Green policies? It’s what we do

As this autumn’s Climate Change conference in Glasgow approaches, politicians of all shades are eagerly parading green credentials. It’s worth remembering what Lib Dems DID for the environment during the Coalition Government of 2010-2015.

(And what we have done and continue to do in Fareham, as set our in our Climate Emergency pages.)

As partners in the Coalition Government:

Lib Dems led a massive increase in renewable electricity in the UK – trebling output.

That included campaigning for offshore wind farms and the creation of a new East coast industry when Tories claimed it ‘wouldn’t pull the skin off a rice pudding’.  Johnson was campaigning for shale oil fracking at the time.

 Lib Dems secured a major EU-wide agreement for new climate change targets for 2030 in October 2014, and we led the EU’s Green Growth group.

Lib Dems reformed competition of the UK’s retail energy suppliers, increasing the number of suppliers, delivering better deals for customers and offsetting the worst aspects of energy privatisation.

Lib Dems created the first Community Energy Strategy – and forced private sector landlords to bring properties up to a minimum energy efficiency level.  Against Tory opposition we promoted initiatives on district heating, water source heat pumps, tidal lagoons – and, against the odds, we ensured the Capital market was technology Neutral to encourage fresh ideas around electricity generation and storage.

Lib Dems developed policies on energy diversification and security, and reduced EU dependence on imports from Russia – still not enough, but they really appreciated our heft.

And, if Hinkley Point C nuclear power is ever completed, it will be a lot cheaper than the Tory plan – simply because we were in charge of the negotiations.  The cost of future decommissioning was included and the risks of cost overruns, delays and non-completion were all transferred to EDF.  If HPC isn’t completed, we don’t pay a penny. 

And the Minister overseeing all these initiatives? None other than the man who is now our Party Leader – Ed Davey. 

By contrast, when David Cameron’s Tories governed on their own after 2015, they couldn’t wait to, in their own words “get rid of the green crap”.

For real action on the Climate Emergency, vote LibDem. It’s what others say – it’s what we do

If, between 2012-2015 the Liberal Democrats had not been engaged on the climate case, the crisis we now face would have been far more severe.  So, celebrate the wisdom and energy we delivered.  Campaign now to get back to tackling the climate crisis. 

Portchester car parks Traffic Regulation order.

Council ‘Call in’ meeting of executive member decision No 2291 – Portchester car parks Traffic Regulation order.

At 6.00p.m. on Wednesday 18th August 2021, there was a council meeting of the Health and Public Protection Scrutiny Panel, called in to determine whether or not to accept the decision to implement the charges, or to request that the executive member reconsiders the decision, giving reasons for such a request.

The “Call In” was requested because we, your Portchester East councillors, felt that five points had not been fully considered, these were, briefly,

  1. Lack of publicity surrounding the public’s right to attend the decision,
  2. The lack of fully considering the effect on the long-standing Portchester Gala and the use of the car parking areas.
  3. The lack of exploring alternative revenue from higher coach charges.
  4. Why 3- or 6- month season tickets could not be considered and why these should incur increased costs.
  5. Gave no consideration to volunteers who will have to pay to continue volunteering for St. Mary’s Church, the Sailing Club and the scouts, amongst others.

We have been actively informing you about this meeting and were very pleased to see there were 12 deputations from members of the community and the public present. Six were written submissions and six spoken in person. They included representatives of the Portchester Community Association, St. Mary’s Church and the Sailing club, along with residents from Castle street and the local area.

It is a credit to Portchester that there are so many people who are concerned enough to speak or write about how strongly they all feel about their environment, history, community and care. They spoke about genuine concerns for people who will find the car parking charges hard to pay and the poorer quality of life which will result for local residents.

The Chairman, Vice Chairman and a trustee of P.C.A. all spoke about how the Gala would not be financially viable if there was no contribution from the funfair which takes place on the large car park, and that the Christmas lights in Portchester rely on fundraising at the Gala.  (No Gala, No Christmas Tree??) They need six months planning time to prepare for next years event, so it is critical that the council engage in discussions about the matter as soon as possible.

The Church treasurer spoke about the Church tea room, a small business enterprise which relies on volunteers, all of whom will now have to pay to help out, or walk a considerable distance to support St. Mary’s.

A sailing club representative explained difficulties for members who work on their boats in different seasons and will incur yearly costs, but only need 3 or 6 month passes. The additional costs may well discourage new and long-time members.

Councillor Roger Price, speaking on behalf of all Portchester East Councillors, covered many of these issues in much greater detail. Councillor Jean Kelly agreed with all the points which he raised and hoped that common sense would prevail in resolving ongoing problems.  Councillor Gerry Kelly was unable to take part in the debate because he is vice chairman of Portchester Community Association. He spoke in support of the Gala being a unique historical event, which needs council support and goodwill in order to continue.

Councillor Price pointed out that there was much concern over the present parking in Castle Street, which is a long cul-de sac and has ongoing problems, particularly for emergency vehicles.  If the fees come in then the issues in Castle street and the surrounding area will only get worse.

We had concern about the lack of openness in the council’s dealings with English Heritage and there was no consideration or offer of concessions to the Church or the sailing club, who will both be badly effected by the additional costs to their members.

This is a conservation area. Historic England have not been informed by the Borough Council  but permission may well be required to dig in the car park area for the new machines and permission may well be required from the Borough Council Planning department before this takes place.

The voting to accept the decision and implement the charges was passed.

Three voted for the motion, two against and one abstention.

Meeting closed after 2 hours 10 minutes.

We carry on!

Roger, Gerry and Jean.

(Gerry and I wonder if there is another King somewhere under our Castle Car Park? -It happened in Leicester didn’t it??)          Councillors Gerry and Jean Kelly

Lib Dems force review of parking charges

A special meeting of Fareham’s Health and Public Safety Scrutiny Panel has been called at the request of Lib Dems to examine the decision to impose parking charges at Portchester Car Parks.

The meeting on Wednesday, August 18, follows a request from Lib Dem Councillors Roger Price and Jean Kelly, supported by independent Geof Fazackarley.

They argue that the decision by the Executive member for Public Protection was taken without proper consultation.

Roger and Jean say:

i. The Executive Member did not consider fully people’s rights to attend his
decision day.
ii’ The effect of charging was not fully considered in how it would affect the
continuance of the long-standing Portchester Gala which is when all the groups
come together with residents annually.
iii. Did not consider higher charges for coaches so that car parking could be free.
iv. Did not explain how there was increased costs for issuing 3- or 6-month season
tickets compared with 12 month season tickets.
v. Gave no consideration to volunteers who give their time freely for the church,
sailing club and scouts and wiil now have to pay for that pleasure.

The implementation of the decision stands suspended at least until the matter has been reviewed by the Scrutiny Panel.

lf Wednesday’s meeting decides the matter requires further consideration by the Executive
Member for Health and Public Protection, then the decision stands adjourned until that
reconsideration.