Kent Green Party

GREENS GATHER ON EUROPE

2012-01-15T13:33:00.000Z

Kent Green Party hosted a hustings for prospective European Candidates at Wye, on 14^th January. The South East region has 10 Members in the European Parliament. Kent’s Greens were able to question 13 prospective candidates before a ballot is held in March(1). Four of the prospective candidates are from Kent. Steve Dawe reports:

“Trish Marchant, from Medway, chaired a challenging question and answer session for prospective Green Party European Candidates in Wye on 14^th January. There were four candidates present from Kent.

“Chris Burton, from Dartford, in response to a question to all candidates on the Euro, said he felt that the Euro should cease to operate for all countries in the Eurozone since it was demonstrably a failure. Hazel Dawe, from Tonbridge, said that the ‘travelling circus’ of moving European meetings between Brussels and Strasbourg at great expense and with an excessive carbon footprint should cease. Stuart Jeffery, from Maidstone, emphasised the need to oppose the ‘Boris Island’ airport idea(2) and to continue to make use of European institutions to improve animal rights. Jolyon Trimingham, from Whitstable, expressed concern about current EU transport policies and argued for more powers for the European Parliament over the European Commission.”

“Other themes in the session included: expressions of horror at the persistent ‘recession building’ by the three major parties in our Parliament, through their support for misplaced cuts and inadequate taxation policies(3). The candidates consistently supported using green jobs to combat unemployment, increase energy efficiency and use of renewable energy, and to restore a basis for hope amongst ordinary people in the UK.”

ENDS

FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe, Press Officer, KENT GREEN PARTY, on 01732 355185 or 07747 036192. Contact address as above. Promoted by H.Dawe for Kent Green Party, both at 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF. KENT GREEN NEWS, free monthly ezine, is available to subscribers at www.kentgreenparty.org

Notes:

1. There are a total of 18 prospective candidates for the 10 candidates for the South East Green Party list for the European Elections, to be held in June 2014.

2. The Green Parties, throughout Europe, oppose airport expansion as this is the fastest growing sector for greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, air pollution and noise have been repeatedly demonstrated in research to have adverse effects on health for those living near airports. The Estuary Airport proposals ignore local opposition and the 300,000 birds which would be in the area of the proposed airport.

3. The Green Party favours broadening the tax base to tackle the deficit rather than the current emphasis on excessive cuts. The Green Party manifesto for the General Election of 2010 suggested raising cigarette, alcohol and air passenger duty taxes and introducing a progressive tax system that takes more from the richest.

SOCIAL HOUSING CRISIS DEEPENS IN KENT

2012-01-11T14:33:00.000Z

Kent Green Party has have warned of 'housing chaos' in Kent and Medway as housing waiting lists are shooting up from their already record high level following the introduction of further housing benefits changes and the intention to end subletting. Stuart Jeffery, Chair of Kent Green Party, comments:

“Last year the social housing waiting list in Kent and Medway rose to 45,102 households(1) -- a record level, 2.1 times higher than in 1997 and up from 36,000 on the previous figures. Research by the Chartered Institute of Housing (2) suggests that about 20,000 across the County will lose out through the housing benefit changes, potentially increasing the social housing waiting list by as much as a further 50%.

“While Kent Green Party does not condone the practice of subletting, plans to make it a criminal offence(3) for the estimated 160,000 people who do this across the country will also potentially mean that a further 160,000 people need to find accommodation, adding to the housing crisis. At present, 1.8 million households or 4 million people are on council house waiting lists. The government is building towards housing chaos rather than creating good quality affordable homes from the 22,000 empty homes in Kent and Medway. If we add long-term empty shopfronts to this, and derelict industrial sites, then there is clear potential to meet housing need, create more useful construction jobs and regenerate our urban centres. But the Coalition Government apparently prefers homelessness and unemployment to decent housing for all.”

ENDS c254 words

FURTHER INFORMATION: Stuart Jeffery, Campaigns Officer, KENT GREEN PARTY
07970 436029 or 01622 808370. Contact address as above. http://www.stuartjeffery.net KENT GREEN NEWS, free monthly ezine, is available at www.kentgreenparty.org Published by Kent Green Party and promoted by H.Dawe, both at 27, Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF.

Notes:

1. Social Housing Waiting List statistics:

http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/xls/2039614.xls

2. CIH Map here:

http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-files/Guardian/documents/2012/01/01/Housing_Benefit.pdf

3. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-16378153

KEEPING FORTNIGHTLY BIN COLLECTIONS

2012-01-05T11:40:00.001Z

Kent Green Party has already condemned the Government’s allocation of £250 million to re-starting weekly bin collections. Now, it appears all Kent councils are to return to weekly bin collections – at least for food waste - over the next year(1). Dr Hazel Dawe, Campaigns Officer of Kent Green Party, comments:

“Kent Green Party condemns the Government’s attack on recycling by encouraging councils to re-introduce weekly bin collections. Fortnightly collections have been shown to increase recycling(2). Weekly collections are an anti-recycling measure and should be stopped. Most food waste can be composted, either by the household or by their Council. It should not be sent to landfill or incineration – both problematic ways of dealing with waste. It would cost any district council in Kent about £1 million to re-introduce full weekly collections(3). Recently, South Oxfordshire’s council has reached 71% recycling using fortnightly collections – the best result in the country(4). Kent’s landfill sites are filling up because we are still putting 44 million tonnes into landfill in the UK each year(5), and more recycling will avoid the cost of new landfill sites.

“Importing more raw materials is bad for our balance of payments, our economy and employment: if we recycled more and phased out landfill, as Germany is doing, we could be employing more people in the Waste Management sector. Kent Green Party also wants see councils encourage more re-use, not just recycling and they also need to increase the variety of goods sorted and collected at the kerbside(6).”

C251words

FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe, Campaigns Officer of Kent Green Party, on 01732 355185 or 079444 71083. Contact address as above. Promoted by H.Dawe and published by Kent Green Party, both at 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF. Monthly free ezine KENT GREEN NEWS available for subscription at www.kentgreenparty.org

Notes:

1. BBC Radio Kent 5^th January 2012. So far, only Canterbury, Swale and Thanet are operating a fortnightly system of alternating general waste/recycleables collection. Kent Green Party is disturbed that Dover District Council is proposing to charge households for the collection of garden waste (Dover Express, 5.1.2012).

2. http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2007/apr/26/localgovernment.localgovernment and the Government has to meet the EU target of 50% of household waste being recycled by 2020, which will be impossible without fortnightly collections and an increased range of goods being collected at kerbsides.

3. Channel 4 Dispatches, 10^th October 2011.

4. http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/country-view/council_hits_70pc_recycling_with_fortnightly_bin_collections_1_3702132

5. Dispatches, as above.

6. This increases the return to councils from the collections. Mixed or ‘commingled’ collections do not pay as well and contaminated, mixed bales are rejected by re-using companies, and go to landfill (Dispatches, above). The Campaign for Real Recycling has won a judicial review of the practice of commingling, to be heard in December 2011. Also, most types of food waste can go into a wormery and produce compost. Working example for media photos at 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF. Contact Hazel Dawe as above to arrange photo op. Plain cardboard can also go into compost. Egg boxes can be returned to Farmers’ Markets for repeated use. Paper can be re-used eg for phone messages/printing on the back within households. Glass jars can be used for pickling and jam. Wine bottles can be used to make elderflower cordial or even wine.

THE GREAT RAIL DISASTER FOR KENT AND MEDWAY

2011-12-30T10:26:00.002Z

Kent Green Party is appalled by the 6% increase in rail fares. Stuart Jeffery, Chair of Kent Green Party, explains why:

“Kent already has higher rail fares any other part of the UK which has the highest rail fares of any country in the world. As traffic congestion and air pollution increase throughout Kent and Medway, our Coalition Government has taken the bewildering step of penalising Kent once again through rail fares. This is no new year gift to the half of all households already experiencing declining incomes (1).

“Kent Green Party has repeatedly indicated that Kent-wide transport policies do not meet the needs of people in Kent and Medway. Healthy transport options like walking and cycling, less pollution and less traffic are needed and have never been adequately funded in Kent(2). Quality of rail services in Kent leave much to be desired(3). If the Government continues with its policies against rail commuters, rail fares will be 24% higher by the next general election (4). Why does the Government behave as if it didn’t want people in Kent and Medway to commute to work?

“Investment in lower rail fares is essential or people are going to be priced out of their jobs by the combination of increasing rail fares, higher food and energy bills and declining household incomes to support these burdens.”

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FURTHER INFORMATION: Stuart Jeffery, Chair of Kent Green Party, on 0797 0436 029. Contact address as above. Published by Kent Green Party and promoted by H.Dawe both at 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF. KENT GREEN NEWS, Kent Green Party’s free monthly ezine, is available from www.kentgreenparty.org

Notes:

1. 1. Source: Institute of Fiscal Studies.

2. 2. Kent Green Party has strongly criticised transport policies offered by Kent County Council, which contribute to making air pollution, noise and greenhouse gas emissions increasing problems in Kent and Medway. See our submissions and publications under Publications at www.kentgreenparty.org.uk

3. 3. SEE: Alliance of Kent Commuters: http://www.eastmalling.info/?page_id=18

4. 4. Stuart Jeffery has already been involved personally in campaigning against fare rises by collecting signatures at Maidstone and Sittingbourne rail stations. SEE also: http://www.bettertransport.org.uk/media/20-dec-atoc-fares-announcement

BETTER TOWN CENTRES, WITHOUT THE PORTAS REPORT

2011-12-15T14:18:00.001Z

Kent Green Party found the Portas Report on town centres to be very disappointing. Steve Dawe comments:

“The widely covered Portas Report on our high streets is very disappointing. There are many omissions. Examples include controlling high street commercial rents and rents for private landlord-owned accommodation which are both rising in the current recession. Kent Green Party has long advocated building above surface car parks to provide more apartments in urban centres. And replacing some surface car parks by multi-storey car parks would free up some car parks for new homes and new shops where needed. Long-term empty shopfronts must be converted to housing too. Pedestrianisation should be extended in town centres wherever possible to increase footfall, decrease air and noise pollution and extend areas in which weekly markets can operate.

“The Report makes no recommendation about the large areas of unused office space which should be assessed for conversion to homes or other uses. There is no attempt to stop out of town shopping developments which harm our high streets. Kent Green Party wants vacant units in out of town shopping developments re-zoned for purposes other than retail to help push retail activity back into town centres.

“But the Report’s main failings are, first, that it does not recognise that local government has been severely cut back and cannot support good town centre planning without more staff and resources. Secondly, the Report assumes the Government’s strongly contested revisions to Planning law will get through Parliament and make bad planning decisions easier despite strong public objections(2). Local government needs the power to say ‘No’ to unwanted developments.”

FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe, Press Officer, Kent Green Party on 01732 355185 or 07747 036192. Contact address as above. Steve Dawe lectures in Public Policy and International Political Economy, part-time and does town centre surveys of Tonbridge each year(3). Published by Kent Green Party and promoted by H.Dawe, both at 27, Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF. Kent Green News, free monthly ezine, is available for subscription at www.kentgreenparty.org

Notes:

1. 1. Key recommendations of the Portas report can be seen at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/dec/13/mary-portas-report-recommendations/print The full report is available at: http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/business-sectors/docs/p/11-1434-portas-review-future-of-high-streets.pdf

2. 2. See Kent Green Party’s submission on the Government’s disastrous planning proposals at: www.kentgreenparty.org under Publications.

3. See: http://westkent.greenparty.org.uk/localsites/westkent/tonbridge-and-malling6.html

KCC PERMITS FIRST STEP TOWARDS FRACKING

2011-12-07T09:25:00.001Z

Kent Green Party have attacked today's decision by Kent County Council(1) to allow the exploration for shale gas as 'sheer stupidity'. They have said that the decision is the latest in a series of attacks by Conservatives and Lib Dems on Kent that will irrevocably damage the environment(2).

Stuart Jeffery, Chair of Kent Green Party: "Kent is under attack by the Conservatives and Lib Dems on a scale never seen before. This decision to allow for the exploration of the shale at Woodnesborough is the latest in a series attacks on Kent. It is very likely that the exploration will lead to shale gas extraction through fracking which will inflict serious and irrevocable damage on the environment, particularly ground water supplies, while ensuring that the country's duty to reduce its carbon emissions is missed(3).

"This decision comes just a couple of days after Vince Cable gave the thumbs up to the Grain airport which will devastate the Isle of Grain as well as ensuring that roads around North Kent become even more congested than they are already. And with the National Planning Policy Framework giving a free reign for developers to build just about anywhere they want, we are deeply concerned with the damage being wreaked on the County.

"The impact of climate change on Kent will be significant, with loss of land around our coast and increasing droughts. Pumping more CO2 into the atmosphere with a massive airport at Grain and by burning fracked gas are sheer stupidity. There are far better ways of powering the future than by drilling for more fossil fuels(4)."

Notes:

1. http://democracy.kent.gov.uk/documents/s28216/Item%20C1%20-%20Junction%20of%20A256%20-%20A257%20nr%20Woodnesborough.pdf and see: http://www.kentnews.co.uk/news/woodnesborough_shale_drilling_plan_approved_1_1146620

2. See www.kentgreenparty.org for multiple examples. Also: An extraordinary alliance of countryside campaigners, wildlife groups and green activists has launched a savage onslaught on the government,accusing it of showing "stunning disregard" for the environment. Observer 4th Dec 2011 http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/dec/03/new-green-alliance-savages-osborne

3. The Government has halved the feed in tariff for solar PV generated electricity, undermining this effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions despite rising emissions in the UK. The Department for Energy and Climate Change has admitted that greenhouse gas emissions in the UK were 2.8% higher in 2010 than in 2009: http://www.clickgreen.org.uk/news/national-news/122101-uks-greenhouse-gas-emissions-on-the-increase.html This appalling failure demonstrates other aspects of the overall situation under the Coalition Government, including the continued failure of the planning system to favour ecologically sustainable development and refurbishment.

4. More on this story at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-16029983

Stuart Jeffery
07970436029
http://stuartjeffery.blogspot.com/

THE ATTACK ON THE NORTH KENT COAST

2011-12-04T11:03:00.000Z

Kent Green Party is appalled by the idea of another Thames Crossing and by suggestions that the much ridiculed Estuary Airport idea is to be re-examined by the Government. Kent Greens from the North Kent coast comment:

Chris Burton, of Dartford and Gravesham Green Party, says:

“Our local councils and MPs oppose it, and rightly so. The construction and continuing operation of a new Thames bridge will damage the lives of people who live in the areas affected (the Dartford Crossing shows us what to expect). Nor will it bring new jobs for local firms. Any new jobs will be for national and multinational companies, who operate their businesses on a central warehousing basis and have no interest in the local economy in which they locate.”

Trish Marchant, of Medway Green Party says:

“There are so many reasons why an airport is a bad idea, and Medway politicians, activists, residents and environmental groups are against the plan. In addition to the social and environmental costs, which were thoroughly reviewed during the Cliffe airport enquiry, this Government is ignoring the views of the people likely to be most affected. At a time of increasing unemployment and poverty it is cruel and thuggish to use the carrot of potential job creation as an argument to the objections(1).”

Professor Tim Valentine, of Swale Green Party, adds:

“A Thames Estuary airport would shatter the tranquillity and environmental heritage of the North Kent coast. The coastal area is highly valued for its landscape, wildlife, and the leisure it provides us all. Building the world's busiest airport would be a reckless act of vandalism, hugely expensive and entirely unnecessary. The motivation is to export the noise and pollution from wealthy areas west of London to East Kent, which millionaire ministers think is poor, ugly and expendable."

ends

FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe on 01732 355185 or 07747 036192. Contact address as above. Published by Kent Green Party and promoted by H.Dawe, both at 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF. KENT GREEN NEWS, free monthly ezine, is available at www.kentgreenparty.org

Notes:

1. See http://medwaygreenparty.wordpress.com/2011/11/07/air-hub-hubbub-why-a-new-airport-is-bad-and-not-just-on-the-peninsula/

COUNCILS MUST PREPARE FOR FUEL POVERTY CRISIS

2011-12-04T10:50:00.001Z

Kent Green Party is urging Council Chief Executives throughout Kent to prepare for a fuel poverty crisis this winter. Dr Hazel Dawe explains:

“One in four households in the UK are now in fuel poverty(1). The combination of massive increases in energy bills and the gradual phasing out of the Government’s Warm Front insulation programme by 2013 are the main causes(2). Since over 25,000 people died of the cold last winter in the UK, a cold snap during this winter could easily lead to more premature deaths.

“Kent Green Party has written to the Council Chief Executives throughout Kent and Medway to ask them to urgently allocate more resources and staff to fuel poverty and energy efficiency. This process needs to include more inspections of private rental properties by Environmental Health Officers, as well as ensuring social housing is properly insulated.

“People experiencing difficulty paying their energy bills, or being forced to choose between eating and heating, can also contact the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99(3) to get advice on staying warm this winter."

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FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe, Campaigns Officer, KENT GREEN PARTY on 01732 355185 or 07747 036192. Contact address as above. Published by Kent Green Party and promoted by H.Dawe, both at 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF. KENT GREEN NEWS, free monthly ezine, is available at www.kentgreenparty.org

Notes:

1. Fuel Poverty means more than 10% of household income is being used for energy bills. Fuel Poverty has increased from one in five households to one in four in a year: Guardian 1^st December 2011: http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/dec/01/fuel-poverty-affects-quarter-households

2. Fuel Poverty: Letter from various: the government should be highly embarrassed by

new estimates that one in four English households is now in fuel poverty. But its reaction to this escalating problem would sadly suggest the contrary. Warm Front, the government's one remaining grant programme for the fuel-poor, has had its budget slashed by two-thirds over the next two years and will end completely in 2013. Even more worrying was last week's government consultation on the new Energy Company Obligation(ECO), which is designed to subsidise energy efficiency measures for low-income and vulnerable households from 2013. With 4.1m English households officially in fuel poverty in 2009 and with a government duty to eradicate this scourge by 2016 we hoped that the consultation would include ambitious plans for tackling the problem. Instead we find that, even on the most ambitious estimates, the ECO will bring relief to only 840,000 fuel-poor households by the end of 2015. This will mean at least 3m households left to choose between heating and eating. Guardian 2nd Dec 2011 http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/dec/02/government-cold-on-fuel-poverty

3. Caroline Lucas MP said: "It is completely unacceptable that millions of people across the UK are still struggling to keep their homes warm and protect their families from the cold - with excess winter deaths reaching 25,000, increasing by 38% during the cold snap last December, and over 5,000 households in Brighton Pavilion alone (1) stuck in fuel poverty. If the Government is serious about eradicating fuel poverty by 2016, it must radically improve housing standards, curb the power of the big energy companies to charge what they like, and put in place measures to help fuel-poor households. In the meantime, I urge people to contact the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 to get advice on staying warm this winter."

WHY THE RAC IS WRONG ON ROADS

2011-11-25T15:03:00.000Z

The RAC is predicting 4 million more cars on roads by 2035. They want more road capacity despite other pressing needs. Stuart Jeffery, Chair of Kent Green Party, condemns any idea of accommodating to this potential increase in traffic and congestion:

“The RAC has suggested that the country should surrender to the threat of 4 million more cars on our roads by 2035. They propose adding to road capacity, including allowing the environmentally damaging and ‘temporary fix’ A21 dualling proposal to go ahead(1). This would be madness.

“Today, our County Council has £40 million this year to repair potholes in Kent’s roads that will take £250 million to fix. No addition to road capacity outside urban traffic congestion areas is going to relieve congestion in Kent’s town centres. We must introduce a national congestion charging scheme to prevent traffic gridlock in Kent from getting any worse. This would: cut air pollution which our Government is to be prosecuted for, since it is breaking European air pollution laws to which is has agreed; it would cut greenhouse gas emissions which are currently increasing in the UK instead of declining (1) and it would generate funds for better bus services as the congestion charge has done in London.

“For improved public health, and reducing pressure on the NHS, we need radical improvements to walking and cycling networks in Kent and Medway. Since between a third and a half of all urban car journeys are less than 2 miles long, able-bodied people could walk or cycle such distances.”

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Notes:

1. The dualling of the A21 would only prevent traffic congestion on the A21 for about 4 years, after which predicted rises in traffic will make it congested once again. Kent Green Party also condemns any suggestion of another Thames Crossing as a waste of £1 billion when congestion charging could make such spending unnecessary.

2. The Department for Energy and Climate Change has admitted that greenhouse gas emissions in the UK were 2.8% higher in 2010 than in 2009: http://www.clickgreen.org.uk/news/national-news/122101-uks-greenhouse-gas-emissions-on-the-increase.html

TAKING HUMAN RIGHTS DAY SERIOUSLY IN KENT AND MEDWAY

2011-11-25T12:57:00.000Z

There have been a lot of attacks upon Human Rights by the Government in recent months. Dr Hazel Dawe comments for Kent Green Party on the importance of Human Rights here in Kent and Medway:

“Human Rights Day is on Saturday 10^th December. This is not just about the activities of dictators in far away places, or the tremendous courage of people campaigning and dying for Human Rights in places like Egypt and Syria. Kent Green Party is concerned by attacks upon Human Rights by Government ministers since the Coalition was formed. Human Rights matter here in Kent and Medway, and this is why:

“We have all heard about poor quality home care help experienced by one in five elderly people(1). We have also heard about poor care of the elderly in many hospitals(2). We have seen our own County Council forced to employ more social workers in order to fulfil its basic obligations to vulnerable young people(3). But the County Council still plans to cut youth centres(4). These are all breaches of rights guaranteed in the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act.

“When will we be employing enough Police and other specialists in Kent to deal properly with trafficking, domestic violence and rape? Kent and Medway have NEVER had enough people engaged with these local human rights issues.

“Kent Green Party wants to see better Human Rights in every workplace, not the Government’s proposal to reduce the minimal rights people in work have.”

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FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe, a Campaigns Officer of Kent Green Party, can be contacted on 079444 71083 or 01732 355185. Published by Kent Green Party and promoted by H.Dawe, both at 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF. KENT GREEN NEWS, Kent Green Party’s free monthly ezine, is available from www.kentgreenparty.org

Notes:

1. Basic home care help 'breaching human rights' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15836500

2. Basic care given to elderly in hospital 'alarming' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15279794

3. SEE: http://www.localrags.co.uk/index.php/News/2010/11/22/KCC-leader-apologises-after-Ofsted-find-child-protection-inadequate-in-Kent/ AND http://www.kent.gov.uk/news_and_events/news_archive/joint_media_statement.aspx AND http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-13033446

SEE: http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kentonline/news/2011-1/july/26/youngsters_criticise_council.aspx AND http://www.whitstablepeople.co.uk/Gay-youth-group-fight-save-centre/story-13119083-detail/story.html

MARCH FOR KENT'S CLIMATE ON 3RD DECEMBER

2011-11-19T11:51:00.001Z

Kent Green Party is urging Kent and Medway residents to attend the annual Climate March being held in London on Saturday 3^rd December. Dr Geoff Meaden explains why people from our County should attend:

“Climate Change is not an abstract idea for Kent and Medway. The exceptional number of extreme weather events Kent has experienced since the Kent Hurricane all show the influence of climate change, not as a single cause of extreme rainfall or of droughts but as factor which makes our weather worse. Climate change puts more moisture in the atmosphere, making periods of rainfall often more powerful than in the past. It also means whole climate systems can move north or south, creating long periods of drought as seen in Kent and Medway in the recent past.

“But Kent and Medway’s long coastline is also vulnerable to sea level rise. Given a major new report stressing how extreme weather is made worse by Climate Change (1), and indications many countries are failing to cut greenhouse gas emissions, we need better action in the UK and abroad. The Department for Energy and Climate Change has admitted that greenhouse gas emissions in the UK were 2.8% higher in 2010 than in 2009 (2).

“Kent Green Party encourages everyone in Kent and Medway to attend this year’s Climate March. Assemble on Saturday 3rd December at 12 noon at the North end of Blackfriars Bridge for march to Parliament(3).”

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FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Geoff Meaden, 01227 752275. Contact address as above. Dr Meaden is Principal Lecturer Emeritus in Biogeography, formerly based at Canterbury Christchurch University, Canterbury. For KENT GREEN NEWS, Kent Green Party’s monthly ezine, subscribe for free at www.kentgreenparty.org

Notes:

1. New IPCC report on extreme weather events: http://www.ipcc.ch/news_and_events/docs/ipcc34/SREX_FD_SPM_final.pdf

2. http://www.clickgreen.org.uk/news/national-news/122101-uks-greenhouse-gas-emissions-on-the-increase.html

3. The overall Government approach to Climate Change will leave parts of Kent and Medway in the sea, by 2100. Dr Geoff Meaden and others have created maps showing how 1-5 metre sea level rises will significantly change the coastline of Kent. These can be made available on request to greenparty@gn.apc.org What is particularly striking about these maps is the way in which Canterbury, thanks to its particular geography, will rapidly acquire an estuary; how fast Thanet becomes an island once again; how just a one metre rise would substantially widen the Medway as far inland as Maidstone. The potential for flooding along the Medway is enhanced under these likely scenarios, with existing flood defences not proving adequate to the challenge. In consequence, and bearing in mind the need to protect agricultural land and not just the largest population centres, Kent Green Party believes that the issue of sea and coastal defences will have to be looked at again.

FOSTER'S FOLLY NOT WELCOME - HOUSING AND FACILITIES, NOT AN AIRPORT

2011-11-07T10:03:00.000Z

Kent Green Party is disturbed by the revival of suggestions for an Estuary Airport. Steve Dawe, main author of the Green Party’s policies for the Thames Gateway(1), comments:

“Since I have read Lord Foster’s detailed proposals for an Estuary Airport and associated developments in the Thames Gateway and nearby(2), I am concerned about serious social and environmental impacts.

“First, today’s shortage of cheap, recoverable oil now combined with high oil prices means all Airport investment is questionable(3). Given the 15-20 years it would take to create a major airport, a Thames Estuary Airport would need guarantees concerning future Thames Barrier upgrading or replacement – about £25 billion at current prices to add to the £50 billion the Airport is estimated to cost. And who, other than taxpayers, will meet the bill for the associated surface transport infrastructure?

“Presumably pilots are supposed to learn new ‘slalom’ take-off and landing techniques through the thousands of birds in the Estuary and the 175 wind turbines of the London Array(4)? And residents of the Thames Gateway, Medway and surrounding areas are supposed to tolerate immense increases in noise, declining property values, increased air pollution(5) and probably even more traffic in this congested area.

“Kent Green Party supports social housing and improved facilities, on brownfield sites only. Improving rail services and bus services and coverage are vital. But neither the Thames Gateway area nor the country need an Airport which is almost certainly too expensive, and certainly too polluting, to build(6).”

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FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe, Press Officer, Kent Green Party, on 01732 355185 or 07747 036192. Contact address as above. Promoted by H.Dawe and published by Kent Green Party, both at 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF. KENT GREEN NEWS, free monthly ezine, is available for subscription at www.kentgreenparty.org Additional materials/research thanks to Alan Francis and Emily Shirley.

Notes:

1. Steve Dawe drafted a Green Party policy on the Thames Gateway for the Eastern, London and South East regions of the Green Party, which was agreed in 2004.

2. Collected as Thames Hub, by Fosters, Halcrows and Volterra: https://fosterandpartners1.box.net/shared/d8z5r9mfqgblp4md6zs9/1/143768202/1079854254/1#/shared/d8z5r9mfqgblp4md6zs9/1/143768202/1092737493/1

3. Ample research evidence indicates that we have passed the Peak of cheap, recoverable oil supplies with an increasing proportion of remaining resources being more expensive to obtain: Summaries of studies of Peak Oil include: http://www.tsl.uu.se/uhdsg/Publications/PeakOilAge.pdf & a report to the last Bush presidency: http://www.mnforsustain.org/oil_peaking_of_world_oil_production_study_hirsch.htm
and a report issued by the UK Energy Research Council: http://www.ukerc.ac.uk/support/tiki-index.php Oil prices peaked at $147 a barrel before the recession and have crept back up to about $80 a barrel now. Demand projections for India and China suggest that we would need to find 5 Saudi Arabias in the next decade just to meet likely demand for oil, which is extremely unlikely according to research and declining oil discovery in recent decades.

4. SEE: http://www.londonarray.com/ The Thames Hub document suggests that habitats will be provided to compensate for those lost to the developments it proposes. Kent Green Party does not find it credible that habitats will be provided for 230,000 birds. It is also curious to see why housing to be built in this area would be in any way attractive when under the noise and air pollution impacts of an Airport intended to be larger than Heathrow.

5. The Thames Hub report ignores air pollution and the fact that aviation emissions are the fastest growing sector of human-created greenhouse gas emissions. Similarly, the Report promotes further expansion of freight movement by sea, when shipping emissions are also increasing. Emissions from both these sectors need to cut to meet Government targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Bigger cuts will be needed to secure energy efficiency and an adequate UK contribution to the international fight to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. SEE ALSO: Rowan Moore – Crisis in the Skies worsens amid row over where to build the airports of the future The Observer, 6^th November 2011.

6. Other materials used: Thamesbank submission to Rio 20; Report of the Thames Tunnel Commission, 2011.

KENT AND MEDWAY HAVE SAFE ENERGY ADVANTAGES

2011-11-01T11:18:00.001Z

An investigation by Kent Green Party suggests that Kent and Medway have significant advantages in the continuing expansion of safe, renewable energy technologies. Steve Dawe explains:

“Kent Green Party has been investigating a number of recent reports on energy efficiency and safe, renewable energy technologies (1). Our conclusion from this research is that Kent and Medway have significant, comparative advantage over many other locations in the UK for the development of carbon free energy systems. This will, inevitably, lead to more employment.

“The advantages are: one, significant existing wind farms offshore and onshore with potential for growth in future including the London Array windfarm; two, likelihood of expansion of wind farm servicing at Ramsgate and wind turbine construction at Sheerness; three, existing under-employed construction workers throughout Kent and Medway who could be involved in energy efficiency improvements and installing solar panels and solar water heating on homes, schools, hospitals and businesses, given proper funding; four, low rainfall and high levels of sunlight throughout the year, giving good results from solar technologies; five, probability of a variety of small scale river barrages on the Thames Estuary, following the trial scheme under development at Westminster.

“However, we do note that the Government has just deliberately attacked our expanding solar industry(2). Currently people can claim 43 pence for every kilowatt of electricity they generate off their roof but the government is to cut this to around 21p from the 12th December (3).”

Ends c246 words

FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe, Press Officer Kent Green Party, on 01732 355185 or 07747 036192. Contact address as above. Promoted by H.Dawe and published by Kent Green Party, both at 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF. KENT GREEN NEWS, free monthly ezine, is available for subscription at www.kentgreenparty.org Other research thanks to Councillor Andrew Cooper, Kirklees

Notes:

1. The key reports examined have included: WWF – Positive Energy: how renewable electricity can transform the Uk by 2030: http://assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/positive_energy_final_designed.pdf AND Campaign Against Climate Change – One Million Climate Jobs: http://www.climate-change-jobs.org/node/14 AND the Zero Carbon Britain 2030 report: http://www.zcb2030.org/

2. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15507750

3. Councillor Andrew Cooper, Kirklees: “Over 25,000 people are employed in the solar industry and these cuts are a threat to them. The cost of the current ‘Feed In Tariff’ is very small at less than 50p/year on the average fuel bill and a fraction of the cost of government subsidies of nuclear power stations. As always it is those on the lowest incomes who will suffer the most.This cut will jeopardise free solar schemes for people unable to afford the upfront costs of solar panels and planned schemes for council tenants properties which are self funding under current Feed In Tariff arrangements but may not be following the proposed cut. The government’s claim to be the Greenest Government ever is looking increasingly hollow and lacking in substance.”

RECOGNISING THE VALUE OF UNSPOILT LAND FOR JOBS

2011-10-25T11:05:00.000+01:00

The Coalition Government wants more development on greenfield sites(1), which already have employment value. Dr Hazel Dawe, Campaigns Officer, Kent Green Party, explains:

“Kent Green Party has been investigating the employment value of land in its current state, challenging the Government’s idea that land must be developed to create employment. This is particularly relevant to Kent and Medway where resisting recession must include making good, sustainable use of land. Examples include:
“Domestic tourism is growing, offering increasing work in Kent. In Thanet, converting Manston Airport into all weather leisure facilities would be a winning combination with The Turner Centre and a revitalised Dreamland leisure park. Retaining open space for sport and recreation and for vital green spaces in urban areas means more jobs to maintain these spaces. It is vital that the Hoo Peninsula in Medway area be protected(2). Expanding walking and cycling routes into proper networks contributes to recreation, cycling to work and to domestic tourism. We want to see more cycle routes added to the Sustrans networks in East and West Kent. Our natural environment and biodiversity in Kent and Medway offers much to residents and visitors alike, justifying more employment than today for maintenance. We need to protect flood plains to protect businesses at risk in flood prone zones. We need land for more food and expanding the forestry industry to help cut imports and increase local jobs.
“The Coalition Government simply does not recognise the potential of land as a source of new, sustainable employment.”

Ends c252 words

FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe, a Campaigns Officer of Kent Green Party, can be contacted on 079444 71083 or 01732 355185. Contact address as above. Promoted by H.Dawe and published by Kent Green Party, both at 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF.

KENT GREEN NEWS, a free monthly ezine, is available for subscription at www.kentgreenparty.orgNotes:1. We note its aborted attempt to sell off the nation’s forests, its ill thought out attempt to change the Planning system into a developers charter and its failure to emphasise housing development from existing empty properties as examples. Kent Green Party has responded in detail to the Government consultation on changing planning laws and to the combined local councils Kent Housing proposals. See our documents on these topics and others under Publications at www.kentgreenparty.org
2. See for example, as part of the RSPB’s work on the Peninsula: http://www.camacdonald.com/birding/Hotspots/England/HooPeninsulaNorthwardMap.html and Medway council guidance on circular walks on the Hoo Peninsula: http://www.medway.gov.uk/pdf/g2238-hoowalks-complete.pdf Kent Green Party opposes suggestions of airport creation in or near this area;

PEOPLE IN KENT - NOT FREE TO MOVE?

2011-10-25T11:01:00.001+01:00

Kent Green Party has written to the new Secretary of State for Transport, Justine Greening, to express concern about high public transport costs restricting the size of realistic travel to work areas for people in Kent(1). Steve Dawe explains:

“The UK has the highest rail fares in the world. Kent and Medway have the highest rail fares in the UK. Planned fare increases of 8-13% in January 2012 will make this worse. Combined with high bus fares throughout the County, Kent residents will inevitably have even more difficulty in future affording public transport - particularly for lower-paid forms of work. Bearing in mind that people are also cutting out car journeys due to higher fuel bills in our very rural County, we need action by Government to end the existing discrimination against Kent’s growing numbers of public transport users.

“Kent Green Party has written to the new Secretary of State for Transport, Justine Greening, to ask her to support commuters in Kent. By doing so, she could increase the distances people are able to afford to travel for work. We have specifically suggested that she:· Reduce Kent rail fares from current levels by 10%;· Increase support for Kent County Council funds which help to maintain bus services, with a view to reducing bus fares;· Force South Eastern to reduce the minimum Network Card fare on weekdays back to £10 instead of the current £13;· Re-consider ending South Eastern’s role as rail franchise holder for Kent and Medway.
ENDS c251 words

FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe, Press Officer, Kent Green Party on 01732 355185 or 07747 036192. Contact address as above. Published by Kent Green Party and promoted by H.Dawe, both at 27, Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF. Free monthly ezine KENT GREEN NEWS available for subscription at www.kentgreenparty.org

Notes:1. Text of letter to Justine Greening: “TO: Justine Greening, Secretary of State for TransportFROM: Steve Dawe, Press Officer, Kent Green Party21st October 201127 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF 01732 355185 07747 036192Dear Justine Greening,EXCESSIVE PUBLIC TRANSPORT FARES IN KENT AND MEDWAYKent and Medway have the highest rail fares in the world. Bus fares here are also very expensive. Kent Green Party wishes to know what steps you will take to reduce this effective discrimination against public transport users in our County. We are aware of many deficiencies in current tax collection, including the staffing levels of HMRC, and the continuation of tax havens on UK-controlled territory from which revenue could be increased to cover any costs associated with the changes we propose. In short, there are always alternatives to the currently under-performing tax regime. It is inevitable that the freedom of people in Kent to commute for work is being restricted more than in any other place in the UK, due to high commuting costs. The 90 minute journeys suggested by the Prime Minister are outside the scope of those being paid below average income due to exceptionally high rail fares. People with the necessary income do spend longer commuting to London from locations such as Folkestone, Canterbury, Dover and Margate. They do also often avoid using high speed services because of the exceptionally high fares. We would like you to take these steps:· Reduce Kent rail fares from current levels by 10%, and freeze them until they are line with the UK average;· Increase support for Kent County Council funds which help to maintain bus services, with a view to reducing bus fares;· Force South Eastern to reduce the minimum Network Card fare on weekdays back to £10 instead of the current £13;· Re-consider ending South Eastern’s role as rail franchise holder for Kent and Medway, in line with the stated preferences of MPs of your own Party on many occasions;· Add funds to local councils in Kent and Medway ring-fenced for improving cycling networks to make commuting by bicycle easier in those many places in Kent where it is difficult today due to long-term poor policy delivery in this area.Current fares for public transport in Kent and Medway are not consistent with the Government’s Carbon Plan, its stated goals for reducing human-created greenhouse gas emissions, its commitments to reduce air pollution from sectors like transport to which it is committed by its agreement to EU legislation nor does a car-based transport system strongly favoured by your predecessor assist either environmental goals or health promotion. Please consider this as a Freedom of Information request, requiring explanation of what steps you intend to take and why. As indicated above, Kent Green Party does not accept that money cannot be made available for these high priority matters through a more efficient and timely taxation system.I look forward to your reply. Yours sincerely, Steve Dawe - PRESS OFFICER, Kent Green Party”

OCCUPY: PROGRESS AT ST.PAULS

2011-10-24T10:11:00.001+01:00

Kent Green Party Chair, Stuart Jeffery, visited protesters at St Paul's at the weekend to thank them for standing up for the 99% of people whose lives are being damaged unnecessarily by the greedy 1%. He has joined calls for an end to tax avoidance by the super rich, including the Chancellor of the Exchequer, that is destroying public services. Stuart has also criticised the closure of its doors by the cathedral itself, as a political act and has stated that the threatening of legal action by St Paul's against protestors is immoral. He says:
"I visited the protesters at OccupyLSX at the weekend to thank them for standing up for the vast majority of people whose lives are being damaged by corporate interests, the greedy 1% and of course our corrupt political system.
"Economic troubles are being used as an excuse to feather the beds of the rich rather than as an opportunity to reduce the gap between rich and poor. While the government assault on public services increases, they continue to allow their rich friends to avoid paying £100 billion in taxes - the same amount as their budget deficit. George Osborne and his rich friends should be ashamed of themselves for avoiding paying taxes while the rest of us have to. Tax loopholes need to be closed immediately.
"Currently at the top of the shame list is St Paul's itself. I saw first hand how false their claims were that it had to close its doors on health and safety grounds. The Health and Safety Executive has not raised questions about the protest. The site was well organised and there was good access to all areas. St Paul's list of trustees and sponsors reads like a who's who of the 1%. Closing its doors was clearly done for political reasons.
"Worse still is the legal action being threatened by St Paul's. This threat is immoral and needs to be retracted immediately. This type of bullying has no place in society and shows clearly the problems that the 99% face against the 1%."

ends

FURTHER INFORMATION: Stuart Jeffery, Chair, KENT GREEN PARTY07970 436029. Contact address as above. http://www.stuartjeffery.net Published by Kent Green Party and promoted by H.Dawe, both at 27, Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF. KENT GREEN NEWS, free ezine is available for subscription at www.kentgreenparty.org

Notes:
George Osborn and tax avoidance: http://blog.38degrees.org.uk/2010/10/28/tax-avoidance-george-does-it-too/
Interview with trader Alessio Rastani on BBC News: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/26/trader-to-bbc-goldman-sachs-goldman-sachs-rules-the-world_n_981658.html
Trustees and Sponsors of St Paul's: http://stuartjeffery.blogspot.com/2011/10/st-paul-patron-saint-of-1.html
Photo of visit by Stuart: http://stuartjeffery.blogspot.com/2011/10/visit-to-occupylsx.html
Legal action by St Pauls: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/oct/23/st-pauls-occupy-london-protest?CMP=EMCGT_241011&

MAKING THE CITIZEN INVISIBLE?

2011-10-18T11:29:00.000+01:00

The Government proposes to move away from household registration for voting to individual registration, following a policy developed by the last Government (1). Stuart Jeffery, Chair of Kent Green Party, comments:

“The Green Party supports the principle of Individual Electoral Registration. We wish to ensure that all those entitled to be on the electoral register are included in it. The register is used for many purposes including deciding ward and constituency boundaries, credit ratings and jury service. The change would also appear to be a positive step forward in terms of equalities and emancipation, setting aside the 'head of the household' (2). If electoral registration continues to be used as a basis for the size of constituencies, this could mean increases in constituency size with even less geographical sense than recent suggestions for Kent and Medway. If it is used as a basis for determining allocation of funds for services, then declining registration and diminishing services would become locked together.

“The Electoral Commission believes 10 million people could be lost from electoral registers if the Government changes our voter registration system to voluntary individual voter registration. Today, Canterbury City Council is already missing 23,000 households from its electoral register (3). The legal obligation on everyone to comply with Electoral Registration should be retained.

“The main groups affected are: young people, ethnic minorities and people living in private rented accomodation.
It is crucial registers remain as accurate as possible(4). Do write to your MP to support Early Day Motion: http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2010-12/2187 to modify these proposals.”

Ends c257 words

FURTHER INFORMATION: Stuart Jeffery, Chair of Kent Green Party, on 0797 0436 029 or 01622 808370. Contact address as above. Promoted by H.Dawe for Kent Green Party, both at 27, Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF. KENT GREEN NEWS, monthly free ezine from Kent Green Party is available: subscribe at www.kentgreenparty.org

Notes:

1. Sadiq Khan – a surefire vote loser Guardian 14^th October 2011;

2. Who might have had adverse influence upon family members.Stuart Jeffery has been involved, as Policy Coordinator of the Green Party of England and Wales Executive, in writing the Green Party submission to the consultation on Voter Registration;

3. Kentish Gazette, 6^th October 2011;

4. Unlock Democracy: http://action.unlockdemocracy.org.uk/page/speakout/ier-consultation?js=false SEE ALSO: The Electoral Commission's written evidence on Individual Electoral Registration to the Political and Constitutional Reform Committee: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201012/cmselect/cmpolcon/writev/1463/ea10.htm It has also provided further information on a regularly update page: http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/elections/voter-registration/individual-electoral-registration The Electoral Reform Society's position on Individual Electoral Registration can be seen at: http://www.electoral-reform.org.uk/IVR/

5. Full text of Early Day Motion: “That this House recognises that currently there are between 3.5 to 6.5 million electors missing off the UK electoral register, that individual registration proposed by the Government is the biggest change on electoral matters since the introduction of the universal franchise and that proposed changes include the removal of the duty of the individual to return their electoral registration form and the subsequent liability to a fine of £1,000 and prosecution; notes that, according to the Electoral Commission, if these proposed changes are not implemented properly there could possibly over time be a reduction in registration rates from 92 per cent. to 60 per cent., that this would leave potentially 18 million unregistered voters, that this would have an impact on other civic functions including the ability of a political party to communicate with the electorate, the ability for an individual to gain credit and the ability of the jury system to function properly; further notes that the profile of the unregistered is that they live in social and rented housing, many are from black and ethnic minority communities and that they are young, many are already the most marginalised in society and will be further politically marginalised by deregistration; and calls on the Government to reconsider its current proposals that will lead to large scale deregistration.”

KEEPING FORTNIGHTLY BIN COLLECTIONS ESSENTIAL TO RECYCLING

2011-10-11T13:41:00.000+01:00

Kent Green Party condemns the Government’s allocation of £250 million to re-starting weekly bin collections. Dr Hazel Dawe, Campaigns Officer of Kent Green Party, comments:

“Kent Green Party condemns the Government’s attack on recycling by encouraging councils to re-introduce weekly bin collections. Fortnightly collections have been shown to increase recycling(1). It would cost any district council in Kent about £1 million to re-introduce weekly collections(2). Recently, South Oxfordshire’s council has reached 71% recycling using fortnightly collections – the best result in the country(3). Kent’s landfill sites are filling up because we are still putting 44 million tonnes into landfill in the UK each year(4), and more recycling will avoid the cost of new landfill sites or incinerators and increase income from selling recycled materials.

“The Government’s Carbon Plan consultation indicated an interest in developing a Zero Waste Economy. But putting £250 million into new weekly bin collections would reduce recycling, so this step is illogical. Importing more raw materials is bad for our balance of payments, our economy and employment: if we recycled more and phased out landfill, as Germany is doing, we could be employing more people in the Waste Management sector. Here in Kent and Medway, we are glad to see Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council ruling out weekly bin collections. Other councils should do the same. Kent Green Party also wants see councils encourage more re-use, not just recycling, to help everyone keep household bills down. They also need to increase the variety of goods sorted and collected at the kerbside(5).”

C251words

Notes:

1. http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2007/apr/26/localgovernment.localgovernment and the Government has to meet the EU target of 50% of household waste being recycled by 2020, which will be impossible without fortnightly collections and an increased range of goods being collected at kerbsides.

2. Channel 4 Dispatches, 10^th October 2011.

3. http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/country-view/council_hits_70pc_recycling_with_fortnightly_bin_collections_1_3702132

4. Dispatches, as above.

5. This increases the return to councils from the collections. Mixed or ‘commingled’ collections do not pay as well and contaminated, mixed bales are rejected by re-using companies, and go to landfill (Dispatches, above). The Campaign for Real Recycling has won a judicial review of the practice of commingling, to be heard in December 2011. Also, most types of food waste can go into a wormery and produce compost. Working example for media photos at 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF. Contact Hazel Dawe as above to arrange photo op. Plain cardboard can also go into compost. Egg boxes can be returned to Farmers’ Markets for repeated use. Paper can be re-used eg for phone messages/printing on the back within households. Glass jars can be used for pickling and jam. Wine bottles can be used to make elderflower cordial or even wine.

'THIS IS KENT, DON'T SPEND IT ALL AT ONCE'

2011-10-04T10:09:00.001+01:00

Kent Green Party has sent in its largest submission to a Government consultation ever, opposing the Government’s suggested changes to the Planning system(1). Steve Dawe comments:

“The Government repeatedly claims that its Planning proposals do not threaten Green Belts, and will lead to more housing. But Greg Clark MP’s comment that developers will be able to build ‘what they like, where they like and when they like’ subject only to planning ‘guidelines’ contradicts Government assurances that valuable landscapes will be protected, in Kent and elsewhere(2). Also, developers already have planning permission for over 330,000 homes on greenfield sites(3). If the Government was serious about housing provision, they would not have cut affordable housing spending by 60% and there would not be a massive backlog of housing demand in Kent and Medway (4). And one estimate of brownfield land in the country suggests we could build 3 million homes on brownfield sites(5).

“Kent Green Party wants a clear commitment from Government that it will keep London out of Kent. It wants a more restrictive planning system that forces developers to use brownfield sites, and to deliver higher quality homes. We should be holding land in trust for future generations (6). We say to the Government: ‘This is Kent, don’t spend it all once.’.”

“The Government consultation is open until 17^th October. Comments should be sent to: planningframework@communities.gsi.gov.uk (7).

Ends c235 words

FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe, West Kent Green Party, on 01732 355185 or 07747 036192. Contact address as above. Promoted by H.Dawe and published by Kent Green Party, both at 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF.

Notes:

1. The 32 page Kent Green Party submission can be seen at www.kentgreenparty.org under Publications.

2. Greg Clark’s comment can be considered to fetter the discretion of the Secretary of State and compromise the right of refusal on the part of local planning authorities. SEE: http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/aug/21/greenbelt-threat-permissive-planning-laws This is a basis for judicial review of any subsequent legislation or proposals developed if these extremely poor Planning changes are put through Parliament.

3. http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/sep/13/planning-reform-recipe-civil-war ;

4. About 36,000 households are on council waiting lists in Kent and Medway. This does not include figures for those in overcrowded households or demand from single people who do not register for social housing as their chances of getting access are low. The Governmen is also to cut social housing obligations on developers in new housing developments: Observer 2^nd October 2011.

5. http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/sep/13/planning-reform-recipe-civil-war ;

6. For biodiversity, agriculture, amenity and tourism.

7. The Government’s consultation document can be seen at: http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/1951811.pdf

PRplanningsub4102011

Tories to cut social housing obligation on developers in new housing developments Observer 2^nd October 2011

GREENS PETITIONING ON PLANNING CHANGES IN MINISTER'S CONSTITUENCY

2011-10-02T11:33:00.000+01:00

West Kent Green Party(1) members will be petitioning in the constituency of Planning Minister, Greg Clark MP, on Saturday 8^th October. Their petition focuses on the threat to the Green Belt, part of a series of massive reductions in planning controls being proposed by the Coalition Government. Steve Dawe explains:

“West Kent Green Party will be stepping up its efforts in support of the Kent-wide campaign to bring the Government’s planning changes to a halt(2). A large coalition of national organisations is already campaigning against the Government’s Planning proposals (3).

“We are also launching a new petition to prevent Government-led attacks on the Green Belt, which are a feature of its new planning proposals (4). We agree with the National Trust(5) that the principle of Green Belts is now under threat, which threatens districts throughout western Kent with the expansion of London’s urban development.

“We will be petitioning in the Calverly Precinct from about 12.00 noon to 2.00pm at least on Saturday 1^st October.” C172 words

Notes:

1. West Kent Green Party, covering Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Malling and Tunbridge Wells, is a branch of Kent Green Party. SEE: www.kentgreenparty.org

2. Petitioning on the Green Belt took place in Sevenoaks in August. The Kent Green Party submission to the Planning changes can be seen at www.kentgreenparty.org under Publications. It has already been sent directly to Greg Clark MP.

3. Groups expressing concerns about the Planning proposals include: the National Trust, Protect Kent, the Campaign for Better Transport, Friends of the Earth, the Town and Country Planning Association and WWF – UK.

4. New Planning Law proposals, Govt consultation doc: http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/1951811.pdf This consultation suggests Councils should be able to review Green Belt policies every time they review their Local Plan. The consultation closes on 17^th October 2011 but the campaigning – by a wide variety of organisations – will continue until the proposals are laid to rest.

5. The National Trust is concerned about the Green Belt implications of the proposed Planning Reforms: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/8660560/New-planning-laws-threaten-green-belt.html & http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/jul/26/planning-changes-green-belt-nppf