=2157&EID=0&PID=18&PG=1

Meet Me!

2010-07-14T16:56:00.000+01:00

Next surgeries are on 24 July at:

Mabe Village Hall (opp. the village shop): 10:00 - 11:30

Ponsanooth Methodist Church Annex (side door on right hand side of building as you face the church): 12:00 - 13:30

Perranarworthal Village Memorial Hall (South room): 14:30 - 16:00

No appointment necessary.

Happy to discuss any subject and to work with you to seek to find a solution.

Liberal Democrats : Disunited?

2010-06-27T13:04:00.000+01:00

Am I the only one struggling to understand what is going on in the Liberal Democrats universe?

They seemed to be still surprised to be in national government coalition and, as such, seemingly have adopted Conservative policies which, prior to the Election, they fought tooth and nail against. Remember all the pre-Election fuss they made about not supporting an increase in VAT and that savings had to be put off? Yes, there are elements of LibDem policy in the coalition agreement and whilst generally welcome tend not to be influencing the main direction on which the Conservatives fought the Election campaign.

Now we have various LibDem members beginning to get cold feet over what they have got themselves into and showing early signs of wanting to abandon ship even before we reach stormy waters as the necessary changes in government expenditure begin to take effect.

Read report today that LibDem support has fallen by half since the General Election so, in time honoured fashion given the history of UK coalitions, Nick Clegg appears at real risk of, at least for a generation, casting his Party, at least nationally if not locally, back into the politicial wilderness.

Community Engagement

2010-06-27T12:46:00.000+01:00

Watched the Armed Forces Parade in Truro yesterday and visited the displays on Lemon Quay. Later went to the Tremough Campus Community Day and, apart from being impressed by the wide range of activities on offer for visitors, was disappointed that there were only three of us at the informative lecture, 'From Climate to Landscape: Imagining the Future' deliveried by Professor Catherine Leyshon.

The common theme, for me, across these two events was the relative lack of engagement either seemed to achieve amongst the vast majority of the population. OK, so the weather was excellent so there was a big draw to the coast. On the other hand both events had great appeal (the first being an opportunity to acknowledge the commitment of our Forces; irrespective of whether or not you feel we should be in Afghanistan) and the second an opportunity to find out more about what goes on at the Combined Universities.

The Parade followed on from a service in Truro Cathredral. Once again raises the question as to why the Anglican Church is involved in such a major way in something which is supposedly about all in society and not just those who choose to believe in Christ.

I watched the Parade from Boscawen Street and it was clear that the audience was measured in hundreds rather than thousands.

At Tremough there were few visitors on site in the afternoon - I'm told there were rather more there in the morning - however the feeling was of a relatively poorly attended event. Was it promoted sufficiently locally? A few days ago a number of Cornwall councillors from the Falmouth & Penryn area met with the University College Falmouth Rector and senior staff. We agreed to work towards building stronger links between the local community and Tremough; perhaps for subsequent Campus Community Days we need to work jointly to encourage greater attendence at what is, after all, a Cornish success story which will likely play an important role in Cornwall's future.

Just Another Day

2010-06-08T17:29:00.000+01:00

Attended Inclusion Cornwall's www.cornwallstrategicpartnership.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=10643 AGM this morning and, yet again in my day-to-day activities, met a group of people who individually and collectively are working hard towards improving the lot of various communities and individuals in Cornwall. A good networking session followed with a number of new contacts made. Amongst many issues, learnt that there are seven different faith groups in Cornwall. (Note to self: How well are their views represented?).

After a quick visit to County Hall (collect the mail; print out various papers; check if any Portfolio Holders were in residence for a 'what's happening?' chat) then returned home to deal with the post, phone messages and emails. Then a photography session with the Parish Council for a possible article in the West Briton. Now a break before going out later to a (different) Parish Council meeting.

Hanging over all I do at the moment is the prospect that there are very major changes coming in as the Government's spending review gathers pace. It's very easy to become depressed by the prospects however it may be that the coming funding reductions are what are required to encourage me, and perhaps others, to focus solely on what is important rather than what is urgent.

Experienced Politicans

2010-05-31T11:36:00.000+01:00

In today's Times it is suggested that Danny Alexander is not sufficiently experienced to hold the role of Treasury Chief Secretary. That fails to recognise that being experienced is not the key attribute of a politician; being elected is. It also fails to recognise that in a democracy we elect the government and not the civil servants who provide the government with its information and implementation of the government's requirements.

The UK and Cornwall gets the politicians it wants. It does not generally select them on their ability to do a specific government job other than to represent them whether at the local or national level.

If one looks at the Cornwall Councillors it is self-evident that whilst they are not fully representative of the electorate (too few younger members; too many males; too many middle class) they bring a range of experiences and abilities to bear on the issues facing Cornwall. To a large extent, many politicians grow into the roles that they undertake.

A new Beginning?

2010-05-30T19:46:00.000+01:00

So, the results so far are not looking too good:

One resignation due to a clear breach of Commons rules on expenses,

No news yet on Cornwall's bids for building schools for the future and affordable housing,

18 millionaires in the Cabinet ( who represents the rest of us?),

Evevations to the House of Lords ( when will it be solely electable?) of at least two millionaires who have made significant donations to the Conservative Party,

Closing down the Childrens Trust Funds (maybe a good idea but why, as your first action, hit those who don't vote?),

Suggestion that those who are clever or rich enought to dodge income tax can continue to shield their 'capital gains' at less than the appropriate levels of income tax,

Obvious discontent, with some aspects of Government policy, in both Conservative and Liberal Democrat ranks.

If this was a new beginning then currently feeling, at best, less than encouraged by what is being deliveried.

Much now depends on the 22 June budget.

Chris.

A New Order?

2010-05-14T13:16:00.000+01:00

The election is now over and I've got used to not automatically wanting to stick a leaflet through any letterbox I see. It was great to find that as the campaign went on the initial suspicion of politicans (expenses, "in it for themselves", can't be trusted, etc.) gave way to the realisation that maybe it was the most important General Election for a generation.

Given the apparent conspiracy of all parties not to talk, in detail, about their plans to reduce the deficit it was encouraging that this was one of the major themes on the doorstep. So, from that perspective, there is still a gulf between the electorate, many of whom want to hear the truth and its consequences, and politicians who seemingly put getting elected over and above addressing, pre-election, some of the big topics.

I can't help but feel that what has emerged post-election, with a Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition, is an indication of the depth of the crisis that the UK is in.

Time will tell whether it is truly a shift in the political environment or just a holiday romance.

The day job as a Cornwall Councillor continued throughout the campaign. Sadly some Councillors (again across the board; not a political party comment) seemed to spend time on the campaign trial rather than giving priority to their Council duties. With the internet and email it was fairly easy to move some Council work to evenings/weekends (or rather doing even more in those times) without distracting from the role to which I was elected. Gripe over.

Yesterday re-elected to the chair of the Children, Education & Families Overview & Scrutiny Committee. The first year was successful (I would say that) however it was good to see the Committee yesterday becoming even more assertive in holding the Cabinet to account; a number of recommendations are going to them. Next week sees the Committee's report on children's safeguarding and looked after children going to Cabinet.

OK, so I'm a Conservative scrutinising a Conservative-led Council; I, like all Councillors involved in scrutiny, leave my Party alligence at the door when on scrutiny duties. (The Cornwall Council Constitution would not allow Scrutiny Committees to be chaired by a member of the Party which represented more than 50% of the Councillors).

The coming year will see more policy development undertaken by Scrutiny Committees....watch this space.

Allowances and Expenses

2010-04-11T10:28:00.000+01:00

My allowances as a Cornwall Councillor are:

Basis Allowance: £11,976.16 per annum. This is the allowance available to every Councillor.

Chairman: Children, Education and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee: £7,086.48 per annum.

Out of the above I fund postage, stationery (Council provides letter headed paper and business cards), telephone calls when away from Council offices (landline and mobile), home broadband connection, home office space and travelling expenses for all journeys other than those which are claimable, which are about 20% of my total journeys.

All expenses claimed are, before payment, subject to itemised details checked by Council officers and further subject to potential review by the Council's internal auditors (within the internal audit annual programme there is time allocated for reviewing councillors expenses).

The amounts paid to me by month, which as and when the Council's system allows will be displayed as presented in their itemised format, were:

July:              £47.00
August:           29.00
September:     44.30
October:         62.00
November:     95.50
December:      60.00
January:          78.50
February:      115.00
March:           86.00

The majority of the expenses are mileage, initially at 50p per mile reduced to 40p per mile from mid-January when Council adopted the mileage recommendation of the independent review panel. I have made a few journeys by public transport and am committed, where possible, to use it as it costs less than the car mileage rate.

Not included in the above expenses are the costs of air travel to London paid directly by the Council; once for a Pension Fund meeting with certain investment managers and once for scrutiny training in Westminister. One of the flights was to Gatwick where the Council also pre-purchased the rail travel to Victoria. The costs of parking at Newquay airport are included in the stated expenses as is the cost of rail travel from London Docklands airport for the other flight. In each case, travel was based on the lowest cost that the Council could secure.

Not included in the above is the parking permit provided by Cornwall Council. This has been used infrequently as most meetings are at Council offices, including One Stop Shops, where on-site parking is generally available or are meetings within walking distance of Council offices.

Tea/coffee/water is available at Council offices, generally free of charge, as is the occasional lunchtime meal I have had at New County Hall when on all-day business.

Finally I have joined the Council's pension scheme which for councillors is a career average arrangement based on payment of 6% of alowances and is inferior to the final salary scheme available to staff. At the time of writing this note I'm not sure as to the Council's payment to my pension.

I understand, as was the practice with Cornwall County Council, that the Council will publish in the local newspapers and on its website an annual statement of all allowances and expenses paid to each councillor.

Apathy, Anguish and Acceptance

2010-04-09T19:04:00.000+01:00

Out deliverying leaflets today and the main message 'on the street' was "Why are we told how bad the situation really is?" Of course the second most popular message was about a lack of interest and the perception that all politicians are in it for what they can make. That spurs me to write a blog this weekend about my allowances and expenses as a councillor; thin cat rather than fat cat.

Well I regard the economic situation as very poor; of every £4 that the Government currently spends £1 is borrowed. That we be OK in the short term however (a) we have an enormous national debt already, and (b) the current Government seems hell-bent on borrowing more in the coming years, if re-elected.

It's all rather like Cornwall Council where it is not possible to make massive early savings but rather gradually move towards a new approach to financial stewardship. Go to fast and the whole system could collapse; go to quickly and we go broke.

Under Starter's Orders

2010-04-05T13:46:00.000+01:00

Will Gordon Brown visit the Queen tomorrow? (likely)

Will each Party make a 'big' announcement to kick start their campaign to seek to grab the headlines? (probable)

Will the election be conducted, by all involved, in a considered and fact based environment? (fat chance)

Will I lose 10lbs delivering leaflets and canvassing over the next four weeks? (hopefully)

Will the UK be a different place after the election? (maybe not initially.....)

COUNCILLOR ACTIVITES: MEETINGS

2010-04-01T16:38:00.000+01:00

The first four days this week included the following meetings:

Monday: Audit Committee.
Tuesday: Political Party Group; Full Council and meeting with residents.
Wednesday: Pension Fund Committee; visit to Children's Home (some councillors, in their role of corporate parents, carry out monthly visits to every Children's Home in Cornwall) and a Parish Council meeting.
Thursday: Local Safeguarding Childen Board (attended as participating observer); meeting with Children, Schools and Families Portfolio Holder; agenda setting discussion for Scrutiny meeting.

A39 Crossing: 'ASDA/B&Q' Roundabout south of Mabe

2010-03-17T15:36:00.000Z

Please contact me if you have any issues or comments about pedestrians crossing the A39 at this location.

Your views will assist in developing a proposition for improvements to pedestrian safety.

Thanks.

Serious Case Reviews

2010-03-11T18:28:00.000Z

Attended meeting in Penzance yesterday which received presentations on deaths of two children in Cornwall. Serious case reviews involve cases of actual or suspected abuse.

A very sobering experience which (a) reinforced my decision to stand as a Councillor to seek to prevent such tragic curcumstances, and (b) put into sharp focus the relative unimportance of many issues which Councillors deal with.

Low Carbon Economy

2010-03-05T10:47:00.000Z

Attended yesterday evening's 'Transition to Resilience Event' and came away convinced that there are many committed individuals willing and able to work at County and local community levels to achieve a sustainable move towards achieving a 40% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2020.

Within this programme, Community Area Networks will have an important role. Localism rules OK!

Letter to West Briton

2010-03-03T11:35:00.000Z

Just in case it is not published.....

We, the undersigned Cornwall Councillors, share the disappointment of many Cornish residents on the absence of net savings from the move to Unitary Authority status (West Briton, 25 February).

Some of the One Cornwall projected savings have been achieved this year but most of those suggested for next year and beyond are 'pie in the sky'. Also, a number of costs had either been under-estimated or overlooked e.g. costs of putting in new systems which were fit for purpose. The word 'hoodwinked' is one that should apply to the previous administration at County Hall, not the new one.

This situation should come as no surprise. The Unitary Authority proposal was forced through by the Lib Dem County Council, supported by the local Lib Dem MPs, but was opposed by 80% of the public. Professor Michael Chisholm of Cambridge University, an acknowledged expert in this area, stated that costs would exceed savings. The case for a new Unitary Authority was fundamentally flawed. In addition, evidence from the Audit Commission indicated that financial control was weak, as was risk management. This was compounded by independent inspection reports of poor services provided by the previous administration.

For the new Conservative and Independent Administration the priority has been to rectify this situation. The results to date are very favourable. Debt has been reduced, the annual deficit curtailed, wasted expenditure such as the newspaper cut out, and financial control strengthened as shown by the latest Audit Commission report. In addition, £120 million is being committed next year to improve services while further savings of £40 million are to be made.

However, more still needs to be done to provide the best possible services at the lowest possible cost for the people of Cornwall. This will take time given the large and complex nature of the new Council. With a good corporate plan, clear vision and firm leadership it can be met, even with the financial constraints expected from future Government cutbacks. All the activities of the Council are directed towards moving it, as quickly as possible, to a position where it is well-regarded for what it does and how it does it.

Yours sincerely

Dave Biggs, Camborne West
Mike Eathorne-Gibbons, Ladock, St Clement and St Erme
Scott Mann, Wadebridge West
Chris Ridgers, Mabe

Being Liberal Democrat

2010-02-17T09:28:00.000Z

By common consent the Liberal Democrat's Vince Cable speaks wisely in financial matters; what a shame that his knowledge is not replicated amonst his Cornwall colleagues. They believe that:

1. a 2.9% increase in Council tax is too high even though the plans they drew up last year showed an increase of 4.0% for this year;

2. Cornwall Council should not seek to make the best use of the monies it has available and should not consider alternative ways of delivering the services required by the residents of Cornwall;

3. that there are no difficult decisions to take; probably because their solution would be based on spend, spend, spend, so driving Cornwall into far more debt.

I abstained on the Council budget vote yesterday as I believe that action to get the budget reduced has to be the priority without moving away from deliverying those services which mattter. There are costs which should be cut and which, increasingly, are a luxury in today's difficult economic times and bring no significant benefit to most residents.

Cornwall Council: Councillors' Allowances

2010-01-19T17:50:00.000Z

In 2009 the Liberal Democrats had unsuccessfully attempted to set all allowances for the first four years of Cornwall Council. This had been defeated on the basis that there was no certainty that an independent review might recommend reducing some allowances. At the time this had been mocked by the Liberal Democrats as merely a Conservative ploy to subsequently increase allowances.

However now that today Cornwall Councillors have accepted the independent report’s recommendation to reduce the mileage rate to 40p per mile, bringing it in line with the rate paid to Council staff, the Liberal Democrat attempt to have fixed the rate last year at 50p per mile for four years can be seen as merely an attempt to protect their income.

Full Council Meeting: Tomorrow

2010-01-18T20:11:00.000Z

Much 'hot air' expressed in the Media and on websites in recent days over the independent review of Cornwall Council councillor allowances. Sad that so many who have commented have missed the obvious points that (a) it is an independent review, and (b) tomorrow's meeting will decide how to take it forward.

Whilst politically important it's potential effect on Cornwall Council finances, if it was to be adopted, is much much less than any number of important projects in Cornwall.

Of far more significance to me was the agreement today that those leading the seperate Adult and Children's scrutiny committeess would work closely together on children's health issues - drugs, alcohol, tobacco to name but three items harming some of our youngsters - including presenting a united approach to organisations, such as the PCT, outside the Council. In ten years time no one will care about the allowances paid to councillors in 2010/11 however they will know, through illness and early deaths, if we don't significantly improve the healthy lifestyles of Cornish children and young adults.

Expenses scandal?

2010-01-17T20:04:00.000Z

Is it true that the leader of the Liberal Democrats has an office in New County Hall? Is it true that the leader of Mebyon Kernow is not extended the same privilege by officers of Cornwall Council?

Is it true that some Liberal Democrats circumvent Cornwall Council's travel expenses rule by turning up for meetings, ask a single question, and then sit for the remainder of the meeting doing personal emails and not taking part in the meeting for which they are paid expenses to attend?

What this space for answers!

Councillors' Allowances

2010-01-11T16:55:00.000Z

Have just seen the Cornwall Council Press Release which records the recommendation of the Independent Remuneration Panel that the basis allowance increases from £11,976 to £14,600.

As far as I'm concerned any increase in the current four year term has to be warranted.

Cornwall County Council scored poorly on a number of measures; whilst I was not part of the problem - please look to the Liberal Democrats for that! - I would prefer to be seen to earn any increase and that can only be demonstrated by significicantly improving the performance - a process which will likely take some year.

A 22.9% increase does not sit easily with most residents who if in employment will be lucky to see any increase this year.

Those residents who are retired will see their state pensions increase by 2.5%

Some residents have to live on benefits and can only dream of big increases.

Snow, ice and public transport

2010-01-09T17:03:00.000Z

Praise where praise is due. The Cornwall Council teams out keeping the main roads have, given the weather conditions, done a good job. With the A & B roads now passable it was great to see a gritter lorry in Perranwell Station this morning tackling a number of the more minor roads - and before anyone asks I had not requested favourable local treatment.

Took the car out this morning, first time we have ventured onto the roads since 2 January, and at ASDA's in Penryn it felt as if Sue and I were not the only ones buying in expectation of not being able to get to a supermarket again for 10 days.

Had various Council commitments in Truro this week and travelled to all of them on the Maritime Line. Having previously made use of the train and bus I came to the conclusion that I should make even greater use of them in 2010. That raises two thoughts: (1) Increasing the availability of public transport across Cornwall - being halfway between Falmouth and Truro does mean that Perranwell Station is better served by public transport than many rural locations, and (2) Contributing to the recently announced national review of competition within bus services - the cost of a return ticket from PS to either Truro or Falmouth is high enough to deter car users and is a barrier for those on tight budgers.

Silly Politicians

2010-01-05T17:34:00.000Z

Here we are with, probably, 5 months to go before a General Election and already numerous politicians, sadly many local to Cornwall, are making fools of themselves. Don't they realise that the public is (a) pretty uninterested in politics, (b) want actions, and (c) don't want to be treated like idiots.
Is it possible to have sensible debate about the major issues, whether of local or national importance? I know that we each have different views however that does not prevent us conducting discussions in a sensible mature manner.

Year Ending

2009-12-28T11:04:00.000Z

2009 crawls to a close....2010 comes closer.

So far most people have, I feel, yet to feel the effect of the near collapse of the global banking industry. I suspect, judging by the post-Christmas Sales, that most people think the worst is behind them....we shall see.

Whether we have double-dip or whatever, credit will be squeezed much further as the banks, including those who have yet to reveal their losses, focus on rebuilding their balance sheets at the cost of lending to businesses and individuals.

'Silent' Voices

2009-12-14T14:12:00.000Z

We need to make room to encourage the voices of those not heard and then make sure we listen to them.

Who do I mean? How about the younf, the old and the middle-aged silent majority. Does anyone care what they have to say and then act on their issues and concerns? Or is it all about lip service?

Performance and Budget

2009-12-09T17:22:00.000Z

Yet another disappointing report from Government Agencies on Cornwall's performance. Will make the local and national news today. Does anyone realise that, in the main, this all relates back to the Liberal Democrat run Cornwall County Council? The LDs seemed so busy, in conjunction with the Labour Government, in forcing a Unitary Auithority on Cornwall that they appear to have forgotten about the day job of providing quality services to the residents.

Now, today, the Labour Government are showing what an absolute mess they have made of the UK's finances. Without good fortune over the next few months we run the risk of going 'cap in hand' to the IMF for a bail-out. Already we have seen problems in Dubai and, yesterday, Greece. The cost of insuring UK debt is rising and if the rating agencies move us below 'AAA' then the cost of Government borrowing will rise and the pound will plunge.

Nobody has a magic answer. Only the Conservatives are willing to tell the public that we are in a mess. The only way out will be painful.

At least there is Christmas to look forward to........

London

2009-12-05T15:36:00.001Z

Spend 2.5 days in London this week and realise, again, have great Cornwall is.

Next week has budget scrutiny, full Council meeting (the least successful meeting in the monthly calender where the objective seems to be to 'score' political points rather than improve the lives of those living in Cornwall), a get-together of scrutiny chairs/vice-chairs plus otherwise unrepresented political parties and, to end the week, a Conservative Group 'awayday'. Plus also, to bring me back to reality, a Parish Council meeting.

HGVs, Grants and Letters

2009-12-01T20:33:00.000Z

If we lived on a less-crowded island would we have the space to seperate traffic from pedestrians. Milton Keynes may, in some quarters, be a joke but at least it treats its non-motor vehicle users with respect, space and security.

Finding it difficult to give, albeit, small awards out to deserving organisations. Does nobody out there, in the three villages or nearby, want cash for a good cause?

Wrote to West Briton last weekend. Was a 'monster' at 750'ish words. They set me the challenge to reduce to 400 words as the maximum length they consider for publication. Recall a famous quotation (Oscar Wilde?) "Sorry I sent you a long letter as I did not have the time to write a short letter." Reduced the letter to exactly 400 words without, I hope, losing any of the main points. We shall see; if the West Briton decide to publish that is.

Another week gone.....

2009-11-29T20:13:00.000Z

Note to self: Putting entries here once a week is not good enough.

This week has consisted of finalising the Single Issue Panel, researching the financial position of the Council, attending 'surgeries', having my 56 birthday, finishing marking and reporting on the latest examination papers .

Next week's promise to self: Update the blog daily.

2009-11-24T13:30:00.000Z

A recent BBC poll showed that the majority want services cut rather than taxes increased. Now the issue is; which services?

There is another way and that depends on performance improvements which, if sufficient, will enable services to be maintained and even increased by doing so at the same cost. Impossible? No! Achieveable? Yes, but only if the will to do exists.

2009-11-22T13:06:00.001Z

A busy week with setting-up a Single Issue Panel for Children's Services, Pensions training and self-employment. Did it feel successful? Not yet.

Children's Trust

2009-11-13T19:56:00.001Z

Spent the day with Children's Trust partners seeking to establish a 'new start' for it in Cornwall. It has previously not worked well; recent Ofsted report has triggered review. Sorry state of affairs that it had to take that 'shock' to get things moving.

Am I alone in finding the relationships so confusing; how does anyone outside care about what the Trust does? The challenge is to have engagement (ugly expression!) with children and all those interested in their wellbeing.

2009-11-12T18:22:00.002Z

Today was about building relationships and information gathering. Informative attendance, as an observer, at a Schools Forum in the morning then meeting the Children's Local Safeguarding Board representatives in the afternoon.

Everyone is so committed to wanting to do their best for all the children of Cornwall; the challenge is to contribute to harnessing all that energy and potential towards a single objective. The tasks facing those dedicated people is so great yet there is a belief that they will deliver.

Now I'm off to a Parish Council meeting - another group of committed individuals who, apart from the clerk, are all unpaid yet focussed on trying to do what is best for their community; usually without any thanks.

The Beginning

2009-11-09T09:36:00.000Z

This is my first blog on the Mabe Electoral Division in which I will post relevant items.