megilleland

21st November Herefordshires Local Plan - progress so far An update and discussion with Geoff Hughes, Director, Places and Communities Directorate, Herefordshire Council @ the Kindle Centre, (back of Asda), Hereford. Refreshments from 7 for 7.30 start. Members free admission. Visitors £3 each, refunded if you join HCS on the night. For more info and full list of events coming up in 2013 go to http://www.herefordcivicsociety.org.uk and click on Events. Our Quarterly News Magazine is out now! Electronic version available on our website at www.herefordcivicsociety.org.uk or please request by emailing herefordcivicsociety@hotmail.co.uk

Things are steadily getting worse on Hereford's estates with not much activity on the ground. Here on Newton Farm not only are Herefordshire Housing cutting the bulk of the grass, but also the Council's agents (used to be Amey and now Balfour Beatty), and in the case of our street, we pay a service charge for Muir Group Housing to cut the grass and keep the area tidy. There is no co-ordination between these bodies, so some grass gets cut and other areas are left to be cut at a later date. This results in an unkempt appearance and local residents not knowing who is responsible for which piece of land. There are pieces of land which have never been cut this year. The problems around the electricity sub-station in Sherborne Close still continue, with fly tipping amd split rubbish bags spewing their contents over the pavements every weekend. Not much hope of anything been done as this has been occuring and visible to anyone passing through this area since the first post here in June 2010. This lack of co-ordination and co-operation to maintain our estates goes back to 2002 when the council handed over most of our green, open spaces to Herefordshire Housing and other Registered Social Landlords, when they got rid of their housing stock. Since then and several recessions later we were told these alterations and efficiency savings would benefit us the council tax payers and be easier to manage in the future. As we can now see this way of working has failed. There should be one contractor to cover the whole area by adopting all the open space. Balfour Beatty having got their £200 million contract with the council, and possibly a phone line connected in the near future, things could be different, but I doubt it.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. Take a look at this website: Positive Money to see what this game is all about and how it affects democracy. Were the rate payers asked if they would like to contribute to Trish Haines windfall? And so on down the chain. This game with money is not only happening locally, but nationally and internationally. Democracy In the 5 years before the financial crisis: Government spending = £2.1 trillion Commercial banks lending = £2.9 trillion 80 board members from the 5 biggest UK banks have greater spending power than 650 MPs Inequality % household income transferred to banks through interest payments is 9.4 % for the poorest income group decile and 1.4 % for the richest income group decile. Debt Each year £100-200 billion is paid to banks as interest. This is equivalent to £2400-4822 per person. Outstanding personal debt stood at £1.424 trillion at the end of February 2013. Between 1993 and 2008 household savings dropped from over 10% of disposable income in to 0, whilst UK consumer debt rose from about 60% of GDP to 100%. Jobs and Business Between 1997-2007 only 13% of the newly created money was lent into the real economy, the rest went into mortgages and finance. Environmental Impact The greatest shortcoming of the human race is our inability to understand the exponential function. - Albert Bartlett, 2004 The UK money supply doubled ~ every 10 years from 1970 up to the financial crisis CO2 emissions double ~ every 35 years Everybody needs to sign up to this campaign to change the system.

This article was on the BBC H&W local radio website today: The gravy train rumbles along. My emphasis. Herefordshire Council wouldn't do this - would it?

Hereford Times website tonight: Herefordshire Council rocked as Bromyard councillor Alan Seldon defects 2:33pm Tuesday 12th November 2013 in News By Bill Tanner HEREFORDSHIRE Council has been rocked by another high profile defection with a crucial by-election now just days away. This afternoon (Tues), It’s OUR County (IOC) confirmed that Bromyard councillor Alan Seldon, chairman of the council’s overview and scrutiny committee had joined its ranks from the Independent group. IOC group leader Councillor Anthony Powers, said he was “delighted†to welcome Coun Seldon so close to the Pontrilas by-election which could leave the council with no overall control if the Tories lose. The defection, said Coun Powers, sends a strong message to the electorate. “Alan brings his very considerable experience and abilities both as a councillor and an active member of the national Local Government Association; he will be a greatly valued addition to our team,†he said. Coun Seldon said he not taken defection lightly and had been “wrestling†with the decision for some time along with his “frustration†at what he felt was the Independents’ lack of direction, organisation and coherence as a group. “I recognise IOC as having strong policies for Herefordshire and a real ability to work together as a team in the challenging times we all face. To fulfil my duties and responsibilities as a ward member in Bromyard, it is essential to have a good team to back me up, and at a strategic level I know that the only group making a real difference to the future prospects of Herefordshire is IOC,†he said.

The problem is there is no border control. The government does not know how many people are entering and leaving the UK. If we have got to let all of the EU in it would be helpful to count them in and out. UKIP has an immigration policy here which I think is acceptable to most people who are concerned that we are running out of space very quickly and that ones quality of life is disappearing just as fast. The lack of money filtering down to the masses will affect our democracy. The corporations have bought the rule making machine and are telling governments what to do. The powerful monied interests would like for all of us to become so cynical with politics and give up. If that happens the corporations rule the world and we will be slaves to its cause. Robert Reich was US Secretary of Labor in the Clinton administration. Time Magazine named him one of the ten most effective cabinet secretaries of the twentieth century. He has been raising concerns about the direction we are heading and what he says, is now also happening here in the UK. Watch either of these two videos to get the picture and his solution to the problems we face. Inequality For All An Evening with Robert Reich

Election of a Unitary Councillor for the Tupsley Ward STATEMENT OF PERSONS NOMINATED The following is a statement as to the persons nominated for the election of a Unitary Councillor on Thursday, 7th November 2013 for the Tupsley Ward. Three candidates: Duncan Charles Fraser - Liberal Democrats Jason Kay - Local Conservatives Cath North - It's OUR County (Herefordshire) This Election is Combined With an Election of a Parish Ward Councillor for Hereford, Tupsley Parish Ward which is being held on the same day

Forgot the link: Delivering our priorities with reducing resources The proposed budget for 2014/15 and plan for Herefordshire Council 2014/15 to 2016/17

"We are likely to become a very small organisation which commissions services from a range of bodies". Quote straight from Herefordshire Council's document released the last few days: Delivering our priorities with reducing resources The proposed budget for 2014/15 and plan for Herefordshire Council 2014/15 to 2016/17

Slowly but surely the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership is moving forward to take over the running of Herefordshire. We need to get out of the EU and its plan for regionalisation. All the money is been given to a few to decide the fate of many. Notice the Marches LEP has the following Herefordshire characters on board: Councillor John Jarvis Leader of Herefordshire Council also been involved in regional politics for more than 20 years Peter Brown Chair of Herefordshire Business Board also Chief Executive of Herefordshire Housing Sir Ben Gill CBE Marches LEP Co-opted Business Champion also chairman of the private sector-led organisation, Visit Herefordshire Here you can read the Draft EU Structural and Investment Funds Strategy 2014-2020 to get an idea of the future without or a diminished Herefordshire Council.

Changes to Herefordshire Council’s cabinet 31 October 2013 A number of changes to Herefordshire Council’s cabinet have been announced with effect from 1 November 2013. Councillor Tony Johnson, leader of Herefordshire Council, said: “The council has to radically change in response to the financial position affecting all councils across the country. We have already lost several hundred staff, senior management and director posts since 2010 with more planned in the years ahead. As funding continues to reduce, more and more we will become a commissioning authority which shares an increasing level of service provision and administration with partners. “Against this background and future requirements, the form and size of the cabinet has been adjusted to reflect these changes. Councillor Hamilton will not be replaced and his duties along with other portfolio items have been redistributed. “Councillor Phillips will step down from the cabinet allowing him to spend more time and expertise on the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), which central government has clearly stated will be the conduit for all funding from Westminster and Europe. “Councillor Morgan will take over as the new deputy leader from Councillor Price allowing him to concentrate on the core strategy, which is likely to be the largest single portfolio item we will have for some years, which when added to areas such as highways and planning, will present a significant workload. “This is not simply a re-shuffle, the size and shape of the new cabinet is designed to reflect the changing demands on Herefordshire Council.†The new cabinet is: Councillor Tony Johnson Leader of Herefordshire Council / Corporate strategy and finance Councillor Patricia Morgan Deputy leader of Herefordshire Council / Corporate services Councillor Harry Bramer Contracts and assets Councillor Graham Powell Health and wellbeing Councillor Philip Price Infrastructure Councillor Jeremy Millar Young people and children’s wellbeing

Unblocked yesterday at last. You can now see the drain.

Great Western Way was still under water at the Barton Road Bridge 2 days ago. A lorry driver from Maygothling was trying to unblock the drain, but he said there was a problem further down the drain and he couldn't do anything about it. I wonder if Balfour Beatty have got this problem on their books. Cyclists trying to get through are hitting submerged objects and could come off. Everyone else is having to go around the water by using the muddy bank. Been like this for at least 2 months.

Here is the Auction List for the Sale held on October 14th in London by Lambert Smith Hampton Lot 49 12/26 Kinnersley Close, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR2 7DY Freehold Ground Rent(s) on 8 Houses This is the council selling the ground rents. I would have thought that they should have notified the residents first to enable them to purchase the ground rents. All that will happen is that the new freeholder will just send an annual bill which could increase yearly especially if they have taken on the responsibility for cutting any grass. You will end up with residents not knowing who is going to cut the grass and when - a mess. We already have that in Muir Close where the council cut two humps and verges and the housing association cut the other three. For this work 49 households get a service charge each for over £50. I think we could cut the grass and do a better job for less £2450 a year. In fact we got a quote for £800 to the job.

Noted Glenda.

It is good to see more Councillors coming on board here at Hereford Voice. It is also encouraging to see councillors raising enquiring and challenging questions of the ruling elite. Their questions give food for thought. Questions from: Councillor PJ McCaull - The New Market Councillor MD Lloyd Hayes - Future care of relatives Councillor DC Taylor - Non payment of Council tax and Business rates Councillor AJW Powers - Core Strategy and Waste Management Contract Councillor MAF Hubbard (2 questions) - Impact of the new development on Hereford’s historic retail area and Burnt out buildings in central Hereford Councillor EPJ Harvey (2 questions) - Removal of £300m of local infrastructure costs and Core Strategy and Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) MEMBER QUESTIONS TO COUNCIL – 18 OCTOBER 2013

I imagine they cover the word Conservatives with their thumb when they show it to you.

Roger - Have you seen the photos posted lately on "I told you it would get worse". Notice 8670 views on this thread - is this because most people identify with this problem?

For information only: Election of a Unitary Councillor for the Tupsley Ward STATEMENT OF PERSONS NOMINATED NOTICE OF ELECTION Election of a Unitary Councillor for the Pontrilas Ward to be held on Thursday, 21st November 2013

Is this just a section of a larger pamphlet. Very crafty putting the word Independent on the leaflet - no mention of Conservative. Its going to fool a lot of people. I don't believe him.

I have often raised the standard of grass cutting on our estates. It is aleady neglected to the point of being an eyesore and useless for recreation purposes. How much are the council going to save on their £200 million contract with Balfour Beatty over the next 10 years. Here is a reminder of the functions they are contracted to undertake. We should expect a reasonable service.

Good point

By undervaluing Royal Mail by more than £1 billion this government is as inept as our local council when it comes to dealing with finances. How much money and land have they handed over to developers over the last years?

Wednesday 9 October 2013 House of Commons - Oral Answers to Questions Cardiff to Manchester Rail Line 7. Jesse Norman (Hereford and South Herefordshire) (Con): What recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Transport about capital investment in the Cardiff to Manchester railway line. [900304] The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr David Jones): I regularly meet my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport to discuss rail infrastructure priorities for Wales, and I am meeting him again soon. I will raise the important link that my hon. Friend mentions as part of that discussion. Jesse Norman: The new enterprise zone at Rotherwas in Herefordshire offers a superb opportunity to reopen the rail link to Hereford and establish a parkway station, which would assist local people and the many Welsh people who work in my county. Will the Secretary of State support those plans? Mr Jones: The Herefordshire enterprise zone is extremely important, and my hon. Friend will know that the important thing with rail infrastructure improvement is to build up a coherent business case. I will certainly raise this matter with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport when I meet him, and my hon. Friend’s question will form an important part of that business case. Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): May I take this opportunity to support the suggestion from the hon. Member for Hereford and South Herefordshire (Jesse Norman) and to ask the Secretary of State to ensure that he reiterates the importance of the electrification of 9 Oct 2013 : Column 149 the railway line to south Wales from London and of the valley lines? Will he take the opportunity to do that now? Mr Jones: Yes, indeed. The announcement that we made last year is still very much on track, and we are hoping that the link to Swansea will be completed by 2018.

Who's making the decisions in the Council now, since Cllr Russell B Hamilton resigned? General Overview & Scrutiny Committee Tuesday 1 October 2013 3.30 pm, CANCELLED Public Waste Management Briefing Friday 4 October 2013 - CANCELLED Cabinet Friday 4 October 2013 2.30 pm, CANCELLED Audit and Governance Committee Tuesday 15 October 2013 10.00 am, CANCELLED Cabinet Thursday 17 October 2013 2.00 pm, CANCELLED And we haven't got to the end of the month yet.