Following the election of Conservative councillor Alec Robertson as the leader of Cornwall Council and the formation of a Conservative / Independent administration, the Mebyon Kernow group on the Council has called on one and all to work together for the betterment of Cornwall.

MK is disappointed that, with no political grouping having overall control, it has not been possible to form an Executive made up of representatives from the three main groupings – namely the 50 Conservatives, the 38 Liberal Democrats and the 31-strong group of independent councillors.

The three Mebyon Kernow councillors are not part of the ruling administration but, at the same time, do not consider themselves to be in opposition. Cllrs Dick Cole, Andrew Long and Stuart Cullimore are committed to working with all councillors to win a better deal for Cornwall and to protect public services.

MK leader Cllr Dick Cole said: “We would like to congratulate Alec Robertson on his election as leader of Cornwall Council. He has an extremely important role to perform and it is our hope that he will be able to bring people together in an inclusive way and that much can be achieved for the people of Cornwall over the next four years.

“The three MK councillors on Cornwall Council are committed to playing our part in making the new Council a success. We will be working positively and pro-actively with anyone and everyone to do what we think is best for our local communities.
“It was our view that the best option for Cornwall would have been for all political groups to share power and work together collectively for Cornwall.

“Sadly, this was not to be. The Liberal Democrats decided that they did not wish to participate in such an arrangement and resolved to go into what they have termed ‘constructive’ opposition.
“It remains our hope that everyone on the new Council can rise above political differences and pool all talents and resources to build a more successful and prosperous Cornwall.”

Proposing Mr Robertson at today’s meeting of the full Council, Jim Currie, the Deputy Leader of the Conservative group, said that the Council needed to get back up to speed and that it was vital that it had a fully inclusive Leader. “I believe that Alec has these qualities ” he said.

He was seconded by Neil Burden, the Leader of the Independent group, who said “The Independent group favoured a total coalition across all political parties. However, as this was not acceptable to the Liberal Democrats, we have entered into a proportional administration with the other two political parties in order to expedite a progressive Cornwall. All our members will have a free vote on all issues.

“We take the responsibilities which have been placed on us extremely seriously and will be working with our colleagues to deliver improved services and support for those who are in the greatest need”.

Thanking his colleagues for their support, Mr Robertson said being elected as the first Leader of the new Cornwall Council was both a great honour and a great responsibility. Adding that he had never sought the position, he pledged to do his best to be a good Leader for the whole Council.

In his first official speech to the Council Mr Robertson said the Conservative group would now be working in partnership with members of the Independent group and Mebyon Kernow, all of whom were committed to achieving three things :
prioritising support and improvement of vital front line services
cutting out wasteful expenditure
complete openness and transparency

“There is a lot to do” he said. “With apologies to Winston Churchill, this is the not the time for “jaw, jaw” but for “war war” – and not amongst ourselves. We have a front line to protect and support, a war on waste to win and a culture of secrecy to defeat”.

“We have an army of first class officers who are as just as committed to doing their best for Cornwall as we all are. It is time to draw a line under the past. We need to work together and prove to the people who put us here that we are up to doing the job they elected us to do”.

The former County Councillor for Breage, Germoe and Crowan, Mr Robertson returned to his home town of Helston three years ago. A former Lieutenant in the Royal Navy, specialising in diving and demolitions, he came back to Cornwall in 1993 as landlord of the Queen’s Arms in Breage and now manages Helston’s Godolphin Club. A keen sportsman who enjoys distance running and watching rugby, he is married to wife Lowenna and has six children.

Following his election as Council Leader Mr Robertson announced he had appointed the following members to the Cabinet.
Leader Alec Robertson (Helston North)

Corporate Support Jim Currie (Feock and Kea )

Economy and Regeneration Carolyn Rule (Mullion )

Children Sally Bain (Fowey )

Stronger Communities Lance Kennedy (Bodmin East )

Adult Care Armand Toms (Looe East)

Highways, Transport and Planning Graeme Hicks (Redruth South)

Housing Mark Kaczmarek (St Day and
Lanner)

Health and Wellbeing Neil Burden (Stokeclimsland )

Waste and Environment Julian German (Roseland)

“This is a new Council and we are all on a learning curve“ said Mr Robertson. “But one thing you can be sure of is that everyone on the Cabinet is committed to giving 100% to their responsibilities. This is a strong team and I am looking forward to working with them all”.

Also at today’s meeting Mrs Pat Harvey, the elected member for St Columb, was elected as the Chairman of the Council.

“I am delighted and privileged to have been elected as Chairman of Cornwall Council” she said. “Being Cornish I am determined that the Council will work together to do the very best for Cornwall. We have a massive ship to turn around and there are some challenging decisions ahead. My aim is for us to become an exemplary Council in 12 to 18 months time. “

The new Vice Chairman of Cornwall Council is John Dyer, the elected member for Chacewater and Kenwyn. Thanking members of the Council for their support Mr Dyer said this was a great honour and privilege and he was looking forward to supporting the new Chairman of the Council.

Mr George had secured the one and a half hour debate which commenced at 5.30pm in the Commons Chamber yesterday evening on the subject of Regional and Local Government powers.

Mr George had previously forwarded to Government Ministers, including Mr Khan, a copy of his essay setting out his ambitions for the future of Cornwall and the role of the new Council delivering a stronger environment, better social services and a vibrant local economy.

In response, the Minister acknowledged that Mr George had objected to and voted against the order establishing the new unitary authority but said: “He made the serious point that, not withstanding his objection, he wants to ensure that it is a success, and it is important that that is recognised.”

Mr Khan also said: “In the context of the new Unitary Authority…we stand ready to provide continuing support to achieve success…

“The advent of a unitary Cornwall marks a jumping-off point for further local empowerment. I agree that it is important that we look towards the future and fully utilising the powers available to the new Cornwall Council.”

Mr George said: “Whoever is elected to run the new Cornwall Council I hope that they will share my ambition to draw down every available power and to argue for more. Cornwall should be deciding for itself how it should run all of its health and social services, how many houses should be built and how local need is met and to develop policy to turn Cornwall into the green peninsula – an exemplar in environmental standards.”

The South West RDA wrote to the MPs in March to notify them of their intent to review the budgets for all programmes – in order to fill their multi-million pound funding shortfall.

The Parliamentary Team for Cornwall wrote back to express their concerns that cuts would pose a severe threat to the local economy during the recession and asked for a meeting to discuss what steps will be taken in order to minimise the impact.

In response the RDA sent a two-line letter claiming that they would respond ‘shortly’ – and that was over a month ago.

Commenting, North Cornwall MP Dan Rogerson said:

“Regional Development Agency’s are unelected and apparently completely unaccountable as the South West RDA has ignored a reasonable request to discuss their budget cuts with us.

“At a time of such instability, the people of Cornwall need reassurance that the scope of convergence programmes will not be reduced and that European funding will continue to be available to support the local economy.”

Julia Goldsworthy, MP for Falmouth and Camborne added:

“The RDAs appear to be unable to justify their existence and explain their current plans – it would be better for us all if they were abolished, with their powers and resources transferred to a local level, where at least there is democratic accountability.

“We have now written to the RDA again asking for a meeting as a matter of urgency. It is simply not acceptable for them to reduce investment in Cornwall without discussion or explanation.”

The event was a joint venture by Transition Penwith and the Plan-it Earth Environmental Education Project and was held at Plan-it Earth’s Chy Ena site at Sancreed near Penzance. Over 1,000 visitors – 5% of the population of Penzance – arrived to see how local organisations and businesses are working together to reduce the impacts of climate change and fossil fuel depletion in an enjoyable and informative way.

There were local craft demonstrations, lots of sustainable food and drink from local suppliers and farms, and music from local bands.

The event was opened by Sancreed Parish Councillor and Tree Warden Tony Hole, who arrived in a Pony and Trap. Visitors included the Mayor of Penzance and local MP Andrew George who arrived on his bicycle.

A free bus service was provided from Penzance every half hour throughout the day, with modern low floor buses provided by Western Greyhound. This proved exceptionally popular with many buses leaving full with standing room only. It was estimated that the free buses would have reduced the number of cars travelling to the event by around 200. Many other visitors walked and cycled to the event.

All the electricity used by stallholders was provided entirely by the sun. Tony Fleming of South West Solar Solutions provided a specially adapted van with Photo-voltaic cells on the roof using the sun’s energy to generate power for the day. This is supported by battery back-up, but the fine weather meant the batteries were not required.

A ‘Well-Dressing’ took place during the day, an ancient custom popular in the Peak District, that blesses the purity of the local water supply. The well at Sancreed was decorated by a colourful and beautiful display created from petals and seeds by Jo Tagney.

Children had a particularly enjoyable time in the Cornish Pirates Learning Zone, and with a number of volunteers making fairy wings from recycled materials. They also had fun on the Human Powered Carousel.

The Penzance Market and Coastal Towns Initiative had a stand at the event where volunteers Fiona Thomas-Lambourn and Ann Haycock explained the community plan for Penzance and the surrounding area for the next 20 years. This included a sustainability theme group.

The voice of local business, the Penzance Chamber of Commerce’s stand was well attended with many visitors signing up to the Penzance Shoppers Loyalty Card. This offers discounts in local shops and businesses. So far 89 businesses have joined the scheme and over 8,000 shoppers have got a card.

There was hardly any rubbish at the event as most people took their litter home or used the extensive recycling facilities at the site. Recyclable crockery was used instead of disposable Plastic cups and containers.

Rachel Smart-Knight of Plan-it Earth said:

“This was an amazing event that took almost three months to plan and I would like to thank all the volunteers, businesses and organisations that took part for their enthusiastic support. We had visitors from all over the community, ranging from those already aware of climate change, sustainability and promoting the local economy, to those who knew little about the subject and wanted to find out more. We had a wide range of local businesses and voluntary organisations from throughout Penwith who gave their time free of charge to be at the event and we cannot thank them enough for their support. There were smiles all round from the visitors and everyone had a really enjoyable day”.

Stuart Walker Chairman of Transition Penwith said:

“The Fair for the Future proves that there are a large number of businesses and organisations in Penwith who are enthusiastically embracing the challenges of fossil fuel depletion and climate change in a positive way. It was amazing to see all the visitors making such a great effort to minimise their impact on the environment and proves that there is a strong community spirit in Penwith to meet these challenges in a fun and enjoyable way”.

Stuart was particularly pleased with the free bus service.

“The free buses proved to be exceptionally popular with most of the morning and lunch time buses leaving Penzance full and standing. This removed the congestion that might have occurred in the village and proves that where frequent and convenient public transport is available, people will leave their cars at home and use the bus and train. If we run a similar event next year we will look at providing more buses to ensure everyone has a comfortable journey. I would particularly like to thank the drivers from Western Greyhound who operated the service in a friendly and professional way”.

If you would like to get involved or find out more about Transition Penwith and Plan-it Earth, visit their websites www.plan-itearth.org.uk , www.transitionpenwith.org.uk or Email enquiries@plan-itearth.org.uk

Campaign launched to avoid loss of up to 22,000 furnished-holiday-let properties in Cornwall

Cornwall could lose up to 1.4 million visitors and more than £422 million from next year if the owners of furnished-holiday-let properties are forced out of business by new tax threats.

With more than 22,000 furnished-holiday-let properties owned in Cornwall, tourism specialists fear that new tax plans will force many owners to abandon the holiday-let business.

According to Brian Payne, chief executive of South West accountancy firm, Bishop Fleming, which has a specialist hotels & tourism team: “For many owners of the 61,915 furnished-holiday-let properties in this region, the Chancellor’s surprise plan to remove traditional tax reliefs will transform their financial viability. That will force owners to consider withdrawing from the sector”, said Mr Payne.

“This is not just a threat to second-home owners – it can have just as much impact on self-catering units and static caravans. Added together, these properties provide a huge proportion of the region’s holiday accommodation”, he added.

Based on an average letting period of 16 weeks, and an average of four beds per property, the affected furnished-holiday-let properties represent accommodation for 3.95 million visitors to the South West each year.

South West Tourism records for 2007 show that visitors booking furnished-holiday-let accommodations spend an average of £302 each.

Cornwall is most at risk, with 22,070 properties in the furnished-holiday-let sector, providing accommodation for 1.4 million visitors on Bishop Fleming’s conservative estimate of 16 weeks lettings for an average of four people per unit. That puts more than £442 million at risk.

Currently, the providers of furnished holiday lettings benefit from reliefs on income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, and pension contributions. In his recent Budget, the Chancellor said that, from next April, all those reliefs are to be removed.

“For decades, those tax reliefs have been a significant help in enabling owners to invest in their properties, and to smooth out the huge swings in lettings-income from one year to the next in a region that is so weather dependent”, said Mr Payne.

As the accountancy firm with the widest spread of offices throughout the South West, Bishop Fleming is actively lobbying for a Government re-think.

“We are liaising with the region’s tourism agencies, and have already written to the Chancellor and to the Minister for the South West, Ben Bradshaw MP”, said Mr Payne.

Malcolm Bell, Chief Executive of South West Tourism has welcomed the Bishop Fleming lobbying initiative. “Furnished holiday lets are a vital contributor to the region’s economy. The millions of holidaymakers who rent them bring massive spending power to our local shops, visitor attractions, and restaurants”, he said.

“The owners of these properties operate as businesses: they pay business rates and other business related taxed, and should continue to be treated as businesses”, said Mr Bell.

Bishop Fleming’s Brian Payne said: “There can be no suggestion that those receiving the tax reliefs are not bona-fide holiday-letting businesses. The Government introduced strict rules on minimum genuine letting periods back in the 1980s, which have been very effective in preventing abuse.”

Furnished-holiday-let accommodation (self-catering units, static caravans, and second homes):

Cornwall:
22,700 properties
1.4m visitors’ accommodation (assuming 16 weeks’ letting and average of four occupants.

Devon:
21,754 properties
1.39m visitors’ accommodation (assuming 16 weeks’ letting and average of four occupants.

Dorset:
9,630 properties
616,320 visitors’ accommodation (assuming 16 weeks’ letting and average of four occupants.

Somerset:
3,825 properties
244,800 visitors’ accommodation (assuming 16 weeks’ letting and average of four occupants.

Avon:
1,224 properties
78,336 visitors’ accommodation (assuming 16 weeks’ letting and average of four occupants.

Gloucestershire:
2,235 properties
143,040 visitors’ accommodation (assuming 16 weeks’ letting and average of four occupants.

Wiltshire:
1,177 properties
75,328 visitors’ accommodation (assuming 16 weeks’ letting and average of four occupants.

‘Fair for the Future’, will be held at Plan-it Earth’s Environmental Education Centre in Sancreed. The Fair will showcase local organisations providing sustainable activities and produce in Penwith.

There will be lots to see and do on the day. Activities will include:

• Farmers Market promoting local food and drink

• Hedgerow herbalism, wild food and tree walks

• Gardeners Question time

• Recycled clothes making – bring along an item to remodel.

• Blacksmithing

• Basket making

• Composting

• Green woodworking

• Bushcraft

• Permaculture walks & talks

• Felt making, Spinning, weaving, dyeing and knitting,

• Bee keeping

• an ancient well dressing ceremony

A Human Carousel

Kids Activities

There will be music from local groups The Acorn Choir, Caracana, Golowan Band The Star Crowd – Ceilidh (Barn Dance) and Ollie the Balladeer, together with a cinema tent showing documentaries about Climate Change and Peak Oil.

A large number of local organisations have signed up to provide exhibitions and displays including Cape Cornwall School who are leading the way on Transition issues.

To reduce the impact on carbon emissions and traffic congestion from the Fair, there will be a free bus service provided by Western Greyhound picking up from Penzance bus station, and the bus stops at Greenmarket and St Clare. The buses will run every half hour between 11am and 6pm. Although there will be some limited parking at Sancreed, this will be primarily for the mobility impaired and car sharers and visitors are strongly encouraged to use the free buses, walk or cycle.

David Smart-Knight of the Plan-it Earth Eco-project said:

“Ever since the idea of a celebration of sustainability in Penwith was first voiced, the response has been extraordinary and in my mind this goes to show that Penwith really is ready to embrace a sustainable future”

Chairman of Transition Penwith, Stuart Walker, said:

“The impact of climate change and fossil fuel depletion are the key challenges of our times and the Fair for the Future will demonstrate how Penwith can successfully meet these challenges in a positive and enjoyable way. The impact of climate change should not be seen in terms of a looming disaster, but as an opportunity for Penwith to start providing for itself and reducing its reliance on distant multi-national businesses and Central Government. This is good news for the local economy and for local people”.

If you would like to get involved or find out more about the event, then please get in touch. There is more information on our websites www.plan-itearth.org.uk , www.transitionpenwith.org.uk or Email enquiries@plan-itearth.org.uk

“Minister John Hutton
Secretary of State for Defence
Ministry of Defence
Main Building
Whitehall
London

22/04/09

Dear Minister John Hutton

Devonport – nuclear submarine graveyard?

I am writing to enquire if the unconfirmed news reports this week from the BBC that Devonport navy base in Plymouth is due to become the UK’s submarine depository and “nuclear dustbin” for decommissioned nuclear submarines, are correct.

We are aware that the base has in the past and is still currently being used to decommission and dispose of nuclear submarines and their reactors. However reports that the base has been earmarked for the routine management and decommissioning of nuclear submarines, is of great concern for the Celtic League.

We do of course realise what the complex and costly process that the
decommissioning of submarines involves and the potential risks to the
environment and population from leaks and explosions. The fact that the Devonport base lies within a city of a quarter of a million people and that nuclear submarines could soon be frequently and routinely decommissioned only several hundred meters from the nearest houses and schools, seems to us to be a shocking disregard for the general public’s welfare.

We are aware that Plymouth residents, as part of the MoD’s own consultation exercise on the ISOLUS Project (Interim Storage of Laid Up Submarines), overwhelmingly rejected the option of the navy base managing and storing nuclear submarine waste at Devonport. If the MoD were now to consider using Devonport again as a base for the purposes mentioned above, would Plymouth residents and specifically those on the Cornish side of the boarder be consulted?

If it is jobs that need to be secured at Devonport, surely it would be better to diversify the use of the engineering skills of its workers rather than using the base as a nuclear submarine decommissioning plant, considering that the base is located within a city of high population density? The government’s ‘Maritime
Change Programme’ would suggest that even after almost 50 years since the first nuclear submarine was launched, the governments solution for dealing with the nuclear waste produced by decommissioned submarines is to move them around, rather than attempt to tackle the problem in a sustainable and environmental
way.

In consideration that the navy bases at Rosyth and the HMNB Clyde in Scotland will also possibly be affected by the nuclear submarine move, it shows that the latest developments indicate that the British government and MoD still see the Celtic countries or areas immediately adjacent to them as suitable sites for dangerous waste.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

Rhisiart Tal-e-bot
General Secretary
Celtic League

CC David Walley Leader, Cornwall Council”

Related article on Celtic News at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/celtic_league/message/3017

J B Moffatt
Director of Information
Celtic League

22/04/09

Bernat Joan i Mari, who is the Secretary for Language Policy in the Catalan Government was speaking to Westminster’s Welsh Affairs Select Committee, who are considering whether to give the Welsh Assembly the power to update the 1993 Welsh Language Act. A new language act for Wales is likely to extend into the private sector, which has given rise to the concerns of businesses in Wales that
they could incur higher costs. Currently the 1993 act only covers the public sector.

However, using examples from Catalonia, Joan i Mari argued that although businesses in Catalonia were initially fearful too, now the feeling has changed so much that “no one avoids Catalonia because of the language”. Joan i Mari added that despite wide ranging Catalan language powers, covering “all bodies, companies and establishments open to the public”, there has been little business backlash. The Catalan language is spoken by approximately 68% of the population
within Catalan territory.

The Welsh Affairs Select Committee is due to publish its report this summer and a vote is expected to take place on the recommendations in the House of Commons and House of Lords in the autumn.

Last month (March 2009), the Celtic League submitted its own report to the same Welsh Affairs Select Committee, but – due to Westminster rules – have not been permitted to publish its content. Next month (Saturday 16th May) Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg – The Welsh Language Society, is holding a rally on the issue under the title, `Our Right to a Comprehensive Language Measure: Transfer full powers for the Welsh Language to Wales’ outside the Senedd, in Cardiff Bay at 2pm. Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg are asking for supporters to to donate £20 to take out a full page advert in the Western Mail advertising the rally. All donors of £20 received before 30th April will get their name printed on the advert and shown to be a sponsor.

Links
Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg
http://cymdeithas.org/

J B Moffatt
Director of Information
Celtic League

23/04/09