Saturday, 22 December 2007
Merry Christmas
Click here for the e-card.
I would just like to apologise for the lack of posts over December which has been for a number of different reason including holiday and work commitments. I hope to resume a more normal service, including more local news in 2008.
Indecision Clegg
Wednesday, 12 December 2007
New Local Core (Planning) Strategy
Unfortunately because of the strong level of central control the result will still not be what either local residents, Council officers or Councillors would ideally want. Despite the fact this document has been put together following consultation and approval by democratically elected councillors, the controlling tendency of Government Ministers mean that national policies can and will override the wishes of local people and if there is just one aspect that the inspector doesn't like he will declare the whole thing unsound and we will be back to square one.
I think what was approved tonight was a good document (and the best the officers could be expected to produce), but the only way for a truly excellent Core Strategy would be for Central Government to respect that local decisions made by local people, for local people, will have the most legitimacy and in the long term willbe the only way to restore any faith in the electoral process. For an unelected inspector to (regardless of his or her qualities) to be able to hold so much sway over local decision making should not occur in modern Britain.
Monday, 10 December 2007
Anti Social Behaviour
However there are things we as individuals, but also collectively, can do about it.
In this season of goodwill to all men we can of all moderate our own behaviour to make sure that we consider the lasting effects of parking on that bit of grass in the wet. We can also report criminal anti social behaviour to the Police on 999 or if less urgent on 0845 125 2222
We can act as community; for instance following some trouble a couple of months back around the Pollards Oak Road shops, local residents have set up a petition to get better lighting and a CCTV camera installed; Tandridge District Council and Surrey Police have both responded and protecting residents there is a priority for the local crime reduction partnership.
And your council the Police and other public bodies can act with authority - as Tandridge District Council did last month in being awarded its first ASBO on a Council House Tenant.
If we act together it is possible to strike back against anti-social behaviour.
Wednesday, 28 November 2007
Incompetence or Corruption?
I think that therefore the country is in for a period of drift and mismanagement while the government turns in on itself.
Saturday, 24 November 2007
Housing Cock-up or Conspiracy
Wednesday, 21 November 2007
Resign!
This should be a lesson for all those in public life - those in positions of responsibility must in the end be accountable for their actions and those who work for them. When they get it very wrong they have to go. In the week that the Government has lost the confidential details of millions of people perhaps the Chancellor and Prime Minister should be considering their positions rather than pinning the blame squarely on the actions of a junior employee (who has now himself resigned).
Tuesday, 20 November 2007
Labour Free Zone
To those of us who serve with him on the council Councillor Longhurst's decision isn't too surprising as he has been an especially vocal critic of the Government's approach especially on Planning and Housing matters.
Councillor Longhurst's move means that the Labour Party no longer has any councillors in Tandridge.
Thursday, 15 November 2007
Rumours of Sexual Assult in Hurst Green
'PC Dave Every, PCSO Lisa Cobby and PCSO Stephen Winch are aware of rumours circulating throughout Hurst Green regarding alleged sexual assaults. These rumours are obviously causing some concern for local residents. However these rumours of Sexual assaults appear to be fictitious. Investigations by PC Every and the PCSOs has so far identified one victim of an assault that was not sexual. Surrey Police has no information to suggest that these kinds of offences has taken place in Hurst Green or Oxted and records show no offence has been reported to Police. However if you have been the victim of a sexual assault or any other crime please report it to Surrey Police immediately. Oxted and Hurst Green still remains a very safe Police to live and Surrey Police will take all reports of this nature extremely seriously. Anyone with information that can assist Surrey Police is urged to contact myself, PC Dave Every, or Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222, or Crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111'
Wednesday, 14 November 2007
Tandridge voted into top 40 by Residents
Every three years, all councils have to carry out satisfaction surveys.The key result of the general survey shows the percentage of respondents expressing overall satisfaction with the Council is 62%, which keeps Tandridge in the top 40 of all councils in England for the past six years. And even better, 82% of residents satisfied with the area as a place to live and 84% of council tenants are satisfied with their accommodation.
It is good to know that by and large people are happy with both Tandridge and the Council, but that is no reason to rest on our laurels and so we will continue to try to improve both the services the Council provides and the environement in which we live.
Monday, 12 November 2007
In Touch
Sunday, 11 November 2007
Council Report
I say should have been, as while many fellow councillors made with the points outlined above it was a shame that not everyone united to vote for a stand to be taken against the current centralising, Gordon Brown knows best, government.
That said, there was general appreciation expressed all round about the success in extending weekly recycling, including for plastics to Oxted South.
Thursday, 8 November 2007
Queens Speech - Plannning Reform
Monday, 5 November 2007
Oxted Station Access.
It is therefore very good news that Network Rail are to install lift access next summer. It will make the lives of many just that little bit easier and hopefully help reduce car journeys too.
Sunday, 4 November 2007
Ajax approved
While most councillors present were concerned what that would mean for traffic movements along Woodhurst Lane, Hurst Green and Holland Road (and also for parking on the highway outside the site) the general feeling was that this was as good a proposal as were likely to get, combining job opportunities, a vital contribution to local infrastructure and a traffic volumes some 76% lower than they might otherwise have been.
Tuesday, 30 October 2007
Could Europe Finish Brown?
Brown appears to be proving the latter bit right. In my mind his decision not to call a referendum over the 'reform treaty' is helping to contribute to perceptions that he is deceitful and running scared. It can be no conincidence that an opinion poll in today's Independent gives the Conservatives an 8% lead over Labour, a week after he signed up to the treaty.
Also reported today is that the former French president Valry Giscard d'Estaing has ststed that key parts of the European constitution remain "practically unchanged" in
the new EU Reform Treaty, M. Giscard d'Estaing, one of the architects of the EU constitution, said that the central proposals of the rejected document had been retained in the new treaty.
We need a referendum on this treaty, and if Brown doesn't listen it looks like he will pay with his job (although possibly not until 2010)
Friday, 26 October 2007
East Surrey Hospital: Critical Condition.
The sooner local people can get more control from unaccountable quangos, the better.
Wednesday, 24 October 2007
Third Place not good enough for third party
Given the Libs are currently polling at around 12% this seems to be fantasy land and in terms of managing expecations of his party an odd strategy. The main question is which of the main parties does he think they'll replace. Our local Liberal opposition certainly doesn't appear to have any realistic alternative proposals for running the council - assuming the national party is no different I can't see them managing to create clear yellow water between either the Conservatives or Labour Parties.
Monday, 22 October 2007
2 Years to fix a light
There is a footbridge near my house which runs over the railway line. At night is is very dark and there are a lot of obstacles. According to one local resident, who asked me to take up the case, it has been broken for between 2 and 3 years. In that time he has been corresponding with the County Council to no avail. On his behalf I have tried to find out what is happening, but it still seems that it will take the County Council contractor and EDF Energy to be on site at the same time and seemingly that is an impossible task. A date has yet to be found.
Local residents will wait with interest to see if anything happens, but I for one am not holding my breath.
Thursday, 18 October 2007
Hurst Green - What Concerns Us
Good Question. I didn't think that there was one overall answer but I said that the following are all subjects of interest to some local people:
The Ajax Fire and the proposals for redevelopment of that site are of interest, both to those living by the site and more generally as additional heavy traffic goods traffic along the Hurst Green and Holland Roads would be unwelcome.
Crime and anti-social behavior isn't too much of an issue, but big groups of kids hanging around on street corners can be intimidating and the riding of mini-motos on roads and in public spaces by a small minority is an accident waiting to happen.
Back garden developments continue to be an issue for those directly affected and the building of more and more homes without an consequent improvement to local infrastructure concerns many.
The extension of weekly recycling from the beginning of the month which now includes plastics has been positively received.
However, in terms of comments I am given, probably the biggest issue and this is common across the whole of East Surrey is the state of our local roads. Popes Lane remains a disgrace. It is an example that even when work is done the quality is sometimes substandard.
Tuesday, 16 October 2007
Ming Decides
Thursday, 11 October 2007
Protecting Children from Harm
This followed a number of reports of children buying alcohol there, followed up by a Trading Standards 'sting' on the store when a volunteer under-age teenager was sent in to try to buy booze. The teenager was served.
We clearly need to protect our children from abusing alcohol, but reading the decision of the committee I was please to see the balance that was struck. Instead of taking away or suspending their licence the firm was forced to introduce a training programme to ensure staff know what to do - with proof required to be produced that the training has been completed. Hopefully this step will stop the under-aged sales without impacting on those who are old enough to buy it.
If local residents want to alert Surrey Trading Standards to any other shops that sell to children they can call 01372 371700
100 Day Premiership
At the end of his first 100 days it looks like the Prime Minister has run out of steam. Labour look to be on catch-up for the rest of this Parliament with the Conservative Party setting the agenda.
The non-election fiasco was a mistake for Brown, but he would have recovered. In retrospect I think Tuesday's non-event CSR will be marked as the beginning of the end of his premiership.
Tuesday, 9 October 2007
Tandridge Council Tax Payers to Pay for Brown's Mismanagement
I think the - non-partisan- local government association put it best:
”This is the worst settlement for local government in a decade. Councils will continue to work hard for the people they serve but they face tough choices. The Chancellor’s announcement will mean above inflation rises in bills for council taxpayers and businesses, and there remains a black hole in funding for the care of the elderly.”
We are now all paying the price for the Prime Minister's profligate spending when the economy was doing well.
New Chancellor - Stolen Ideas
Sunday, 7 October 2007
Rockfield Road Flats - Appeal Dismissed
While clearly the owners of West Heath will be disappointed with the result, I am sure that most of its neighbours will agree with the planning inspector's findings that the proposal was too large to be appropriate to the surrounding area and would adversely impact on quality of life of its immediate neighbours.
This is a good result, with an inappropriate back garden development being prevented form harming the character of Oxted and Hurst Green.
End to Brown Bounce
With May 2009 likely (in my view) to be the date of the next election, I am now sure that this will be accompanied with a change in Prime Minister.
Thursday, 4 October 2007
Fire 2
Having taken my daughters to the playground off Mill Lane in Hurst Green we spotted smoke billowing from near the skateboard park on the King George Playing Fields. On investigating I found a bin was alight and some kids playing nearby on the skate ramp although they reported that it had been some older boys who had done the deed. At that point the bin was hot and smoking so I thought the only responsible thing to do was to call for help. Of course as soon I had done so the smoke started to subside so much that by the time the engine arrived complete with lights and two-tone horns there was not much to see.
In retrospect I still think I did the safe thing - even though it was a waste of time for all concerned. Should I have done any differently?
Fire 1
A 17 year old from Battersea has been sent by Redhill Magistrates for a Crown Court hearing. I hope this sends a cear message that those committing Arson will be caught.
Tuesday, 2 October 2007
Broken Promises
You wouldn't have to be too much of a cynic to conclude that the timing - drawing the Conservative Party conference wasn't coincidental. An autumn election appears to draw ever closer.
Monday, 1 October 2007
The Fightback Begins Now
I hope this will start to answer those critics who say that the current Conservative Party has no policies and is not Conservative enough.
Back to School
Hopefully this new generation will help encourage their parents to get involved.
Any Tandridge resident who doesn't have a Green Box (for cans and glass bottles and jars) or a Blue Bag (for paper, card and plastic bottles), or would like an extra one, should contact Amenity Services on 01883 732988 or 01883 732982, e-mail Amenityservices@tandridge.gov.uk.
Warning - Distraction Burglars about
Thursday, 27 September 2007
Boris 4 Mayor - Official
In my view this is great news for Londoners as they now have the chance to vote for a credible talented and enthusiastic candidate to replace Ken Livingstone.
Well Done Boris.
Tuesday, 25 September 2007
Brown's Speech/Autumn Election
Perhaps the public finance figures, also published yesterday, provide the answer. These show a worsening in the public sector deficit, worse that projected in the last Budget which was already forcing Brown as Chancellor to reign in on spending. This therefore is not good news for the Government.
It would therefore not be unreasonable for Brown to seek his own mandate from the country while people are feeling wealthy and are still willing to belive his promises rather than examining his record.
If I were him thats exactly what I would do - the polls suggest he would score a clear victory, Labour activists are buoyed and would campaign with enthusiasm. However, Brown is a cautious politician and he won't want to throw away the job he has wanted for so long.
The press today say he will wait until after the Conservative Conference before making a decision, but in my view the odds are now in favour of a General Election this year.
Monday, 24 September 2007
Police Raid Londis on Hurst Green Road
POLICE arrested five people after raiding a village shop they suspect is the hub of a credit card scam.
Ten officers stormed the Londis store, in Hurst Green Road, at 9am last Friday, seizing equipment from the shop before arresting three men aged 18, 24, and 37, and a 32-year-old woman from Oxted.
They also arrested a 23-year-old man from London and questioned all five in connection with fraud during the weekend before releasing them on bail while the investigation continues.
Officers spent Friday scouring the shop for evidence,turning away puzzled villagers approaching the store for groceries, and a group of refuse collectors who came to clear the rubbish.
For the full article see:
http://icsurreyonline.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0200surreyheadlines/tm_headline=police-raid-corner-shop-in-credit-card-scam-operation&method=full&objectid=19815132&siteid=50101-name_page.html
Sunday, 23 September 2007
Weekly Recycling in Oxted South from October
Well I can now confirm that on Tuesday 2 October, Tandridge District Council, in partnership with Biffa Waste Services, will roll out a weekly recycling service to 5,500 households in Hurst Green and Oxted. Recycling will be picked up on the usual collection day, but every week instead of fortnightly and includes the collection of plastic bottles.
In parts of Lingfield, Warlingham, Caterham Valley, Dormansland and Whyteleafe who have had the service since last summer weekly collections have increased the number of households taking part in recycling and the overall recycling rate to over 26%. By extending the service, the Council hopes even more households will recycle and reduce the amount of household waste sent to landfill.
Oxted in the News
To set-up an alert follow this link
Thanks to Roger Adcock for pointing this out to me.
Wednesday, 19 September 2007
Reassuring words
After wild rumours that Paddington has stopped eating Marmalade in favour of Marmite, Mr Bond has had to deliver a reassuring statement promising that Paddington has not deserted the orange sandwich filling. According to the BBC website he stated "It would require a good deal more than the combined current withdrawals from Northern Rock to wean him off marmalade".
I can now sleep soundly again.
I am on holiday for the next couple of days so apologies if there is a gap until the next entry.
Tuesday, 18 September 2007
Village Life
It was great to bump into so many people from the local area (literally in some cases as it was so busy). And to top it all I managed to win a prize on the tombola! An enjoyable way to pass the last Saturday of the Summer.
Friday, 14 September 2007
Housing in Tandridge Good News/Bad News
However this doesn't tell the whole story.
* This is a minimum, not a target. The Council has been told it cannot ration planning permissions.
* At current rates of building, the district would meet this target on 'windfall' sites alone - a windfall site is one not identified in the Local Development Framework (currently known as the local plan) and usually these are redevelopments of existing residential and industrial sites (including the notorious back garden developments). The Labour Government have told us that we have to ignore this and provide new sites for building anyway.
*As I have mentioned before the vast majority of Tandridge is Green Belt. New building will have to take place within the urban areas Caterham/Warlingham/Whyleafe, Woldingham and Oxted/Hurst Green. This will have to be achieved by 1) more back garden development, 2) The loss of green space or commercial sites in the towns 3) Loss of Green Belt. Either way these areas are going to get more built up.
Oh, and of course Hazel Blears, the Secretary of State and Yvette Cooper the Housing Ministers, could ignore all of this and make us build far more anyway
Thursday, 13 September 2007
No More Smoke Filled Rooms
We did so after hearing from the officers that by and large the ban has enforced itself with very few reported transgressions and in most of these cases an informal warning was all that was needed. Granting the power to issue notices will allow the Tandridge to deal with the very small number who refuse to play ball without going through the courts..
Tuesday, 11 September 2007
More on Brown
In this morning's Times Peter Riddell says the following 'As often with Mr. Brown, the doubt is not over the analysis, but over the myriad initiatives. He seems to believe that the appearance of activity is an answer.'
This I believe sets out a key difference in philosophy between this Brown Government and Cameron's Conservatives. While Conservatives believe in enabling society to develop a framework in which people can live their own lives, Labour believes in using the power of the state to regulate, cajole and control. But as we see time after time (e.g. Tax Credits, Sure Start Scheme, the dozens of unimplemented Criminal Justice Acts)these are often just expensive failures. A new approach is needed.
Taxing Times
On a serious point, the added complexity of the tax system has been caused by PM Brown, when as Chancellor he raised taxes by stealth to avoid big number increases in income tax and VAT. The result is that we have a very confusing and bureaucratic system which hits our international competitiveness and is often unfairest on the poorest in society.
Whatever the level of taxation we have, it would be an unambiguously good thing too have a simpler more straight forward system
Friday, 7 September 2007
Gordon's latest Gimmick - Citizens Juries
Unfortunately I don't think it is possible to take that statement at face value - Who are these citizens, who do they represent, how will they come up with decisions and how will these be implemented? In short I believe that these 'Juries' are no more than grandiosely titled focus groups, which will come up with a few ideas which will then go into the normal civil service policy making process.
It looks like Mr Brown is carrying on with the same old Labour Spin.
What we need are real powers being transferred back from central government and unelected quangos to local people to make decisions that affect their parish, their district and their county, not gimmicks designed to win headlines for a couple of days.
Wednesday, 5 September 2007
Tandridge Leisure pool re-open
But it is great to report that the Swimming Pool at Tandridge Leisure Centre reopened yesterday. Permanent repair work will take place over the next few months, but Tandridge Leisure are hopeful that this will not prove too disruptive.
Tuesday, 4 September 2007
Bring it on Gordon
Today however it looks less likely that one will be called, in the near future at least, as the polls are showing that the Brown bounce has started to subside and we are now running neck and neck with Labour in terms of popular support (albeit that unfortunately that applied to the House of Commons the result would still be a small majority for Labour in seats given the mechanics of our electoral system).
Given the Prime Minister has waited so long to get his hands on the levers of power, he would be a brave man to go the country at this stage, and given Mr Brown's cautious nature my feeling is that we still have some time to wait.
Friday, 31 August 2007
Plastic Recycling is Coming to Oxted and Hurst Green
In parts of the District where weekly recycling already occurs the proportion of households participating has risen from 55% to 75% and so this is a major step forward. This decision will make it even easier for Oxted South residents to reduce the amount of their waste going to landfill.
Telehone Mast To Go Ahead
I think this is a great shame as it shows a lack of willingness among the mobile phone operators to mast share in order to minimise the impact of their admittedly necessary developments on local communities. I only hope we have more success in future.
Wednesday, 29 August 2007
Education & Crime
I was particularly sad to note that this included the Sure Start Scheme, which is aimed at increasing the educational achievements of those in deprived areas. The tragic murder of Rhys Jones, shows just how important it is to improve the achievements and aspirations of young people living in deprived inner city areas. As a country we need to be tough on crime, tough on criminals, and be tough on its causes - poor educational achievement, indiscipline in schools, family breakdown, welfare dependency & gang culture. And to do this we need to take a long term approach and be honest that it may take a generation to fix.
Tuesday, 28 August 2007
Carton Recycling
Each year, UK beverage carton manufacturers produce approximately 55,000 tonnes of paper-based cartons for milk, juice, sauces and other liquid foods/drinks. This equates to around 2.3kg of cartons per household which could be recycled instead of thrown in the rubbish bin. In response, Tandridge District Council is working with Tetra Pak and the Alliance for Beverage Carton and the Environment (ACE UK) to establish carton collection points. Once collected they are taken away to be baled and then transported to a recycling mill. They are recycled into a number of different products, ranging from plasterboard liner to high-strength paper bags and envelopes.
Sunday, 26 August 2007
Leisure Centre Update - Pool to reopen by end of August
Friday, 24 August 2007
Scandal of Adoption Targets
Today's Times carry's an even more worrying report alleging that there are more than 100 of these 'wrongful adoption' cases every month and it appears that Government targets are to blame. Each year some 1,300 babies under a month old are placed in care before adoption, compared with 500 when the Government came to power.
The worst thing about all this is that the Courts will not reverse cases where children are wrongfully adopted, even when social services admit they have made a mistake. This should just not happen in a civilised society. Government needs to act to change this.
Thursday, 23 August 2007
NHS madness
In Oxted, we used to have a local district hospital but now, in common with vast swathes of East Surrey and Mid Sussex, the nearest A&E is in Redhill. Now if traffic is fine (ie no problem on the nearby M25) then the journey will take around 20-25 minutes, but when problems flare up (which they do frequently) then the journey will take much much longer. In a life threatening situation where every minute counts, this is just too far and when combined with the withdrawal of locally based out of hours GP cover then it really does increase the risk that residents will not receive vital treatment in time.
What we need is a return to locally based care. As a first step the Government could at least reassure us that existing provision (like Worthing Hospital, which was recently rebuilt at a huge cost) will not be closed in some bureaucratically dictated move to centralise 'care'.
Wednesday, 22 August 2007
August Police Neighbourhood Panel Meeting
However perhaps the topic that most concerned those present was one which isn't really the responsibility of the Police, that of the increasing number of very large continental European HGV lorries using Woodhurst lane to access the Fairview industrial estate on Holland Road. Quite often this results in blockages on the road and dangerous debris being knocked off the overhanging trees, which residents are having to remove from the road to prevent an accident occurring. According to some of those present there used to be signage on the A25 instructing lorries to use Wolfs Hill as the appropriate access Hurst Green and those at the meeting felt it would be beneficial if these were restored.
All these points will be followed up and the Police will report back at the next Panel Meeting in October.
Monday, 20 August 2007
Startling Facts about Quangos
While I am sure most are beneficial to society, it is questionable whether the likes of the Milk Development Council, the Tote or Design Council etc need to be funded at all by the taxpayer (or if they do to such an extent).
If Government were to only half the amount spent (to £84bn - which would still be more than 2 1/2 times spent when they came to office) they could abolish VAT and still have some left over for inheritance tax!
Friday, 17 August 2007
Ajax Update
While Police investigations into the fire continue, the new owners of the site have submitted a planning application to redevelop it. Instead of another factory, a mixed development is proposed with a Nursing Home, medical (dental of veterinary) facility, offices and some small light industry/warehouse units being planned. The developers also plan to re-site the access road to make it easier for lorries to access without blocking the whole of Holland Road.
My first reaction is that this is a positive development for Hurst Green as it will hopefully provide employment opportunities without a step increase in heavy goods vehicle using the Woodhurst Lane/Hurst Green Road/Holland Road route. However I would be interested in views from local residents. To view the plans see Tandridge District Council's Planning Interactive website. The application number is 2007/1142.
Thursday, 16 August 2007
Mobile Mast Madness
Government policy is for mobile operators to mast share where that is practical. In this case T mobile claim it is not, but this to me shows a lack of imagination. A fourth mast will start to make that area look very congested.
Oxted South residents have until 30 August to make their views know to the Council's Planning department.
BBC Bias
The idea that an in depth study taking a couple of years should be headlined a way which the story is seen purely through the prism of a Government Ministers groundless attack that the Conservative party has lurched to the right and then illustrated with a 14 year old picture of a politician's most embarrassing public moment indicates where some news editors affiliations lie.
And for a Blue Peter presenter to share a podium with Ken Livingstone also shows a lack of judgement (albeit on her part and not the BBC management's).
Tuesday, 14 August 2007
Update on Tandridge Leisure Centre
Yes to Scottish Vote on Independence.
Therefore I think it is fully right and proper if the Scots want to have a referendum on independence that they should have one, albeit one I would hope that results in a vote for a continued UK. I am also very open to the Scots being given even more power to decide on domestic issues, with one rather large caveat, that the same powers be given to English voters.
The current position is fundamentally undemocratic, with Scottish MPs being able to vote on English issues, but not vice versa. Devolution to Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales opens up the possibility of moving to a much more federated structure, although there is no need to create even more elected posts. Similar powers in England should be given to the Cities and Counties where feasible and to English MPs where not.
Monday, 13 August 2007
End State Sponsored Childhood Obesity
Clearly being overweight from the word go isn't going to help prevent obesity as the children get older. Therefore it is encouraging that new WHO charts have been backed in a report by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. I hope the government takes this on board and an early switch to these new charts occurs.
Friday, 10 August 2007
Tandridge Leisure Centre Update
Its at least some comfort that the de Stafford pool in Caterham has recently reopened, but the timing of this closure in the middle of the school holidays couldn't be worse.
Breaking News - Tandridge Leisure Centre
10am Update: There has been a small electrical fire in the plant room at Tandridge Leisure Centre in Oxted which has been extinguished and no-one was hurt. As a result all the electrics are down, so the centre is closed today. Tandridge Leisure are hoping to provide more information following a meeting at 12pm today.
Thursday, 9 August 2007
Popes Lane
A number of residents have contacted me about the poor state of Popes Lane road surface. This problem has been rumbling on for some time but my fellow ward councillors (as well as local County Councillors) have been keeping up pressure on the County Council and their contractor Carrillion. They have committed to making it good, we are now waiting for it to happen, though two deadlines have now been missed due to the poor weather in July.
In response to a question from a County Councillor Surrey Council Officers have given this explanation:
'Popes Lane and Fairchildes Road (which is suffering from a smiliar problem) are relatively lightly trafficked rural roads that had poor road profile and SCC considered them ideal for the retread process which has been used successfully in Surrey and across the country generally. The roads were 'retreaded' during March 2006, within the right weather conditions but quickly it became apparent that "fat" excess bitumen binder was present on the finished surface. This was creating a slippery surface for road users. SCC asked for a dressing of stone chips to absorb the excess binder and create a good surface for vehicle to break safely.
However, in the last few months it is clear that the issue has re-occurred and that the 'retread' process has not worked at these two sites. A new brief is currently being prepared for the sites. Alongside this we are going to commission an independent review to understand what has happened to date and what we need to learn for the future. Staff are also reviewing the need for any potential road closures and what can be done to minimise the problems in the short term'.
Tuesday, 7 August 2007
Where's our Referendum
Labour promised a referendum in their 2005 manifesto. Why won't they let us have one now?
Monday, 6 August 2007
House Price Boom?
Now, I strongly support the idea we need new social housing, but where it is needed and I do not think that central Government is best placed to tell us where. One key fact that often appears to be overlooked in this debate is that we are not looking at one housing market, but many - one bedroom flats are not likely to be appropriate in rural farmland, nor 5 bed houses in city centres.
Not all homes are the same and not all areas need the same mix of homes. But the effect of the Government's central planning (of the type the Soviet Union used to employ) has been to define targets for local areas. This is a a highly bureaucratic and undemocratic process. Please Mr Brown give power to local people to determine what is needed in their communities.
While on the housing topic, as of last Wednesday HIPS, are now mandatory for four bedroom houses. I doubt there can be many more over engineered, expensive, ineffective and bureaucratic solutions than this.
They
1 will not tackle gazumping
2 will destabilise the housing market
3 are not comprehensive enough to be trusted by buyers
4 are gold plating an EU regulation
5 are avoidable by clever marketing ( claiming you have 3 bedrooms plus a study/spare room)
6 are a way for Government to revalue Council Tax liability by stealth.
Saturday, 4 August 2007
Summer is here
However, it is worrying to see that the threat of Foot and Mouth has returned to Surrey. Hopefully the authorities have caught it in time to stop it spreading; but it is sure to come as yet another blow for livestock farmers following the problems caused by BSE in the 1990s and Foot and Mouth in 2001.
Thursday, 26 July 2007
Floods and Holidays
But to me the main lesson appears to be that we are not able to quickly deal with any prolonged and widespread impact on our infrastructure. If, as the scientific advice indicates, we are to experience more of these extreme weather events over the next thirty years as part of the climate change process we will need to adapt and invest in our crisis management infrastructure. This will need to be done at both a national and a local level. Flexibility will be required
I am going on holiday tomorrow to the Lake District for a week, road conditions allowing, so please excuse the lack of posts.
Tuesday, 24 July 2007
The summer is here
Good examples of this are yesterday's announcement of the Housing Green Paper and today's announcement on future railway investment. I admit I haven't read either in much depth, but at first sight it looks like both are little more than rehashes of previous initiatives. But (on the Green Paper at least) I will suspend my cynicism and give it a read over the next couple of weeks to see if it will do anything to give power back to Tandridge residents to set local priorities.
Monday, 23 July 2007
Floods
But it does show the importance of planning for these less frequent but high-impact events. I hope the post crisis analysis demonstrates that these crisis are best avoided by joined up planning (ie house building decisions being properly informed by flood risks) and properly funded defences and local preparedness. Perhaps it is time to return responsibility for local flood defence work to local authorities, leaving DEFRA and the Environment Agency to focus on national strategy.
Sunday, 22 July 2007
Half-right (well sort of)
So going into the summer (?) break it looks like Labour have the most to crow about with both other parties needing to do some work. The lesson for my party muct be to turn the proposals from the Conservative policy groups which are now reporting into concrete policies with which to fight any Spring 2008 election.
Thursday, 19 July 2007
Brown Bounce or Tory Triumph
Tuesday, 17 July 2007
Fire, Fire, Pour on Water
A brand new state of the art fire engine has just been delivered to the Surrey Fire and Rescuse Service at Godstone. The new appliance boasts new technology which is both more effective at fighting fires, uses less water, causes less water damage and is better for the environment.
The County Council have also lauched an anti arson campaign at teenagers. I think it is vital that this message gets across. Last month's fire mercifully involved no injuries, but so easily could have done, if the gas cyclinders found on site had not been old and empty So well done Surrey for working to deal with these risks.
Monday, 16 July 2007
Boris has decided
Fornightly Refuse Collections Slammed
The idea that it will promote recycling without posing a health hazard doesn't appear to be backed with sufficient evidence and the MPs found that it is more likely to lead to fly tipping.
Clearly we need to recycle more. But the best way of doing so will be to make recycling easier and more attractive for people to do. Just reducing the frequency waste collections without resident being provided with alternatives is short sighted. That is why Tandridge has chosen not to go down this route.
However there are things that we can do now to reduce landfill from food waste - e.g. by promoting home composting. And the most effective way of reducing unwanted waste must be to look at the source by reducing unnecessary packaging of products.
State Abuse of Power
That is clearly wrong and just shows how much the state can do in certain circumstances without any form of redress for those affected.
Friday, 13 July 2007
Healthy Tandridge
The good news, and it is mostly good news, is that life expectancy is above the average for England and it is increasing. Early deaths from cancer, strokes and heart disease is lower and people tend to live healthier lifestyles than on average.
However there are still challenges. The proportion of the over 65s is greater than elsewhere, 1 in 5 adults are classed as obsese and 1 in 7 binge drink. And it is still the case that 4,100 people live in low income households. This includes 1,300 children.
Looking specifically at Oxted South, life expectancy is 81 for men, 83 for women and the number of low income households about average for the district.
Click here if you'd like to read more details.
Wednesday, 11 July 2007
What about the Green Belt?
While Brown's spokesman has since denied that the Green Belt is at significant risk, what he cannot deny is that current government 'guidance' to planners states that they have to identify new sites for housing for the next 15 years, regardless as to whether they would actually be needed. There is no expection made for districts like ours where this will in practice mean building on the Green Belt.
Whatever the actual outcome it seems clear that Brown's Government remains as committed to imposing its own will on local areas as Blair's was. Local people are still not going to be able to take the decisions that matter most to them. Tandridge needs new housing, but local experience has shown that we are able to provide this without having to resort to green belt building.
Tuesday, 10 July 2007
The Grand Tour
And for those of you out there who think the life of a Councillor is nothing but freebies and expenses paid junkets I should record for the record that I am now the proud owner of a pencil made from a recycled coffee cup. I knew there was a reason I wanted to be elected....
Monday, 9 July 2007
Boris 4 Mayor
So today this blog comes out in favour of Boris Johnson for London's next Mayor.
Boris is a clever, popular and effective Conservative. His buffoonish image masks a great intellect, but he is an effective manager and communicator. What's more he would be a substantial rival for Ken Livingstone, who after nearly approaching 8 years in the job is tired and increasingly ineffective.
All that's needed now is for him to be convinced that he should stand.
Friday, 6 July 2007
29 Years 364 Days
Graduated
Started Work in London
Bought first Flat in Bermondsey
Became Politically Active
Bought Second Flat in Rotherhithe
Found God
Bought House in Oxted,
Married Helen
Eldest Daughter Born
Joined St John's Church PCC
Elected to Tandridge District Council
Youngest Daughter Born
In retrospect I doubt any future decade will be anywhere near as momentous. They say age brings wisdom, but it appears clear to me now that you make your most important decisions early in life.
Thursday, 5 July 2007
All Washed Out
While some of that is an issue for government - most will be for the private sector; households and businesses. For that to happen I feel that the media coverage of environmental issues needs to change, from being purely focused on encouraging us all to act altruistically for the sake of the planet and future generations, by recycling and using less energy, to also bringing home that we may need to prepare to make changes to our homes and the way we live to cope with the climate change that is already happening.
This was brought home to me at a breakfast briefing I attended a couple of weeks back, where one of the speakers, an Oxford Professor, made it very clear that the next thirty years of climate change has already been determined one way or another, there is nothing we can do to reverse it and we need to react now to the challenges that will bring or face the consequences of doing nothing.
Wednesday, 4 July 2007
Where's the radicalism Mr Brown?
So I have two questions
1. Why did he not attempt to complete the devolution settlement? Limiting discussion of English issues to English MPs is the only fair and practical solution to Scottish and Welsh devolution.
2. Why did he not return the powers held by the regions to local communities? That together with giving local people real powers over planning, local quangos like NHS PCTs and the police would do more to reengage people with politics than gimmicks like citizens juries.
Tuesday, 3 July 2007
Not Balls
So my hat goes off to Kitty Ussher , Ed Balls' successor as Economic Secretary to HM Treasury, who this morning had to give the opening address at a conference I attended. She made a creditable attempt at putting into her own words a summary she had probably little time to read let alone understand.
Monday, 2 July 2007
Residents' Station Parking Concerns Recognised by County Council
For those who don't know the area, every morning a large number of cars are parked on Mill Lane at the junction with Hurst Green road. This situation is treacherous for local residents as cars have to enter and exit the road 'blind' to oncoming traffic and for pedestrians it is even more dangerous, with the lack of footpath forcing parents with buggies to walk in the road where they are not seen by approaching vehicles.
Following campaigning by local Conservatives, especially by former Tandridge Council Chairman Barry Compton, Surrey County Council now plan to place parking restrictions between 7.30 and 9.30 am each weekday morning to prevent a build up of cars at this busy junction,and one on Hallsland Way to prevent the problem spreading.
However it is likely to be a number of months before this is implemented and with a full station car park, it is clear that this is a far from ideal state of affairs for commuters, and it is clear that a longer term solution is needed for the ever growing numbers of commuters who use Hurst Green station.
Sunday, 1 July 2007
Two last thoughts on the reshuffle
And what does this mean for the reform of the House of Lords? Appointing five new peers in the first week to do Ministerial jobs is hardly consistent with supporting an elected upper house.
Friday, 29 June 2007
What does this all mean?
1. Its not so much change as rotation - the same old people, different jobs.
2. Brown's 'administration of all the talents' is distinctly mixed. The appoinment of the former Deputy UN Secretary General as Minister for Africa, Asia and the UN may well be inspired, but that of Tory defector Shan Woodward as Northern Ireland Secretary appears to be driven by getting another Cabinet Minister for free (as he will not be paid a Ministerial salary) and to make up for failing to net Lord Ashdown.
3. Despite the hyped headlines (and the new name for the DTI) there is only one significant change and that is splitting education in two. Only time will tell whether that is effective at giving more focus to its constituent parts, or whether it will be a bureaucratic nightmare.
4. Lack of Deputy PM is relatively irrelevant - Ed Balls is his true deputy.
Wednesday, 27 June 2007
Goodbye Mr Blair
I remember very well the night Blair came to power. I was a student and, as a Conservative supporter, was distinctly in the minority as I watched the results rolled in at an Election Night party to the many cheers of those around me. Even so it was hard not to feel some of the optimism of those fellow party goers - the Conservative Government was tired and a change was needed. Ten years on, and I have spent the whole of my working life to date under a Labour Government. Looking back it could have been worse, and I expect under other Labour leaders it would have been, (but then again any other Labour leader probably wouldn't have lasted so long) and Blair has some successes to his name especially ending the terror in Northern Ireland. But today I again feel optimistic, as the countdown to the next Conservative government has started. Mr Brown may have some more surprises lined up, but fundamentally his is a tired government heading to the end of its natural life.
Blair was undoubtedly one of the most successful British politicians, and his reforming of the Labour Party to make them electable is perhaps his lasting legacy, but I suspect his record as a Prime Minister will be judged as a time of wasted opportunity and government by gimmick.
Tuesday, 26 June 2007
Quentin Davies MP has defected to Labour
Any suggestions?
Monday, 25 June 2007
Harriet's first U turn
During the deputy leadership camaign she said "I agree" when Jon Cruddas told Newsnight that the Labour Party should "say sorry". However on this morning's edition of the Today programme she said "I've never said the government should apologise."
Brown's 'clunking fist' has clearly made an early impression!
What does localism mean in practice?
• The ultimate decision making body should be the most local possible unit of Government
• Authority and control should rest with democratically elected representatives, not with unelected Quangos. Elected Leaders may choose to use Quangos to deliver, but the elected body should determine the allocation of its funds.
• There should be a clear and simple structure, so that everyone knows who is in charge and who is responsible
• If Local Government is charged with leading the renaissance of our Cities, they must be able to attract consistently people of the highest calibre into leadership roles
• Local Government should be genuinely empowered
Now clearly Heseltine's remit was the regeneration of our cities, however most of these principles can be applied to the Shire Counties and Districts as well. In my view by adapting the Taskforce's conclusion the following four prescriptions would be a good way forward outside the cities:
1. Decision making should be democratic and local. Powers that are currently held by Quangos and the Regional Assemblies should be devolved to Unitary or County Councils. Powers over local decision making like local roads and schools should be devolved to District (or Unitary) Councils. Decisions on truly local issues - like residential planning decision should go to the lowest level (Ward Councillors - perhaps sitting with Parish Councillors).
2. The primary role of the council is that of a decision making and commissioning body for service provision. However Councils should be free to go beyond this. If local preference is for councils (of any tier) to deliver services themseves that benefit their community they should be able to. Councils should be able to work together where they feel it is beneficial, and should have freedom to do so across county or regional boundaries.
3. Councils need strong, dynamic and full-time paid leadership. I feel that full-time elected chief executives would be best placed to lead councils (either directly elected mayors or a cabinet system) with other (part-time) councillors acting as scrutineers. To ask individuals to do this part-time on a modest allowance restricts the pool of talent available. However this again should be decided locally. One size does not fit all - and it maybe that the committee structure would continue to work well for some councils.
4. The precise structure of the councils should also be decided by local people. Councils should be the right size to deliver for the population they serve. This may mean the preservation of district and county split; it could be a local preference for a unitary authority, or it could be some other 2 tier arrangement, whereby through joint working various district councils join together to take forward the more strategic issues. Police and Fire Services should continue to be subject to local democratic oversight , and local NHS Primary Care trusts should also be subject to a similar regime.
I should conclude by making very clear that this is my personal view and certainly not that of the Tandridge Conservative Group.
Sunday, 24 June 2007
New Labour Leaders?
So on Wednesday the fight for the next election will start for real. Cameron versus Brown. While the polls may show that Labour now has a three point lead - a bounce for the the incomming PM; this is the froth which I would expect to accompany an uncontested six week crowning of Brown (admittedly ably abetted by the Tory Grammer School debate). Compared to the 15 plus point jump in Conservatve fortunes following Major's assumption of the Conservative leadership from Thatcher in 1990, the recovery in Labour's rating is very modest and easily reversable.
What I expect the next year to show is that Brown and Harman have nothing new of substance to offer. Both have been associated with New Labour since its beginning and Brown has 'previous' at reheating existing policies as new announcements. In my view it will be the Conservatives, with the policy groups setting reporting over the summer, who will be best placed to adopt and articulate the policies that the country needs. Today's election of old New Labour leaders must therefore be a victory for Conservatives.
Mobile Phone Masts
Thursday, 21 June 2007
Childcare to continue at Tandridge Leisure Centre
TLL is looking to make the best use of the crèche space, which has been operating at just over a third of capacity for some time. TLL do not think this is sustainable. Their decision to focus the crèche on times pf peak demand this will enable the Centre to extend its services to the public by also using the space for other activities such as additional group exercise classes, as a training venue and for private hire.
While it is clearly disappointing for Crèche users that Tandridge Leisure has decided to restrict the times that childcare will be available, it is good that they have recognised that there is a continuing need for to provide a facility.
Wednesday, 20 June 2007
Hurst Green Fire - 3 Arrests Made
Surrey police are keen to speak to witnesses in relation to the matter.Particularly if you saw people at the industrial estate on Sunday 17th June between 12.00pm and 3.00pm. If you have any information please call 0845 125 2222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Oxted Car Parking Changes
Following the changes there will still be free parking in Ellice Road car park for Oxted shoppers and, while limited to four hours, this benefit will apply even before 9.30am. But the biggest change is that even though motorists do not need to pay, they must now get a pay and display ticket and put it in their windscreen.
The Johnsdale Road car park will now be for permit holders only, freeing up space in the Ellice Road facility.
Tuesday, 19 June 2007
Citizens Advice Bureau - The Experts
During the course of the meeting it was made very clear that despite the voluntary status of the advisors, the quality of the advice given was highly professional. And it is reassuring that with a number of new advisors currently undergoing training, the future of this service seems secure.
The CAB and organisations like it are living proof of David Cameron's maxim that 'there is such a thing as society, it is just not the same thing as the state'.
Popes Lane
Warren Lane
Monday, 18 June 2007
Hurst Green Fire Update:
However the BBC reports that an exclusion zone remains in place around the old Ajax factory, in Holland Road, to allow other gas cylinders to cool. Firefighters used ground monitors to cool the gas cylinders and are keeping a "watching brief" as it is still unsafe to enter the building. Police said Barnfield Way and Holland Road would remain closed to traffic and residents until the area was declared safe, which is expected to be this afternoon at the earliest.
Fire investigators and police are looking into the cause of the fire. Fortunately it appears that no-one was injured in the fire.
Sunday, 17 June 2007
Breaking News - Fire
On a serious note, there are apparently some unexploded gas cannisters inside the building - if this is arson (hard to think what else might have caused it) - it was a highly reckless thing to do.
Friday, 15 June 2007
International Exposure
I suspect my weekly council news cuttings will be a bit thicker than normal this week as the story is being covered by newspapers as far a afield (pardon the pun) as Texas and Australia.
Thursday, 14 June 2007
National Cycle Week
I'm sorry to say that my bike has been sitting unriden for the past couple of years. Hopefully as my daughters get a bit older that will change.
But for those of you who have the energy a Tandridge Cycle Ride is being held on Sunday 1 July, starting at 2pm from Hurst Green Station car park travelling to Lingfield and back on a circular route. If you are interested in taking part in the cycle ride please contact Trish Bloxham on 01883 732974, e-mail tbloxham@tandridge.gov.uk.
Wednesday, 13 June 2007
Dictat not Democracy
If any proof were needed that this Labour Government is committed to the centralization of power and decision making at the expense of local democracy then I saw it clearly demonstrated last night. Government 'guidance' notes are leading to remote planning inspectors, based in Bristol, overturning decisions made by elected Councillors based on local plans that have been adopted following public consultation and previously approved by Ministers.
The most concerning aspect is not that the planning inspectorate is ensuring that local authorities take decisions in accordance with the rules - which in my view is the role for an inspector should take - but over issues of housing design and character. Surely local councillors, who live and understand their localities are better able to decide what is in keeping with their communities and what isn't, than the individual prejudices of an unelected individual.
Summer Jams
The one facility that they do have is a skate park. The Tandridge Community Safety Partnership is currently running a series of Summer Jams are to promote the legitimate use of public skate parks and surrounding open spaces in Tandridge. The one in Hurst Green will take place on 28 July where there will be a range of activities and interests including the BMX, Skateboarding and In-Line competitions, sports, art and music. Young people will be organising and contributing to competitions, performing live music and acting as stewards.
This is a positive initiative and I do hope they are well attended.
Tuesday, 12 June 2007
Spin Over Substance
It is certainly possible to argue what has caused this. In my opinion the focus of Labour, and especially Alastair Campbell, on satisfying the media's needs for activity and proposals above that of good Government has contributed to this result. But to be fair it is also true that following the development firstly of rolling news channels and then more recently of the internet the rules of the game changed substantially. Stories are now broken in real time (by both mainstream news outlets and increasingly by 'amateur' bloggers) and so maintream media have reacted to changing market place.
And on this I agree with the PM - for the sake of a healthy democracy and proper debate, there is a need for more focus on reporting the facts (and the detail), not just on commenatary. Hopefully the recent changes to how the internet is used will actually help matters, with blogs filling the gaps that mainstream press, radio and television neglect.
Not a million miles away
Oxted is positioned in the far eastern corner of Surrey. To the north is Bromley and Croydon , to the east and south east Kent, to the south Sussex and to the West the rest of Surrey. Therefore going eastwards the next largish town is Sevenoaks, similarly a commuter town into London. So the news that yesterday Police shot dead a woman in Sevenoaks, does bring home the fact that although Surrey is a very safe place to live, the darker side of life isn't restricted to London.
Friday, 8 June 2007
Waste not, Want not
Each UK household produces over 1 tonne of rubbish annually, amounting to about 31 million tonnes for the UK each year
Every year, the average dustbin contains enough unrealised energy for 500 baths, 3500 showers or 5,000 hours of television.
On average every person in the UK throws away their own body weight in rubbish every 7 weeks
Every 8 months the UK produces enough waste to fill Lake Windermere (the largest lake in England)
In less than 2 hours the UK produces enough waste to fill the Albert Hall
The cost of managing the municipal waste produced in England is around £1.6 million per year
For some more facts and info see www.recyclenow.org.uk
Four Weeks Paternity Leave!
Labour Minister Beverley Hughes has been slapped down by the DTI for proposing that new Fathers be given 4 weeks off.
While I would have loved an additional two weeks at home I don't seriously think that there is a good reason justify extending the two-weeks statutory leave men are now entitled too.
The aim paternity leave should be to help look after the mother and any existing children in the immediate aftermath of the new baby's arrival. However fathers have to return to work at some point and in my view the balance between helping families and imposing an additional burden on businesses (especially small business) is now about right. We already have the right to request take additional unpaid leave in the child's first seven years.
The rationale for Ms Hughes' proposal was that research shows children with an actively involved father have better behaviour and improved attainment at school. While I don't doubt that this is the case, in my view no amount of additional government sponsored time-off can guarantee this. If a father wants to be actively involved with his children he will be, and good community role models are more likely to change the behaviour of some feckless fathers than government dictat.
Wednesday, 6 June 2007
Seeing Double
A recipe for confusion? Let's hope not.
Tuesday, 5 June 2007
Power to the People
Having had a think - here's my eight (some of which I have borrowed from them):
1. Devolve the power the Scots Parliament has in Scotland to Councils in England with the principle that power goes to the lowest sensible level
2. Reform council governance - allow local people to determine the structure of council that best suits their needs.
3. Bring all quangos under democratic control (whether that be Parliament, or better still for bodies such as NHS primary care trusts to county and district councils)
4. Allow local people to choose (via the ballot box) what services their council provides and how they do it (including how they charge for it)
5. Referenda should be held on all constitutional changes (Europe, Devolution etc)
6. End the Crown Prerogative for senior appointments and hold confirmation hearings in parliament
7. Reformed House of Lords should be a Chamber of the Regions, with councillors representing the counties, cities, boroughs and districts
8. Introduce a new Bill of Rights
Any views?
Sunday, 3 June 2007
How to effectively recycle
Thank You
Friday, 1 June 2007
Hypocrisy
For anyone who read the first version, my apologies, but I blame my 12 day old daughter who started to make herself known quite forcefully while I was trying to finish it (thats my excuse and like any politician I'm sticking to it!)
Thursday, 31 May 2007
Echos of the 1990s, but still a long way to go.
The result has been sewn up for Brown for some years now, but the lack of contest, as Obsorne makes clear still means we have no idea of what he stands for.
However, without exception the 6 candidates for the Deputy's job all stand for the same thing - a lurch to the left. Even arch Blairite Hazel Blears is saying we need more public ownership. As Obsorne says, 'Labour is retreating into its left-wing comfort zone'. Today's attempt by the Brown camp getting a slap-down in is clearly an effort close the lid on this genie, but as we saw with a succession of Tory leaders, once a party decides to leaves the centre ground in order to shore up its core support it is very difficult for a leader to resist or reverse.
If Labour continue along this path then it will surely lose the next election, however that won't be enough for a Conservative victory.
I believe that for that to be assured three things are required.
1- Clarity over policy. i.e. a local choice over schooling, should be a genuine local choice;
2- Professionalism in conveying policy. Messages should be clear and free of spin;
3- Unity of purpose. An end to division.
The past fortnight has been an example in how not to do the first- as long as the lesson is learnt, the party should be able to move forward. Today's appointment of a professional Director of Communications will help achieve the second. On the third the party has been broadly united since Howard took over the leadership, however the ease in which division came is worrying.
The Grammer School issue must be a one-off for the party to win next time.
Monday, 28 May 2007
Grammar Schools and Social Mobility
While standing by my earlier comments that I believe that the number and type of schools an area has should be decided by local people, I actually think that many of the arguments Willetts makes against both reintroducing selection and against the comprehensive system are sound and it is a shame that much of the subsequent debate has been focussed on his comments on selection.
Grammar Schools were an effective solution to the problems faced between the 1940s and 1970s. This (still newish) century requires a different answer, because the situation is no longer the same.
Willetts makes the case that one (and perhaps the most important) reason why education matters is to provide social mobility, allowing the brightest working class pupils to do as well as their middle class peers - true equality of opportunity. This is what the Grammar schools used to help achieve. While people played by the rules of the Grammar/Secondary Modern game then all was OK, but following the introduction of Comprehensive Schools social mobility started to break down. Middle class parents increasingly used money (directly, by funding private education or private tuition, or indirectly, via moving house to be closer to a popular school and by funding after school activities), or their own educational advantages by helping at home. All schools (including the remaining Grammars) then tended to entrench advantage rather than promote mobility. Willetts backs this up with a wealth of evidence.
The case against introducing new Grammar schools today is that selection at 11 is now likely to be too late to help those from poorer backgrounds succeed and not be popular with the parents of the 80% of children that don't get a place there. There are better ways of raising standards - better discipline, streaming within schools , good management and leadership - all of which should make for better teaching. And only once there are enough good education options for all children will education outcomes by improved for all children (not just those of middle class parents).
How then do we proceed? Willetts (and I agree with this) says that 'supply side' reform is needed. However well designed no admissions system will provide a decent opportunity for every child unless parents have a genuine choice of schools, and outside of London and the bigger towns and cities, it also means a choice between schools which are locally accessible.
In my view this means that over-subscribed schools need to be able to expand and successful schools take over unsuccessful schools. And new schools need to be allowed to be opened, by local government, by groups or parents, charities, educational trusts and businesses. All schools need to have more freedom in how they are run and how they are structured and where they get their services (especially non-teaching - e.g., finance, maintenance) from. This will require a less centralised and bureaucratic approach and more local accountability. The roles for central government would be to set minimum standards (not detailed criteria) and local government would be as a service provider (including where there is demand, of schools) and a commissioner of services in the case of market failure.
However this is much easier to say than to implement - the challenges facing the next Conservative Government is to make all this happen, without introducing too much bureaucracy. Continuing with City Technology Colleges and City Academies are only one option, there are others, including if there were to be demand, Grammar Schools!