Last summer I blogged about the problems of JET2 for passengers on flights with the company, and the fact that there were particular problems with cancelled flights being referred to as "delayed" flights. Two recent Judgements have improved consumer rights in this area. For delays the "Tui Travel" case established that where a flight has been delayed for more than 3 hours passengers will be entitled to compensation. The Civil Aviation Authority have updated their advice for passengers which can be accessed here http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=2211&pageid=14023
For a Guardian article which outlines further information http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2013/jan/31/airlines-refuse-delayed-flight-payouts
It is time now for Airlines to give their passengers the compensation they are properly entitled to.
Tuesday, February 05, 2013
Tuesday, November 06, 2012
Marine Conservation Zone U-Turn
John Griffiths has been forced to put a hold on his proposals for MCZ's. His department received 7000 responses, and reading between the lines has been totally overwhelmed by the opposition to the proposals which would have had far reaching consequences along the Welsh Coast, with huge potential impacts on the Tourism and Fishing sectors.
Particularly embarrasing for Welsh Government was the fact that in the last 5 years in Marine Protected Areas NO enforcement action has been carried out. At least "not to their knowledge" which is the worrying answer I got in an FOI request.
My consultation response has been uploaded to other websites, or a copy can be obtained from my constituency office as it runs to some 9 pages, but I thought you might like to know my conclusions, posted here.
"In conclusion, I would recommend the following course of action:
1. A moratorium should be placed upon the MCZ implementation process pending further research and evidence gathering on the socio-economic impact of MCZs in the areas identified;
2. An integrated environmental, fisheries and socio-economic assessment is conducted before any further action is taken by the Welsh Government. Only after the results of such an integrated and holistic assessment are analysed can the foundation upon which effective management of the MCZs be developed;
3. The Welsh Government fully takes into account the proposals contained within the WFA Striking the Balance document."
All in all it is another embarrasment for Environment Minister John Griffiths, whose department churns out consultations like confetti. What is clear both from my response, and from the many coastal communities was that "environment" sections of Welsh Government had not been talking to Fisheries..... leading to an awful mess, and yet another "task and finish group". Something tells me that the delay to 2013 may indicate a desire by the Minister to push the whole thing off to the new Natural Resources Wales Body, and wash his hands of the whole mess.
Particularly embarrasing for Welsh Government was the fact that in the last 5 years in Marine Protected Areas NO enforcement action has been carried out. At least "not to their knowledge" which is the worrying answer I got in an FOI request.
My consultation response has been uploaded to other websites, or a copy can be obtained from my constituency office as it runs to some 9 pages, but I thought you might like to know my conclusions, posted here.
"In conclusion, I would recommend the following course of action:
1. A moratorium should be placed upon the MCZ implementation process pending further research and evidence gathering on the socio-economic impact of MCZs in the areas identified;
2. An integrated environmental, fisheries and socio-economic assessment is conducted before any further action is taken by the Welsh Government. Only after the results of such an integrated and holistic assessment are analysed can the foundation upon which effective management of the MCZs be developed;
3. The Welsh Government fully takes into account the proposals contained within the WFA Striking the Balance document."
All in all it is another embarrasment for Environment Minister John Griffiths, whose department churns out consultations like confetti. What is clear both from my response, and from the many coastal communities was that "environment" sections of Welsh Government had not been talking to Fisheries..... leading to an awful mess, and yet another "task and finish group". Something tells me that the delay to 2013 may indicate a desire by the Minister to push the whole thing off to the new Natural Resources Wales Body, and wash his hands of the whole mess.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Healthcare reorganisation of community hospitals
Yesterday I was at two BETSI meetings held in Flint, and I was there to see the local people of Flint who had come out to support their Community Hospital. I have also been at meetings in Colwyn Bay, Prestatyn and Rhyl. Rhyl has already seen the closure of the Alex Hospital. Prestatyn, Flint and Colwyn Bay are facing closure of their community hospitals, with services being concentrated at other sites accross North Wales. The Health Board is promising what it calls "Home Enhanced Care" which will allow greater investment in care at home accross North Wales. The figures last night were that it costs abouts £924,000 to keep Flint Community Hospital open, with the hospital having a 160 in patient addmissions over the course of the year. The Health Board are arguing that they need to provide a greater consistency of care accross North Wales. The problem is that 5 years ago, when there was a raft of closures of community hospitals accross North Wales improvements in care were offered, and the argument then was that better care would be offered in the home. People are just not convinced that they are going to see those improvements. Aligned with this are proposals to move level 3 neonatal intensive care to Arrowe Park in Liverpool. I have blogged about these proposals in earlier posts. I have raised with the Health Board the statistics which show that infant mortality in Anglesey is 6.7 and Denbighshire is 7 when the Welsh Average is 4.3, the fact that the Health Board wishes to move neonatal intensive care should be a wake up call, as it will mean the downgrading of services at Glan Clwyd, and the loss of specialist Doctors who have experience with the smallest of babies, who can not talk and tell Doctors what is wrong with them. This is likely to mean the loss of 5 Senior House Officer Doctors. What can you do? Get involved, respond to the consultation email the Health Board at jointhedebate@wales.nhs.uk if you dont fight to retain local services, you will loose them.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Betsi Consultation on Intensive Care for Babies. What they dont know
The Betsi Health Board have launched their consultation. I sat in on two of their meetings today in Rhyl and was really concerned about their approach to Neo Natal intensive care services. This is called a "level 3" service. The proposal is to move the beds to Arrowe Park in Liverpool. This will mean a massive journey for patients from the more rural parts of North Wales and the more Western part of North Wales, with the possibility that mothers will be seperated from their babies, if they are not well enough to travel. Not only that, but it will also mean that parents will potentially be seperated from their existing children. What was not clear was that Arrowe Park is in fact in a position to offer better care. It appears that Glan Clwyd has one on one nursing with special intensive care babies, Arrowe Park does not. Arrowe Park does have more consultants, but it doesnt seem to have the 5 Senior House Officer Doctors that are present at Glan Clwyd. Furthermore what Betsi has not told the public is that if the level three service moves, so will the ability to train the Senior House Officer Doctors.
Betsi knew that the Deanery (responsible for decisions on training) have said that this will happen. What does it mean for the public in North Wales, it means a downgrading of the maternity services available, it means that Betsi's sums are wrong on the savings that they will make, as they will need to employ additional consultants or non SHO Doctors, and it will mean a key service being shut down in North Wales. Get involved with the consultation. Write to me with your objections and I will pass it on as to retain the service it will need public support. More worryingly, the answers given in the earlier meeting were not the same as in the later meeting, I have got that on the record and will be submitting FOI's to Arrowe Park, as clearly Betsi dont know the current level of cover, or arrangements because they are having to check them after parents from the charity Cuddles challenged the Health Board's assertions.
Betsi knew that the Deanery (responsible for decisions on training) have said that this will happen. What does it mean for the public in North Wales, it means a downgrading of the maternity services available, it means that Betsi's sums are wrong on the savings that they will make, as they will need to employ additional consultants or non SHO Doctors, and it will mean a key service being shut down in North Wales. Get involved with the consultation. Write to me with your objections and I will pass it on as to retain the service it will need public support. More worryingly, the answers given in the earlier meeting were not the same as in the later meeting, I have got that on the record and will be submitting FOI's to Arrowe Park, as clearly Betsi dont know the current level of cover, or arrangements because they are having to check them after parents from the charity Cuddles challenged the Health Board's assertions.
Wednesday, September 05, 2012
Planning and the Environment
An article on the BBC website indicates that the Welsh Government is going to bring forward new planning rules "next month" http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-19490475 . John Griffiths the Minister for the "Environment" has a poor record on planning. Over the last year he has been pushed repeatedly by me and others to permit small scale renewable installations, such as solar panels, and to include them in the permitted development rules. He has dragged his feet and delayed, which meant that many people were not able to install when the more preferential rates were available. One development in Deeside worth millions could not go ahead. So you would think the news might be good news that new rules are coming out. My concern is that the new rules will be used to drive through highly controversial onshore windfarm developments. We will wait to see what the new rules say. Housing developers have clearly indicated why they are not building at the moment, rules on the environmental standards are the toughest in the UK and that combined with new fire sprinkler requirements are what are holding back developments in North Wales at the moment. If Griffiths wants to kick start the housing sector, then it will be interesting to see if those issues are addressed.
Labour's economic failure
A recent lecture by Peter Watcyn Jones from Eversheds at the Eisteddfod illustrates dramatically Labour's economic failure in Wales. Here is an extract of what he said
"
The report's main message is that Wales, since the mid-90's, has seen a serious economic deterioration, to such an extent that Wales is now at the bottom of the economic table in terms of prosperity and wealth. There is a gap, if not chasm, opening up between Welsh economic success and the rest of Britain. The report suggests that each individual in Wales is £1,850 poorer than their counterparts in England – referred to in the report as "Offa's Gap". It notes that the financial services sector is becoming increasingly centred on London, leaving Wales all the poorer. It suggests that Wales imports far too much, and the famous economist A P Thirwal is quoted as suggesting that long-term growth depends on exports rather than imports. Is this principle also valid when considering the export of talent as well as goods? "
He then went onto say
"When undertaking my budget review, I noted the analysis in "Offa's Gap" with regard to the dearth of large private limited companies in Wales which would be likely to use Welsh lawyers for their work. My understanding is that there are only 16 such companies with an office or base in Wales. Of those, seven are in Cardiff or Newport, two in Ewloe, one or two in Swansea, one on Anglesey, another three in North Wales and one in Chester – possibly on the other side of the Welsh border anyway! The annual reports of these PLCs suggest that only three are represented by Welsh law firms."
Both those points, dramatically and clearly illustrate Labour's economic failure in Wales. Labour has to raise its game on the economy in Wales, we have seen a consistent jobs flight from the private sector, over the border into England. Sadly I think this will continue for as long as Labour remains in power in Wales
"
The report's main message is that Wales, since the mid-90's, has seen a serious economic deterioration, to such an extent that Wales is now at the bottom of the economic table in terms of prosperity and wealth. There is a gap, if not chasm, opening up between Welsh economic success and the rest of Britain. The report suggests that each individual in Wales is £1,850 poorer than their counterparts in England – referred to in the report as "Offa's Gap". It notes that the financial services sector is becoming increasingly centred on London, leaving Wales all the poorer. It suggests that Wales imports far too much, and the famous economist A P Thirwal is quoted as suggesting that long-term growth depends on exports rather than imports. Is this principle also valid when considering the export of talent as well as goods? "
He then went onto say
"When undertaking my budget review, I noted the analysis in "Offa's Gap" with regard to the dearth of large private limited companies in Wales which would be likely to use Welsh lawyers for their work. My understanding is that there are only 16 such companies with an office or base in Wales. Of those, seven are in Cardiff or Newport, two in Ewloe, one or two in Swansea, one on Anglesey, another three in North Wales and one in Chester – possibly on the other side of the Welsh border anyway! The annual reports of these PLCs suggest that only three are represented by Welsh law firms."
Both those points, dramatically and clearly illustrate Labour's economic failure in Wales. Labour has to raise its game on the economy in Wales, we have seen a consistent jobs flight from the private sector, over the border into England. Sadly I think this will continue for as long as Labour remains in power in Wales
Monday, August 13, 2012
AIrline Delays and Cancellations - Your Rights
Twice this year I have taken flights which have been delayed/cancelled by over 24 hours. I therefore thought it would be worth writing about where passengers can find help in the event that they face long delays and/or cancelled flights.
EU regulation 261/2004 is the document which lays down the rights of passengers. The regulation extends to scheduled flights AND non-scheduled flights including those part of package tours. One of the aims of the regulation is stated in the preamble as being "to strengthen the rights of passengers" and "Passengers should be fully informed of their rights in the event of denied boarding, and of cancellation or long delay of flights, so that they can effectively exercise their rights"
Both Airlines I flew with Qatar Airways and Jet2 have industry led "awards", both have failed to comply with the law as it currently stands in Europe. The first delay with Qatar meant that we missed the first night of our honeymoon, meaning we missed an overnight stay in Colombo and also meant that we had an 8 hour journey after we had finally arrived, they have offered compensation, but not in line with regulation 261/2004. Jet2 are arguing that a 24 hour delay was not a cancellation and are refusing compensation. Qatar didnt tell us that we had the right to be able to find an alternative flight to Colombo. Jet2 delayed in telling their passengers about that right until it was virtually impossible to use it.
When is a delay to be treated as if it were a cancellation? The Sturgeon case in the European Court held that where a flight was delayed by 3 hours or more ie if they land more than three hours after their scheduled landing time, passangers should be treated as if their flight had been cancelled and this meant that they are entitled to the compensation outlined in regulation 261/2004 ourlined in Article 7 of the regulations. Compensation depends on the distance flown, and ranges between 250-600 euros per passenger. Airlines are refusing to apply the Sturgeon case. A further case to the European Court (TUI and Others v the Civil Aviation Authority) is expected to be decided in September, and I will update the result of that case on the blog.
What to do if your flight is delayed/cancelled. I would advise you to read the regulations, they are only a couple of pages long, are easy to understand, and you will then know what you are entitled to ask of the airline, and what options are available in terms of telling the airline that you will make an alternative booking if you are able to at the Airport.
If you face a delay of three hours of more, on a flight, make a written complaint to the Airline. Persist, as the Airlines will tell you that Sturgeon doesnt apply (it does until the Court rules otherwise). The Civil Aviation Authority enforces these regulations, and will need copies of correspondence if it gets that far.
The Civil Aviation Authority has a customer support line which can help passengers with their complaints. For further information on how to complain go to website http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=2226&pagetype=90
The above link will tell you what your rights are, how to use them. The important thing is to claim before the outcome of the September case is known. The provisional decision is in passengers favour. Lets hope the ECJ upholds it!
EU regulation 261/2004 is the document which lays down the rights of passengers. The regulation extends to scheduled flights AND non-scheduled flights including those part of package tours. One of the aims of the regulation is stated in the preamble as being "to strengthen the rights of passengers" and "Passengers should be fully informed of their rights in the event of denied boarding, and of cancellation or long delay of flights, so that they can effectively exercise their rights"
Both Airlines I flew with Qatar Airways and Jet2 have industry led "awards", both have failed to comply with the law as it currently stands in Europe. The first delay with Qatar meant that we missed the first night of our honeymoon, meaning we missed an overnight stay in Colombo and also meant that we had an 8 hour journey after we had finally arrived, they have offered compensation, but not in line with regulation 261/2004. Jet2 are arguing that a 24 hour delay was not a cancellation and are refusing compensation. Qatar didnt tell us that we had the right to be able to find an alternative flight to Colombo. Jet2 delayed in telling their passengers about that right until it was virtually impossible to use it.
When is a delay to be treated as if it were a cancellation? The Sturgeon case in the European Court held that where a flight was delayed by 3 hours or more ie if they land more than three hours after their scheduled landing time, passangers should be treated as if their flight had been cancelled and this meant that they are entitled to the compensation outlined in regulation 261/2004 ourlined in Article 7 of the regulations. Compensation depends on the distance flown, and ranges between 250-600 euros per passenger. Airlines are refusing to apply the Sturgeon case. A further case to the European Court (TUI and Others v the Civil Aviation Authority) is expected to be decided in September, and I will update the result of that case on the blog.
What to do if your flight is delayed/cancelled. I would advise you to read the regulations, they are only a couple of pages long, are easy to understand, and you will then know what you are entitled to ask of the airline, and what options are available in terms of telling the airline that you will make an alternative booking if you are able to at the Airport.
If you face a delay of three hours of more, on a flight, make a written complaint to the Airline. Persist, as the Airlines will tell you that Sturgeon doesnt apply (it does until the Court rules otherwise). The Civil Aviation Authority enforces these regulations, and will need copies of correspondence if it gets that far.
The Civil Aviation Authority has a customer support line which can help passengers with their complaints. For further information on how to complain go to website http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=2226&pagetype=90
The above link will tell you what your rights are, how to use them. The important thing is to claim before the outcome of the September case is known. The provisional decision is in passengers favour. Lets hope the ECJ upholds it!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Reflections on a wartime identity
This week a little bit of history has been passed to me. A small bracelet that belonged to my grandmother, who I loved dearly. I have been given a little disc on a small bracelet which has on it her name, address and blood group. It is a small thing, worthless to anyone else, but hugely important to me. In that one disc is so much that is implied. My grandmother worked for years for the British Red Cross. It speaks of the reality of war, it is an identity disc. Name and address, so your kin could be notified if anything happened to you. A potentially life saving disc, as it has her blood group on it, something I have never really spent that much time thinking about, what is my blood group? I have no idea. I know that the NHS know, as I have a daughter, and they will have tested me and it will be on my records...but I have never felt the need to wear it on my wrist. It is also a small piece of history, 70 years ago the family postal town was Denbigh, now it's Abergele. It's a little thing, but something that has made me think of army tags, and the unknown which was and is the fear engendered by war. I am lucky that I don't have to wear that information, but others from Wales face that same uncertainty,not here but in Afghanistan. I am not facing the day to day reality of war. The truth is I can only look at that bracelet with the benefit of hindsight, knowing my grandmother as a very practical person, and also someone who would stand up and be counted. A small thing that speaks of so much.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
A Budget for Wales
Today's budget announced by the Coalition Government is a budget for growth in Wales. North East Wales will benefit from capital allowances in the Deeside Enterprise Zone, which will provide jobs and growth accross North Wales. It also shows that Minister Edwina Hart has been foolhardy in not engaging earlier and better with UK Ministers on behalf of Wales, as clearly the business case for other enterprise zones in North Wales has not yet been provided.
I am delighted that the personl tax allowance has been raised to £9,205 which will mean that an extra 42,000 people in Wales will now not pay tax, meaning that since the UK Government has come into power 95,000 low paid workers in Wales have more money in their pockets and don't pay tax. Those on low pay will also see an increase in the National Minimum Wage. Not only those changes, but the reduction in corporation tax will increase the attractiveness of Wales as a place to do business, reinforcing the commitment to jobs and employment.
Wales will also get an additional £11.7 million from the UK Government, meaning it has had an additionl £500 million since the spending review in 2010. How this will be spent will be upto Labour's Welsh Goverrnment. Given their capacity to waste huge amounts of money, I don't hold out hope that it will be put to good use.
I am delighted that the personl tax allowance has been raised to £9,205 which will mean that an extra 42,000 people in Wales will now not pay tax, meaning that since the UK Government has come into power 95,000 low paid workers in Wales have more money in their pockets and don't pay tax. Those on low pay will also see an increase in the National Minimum Wage. Not only those changes, but the reduction in corporation tax will increase the attractiveness of Wales as a place to do business, reinforcing the commitment to jobs and employment.
Wales will also get an additional £11.7 million from the UK Government, meaning it has had an additionl £500 million since the spending review in 2010. How this will be spent will be upto Labour's Welsh Goverrnment. Given their capacity to waste huge amounts of money, I don't hold out hope that it will be put to good use.
Wednesday, March 07, 2012
Scrutiny, Energy and the National Assembly for Wales
For the last few months the Environment and Sustainability Committee has been undertaking work on an enquiry into energy in Wales, and in particular renewable energy in Wales. I will not pre-empt the conclusions of that work. However today we sat in private session. That session was to discuss areas on which we may wish to ask questions of the Ministers concerned. Next week we will have 4 Ministers in front of us. Carwyn Jones, Edwina Hart, John Griffiths and Carl Sargeant. In total we will be given 30 minutes with each. This undermines the democratic accountability of the Assembly. It means that the Ministers will not have sustained and detailed questioning about current policies such as TAN 8. For those who feel that there is a lack of accountability for Ministers decisions both to the Assembly, and outside the Assembly, I would say that you are right. I have raised the issue of scrutiny and timetabling today....... we shall see what the result is later (if any). The public in Wales need to know that Ministers should be accountable and are being scrutinised, from my experience to date, I would say that the current new structure of Assembly Committees is not delivering that for the public in Wales. The First Minister in the last 6 months has not made a single oral statement to the Assembly on Energy. No one has held him to account for this. He has not been properly questioned by Assembly Members, and when there has been a chance, there have been severe and inappropriate time constraints. For communities accross Wales facing large windfarm and other energy developments, you should be aware that debate and scrutiny on these issues is not reflecting the concerns as expressed so publicly by you. 30 mintues for each Minister is not enough for proper democratic accountability.
Sunday, July 03, 2011
Last chance to respond to National Grid Undergrounding consultation
You will be aware that I have not been updating my blog recently. This is because on 24th May I posted a copy of my response to the National Grid Undergrounding consultation. I have had many emails which have stated how useful this has been. Grid having previously said that they would wait for the KEMA report, are now closing the consultation EARLY. The closing date is the 4th July. Please read 24th May blogpost for an example of a submission made to Grid. After 4th July I will start posting regularly again.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Infrastructure, North Wales Power Lines
Today will see a large demonstration at the Assembly concerning the current Tan 8 Windfarm areas, and the associated infrastructure to support those windfarms. This is going to be an issue in North Wales with additional electricity grid lines proposed which will cross Ynys Mon, Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire and Flintshire. The Undergrounding Consultation is running at the moment and North Wales residents concerned about a third supergrid line crossing North Wales should respond to that consultation.
I am posting a copy of my response to the consultation here:
Response to National Grid Undergrounding Consultation
This is a response to the National Grid Undergrounding Consultation.
Under Section 38 of the Electricity Act 1989, National Grid has a duty in formulating proposals for new development to:
“have regard to the desirability of preserving natural beauty, of conserving flora, fauna and geological or physiographical features of special interest and of protecting sites, buildings and objects of architectural, historic or archaeological interest; and shall do what [it] reasonably can to mitigate any effect which the proposals would have on the natural beauty of the countryside or on any such flora, fauna, features, sites, buildings or objects.”
It would appear that in many areas, including Snowdonia National Park, the considerations of providing a supply under Section 9 of the Electricity Act - to provide an “efficient co ordinated and economical” supply - are not considered appropriately. Too much weight is being given to Section 9, and insufficient weight is given to the consequences on local communities of the impact of overhead lines by National Grid as well as wider Section 38/Schedule 9 requirements. This can be seen in the recent Beauly Denny Inquiry where only short sections of line were required to be placed underground. This means that the absolute minimum weight was given to the impact on local communities despite over 17,000 people writing in to object to National Grid’s proposals.
In North Wales Tourism is the key industry. It accounts for 8.6% of the Welsh Economy and is the most significant industry from Anglesey in the West and all along the North Wales constituencies to Clwyd South in the East.
The preconditions set by National Grid under its Schedule 9 statement are such that too little regard is given to the wishes of local people in rural areas as well as the wider environmental and business impact at a local level to those affected and whose environment is ruined in order to export electricity to cities within the UK. This is amply demonstrated by the recent submissions from Somerset County Council in respect of proposed connections at Hinkley Point. Complaint is made in these submissions, and indeed those to the Beauly Denny Inquiry, that disclosure by National Grid to local stakeholders of both its reasoning and the detail of its proposal was insufficient. Whilst there may have been disclosure at a late stage, or indeed rectification caused by Stakeholders having to undertake detailed and further enquiries, National Grid’s actions go against the current policy National Grid purports to have.
This is of particular concern to North Wales, which has low density permanent population areas, but high visitor numbers.
There is also the issue of “equality of arms”. National Grid is a monopoly provider with access to huge resources both financial and technical, which local populations have no possibility of being able to match, whatever fundraising takes place. This, together with the fact that affected areas will cover a number of districts, makes it difficult for local people to travel and to deal with the large distances covering the diverse areas that any proposed route will affect.
It is my submission that a far greater balance needs to be given to the section 38/Schedule 9 obligations under the Electricity Act.
The current approach to existing overhead lines extracted from National Grid’s documentation is inserted for ease of reference:
1. Where it can be clearly demonstrated by the promoter that such proposals will
_ directly facilitate a major development or infrastructure project of national importance which has been identified as such by central government; and provide a beneficial step change in the environmental character and quality of the associated area; whilst at the same time not resulting in any unreasonable detriment to the environmental character and quality of the area to which the overhead line is relocated or undergrounded;
and
2. Where National Grid is satisfied that such proposals for relocation or undergrounding will
_ not compromise the security of supply, the reliability and the maximum capability of the high voltage transmission system now or in the foreseeable future; and be technically feasible, fully compliant with National Grid’s current design specifications and achievable in terms of system outages and resources within a timescale that does not adversely affect National Grid’s wider investment programme; and be fully funded by the promoter, who will also be responsible for securing all agreements in principle to allow National Grid to site its equipment on land and acquire any necessary land without the need to resort to compulsory powers.
Undergrounding policy:
Approach to existing overhead lines
* These comprehensive site layout, design and landscaping guidelines provide advice and pragmatic solutions to demonstrate how a creative design approach can minimise the impact of overhead lines. They promote design initiatives which help to retain land values; ensure that new good quality environments are built; that residential densities can be retained; and that the environmental impacts of overhead lines are minimised. They demonstrate that for many developments, overhead lines can be retained in situ without adversely affecting sites’ development potential. For further information visit the Sense of Place website at:
http://www.nationalgrid.com/uk/senseofplace
The above conditions are “and” conditions, namely that they all need to be satisfied before further changes will be considered, rather than “or” conditions, where if some conditions are met, consideration will be given to undergrounding cables. I would urge OFGEM in particular to monitor closely the way in which these conditions have been met, if ever. These are unduly onerous on local communities. It is clear that these stringent conditions will rarely, if ever, be met, and it is submitted that the current requirements as imposed again undermine National Grid’s obligations under Section 38/Schedule 9 of the Electricity Act 1989.
The Councils for the Protection of Rural England and Rural Wales have highlighted in particular the disregard that National Grid have had relative to their obligations in Snowdonia National Park, and indeed other Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty both in Wales and in England. Over 10% of National Grid’s “overhead” lines are in National Parks or AONBs. I have no doubt that the CPRE and CPRW will raise their own submissions, and to the extent that their submissions relate to the natural environment in general, and North Wales in particular, I adopt their submissions.
Nuclear Safety
It is of considerable concern that in the 20 years from 1972 to 1992 the two high voltage power lines traversing Snowdonia National Park failed simultaneously on at least 6 occasions, cutting off Wylfa Nuclear Power Station from an external power supply. Consequently, a nuclear safety issue arises in relation to both the current Wylfa A and the proposed Wylfa B. The significance of this nuclear safety issue is now clear to see given what is happening to Fukushima after it was cut off from its external power supply.
No doubt National Grid are also aware that Wylfa is situated close to Wales’ most seismically active area, the Menai Straits.
In addition, North Wales is subject to extreme weather events, and it has already been noted that there have been simultaneous double trips on at least 6 occasions in the recent past. These weather events have happened, and no doubt will happen again, particularly as climate change is expected to result in more extreme weather events.
This poses a level of unacceptable risk to the local population. Consequently, the grid connection between Wylfa and the rest of the UK (via either Deeside or Pembrokeshire) should not run on over head wires. Rather, a subsea or underground cable should be a requirement, and not an option, for the entire length of the route.
In this regard, it is notable that a sub-sea cable has been proposed to run from the west of Scotland into Deeside. On Nuclear Safety grounds alone, space at Deeside should be reserved for a subsea cable running from Wylfa, and should be considered an absolute priority.
In summary it is my submission that insufficient regard is given by National Grid to both safety issues, in particular in North Wales, and its environmental obligations under the Electricity Act 1989. It is therefore my submission that the obligations under Section 9 of the Act need to be more appropriately balanced with National Grid’s obligations under Section 38/Schedule 9 to preserve amenity value. Finally, urgent consideration should be given to an underground or subsea cable from Anglesey to Deeside or Pembrokeshire in respect of Wylfa B and new Irish Sea windfarm development.
I am posting a copy of my response to the consultation here:
Response to National Grid Undergrounding Consultation
This is a response to the National Grid Undergrounding Consultation.
Under Section 38 of the Electricity Act 1989, National Grid has a duty in formulating proposals for new development to:
“have regard to the desirability of preserving natural beauty, of conserving flora, fauna and geological or physiographical features of special interest and of protecting sites, buildings and objects of architectural, historic or archaeological interest; and shall do what [it] reasonably can to mitigate any effect which the proposals would have on the natural beauty of the countryside or on any such flora, fauna, features, sites, buildings or objects.”
It would appear that in many areas, including Snowdonia National Park, the considerations of providing a supply under Section 9 of the Electricity Act - to provide an “efficient co ordinated and economical” supply - are not considered appropriately. Too much weight is being given to Section 9, and insufficient weight is given to the consequences on local communities of the impact of overhead lines by National Grid as well as wider Section 38/Schedule 9 requirements. This can be seen in the recent Beauly Denny Inquiry where only short sections of line were required to be placed underground. This means that the absolute minimum weight was given to the impact on local communities despite over 17,000 people writing in to object to National Grid’s proposals.
In North Wales Tourism is the key industry. It accounts for 8.6% of the Welsh Economy and is the most significant industry from Anglesey in the West and all along the North Wales constituencies to Clwyd South in the East.
The preconditions set by National Grid under its Schedule 9 statement are such that too little regard is given to the wishes of local people in rural areas as well as the wider environmental and business impact at a local level to those affected and whose environment is ruined in order to export electricity to cities within the UK. This is amply demonstrated by the recent submissions from Somerset County Council in respect of proposed connections at Hinkley Point. Complaint is made in these submissions, and indeed those to the Beauly Denny Inquiry, that disclosure by National Grid to local stakeholders of both its reasoning and the detail of its proposal was insufficient. Whilst there may have been disclosure at a late stage, or indeed rectification caused by Stakeholders having to undertake detailed and further enquiries, National Grid’s actions go against the current policy National Grid purports to have.
This is of particular concern to North Wales, which has low density permanent population areas, but high visitor numbers.
There is also the issue of “equality of arms”. National Grid is a monopoly provider with access to huge resources both financial and technical, which local populations have no possibility of being able to match, whatever fundraising takes place. This, together with the fact that affected areas will cover a number of districts, makes it difficult for local people to travel and to deal with the large distances covering the diverse areas that any proposed route will affect.
It is my submission that a far greater balance needs to be given to the section 38/Schedule 9 obligations under the Electricity Act.
The current approach to existing overhead lines extracted from National Grid’s documentation is inserted for ease of reference:
1. Where it can be clearly demonstrated by the promoter that such proposals will
_ directly facilitate a major development or infrastructure project of national importance which has been identified as such by central government; and provide a beneficial step change in the environmental character and quality of the associated area; whilst at the same time not resulting in any unreasonable detriment to the environmental character and quality of the area to which the overhead line is relocated or undergrounded;
and
2. Where National Grid is satisfied that such proposals for relocation or undergrounding will
_ not compromise the security of supply, the reliability and the maximum capability of the high voltage transmission system now or in the foreseeable future; and be technically feasible, fully compliant with National Grid’s current design specifications and achievable in terms of system outages and resources within a timescale that does not adversely affect National Grid’s wider investment programme; and be fully funded by the promoter, who will also be responsible for securing all agreements in principle to allow National Grid to site its equipment on land and acquire any necessary land without the need to resort to compulsory powers.
Undergrounding policy:
Approach to existing overhead lines
* These comprehensive site layout, design and landscaping guidelines provide advice and pragmatic solutions to demonstrate how a creative design approach can minimise the impact of overhead lines. They promote design initiatives which help to retain land values; ensure that new good quality environments are built; that residential densities can be retained; and that the environmental impacts of overhead lines are minimised. They demonstrate that for many developments, overhead lines can be retained in situ without adversely affecting sites’ development potential. For further information visit the Sense of Place website at:
http://www.nationalgrid.com/uk/senseofplace
The above conditions are “and” conditions, namely that they all need to be satisfied before further changes will be considered, rather than “or” conditions, where if some conditions are met, consideration will be given to undergrounding cables. I would urge OFGEM in particular to monitor closely the way in which these conditions have been met, if ever. These are unduly onerous on local communities. It is clear that these stringent conditions will rarely, if ever, be met, and it is submitted that the current requirements as imposed again undermine National Grid’s obligations under Section 38/Schedule 9 of the Electricity Act 1989.
The Councils for the Protection of Rural England and Rural Wales have highlighted in particular the disregard that National Grid have had relative to their obligations in Snowdonia National Park, and indeed other Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty both in Wales and in England. Over 10% of National Grid’s “overhead” lines are in National Parks or AONBs. I have no doubt that the CPRE and CPRW will raise their own submissions, and to the extent that their submissions relate to the natural environment in general, and North Wales in particular, I adopt their submissions.
Nuclear Safety
It is of considerable concern that in the 20 years from 1972 to 1992 the two high voltage power lines traversing Snowdonia National Park failed simultaneously on at least 6 occasions, cutting off Wylfa Nuclear Power Station from an external power supply. Consequently, a nuclear safety issue arises in relation to both the current Wylfa A and the proposed Wylfa B. The significance of this nuclear safety issue is now clear to see given what is happening to Fukushima after it was cut off from its external power supply.
No doubt National Grid are also aware that Wylfa is situated close to Wales’ most seismically active area, the Menai Straits.
In addition, North Wales is subject to extreme weather events, and it has already been noted that there have been simultaneous double trips on at least 6 occasions in the recent past. These weather events have happened, and no doubt will happen again, particularly as climate change is expected to result in more extreme weather events.
This poses a level of unacceptable risk to the local population. Consequently, the grid connection between Wylfa and the rest of the UK (via either Deeside or Pembrokeshire) should not run on over head wires. Rather, a subsea or underground cable should be a requirement, and not an option, for the entire length of the route.
In this regard, it is notable that a sub-sea cable has been proposed to run from the west of Scotland into Deeside. On Nuclear Safety grounds alone, space at Deeside should be reserved for a subsea cable running from Wylfa, and should be considered an absolute priority.
In summary it is my submission that insufficient regard is given by National Grid to both safety issues, in particular in North Wales, and its environmental obligations under the Electricity Act 1989. It is therefore my submission that the obligations under Section 9 of the Act need to be more appropriately balanced with National Grid’s obligations under Section 38/Schedule 9 to preserve amenity value. Finally, urgent consideration should be given to an underground or subsea cable from Anglesey to Deeside or Pembrokeshire in respect of Wylfa B and new Irish Sea windfarm development.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
The Welsh Conservative Manifesto
One of the great things about being a regional candidate is that I go all over North Wales, from Anglesey in the West to Clwyd South and Wrexham in the East. Each area has strengths and weaknesses, however all the constituencies have some things in common. Since the creation of the Assembly in Cardiff it has been run by Labour, and let down by Labour. Plaid has described their Labour counterparts as having a "culture of excuses" I would go further and say that there has been a culture of failure.
Wales has more children living in severe poverty, its share of manufacturing has fallen by over 11% under Labour, our educational standards have slipped, and there is a funding gap of over £600 per pupil on average in each school, our farmers have "modulation" basically money taken out of their single farm payment, which no other european country does. Small businesses have been hit by huge rate rises, and council tax has increased as a form of indirect tax because of poor settlements from Labour/Plaids WAG. Most of all North Wales has been left out of many of the projects and funding, which has been allocated mainly in the South.
The Welsh Conservatives will have a Minister for North Wales, to make sure that crackpot schemes such as that suggested by Edwina Hart for North Wales patients having to travel for over 6 hours for neurosurgery to South Wales. The North has been taken for granted by Labour for too long.
Our manifesto was described by David Melding as a "mature programme for government". You can read it here http://www.welshconservatives.com/. It offers people in Wales clear choices, and a well thought out and sincere approach to how to tackle the key areas of concern here in North Wales. All the proposals in the manifesto have been fully costed, and therefore can and could be delivered. This is what we want to do.
Protect the health budget for the next 4 years against Labour's cuts in Wales, and free Doctors and Nurses to prioritise patient care
Directly fund schools so that head teachers and teachers are able to set their own priorities for right for their own school, in their area.
Encourage the potential of small businesses by taking them out of business rates so that they can take on new staff, or invest in new products.
Protect free bus passes and free prescriptions for older people.
Introduce an Armed Forces card to give benefits such as free bus travel and priority care on the NHS
Promote the use of the Welsh Language with a new charter mark for businesses that encourage its use.
Eliminate child poverty by 2020.
The details are in the manifesto, and reading it will show you that there is a real choice for voters in Wales. People are rightly concerned and worried about the cuts caused by Labours mishandling of the economy and huge debts meaning that we are paying £120 million a day in interest payments. The longer Labour rules in Wales, the worse the outcomes for Wales will get. Whatever Labour claims, the bald facts speak for themselves after over a decade of Labour rule in Wales. It is time for llais newydd dros Gymru, a New Voice for Wales.
Wales has more children living in severe poverty, its share of manufacturing has fallen by over 11% under Labour, our educational standards have slipped, and there is a funding gap of over £600 per pupil on average in each school, our farmers have "modulation" basically money taken out of their single farm payment, which no other european country does. Small businesses have been hit by huge rate rises, and council tax has increased as a form of indirect tax because of poor settlements from Labour/Plaids WAG. Most of all North Wales has been left out of many of the projects and funding, which has been allocated mainly in the South.
The Welsh Conservatives will have a Minister for North Wales, to make sure that crackpot schemes such as that suggested by Edwina Hart for North Wales patients having to travel for over 6 hours for neurosurgery to South Wales. The North has been taken for granted by Labour for too long.
Our manifesto was described by David Melding as a "mature programme for government". You can read it here http://www.welshconservatives.com/. It offers people in Wales clear choices, and a well thought out and sincere approach to how to tackle the key areas of concern here in North Wales. All the proposals in the manifesto have been fully costed, and therefore can and could be delivered. This is what we want to do.
Protect the health budget for the next 4 years against Labour's cuts in Wales, and free Doctors and Nurses to prioritise patient care
Directly fund schools so that head teachers and teachers are able to set their own priorities for right for their own school, in their area.
Encourage the potential of small businesses by taking them out of business rates so that they can take on new staff, or invest in new products.
Protect free bus passes and free prescriptions for older people.
Introduce an Armed Forces card to give benefits such as free bus travel and priority care on the NHS
Promote the use of the Welsh Language with a new charter mark for businesses that encourage its use.
Eliminate child poverty by 2020.
The details are in the manifesto, and reading it will show you that there is a real choice for voters in Wales. People are rightly concerned and worried about the cuts caused by Labours mishandling of the economy and huge debts meaning that we are paying £120 million a day in interest payments. The longer Labour rules in Wales, the worse the outcomes for Wales will get. Whatever Labour claims, the bald facts speak for themselves after over a decade of Labour rule in Wales. It is time for llais newydd dros Gymru, a New Voice for Wales.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Could Fukushima happen at Wylfa?
The events at Fukushima in Japan have been devastating, and on top of the damage and death caused by the tsunami, is the very real prospect of nuclear meltdown at Fukushima. Chris Huhne has already ordered a review of Nuclear Power stations in Britain, it will be interesting to see what his conclusions concerning Wylfa A will be. What caused the failure of the systems at Fukushima was loss of Grid connection and power, together with failure of the backup systems. Loss of power has happened on the 400kw supergrid line which crosses Anglesey via Pentir and Snowdonia National Park 6 times between 1972 and 1992 together with the second 400KW circuit, the loss of Grid power meant that Wylfa had to shut down or reduce its output to local area demand, without Anglesey Aluminium this demand is tiny. Is there a possibility that a double trip could happen with an adverse weather event and/or earthquake in North Wales?
This is an extract from the Museum of Wales website
The Menai Strait area is the most seismically active area in Wales and one of the most active in the UK. The last major earthquake occurred here in 1984, but many others are known from historical records (including 1827, 1842, 1852, 1874, 1879, 1903). Although many events have been recorded in south Wales, from Pembroke to Newport, only the Swansea area shows consistent activity, with significant earthquakes occurring in 1727, 1775, 1832, 1868 and 1906.
The above extract shows that seismic activity in Wales is a real and present concern, the 1984 quake being similar in size to the recent earthquake in New Zealand. All of this means that there is a very urgent need to consider the risks in the current position at Wylfa, where the double trip of the 400KW Supergrid lines, as has happened 6 times already, could if combined with an earthquake have devastating consequences here in North Wales. The exposure relates to the double trip on the Grid combined with an event that could knock out the electrical back up systems, with a reactor fault transient. At present National Grid and Horizon do not seem to be considering a subsea or undergrounding cable from Anglesey into Deeside, with the 2009 ENSG report indicating that they propose to run overhead lines, susceptible to the very real dangers of a double trip which has already happened as the past records show. This poses an unacceptable risk to the local population in North Wales, who have very real experience of the consequences of Nuclear fallout as a result of the Chernobyl disaster. It is now that the lessons from Fukushima should be learnt here in the UK, particularly on Anglesey which has known fault line. DECC needs to look with care at the proposals from both Horizon and National Grid to ensure that those risk factors are urgently addressed and consideration given to subsea cable to Deeside, as a matter of nuclear safety.
This is an extract from the Museum of Wales website
"Where do earthquakes occur in Wales?
There are several long-active fault systems in Wales. Once faults form, they create weak zones in the crust that can be reactivated time and time again. For example, the fault system running parallel to the Menai Strait between Anglesey and Bangor in north Wales are known to have been active over 500 million years ago and have also been the sites of more recent earthquakes.The Menai Strait area is the most seismically active area in Wales and one of the most active in the UK. The last major earthquake occurred here in 1984, but many others are known from historical records (including 1827, 1842, 1852, 1874, 1879, 1903). Although many events have been recorded in south Wales, from Pembroke to Newport, only the Swansea area shows consistent activity, with significant earthquakes occurring in 1727, 1775, 1832, 1868 and 1906.
Largest earthquake in Wales for 100 years
The 1984, magnitude 5.4, Menai Strait earthquake was the largest onshore UK event for over 100 years. The epicentre was located in northern Llyn, north Wales and the quake originated at a depth of approximately 22 km in the Earth's crust"The above extract shows that seismic activity in Wales is a real and present concern, the 1984 quake being similar in size to the recent earthquake in New Zealand. All of this means that there is a very urgent need to consider the risks in the current position at Wylfa, where the double trip of the 400KW Supergrid lines, as has happened 6 times already, could if combined with an earthquake have devastating consequences here in North Wales. The exposure relates to the double trip on the Grid combined with an event that could knock out the electrical back up systems, with a reactor fault transient. At present National Grid and Horizon do not seem to be considering a subsea or undergrounding cable from Anglesey into Deeside, with the 2009 ENSG report indicating that they propose to run overhead lines, susceptible to the very real dangers of a double trip which has already happened as the past records show. This poses an unacceptable risk to the local population in North Wales, who have very real experience of the consequences of Nuclear fallout as a result of the Chernobyl disaster. It is now that the lessons from Fukushima should be learnt here in the UK, particularly on Anglesey which has known fault line. DECC needs to look with care at the proposals from both Horizon and National Grid to ensure that those risk factors are urgently addressed and consideration given to subsea cable to Deeside, as a matter of nuclear safety.
Monday, February 21, 2011
National Grid Underground Cable Consultation
National Grid are currently running a consultation on their policies relative to running cables underground. I hope that you will take the time to look at the consultation paper and respond. The link to the consultation can be found here http://www.nationalgridundergrounding.com/.
Given that North Wales has been selected as a site for a new Nuclear Power Station on Anglesey it is vital that North Wales residents write and give their views on underground cables, particularly given the importance of the tourism and agricultural sector here in North Wales.
Given that North Wales has been selected as a site for a new Nuclear Power Station on Anglesey it is vital that North Wales residents write and give their views on underground cables, particularly given the importance of the tourism and agricultural sector here in North Wales.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Strengthening families, the future of child maintenance
Any MP will know that a large part of their constituency mailbox will be problems associated with the CSA. This organisation has been failing children and families for a long time. Currently there are extensive problems with the IT system which upgrades have not solved. The current consultation by the DWP provides an opportunity for single parents to have a say in shaping the future of the CSA. The consultation paper can be found here
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/strengthening-families.pdf.
Whilst I am broadly in agreement with the aims of the Green Paper which wishes to strengthen the ability of families to make their own arrangements. I am concerned that there appears to be little legal redress proposed to "back up" the arrangements made between parents. One of the many failures of the last Labour Government was its failure to act upon the Law Commission report number 307 which outlined the problems caused by failing to give legal protection to those who are cohabiting. For the full report see http://www.lawcom.gov.uk/docs/lc307.pdf.
If real meaningful action is to be taken, then it is vital that the gaps identified by the Law Commission are acted upon. To fail to do so will have the consequence that many families and children will continue to suffer from inequality causing a rise in dependence on the state.
At present Gingerbread the lone parent charity are looking for the views of single parents who are dealing with the CSA to join their campaign and have your say click here http://www.gingerbread.org.uk/content.aspx?CategoryID=574. In particular there is a proposal to charge for collecting child maintenance. This has the capacity to hit those who can least afford it the hardest, and I shall be working together with Gingerbread and other lone parent organisations to oppose charges for parents with care of their children.
My own experience of the CSA can be described as a "nightmare". Slow and unaccountable, lengthy failures to take enforcement, rewards those who lie, lacking the appropriate powers for the self employed and those owning their own businesses, with gaping holes in its remit. I shall be responding to the consultation personally and I would encourage others to do so by the 7th April.
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/strengthening-families.pdf.
Whilst I am broadly in agreement with the aims of the Green Paper which wishes to strengthen the ability of families to make their own arrangements. I am concerned that there appears to be little legal redress proposed to "back up" the arrangements made between parents. One of the many failures of the last Labour Government was its failure to act upon the Law Commission report number 307 which outlined the problems caused by failing to give legal protection to those who are cohabiting. For the full report see http://www.lawcom.gov.uk/docs/lc307.pdf.
If real meaningful action is to be taken, then it is vital that the gaps identified by the Law Commission are acted upon. To fail to do so will have the consequence that many families and children will continue to suffer from inequality causing a rise in dependence on the state.
At present Gingerbread the lone parent charity are looking for the views of single parents who are dealing with the CSA to join their campaign and have your say click here http://www.gingerbread.org.uk/content.aspx?CategoryID=574. In particular there is a proposal to charge for collecting child maintenance. This has the capacity to hit those who can least afford it the hardest, and I shall be working together with Gingerbread and other lone parent organisations to oppose charges for parents with care of their children.
My own experience of the CSA can be described as a "nightmare". Slow and unaccountable, lengthy failures to take enforcement, rewards those who lie, lacking the appropriate powers for the self employed and those owning their own businesses, with gaping holes in its remit. I shall be responding to the consultation personally and I would encourage others to do so by the 7th April.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Sex Offenders Register
Today Theresa May the Home Secretary gave a statement to Parliament on a Supreme Court ruling that those sentenced to 30 months or more, and who are listed on the Sex Offenders Register for life should be allowed to appeal that decision. May said that "Public Protection must come first" and that the Government were "appalled" at the decision of the Supreme Court and the Government would do the absolute minimum to comply.
On Monday I was at a meeting with Police officers, Forensic Medical Examiners, Paediatricians, Counsellors, Crown Prosecution Service, and Judge Michael Farmer QC to discuss serious sexual offending in North Wales and the impact the SARC Amethyst Centre has made for victims in North Wales. Once of the concerns expressed by HHJ Farmer QC was the ridiculously low sentences given to sex offenders and in particular those in possession of pornographic images of children. Many victims of sex offenders are affected for the rest of their lives by the actions of their abusers. This is a life sentence imposed by an abuser without any appeal for the victim of abuse.
As the SARC conference made clear, although there is an arrest rate of approx 96% by North Wales police, the conviction rate is 46%. Also highlighted was the fact that only 11% of sexual assaults are actually reported according to information from the British Crime Survey. I am delighted that the Government is going to tighten 4 loopholes in the Sex Offenders Register to ensure that public protection is a key priority. The impact in the Court system is likely to be that offenders at risk of a sentence of 30 months or more, are likely to fight their cases. The CPS has come a long way in ensuring that victims do not have to go into Court and face their abusers with video link and screens available to victims, and changes in evidence rules which permit previous allegations to rebut defences of "consent" have gone a long way to improve the conviction rate......but there is alot further to go and the steps announced by the Home Secretary today in closing the current loopholes will help protect the public from predatory sex offenders.
On Monday I was at a meeting with Police officers, Forensic Medical Examiners, Paediatricians, Counsellors, Crown Prosecution Service, and Judge Michael Farmer QC to discuss serious sexual offending in North Wales and the impact the SARC Amethyst Centre has made for victims in North Wales. Once of the concerns expressed by HHJ Farmer QC was the ridiculously low sentences given to sex offenders and in particular those in possession of pornographic images of children. Many victims of sex offenders are affected for the rest of their lives by the actions of their abusers. This is a life sentence imposed by an abuser without any appeal for the victim of abuse.
As the SARC conference made clear, although there is an arrest rate of approx 96% by North Wales police, the conviction rate is 46%. Also highlighted was the fact that only 11% of sexual assaults are actually reported according to information from the British Crime Survey. I am delighted that the Government is going to tighten 4 loopholes in the Sex Offenders Register to ensure that public protection is a key priority. The impact in the Court system is likely to be that offenders at risk of a sentence of 30 months or more, are likely to fight their cases. The CPS has come a long way in ensuring that victims do not have to go into Court and face their abusers with video link and screens available to victims, and changes in evidence rules which permit previous allegations to rebut defences of "consent" have gone a long way to improve the conviction rate......but there is alot further to go and the steps announced by the Home Secretary today in closing the current loopholes will help protect the public from predatory sex offenders.
Friday, February 11, 2011
High Voltage Power lines.
It would appear that finally Albert Owen MP has raised the question of submarine cables to be considered an option for Wylfa B and the new offshore windfarms that will form part of the Irish Sea development. This issue has been raised on Anglesey with both me and Paul Williams since November last year. I contacted National Grid on that point in November. Where has Albert Owen MP been over the last few months? Interestingly he has not picked up on the failure of Grid to consider that the Environmental Information Regulations apply to their projects.
The Electricity Networks Strategy Group (which includes National Grid) published a document in 2009 which shows that they are seeking to upgrade the Pentir 275kw line to a 400kw line apparently without any consultation with the local people that it will affect. (see pages 72-80 of the ENSG report. For a more detailed discussion of Grid issues in Wales see the blogpost from Syniadau.
http://syniadau--buildinganindependentwales.blogspot.com/2011/02/linking-north-and-south.html
Syniadau also highlights Welsh residents pay between 4 to 10 % HIGHER electricity costs as Wales is considered a net importer of electricity, despite the opposite being true. How Labour's Welsh Assembly Government has allowed this to happen at a time of spiralling energy costs is beyond me. Political pressure to force Grid and the Electricity Companies to accept that Wales is a net exporter of electricity could have meant money in the pockets of pensioners, families and businesses accross Wales.
I find it surprising that Grid are now positioning themselves on the basis of cost. bearing in mind the paragraph above. They are running undersea cable from Scotland to Deeside at a cost of £780 million as the post from Syniadau shows. It is vitally important that North Wales does not accept a second best option. Why then are Grid not also considering running cable the 64 or so miles from Anglesey to Deeside. Surely this would be a cheaper option than running cables down to Pembrokshire.
The Electricity Networks Strategy Group (which includes National Grid) published a document in 2009 which shows that they are seeking to upgrade the Pentir 275kw line to a 400kw line apparently without any consultation with the local people that it will affect. (see pages 72-80 of the ENSG report. For a more detailed discussion of Grid issues in Wales see the blogpost from Syniadau.
http://syniadau--buildinganindependentwales.blogspot.com/2011/02/linking-north-and-south.html
Syniadau also highlights Welsh residents pay between 4 to 10 % HIGHER electricity costs as Wales is considered a net importer of electricity, despite the opposite being true. How Labour's Welsh Assembly Government has allowed this to happen at a time of spiralling energy costs is beyond me. Political pressure to force Grid and the Electricity Companies to accept that Wales is a net exporter of electricity could have meant money in the pockets of pensioners, families and businesses accross Wales.
I find it surprising that Grid are now positioning themselves on the basis of cost. bearing in mind the paragraph above. They are running undersea cable from Scotland to Deeside at a cost of £780 million as the post from Syniadau shows. It is vitally important that North Wales does not accept a second best option. Why then are Grid not also considering running cable the 64 or so miles from Anglesey to Deeside. Surely this would be a cheaper option than running cables down to Pembrokshire.
Sunday, February 06, 2011
Avoiding disclosure? National Grid and Wylfa B
Recently the Government has indicated that they are reviewing a decision made by the Information Commissioner and the Tribunal about whether or not water companies need to disclose pollution information to members of the public under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. These regulations allow the public to access vital environmental information on projects which are likely to affect local people, and which may cause environmental damage in a particular area. This is of particular interest to North Wales which is going to host the new Wylfa B Nuclear Power station.
National Grid are relying upon the recent Tribunal decision, saying that they have no requirement to provide information under the EIR. This is rather a surprising decision by them, particularly as they exercise powers of compulsory purchase, and are responsible for providing electricity grid infrastructure. National Grid are going to have to provide new grid connections to Anglesey which will either mean submarine cables, or huge electricity pylons marching across swathes of North Wales. There is supposed to be a "public consultation" on the grid connections required for Wylfa B and the proposed Irish Sea windpower developments. This was due to happen in Spring of 2011, yet trying to get information about the proposed routes, is proving difficult. What are National Grid trying to hide, and why are they refusing to comply with the EIR? Time I think for the Government in its review of the EIR and the Water Companies, to extend their review to National Grid. If the protections the EU wanted to give EU citizens are to have any meaning then private companies exercising powers which come from the state of "compulsory purchase" and indeed nuclear electricity transmission need to comply with the EIR. I can not see why citizens of France would be able to access the information - and those in Wales can't. Tourism is one of the biggest industry sectors in North Wales and it is vital that the public in North Wales have access to proper information prior to and about the environmental impact of decisions by companies such as National Grid who should not seek to avoid their duty to disclose information to any members of the public who request it. This is particularly important where possible routes include routes through a number of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and indeed Snowdonia National Park.
National Grid are relying upon the recent Tribunal decision, saying that they have no requirement to provide information under the EIR. This is rather a surprising decision by them, particularly as they exercise powers of compulsory purchase, and are responsible for providing electricity grid infrastructure. National Grid are going to have to provide new grid connections to Anglesey which will either mean submarine cables, or huge electricity pylons marching across swathes of North Wales. There is supposed to be a "public consultation" on the grid connections required for Wylfa B and the proposed Irish Sea windpower developments. This was due to happen in Spring of 2011, yet trying to get information about the proposed routes, is proving difficult. What are National Grid trying to hide, and why are they refusing to comply with the EIR? Time I think for the Government in its review of the EIR and the Water Companies, to extend their review to National Grid. If the protections the EU wanted to give EU citizens are to have any meaning then private companies exercising powers which come from the state of "compulsory purchase" and indeed nuclear electricity transmission need to comply with the EIR. I can not see why citizens of France would be able to access the information - and those in Wales can't. Tourism is one of the biggest industry sectors in North Wales and it is vital that the public in North Wales have access to proper information prior to and about the environmental impact of decisions by companies such as National Grid who should not seek to avoid their duty to disclose information to any members of the public who request it. This is particularly important where possible routes include routes through a number of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and indeed Snowdonia National Park.
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Lack of Scrutiny in NHS,
It would appear that the Welsh Assembly Government has stopped collecting NHS data in order to avoid answering difficult questions on the NHS in Wales. This prevents members of the public asking questions under the Freedom of Information Act of those responsible for Health in Wales. The Labour/Plaid Government would appear to want to limit the ability of the public in Wales to access key information on performance and delivery of services. This begs the question if Labour/Plaid's Government does not have access to the data, how are they able to make sure that services are being delivered properly to people in Wales? Are they able to see if services are being delivered in a way that provides good patient care? It also shows that they are not prepared to look at the clinical impact of their political decisions.
Nick Bourne AM has tabled a number of questions, over 50, which have gone unanswered. Some of these questions have remained unanswered for over 6 months. More seriously data has shown massive increases in waiting times is now not being collected. Waiting times for outpatient treatment has increased by 24,758%, yes that is over twenty four thousand percent, and inpatient treatment waiting times have increased by 4958%. Now the data is "not available" as it is not being collected centrally. This needs explanation, not an attempt to brush it under the carpet and hope that noone notices......
This lack of scrutiny is particularly worrying for the public, who should have the ability to know what the actual position is, rather than the Spin that Labour and Plaid would like to put on their health reforms in Wales.
Nick Bourne AM has tabled a number of questions, over 50, which have gone unanswered. Some of these questions have remained unanswered for over 6 months. More seriously data has shown massive increases in waiting times is now not being collected. Waiting times for outpatient treatment has increased by 24,758%, yes that is over twenty four thousand percent, and inpatient treatment waiting times have increased by 4958%. Now the data is "not available" as it is not being collected centrally. This needs explanation, not an attempt to brush it under the carpet and hope that noone notices......
This lack of scrutiny is particularly worrying for the public, who should have the ability to know what the actual position is, rather than the Spin that Labour and Plaid would like to put on their health reforms in Wales.
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