New starts of Affordable housing down 99% in the South East

Across the country and in the South Eastwe've seen a 99% fall in housing starts (which is the Tory government's prefered figure for measuring housing activity) for affordable housing being built in the 6 months to September 2011.

Jack Dromney has called it a disaster, and I don't think that's an exageration.  I can't think of a starker figure than a fall nationally from 26300 homes at social rent to 259 and similarly for the total of affordable housing to go from 35,735 to 454.   Well actually maybe I can.  The figure for the South East and East is down from 10,865  for the last financial year down to 37 for the first 6 months of this year.  That's not a typo: 37.

It's utterly depressing and shows that the government's housing policy is failing. 

This is not about failure to solve a problem, this is about a government that has created new problems and made worse existing problems in the housing market.

This puts in context the 'Housing Strategy' launched last week.  I told the local press that I didn't consider a plan that puts back 5 affordable houses per constituency can really be glorified with the name strategy.  It's time that Grant Shapps considered what a real strategy might involve, for example repeating the bankers bonus tax to build 25,000 affordable homes and create jobs for young people.  A cut in VAT for home improvements could make a real difference to empty homes and the quality of existing accomodation.  A Labour government would also properly regulate the private rented sector, which would both protect tenants and reward good landlords while driving out bad landlords.  That would make a real difference to us here in Reading where more than a quarter of our population lives in rented accomodation.


Locally the Reading's Labour council will do what we can to alleviate the shortage of social housing, increase the provision of support for those that find themselves homeless (as I discussed on Anne Diamond's BBC Berkshire radio show on Friday) and improve those parts of the private rented sector that don't make the standard.  But it's already and going to be a huge struggle given this government's determination to ignore common sense and general incompetence on housing policy.  We can only do so much in the face of the government's policies.

New loyalty scheme for sport and leisure for #rdg #Olympic year

Money saving incentives for Reading residents could be introduced if a new reward and loyalty scheme gets the go-ahead from councillors.

Savings and rewards will be available in all Reading sport and leisure centres, libraries and arts and entertainment venues – including The Hexagon and South Street - if proposals are agreed by the Council's Cabinet on Monday, November 28.

The reward and loyalty scheme works by collecting points on the Your Reading Passport when you take part in particular culture and leisure activities. The more people who participate in particular activities, the more points they will earn, resulting in bigger discounts for future use.

As part of the proposals, which follow a detailed review of the scheme, free swimming in the school holidays for under 16s with a YRP card would be continued and concessionary rates for the Council's pest control service and bulky waste collection service would be reintroduced.

Marian Livingston, Lead Councillor for Culture and Sport, said: 'I am delighted that we have been able to propose even more benefits with the Your Reading Passport Scheme. The changes being proposed provide some great opportunities for residents to utilise these benefits right across Reading. As well as maintaining existing savings, we have been able to extend the concessions to bring back savings on bulky waste and pest control services."

Paul Gittings, Lead Councillor for Environment and Climate Change, said: 'With the Olympic and Paralympic Games coming to the country next year and also the Olympic torch coming to Reading borough in July, there has never been a better time for people of all ages to take part in cultural and sporting activities in Reading. These proposals will provide an added incentive for people to get involved.'

The Your Reading Passport scheme was launched in 2004, updating and replacing the Passport to Leisure scheme which had been running since 1987. It is a combined discount and library card, available free and exclusively to residents of Reading borough. It is used on the spot at ten locations around Reading.

There are two categories available through Your Reading Passport membership:

- YRP general membership: for residents of Reading and those aged 3 years and over

- YRP concessionary membership: for residents of Reading and either: aged 60 years or over, people who have a disability or be permanently incapacitated by ill health, or on low income/unemployed.

The Council's Cabinet meeting will take place in the Kennet Room of the Civic Offices, and starts at 6.30pm.

One cut we can welcome: pest control fees to be slashed by Labour

One of the silly decisions by last year's Conservative-LibDem administration was to put up the fees for pest control above what people would be able to afford, which has not been great for the council's finances or for residents who would otherwise have used the service - we've seen a drop off of over 80% in demand for the service.


We are currently doing our annual review of fees and charges and residents who don't want rats in their garden will be pleased to know that we are slashing the charge and reintroducing a discount for elderly, disabled and low income households.  We are not just relying on poison though to control pests in our borough we are at the same time upping our game on preventative measures to ensure that treatment is only used where it is needed and to support residents and businesses to make their properties unattractive to rodents.


It may not be glamorous but this is a very practical example of the difference between a Labour administration and a Conservative-Liberal coalition:  we looked at the affect on residents and the wider picture including finances, they focused on just upping fees in the hope that residents wouldn't have an alternative.


Council press release below:




Discounts for Reading residents who want to make use of the Council's pest control services to get rid of rats or mice look set to be reinstated.

In January 2011 fees charged by the Council's pest control service for a 3-visit course of treatment increased significantly. From being either free to elderly, disabled and residents on low incomes, or just £25-£30 for all other Reading residents, they increased to a cost of £114 for everyone, with no concessions offered. All prices include VAT.

The price increases have resulted in a big drop in requests for treatment - from around 600 a year to just 7 a month on average – making the current pest control service financially unviable. The Council and councillors have also received feedback from the public unhappy with the price increase.

As a result the current administration is now proposing to reinstate discounts for pest control services offered by Reading Borough Council.

The new cost of a 3-visit course of treatment would be £45 for concessionary 'Your Reading Passport' holders, and £70 for all other Reading residents. The prices include VAT and would be effective from January 2012.*(see Notes To Editors)

The proposals will go to a meeting of Reading Borough Council's Cabinet on November 28 for approval, as part of the Council's wider review of fees and charges. ** (see Notes To Editors)

Paul Gittings, Reading's Lead Councillor for Environment and Climate Change, said: 'Given the dramatic fall-off in use of the Council's expert in-house service, we felt it necessary to introduce a much more realistic pricing structure, with concessionary elements re-introduced. We will continue to closely monitor the situation to make sure residents' interests are best served.'

While Reading Borough Council provides a pest control service to residents, it is a non–statutory service and the national picture is varied, with some local authorities offering no pest control service at all and others offering subsidised services for vulnerable groups only.

If approved, the proposed cut in treatment prices in Reading is intended to run parallel with a more strategic approach to the treatment of rats and mice across the town. This could include the promotion of environmental control methods available to residents such as filling gaps, undertaking drainage repairs and the removal of food sources, where rats or mice have become a problem.

Examples include:
• Private Sector Renewal Policy grants available for owner occupiers on means tested benefits to carry out small repairs
• The availability of a 'handyman' scheme funded by the Council to those aged over 60 who could carry out small repairs such as pest proofing, for the cost of labour and materials.
• The possibility of Council enforcement action against landlords if living conditions are considered to be a hazard
• For council tenants, the Property Services team to undertake investigation and repairs where necessary

Changes to drainage legislation which came into effect last month saw private sewers move from being the responsibility of property owners to that of the statutory water undertaker. In Reading's case this is Thames Water. This change means it will become easier to investigate infestations where there is a link to drainage. The report to Cabinet on November 28 raises the issue of closer working with Thames Water where drainage is thought to be an issue.

Real partnership with the police, residents and business

The partnership – Reading Borough Council and Thames Valley Police – were joined by people representing Reading's Learning Disability Partnership at the Broad Street Mall on Thursday, November 24th, to raise awareness of the scheme which aims to help people with a learning disability feel safe and secure when they are out and about in the town centre.

People with a disability are more likely to be a victim of crime than those without a disability. Through the Reading Safer Places Scheme, the partnerships have been working with people with a learning disability, Teach2Reach - an advocacy group for people with learning disabilities – and also Reading Business Against Crime (RBAC), to combat the problem.

The scheme is run in partnership with RBAC and more than 85 shops in Reading town centre have already signed up and been trained to look out for people behaving in an inappropriate manner towards people with a disability.

People with a learning disability are given business style cards which they can hand to a member of staff in one of the shops that have signed up to take part. This alerts staff to the fact the customer is being intimidated by another person and victimised because of their disability.

Staff can then use the town safe radio link to alert other shops to look out for suspicious behaviour and request support from the police if necessary. Awareness training has been provided by Teach2Reach and businesses have been advised on how best to serve customers with a learning disability. Posters are displayed in the shop windows of those signed up.

Mike Orton, lead councillor for adult social care, said: 'It is really encouraging so many businesses in the town centre sign up to this scheme and hopefully a lot more will follow. With better understanding of people's needs, everyone can do their bit to reduce the number of incidents of disability hate crime.'

Rachel Eden, lead councillor for housing and neighbourhoods, said: 'People with a disability are unfortunately more likely to be a victim of crime than those without a disability. The majority of this type of crime goes mostly unreported and people can continue to be victims of harassment in public places. Reading Learning Disability Partnership and Reading Community Safety Partnership have been working together to raise awareness of this disability hate crime and I hope this campaign goes a long way into stamping out this problem.'

Jeremy Frost from the Talkback Teach2Reach team, said: 'The Teach2Reach team encourages people to realise what life is like for someone with a learning disability. As well as this scheme raising awareness that people with a learning disability are more likely to be a victim of crime, it also makes shops appreciate that these customers may need a little longer when shopping or some extra help. Someone could come into the shop and are upset about something that has happened outside. The shop may provide a safe place for them for a while until they feel safe again to go round the town.'

If you would like to find out more about the Reading Safer Places Scheme, Anthony Brain on (0118) 937 3179 or Debra Cole on (0118) 937 3742. Shops interested in joining the scheme, can contact George Friel, RBAC co-ordinator, on (0118) 937 3123.

Why study CIMA?

I often get asked about the benefits of an accountancy qualification in my political life and conversely about why I am involved in politics in my professional life.  The Chartered Institute of Management accountants recently interviewed me and also asked me to discuss the benefits of CIMA in a recession.  I guess they have limited confidence in economic growth returning any time soon.

What I was doing at 11am on 11.11.11

  I was particularly impressed by how well the children from Katesgrove primary observed the silence, I think after having done their own rememberance the previous day their teachers decided they were able to come to the town's ceremony.

Working together for Southcote

Council press release:

Southcote residents are being encouraged to attend two up-and-coming neighbourhood events in the next stage on an on-going discussion with Reading Borough Council about how community facilities for local people can be improved.

Local residents have consistently called for improved facilities in Southcote to cater for all age groups.

A significant breakthrough was made earlier this month when the Council announced community facilities in the area could receive a significant boost if proposals for the possible redevelopment of the former Happy Prospect pub site were given the go-ahead.

Now – as part on the Council's commitment to work better with residents– two events in November will offer local residents the opportunity to get involved with improvements to community facilities. The events -  'Working Together for Southcote' - follow on from a public meeting in July this year led by Rachel Eden, Lead Councillor for Housing and Neighbourhoods held at the Southcote community centre.

There is a daytime and evening meeting to enable as many people as possible to attend and they will take place in the Main Hall at the Southcote Community Centre, in Coronation Square. 3,500 leaflets are being delivered to invite residents, as well as posters being put up in the local area.

The first 'Working Together for Southcote' meeting takes place on Monday November 14 between 7pm and 8.30pm, with the second on Thursday November 17, between 1pm and 2.30pm.

Reading's Youth Services team and Groundwork will be working with young people to ensure that they can get involved.

Following the two community events, local residents and the council will work together to produce a community newsletter and questionnaire to gather views from local people who weren't able to attend the meetings.

Councillor Rachel Eden said: 'As an administration we are committed to not just giving people a say but getting people involved. I'm hopeful that by working together residents and the council will be able to improve community facilities for all parts of Southcote's community and provide very much needed affordable housing for the area.'

The Happy Prospect pub was demolished earlier this year and a new use needs to be found for the site. The owner, PMC Construction, submitted a planning application for a 100% affordable housing scheme which was then deferred at Planning Applications Committee to enable further discussions with the owner.

On October 31st Reading Borough Council's Cabinet approved a £280,000 social housing grant for a 16 unit affordable housing scheme, subject to Planning Consent being obtained.

A revised 16 unit application is now scheduled to return to Planning Applications Committee on Monday November 9. Any planning permission is however likely to require appropriate mitigation for the loss of the former pub. This could involve securing a contribution towards enhancing existing community facilities elsewhere in Coronation Square, for example.

The creation of additional affordable housing in Southcote - which would include four much-needed family-sized units - would have the added benefit of reducing the need to place homeless applicants in temporary accommodation, reducing pressure on council finances.

Remembering

For those of us who work in the town centre there is an opportunity this Friday to observe the 2 minutes silence together.  I will be going to the war memorial in Forebury gardens but there will also be a gathering outside the Civic Centre.  On Remembrance Sunday there is the civic service at Brook Barracks which is always a special ceremony too, which I also plan to attend.

Council press release:

Two ceremonies take place this Friday (Nov 11)  to pay tribute to the men and women who have sacrificed their lives in defence of this country.

Reading's Mayor Councillor Deborah Edwards will lead a two minute silence at the Forbury War Memorial at 11am. And Deputy Mayor Councillor Gul Khan will lead a similar tribute outside the Civic Offices, also at 11am. People are welcome to join in the two minute silence at either event.

On Remembrance Sunday (13th) the Council will be represented at the annual ceremony at Brock Barracks on the Oxford Road. Representatives of the Royal British Legion and Forces will also be there.

Cllr Edwards said: 'I am extremely honoured to be leading the two minute silence at Forbury War Memorial. It will be a very poignant and dignified occasion and I hope as many people as possible will be able to join me, or Gul, in this act of remembrance.'

This is the first time Reading's Mayor has led a tribute at the Forbury War Memorial. Normally the two minute silence is led by the Mayor outside the Civic Offices.

The change is the result of a resolution put forward to the Council last year by Councillor Chris Maskell. He said: 'The Council believes the people of Reading, in line with a request from The Royal British Legion, should be given the opportunity to gather for remembrance in a formal setting."

Sheltered housing consultation - some clarity

The community spirit and special atmosphere of our sheltered housing schemes in Reading is something that is valued by all of us: a safe and comfortable environment where residents live independently and there is always someone to call on.

There is no question of this changing under the proposals we are currently consulting on.

However I understand the worries that proposed changes to such a valued service can cause residents, which is why we have arranged over 120 consultation meetings and we will be listening to and acting on concerns raised. No decisions have yet been taken and I’d encourage residents and friends and family to respond to the proposals in the consultation which runs until 16th December.

What is being proposed is to modernise the service and ensure that residents get a consistent and more focused service. For example, a proposal to recruit a new staff member who would help residents organise social activities and events. This reflects the fact that today people in sheltered housing are more active.

In particular I would like to reassure readers that the proposal to allow a few residents under the age of 60 to move into sheltered accommodation is something that would be restricted to residents who would benefit from the special ethos of shelteredhousing and wouldn't upset the balance of the community there – and there will be safeguards in place to ensure this.

Sheltered housing does not currently, and never has, had staff onsite 24 hours a day and there haven’t been live-in or overnight wardens since 1993. For residents who require a 24 hour onsite presence we do offer that option in other accommodation and we are currently building two new schemes which offer this ‘extra care’ – creating 100 new, high quality, flats for rent.

It is also very important to note that this review, set up by the current Libdem leader when she was the lead councillor, does not have a specific savings target set against it – any savings will be as a result of the consultation but are not driving it. It is unfortunate that the Liberal Democrats are now spreading concern and worry rather than making constructive comments about such a sensitive issue.

What the feed in tarriff cut means for Reading

A consultation which ends almost 2 weeks after the changes come into effect, creating massive uncertainty for a fledgeling industry and not just moving the goal posts but taking the ball away for community environmental projects for the sake of the profits of the big 6 energy companies.

Insert your own incredulous reference to the big society, the greenest government ever, we are all in this together here

So it's bad PR but what does this actually mean on the ground for real people and real projects. Well lets look at what this means for Reading.

In Reading we are rightly proud of the way we are leading on micro-generation. We were named by GoodEnergy as having the most feed in tariff sign-ups in the country and we are where 10:10 has launched it's solar schools pilot scheme the home of enthusiasts like Reading Energy Pioneers who have shared peer knowledge and Reading's Labour council was committed to a £5million community scheme to put solar panels in ever neighbourhood.

Our Community scheme

For a step change we knew that we needed something that was cross community and the council needed to be involved. As a new councillor I proposed a motion last year, while we were in opposition to a Tory-Liberal coalition, that we should take advantage of the financial and environmental benefits of the feed in tariff, with a particular focus on local schools. After we took back the council's cabinet in May we prioritised work to do exactly that. This got cross party support.

What we proposed was a business case based on a very tight time frame that would be both financially responsible and generate huge benefits for the local community.

In summary we were proposing a £5 million investment in solar panels across Reading's schools, community buildings and some council owned buildings. The school or community group would benefit from free electricity, the council would take the feed in tariff to cover our investment and the community would benefit from improved understanding of renewable technology. It was a win-win-win. I was particularly proud of how enthusiastic schools and young people were to embrace the technology. In fact what alerted me to these proposals was a call from a worried school governor on Friday.

We always knew that the feed-in tarriff would be cut at the end of March and as such planned accordingly. The long term impact of such a dramatic cut we can't know. But what we do know is that cutting the feed in tariff with so little notice means we will have to call a halt to the project. It's just not responsible to continue. Of course we will look for ways to get around it and how we can make it viable but currently I can't see how we can spend £5million.

The sting in the tail is that the tariff is further reduced for those who own more than one system which effectively kills off the idea of community based installations like ours. It also means that the next stage we were hoping for which was to install solar panels on council housing is also very unlikely to be viable. Which means our hope to reduce fuel poverty through installing solar panels is also dashed - we already have a very good insulation program.

Individuals

We installed solar panels with great excitement in April this year. We'll be OK, we're locked in to a contract where our energy supplier has to pay us the current rate plus inflation for the next 25 years. Someone else on our street has signed up to the next round of the Reading Energy Pioneers scheme. They were working on the basis that they had until March for the installation. If they have signed a contract with the supplier and paid a deposit but can't get the installation live until after the cut off date in 6 weeks, they will be severely out of pocket. That's not a hypothetical example I just don't know whether or not they've signed a contract yet because I haven't seen them the last couple of days.

Firms and employment

There is one group of firms this is good for. The big energy suppliers who I would have thought hardly need much help given they are operating in what I would have to describe as a cartel-like market, with high prices and a lack of genuine competition. In contrast the small suppliers like the firm I bought my solar panels from who are just getting established will be the ones that suffer. The work involved in installing solar panels is skilled and vocational and it is a contribution to a sustainable future. It's a real shame that just as the government belatedly realises they need to act to support British industry they pull the rug from one of the few industries that is growing fast

What now

This is an announcement that has caused dismay in Reading across the political spectrum. At last night's cabinet meeting my colleague Paul Gittings expressed his anger on behalf of residents and schools who are very disappointed. However the Libdem leader and Conservative deputy leader who were both present also offered to sign a cross party letter objecting to the pace and scale of this cut.

The government is clearly not thinking things through. They have proposed an end to the consultation of 23rd December. But the impact of their changes will start from 12th December. This doesn't fill me with optimism and is perhaps what we should have come to expect

The national Tory and Liberal Democrat government is completely out of touch and in a rush to appease the big energy firms has decided to slash and burn and do change the rules of the game, damaging communities like Reading. If your local school in Reading doesn't get solar panels in the next few months as a result I am very sorry and I promise we are doing all we can to change that.

In the coming days we will let you know how you can do to support and lobby the government to change it's mind.

For now I am still angry and disappointed but I won't be giving up.

UPdate: the council has issued a press release which I hadn't seen when I wrote this but it contains much the same message but more information