Climate change is the key challenge for humanity in the 21st Century. This is an issue for every living creature on this planet, but it is the human race that has caused it and as custodians of this planet we must tackle it. Within the UK and elsewhere, the most deprived are hit the hardest by its consequences and face the highest adaption costs.
That is why I believe that power generation has to switch away from fossil fuels and be based on renewable technologies – investment in which would create thousands of new jobs. There is no need to expand aviation, road and other polluting forms of transport. Instead we must encourage the use of modern technologies to communicate globally and encourage local provision to avoid the unnecessary shipping of goods.
If elected on May 6th, I will hold firm to tackling climate change in my decision making at Lewisham Town Hall.
10.3.10
CORRECTION!
My last post stated that the Labour council was the only one to put forward a 0% council tax increase, it would appear the Greens and Lib Dems also proposed 0% increase.
4.3.10
0% Council Tax Increase in Lewisham
The budget for 2010/11 was set on Monday night and by all accounts it was an emotionally charged event. Both the Lib Dems and the Greens put forward alternative budgets. Only Labour's involved a 0% increase in council tax, which I welcome. For many years I have been raising the plight of the cost of council tax not just for the elderly, many who have limited means, but for hard-working people, the poorer and those struggling to make ends meet. An increased bill at this time would be unwelcome and disastrous, so I am pleased that the Labour council has frozen the council tax at last year's rates.
However, it is worth noting a few points. Firstly, the Socialists who did not put forward an alternative budget of their own voted with the Lib Dems for their budget proposals, then when that was lost they voted with the Greens against the Lib Dems. For Ian and Chris, any budget would be preferable to a Labour budget that freezes our council tax bill. Odd that isn't it? Well not really, as yet again ideology gets in the way of helping ordinary people with the consequences of the recession.
Secondly, the Lewisham Mayor Steve Bullock adopted a couple of proposals from other parties too. Again, I am pleased as sometimes other parties have some good ideas. In this case, the Green group on the council proposed a 3% fuel saving should be pursued and that the money saved should fund the setup costs of the Free Private Sector Home Insulation Scheme, also proposed by the Green group. I applaud parties working together for the benefit of all our people.
So how can the council afford to not increase council tax? According to Steve Bullock, The simple answer is prudent financial management. The council's bank balance is in good shape. This could be held as revolutionary by some, but the facts are the facts. We can all point the finger at initiatives that have not been funded or ask for more apprenticeships for our young people. Indeed I am the first to demand improvements to our housing stock, but Labour is working.
There is much more to be done, not least of which improving repairs carried out by Lewisham Homes, the treatment of leaseholders, improving our roads, protecting our streets and supporting council workers who have read negative headlines in the press recently. The budget debate on Monday highlighted that much has been achieved. We must continue to improve the lives of the poorer in our communities; work towards the eradication of poverty; demand better train services and protect our neighbourhoods from those that have no respect for our society.
In some small way, freezing council tax this year has enabled this to continue and I welcome it.
However, it is worth noting a few points. Firstly, the Socialists who did not put forward an alternative budget of their own voted with the Lib Dems for their budget proposals, then when that was lost they voted with the Greens against the Lib Dems. For Ian and Chris, any budget would be preferable to a Labour budget that freezes our council tax bill. Odd that isn't it? Well not really, as yet again ideology gets in the way of helping ordinary people with the consequences of the recession.
Secondly, the Lewisham Mayor Steve Bullock adopted a couple of proposals from other parties too. Again, I am pleased as sometimes other parties have some good ideas. In this case, the Green group on the council proposed a 3% fuel saving should be pursued and that the money saved should fund the setup costs of the Free Private Sector Home Insulation Scheme, also proposed by the Green group. I applaud parties working together for the benefit of all our people.
So how can the council afford to not increase council tax? According to Steve Bullock, The simple answer is prudent financial management. The council's bank balance is in good shape. This could be held as revolutionary by some, but the facts are the facts. We can all point the finger at initiatives that have not been funded or ask for more apprenticeships for our young people. Indeed I am the first to demand improvements to our housing stock, but Labour is working.
There is much more to be done, not least of which improving repairs carried out by Lewisham Homes, the treatment of leaseholders, improving our roads, protecting our streets and supporting council workers who have read negative headlines in the press recently. The budget debate on Monday highlighted that much has been achieved. We must continue to improve the lives of the poorer in our communities; work towards the eradication of poverty; demand better train services and protect our neighbourhoods from those that have no respect for our society.
In some small way, freezing council tax this year has enabled this to continue and I welcome it.
16.2.10
I'm a Plot Owner - a Beneficial Plot Owner of Airplot
I have just become a Beneficial Plot Owner of Airplot, a peace of land slap bang in the middle of the proposed site for a third runway at Heathrow. To join me and 66,514 others (currently), click HERE.
8.2.10
Rubbish dumped on Barville Close & Rocastle Road
I have today reported to the council rubbish dumped on Barville Close and Rocastle Road. Hopefully this should be gone within a week. If the rubbish has not been collected by 15th February, then let me know by emailing me at: me@paulbell.org.
2.2.10
Tonight's Telegraph Hill Ward Assembly
I attended the Telegraph Hill Ward Assembly tonight at the Barnes Wallis Centre and it was a very interesting evening. Most of the evening was devoted to health in the ward with presentations from Dr Brian Fisher of the PCT, Lewisham Link and workers in mental health wellbeing.
The main focus of the evening was on what people thought was good about healthcare provision in Lewisham and what needed to be improved. Generally Lewisham Hospital scored quite highly, but convenient and available appointment times at GP surgeries and the hospital Outpatient department needed improving.
Other topics covered were:
- Outdoor Gym
- The loss of the pedestrian crossing by Barclays Bank in New Cross
- Traffic on Gellatly Road
- Queen's Road llitter
- Good crime figures for the Somerville Estate
- Consultations at Kender Road Primary School - new road layouts which are running on Thusday between 4pm and 8pm; and Saturday between 10am and 3pm.
- Hate crime projects
- Consulation on 343 / N343 bus routes.
Contact me if you need further information on anything stated here. I will be posting a separate article on the Telegraph Hill Labour Website about the TFL consultation on the 343 shortly.
The main focus of the evening was on what people thought was good about healthcare provision in Lewisham and what needed to be improved. Generally Lewisham Hospital scored quite highly, but convenient and available appointment times at GP surgeries and the hospital Outpatient department needed improving.
Other topics covered were:
- Outdoor Gym
- The loss of the pedestrian crossing by Barclays Bank in New Cross
- Traffic on Gellatly Road
- Queen's Road llitter
- Good crime figures for the Somerville Estate
- Consultations at Kender Road Primary School - new road layouts which are running on Thusday between 4pm and 8pm; and Saturday between 10am and 3pm.
- Hate crime projects
- Consulation on 343 / N343 bus routes.
Contact me if you need further information on anything stated here. I will be posting a separate article on the Telegraph Hill Labour Website about the TFL consultation on the 343 shortly.
28.1.10
Meet the Muppets at St Pancras Station TODAY
Today from 4 to 7pm you can meet the managers and directors of First Capital Connect at St Pancras Station. Come along and tell them what you think about this rubbish train operator.
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