Cor! Busy news day today. I have only managed to get one post out, and that was mainly copypasta. It is a good read, though.
The big news today, of course, is the European Court ruling on the four Christians that were claiming some sort of religious discrimination or wrongful dismissal, or something. Only one of them had their case upheld, and I disagree with that. Especially in light of Stephen Law's article.
One item that - for some unknown reason - didn't seem to make the news, was that the Cornwall Council General meeting voted against introducing a plan that would see the county's poorest people footing the entire bill for central Government cuts. I don't hold these people in very high regard, but the right decision was returned today. The Conservatives had better watch their backs at the local elections in May. UPDATE: BBC has a report here.
Short intro tonight. It is getting late and I plan a busy morning ahead.
Showing posts with label Cornwall Council. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cornwall Council. Show all posts
Tuesday, 15 January 2013
Friday, 11 January 2013
#Cornwall: Dog fouling - prevention and punishment.
As a new owner of an English Springer Spaniel puppy, the issue regarding dog fouling on parks and pavements has become all the more real to me of late. Laws have been in place since 16 July 2010 to deal with the problem, but little seems to be done to enforce them.
Cornwall Council has a county-wide approach to this problem, where offending owners are fined if caught. Their website states:
Wadebridge has recently made an effort to both educate the public and enforce it, and I applaud their efforts so far. If only Penzance's councillors would do the same. The problem with the article, though, is that it intimates that the commitment to this crack-down (where the police will accompany them) will be limited to one single day. I will be interested to see how this awareness drive reaches its goals. At least they are trying.
As part of my manifesto for the local elections in May, I propose that together with my local community group, Neighbourhood Together Partnership, we organise a team of residents that walk around the ward and carry out a number of functions in a largely unofficial manner.
When I used to live in Sweden, my community there had a similar project. Teams of two people would work out routes where they would engage with the people they encountered and chatted with them about community problems, thoughts and solutions. They would use the time they would have otherwise spent on after dinner walks and dog exercising to present a visible community presence. So that everyone knew who they were (and not just some random vigilante or weirdo). They were issued with distinctive yellow jackets to protect them from the Nordic elements, and so that they were instantly recognisable. For their own protection, their routes were recorded and backed up by the local police.
It struck me as quite bizarre that these little twosomes were hanging around with the local oiks and simply having a chat and a laugh with them, but why should that be? Their sheer presence created a deterrent because they all knew that whatever mischievousness they might have been up to could be reported back to their parents if they weren't careful. But I digress.
Wadebridge has authorised 6 people to carry out the on-the-spot fines for dog fouling, so why do we not train a group of enthusiastic volunteers to do the same in our own communities? There are other benefits too. It serves as an important tool for 'neighbourhood watch' where the police work closely with the community to reduce crime. More than that, it is a good excuse for people to get out and get a little exercise Needless to say, it helps gel community spirit, simply by having people working together from the same community and engaging with one another.
The best thing, though? The cost. This sort of group costs very little to set up. There are already people that are concerned enough to volunteer their time to community awareness (at least in my area), and whatever equipment is required for the visible presence could be funded by insurance sponsorship, community grants, proceeds from dog fouling fines or any number of ways. It really is a simple solution to quite an array of community issues.
Having spoken to a number of people on this very subject myself, a recurring theme appears to be bringing back the dog licence. I think this is a great idea. It instils a sense of responsibility into the dog owner, gives the issuing authority a good idea of the dog population and its condition and the monies raised from the fees could be put directly back into the communities in the form of training, awareness and emergency veterinary costs, amongst other things. Undoubtedly, veterinary practices would support such an enterprise, and could become contracted licence issuers when owners take their dogs for an annual check-up. The details need to be honed, but I feel the idea is strong and there would be a great deal of support for such a move.
So what can we do right now?
Here is my check-list of activities to encourage responsible dog ownership:
Write to the 'Dog Welfare and Enforcement Service' at Cornwall Council and ask;
Set up an on-line poll.
That is just off the top of my head, but I am sure people have other ideas that will benefit dogs, dog-owners, communities and local authorities, so please add your suggestions in the comment box below.
It is late here now, so I shall have to write my letter when I have more time. I have to walk the dog now!
If you would like to report a dog fouling incident to the council, click here to fill in their on-line form here. Or if you find your dog waste bin is full please contact the Refuse and Recycling Department on 0300 1234 141. There is also the issue of whether or not you can walk your dog on certain beaches. Check here to find out which are suitable, and at which time of year.
Cornwall Council has a county-wide approach to this problem, where offending owners are fined if caught. Their website states:
Failing to clean up after your dog has fouled will result in a fixed penalty being issued - which is for £80 (reduced to £50 if paid within 10 days) or prosecution where if found guilty you would face a maximum fine of £1000.This is all well and good, but what is the council doing to enforce it, and how often is someone caught offending?
Wadebridge has recently made an effort to both educate the public and enforce it, and I applaud their efforts so far. If only Penzance's councillors would do the same. The problem with the article, though, is that it intimates that the commitment to this crack-down (where the police will accompany them) will be limited to one single day. I will be interested to see how this awareness drive reaches its goals. At least they are trying.
As part of my manifesto for the local elections in May, I propose that together with my local community group, Neighbourhood Together Partnership, we organise a team of residents that walk around the ward and carry out a number of functions in a largely unofficial manner.
When I used to live in Sweden, my community there had a similar project. Teams of two people would work out routes where they would engage with the people they encountered and chatted with them about community problems, thoughts and solutions. They would use the time they would have otherwise spent on after dinner walks and dog exercising to present a visible community presence. So that everyone knew who they were (and not just some random vigilante or weirdo). They were issued with distinctive yellow jackets to protect them from the Nordic elements, and so that they were instantly recognisable. For their own protection, their routes were recorded and backed up by the local police.
It struck me as quite bizarre that these little twosomes were hanging around with the local oiks and simply having a chat and a laugh with them, but why should that be? Their sheer presence created a deterrent because they all knew that whatever mischievousness they might have been up to could be reported back to their parents if they weren't careful. But I digress.
Wadebridge has authorised 6 people to carry out the on-the-spot fines for dog fouling, so why do we not train a group of enthusiastic volunteers to do the same in our own communities? There are other benefits too. It serves as an important tool for 'neighbourhood watch' where the police work closely with the community to reduce crime. More than that, it is a good excuse for people to get out and get a little exercise Needless to say, it helps gel community spirit, simply by having people working together from the same community and engaging with one another.
The best thing, though? The cost. This sort of group costs very little to set up. There are already people that are concerned enough to volunteer their time to community awareness (at least in my area), and whatever equipment is required for the visible presence could be funded by insurance sponsorship, community grants, proceeds from dog fouling fines or any number of ways. It really is a simple solution to quite an array of community issues.
Having spoken to a number of people on this very subject myself, a recurring theme appears to be bringing back the dog licence. I think this is a great idea. It instils a sense of responsibility into the dog owner, gives the issuing authority a good idea of the dog population and its condition and the monies raised from the fees could be put directly back into the communities in the form of training, awareness and emergency veterinary costs, amongst other things. Undoubtedly, veterinary practices would support such an enterprise, and could become contracted licence issuers when owners take their dogs for an annual check-up. The details need to be honed, but I feel the idea is strong and there would be a great deal of support for such a move.
So what can we do right now?
Here is my check-list of activities to encourage responsible dog ownership:
Write to the 'Dog Welfare and Enforcement Service' at Cornwall Council and ask;
- How many dog enforcement officers there are covering the areas that affect me?
- Where can I find information on the number of offences committed and fined/prosecuted?
- What is the legal requirement for someone to act as a proxy dog enforcement officer, able to issue on-the-spot fines?
- If a community group were formed to patrol a given area, what support could the council offer such a group to assist in their work?
- Does the council have the authority to pass a law (or by-law) regarding the issuance of dog licences, and are there any plans to do so?
I think I will be copying this letter to my local MP, town councillor and the local paper too. Can't do any harm.
Write to my local veterinarians and ask for their opinion on the above letter, and they have any salient advice or suggestions?
Set up an on-line poll.
That is just off the top of my head, but I am sure people have other ideas that will benefit dogs, dog-owners, communities and local authorities, so please add your suggestions in the comment box below.
It is late here now, so I shall have to write my letter when I have more time. I have to walk the dog now!
If you would like to report a dog fouling incident to the council, click here to fill in their on-line form here. Or if you find your dog waste bin is full please contact the Refuse and Recycling Department on 0300 1234 141. There is also the issue of whether or not you can walk your dog on certain beaches. Check here to find out which are suitable, and at which time of year.
Friday, 14 December 2012
#Cornwall Council bleeding the poor for nearly 5 x our weight per capita.
According to the excellent Guardian Data site, Cornwall Council's demand that I - and the other poorest people in the county - pay 25% of my Council Tax Benefit, means that those that are not in receipt of benefits escape any and all of the cuts that central Government has made whilst the poorest have to pay approximately five times the amount per capita of the county.
Let me clarify:
Let me clarify:
- My contribution to CTB under the Council's plans mean that I will be paying an extra $246 per year.
- Set against the £48 the cuts will cost me, this represents bad value for money.
- At 5 times the cost of the cuts, I am subsidising those that can afford to pay.
- The contribution made by those who are not in receipt of CTB will be exactly £0 per year.
- Set against the £48 the cuts will 'cost' then, this represents robbing the poor to pay your own debt.
- By not paying anything to counter the cuts, those that can afford to pay are off-setting their financial losses against those that have nothing.
Seriously! What is wrong with people? How can this be a difficult concept to get your head around?
The poor do not have any money, because they are poor. Cornwall Council thinks that it is the poor that are best suited and funded to bail their national party's mess. Well, let me just say this.
"Over my cold, dead body!"
Explain to me how the poor pay for the entirety of the cuts and those that are not considered poor enough to warrant getting CTB at all pay nothing? NOTHING?
Other posts in the series
- Do you get Council Tax Benefit in #Cornwall? Then bloody well read this and do something about it.
- #Cornwall Council's Cabinet is broken. Not to worry; I've reported it. #BloodFromStone
- #Cornwall Council Cabinet decision gets locals commenting. Not #BloodFromStone at all.
- Idiot quote from #Cornwall Council leader, Jim Currie
Join the Social Network Pages
- Facebook The Great Cornwall Council Poverty Tax
- Twitter using the #BloodFromStone hashtag
- Google+ The Great Cornwall Council Poverty Tax
Idiot quote from #Cornwall Council leader, Jim Currie
“While we recognise that this recommendation will cause difficulties for some people in Cornwall, the stark truth is that the Council does not have the money to pick up the bill for this”-Jim Currie. Conservative Leader of Cornwall Council
Why is this idiotic? Because he thinks the poorest people in the county do have the money to pick up the bill.
Here is a question for Mr Currie:
Considering I have a negative annual income, and that I suspect that you do not, who is better situated of the two of us to 'pick up the bill', as you put it?This isn't empty rhetoric. I want an answer, Mr Currie.
Other posts in the series
- Do you get Council Tax Benefit in #Cornwall? Then bloody well read this and do something about it.
- #Cornwall Council's Cabinet is broken. Not to worry; I've reported it. #BloodFromStone
- #Cornwall Council Cabinet decision gets locals commenting. Not #BloodFromStone at all.
Join the Social Network Pages
- Facebook The Great Cornwall Council Poverty Tax
- Twitter using the #BloodFromStone hashtag
- Google+ The Great Cornwall Council Poverty Tax
Do you have a message for our illustrious Leader? Please leave a comment below. I will be emailing him a link at jcurrie@cornwall.gov.uk
#Cornwall Council Cabinet decision gets locals commenting. Not #BloodFromStone at all.
"Okay. I have found the words.
Cornwall Council is spinning this story to make you feel bad for them being short-changed from central Government's deep pockets/long arms ratio, but it is downright insulting of them to suggest that they don't feel the Cornish tax payers should shoulder that burden, only to then put that burden wholly and directly on the county's poorest people. It is shockingly arrogant beyond belief.
In fact the money they stand to make from this little enterprise actually exceeds that they claim is the shortfall; all at the expense of the poor. I applaud their cheek, if nothing else. 25,000+ more homeless.
And to all you nay-sayers below; do you really think there are enough jobs to go around to save this situation? Really? What about those of us that are on ESA or DLA? Should we just be thrown in the bin along with the tightly squeezed toothpaste tubes? There's no paste left, and no method to obtain any more.
A number of you here will recognise me from my posts regarding religion. Clearly that is not my only area of activism, and I shall not be taking this lying down. At the following link, you will find a post I have quickly hashed together with why this deal sucks for me personally (it is my blog after all), followed by a checklist of what the other 25,000+ people that will be affected by this recommendation can do to stop it.
http://www.mygodlesslife.com/2012/12/do-you-get-council-tax-benefit-in.html
I have a readership of some 5,000 a month, over 8,000 social network contacts, am already in contact with The Cornishman, and my local Cornwall and Penzance Town councillor (who has already committed herself to voting against the recommendation - thanks Ruth Lewarne). And I am a long way from over yet; we have a month to mobilise.
Andrew George MP will be next. Perhaps he would like to join the Facebook or Google+ groups 'Great Cornwall Council Poverty Tax', or start Tweeting with the #BloodFromStone hashtag to highlight the issue. Whatever, I and a great many people like me will be marching on Truro in the run up to the Full Council meeting at 10:30am on January 15th to remind the Cabinet that there is a local election coming up on May 2nd, and that their seats are not granted to them by fiat.
Just so people know where I am coming from, on Monday I shall be standing in front of Penzance Town Council to make my pitch for why I should be considered for the co-option of the vacant councillors position in Penzance's Promenade Ward. I look forward to seeing some support at 7pm on Monday 17 December 2012 in The Guildhall, St John’s Hall.
It is all too easy to bend over and let the Government bite you on the ass, but when we turn around and bear our teeth, democracy assures us there will only ever be one winner."
Other posts on the Great Cornwall Council Poverty Tax:
#Cornwall Council's Cabinet is broken. Not to worry; I've reported it. #BloodFromStone
I love modern technology, especially when it means I can contribute to making my community a better place to live. FixMyStreet.com is just one such enterprise that makes bringing a problem to the attention of your local council so much simpler.
Here in Cornwall, we have a great deal of problems with the council itself, so where better to raise the issue than with a site dedicated to getting them to solve local issues. I decided to do just that.
Here in Cornwall, we have a great deal of problems with the council itself, so where better to raise the issue than with a site dedicated to getting them to solve local issues. I decided to do just that.
I wonder how long it will take to fix it, there is only one month left to go before it is too late.
Please remember to share and promote this import issue. It could mean the difference between 25,000+ people having a roof over their heads.
Do you get Council Tax Benefit in #Cornwall? Then bloody well read this and do something about it.
In a press release from Cornwall Council today - and despite having just rejected a similar 30% recommendation earlier today - the Council cabinet has announced that it plans to...
If you are considered one of the poorest working-age people in the county, and you currently receive a full 100% rebate on your council tax,it is you that will start paying 25% of your total council tax bill.
Let's put this into perspective, shall we? I'll take my circumstance as an example.
This is my income/expenditure:
Employment Support Allowance: £3,692
These are my basic outgoings:
Gas & Electric: £592
(both increasing by 7.8% in 2013)
Water: £300
Food: £2080
Pet costs (food and insurance): £217
Mobile: £384
Broadband: £204
Total: £3777
So at the end of each year, and before I have to worry about council tax, I have no less than:
Let me stress that amount:
Assuming that regardless of any other discounts I receive, and that the council is telling the truth when they say they 'support the proposal to reduce the maximum entitlement to council tax benefit to 75%', I should expect a bill of no less than £246.90 for my band 'A' property. This leaves me one simple question that anyone who is in a similar position to myself must ask the Cornwall Council cabinet?
I suggest you do much the same as I have; take an hour or two out of your day to work out your income expenditure for the year, find out how much Cornwall Council expects you to pay in council tax and follow the instructions below.
...support a recommendation that all working age recipients of council tax benefit [have] to pay an additional 25% contribution towards council tax.
Let's put this into perspective, shall we? I'll take my circumstance as an example.
This is my income/expenditure:
Employment Support Allowance: £3,692
These are my basic outgoings:
Gas & Electric: £592
(both increasing by 7.8% in 2013)
Water: £300
Food: £2080
Pet costs (food and insurance): £217
Mobile: £384
Broadband: £204
Total: £3777
So at the end of each year, and before I have to worry about council tax, I have no less than:
- £85 p.a.
Let me stress that amount:
After having paid only those bills that are necessary or I am contracted to pay, I am left with a negative amount of money.Earlier today, I was forced for the first time in my life to accept the generosity of my community, and take an emergency package from the food bank. It was inundated. I shall be putting my name forward as a volunteer now.
Assuming that regardless of any other discounts I receive, and that the council is telling the truth when they say they 'support the proposal to reduce the maximum entitlement to council tax benefit to 75%', I should expect a bill of no less than £246.90 for my band 'A' property. This leaves me one simple question that anyone who is in a similar position to myself must ask the Cornwall Council cabinet?
Given my circumstances, where do you suggest I find the money to pay a council tax bill?I don't just mean that metaphorically. Actually ask them!
I suggest you do much the same as I have; take an hour or two out of your day to work out your income expenditure for the year, find out how much Cornwall Council expects you to pay in council tax and follow the instructions below.
So what can I do?
Lots of things- Work out the combined annual income from all sources (after tax) for your household. (benefit rates. Jobcentre Plus can also help you with this; inundate them with requests and jam up the system)
- Work out your expenditure for a one year period for your household. You may run a car, or own a TV (I can't afford one) or have other expenditures that I do not have. Try to be as thorough as possible, but don't lie; you won't need to.
- Work out how much your full council tax bill here, and deduct 75%. This will leave you with a good approximation of what Cornwall Council expects the county's poorest to stump up.
- Find out who your local Cornwall County councillor is here, and email them with your income/expenditure, your estimated council tax bill and ask them (politely) how they are going to vote at the Full Council meeting at 10:30am on 15th January, 2013, reminding them that the local council elections are on the 2nd May, 2013.
- Using the same link, write to your Member of Parliament with a similar email/letter,, and that you will not support them if nothing is done.
- Most importantly, write to the cabinet of Cornwall Council (Yes, I know there are 10 of them, but the same letter can be repeated) informing them of your plight and that you simply do not have the money with which to pay.
- If you like to write a lot, express your disgust at the situation by writing an article on the ThisIsCornwall site (login required). A mention in the letters column of your local paper is just as good. Do you have a blog? Use it. Telephone any journalists or media types you might know. Phone into Radio Cornwall, Pirate FM or any other local radio station. Anything! Just get your voice heard.
- Leave a comment on the ThisIsCornwall news item on the subject.
- If you really want to go to town, you can contact all 123 councillors!
- Sign the Cornwall Council on-line petition (coming soon), and share the address on your social media (Facebook, Twitter, Google+)
- Speak to your friends, family, neighbours and work colleagues - anyone that will listen - and let them know what they stand to lose.
- Join the dedicated social media pages on Facebook, Twitter (Use the #BloodFromStone on your Tweets about the subject) and Google+.
- Attend the Full meeting of Cornwall Council at Truro (15/01/2012) where the final decision will be made. I shall try to organise a car pool, march (any other ideas?)
- Let everyone know your thoughts in the comments below.
This is just a beginning, people. I am nowhere near done yet.
In order to make sure you keep up to date with events, you can also click on the little red RSS link on the right. I get most of my traffic from Reddit, please share this post by adding it to PenzanceLocalPolitics (coming soon) and any other subreddits you feel would get the most attention.
Finally, thanks for your time. See you Truro on the 15th January.
Latest posts on #BloodFromStone
In order to make sure you keep up to date with events, you can also click on the little red RSS link on the right. I get most of my traffic from Reddit, please share this post by adding it to PenzanceLocalPolitics (coming soon) and any other subreddits you feel would get the most attention.
Finally, thanks for your time. See you Truro on the 15th January.
Latest posts on #BloodFromStone
Sunday, 1 April 2012
Oh, the irony
Source: The Cornishman
In a letter sent out this week, from Mike Peters, highways manager for Cornwall Council, businesses were told to remove signs from outside their premises because they are an obstruction to shoppers. I can't imagine why this might actually be a problem...
In a letter sent out this week, from Mike Peters, highways manager for Cornwall Council, businesses were told to remove signs from outside their premises because they are an obstruction to shoppers. I can't imagine why this might actually be a problem...
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| Hmm... |
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