The practice of “garden grabbing”, where developers build homes or blocks of flats on back gardens, is dramatically changing the character of many suburban areas throughout the UK, leading to high levels of unsustainable development and increasing housing densities in areas previously characterised as leafy suburbs. Some figures suggest that over 180,000 buildings have been put on back gardens in the last five years.
Conservatives have been warning about such development, which often puts strain on local services and causes substantial environmental damage, for some time. We have pointed to two key factors driving “garden grabbing”, namely the fact that gardens are classified as brownfield land and the iniquitous government density targets that have the consequence of forcing the largest number of units onto the smallest space possible.
A new Conservative government would reverse the classification of gardens as brownfield and abolish density targets allowing local communities to protect the character of the area in which they live. This is in stark contrast to Labour who have turned a blind eye whilst thousands of back gardens have been concreted over and some communities changed forever.
This problem is of great concern to many people in Brighton Kemptown. I am delighted with this policy, and hope it will soon be enacted if we are elected!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
NATIONWIDE SUPERFAST BROADBAND!
New media and IT have been at the heart of the economic development in Brighton and Hove during the past decade.
So I very much welcome new proposals as part of our plans to Get Britain Growing, plans to help make the UK the first major European country that has superfast broadband in the majority of homes by 2017.
Jeremy Hunt, the Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has said "we are currently one of the slowest countries in the developed world for broadband", but with the Conservatives "we'll become one of the fastest".
He said Britain's digital and creative industries "must have a proper communications infrastructure" if we are to become "world beaters".
The Conservative approach to achieving this has three key components:
• Creating a regulatory framework to ensure the roll-out of superfast broadband at speeds of up to 100mbps to the majority of homes across the UK by 2017. Our objective is to make the UK the first major European country to achieve this aim, securing its place as a European and global hub for the creative industries.
• We will end BT’s local loop monopoly by allowing other operators to use their ducts and poles thereby encouraging competition in the superfast broadband market.
• We are committed to universal access to superfast broadband speeds. If the market does not deliver this in certain areas we will consider using the proportion of the licence fee dedicated to digital switchover to finance superfast broadband roll out under the new BBC licence fee settlement, Under these plans, Hunt said that "high speeds will be available not just in our cities but across the rural areas that have been left behind for too long".
Jeremy Hunt added "these regulatory changes will create the right conditions for sustainable growth and ensure that the digital sector plays a leading role in a competitive, balanced economy”
This is so important for the development of employment in Brighton. I am very excited about these proposals.
So I very much welcome new proposals as part of our plans to Get Britain Growing, plans to help make the UK the first major European country that has superfast broadband in the majority of homes by 2017.
Jeremy Hunt, the Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has said "we are currently one of the slowest countries in the developed world for broadband", but with the Conservatives "we'll become one of the fastest".
He said Britain's digital and creative industries "must have a proper communications infrastructure" if we are to become "world beaters".
The Conservative approach to achieving this has three key components:
• Creating a regulatory framework to ensure the roll-out of superfast broadband at speeds of up to 100mbps to the majority of homes across the UK by 2017. Our objective is to make the UK the first major European country to achieve this aim, securing its place as a European and global hub for the creative industries.
• We will end BT’s local loop monopoly by allowing other operators to use their ducts and poles thereby encouraging competition in the superfast broadband market.
• We are committed to universal access to superfast broadband speeds. If the market does not deliver this in certain areas we will consider using the proportion of the licence fee dedicated to digital switchover to finance superfast broadband roll out under the new BBC licence fee settlement, Under these plans, Hunt said that "high speeds will be available not just in our cities but across the rural areas that have been left behind for too long".
Jeremy Hunt added "these regulatory changes will create the right conditions for sustainable growth and ensure that the digital sector plays a leading role in a competitive, balanced economy”
This is so important for the development of employment in Brighton. I am very excited about these proposals.
Friday, February 5, 2010
ALTERNATIVE VOTE PLOY IS LABOUR'S LAST GASP!
Gordon Brown' sudden interest in electoral reform, just months before the General Election that has to be held by this June is raising eyebrows across the political specturm. The BBC, in a 'Question and Answer' section on its website states that Mr Brown cited contitutional reform as part of his beliefs when he became Prime Minister in 2007 but coming, as it does, so close to the election cynics might charge that the vote MPs will take next week is much more tightly bound up with the PM hoping to seek common ground with other parties in the event of a hung Parliament than any wish to see a change because of fairness or to purge the House of Commons of the expenses issue.
What is being proposed? If legislation is passed then a referendum would be held in 2011 to change the voting system for the House of Commons to what is called the 'Alternative Vote'. This works by voters ranking candidates in order of preference and anyone getting more than 50% in the first round is elected. If that doesn't happen, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and their second choices allocated to the remaining candidates. This process continues until a winner emerges.
To me this smacks of Gordon Brown's last gasp! Although the Labour Government in its earlier years did make changes to the Constitution - often in a half-baked and confusing way - this Prime Minister has shown no real interest in the subject since he came to power. The case for changing something as fundamental as how we elect Members of Parliament has to have a very strong justification. First past the post, the system we use now, has served this country well for centuries. It has generally produced stable governments which are able to last the full length or four out of five years of a Parliament and the system usually gets the result right - the Party with the most votes wins a majority of seats and is able to put its policies into action for the electorate to judge.
An Alternative Vote is likely to lead to weaker governments with some candidates who did not receive the most votes in a constituency winning from behind once other preference votes are taken into account. Conservative Party Chairman Eric Pickles put it well when he said: "Gordon Brown avoided a leadership election, bottled a general election and now wants to fiddle the electoral system."
This initiative is typical of a Government locked into its dying days. Instead of focussing on reducing the country's debt, working to rebuild business confidence and encouraging new business and job creation, the Government announces it wants to debate the voting system!
We need to use the voting system to enact a change of Government to work on the issues that people know are important not change it for the convenience of Labour.
What is being proposed? If legislation is passed then a referendum would be held in 2011 to change the voting system for the House of Commons to what is called the 'Alternative Vote'. This works by voters ranking candidates in order of preference and anyone getting more than 50% in the first round is elected. If that doesn't happen, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and their second choices allocated to the remaining candidates. This process continues until a winner emerges.
To me this smacks of Gordon Brown's last gasp! Although the Labour Government in its earlier years did make changes to the Constitution - often in a half-baked and confusing way - this Prime Minister has shown no real interest in the subject since he came to power. The case for changing something as fundamental as how we elect Members of Parliament has to have a very strong justification. First past the post, the system we use now, has served this country well for centuries. It has generally produced stable governments which are able to last the full length or four out of five years of a Parliament and the system usually gets the result right - the Party with the most votes wins a majority of seats and is able to put its policies into action for the electorate to judge.
An Alternative Vote is likely to lead to weaker governments with some candidates who did not receive the most votes in a constituency winning from behind once other preference votes are taken into account. Conservative Party Chairman Eric Pickles put it well when he said: "Gordon Brown avoided a leadership election, bottled a general election and now wants to fiddle the electoral system."
This initiative is typical of a Government locked into its dying days. Instead of focussing on reducing the country's debt, working to rebuild business confidence and encouraging new business and job creation, the Government announces it wants to debate the voting system!
We need to use the voting system to enact a change of Government to work on the issues that people know are important not change it for the convenience of Labour.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
NEW APPROACH TO ALCOHOL
People often express concern at the impact of binge drinking on our towns and cities. Recent reports have shown the widespread availability of alcohol and most new convenience stores that pop up seem to sell wines and spirits.
Labour’s irresponsible decision to roll out 24-hour drinking on our towns and communities while at the same time failing to deal with the problems caused by over drinking has caused great harm, particularly among younger people.
Clearly we cannot go on like this. We need a Government who will make tackling alcohol abuse a priority, otherwise the cost to society and the NHS is only going to increase further.
A Conservative Government would take action through targeted increases in duty on problem drinks like super-strength beers and stopping below-cost selling. We also want to introduce simpler and clearer information on labels so that people are more aware what they are drinking and a tough three strikes and you’re out policy for licensed premises found to be selling alcohol under-age.
Labour’s irresponsible decision to roll out 24-hour drinking on our towns and communities while at the same time failing to deal with the problems caused by over drinking has caused great harm, particularly among younger people.
Clearly we cannot go on like this. We need a Government who will make tackling alcohol abuse a priority, otherwise the cost to society and the NHS is only going to increase further.
A Conservative Government would take action through targeted increases in duty on problem drinks like super-strength beers and stopping below-cost selling. We also want to introduce simpler and clearer information on labels so that people are more aware what they are drinking and a tough three strikes and you’re out policy for licensed premises found to be selling alcohol under-age.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
VISION FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL IS CONSERVATIVE AIM
Another chapter has now become available of the Conservative Party's draft Manifesto. By publishing our proposals and asking the public to comment on them, it gives the Conservatives the chance to embed public opinion in a way never done before, in the policies on which we will be fighting the General Election.
The first chapter was about the Health Service and the more recent one has covered schools and mending the country's broken society. The chapter is available at the Conservative Party's website at Conservatives.com - click on the link at the top of the web page to read the draft chapters published so far.
You can also see the responses to the questions David Cameron was asked when he recently responded to people's queries about the Health Manifesto. This open process is engaging voters in new ways and by using internet technology people can join in and make their views known.
The latest chapter, on mending the broken society, sets out the Party's vision of using the powers of the State to empower people to tackle poverty, inequality and the lack of opportunity in Britain. Finding solutions in our local communities, boosting attainment for ALL pupils in local schools and ensuring the State does not crowd out local initiative, are all key ingredients in making sure that there is genuine opportunity for all regardless of whatever walk of life people come.
Creating a big society is the Conservative vision not creating an ever bigger State.
The first chapter was about the Health Service and the more recent one has covered schools and mending the country's broken society. The chapter is available at the Conservative Party's website at Conservatives.com - click on the link at the top of the web page to read the draft chapters published so far.
You can also see the responses to the questions David Cameron was asked when he recently responded to people's queries about the Health Manifesto. This open process is engaging voters in new ways and by using internet technology people can join in and make their views known.
The latest chapter, on mending the broken society, sets out the Party's vision of using the powers of the State to empower people to tackle poverty, inequality and the lack of opportunity in Britain. Finding solutions in our local communities, boosting attainment for ALL pupils in local schools and ensuring the State does not crowd out local initiative, are all key ingredients in making sure that there is genuine opportunity for all regardless of whatever walk of life people come.
Creating a big society is the Conservative vision not creating an ever bigger State.
VAN DWELLING IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Brighton and Hove City Council has agreed to form a cross-Party working group to look into the implications of people living in vans around the city.
The decision came about following a discussion at the Full Council meeting on the 28th January when Conservative City Council Leader, Councillor Mary Mears, proposed a Motion at the Council initially suggesting that a bye-law should be considered to give the Council powers to move on van dwellers from their parking places. Councillor Mears reported on the concerns that had been raised about the living conditions of van dwellers.
Following a discussion in the Council Chamber with other political parties it was agreed to withdraw the suggestion of a bye-law but the Council Leader proposed the establishment of a working group which would also involve outside organisations that work with the Council, such as the police, and this was accepted.
The debate focussed on the illegality of living on the highway, concerns about health and safety of the van dwellers and the welfare of children.
I will be watching the progress of the working group with interest.
The decision came about following a discussion at the Full Council meeting on the 28th January when Conservative City Council Leader, Councillor Mary Mears, proposed a Motion at the Council initially suggesting that a bye-law should be considered to give the Council powers to move on van dwellers from their parking places. Councillor Mears reported on the concerns that had been raised about the living conditions of van dwellers.
Following a discussion in the Council Chamber with other political parties it was agreed to withdraw the suggestion of a bye-law but the Council Leader proposed the establishment of a working group which would also involve outside organisations that work with the Council, such as the police, and this was accepted.
The debate focussed on the illegality of living on the highway, concerns about health and safety of the van dwellers and the welfare of children.
I will be watching the progress of the working group with interest.
Monday, February 1, 2010
CUTTING LABOUR'S DEFICIT
After nearly 13 years of Labour government, there is one point on which the main political parties agree. That is the need for cuts in public expenditure to curb our rising national debt.
The debate in the last few days has seemed to centre on ‘who will cut what’ and 'who will cut most’.
Let us be very clear about the contradictions in Labour policy.
Treasury Ministers say there will be "extremely painful" cuts under Labour, but Gordon Brown says spending will carry on rising.
Treasury figures already imply 17% cuts in non-protected departments under Labour, but Gordon Brown keeps adding new protected areas without saying where the money is coming from.
The National Audit Office say that Labour’s defence plans are already "unaffordable", and Bob Ainsworth has announced defence cuts, but today Gordon Brown is promising more spending on defence.
Ed Balls says education spending will carry on rising, but Alistair Darling claims he has only protected "front line" schools spending.
Peter Mandelson says you can't make cuts this year but is cutting more than £300 million from his own Department this year.
Conservative policy is clear. Start cutting the deficit in 2010 and aim to have a plan to get rid of most of the structural deficit by 2014.
Philip Hammond (Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury) has said that the Conservatives plan to “eliminate the great bulk of the structural deficit by 2014”. Mr Hammond said that it was “important to send signals to the markets [that we] have a credible plan, over the life time of a parliament, to get the deficit down.”
The state in which our country finds itself was not started in America (as Labour like to suggest) – it was started in 11 Downing Street and moved on to 10 Downing Street.
Only the Conservative Party has a credible policy. Britain and Brighton need the election soon, to provide the stability that we need to move forward.
The debate in the last few days has seemed to centre on ‘who will cut what’ and 'who will cut most’.
Let us be very clear about the contradictions in Labour policy.
Treasury Ministers say there will be "extremely painful" cuts under Labour, but Gordon Brown says spending will carry on rising.
Treasury figures already imply 17% cuts in non-protected departments under Labour, but Gordon Brown keeps adding new protected areas without saying where the money is coming from.
The National Audit Office say that Labour’s defence plans are already "unaffordable", and Bob Ainsworth has announced defence cuts, but today Gordon Brown is promising more spending on defence.
Ed Balls says education spending will carry on rising, but Alistair Darling claims he has only protected "front line" schools spending.
Peter Mandelson says you can't make cuts this year but is cutting more than £300 million from his own Department this year.
Conservative policy is clear. Start cutting the deficit in 2010 and aim to have a plan to get rid of most of the structural deficit by 2014.
Philip Hammond (Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury) has said that the Conservatives plan to “eliminate the great bulk of the structural deficit by 2014”. Mr Hammond said that it was “important to send signals to the markets [that we] have a credible plan, over the life time of a parliament, to get the deficit down.”
The state in which our country finds itself was not started in America (as Labour like to suggest) – it was started in 11 Downing Street and moved on to 10 Downing Street.
Only the Conservative Party has a credible policy. Britain and Brighton need the election soon, to provide the stability that we need to move forward.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
THE DOGS TRUST
One of the most enjoyable parts of being a parliamentary candidate is the opportunity to visit and see the valuable work done by the charity sector.
I have recently been lucky enough to visit the Dogs Trust, our local branch is based in Shoreham. I met up with their Chief Executive.
As a dog lover and owner, it was for me a great opportunity to see first hand the valuable work done by the Dogs Trust locally.
Every year the Dogs Trust cares for about 16,000 dogs throughout the UK.
Their valuable work is funded by donations.
Apart from caring for stray and unwanted dogs, they also run neutering campaigns, have education officers who talk to schools, and advise the government on all matters concerning dogs.
They are also campaigning for the compulsory microchipping of dogs - to more easily identify stray animals.
It is great to see local people giving their time in support of animals.
If you are thinking of supporting a charity, then you could do no better than support the Dogs Trust.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
INEQUALITY AT HIGHEST LEVEL SINCE WORLD WAR 2
It is really shocking that after nearly 13 years of a Labour Government, inequality has grown to the highest levels seen since the Second World War. It is unbelievable that Labour thinks it can claim to be the party of aspiration when its failure to tackle the causes of poverty has let down so many lives.
A report from the National Equality Panel, just published , reveals that after 13 years of Labour Government:
• We have the highest levels of income inequality since soon after the Second World War;
• We have some of the highest overall poverty rates in Europe;
• Social mobility has stalled;
• By the age children start school, there’s a gap of up to year’s development between children with two parents with paid work, and those without;
• Up to age 44, women are better qualified than men but actually earn up to a fifth less.
We can’t go on like this. We need a change from Labour’s failed one-dimensional approach to tackling poverty and inequality.
Conservatives will tackle the causes of poverty and inequality, not just the symptoms, through radical policies to address educational failure, family breakdown and worklessness.
A report from the National Equality Panel, just published , reveals that after 13 years of Labour Government:
• We have the highest levels of income inequality since soon after the Second World War;
• We have some of the highest overall poverty rates in Europe;
• Social mobility has stalled;
• By the age children start school, there’s a gap of up to year’s development between children with two parents with paid work, and those without;
• Up to age 44, women are better qualified than men but actually earn up to a fifth less.
We can’t go on like this. We need a change from Labour’s failed one-dimensional approach to tackling poverty and inequality.
Conservatives will tackle the causes of poverty and inequality, not just the symptoms, through radical policies to address educational failure, family breakdown and worklessness.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
TEACH CHILDREN TO TREAT GAY PEOPLE EQUALLY
It has been reported in the Telegraph that David Cameron has said that equal treatment for homosexual people should be ‘embedded’ in teaching.
The Telegraph reports David Cameron’s remarks, made in a recent meeting with party activists which emerged yesterday.
David Cameron made it clear that he believes all children should be taught to treat people in the same way regardless of their sexual orientation.
“We do need good sex and relationship education. That education should teach people about equality, that we treat people the same whether they are gay or straight,” he said. “I think that is really important that we embed that in the ethos of our education.
He added: “Should we teach children about relationships? Yes we should.”
“Should we teach them about the importance of equality, whether you’re heterosexual or homosexual? Yes we should.”
“Should we teach them about civil partnerships being a way of same-sex couples showing commitment just as married couples show commitment? Yes we should.”
Mr Cameron has indicated that his pledge to recognise marriage in the tax system will also apply to civil partnerships.
He told a Cameron Direct meeting that better teaching of equality issues “can help us create a fairer country,” he said. It would also address the “problem of homophobic bullying,” he said.
A British Social Attitudes survey this week showed that British opposition to homosexuality has fallen since the 1980s, and most people have no objections to homosexuals.
Mr Cameron last year apologised for his party’s actions over Section 28 and insisted the party has changed.
Speaking to party members at the weekend, he repeated his regret over that decision and said: “I have apologised for that, I think we got that wrong.”
In Brighton Kemptown we have a large and thriving gay community. I wholeheartedly agree with David Cameron’s sentiments and agree that better teaching will in the future bring about less ‘hate crime’ against gay men and women.
The Telegraph reports David Cameron’s remarks, made in a recent meeting with party activists which emerged yesterday.
David Cameron made it clear that he believes all children should be taught to treat people in the same way regardless of their sexual orientation.
“We do need good sex and relationship education. That education should teach people about equality, that we treat people the same whether they are gay or straight,” he said. “I think that is really important that we embed that in the ethos of our education.
He added: “Should we teach children about relationships? Yes we should.”
“Should we teach them about the importance of equality, whether you’re heterosexual or homosexual? Yes we should.”
“Should we teach them about civil partnerships being a way of same-sex couples showing commitment just as married couples show commitment? Yes we should.”
Mr Cameron has indicated that his pledge to recognise marriage in the tax system will also apply to civil partnerships.
He told a Cameron Direct meeting that better teaching of equality issues “can help us create a fairer country,” he said. It would also address the “problem of homophobic bullying,” he said.
A British Social Attitudes survey this week showed that British opposition to homosexuality has fallen since the 1980s, and most people have no objections to homosexuals.
Mr Cameron last year apologised for his party’s actions over Section 28 and insisted the party has changed.
Speaking to party members at the weekend, he repeated his regret over that decision and said: “I have apologised for that, I think we got that wrong.”
In Brighton Kemptown we have a large and thriving gay community. I wholeheartedly agree with David Cameron’s sentiments and agree that better teaching will in the future bring about less ‘hate crime’ against gay men and women.
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