And bad for the country
Not necessary because the short-term need for deficit reduction doesn't justify a long term change in Higher Education funding which will be bad for universities and not save any public money. They've chosen to cut higher education teaching by 80% when other public services are being cut much less.
Not fair because graduates will now have to pay the whole cost of most degrees (simply replacing the cut in funding), instead of sharing the costs with the taxpayer. Graduates will pay much more, and pay for 30 years. Middle income graduates will be hardest hit.
Not good for higher education. England’s world class university system has been built on a public investment and trust in the professional academic leadership of universities. This will be replaced by a market in higher education in which many students will be put off university and forced to choose the cheapest rather than the best course.
The Labour Party says:
* We would not make such a big cut in Higher Education teaching grants, so high fees would not be needed to replace lost income.
* Graduates should share the cost of higher education; by moving towards a graduate tax the highest earning graduates would make a fairer contribution
* We believe that universities should remain public institutions, receiving significant public funding
Monday 6 December 2010
Friday 26 November 2010
First New Council Housing for over 20 years ready for letting
Convent Way in Heston is the site of 20 NEW COUNCIL homes - the first to be built in Hounslow for over 20 years. I was so pleased and proud to be at the celebration yesterday to see the houses before the first tenants move in by Christmas. Councils haven't been able to build Council housing since Thatcher's time, but the Labour Government started the work to make that possible for Councils with high-performing ALMOs (Arms Length Management Organisations that manage our Council Housing). We met Yvette Cooper to thrash out the details when she was housing minister around 2004, and my only regret is that it has taken so long for the first ones to get built and let. Initially the legal complexities took forever, but now that is sorted we have a whole lot under construction and should be ready for letting next year.
After these though, the future is bleak. Capital funding for most affordable Council and Housing Association new-build is dependent on Government funding, via the HCA (Homes and Communities Agency). Their future funding for London has been halved from the last budget, and most of what they have is already allocated. It looks as though ever more families will be living in high-cost private rented and/or overcrowded housing. This government has absolutely no interest in London's fundamental housing problem - that "the market" delivers homes only at or above the level that many earn - compare private rents with, say the London Living Wage. Good quality affordable housing is more necessary than ever.
After these though, the future is bleak. Capital funding for most affordable Council and Housing Association new-build is dependent on Government funding, via the HCA (Homes and Communities Agency). Their future funding for London has been halved from the last budget, and most of what they have is already allocated. It looks as though ever more families will be living in high-cost private rented and/or overcrowded housing. This government has absolutely no interest in London's fundamental housing problem - that "the market" delivers homes only at or above the level that many earn - compare private rents with, say the London Living Wage. Good quality affordable housing is more necessary than ever.
Monday 22 November 2010
Six Months leading Hounslow
CON/DEM ATTACK ON HOMES, INCOMES AND SERVICES
Another week, another government announcement that was never trailed in any manifesto. Together they are set to throw people out of work, hold back economic growth and damage the public services we all rely on. The Tories and Lib Dems have broken their promise to be fair; with tax increases and benefit cuts that will hit hardest at the people who can least afford them.
BENEFITS AND HOUSING CUTS
• Capping Housing Benefit for private tenants when there is a shortage of homes, so landlords will find non HB tenants and many will be made homeless
• cuts in HB for those occupying a large home, anyone unemployed more than 12m, those with non-dpendent adults living with them
• Cuts to benefits for disabled people
• Halving the capital budget for new Council and HA housing
• Cuts to working family tax credits
• Ending of Educational Maintenance Allowance (for over 16s staying in education)
• Forced free labour schemes for those long-term unemployed
• Ending of the Building Schools for the Future scheme
FIGHTING FOR HOUNSLOW
The Labour team now leading Hounslow Council have vowed to do whatever it can to protect local services. We are working hard to protect our most vulnerable residents and will do everything we can to prevent these cuts causing lasting harm to our residents. It won’t be easy and we are going to have to make some difficult choices.
The October spending review hit local Councils hard. Hounslow expects to need to find savings of around £60m over 4 years, and that this must be “front loaded” ie £18m in each of the next two years and around £12m in the subsequent ones.
Efficiency savings are not going to deliver £18m savings, we will have to agree to service cuts. Whilst we will do what we can to protect jobs, at this level of cut, redundancies will be inevitable. We have met the staff side Unions and have agreed a severance scheme that is more generous, and fairer than the one used by the Tory/ICG administration.
We have a timetable that ensures proper consultation including a residents' panel meeting, briefing meetings in each area, and a special edition of Hounslow Matters.
We are also going to be using You Choose – an online public participation tool that allows residents to “play” with different budget options (eg spending more on parks and less on childrens services.) It described what the impact of your choices would be both on those service, but also on the Council Tax. We will be launching the Hounslow version very soon but you can see the Redbridge one on www.redbridge.gov.uk.
We welcome constructive comments on the choices we have to make - what services could be cut back and which should be protected at all costs?
Another week, another government announcement that was never trailed in any manifesto. Together they are set to throw people out of work, hold back economic growth and damage the public services we all rely on. The Tories and Lib Dems have broken their promise to be fair; with tax increases and benefit cuts that will hit hardest at the people who can least afford them.
BENEFITS AND HOUSING CUTS
• Capping Housing Benefit for private tenants when there is a shortage of homes, so landlords will find non HB tenants and many will be made homeless
• cuts in HB for those occupying a large home, anyone unemployed more than 12m, those with non-dpendent adults living with them
• Cuts to benefits for disabled people
• Halving the capital budget for new Council and HA housing
• Cuts to working family tax credits
• Ending of Educational Maintenance Allowance (for over 16s staying in education)
• Forced free labour schemes for those long-term unemployed
• Ending of the Building Schools for the Future scheme
FIGHTING FOR HOUNSLOW
The Labour team now leading Hounslow Council have vowed to do whatever it can to protect local services. We are working hard to protect our most vulnerable residents and will do everything we can to prevent these cuts causing lasting harm to our residents. It won’t be easy and we are going to have to make some difficult choices.
The October spending review hit local Councils hard. Hounslow expects to need to find savings of around £60m over 4 years, and that this must be “front loaded” ie £18m in each of the next two years and around £12m in the subsequent ones.
Efficiency savings are not going to deliver £18m savings, we will have to agree to service cuts. Whilst we will do what we can to protect jobs, at this level of cut, redundancies will be inevitable. We have met the staff side Unions and have agreed a severance scheme that is more generous, and fairer than the one used by the Tory/ICG administration.
We have a timetable that ensures proper consultation including a residents' panel meeting, briefing meetings in each area, and a special edition of Hounslow Matters.
We are also going to be using You Choose – an online public participation tool that allows residents to “play” with different budget options (eg spending more on parks and less on childrens services.) It described what the impact of your choices would be both on those service, but also on the Council Tax. We will be launching the Hounslow version very soon but you can see the Redbridge one on www.redbridge.gov.uk.
We welcome constructive comments on the choices we have to make - what services could be cut back and which should be protected at all costs?
Wednesday 22 September 2010
Thames Water and the High Street/London Road
Message:
On behalf of the Leader of the Council and local Councillors, I met with Thames Water yesterday morning to let them explain the background to the two bursts on the London Road/Brentford High Street (and one in July which forced the Council to close the Civc Centre for and afternoon), their response, and the likelihood of it happening again.
TW head of external relations, Richard Aylard, and their local government link person, Hilary Murgatroyd were there plus 3 senior Council officers.
1 I expressed how serious the impact of the 2 bursts had been on people living and running businesses in the area. That those who have suffered go far beyond those whose homes or businesses were flooded - these include: residents of Danehurst sheltered unit having to walk a mile to get a bus or pay for taxis, and of course businesses losing trade.
2 TW explained the teckie stuff (but full details at Housing and Environment Scrutiny Panel on 30th.) The pipe is one of 4 old mains (1890s) running the length of the High St/London Road. The main mains (lets call them the arteries) are more robust, and have been better maintained over the years, than the “capillary” mains going down side roads that were replaced as part of the recent Victorian water main replacement scheme. That is why this main was not replaced then. TW’s risk assessment did not put it high on the risk register, yet it burst twice in less than 4 weeks. Now this has happened, they are investigating it for leaks - hence the plant remaining at the scene with nothing apparently happening. They are putting a probe along and listening for minute leaks, and installing a real-time surge monitor.
3 From now on TW will monitor for leaks and manage the pressure in the pipe so it does not build up as it did before the burst. It’s now on the risk register. The implication being that it’s likely that we’ll have the hassle of its replacement before long . . .
4 On compensation, they are leaving it all to their loss adjusters Douglas Jackson, but implied it’s an insurance issue ie they’re not going to be dishing out stuff/funds unless there is a viable insurance claim. Distress, inconvenience etc are not issues they show any interest in.
5 I asked if they would compensate businesses for lost trade and reputation – their response was - if you can prove loss of takings connected to the flooding etc you may be able to claim on our Insurance. On my suggestion, they said they would organise a meeting of local businesses to discuss this issue.
Watch this space
Ruth Cadbury
Brentford Ward Councillor
Deputy Leader - LB Hounslow
Sunday 5 September 2010
Celebrating Runway 3 Victory at Sipson
Last Saturday gave us a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the decision to cancel the building of Heathrow's Runway 3 in the centre of Sipson. The communities of Sipson and Harmondsworth would have been destroyed had the runway been built - and the rest of us would have suffered yet more noise, pollution and transport congestion. Hillingdon Council hosted a community festival at Sipson Rec, so many local residents were there. But it was also great to catch up with people from all the key partner organisations involved in the campaign - John Stewart (pictured) the Chair of HACAN www.hacan.org.uk, Geraldine Nicholson of the No Third Runway Campaign www.notrag.org, Councillors and officers from the local authorities around Heathrow, Friends of the Earth, Aviation Environment Federation etc etc.
Friday 3 September 2010
Collection for Victims of Pakistan Floods
On Saturday Hounslow's Pakistan Welfare Association organised a street collection on Hounslow High Street. We collected an amazing two and half thousand pounds, which the General Secretary is going to use to buy essential medicines and take them directly (at his own expense) to flood victims in one of the worst-hit areas. PWA is also fundraising in the longer-term for the building of a much-needed new school. In the photo I'm with (l-r) the general Secretary, Cllr Pritam Grewal, and Mohammad Choudhry (PWA Chair).
Look out for details of a major fundraising event for flood victims on 25th September at the Lampton Park Conference Centre.
Saturday 28 August 2010
Leading a Borough under a hostile Government
It’s been three months since Labour took back control at Hounslow after four years of the Tory/ICG administration.
THE TORY/ICG LEGACY
We have come into an organisation whose staff have been deeply demoralised by the past four years of Tory/Independent control, where £50 million has been removed from the revenue spend without any thought of the impact on the services, and where staff are not respected, nor encouraged to use their initiative to address local problems, and their employment rights are undermined. The Council’s partnership with key players in the borough – Police, Health, the Voluntary Sector, Business etc has been reduced to little more than a series of poorly attended talking shops. The businesses seeking to invest and create jobs in Hounslow tell us they felt the borough was “closed for business”.
We have told our officers that we will support them in turning round the culture of the Council.
CON:DEM GOVERNMENT ATTACKS
We have been told the rebuilding of five secondary schools and one special school in the Building Schools for the Future programme will be axed. This is only one of a raft of decisions being made by the Government in the name of economic necessity but is in reality an ideological attack on public services.
A series of grants in Hounslow for services for vulnerable children, young people and families have been already cut by Government - and this well before we hear about the main cuts to the Council's core grant - anything between 20 and 40% - at the October comprehensive spending review.
The cuts announced so far have fallen disproportionately on areas of deprivation – Newham’s cuts are six times those of Richmond’s. Hounslow has been told to expect at least a 25 per cent cut in direct funding over the next four years with the worst to come next year. We can only save so much from efficiencies and will have no choice but to withdraw services that people rely on in their daily lives.
We anticipate that the rate of building of desperately-needed affordable homes will fall to an all-time low. The HCA grants that subsidise the build programme may be one of the victims of October’s Comprehensive Spending Review.
On top of that the proposed rise in VAT, cuts to benefits and pensions and the withdrawal of tax credits will fall hardest on those with the lowest incomes Even people on middle incomes will struggle with their mortgage and childcare payments, and those in the public sector have the added fear of redundancy hanging over their heads.
I fear we could be returning to an era when homeless families were lucky if they got into a hostel. Local Councils, with less funding, will be expected to up the pieces.
THE TORY/ICG LEGACY
We have come into an organisation whose staff have been deeply demoralised by the past four years of Tory/Independent control, where £50 million has been removed from the revenue spend without any thought of the impact on the services, and where staff are not respected, nor encouraged to use their initiative to address local problems, and their employment rights are undermined. The Council’s partnership with key players in the borough – Police, Health, the Voluntary Sector, Business etc has been reduced to little more than a series of poorly attended talking shops. The businesses seeking to invest and create jobs in Hounslow tell us they felt the borough was “closed for business”.
We have told our officers that we will support them in turning round the culture of the Council.
CON:DEM GOVERNMENT ATTACKS
We have been told the rebuilding of five secondary schools and one special school in the Building Schools for the Future programme will be axed. This is only one of a raft of decisions being made by the Government in the name of economic necessity but is in reality an ideological attack on public services.
A series of grants in Hounslow for services for vulnerable children, young people and families have been already cut by Government - and this well before we hear about the main cuts to the Council's core grant - anything between 20 and 40% - at the October comprehensive spending review.
The cuts announced so far have fallen disproportionately on areas of deprivation – Newham’s cuts are six times those of Richmond’s. Hounslow has been told to expect at least a 25 per cent cut in direct funding over the next four years with the worst to come next year. We can only save so much from efficiencies and will have no choice but to withdraw services that people rely on in their daily lives.
We anticipate that the rate of building of desperately-needed affordable homes will fall to an all-time low. The HCA grants that subsidise the build programme may be one of the victims of October’s Comprehensive Spending Review.
On top of that the proposed rise in VAT, cuts to benefits and pensions and the withdrawal of tax credits will fall hardest on those with the lowest incomes Even people on middle incomes will struggle with their mortgage and childcare payments, and those in the public sector have the added fear of redundancy hanging over their heads.
I fear we could be returning to an era when homeless families were lucky if they got into a hostel. Local Councils, with less funding, will be expected to up the pieces.
Sunday 30 May 2010
LABOUR GROUP UPDATE
Those who switched off after the Parliamentary elections results on the 7th May, might not be aware that we took back the Leadership of Hounslow Council after 4 years of a Tory/ICG coalition. The Council is now 35 Labour and 25 Tory, with no Lib Dems or Independents.
On Tuesday 25th May at the Council AGM we formally took over. The new Team are as follows:
Leader Jagdish Sharma
Deputy Leader/Housing & Regen: Ruth Cadbury
Executive Members and their Portfolios:
Finance & Performance: Theo Dennison
Environment: Corinna Smart
Leisure & Wellbeing: Pritam Grewal
Adult Social Care & Health: Gurmail Lal
Children’s Services: Lily Bath
Education: Sachin Gupta
Community Safety & Enforcement: Ed Mayne
Communities: Raj Bath
The Mayor is Colin Ellar, with Poonam Dhillon as his Deputy. Matt Harmer is Group Chair, Alan Barber is Chief Whip and Ajmer Grewal, Secretary. Laurie Lopes is our Political Assistant (020 8583 2255) All of us can be contacted via the Members area at the Civic Centre 020 8583 2265. Or see www.hounslow.gov.uk or email us; name.name@hounslow.gov.uk
CUTTING OUR ALLOWANCES
Labour Group has agreed, and Jagdish announced to Council, that we will be reducing the Members Basic Allowance by 5%, and the Special Responsibility Allowances by 20%. We feel that the community of Hounslow will suffer as a result of the budget decisions of the new Government, and Councillors need to demonstrate that we are prepared to set an example to our residents.
LAMPTON PARK CONFERENCE CENTRE
We have instructed Council officers to fully market the Lampton Park Conference Centre (attached to the Civic Centre) for outside functions in order to maximise its full potential for generating income.
OUR 5 PLEDGES
Straight after the election we presented the Chief Executive with our contract with the people of the borough, the 5 Pledges on every leaflet we delivered:
• Action on crime with 100 uniformed officers on the streets in this area and CCTV in crime hotspots
• Extra cash for local schools to improve standards and new school places to give parents a better choice
• A new partnership with local businesses and housing associations to create jobs and build 2,500 affordable homes to rent or buy.
• A 24/7 team of Grimebusters to tackle graffiti, litter and dumped rubbish - and a direct dial phone number for immediate action
• A fresh war on waste and a council tax cut for all residents
We are also committed to delivering a truly listening Council, with effective communications and proper public engagement.
Officers are now working up the delivery plan on all these, and we will be reporting on them regularly.
THE MONTHS AHEAD
We have no illusions that the new Government is going to make life very difficult for Council finances. We won’t know the full details until 22nd June, but we will almost certainly be having to make difficult decisions affecting jobs and services. Notwithstanding that, your Labour Group of Councillors expects to be out knocking on doors, being visible at summer fairs, and listening to the issues concerning local residents
On Tuesday 25th May at the Council AGM we formally took over. The new Team are as follows:
Leader Jagdish Sharma
Deputy Leader/Housing & Regen: Ruth Cadbury
Executive Members and their Portfolios:
Finance & Performance: Theo Dennison
Environment: Corinna Smart
Leisure & Wellbeing: Pritam Grewal
Adult Social Care & Health: Gurmail Lal
Children’s Services: Lily Bath
Education: Sachin Gupta
Community Safety & Enforcement: Ed Mayne
Communities: Raj Bath
The Mayor is Colin Ellar, with Poonam Dhillon as his Deputy. Matt Harmer is Group Chair, Alan Barber is Chief Whip and Ajmer Grewal, Secretary. Laurie Lopes is our Political Assistant (020 8583 2255) All of us can be contacted via the Members area at the Civic Centre 020 8583 2265. Or see www.hounslow.gov.uk or email us; name.name@hounslow.gov.uk
CUTTING OUR ALLOWANCES
Labour Group has agreed, and Jagdish announced to Council, that we will be reducing the Members Basic Allowance by 5%, and the Special Responsibility Allowances by 20%. We feel that the community of Hounslow will suffer as a result of the budget decisions of the new Government, and Councillors need to demonstrate that we are prepared to set an example to our residents.
LAMPTON PARK CONFERENCE CENTRE
We have instructed Council officers to fully market the Lampton Park Conference Centre (attached to the Civic Centre) for outside functions in order to maximise its full potential for generating income.
OUR 5 PLEDGES
Straight after the election we presented the Chief Executive with our contract with the people of the borough, the 5 Pledges on every leaflet we delivered:
• Action on crime with 100 uniformed officers on the streets in this area and CCTV in crime hotspots
• Extra cash for local schools to improve standards and new school places to give parents a better choice
• A new partnership with local businesses and housing associations to create jobs and build 2,500 affordable homes to rent or buy.
• A 24/7 team of Grimebusters to tackle graffiti, litter and dumped rubbish - and a direct dial phone number for immediate action
• A fresh war on waste and a council tax cut for all residents
We are also committed to delivering a truly listening Council, with effective communications and proper public engagement.
Officers are now working up the delivery plan on all these, and we will be reporting on them regularly.
THE MONTHS AHEAD
We have no illusions that the new Government is going to make life very difficult for Council finances. We won’t know the full details until 22nd June, but we will almost certainly be having to make difficult decisions affecting jobs and services. Notwithstanding that, your Labour Group of Councillors expects to be out knocking on doors, being visible at summer fairs, and listening to the issues concerning local residents
Thursday 20 May 2010
Coming Up for Air
It finally dawned on me that we would be leading the borough, when Phil Andrews (ICG) asked me when counting was under way on the Friday afternoon "How does it feel to be taking back the 6 seats in Isleworth/Syon?"
It's been one of the busiest and strangest two weeks of my life, with little chance to get to the blog. so here's a catch-up:
Friday 7th, we went to bed knowing we had gained control of Hounslow Council,, and lost our Parliamentary seat (Ann Keen) by 2000 votes.
On Tuesday Jagdish Sharma and I were elected (unopposed) by our Labour Group colleagues as Leader and Deputy Leader of Hounslow Labour Group - meaning we will be confirmed as Council Leader/Deputy Leader next Tuesday. At the same time news filtered in from the real world (?) that Gordon was going, and realisation that Cameron/Clegg would be running the country.
On Wednesday morning we handed the Chief Executive the five key pledges on which we were elected and asked him to start work on those until we work up our more detailed programme.
Thursday saw Jagdish and I celebrate with Labour Leadership teams from across London. We had taken control of 18 Councils, up from 9. Two key reasons were having the General Election on the same day so raising interest and turnout, and sheer organisation.
Our new Executive team met on Tuesday where we allocated portfolios and discussed our core priorities. We are all now getting to know the key officers and partners we'll be working most closely over the next four years, and the diary is starting to fill up.
Overall - I am continually bumping into people who say they are so relieved we are back. Council staff in particular have confirmed just how bad it was under the Tory/ICG alliance - the "improvement" programme has in many areas all-but destroyed people's ability to do their job and provide an acceptable service. We have to address that, and ensure that the difficult resource decisions we're going to have to make consider the implications for delivery and outcome. No illusions though that the next months and years are going to be a challenge . . .
It's been one of the busiest and strangest two weeks of my life, with little chance to get to the blog. so here's a catch-up:
Friday 7th, we went to bed knowing we had gained control of Hounslow Council,, and lost our Parliamentary seat (Ann Keen) by 2000 votes.
On Tuesday Jagdish Sharma and I were elected (unopposed) by our Labour Group colleagues as Leader and Deputy Leader of Hounslow Labour Group - meaning we will be confirmed as Council Leader/Deputy Leader next Tuesday. At the same time news filtered in from the real world (?) that Gordon was going, and realisation that Cameron/Clegg would be running the country.
On Wednesday morning we handed the Chief Executive the five key pledges on which we were elected and asked him to start work on those until we work up our more detailed programme.
Thursday saw Jagdish and I celebrate with Labour Leadership teams from across London. We had taken control of 18 Councils, up from 9. Two key reasons were having the General Election on the same day so raising interest and turnout, and sheer organisation.
Our new Executive team met on Tuesday where we allocated portfolios and discussed our core priorities. We are all now getting to know the key officers and partners we'll be working most closely over the next four years, and the diary is starting to fill up.
Overall - I am continually bumping into people who say they are so relieved we are back. Council staff in particular have confirmed just how bad it was under the Tory/ICG alliance - the "improvement" programme has in many areas all-but destroyed people's ability to do their job and provide an acceptable service. We have to address that, and ensure that the difficult resource decisions we're going to have to make consider the implications for delivery and outcome. No illusions though that the next months and years are going to be a challenge . . .
Friday 7 May 2010
Labour Takes Control of Hounslow, ICG Out
After losing Government we celebrated this evening on winning 35 out of 60 seats on the Council. This includes winning back all 6 seats in Isleworth and Syon, 2 in Bedfont, 2 in Hanworth, holding 1 in Feltham West and taking 1 back in Hounslow Heath and of course taking back the 3rd seat in Brentford - good to have Mel Collins back on the Council. So - final Tally: Labour 35, Tories 25.
A massive thank you to everyone who helped, supported and voted for us . . . . .
A massive thank you to everyone who helped, supported and voted for us . . . . .
Well it's confusing, but Labour are not defeated!
Well Ann Keen lost - but only by 2000 votes, and c 6000 votes to the libDems. We will get it back! Off to the Council count to see a) if I retained my Council seat and b) whether we managed to win any seats back so we can take back control of Hounslow. It felt good when doing the sampling last night, and the Labour vote in both elections in Brentford was very strong.
Thank you to everyone who helped in this marathon effort, and to everyone who voted for us.
I'll let you know when we have the Council results.
Thank you to everyone who helped in this marathon effort, and to everyone who voted for us.
I'll let you know when we have the Council results.
Monday 3 May 2010
Good Response this weekend
Great team of 5 supporting Matt Mel and I on the doorsteps this weekend, with another 15 or so delivering the leaflets. Thanks so much for all the help - and we're getting a really good response on the doorstep.
Friday 30 April 2010
What did the Romans Ever Do for You - Sorry, what did Labour ever Do for Brentford High Street?
On 30/4/10 17:03, "Kerry .."wrote:
Hi Ruth,
I have a question regarding the labour leaflet that was was distributed recently where you stat that the Conservatives have done nothing to regenerate the High Street.
I have been searching on the internet to see who controlled Hounslow Council, and found out that it was controlled by Labour from 1971 to 2006, when labour lost control.
My question to you is what did Labour do in those 35 years to regenerate Brentford High Street?
Kind Regards
Kerry
From Ruth:
Kerry
Thank you for contacting me.
In the last 10 years of our administration: we worked regularly with the then owners of the various plots of land to bring them around the table. We drew up, consulted on, and adopted outline plans for the area, declared the canal-side a conservation area, ensured that the developments now built – Brentford Lock, Holland Gardens, Ferry Quays - went ahead with the best possible benefit for the town, ensured that the council-owned premises were let at rates that were viable to small businesses, supported the farmers market, brought several millions of SRB funds to finance improvements on the High Street – street furniture, lighting, signage, planting etc, and allowed High Streeet premises to be used for social enterprise and/or youth facilities such as TAHSA. Initiated the Brentford Heritage signage and information paths.
35 years includes the development of Brentford Dock, but not I grant you, the main part of the High Street which happened in the 60’s. However, we did initiate and fund Watermans Arts Centre, supported the founding of the Steam Museum, the moving of the Musical museum, the development of Victoria Steps and the Ham residential boat moorings, developed (then later improved) Watermans Park, enabled affordable housing to be developed on the Ham and also include it as part of all the other housing developments. I initiated the development of the Brentford Community Resource Centre and worked with Age Concern too, which together meant the old Health Centre came back into use.
I may have left one or two items out for which I apologise. I also regret we couldn’t keep the Red Lion open – if you remember that.
Ruth
Cllr Ruth Cadbury
Hi Ruth,
I have a question regarding the labour leaflet that was was distributed recently where you stat that the Conservatives have done nothing to regenerate the High Street.
I have been searching on the internet to see who controlled Hounslow Council, and found out that it was controlled by Labour from 1971 to 2006, when labour lost control.
My question to you is what did Labour do in those 35 years to regenerate Brentford High Street?
Kind Regards
Kerry
From Ruth:
Kerry
Thank you for contacting me.
In the last 10 years of our administration: we worked regularly with the then owners of the various plots of land to bring them around the table. We drew up, consulted on, and adopted outline plans for the area, declared the canal-side a conservation area, ensured that the developments now built – Brentford Lock, Holland Gardens, Ferry Quays - went ahead with the best possible benefit for the town, ensured that the council-owned premises were let at rates that were viable to small businesses, supported the farmers market, brought several millions of SRB funds to finance improvements on the High Street – street furniture, lighting, signage, planting etc, and allowed High Streeet premises to be used for social enterprise and/or youth facilities such as TAHSA. Initiated the Brentford Heritage signage and information paths.
35 years includes the development of Brentford Dock, but not I grant you, the main part of the High Street which happened in the 60’s. However, we did initiate and fund Watermans Arts Centre, supported the founding of the Steam Museum, the moving of the Musical museum, the development of Victoria Steps and the Ham residential boat moorings, developed (then later improved) Watermans Park, enabled affordable housing to be developed on the Ham and also include it as part of all the other housing developments. I initiated the development of the Brentford Community Resource Centre and worked with Age Concern too, which together meant the old Health Centre came back into use.
I may have left one or two items out for which I apologise. I also regret we couldn’t keep the Red Lion open – if you remember that.
Ruth
Cllr Ruth Cadbury
Tuesday 20 April 2010
No you don't live in LB Hounslow, because the computer says so!
I have just submitted a on-line report of a road defect in the middle of Popes Lane, W5. The person reporting lives on the south side of Popes Lane, is an LBH resident in Brentford Ward, despite having a W5 postcode.
She tried to report by phone a month ago, and then again 2 weeks ago, and was met with rudeness and denial about the whereabouts of her house. She was told she didn’t live in Hounslow and needed to phone Ealing. Ealing’s initial response was far more helpful, they confirmed the defect was in LB Hounslow. One borough said they would report it to the other, but today both boroughs are denying all knowledge of her call, and there appears to be no record that this is a defect that needs addressing.
This raises 2 Issues:
1) Refusal of LBH staff to acknowledge that there are people with W5 postcodes who are LB Hounslow residents. (Perhaps also an issue for people with UB/W3 codes but I bet it never happens for those with a W4 code!). Anyone with any knowledge of urban history/geography knows that post-codes and ward/borough boundaries are seldom coterminous, and council systems should acknowledge this. Residents in my ward with W5 postcodes are continually dealing with this ignorance from both call-centre and operational staff - in all departments.
Surely if Ealing’s web-site reporting page can acknowledge this, then any staff can, as they must be using the same technology when they input information from calls?
2) Lack of publicly available information about responsibilities on roads where the borough boundary goes down the middle. I have been told that there is a management agreement on such roads between the neighbouring boroughs, so that one or other borough maintains, services, (and enforces?) across the full width of the road – and it is agreed where along these roads the management responsibilities change. If this information was available, then ward councillors and residents living on such roads would save a lot of time in getting complaints to the right borough.
She tried to report by phone a month ago, and then again 2 weeks ago, and was met with rudeness and denial about the whereabouts of her house. She was told she didn’t live in Hounslow and needed to phone Ealing. Ealing’s initial response was far more helpful, they confirmed the defect was in LB Hounslow. One borough said they would report it to the other, but today both boroughs are denying all knowledge of her call, and there appears to be no record that this is a defect that needs addressing.
This raises 2 Issues:
1) Refusal of LBH staff to acknowledge that there are people with W5 postcodes who are LB Hounslow residents. (Perhaps also an issue for people with UB/W3 codes but I bet it never happens for those with a W4 code!). Anyone with any knowledge of urban history/geography knows that post-codes and ward/borough boundaries are seldom coterminous, and council systems should acknowledge this. Residents in my ward with W5 postcodes are continually dealing with this ignorance from both call-centre and operational staff - in all departments.
Surely if Ealing’s web-site reporting page can acknowledge this, then any staff can, as they must be using the same technology when they input information from calls?
2) Lack of publicly available information about responsibilities on roads where the borough boundary goes down the middle. I have been told that there is a management agreement on such roads between the neighbouring boroughs, so that one or other borough maintains, services, (and enforces?) across the full width of the road – and it is agreed where along these roads the management responsibilities change. If this information was available, then ward councillors and residents living on such roads would save a lot of time in getting complaints to the right borough.
Sunday 18 April 2010
MOGDEN OPEN DAY
Took a break from campaigning yesterday afternoon to give a lift to Murad Qureshi (GLA Labour lead on Environment issues) to Mogden's open day. Never have I seen so many PR people in one place - well certainly not at Modgen which seems to have about 3 people working there on a normal day. Full info marquee and bus trip round the site.
Although I thought I had a good grasp of how our sewage is treated, I now understand a lot better. Those who live with the stench from the works will ask - did we do the right thing to grant planning permission to the extension? Well yesterday didn't change my view. Tens of millions have been spent on smell reduction, the expenditure came about after Ann Keen and I brought then Environment Minister Larry Whitty to the site around 2003, when the smell and mosquitoes were unbearable.
There is still the issue of the remaining uncovered storm tanks - used for storage of raw sewage when surges of run-off mean the works cannot handle the volume. With the extension to the works agreed, residents will have to wait until 2013 for the old storm tanks to be used less than 6 times a year. And if they are needed more often - the planning condition means they will have to be covered. If we had refused permission to TW they would not have been able to expand the capacity of the site, and residents would have suffered indefinitely, or TW would have got their permission on appeal with much weaker conditions imposed.
Although I thought I had a good grasp of how our sewage is treated, I now understand a lot better. Those who live with the stench from the works will ask - did we do the right thing to grant planning permission to the extension? Well yesterday didn't change my view. Tens of millions have been spent on smell reduction, the expenditure came about after Ann Keen and I brought then Environment Minister Larry Whitty to the site around 2003, when the smell and mosquitoes were unbearable.
There is still the issue of the remaining uncovered storm tanks - used for storage of raw sewage when surges of run-off mean the works cannot handle the volume. With the extension to the works agreed, residents will have to wait until 2013 for the old storm tanks to be used less than 6 times a year. And if they are needed more often - the planning condition means they will have to be covered. If we had refused permission to TW they would not have been able to expand the capacity of the site, and residents would have suffered indefinitely, or TW would have got their permission on appeal with much weaker conditions imposed.
Friday 2 April 2010
Spring is here, and so is the election campaign
Well the nomination papers are signed and getting handed in for the Council election on May 6th, and it looks as though Gordon Brown will announce on Tuesday that the General Election will take place on the same day (I really hope he does!). Canvassing has shown relatively little anti-Labour feeling for a while round here. And in the last 3 weeks it has felt even more positive - reflecting the national shift as people wake up to the prospect of another Tory Government led, this time, by a shower of inexperienced public-school boys. I'm really looking forward to the next 5 weeks, although my family may not be quite so enthusiastic as they can't expect the same level of domestice service they have become used to . . . . .
Friday 26 March 2010
Heathrow: Councils Succesfully Challenge Runway 3 Proposals
From Hounslow Pess Release:
Following a challenge to the Government's third runway proposal, brought by the London Borough of Hounslow and others - the government's Heathrow policy has been left in tatters this morning.
The High Court ruled that ministers' decision to give a green light to the proposed third runway does not hold any weight with the judge dismissing the government's claims to the contrary as 'untenable in law and common sense'.
If the government wants to pursue its plans for Heathrow expansion it must now go back to square one and reconsider the entire case for the runway.
The implications of today's ruling are profound, not just for Heathrow but for airport expansion plans across the UK. Lord Justice Carnwath ruled that the 2003 Air Transport White Paper - the foundation of expansion plans across the country - is obsolete because it is inconsistent with the Climate Change Act 2008.
Cllr Ruth Cadbury, Deputy Leader of the council’s Labour group, said:
“Today’s ruling is a fantastic result, and one that could finally signal the end of the threat of a third runway, which has been hanging over our heads for years.
“We have long said that the economic arguments didn’t add up, and that the noise and pollution arising from the associated transport infrastructure – which hasn’t even been properly planned – would have a direct negative impact on Hounslow residents and businesses, and it’s great that this has been acknowledged.”
The judge expressed real concern over the "hardship caused to the local community by uncertainty" over the third runway. The coalition which brought the successful legal challenge is now calling on the government to end the uncertainty and scrap the runway plans once and for all.
The judge ruled that:
If the government decides to push ahead with the runway project it must now review the climate change implications of Heathrow expansion, the economic case for a third runway, and the issue of how additional passengers would get to a bigger airport.
The government's entire aviation policy must now be reviewed to take into account the implications of the 2008 Climate Change Act. The judge found that "the claimants' submissions add up, in my view, to a powerful demonstration of the potential significance of developments in climate change policy since the 2003 Air Transport White Paper. They are clearly matters which will need to be taken into account under the new Airports National Policy Statement."
On the economic case for Heathrow expansion he would be 'surprised' if the recent tripling of the estimated cost to society of emitting carbon did not have 'a significant effect' on the economic case for the runway. The judge also said that "it makes no sense to treat the economic case as settled in 2003."
On the issue of surface access he said the claimants' case - that there is no credible plan in place to transport millions of extra passengers to an expanded Heathrow - was 'justified'. Significantly, he noted that the government was "unable to provide a convincing answer" in court when it was pressed about over-crowding on the Piccadilly underground line that would result from construction of a third runway.
The judge is now inviting the government to sign a legally binding undertaking that it will not base future aviation policy solely on its 2003 white paper. A further court hearing is expected to take place next month to examine the government's response to the judge's request. At the same hearing the coalition will seek costs and fully expects to recover those costs from the government.
Hounslow’s leader, Cllr Peter Thompson, added: "This is a spectacular victory for our residents. The government had been trying to close down debate on the true economic impact of a third runway by presenting it as a done deal.
“Today’s ruling has blown that position apart. The government just did not want to have to take on board the real consequences of new climate change laws. The judge made it clear the figures just did not add up.
“If after this ministers are still intent on pressing ahead with expansion they will have to go back to the beginning and justify the whole economic case in public. Knowing what we now know about rising carbon costs this is an argument they cannot win.
“The third runway is effectively dead because it cannot survive the proper economic and environmental scrutiny which the government tried to avoid. As local councils we call on the prime minister to do to the decent thing and bury this discredited policy.”
David Nussbaum, chief executive of World Wildlife Fund UK added: "We are delighted with today's judgement. It deals a body blow to the third runway, but more than that it makes it clear that the government's whole policy of airport expansion must be reviewed in order to bring it into line with the Climate Change Act."
The challenge was brought by Hammersmith and Fulham, Hounslow, Hillingdon, Richmond upon Thames, Wandsworth and Windsor & Maidenhead councils with support from Kensington and Chelsea, Transport for London and the Mayor of London.The councils were joined by the local residents group (Notrag), aircraft noise campaigners HACAN, World Wildlife Fund UK, Campaign to Protect Rural England and Greenpeace. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was an expert witness. Some representatives from these groups are pictured above.
The local authorities are all members of the 2M Group which comprises 24 local councils opposed to Heathrow expansion with a combined population of 5 million.
For further information on the challenge visit www.2MGroup.org.uk.
Following a challenge to the Government's third runway proposal, brought by the London Borough of Hounslow and others - the government's Heathrow policy has been left in tatters this morning.
The High Court ruled that ministers' decision to give a green light to the proposed third runway does not hold any weight with the judge dismissing the government's claims to the contrary as 'untenable in law and common sense'.
If the government wants to pursue its plans for Heathrow expansion it must now go back to square one and reconsider the entire case for the runway.
The implications of today's ruling are profound, not just for Heathrow but for airport expansion plans across the UK. Lord Justice Carnwath ruled that the 2003 Air Transport White Paper - the foundation of expansion plans across the country - is obsolete because it is inconsistent with the Climate Change Act 2008.
Cllr Ruth Cadbury, Deputy Leader of the council’s Labour group, said:
“Today’s ruling is a fantastic result, and one that could finally signal the end of the threat of a third runway, which has been hanging over our heads for years.
“We have long said that the economic arguments didn’t add up, and that the noise and pollution arising from the associated transport infrastructure – which hasn’t even been properly planned – would have a direct negative impact on Hounslow residents and businesses, and it’s great that this has been acknowledged.”
The judge expressed real concern over the "hardship caused to the local community by uncertainty" over the third runway. The coalition which brought the successful legal challenge is now calling on the government to end the uncertainty and scrap the runway plans once and for all.
The judge ruled that:
If the government decides to push ahead with the runway project it must now review the climate change implications of Heathrow expansion, the economic case for a third runway, and the issue of how additional passengers would get to a bigger airport.
The government's entire aviation policy must now be reviewed to take into account the implications of the 2008 Climate Change Act. The judge found that "the claimants' submissions add up, in my view, to a powerful demonstration of the potential significance of developments in climate change policy since the 2003 Air Transport White Paper. They are clearly matters which will need to be taken into account under the new Airports National Policy Statement."
On the economic case for Heathrow expansion he would be 'surprised' if the recent tripling of the estimated cost to society of emitting carbon did not have 'a significant effect' on the economic case for the runway. The judge also said that "it makes no sense to treat the economic case as settled in 2003."
On the issue of surface access he said the claimants' case - that there is no credible plan in place to transport millions of extra passengers to an expanded Heathrow - was 'justified'. Significantly, he noted that the government was "unable to provide a convincing answer" in court when it was pressed about over-crowding on the Piccadilly underground line that would result from construction of a third runway.
The judge is now inviting the government to sign a legally binding undertaking that it will not base future aviation policy solely on its 2003 white paper. A further court hearing is expected to take place next month to examine the government's response to the judge's request. At the same hearing the coalition will seek costs and fully expects to recover those costs from the government.
Hounslow’s leader, Cllr Peter Thompson, added: "This is a spectacular victory for our residents. The government had been trying to close down debate on the true economic impact of a third runway by presenting it as a done deal.
“Today’s ruling has blown that position apart. The government just did not want to have to take on board the real consequences of new climate change laws. The judge made it clear the figures just did not add up.
“If after this ministers are still intent on pressing ahead with expansion they will have to go back to the beginning and justify the whole economic case in public. Knowing what we now know about rising carbon costs this is an argument they cannot win.
“The third runway is effectively dead because it cannot survive the proper economic and environmental scrutiny which the government tried to avoid. As local councils we call on the prime minister to do to the decent thing and bury this discredited policy.”
David Nussbaum, chief executive of World Wildlife Fund UK added: "We are delighted with today's judgement. It deals a body blow to the third runway, but more than that it makes it clear that the government's whole policy of airport expansion must be reviewed in order to bring it into line with the Climate Change Act."
The challenge was brought by Hammersmith and Fulham, Hounslow, Hillingdon, Richmond upon Thames, Wandsworth and Windsor & Maidenhead councils with support from Kensington and Chelsea, Transport for London and the Mayor of London.The councils were joined by the local residents group (Notrag), aircraft noise campaigners HACAN, World Wildlife Fund UK, Campaign to Protect Rural England and Greenpeace. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was an expert witness. Some representatives from these groups are pictured above.
The local authorities are all members of the 2M Group which comprises 24 local councils opposed to Heathrow expansion with a combined population of 5 million.
For further information on the challenge visit www.2MGroup.org.uk.
Sunday 21 March 2010
Figures showing the Demand for a Mixed School for Brentford
Our post-bag is full from Brentford parents who have been disapointed that their first child going to secondary school has not been allocated a place at their first or second choice. Over a year ago I pointed out to the Director of Children's services the imbalance of secondary school provision in Brentford, as population increases meant our nearest mixed schools were no longer able to allocate places to Brentford children. Allocations for school places are done strictly by distance from school (and ignore Borough boundaries). As effective catchment areas shrink inwards, Brentford families aren't being offered places in any of our nearest mixed schools. Our nearest is Elthorne Park (up Boston Manor Road), then Chiswick, then Lampton and Hounslow Manor. Our kids can get into Isleworth & Syon, and Brentford School for Girls, but for many single-sex is not the choice they want.
I now have the figures for TW8 applicants for next year's Year 7 entry, and what schools they were offered places at and it shows the stark imbalance between preference and availability. (As we have an integrated pan-London system, every child gets one offer.)
Of 185 TW8 children, 119 were allocated their first choice school, 22 their second choice, 22 their 3rd, 4th ,5th or 6 choice), and 21 were allocated a school that they didn’t choose at all - all Hounslow Manor.
However this masks the picture as most of those who got their first choice school will have got in on the sibling rule (an older sibling already at the school gets priority over other applicants.) – I have asked for the figures with the siblings taken off, and hope I don’t need to wait as long as I did for the figures this is based on which arrived on Friday evening.
How did allocations match people’s choices?
For mixed schools, 46 put Chiswick their first or second choice, only 18 got it.
37 put Lampton 1st or 2nd, but 3 got in.
33 put Elthorne Park, 8 got in,
7 Twyford but 3 got in.
Only 8 actively chose Hounslow Manor, yet 28 have been allocated to that school.
For single-sex: 43 put Green their 1st or 2nd choice, and 13 got in,
34 Isleworth & Syon 1st or 2nd,with 35 being allocated,
30 put Brentford 1st or 2nd choice and 35 got in.
The demand from this is clearly for a mixed school. The Director of Children's Services says there is not (yet) a shortage of school places in the borough. But this mismatch of preference/available places from Brentford parents does point to making Brentford School for Girls a mixed school very soon, while we work towards the longer-term of getting a new secondary school.
I now have the figures for TW8 applicants for next year's Year 7 entry, and what schools they were offered places at and it shows the stark imbalance between preference and availability. (As we have an integrated pan-London system, every child gets one offer.)
Of 185 TW8 children, 119 were allocated their first choice school, 22 their second choice, 22 their 3rd, 4th ,5th or 6 choice), and 21 were allocated a school that they didn’t choose at all - all Hounslow Manor.
However this masks the picture as most of those who got their first choice school will have got in on the sibling rule (an older sibling already at the school gets priority over other applicants.) – I have asked for the figures with the siblings taken off, and hope I don’t need to wait as long as I did for the figures this is based on which arrived on Friday evening.
How did allocations match people’s choices?
For mixed schools, 46 put Chiswick their first or second choice, only 18 got it.
37 put Lampton 1st or 2nd, but 3 got in.
33 put Elthorne Park, 8 got in,
7 Twyford but 3 got in.
Only 8 actively chose Hounslow Manor, yet 28 have been allocated to that school.
For single-sex: 43 put Green their 1st or 2nd choice, and 13 got in,
34 Isleworth & Syon 1st or 2nd,with 35 being allocated,
30 put Brentford 1st or 2nd choice and 35 got in.
The demand from this is clearly for a mixed school. The Director of Children's Services says there is not (yet) a shortage of school places in the borough. But this mismatch of preference/available places from Brentford parents does point to making Brentford School for Girls a mixed school very soon, while we work towards the longer-term of getting a new secondary school.
Saturday 13 March 2010
Mercedes Re-opening
With my petrol-head son and Matt, I went to the re-launch of the Merc garage/showroom on the A4/Clayponds junction this week. I'm not generally a fan of fossil-fuel consuming tin cans made ever more luxurious for some reason beyond the basic function of getting from A-B when there is no other relieable alternative.
Nevertheless the palce is impressive, with it's vertical tower storing 16 cars, and high-tech service bay. It also employs more people than ever, proving that the Golden Mile is heading back to it's original role of employing many people in skilled roles in iconic buildings. The old Gillette building will open as a hotel in the next few months, behind which there will be a number of high-tech business units. Hopefully we'll see the rest of the vacant sites along the Golden Mile developed before long.
Nevertheless the palce is impressive, with it's vertical tower storing 16 cars, and high-tech service bay. It also employs more people than ever, proving that the Golden Mile is heading back to it's original role of employing many people in skilled roles in iconic buildings. The old Gillette building will open as a hotel in the next few months, behind which there will be a number of high-tech business units. Hopefully we'll see the rest of the vacant sites along the Golden Mile developed before long.
Sunday 7 March 2010
New Secondary School for Brentford Needed Now!!
Matt Harmer and I met a small group of very angry Year 6 parents this week - whose children had not been offered a place at any of the schools they had put on their forms. They either had been offered Hounslow Manor or none at all.
As we have no mixed secondary school in Brentford, most people apply for Elthorne Park or Chiswick. Green is also popular for some families. However, unless families already have a child in one of those schools, no-one from Brentford is being offered a place. I am not sure what the situation is for Isleworth & Syon - would welcome an update.
The reason we are in this situation is that there are more children than ever in the system, our local schools are very popular, and there has not been sufficient expansion of places to keep up. The applications system is based on distance from the school (after siblings have been offered a place) and people who live at any distance from any mixed secondary school havn't got a hope of being given an offer.
Over the last year or two I have met with the Director of Children's Services twice on this issue.
With the email in-box bulging on the issues, and meeting several parents too, on Friday I wrote to the Director asking; a) what progress there is on the idea of getting a new school for Brentford, and
b) whether any of the local schools could have a "bulge" class for September. I will let you know the response.
Some parents have asked if Brentford School for Girls could become a mixed school.. We would be interested in views on that. It is a popular school, but a significant proportion of the students come from some distance, and from other boroughs. It is felt that if it was mixed it might serve local residents better.
Views welcome!
As we have no mixed secondary school in Brentford, most people apply for Elthorne Park or Chiswick. Green is also popular for some families. However, unless families already have a child in one of those schools, no-one from Brentford is being offered a place. I am not sure what the situation is for Isleworth & Syon - would welcome an update.
The reason we are in this situation is that there are more children than ever in the system, our local schools are very popular, and there has not been sufficient expansion of places to keep up. The applications system is based on distance from the school (after siblings have been offered a place) and people who live at any distance from any mixed secondary school havn't got a hope of being given an offer.
Over the last year or two I have met with the Director of Children's Services twice on this issue.
With the email in-box bulging on the issues, and meeting several parents too, on Friday I wrote to the Director asking; a) what progress there is on the idea of getting a new school for Brentford, and
b) whether any of the local schools could have a "bulge" class for September. I will let you know the response.
Some parents have asked if Brentford School for Girls could become a mixed school.. We would be interested in views on that. It is a popular school, but a significant proportion of the students come from some distance, and from other boroughs. It is felt that if it was mixed it might serve local residents better.
Views welcome!
Thursday 4 March 2010
MBE for Hounslow Language Service
I was honoured to be invited to Sunday evening's celebration of Roz Carter's MBE, to be given to her by the Queen in April. Roz set up and ran HLS until her retirement a couple of years ago. Through her leadership and continuing legacy HLS is respected nationally and internationally for the quality of support given to teaching children with little or no English language capability. The service has meant that Hounslow's children who arrive in our schools not speaking or understanding English, achieve results that are as good as or better than locally-born children - and that Hounslow's school results are a massive success story across the board.
Until this year, HLS was funded through the Government's EMAG (Ethnic Minorities Acheivement)grant with an additional £500k of direct council funding. Both the grant and the central funding were pooled, with the specialist teachers being centrally employed and trained, then being allocated to the schools as needed. HLS has developed a body of knowledge and professional expertise that can be shared among their specialist teachers and with schools, to ensure the best start for children. This expertise is so valued that the Government's London Challenge scheme is funding HLS to spread that knowledge with schools and local authorities across London. Apparently, many schools in other areas treat EAL (English as an Additional Language) children as though they have "special needs", when many will have been in school since their early years in their birth country.
The council funding meant that the teachers were allocated to schools according to both the need in terms of numbers in a school, and where possible matching teachers speaking the language of the pupils. One school may have several HLS specialist language teachers visiting them during the week. It also means, that as happened at one local school, that if on the first day of term, several children arrive unexpectedly speaking only Polish, HLS can provide a Polish-speaking teacher immediately to support those children through their first few days in school. This is incredibly valuable for schools with children who have many different home languages, and the kind of support that will not be available now.
A year ago the Tories running Hounslow pushed through the cut of the central funding - £1/2 million. As a result HLS is being virtually broken up. Those schools with sufficient EMAG grant are employing teachers directly - probably only one at each school, so the range of languages available to a school is gone. The professional support and learning is decimated, and some schools are using their grant to employ teaching assistants to provide specialist language support which should be provided by qualified and properly trained teachers. We opposed the cut last year, but to no avail, despite overwhelming support received in the way of petitions, letters, phone calls and meetings. Unfortunately it fell on deaf ears - many of the Tory group thought HLS was a mother-tongue service. Most had no interest in the needs of children arriving in our schools and who need all the tools they can to integrate and play an active part in our society.
A sad day indeed, and an insult to Roz Carter and all she acheived over 28 years.
Until this year, HLS was funded through the Government's EMAG (Ethnic Minorities Acheivement)grant with an additional £500k of direct council funding. Both the grant and the central funding were pooled, with the specialist teachers being centrally employed and trained, then being allocated to the schools as needed. HLS has developed a body of knowledge and professional expertise that can be shared among their specialist teachers and with schools, to ensure the best start for children. This expertise is so valued that the Government's London Challenge scheme is funding HLS to spread that knowledge with schools and local authorities across London. Apparently, many schools in other areas treat EAL (English as an Additional Language) children as though they have "special needs", when many will have been in school since their early years in their birth country.
The council funding meant that the teachers were allocated to schools according to both the need in terms of numbers in a school, and where possible matching teachers speaking the language of the pupils. One school may have several HLS specialist language teachers visiting them during the week. It also means, that as happened at one local school, that if on the first day of term, several children arrive unexpectedly speaking only Polish, HLS can provide a Polish-speaking teacher immediately to support those children through their first few days in school. This is incredibly valuable for schools with children who have many different home languages, and the kind of support that will not be available now.
A year ago the Tories running Hounslow pushed through the cut of the central funding - £1/2 million. As a result HLS is being virtually broken up. Those schools with sufficient EMAG grant are employing teachers directly - probably only one at each school, so the range of languages available to a school is gone. The professional support and learning is decimated, and some schools are using their grant to employ teaching assistants to provide specialist language support which should be provided by qualified and properly trained teachers. We opposed the cut last year, but to no avail, despite overwhelming support received in the way of petitions, letters, phone calls and meetings. Unfortunately it fell on deaf ears - many of the Tory group thought HLS was a mother-tongue service. Most had no interest in the needs of children arriving in our schools and who need all the tools they can to integrate and play an active part in our society.
A sad day indeed, and an insult to Roz Carter and all she acheived over 28 years.
Budget Farce
Tuesday night we had an intersting night where Phil Andrews claimed independence (from the Tories) for less than half an hour.
The budget proposed by the Conservatives was originally voted down.
After a 20 minute break, it emerged that £250,000 was to be made available for unspecified 'community uses'. The ICG leadership then supported the budget.
This was a shoddy deal with no indication as to where the money would come from or what it was going to be spent on. It just proves that the
Conservatives and the ICG are happy to waste residents' money in order
to please themselves. If this money was available, why isn't it being spent on proper public services? They are wasting residents' money while services get worse.
The rest of the Tory cuts remained, with the exception of the removal of the school uniform grants, and the subsidy for community use of school buildings. Lets hope there's still some admin staff available to administer the grants to the families on very low incomes who really need help with these costs.
The budget proposed by the Conservatives was originally voted down.
After a 20 minute break, it emerged that £250,000 was to be made available for unspecified 'community uses'. The ICG leadership then supported the budget.
This was a shoddy deal with no indication as to where the money would come from or what it was going to be spent on. It just proves that the
Conservatives and the ICG are happy to waste residents' money in order
to please themselves. If this money was available, why isn't it being spent on proper public services? They are wasting residents' money while services get worse.
The rest of the Tory cuts remained, with the exception of the removal of the school uniform grants, and the subsidy for community use of school buildings. Lets hope there's still some admin staff available to administer the grants to the families on very low incomes who really need help with these costs.
Thursday 25 February 2010
Should Council tax payers provide Councillors with Laptops
Councillors have access to PCs in the Civic Centre, but there is a proposal circulating among Councillors to provide us all with additional lap-top, a dongle, printers and data sticks after the election. The total cost would between £95,636 and £142,436 over the next 4 years. We are told that we all need dedicated Council lap-tops as that is the only way we can get into the secure intranet and emails. But people who work for large companies and the NHS, when they are working from home, get into their employers secure intranet from their home emails, using security systems that cost a fraction of the cost of a load of new hardware. I feel that if people need a lap-top, and they are councillors, then they should be able to use their council allowance to pay for this (possibly using the Council's buying power to keep costs low).
In these cash-strapped times, is it really right that scarce funds should be provided for this purpose?
In these cash-strapped times, is it really right that scarce funds should be provided for this purpose?
Monday 22 February 2010
Cross-border, cross-party collaboration oppose backland develoment.
Back from holiday and catching up on emails. Good to hear that Ealing refused planning permission for a little house stuck in a tiny space behind homes in Whitestile, Darwin and Junction Roads (on the borough boundary). I had written a formal objection to Ealing's planning committee after a local resident had alerted me to the committee report - where planning officers had recommended refusal.
Matt Harmer came back from his break as I went away, and along with Andrew Dakers, ensured the story got in the local papers, and that Northfield Councillors (Tories) also opposed at the committee.
Matt Harmer came back from his break as I went away, and along with Andrew Dakers, ensured the story got in the local papers, and that Northfield Councillors (Tories) also opposed at the committee.
Thursday 11 February 2010
Not everyone wants more trees
I had always thought the Tory/ICG COuncil pledge of a 1000 new street trees would be one of those "motherhood and apple-pie things and dificult to object to. However I have now been contacted by 2 different residents, faced with new trees being planted in their road who want me to get them stopped. 1 objects to the fact a tree will go right outside their windows, and the other - to say they have more than enough trees in the park opposite their house, and the money would be better spent maintaining these trees and clearing up the leaf mulch in the autumn.
Any views?
Ruth
Any views?
Ruth
Monday 1 February 2010
Ice and Fractures
I continue to seek answers about the gritting policy, particularly as I've just found out that West Mid had a 50% increase in fractures in A&E during the icy week in January, AND that this was a greater increase than other London hospitals. Environment Services confirmed that their priority 1 gritting on footways does not extend the length of the footway. They expect to get to Priority 2 footways within a day. I'm sorry but this did just not happen, and I am calling for a review of their gritting schedule, so that people can safely walk along busy pavements.
Thursday 21 January 2010
Cadburys and Kraft
Unsurprisingly every other person I run into at present is asking me for my take on the take-over of Cadbury's (or whether I will have to change my name to Ruth Kraft).
Well:
Sadly I have no Cadbury shares, so havn't gained financially. My real worry is for the economy and community in south Birmingham, where there is a fear that Kraft will ship production overseas to try to reduce costs. Birmingham suffered from falling real wages even before the recession, and has taken the biggest hit of any UK region in the last 18 months. The potential closure of the factory at Bournville would be a loss of another 3000 jobs and closure of an iconic factory complex. Like many people I am saddened that an iconic British name is now in foreign ownership, and hope it won't make any difference for people who loce the taste of Cadbury's chocolate.
Well:
Sadly I have no Cadbury shares, so havn't gained financially. My real worry is for the economy and community in south Birmingham, where there is a fear that Kraft will ship production overseas to try to reduce costs. Birmingham suffered from falling real wages even before the recession, and has taken the biggest hit of any UK region in the last 18 months. The potential closure of the factory at Bournville would be a loss of another 3000 jobs and closure of an iconic factory complex. Like many people I am saddened that an iconic British name is now in foreign ownership, and hope it won't make any difference for people who loce the taste of Cadbury's chocolate.
Tuesday 19 January 2010
A4 Survey - of people and junctions this week!
Transport for London are this week surveying the environment for pedestrians crossing the A4 in Brentford. This is in response to the work we have done highlighting how dangerous it can be to cross even when using the pedestrian lights properly. This is a busy route to school for many families, who would dearly love to feel safer as they cross and recross in the course of a normal week. I do hope that as many people as possible can walk across their this week.
Wednesday 13 January 2010
MORE snow; Today's Labour Press Release
HOUNSLOW LABOUR GROUP PRESS RELEASE
13TH JANUARY 2010- for IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COULD TORY ADMINISTRATION HAVE DONE BETTER AT GRITTING
ROADS AND PAVEMENTS IN HOUNSLOW?
Cllr. Ruth Cadbury, Deputy Leader of Hounslow Labour Group, is demanding a review of extreme weather responses in Hounslow. She slammed the lack of coherent effort by the Tory Administration in gritting the roads and pavements this week and last.
Speaking this Wednesday, Cllr. Cadbury said “the Met office gave plenty of warning of further snow yet the response has again been too slow, At 9am it appeared there had been no clearance on the main roads in Hounslow Town Centre and driving conditions were treacherous at what is the busiest time of day. Last week footways in areas with busy pedestrian areas were not cleared or salted until they had become ice-rinks. The footway in the busy part of Brentford High Street was only cleared of ice on Thursday mid-morning, two days after it had snowed.” “There is no point throwing rock salt around a bus stop or station if the pavement between there and where people are walking to are not cleared. Many painful injuries could have been avoided had there been a more coherent emergency plan for town and shopping areas.” She added.
Other London boroughs seem to have responded more rapidly and effectively according to Cllr Cadbury, with main roads – carriageways and footways being cleared early, and thoroughly.
Cllr Cadbury went on to raise concerns about the lack on information provided by the Council over the last two weeks. Speaking this Wednesday, when two inches of fresh snow arrived, she pointed out that the bulletin on the Council web-site has not been updated since Monday. “It is essential to know, on a daily basis, what has been gritted and what hasn’t, and also what services are operating as normal or not – such as schools, day centres or meals-on-wheels,. so that residents can take the proper precautions. Furthermore, Councillors have not been kept updated directly with regular information during this emergency so they can respond to residents’ questions. This contrasts markedly with the experience of colleagues in other boroughs who are getting daily bulletins” she said.
Cllr Cadbury is demanding a response from the Conservative administration. “The recent weather conditions warrant emergency action being taken, but we do not believe that the Council has responded to appalling weather conditions with sufficient urgency or coherence” she said.
13TH JANUARY 2010- for IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COULD TORY ADMINISTRATION HAVE DONE BETTER AT GRITTING
ROADS AND PAVEMENTS IN HOUNSLOW?
Cllr. Ruth Cadbury, Deputy Leader of Hounslow Labour Group, is demanding a review of extreme weather responses in Hounslow. She slammed the lack of coherent effort by the Tory Administration in gritting the roads and pavements this week and last.
Speaking this Wednesday, Cllr. Cadbury said “the Met office gave plenty of warning of further snow yet the response has again been too slow, At 9am it appeared there had been no clearance on the main roads in Hounslow Town Centre and driving conditions were treacherous at what is the busiest time of day. Last week footways in areas with busy pedestrian areas were not cleared or salted until they had become ice-rinks. The footway in the busy part of Brentford High Street was only cleared of ice on Thursday mid-morning, two days after it had snowed.” “There is no point throwing rock salt around a bus stop or station if the pavement between there and where people are walking to are not cleared. Many painful injuries could have been avoided had there been a more coherent emergency plan for town and shopping areas.” She added.
Other London boroughs seem to have responded more rapidly and effectively according to Cllr Cadbury, with main roads – carriageways and footways being cleared early, and thoroughly.
Cllr Cadbury went on to raise concerns about the lack on information provided by the Council over the last two weeks. Speaking this Wednesday, when two inches of fresh snow arrived, she pointed out that the bulletin on the Council web-site has not been updated since Monday. “It is essential to know, on a daily basis, what has been gritted and what hasn’t, and also what services are operating as normal or not – such as schools, day centres or meals-on-wheels,. so that residents can take the proper precautions. Furthermore, Councillors have not been kept updated directly with regular information during this emergency so they can respond to residents’ questions. This contrasts markedly with the experience of colleagues in other boroughs who are getting daily bulletins” she said.
Cllr Cadbury is demanding a response from the Conservative administration. “The recent weather conditions warrant emergency action being taken, but we do not believe that the Council has responded to appalling weather conditions with sufficient urgency or coherence” she said.
Sunday 10 January 2010
Gritting or true grit
Is Hounslow's record this last week worse than other boroughs? I was shocked that on Thursday morning the pavements on Brentford High Street (not any old side street) were only being gritted at about 10am. Yet crossing over to Richmond, all the pavements along major bus routes had been cleared. Could not the refuse and recyling staff who have not been able to collect our rubbish becasue of the ice on side streets, not be put to gritting and clearing of footways on main roads and shopping areas? I suspect the answer is no, as the privatised contract would not allow for that obvious flexibility in use of person-power.
I know that people have been demanding that every side-road (carriageway and footway) should be cleared of snow by the Council, but is the tax-payer prepared to pay the cost of that, given we havn't had weather like this for almost 50 years? One thing that would cost the Council nothing, would be to encourage people to clear the path in front of their own houses, and those of neighbours who are unable to. The Council's communciations machine could also dispel the myth that I have heard several times this week - that you shouldn't clear snow on the public footway as you could be sued if someone slips and injures themselves. Well I Googled this, and found it to be something of an urban myth - the case would only stick if it could be proven that you had maliciously sought to injure that person, ie you're safe to clear snow and ice!
In most snowy parts of north America and north Europe, residents in side streets are EXPECTED to clear the path in front of their house and in many places are fined if they don't. I'm all for having a bit more of that common support for our neighbourhood here (though realise the fines for a once-in-a-blue moon event might be a bit ott.)
I know that people have been demanding that every side-road (carriageway and footway) should be cleared of snow by the Council, but is the tax-payer prepared to pay the cost of that, given we havn't had weather like this for almost 50 years? One thing that would cost the Council nothing, would be to encourage people to clear the path in front of their own houses, and those of neighbours who are unable to. The Council's communciations machine could also dispel the myth that I have heard several times this week - that you shouldn't clear snow on the public footway as you could be sued if someone slips and injures themselves. Well I Googled this, and found it to be something of an urban myth - the case would only stick if it could be proven that you had maliciously sought to injure that person, ie you're safe to clear snow and ice!
In most snowy parts of north America and north Europe, residents in side streets are EXPECTED to clear the path in front of their house and in many places are fined if they don't. I'm all for having a bit more of that common support for our neighbourhood here (though realise the fines for a once-in-a-blue moon event might be a bit ott.)
Tuesday 5 January 2010
Improvements to the H91 Bus route
Happy New Year!
At last we are to see double-deckers ply the H91 route out along the A4, and it will be a 10 minute service with real-time information, starting on 9th January. This route has been a poor relation of local buses ever since I have been a Councillor, and many Brentford children (mine included) have notched up horrendours numbers of late detentions as a result of its intermittent service. It has slowly improved in the last year or so, as new funding has paid for service enhancement. These funds come from the planning gain (S106) from various developments along the A$. Improvements to H92 were not always included in the S106 list until us Councillors nagged officers to revise the draft S106 agreements.
The last tranche of funding is £430,000 from BSkyB and Capital Interchange Way. So with a better service along the A4, some of the congestion on the High Street routes might be relieved. ANd perhaps it might make local people consider using the bus instead of the car more often? (I feel a late new year resolution coming on!).
At last we are to see double-deckers ply the H91 route out along the A4, and it will be a 10 minute service with real-time information, starting on 9th January. This route has been a poor relation of local buses ever since I have been a Councillor, and many Brentford children (mine included) have notched up horrendours numbers of late detentions as a result of its intermittent service. It has slowly improved in the last year or so, as new funding has paid for service enhancement. These funds come from the planning gain (S106) from various developments along the A$. Improvements to H92 were not always included in the S106 list until us Councillors nagged officers to revise the draft S106 agreements.
The last tranche of funding is £430,000 from BSkyB and Capital Interchange Way. So with a better service along the A4, some of the congestion on the High Street routes might be relieved. ANd perhaps it might make local people consider using the bus instead of the car more often? (I feel a late new year resolution coming on!).
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