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.
Sunday, 27 June 2010
Community Engagement
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.
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.
Tuesday, 8 June 2010
Just Another Day
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.
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.
Monday, 31 May 2010
Experienced Politicans
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.
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.
Sunday, 30 May 2010
A new Beginning?
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.
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.
Friday, 14 May 2010
A New Order?
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.
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.
Sunday, 11 April 2010
Allowances and Expenses
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.
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.
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