Conservative Party Conference fringe event

Future proof? Transport investment in the age of austerity.

The Jury’s Inn, Broad Street: Tuesday October 5 2010; 19:00 – 20:00

 

Chair: Dan Milmo, Transport Correspondent, The Guardian

 

Speakers:

 

Rt. Hon. Theresa Villiers MP, Minister of State for Transport

Richard Hebditch, Campaigns Director, Campaign for Better Transport

Dr. Robert Michern,

Paul Plummer, Director for Planning and Development, Network Rail

 

Sponsors:

Network Rail

 

Chairing the event, Dan Milmo opened by communicating the bleak outlook of ‘future proofing’ transport investment given the significant cuts to expenditure which are likely to be made shortly. Milmo explained that the cuts will result in fewer bus and train routes as well as increases in rail fares.

Putting forward the question of whether or not a ‘future proofing’ transport investment is politically feasible, Milmo suggested that the number of people using public transport in the future will decrease. “The private sector has to fill the gap somehow’ says Milmo

Theresa Villiers raised the issue of tackling the deficit emphasising that “we have inherited the problem.”

Highlighting the Chancellor’s acknowledgement of the benefits in capitalising infrastructure Villiers argued the case preferring a high speed rail network over a third runway at Heathrow airport. Villiers commented that whilst environmental factors, including noise pollution and carbon impact, may be damaging in the short-term the commitment to a high speed rail network extending into the north of the country is the first step to a national network. She explained that it is this national network which is crucially important to boost prosperity and provide a lower carbon alternative to short haul flights.

 

Taking into account relevant discussions with the Treasury Villiers also called for the widespread introduction of electric cars culminating in a reduction in carbon emissions.

 

Speaking about the Local Sustainable Transport Fund Villiers went on to underline the importance of reaching the Party’s carbon goals as well as reducing congestion. Villiers explained that although the country was economically challenged the Party must ensure that local authorities possess the freedom to deploy resources.

 

Regarding ‘future proofing’ the transport sector Villiers described the perennial underlying problem, delivery time, stating that the goal of the government is not to be “short-sighted” but to focus on long-term decisions and whole life costs.

 

Building cross-Party consensus, as well as showing support for Cross Rail, Villiers says, is integral to reducing carbon emissions, cost effectiveness, future proofing of transport and re-energising the economy: “We must continue to upgrade and improve existing rail networks in an affordable manner.”

 

The main issue, she clarified, is the need for better value for money stating that although a 40% increase in passenger numbers was previously inconceivable this goal has since been met with contributions from the taxpayer being doubled. She called for greater accountability by Network Rail, with recent figures indicating a cause for concern, the desire for improving rail safety as well as productivity. Finally, Villiers discussed franchise reform as an important way of improving efficiency for passengers as well as encouraging private sector investment.

 

“We are prepared to consider long term franchises” declared Villiers. This includes providing railways with more flexibility rather than “micro-managing”. “A more qualitative approach needs to be made for the taxpayer and not binary like our predecessors” Villiers remarked.

 

Milmo then introduced Paul Plummer, an expert in railway finances.

 

Discussing costs, Plummer also emphasised the need for Network Rail to become more accountable. Plummer believes that the marriage of a greater evolution of accountability with a better partnership across the whole industry is required to retain the best elements of the national network. Freight operators should be able to use and have access to the network, with central help, so as to help revenue and to reduce industry costs.

 

Plummer announced the responsibility of the Party to prioritise placing the environment at the forefront of its focus when making decisions on funding solutions. Milmo raised in response the possibility of devolving Network Rail into regions as well as merging track owners with the rail operators.

 

Referring to the spending review Hebeditch placed prominence on maintaining existing transport services including roads and public transport. Highlighting the dangers involved, Hebeditich called attention to avoiding the spiral of decline which he explained was the central priority of the spending review.

 

Listing several options Hebeditch argued against the growth of a road network. He believes that the existing space be utilised to unlock the potential of our cities so that by example, hard shoulders be used as well as traffic being redirected appropriately as needs required.

 

Hebeditch spoke positively about the transport system in the UK, calling it “well connected” with great investments being made. Supporting the new Government’s prioritisation of spending, Hebeditch called for focus on how spending is appraised, concentrating on the possible environmental impacts in particular carbon efficiency; so in relation to freight consideration must be given to the size of each load and haulers must learn to cooperate with eachother.

 

Hebeditch elucidated by explaining that by combining strategic planning with priority spending “we are able to support capacity improvements meaning more freight on rail”.

 

Commenting on urban areas, Hebeditich called for an investment in rail capacities in the north of the country in order to reduce congestion by encouraging light rail.

 

Hebeditch spoke of his desire to encourage behaviourial change regarding the way towns and cities are planned by encouraging walking rather than driving, calling for capital funding to create small scale improvements and thereby improving employment.

 

Listing the dangers of the lack of support regarding transport investments he spoke about switching to greener modes of transport: “Prices of train and bus fares will be over a third higher by next Election. Our Carbon reduction strategy won’t be helped if this grows”.

 

Dr. Robert Michern examined the challenge that the economy and climate change presents.

 

Agreeing with Hebeditch’s earlier statement, Michern appealed for greater efficiency on the existing transport system to encourage economic development with innovative ways of financing being made to reap economic benefits.

 

Michern spoke about trains between major cities being surprisingly slow and “horrifically packed” and although there is considerable uncertainty in investment the level of historic micromanagement only increases intensity. Raising the notion of alternative fuels, he stated that whilst biofuels are beneficial for low carbon transport the amount of land needed to grow biofuels is completely impractical.

 

“Train-line investment is not glamorous but is important” explained Michern. Declaring that investment will decrease over the next four years “getting better results for less, is what is important” Milmo concluded.

 

A question and answer session followed.

 

A fringe attendee raised the issue of Cross Rail. Questioning the Government’s expenditure, the attendee suggested that networks of limited sizes be improved and connected running through the centre of London which he felt would be a cheaper option.

 

Offering a response, Theresa Villiers stressed her support of Cross Rail regarding the project as being an important one that will yield significant benefits. Not shying away from the significant cost of Tube upgrades, Villiers spoke of the Cross Rail as being a significant capital project.

 

Paul Plummer interjected; Cross Rail was both “disruptive and expensive”.

 

An attendee then asked the panel about their views of the air track. Villiers stated that the improvement of rail connections to Heathrow is of vital importance although it is seemingly difficult to predict public support in terms of funding.

 

A heated debate then ensued following the question of vertical integration in the freight industry.

 

Concluding the session, Villiers spoke of maintaining and supporting a flourishing freight railway sector offering a spectrum of options including decentralisation, joint ventures, devolution and accountability to reap significant benefits.

 

Conservative Party Fringe Event

Making big local: how to include the most neglected children and young people?

 

The Studio, Cannon Street: Tuesday October 5 2010; 9:00 – 10:00

 

Chair: Councillor Baroness Richie of Brompton, Chairman of the LGA’s Children and Young People Board

 

 

Honoured guested:

George Freeman MP, Member of Parliament for Mid-Norfolk

Dr Sandra Gruesco, Head of Children and Families, ResPublica

Dame Clare Tickell, Chief Executive, Action for Children

Pamela Chesters, Action for Children, Chair of trustees and Mayoral Advisor for health and youth opportunities, GLA

John Ransford CBE, Chief Executive, Local Government Association

Marcus Jones MP, Member of Parliament for Nuneaton

Charlotte Leslie MP, Member of Parliament for Bristol North West

Laura Sandys MP, Member of Parliament for South Thanet

Action for Children, Halton Youth Service members: Alan Martin, Chris Baker, Ste Sadler, Claire Bazley, Sean Jameson and Sammy Mullinger

 

Speakers;

 

Maria Miller MP, Minister for Disabled People

 

The Chair, Councillor Baroness Richie, began by thanking a small group of young children involved in Action for Children Halton Youth Service for the work that they carry out to improve of the lives of children in their community.

 

Richie went on to introduce the guest of honour Maria Miller MP, Minister for Disabled People.

Paying tribute to Action for Children, Miller explained the support that the organisation provides for vulnerable children in the UK.

 

“Aiding children who live in the most difficult circumstances, Action for Children provides an opportunity for each child to reach their potential in life, which is not only vital but also is what drives me in my position” Miller explained.

 

As Minister for Disabled People she went on to state that the government is able to provide a framework for organisations in which to operate allowing them to support children in this country.  However, she said, their efforts are essentially limited in the sense that they cannot fill gaps filled by other organisations, communities and family.

 

Miller stressed that it is a personal responsibility for each individual to discover the root causes of behaviour rather than to simply attempt to prevent the symptoms, stating that “for too long we have treated symptoms”.

 

Highlighting the issue of teenage pregnancy, Miller emphasised the importance being non-judgmental, asking the question of whether schools should focus on educating their pupils about relationships rather than simply informing them of the biology of sexual education.

Miller concluded by elucidating her definition of success;

 

“Success is each child, no matter where they live, receiving a true opportunity to realise their potential.”

 

Councillor Baroness Richie closed the event by instructing the audience to “fill in the gaps in your communities”.

 

Question and answer session;

 

Baroness Richie instructed each individual table to appoint an individual to read five questions for those sitting around their own table to answer.

 

Member of Parliament for Mid-Norfolk, George Freeman, began the session by asking whether or not life outcomes for teenage mothers are poor before turning to a member of the Halton Youth Service George saying “you must come across this a lot ?”

 

 

The table then discussed how local authorities are measured on their teenage pregnancy rates thereby making the assumption that being a teenage mother is wrong.

 

A fringe attendee felt this presumption is often a misconception created by the media stigmatising the teenage mothers. The attendee raised the question regarding how the community may support the mothers and ensure that relationships between them and the community do exist.

 

Reading from a card, Freeman asked the question of local authorities looking after rough sleepers as children.

 

Freeman explained that children have a deep profound human need to be connected, which the government may not necessarily be able to provide.

 

“Statistically, children in care have poor future prospects, often experiencing mental health issues such as depression.” Says Freeman.

 

The controversial question of whether or not one’s parents need to be married in order for the children to have a good start in life was then asked by Freeman with varying and resolute answers being offered by the fringe attendees.

 

Responses included the notion of a stable family unit above marriage which is essentially the ideal.

 

One attendee stated that the word ‘need’ should be replaced by the word ‘desirable’.

 

Finally, Freeman asked if it is the government’s possibility to ensure every child has a good start in life.

 

This question prompted a plethora of responses, in particular highlighting the need for a partnership between the government and the parent(s).

 

Other points were raised such as, the government concentrating on the most vulnerable children above any other child. Although swiftly refuted by another attendee describing initiatives by the government such as Surestart centres which he explained wher vital in improving the prospects of young children.

 

Freeman concluded the question by agreeing that the government must support the parent rather than simply ‘taking over’ from the parent.

 

 

 

West Midlands takes home two RIBA Awards

Sto External Wall Insulation/Martine Hamilton Knight

In the centre of Birmingham City lies an unassuming semi-detached Victorian house.

Enter John Christophers of Associated Architects and an award winning house that produces as much energy as it consumes appears in the heart of the city.

The West Midlands was the proud recipient of two national architecture awards given by The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

The revolutionary Zero Carbon House as well as St. Luke’s CE School captured the attention of the Institute on an architectural basis as well as an eco-friendly one.

RIBA President Ruth Reed stated:

“the RIBA Awards are for buildings that offer value to people’s lives.”

John Christophers desired to create a home in Balsall Heath for him and his family adhering to Level 6 of the new Code for Sustainable Homes. Meeting the highest standard for green technology, the Zero Carbon House is the very first Victorian terraced property to achieve the highest level recommended by the government. The converted home produces energy that is then deposited back into the national grid as well as making use of thermal insulation, triple glazing and a solar roof.

RIBA Regional Director, Matthew Dobson said:

“I am delighted for John and for the team at Architype. The Zero Carbon House and St Luke’s School represent excellence in architecture and demonstrate that work of the highest standard is happening right here in the Midlands.”

Externally, it has an entirely different character to the neighbouring area but certainly adds to the urban streetscape.  It is full of quirky, eco-friendly and well-considered details and is a robust and thoughtful design of exceptional quality.

Watch this audio slideshow for more pictures of the eco-friendly home in Balsall Heath.

Sustainability Live!

The Birmingham NEC was host to this years Sustainability Live exhibition in April 2010.

This event was held  for  and visited by businesses who are striving to help the environment through the development and improvement of their services and products.

Sustainability Live, the UK’s leading event for the environment, energy, water, land and sustainability included five leading environment exhibitions BEX, ET, IWEX, NEMEX and SB.

For the third year running, hundreds of exhibitors attended the exhibition, took part in interactive feature areas along with observing the insightful seminars and conferences. The event was held over three days and the innumerable companies were keen to share their passion for the environment with the events attendents.

This audio slideshow demonstrates the highlights of the day with interviews from various exhibitors and numerous interesting photos from the event.

If the latest advances in innovation interest you then you can take part next year as the highly anticipated event makes a return at the NEC between 24th -26th May 2011. Registration is free which also allows access to many other areas.

Host of ‘the Future of Station Design’ discusses Birmingham New Street Station

The BBC’s Maggie Philbin, the host of this years ‘Future of Station Design’ conference, describes Birmingham New Street Station as ‘embarrassing’.

She says that when one travels to a city the first image they are met with is that of a dismal and bleak train station. This is subsequently their very first and very last impression of a city.

Resolvedly, numerous influential individuals in the transport industry are attending a conference to be held at the London Museum of Transport entitled The Future of Station Design on the 29th of April 2010.

According to Maggie ‘it is both eye-watering and bewildering as to why a change has not been made already’.

Birmingham New Street Station

One of the stations being discussed is Birmingham New Street, which Maggie describes as “horrendously embarrassing compared with the way the rest of the city has been modernised in recent years as well as in comparison with stations such as St. Pancreas and Manchester Piccadilly”.

Whilst Maggie may not believe that the station is a “true reflection” of the city, in some cases it is in fact the only impression that many commuters experience of Birmingham when using the station simply to transfer onto a different train.

Unfortunately, the outmoded state of Birmingham New Street station is not an isolated case. There are in fact 150 train stations to be discussed at the conference with contemporary design ideas that will not only modernise the stations but will allow them to become substantially more ecological.

Time for a change

Maggie’s involvement stems from a ‘vested interest as a commuter as well as a journalist’.

Angry at the way stations have ’slowly decayed over time’, Maggie is concerned about the ‘lack of coordination, safety and poor service that the stations often offer’ with the poignant image of ‘tumbleweed slowly roaming the hallways of the station’ used to describe them.

Maggie also states that change will only occur ‘with a serious will to change the status quo that we have over time come to accept’.

It is clear that this ‘change’ will be slow to harness and the renewable energy devices set to be installed will not simply provide for the entire stations energy uses. Despite this, Maggie is certain that a difference can be made and that the reduction of its carbon footprint is attainable.

In addition Maggie has stated that ‘inexpensive solutions need to be capitalised’ suggesting that the conference will provide elegant solutions to energy problems with the technology that the world already has to offer.

Economic viability

The one major concern of this issue lies in the financial, with refurbishments costing thousands of the taxpayers money, it is a concern that the people of Birmingham will share if New Street Station is to be modernised.

In response to this concern, ideas have been offered to alleviate the taxpayers including notions of government investment in partnership with businesses and organisations in the transport industry.

The underlying message that the conference wishes to convey, according to Maggie, is that of a “positive growth in the right direction towards making a change that is ultimately not a difficult one”.

Those involved in the project are hoping for its completion to be in 2014.

New Street Station will be discussed at design conference

The future of Birmingham New Street Station will be discussed between prominent industry figures at a conference to be held regarding the modernisation of railway stations.

The Future of Station Design conference will be held on 29th April at the Transport Museum, Covent Garden, London, with the issue of the environment in mind.

The aim of the conference is to offer ideas concerning renewable energy systems such as solar panels and how they may be able to be integrated into the design of the renovated stations.

Representatives from both Network rail and Carbon trust will be in attendance recognising the importance of energy efficiency in transport.

Ahmed from Network Rail, has stated that:

‘We have may new developments in mind for Birmingham New Street Station which will be revealed in due course.’

Although aware that not the entire station can run on renewed energy, initiatives are to be announced contributing to the overall efficiency of the station benefiting the thousands of commuters who use the station as well as the environment itself.

West Midlands frontrunners in Earth Hour challenge

The West Midlands is currently in 10th place in the ‘Earth Hour’ challenge set by the World Wildlife Fund.

The West Midlands has contributed greatly since the campaign first began and this year is just 118 signatures behind ninth place in the entire United Kingdom and Ireland backing the Earth Hour challenge.

Despite Birmingham City Council being absent from the sign up list, they have stated that they will be taking part in the ‘Earth Hour’ campaign. Project Manager for Suitability in Birmingham City Council, Chandra Quarsia is eager to encourage Birmingham schools, organisations and individuals to sign up to the campaign propelling the West Midlands further up the Earth Hour table.

Organisations in the Birmingham area who have signed up to the campaign include The Birmingham and Midland Institute. However, Administrator of the Birmingham and Midland Institute Philip Fischer has stated that the building’s lights are turned off around 6pm and therefore their lights will be turned off at the given time of 8:30pm regardless.

This prompts the question of how many other organisations and schools have signed up knowing that their lights will be turned off at 8:30pm anyway?

In spite of this, the WWF are keen to motivate the entire world into contributing towards their efforts in benefiting the environment in a positive way.

Supporting this campaign are many well known individuals including Archbishop Desmond Tutu stating that; “Earth Hour is an opportunity for every man, woman and child from all corners of the globe to unite and show the world that by working together we can win the battle against global warming.

The World Wildlife Fund began its campaign in 2007 entitled ‘Earth Hour’. This annual campaign aims to encourage countries around the world to turn off their lights for one hour on the last Saturday in March, in order to help save the planet.

By decreasing electricity usage for one hour, thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions are cut, thereby benefiting the environment on a large scale.

The date set this year prompting lights to be turned off across the globe, has been set at 8:30pm on Saturday the 27th March 2010.

Birmingham City Council set to release Energy Action Plan despite criticism

Birmingham City Council has announced that their Energy Action Plan will be released on the 29th March 2010, despite criticism that the plan will not be enough to tackle Birmingham’s carbon footprint.

Individuals residing in the Birmingham area have eagerly anticipated the arrival of Birmingham City Council’s energy action plan for some time.

However Birmingham Friends of the Earth (BFOE) have begun campaigning for the council to adhere to a carbon budget similarly to the way any council would for a financial budge.

Energy Action Plan

Prior to the Copenhagen Summit that took place at the end of 2009, Birmingham City Council produced a ‘Birmingham Declaration’ on climate change.

Not satisfied with the effects of this declaration, lobbyists urged the council to revamp their plans to help the environment.

Subsequently, after being reviewed by the governments cabinet, the BCC are set to outline ways in which they intend to cut c02 emissions in the city of 60% by 2026.

The much awaited plan is to be observed closely on a yearly basis by the council in an effort to reduce the carbon footprint that Birmingham leaves on the planet.

Birmingham Friends of the Earth

Not satisfied with the proposals for the plan, a spokesperson for BFOE states:

‘We urge members of the public to write a letter to the members of parliament in your area to improve their plan to reduce carbon emissions.’

10:10 campaign

In addition to these protests,  BFOE have stated that they are continuing their efforts to get businesses in Birmingham to sign up to the 10:10 campaign that encourages individuals and organisations to cut emissions by 10% this year.

Organisations such as Royal Mail and Microsoft have already signed up and Birmingham Friends of the Earth are lobbying to extend this enthusiasm to the West Midlands.

‘Clean Energy Cashback’ under criticism

Following the article concerning m Birmingham City Council ‘refusing loans to make homes greener’, it is apparent that the government’s seemingly appealing ‘Clean Energy Cashback’ plan is not as impressive as it appeared when first announced.

Property owners in the Birmingham area were outraged upon hearing the news of Birmingham City Council’s reluctance to offer the ‘green loans’ as part of the government’s strategy to encourage property owners to install renewable energy systems in their homes.

However, the government’s proposal for the feed-in-tariffs that are to be introduced in April 2010 and April 2011 in fact pose many problems that were part of the council’s decision to withhold from offering financial systems.

To begin with, the ‘green loan’ that the government is offering has only been put in place for low income property owners. Consequently the many of people who do not fall into that category must offer the money upfront in order to install the renewable energy system.

However the individuals who are not low income property owners are more likely to install an energy system into their homes rather than those with low incomes.

Subsequently if one does not receive a loan it will take around fifty years to pay back, meaning that no benefits to the system will be seen for the amount of time that it takes to pay back. Evidently the rewards to be reaped are few.

Furthermore, the government is linking the ‘green loan’ with the property that has an installed system. As a result, the property owned becomes rather less appealing as there is a loan attached to it, making it harder to sell.

Birmingham City Council has released a statement: “Combined, these issues must be scrutinised before any benefits to it are noticed regarding improving the state of our environment.”

Salons becoming eco-friendly in Birmingham

Hairdressers around Birmingham are increasingly renovating and modernising their salons to create a more eco-friendly environment.

Salons like Hushhair and Aveda are taking energy saving measures and encouraging recycling.

Such policies are encouragement by magazine Hair Journal, who informed salons that owners have a great responsibility to establish efficient enterprises that in no way damage the environment.

Hushhair

Leading the way, Hushhair, an exclusive salon located in Birmingham’s City centre, has taken various steps in becoming environmentally active.

Joe, a hairdresser at Hushhair has stated that by undertaking these improvements to the salon it is not only advantageous for the environment but also encourages others to do be conscious of how they too can help the planet.

They continue by saying that saving energy and reducing the amount of waste helps the environment which in turn also benefits Hushhair financially, a crucial factor in this current economic climate.

These improvements, that many other salons are likewise adopting, include energy saving light bulbs, water reducing jet nozzles in hair cleansing stations, reusable bags in addition to recycling all bottles used.

Furthermore, Hushhair’s newest initiative, set to inspire customers and salon owners alike encourages customers to bring in their bottles to be refilled for a discounted price of 25% off.

Aveda

Aveda, a prestigious organisation which specialises in skin and hair care in the Bullring, has launched an impressive new campaign entitled ‘Aveda Earth Month 2010’.

Hoping to raise £3.5 million internationally, Aveda is urging people to donated in support of WaterAid and their projects situated in Nepal and Ethiopia.