Make Your Voice Heard Where It Matters

THE LAST FOUR WEEKS have been an interesting time for the Canvey Beat, and me as its author. I had to get used to a quirky BlogSpot dashboard – as opposed to the all-singing, all-dancing version provided by WordPress. And regular contributors, in the new site’s first two weeks, had to come to terms with a comment editor that seemed unwilling to post their contributions.

I had decided to permit all and sundry to comment, provided they could prove their humanity by typing a randomly displayed word as confirmation; but what I did not know was that the facility only worked if the visitor pressed the ‘preview’ button. Those hitting ‘post comment’ had their contributions disappear into the far reaches of Cyberspace. The fix has been to allow all postings; but to direct them at moderation.

Commenting on posts is still, I am afraid, a bit of a pain as compared with WordPress. BlogSpot insists that visitors choose a profile from a drop-down list – and that has confused many. The solution, if you do not wish to use your own name or an alias is to choose ‘Anonymous.’ If you wish to post in your own name, or an alias, use the ‘Name/URL’ profile option. You will be asked to complete both fields; but you can leave the URL field blank if you wish.

BlogSpot does not place a cookie on your machine to make your task easier if you decide to post again in the future. You need to select an appropriate profile each time you leave a comment.

So why should you go to all this hassle? Well, if you want your opinions to be seen by the people that matter, the Canvey Beat makes that happen.

Over the past few weeks, the Canvey Beat has been devoid of any Internet traffic. Google only got around to indexing the Blog yesterday and it has been very interesting to look at the detailed statistics that the site’s new StatCounter provides. Unlike WordPress, which only provides a count of page loads, the new facility provides detailed information on visitors; their software and machine specifications; the number of times they have visited; the duration of their visit; what pages they accessed; and full details of their Internet Service Provider and access node used to connect to the site. On WordPress you only obtain an IP address for those leaving comments – and are left to dig-out the basic information yourself.

I was pleased to find that old Canvey Beat contributors were continuing to access the new site; and surprised to find that it is also being monitored by the Echo and its Newsquest owners, along with Castle Point Borough Council, Essex County Council and Parliament. It seems that those organisations are particularly interested in what Canvey Beat readers have to say.

So please brave the strange new comment facility and leave your usual candid remarks on my posts.

Your comments on the Canvey Beat really will be read by the people who can make things happen…

... (03/08/2010, Ted Pugh) - Knock! Knock! Who's There?

Britain’s Antiquated Benefits System To Be Reformed

THE COALITION GOVERNMENT raised a number of eyebrows this week when it revealed that the new ‘work capability assessment,’ introduced in October 2008 to replace the old incapacity benefit scheme, had reduced claimant numbers by some 75 percent.

If the same ratio is present in the 2.2 million people currently in receipt of incapacity benefit, it would mean that almost 1.7 million of them should be at work.

The figure is extraordinarily high. Most observers had predicted that the new ‘fit to work’ test might be able to reduce the numbers by up to 30 percent – and that was borne out by the original pilot studies – but no one has had the courage to suggest that three-quarters of sickness benefit claims are bogus.

Last month the government appointed Professor Malcolm Harrington to carry out an independent review into the assessment scheme to ensure it was ‘fair and accurate.’

The ‘fit to work’ tests are being carried out by doctors and medical professionals working for a private contractor, Atos; but the Department for Work and Pensions has said that the firm does not receive any extra money for recommending that applicants be denied benefits.

From October, all existing incapacity benefit claimants will be required to undergo the new test.

But it was not just sickness benefits that were in the government’s sights this week. On Saturday it had emerged that housing benefit claimants steal more than £220 million of handouts every year, and that one in 10 are abusing the system.

The sickness figures were just the final nail in the benefit system’s coffin.

A command paper from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) outlined a number of options today, one of which could see the end of housing benefit; income support; council tax benefit; working tax credit; and child tax credit. The benefits would be replaced by a 'universal benefit,' which would be tailored to ensure claimants are always better off returning to work.

’The key thing is getting people back to work and the reality is that more money will be saved, you save through fraud and bad overpayments,’ Work and Pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith said.

’All these things go on in this terrible system left over to us from the Labour party which is complex and very expensive.’

According to the DWP, working more than 16 hours a week is financially disadvantageous for many claimants under the current system. Around 1.9 million lose 60p out of every £1 they earn, while 130,000 lose 90p out of every pound earned.

’The complexity of the system also creates risk and uncertainty for the people in society who most need stability. We want to simplify the system to make it clear that work will always pay,’ Mr Duncan Smith said.

’Our reforms should also ensure the system is easier for individuals to understand and will reduce the high costs of fraud and error.’

Many will need some convincing that the 75 percent bogus sickness benefit claims are true – although it may reflect the increasing trend of unemployed drug addicts to claim benefits. At present, they receive the same benefit as others who are jobless as a result of illness.

It is estimated that one in 15 of all those on benefits are drug users, compared to just one in 100 in the wider population.

The government has set its aims high; but none of the proposed measures address the problem of uneducated young women choosing to become pregnant as a means of securing state funded housing and having further children to increase their benefit income. Few, it seems, are even willing to recognise the scale of that problem, which disadvantages responsible young couples choosing to contribute to society and raise a family – but without the resources to buy their own property.

It does not sit comfortably to find the coalition government targeting the sick while failing to ensure that all social housing only be let to those who have contributed, or are contributing, to society.

There is nothing here to deter the likes of Peter and Mary.

Hanningfield Unable To Claim Parliamentary Privilege Over Expenses Claims

THE CONSERVATIVE PEER, Lord Hanningfield, cannot use Parliamentary Privilege to protect himself against charges he abused his travel expenses.

The Court of Appeal judges said that they were ‘unable to envisage how dishonest claims’ by MPs or Lords could ever come under the protection of the ancient defence. They added that ‘ordinary criminal activities’ were never intended to be protected.

Lord Hanningfield, together with MPs David Chaytor, Elliot Morley and Jim Devine, was appealing the ruling by Mr Justice Saunders that the men should be tried in a criminal court.

The three judges, the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge, sitting with Lord Neuberger and Sir Anthony May said: ‘The stark reality is that the defendants are alleged to have taken advantage of the allowances scheme designed to enable them to perform their important public duties as members of parliament to commit crimes of dishonesty to which Parliamentary immunity or privilege does not, has never, and, we believe, never would attach.’

They added: ‘In our judgement no question of privilege arises and the ordinary process of the criminal justice system should take its normal course, unaffected by any groundless anxiety that it might constitute an infringement of the principals of Parliamentary privilege.’

It is expected that the accused will now take their case to the Supreme Court, which could delay the proposed date for their trials in November.

The four men deny theft by false accounting.

Council Workers Face Changes To Local Government Pensions Scheme

AN AUDIT COMMISSION REPORT on the £130bn Local Government Pensions Scheme (LGPS) has raised concerns that the scheme only has funds to cover about three-quarters of its future liabilities.

The LGPS has 1.7 million active members; 1.1 million members with deferred pensions; and 1.1 million currently receiving pensions.

Although workers contribute to the fund, most of the money comes from their employers, the local authorities, and therefore, ultimately, from taxpayers. The government says that the pensions cost households hundreds of pounds a year.

To counter the shortfall, the commission’s proposals include: increasing employee contributions; raising the retirement age; and allowing local funds to adjust the benefits paid out.

Audit Commission Chief Executive, Eugene Sullivan, said that without corrective action the gap will widen.

’The scheme cannot continue as it is,’ Sullivan said. ‘Unfunded liabilities are being deferred, and this is storing-up problems for the future.’

Communities and Local Government Secretary, Eric Pickles, said the report ‘highlighted the need for change, to ensure fairness for all.’

‘A massive take of everyone's council tax bill is going on pension costs, rather than emptying bins weekly or cleaning the streets,’ he said.

‘Local taxpayers simply cannot afford to foot an ever-growing bill for town hall pensions - especially for highly paid senior officers and town hall chief executives.’

Is This The £35,000 ‘Summer Fun’ Package Promised To Islanders?

PERHAPS I WAS GUILTY of unduly whetting islanders’ appetites when I related Canvey Island Town Council’s intention of spending £35,000 of residents’ money on ‘Summer Fun.’ It now appears that that particular budget was no more than the anticipated cost of producing glossy brochures to be delivered to residents’ houses – advertising other organisations’ arrangements for summer events this year.

The CITC’s Website has recently been updated with two PDF booklet proofs containing details of local events for young citizens during the summer. They cover the period from Sunday 18th July to Friday 27th August. One is a colourful, 20-page, logo enhanced version – aimed at young children. The other is an austere, 8-page, text only offering aimed at secondary students.

Interestingly, it appears that there are only four events specifically aimed at the older group (the remaining entries in the 8 page booklet are just reproduced from the larger version) and there are the inevitable ‘printer’s errors’ that has placed one event, organised by Southend United FC, only in the 8-page version – despite being suitable for those between six and 15-years-old. Another, a rock-climbing day, taking place at  Deanes School on 20th August – and suitable for those up to 14-years-old – has similarly been misplaced.

It is difficult to understand why the Town Council has gone to the expense of bulking the information into two brochures, when one, with a single page insert advertising those four activities only suitable for secondary students, would have sufficed. But, then, financial management has never been one of the TC’s strong points.

In the interest of making local parents’ task of eliciting the required information easier, here are those four events aimed only at secondary students:-

Friday 30th July

Beauty Workshop at The King John School, Shipwrights Drive from 10am to 2pm. Price: £5. ‘Come along, have fun and learn some great techniques from the professionals, including learning how to file, massage and paint nails. You will also be taught party make up, prom make up and also day make up. Includes a souvenir photo (which will be sent onto you). Hosted by The King John Hair and Beauty Team. To find out more or to book a place please call Mary on 07738 217717.'

Hair Workshop at The King John School, Shipwrights Drive from 10am to 2pm. Price: £5. ‘Come along, have fun and learn some great techniques from the professionals, learn plaits, setting hair, pin curling, and creative hair. Includes a souvenir photo (which will be sent onto you). Hosted by The King John Hair and Beauty Team. To find out more or to book a place please call Mary on 07738 217717.'

Friday 6th August

Construction Taster Day at Crown College, 1 Elm Road, Canvey Island
from 10am to 3.00pm. Price: £10. ‘Please join us for a taster day at Crown where you can try your hand at carpentry, plumbing, electronics and tiling. There are very limited places so please book early by contacting Pat: 07867 787235.'

Monday 9th to Friday 13th August

Tennis ‘Thunderball’ Tournament at Deanes Sports Centre, Daws Heath Road, Thundersley between 9am to 5pm. Price: £25 for week long tournament. ‘Bookings can be made weekdays after 4pm and weekends 9am-6pm, tel: 01268-741162.'

And here are those misplaced events:-

Friday 20th August

Rock Climbing Day at Deanes Schools, Daws Heath Road, Thundersley from 9.30am to 3pm Age: up to 14yrs. Price: £15. ‘Check out http://www.mobilerockwall.co.uk/. To book contact Deanes weekdays after 4pm and weekends 9am-6pm, tel: 01268-741162.'

Monday 23rd to Friday 27th August

Southend United FC - Soccer Fun Camp at Deanes School, Daws Heath Road, Thundersley from 10am to 3pm. Age: 6-15yrs. Price: £15/30/45/60/75 or £12/24/36/48/60 if paid in adv (10% Discount available for siblings) – tel: 01702-341351.'

Residents will notice that, as usual, the local Essex Police Force is the most prolific of organisations providing sporting activities for all ages this summer. They have 24 separate events planned – and they do not cost a penny.

For details of other events that the Town Council may not have captured, residents can refer to the Echo’s What’s On section of their Website.

Is Neville On The Sauce?..

I HAD INTENDED to write an intelligent dissertation on Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting; but all my thoughts remain upon Neville Watson’s contribution to what was otherwise a series of competent presentations.

Neville, it will be remembered, in his role as one of the Canvey Island Independent Party (CIIP) councillors for the island’s Winter Gardens Ward, was responsible for raising the shroud of the CIIP’s Blog last Tuesday – so it is not surprising that he should attend Cabinet when the subject of his post, the government inspector’s examination of the Local Development Framework Core Strategy, should be on the agenda.

The main surprise was that he actually attended one of those meetings that he has always vigorously insisted takes place in secret and behind closed doors; but another came when he decided to ask his question during the Cabinet’s Housing Update.

I was surprised; and Neville was hesitant and confused. He lost the thread of his question on three separate occasions and stuttered his way through its delivery. When he had finished, I was no clearer about what point he was trying to make. I read and re-read my notes – and then replayed the Webcast; again and again.

I decided that Neville was asking Wendy Goodman, Cabinet Member for Homes (whom happened to be on holiday) what the effect would be on homes, empty properties and the landlords’ accreditation scheme if Thames Gateway funding was cut back. And he also wanted to know what the effect would be on the ‘Pathmeads initiative.’

That, as I understand it, was his question; but Neville had apparently just tagged it onto the end of some quote made by the MP for Bromley and Chislehurst concerning an Exocet missile.

Now Neville’s Blog post, last week, had attempted to prove his party’s case that the Tory’s are in favour of 5,000 new homes being built on the island, by accusing them of ‘not turning up’. But what he does not say, and what was made clear by Steve Rogers, during his presentation on the government inspector’s examination of the council’s core strategy to Cabinet, is that the subject of new house building has been postponed until the Autumn (awaiting further announcements on policy from central government). In other words, the topic of new housing in the borough has not yet been investigated – let alone discussed at the public enquiry. But, despite this, Neville says, in his post: ‘As they [the Conservatives] never turned up that means they were for mass development on Canvey Island. We told you at election time and we were right.’

It is not clear what planet Neville is on, or whether there is actually a form of direct communication that he shares with us lowly earthlings; but it stands to reason that his cabinet question must contain a point – and I was determined to discover what it was.

Google led me to an article contained on the Inside Housing Website. It carried the quote from Bob Neill, MP, which Watson related in his question. The only problem was that there was no mention of the government intending to cut the Thames Gateway budget. Far from it: the article was about the coalition government pledging support for the Thames Gateway regeneration project and its associated Crossrail plans.

So, what on earth was Watson on about?

It appears that Neville was just as confused, when extracting quotes to introduce his cabinet question, as he was when raising it. Had he been sober (one can only assume the opposite) he would have seen the phrase, which he needed to use, glaring at him from the article’s second paragraph:-

‘Bob Neill said that the plan to build 160,000 homes in the 40-mile strip of land to the east of the capital was “a great and important initiative.”’

What Watson should have asked, was: ‘Does the Cabinet Member for Homes welcome the coalition government’s intention not to cut-back on the Thames Gateway budget? And does she agree with her party colleague, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of Communities and Local Government, Bob Neill, when he said that: ‘…the plan to build 160,000 homes in the 40-mile strip of land to the east of the capital was “a great and important initiative?”’

Now that would have been a good question, Neville – had you been up to the task of asking it…

Dartford Crossing On Minister’s Agenda

COMMUTERS will welcome today’s news, from Mike Penning, the Roads Minister, that the barriers at the Dartford Crossing toll booths could be lifted during times of severe congestion.

It was also announced that the Highways Agency will look at whether new licence plate recognition technology could permit free-flow charging.

The BBC reports the Roads Minister as saying; ‘The Secretary of State for Transport and I had a constructive meeting today with local and interested MPs to discuss the Dartford/Thurrock River Crossing.

’We both confirmed that reducing congestion at the Dartford crossing is an absolute priority.

’Our preferred option is the use of newer technology to allow free-flow charging and we have asked the Highways Agency to work-up proposals as a matter of urgency.

’However, we are also willing to consider the possibility of lifting the barriers when congestion is particularly severe.

’Any solution will need to take account of the potential benefits and impacts, and the need to maintain the safe operation of the crossing for the millions of its users.’

The Dartford Tunnel and the Queen Elizabeth II bridge carry, on average, 150,000 vehicles a day.

More Torrential Downpours Forecast By The Met Office

THE MET OFFICE issued the following flash warning of regional torrential downpours for: Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Luton, Southend-on-Sea, Suffolk and Thurrock at 0816 today:-

‘Isolated torrential downpours could give more than 20 mm of rain in one hour locally, with overall totals perhaps exceeding 50 mm.

’The public are advised to take extra care and refer to the Highways Agency for further advice on traffic disruption on motorways and trunk roads.’

The flash warning, indicating an 80 percent confidence level, is valid for the period 1015 to 2100 today, Thursday, 22nd July.

If The Cap Fits…

IT SEEMS that Canvey Island organiser, Colin Letchford, is determined to be seen casting his own hat into the ring (hungrily eyed by Dave Blackwell and Bob Spink) for an elected Castle Point Mayor.

Yesterday, Colin was regaling the Echo with his solution to retaining Canvey’s Concord pool from the evil Castle Point Tories – by setting-up a residents’ fund to pay for its maintenance and restoration.

There was little detail of the fund. No information about which island banks had agreed to accept donations from the public; just a closing quote from Lea Swann promoting her own financial security blanket – the Friends of Concord Beach.

It is understood that the pair, or, as the Echo puts it: ‘fellow campaigners,’ are more than happy to accept any spare cash that the Concord Cafe’s visitors can provide.

Colin appears to have an inside track on the Concord pool discussions, which have been taking place between the Town Council (TC) and Castle Point Borough Council (CPBC) since February. He is quoted as saying that CPBC intends to spend £50,000 on the pool ‘no matter what happens.’

He makes no mention of the additional money just spent on the pool to ensure its continued use this year – and it seems that the reporter, Paul Offord, did not ask him.

Colin also let slip that the TC is no longer looking to take-over the pool from Castle Point Council. Their meetings are apparently now focusing on the two bodies agreeing to share the pool’s costs.

Colin’s plans for his own fund are various. As Offord explains in his piece: ‘if Castle Point Council and Canvey Town Council eventually decide to fund the health and safety repairs between them, meaning the residents’ fund is not needed, everyone who made contributions will be given three options.’

They are: to take back the money; transfer it to Little Havens Children’s Hospice; or use it to boost Lea Swann’s fund.

It is not reported how Colin is proposing to record all individual contributions; but it appears he will be asking our local MP, Rebecca Harris, to attach her name to any final balance his collection may enjoy.

Paul Offord reports: ‘He [Letchford] said the campaigners were looking to get someone above reproach, like Castle Point Tory MP Rebecca Harris, to be the final person to sign off any money that gets paid out from the fund.’

I wouldn’t touch either with a bargepole, Rebecca…

Louis XVI Capitulates And Necker Is Reinstated

THE SACKING of Jaques Necker on 11th July, which gave rise to riots, chaos and widespread looting, culminated in a concerted attack on the Bastille on Wednesday 14th this week.

After several hours of combat, the prison and symbol of monarchist tyranny fell to rioters who armed themselves from the Bastille’s cache of weapons and released its seven prisoners (one of whom is suspected of murder).

Despite ordering a cease fire, which eye-witnesses claim prevented a mutual massacre, Governor Marquis Bernard de Launay was beaten, stabbed and decapitated. His head was then placed on a pike and paraded about the city.

It is further reported that, after returning to the Hôtel de Ville, the mob accused the prévôt des marchands, Jacques de Flesselles, of treachery - and he was shot.

Royal sources say that the King and his military supporters have now backed down – at least for the time being. La Fayette has been placed in command of the National Guard and Jean-Sylvain Bailly has become the capital’s new mayor under a new governmental structure known as the commune.

The King is reported today to have accepted a tricolore cockade to cries of Vive le Roi and Vive la Nation. And Necker has been reinstated.

It remains to be seen just how long-lived his appointment will be, because, despite apparently thinking he can save the country himself, Necker has never been the most astute of politicians…

Another Disappearing Act

MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, most journalists’ time is spent confirming facts and researching a story’s background. And more and more often, these days, much of that research is conducted on the Web in order to generate physical leads and quotations that can be used in an article.

Media savvy politicians have been quick to latch onto the fact that journalists now consider the Web’s search engines as one of their most important tools – and they have not been slow in attempting to remove any online reports that may adversely effect their careers.

The same is true of media savvy businesses and other institutions. And Britain’s current Libel Laws have ensured that publishers have removed offending articles or statements – rather than just printing a retraction.

Fortunately, reporters have long memories and, if a report actually appeared in print, the original – and its retraction – will still be available via a journal’s archive. Much to those individuals' disappointment, journalists still ring their colleagues in other areas when their Web search has nothing to report.

So what has this to do with Canvey? Well, Canvey has already had an instance of the Methane Mud and Memories Blog removing comments made by the Canvey Island Independent Party councillor, Anne Wood. Comments, which it just so happens, provide a useful insight into that politician’s character. But another incident, which played itself out yesterday, has particularly focused my attention on how electronic news can just as easily disappear.

I wrote about the Castle Point Youth Action Group (CPYAG) and its founder, Lee Sayer, last Wednesday; but the link I provided to the new organisation’s site is no longer active. Its Facebook page has been removed and its domain has nothing to point to. Apart from the Canvey Beat article, the only testament to the fledgling group’s existence is the original post by the Methane Mud and Memories Blog in which Lee Sayer decided to generate some local attention for his new venture.

Lee did not receive a sympathetic hearing, which was largely his own fault. Rather than address, what he saw, as the unjustified blaming of youth culture for local vandalism in a short statement, Lee’s youthful exuberance ran riot in laying the blame at councillor’s feet for not understanding the problem. He made the fatal PR mistake of not researching his audience – and immediately paid for it. An anonymous reader, responding under the name of Jagger, immediately criticised Lee in the readers’ forum and, oblivious to the potential danger, Lee responded to the trap – only to have Jagger reply to his jugular.

Lee tried his best at some damage limitation in a further reply; but was still writing from his emotions. Colin MacLean stepped in to moderate the thread – and from then on Lee’s attempt at PR was over.

We all learn from our mistakes.

Behind the scenes, I decided to give Lee another bite at the PR cherry. In response to his request to be my friend on Facebook, I sent him an email suggesting we should meet-up. Lee responded favourably; but that was apparently before he was aware of Jagger’s remarks on the MMM Blog. Lee’s promise to provide some background information that afternoon passed without being fulfilled, and, later that day, I received the following:-

’Thank you for your kind invitation to submit further information about the youth action group for possible inclusion on the Canvey Beat website.
I take all comments and feedback into consideration, however one of the comments submitted via the MMM website stands out for me more than any of the others. You may well have noticed that earlier today, someone who remained completely anonymous other than the alias of Jagger said: "I’m afraid to say it is you who is misguided and the points you are making are nothing more than a gratuitous attempt to self-publicity."

’With that in mind, I'm sure you will appreciate and respect my decision not to participate in any additional coverage for the time being. Please don't publish anything just yet. I will, however, keep you up to date with regard to any progress and will be more than happy to put together a press release following the first group event and meeting.’

Jagger’s remarks had obviously sapped Lee’s confidence – and they could not have come at a worse time. Lee’s CPYAG page was in its infancy; un-indexed by any of the Web’s search engines; and un-promoted on Facebook.

Lee needed to get his act together and throw all his energy behind recruiting Facebook friends and informing search engine’s of his site’s existence; but his original comments on the MMM site had given him another major problem: he had alienated island councillors who were now, it is understood, insisting that he remove his remarks from local Blogs where he had made them.

Asking someone to publicly announce their change of heart, or deny a quote made of them is one thing. But to insist that they actually remove comments made legitimately in the public domain is another. It constitutes a direct affront to the British principles of free speech; is entirely undemocratic; and is worthy only of fascist dictators. But then, given certain councillors’ political leanings, perhaps that is to be expected.

For Lee and his virgin CPYAG group, it seems, the pressure has been too much for that organisation to continue.

... Original CPYAG Facebook Wall
... Lee Sayer's Final Statement

People Who Live In Glass Houses…

IT SEEMS that the Canvey Island Independent Party (CIIP) is once again in political gutter mode, with complicit support from the Echo.

On Tuesday, the CIIP’s blog awoke from a two-month silence to accuse the borough’s Tory majority of being in favour of mass development on Canvey Island. As usual, Neville Watson attempted to misrepresent the facts and, clutching at straws to defend his party’s lies at the last local election, pointed to the Conservatives’ absence at the hearing into Castle Point Borough Council’s Core Strategy as proving his party’s case.

No one was listening. The article floats in Cyberspace as testament to the CIIP’s broken promise to keep residents informed on their Blog.

Yesterday, the Echo also sank into the gutter. In the morning it made the most of Colin Letchford’s claims that a woman had fallen into the sea from Canvey’s new paddling pool and had had to be rescued by onlookers – facts strongly disputed by an apparent eye-witness, whose detailed account in the article’s comment section belittles Max Orbach’s report.

Max, it seems, has no time in which to check his facts and is prepared to take anything that Letchford says at face value. Just as he is apparently prepared to report other stories manufactured by the CIIP to score political points.

Yesterday evening, Max was again using his keyboard to attack the Conservative Borough Council for not asking local firms to quote for £126,000 of contract work destined for the island’s community hall at the Paddocks.

The charges were being levelled by Canvey Island’s Top Cat, Dave Blackwell, who is quoted as saying; ‘It’s a chicken and egg situation.

’You can’t get on the [approved contractor] list unless you have already done work for the council and you can’t do work for the council unless you’re on the list.

’It’s a shame because a lot of the businesses are struggling and would love these sort of contracts.’

Max made no attempt, in his report, to explain Blackwell’s curious statement. Nor did he ask the first leader of Canvey Island’s Town Council what he and his colleagues have done to support Canvey businesses and ensure that residents’ money was spent on the island to help support jobs.

The Town Council’s Website was provided by, and is subsequently maintained, by a firm in Bishop’s Stortford (5BelowZero).

The Town Council’s payroll is compiled by Acumen Wages Services – a firm based in Chichester.

The Town Council employs BVP Film Designers, from Chelmsford, to record and video its PR events.

The Town Council’s photo-copier is on a quarterly contract from FAF Ltd, based in Leigh-on-Sea.

The Town Council buys its desk plates from the Kings Lynn firm: Horton Badges and Emblems Ltd.

The Town Council uses King & Co, from Braintree, to provide machinery and and personnel to plant trees.

The Town Council uses Office Needs (Essex), based in Basildon, to provide its stationery.

Pinnacle Essex, based in Chelmsford, is the Town Council’s contractor for grounds maintenance.

The Town Council purchases its lamp post brackets and hanging baskets from Plantscape, a firm based in East Carelton, Norfolk.

Town Council plaques are produced by a firm based in Tebworth, Bedfordshire (Sign Of The Times).

People who live in glass houses, Dave, really should not throw stones…

Met Office Issues Flash Warning Of Torrential Downpours This Evening

THE MET OFFICE issued the following flash warning regarding Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk, Peterborough, Southend-on-Sea, Suffolk and Thurrock at 17:47 today.

’Torrential downpours will affect parts of eastern England this evening. Rainfall totals of over 15mm in less than 3 hours are expected locally.

’The public are advised to take extra care and refer to the Highways Agency for further advice regarding traffic disruption on motorways and trunk roads.’

Flash warning are issued when the Met Office has 80% or greater confidence that severe weather is expected in the next few hours.

Protests Follow Necker Sacking

NEWS just reaching us from the regions suggests that the sacking of Jaques Necker on 11th July has led to widespread unrest amongst citizens.

There are reports that the decision has given rise to riots, chaos, and widespread looting in towns and cities throughout the country and that the army has chosen not to intervene.

Some reports even suggest that the army has been complicit in assisting the protesters, with many government officials forced to seek sanctuary in the face of violent threats.

Governor Marquis Bernard de Launay has urged all citizens to remain calm.

’There is no need to lose one’s head in this type of situation,’ he told our reporter. ‘We have sufficient troops standing by to dissuade the revolting peasants from causing any disruption here.’

Citizens will hope he is right; but rumours continue to circulate that clandestine plans are being made in a number of local schools to disrupt the island tomorrow.

Sources close to the protesters suggest that Norman Bambridge has been helping to co-ordinate the actions of several different factions throughout Canvey tomorrow.

Known locally as the MFL Cluster, its members include prominent Canvey citizens, with close foreign contacts, whose names can now be revealed.

The conspirators are said to consist of: Liza Abbott of Northwick Park Primary; Catherine Morales of St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary; Pascall Bardiaux-Stansby of Castle View; Debbie Ekers of Cornelius Vermuyden; Gemma Doo of St. Katherine’s Church of England Primary; Lianne Massaring of Canvey Junior School; Teresa Sasaidek of William Read Primary; and Heather Manning of Winter Gardens Primary.

Among local businesses, it appears that only the island’s Sainsbury’s are taking tomorrow’s threat from these individuals seriously. Its management propose to pacify local citizens with cheese and wine to prevent further bloodshed.

... (17/07/2010) - Louis XVI Capitulates And Necker Is Reinstated

Rebecca Highlights The Nation’s Dental Health

REBECCA HARRIS, our local MP, backed a call for better oral health today.

Attending a meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Dentistry at Parliament, she lent her support as it aims to increase awareness of oral health issues.

The meeting highlighted the current state of the nation’s dental health, emphasising the value of preventive care and the role patients and dental professionals play in its improvement. It also explored the fact that children as young as five-years-old are undergoing multiple extractions because of preventable tooth decay.

Rebecca Harris said: ‘It is well recognised that good dental health is an indicator of good general health. So it is important that everybody has the opportunity to access a dentist, brushes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and appreciates the role of good diet in maintaining oral health.

’I’m delighted to lend my support to the All-Party Parliamentary Group’s campaign to improve the oral health of the nation.’

Only Water For Samantha

THE DAILY DIET of political news was only broken on Wednesday, this week, when the Telegraph ran a piece on a heavily pregnant Samantha Cameron hosting Downing Street’s first reception.

The reception, to which armed services personnel and relatives of the fallen had been invited, coincided with the Coalition’s announcement that British troops would be withdrawn from Sangin this year.

On Monday, the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, set out plans for the House of Commons to be reduced from 650 to 600 MPs after a review of boundaries (saving £12 million a year). He also confirmed that a referendum on replacing first-past-the-post Westminster elections with the Alternative Vote (AV) will be held on May 5 next year.

On Tuesday, Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude announced that a Bill will be introduced to limit the cost of future Civil Service redundancy payments by capping all compulsory redundancy pay-offs at 12 months' pay - and limiting amounts for voluntary severance to 15 months' salary.

Maude said the decision to legislate had been taken 'with reluctance,’ adding that it had become necessary because of the current economic climate – and blaming legal action against the previous Labour government by the Public and Commercial Services union, which won a High Court ruling that changes to the Civil Service Compensation Scheme were unlawful.

The political thrust was vigorously renewed on Thursday by reports of the Schools’ Minister, Nick Gibb, announcing a four-point plan to improve classroom behaviour.The four-points were:-

1. To encourage teachers to make greater use of physical force to maintain good order.
2. To give teachers the power to conduct more searches of pupils.
3. To allow teachers the right to impose immediate detentions on poorly-behaved pupils.
4. To give anonymity to teachers facing accusations of misconduct from their pupils.

Nick Gibb said that these measures would be followed by others, later in the year.

On Friday, the Coalition announced a long overdue shake-up of Britain’s Libel Laws, together with the ‘biggest revolution in the NHS for 60 years.’

About £80 billion will be distributed to family GPs in a move that will see strategic health authorities and primary care trusts scrapped.

The plan, contained in a white paper to be published next week, is designed to place key decisions about how patients are cared for in the hands of doctors who know them.

Tens of thousands of administrative jobs in the health service will be lost as a result.

So six announcements this week, which the vast majority will welcome. But nothing there to detract from the celebrations of Peter and Mary this week.

Mary has just received the keys to a three-bedroom property, in the area she was hoping for – and, with the proceeds from their insurance claims, Peter has bought her a new Mercedes Sports car.

‘It looks good on the driveway, doesn’t it,’ said Mary. ‘And there is enough room for three more vehicles, which Peter can use for his cars.

’Of course, the house needs a lot doing to it; but the council have agreed not to charge me rent for the first few months – so I can afford to redecorate.’

Peter and Mary will be holding their own, water free, reception soon.

... (11/07/2010, Telegraph) - Former asylum seeker on benefits given £2 million house

Met Office Issues Level Two Heat Wave Alert

THE MET OFFICE issued a Level 2 Heat Wave Alert for London, East England, the East Midlands and the South East of England at 09:59 today.

During today and tomorrow (Saturday): London has a 60% chance of reaching maximum temperatures of 32C during the day and 18C at night.

The East and West Midlands, and East of England, could see similar temperatures reaching 30C and 15C respectively.

In the South East, temperatures are likely to reach 31C during the day and up to 15C at night.

The temperatures could have a significant effect on health if reached on at least two consecutive days and the intervening night.

The Met Office's heat warning is set at level two out of four on its scale of how likely temperatures are to cause health problems.

Those at most risk from the hot weather are the elderly and babies and young children.

To keep cool, the NHS advises wearing loose cotton clothes, spraying or splashing faces and the backs of necks with cold water several times a day and staying in the coolest rooms of the house as much as possible.

Windows should be kept closed when the room is cooler than it is outside.

CIIP Finds Itself In Political ‘Check’ From The Tories

FOLLOWING the Coalition Government’s announcement, yesterday, via Eric Pickles, that local house building policy has been returned to local authority control: the Canvey Island Independent Party (CIIP) finds itself stripped of the major issue upon which it has based all its election campaigns.

It can no longer paint the prospect of 5,000 new homes in the Borough as being the idea of the local Conservative majority – and it can no longer claim to be the Greenbelt’s protector. Instead it has shown that a minority party is incapable of influencing the political decisions that impact most upon residents’ lives – and it has also shown itself, by its claims that the Tories are the Greenbelt’s enemies, to be a liar.

As the local Tory majority begins rewriting its new homes policy in the wake of the newfound freedoms, and the Coalition moves to enshrine Greenbelt protection in Law, the CIIP finds itself in tatters. Upon the heels of having his mentor, Bob Spink, resoundingly defeated in the last election; the revelation that the CIIP run Town Council (TC) has been all but bankrupted by its ill-conceived policies; and the TC’s promise to islanders that it would save the island’s Concord pool (despite not having the financial resources to do so) Dave Blackwell is, reportedly, an increasingly dejected man.

Rumour has it that Bob Spink and his current partner, Gail Boland, are preparing to move from the constituency. It seems that his defeat in May’s General Election has taken its toll, and that plans to stage a comeback via a local Mayoral challenge have been put on hold. It is said he now believes that the prospect of a local referendum backing a call for an elected Mayor is very unlikely.

Spink’s apparent analysis of the situation is unlikely to please Blackwell who, although keeping his political distance from Colin Letchford’s Elected Mayor petition, has apparently been looking forward to standing with Spink in any subsequent campaign. Together they could have produced a straight island versus mainland contest; but, in the absence of Spink, the odds would favour an unopposed Conservative candidate on the mainland. Only Spink could have hoped to divide the mainland vote to make it a two-horse race.

Blackwell has between now and April next year in which to manufacture another local issue to protect the CIIP’s Town Council majority. Logically, that issue will probably be Castle Point Borough Council (CPBC) cuts; but that is the one issue that has the most chance of back-firing on the CIIP. The Tories need only point to the TC’s profligate spending in the current financial climate and their subsequent increase in resident taxes to keep the Town Council afloat; and they need only point to the voluntary wage cuts, recently announced by Council, as compared to CIIP members changing the TC’s founding principles of not providing member allowances, to providing significant member benefits for which hard pressed residents must pay the bill.

If Blackwell’s party is to stand any chance of retaining the Town Council: it needs to abandon any plans it has to increase its annual precept; but few can see that happening unless the Canvey Lake budget is significantly cut, and plans for ‘Summer Fun’ and taking over the island’s Concord Pool are abandoned. In particular, Blackwell and his party need to abandon their plans to covertly raise the shroud of Canvey District Council in the guise of Canvey Island’s Town Council.

Blackwell needs to stop dreaming of the past and wake-up to how things really were and how much better they need to be.

The CIIP’s Town Council leadership has proved to be an absolute disaster. Its only claim is to have wasted residents’ money on building castles in the sky and misleading the local electorate.

As residents prepare themselves for extensive cuts by Castle Point Borough Council; but look forward to a new Town Centre fit for the 21st century, the Town Council needs to come to its senses and not waste the opportunity that brings.

It should now abandon its plans to take-over the Concord Pool. It should, instead, convince CPBC to close the new, Western Pool, and redirect its funds at reinstating the old pool, which islanders want.

It should abandon its plans for ‘Summer Fun’ and save that money.

It should abandon its plans for Canvey Lake and, instead, open negotiations with CPBC and BDP on how responsibility for the asset can be re-transferred to CPBC and improvements to it made in conjunction with BDP’s Town Centre plans. It should be the Town Council’s intention to contribute, if necessary, towards improving the lake from its earmarked funds.

Last, but not least, the Town Council needs to ensure that the new Town Centre plans are not derailed through parsimonious financial considerations when, from next year’s precept, it could well contribute additional funds to ensure residents’ expressed wishes are met.

If the Town Council were to adopt this strategy now, it would put itself on a firm financial footing for next year and create a pot of money with which to assist the Town Centre’s regeneration.

Perhaps then the Town Council could erect its plaques with some semblance of pride…

25% Of Young People Are NEETS

THE AUDIT COMMISSION has analysed the records of 24,000 young people in 10 areas of England and warns that NEETS (Not in Employment, Education or Training) are at risk of falling into long-term unemployment, poor health – and even a life of crime.

The watchdog’s chairman, Michael O'Higgins, said: ‘Young people should be the future, but tens of thousands are at risk.

’After age 18 they could drift into unemployed, unqualified and untrained adulthood.

’This core group of young people, out of work and education for six months or more, is often overlooked.

’While there is £8.67 billion set aside for 16-19 learning and support, most of it rarely reaches these more disadvantaged teens who need more intensive support.’

He added: ‘Being out of school and work is often linked with other social issues such as being in care, teenage parenthood, homelessness or ill-health. The combined effect can sap young people's self-confidence, aspirations and expectations. The stark truth is, without better targeted help, there is a huge price to be paid by these individuals, by their children, and by society.’

The report’s findings will come as little comfort to islanders, whom, on a regular basis, are confronted with stories of youth vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the local press. The reports may exaggerate the extent of the problem; but they are also the reason behind 24-year-old Lee Sayer (runner-up in Castle Point’s Community Achievement Awards) setting-up CPYAG, the Castle Point Youth Action Group, in response to what he feels was his dismissal by island councillors at the last East Canvey Neighbourhood Meeting.

Lee says: ‘I do often feel that the problem out on the street is largely down to young people feeling alienated and ignored by the Council(s). The same can be said about the Government though. Where there was once hope and opportunity, for example the Future Jobs Fund, money has been withdrawn due to the recent budget cuts. Hopes were raised, and then dashed again! Something which happens far too often unfortunately.

’Castle Point is a long way behind when it comes to supporting young people. You only need to look at other local areas to realise this.

’In a recent statement, Basildon District Council said: “The Overview and Scrutiny Commission agreed to review the issues facing 16-18 year olds who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), and how these can be overcome. There are 550 people across the District that fall into this bracket, more than other areas in Essex.”

‘In response to this, I am calling for Castle Point Borough Council to follow the positive example that Basildon has set. I urge Castle Point Borough Council to liaise with the members of the Local Strategic Partnership, and the Business Forum in order to offer practical solutions to the so-called youth problem in the area. Additionally I would like to invite all members of the LSP and the Business Forum to become working partners of my new support project, the Castle Point Youth Action Group (CPYAG).

‘Together we can help young people by sign-posting to local opportunities, creating greater understanding of voluntary options (including the 2012 games), ensuring stronger awareness of progression routes, and offering practical impartial specialist advice on an relaxed and informal basis. We don’t just want to offload young people though, we want to work closely with them and support them throughout their progress and journey to success. We would also actively encourage local businesses to offer advice through mentoring.’

CPYAG has its own Facebook page at: http://www.cpyag.org.uk/.

... (17/07/2010) - Another Disappearing Act

2020 ‘Soviet’ Housing Plans Scrapped By Coalition

THE PREVIOUS LABOUR GOVERNMENT'S housing plans, imposed upon local authorities as a means of creating three-million new homes by 2020, have been scrapped by the the new Coalition government.

The imposed targets, which the Canvey Island Independent Party (CIIP) often misrepresent as willingly approved by the borough’s Conservative majority, are no longer legally enforceable. Castle Point Borough Council (CPBC) will now be free to determine its own policy for new housing in the constituency.

Eric Pickles, the Communities secretary, said he was scrapping both the controversial target and ‘regional strategies’ which were meant to help ensure the goal was reached.

Mr Pickles said he was ‘hammering another nail in the coffin of unwanted and an unaccountable regional bureaucracy.’

He said: ‘Communities will no longer have to endure the previous Government's failed Soviet tractor-style top-down planning targets.

‘They were terrible, expensive, time-consuming ways to impose house building and worst of all threatened the destruction of the Green Belt.

‘They were a national disaster that robbed local people of their democratic voice, alienating them and entrenching opposition against new development.’

Mr Pickles said, the Coalition would hand powers back to councils to decide where new homes were built through new local plans, while at the same having powers to ‘prevent encroachment on the Green Belt’ around villages, towns and cities.

Rebecca Becomes Ambassador For ‘Keep Trade Local’ Campaign

CASTLE POINT MP, Rebecca Harris, has become an ambassador for the Essex Federation of Small Businesses’ Keep Trade Local campaign.

’Small businesses are vital to our economy,’ Rebecca said, ‘and it is imperative we recognise their importance to our high streets and to pulling the UK into recovery.

’The FSB’s Keep Trade Local campaign highlights the significance small firms have in the local community – they aren’t just part of the local community, but they are the local community.’

Rebecca continued: ‘Small businesses are coming under a combination of pressures – not least because of these uncertain economic times. We could lose our traditional shops that serve our everyday needs.

’Our small shops offer a personal service because they have an understanding about the product they are selling that big chains just don’t.

’The UK is driven by small firms that make up 99 per cent of all UK businesses - they are the engine growth for job creation.’

Essex FSB spokesman for Castle Point, Terry Taber, said: ‘Essex FSB is delighted that Rebecca has agreed to become a Keep Trade Local Ambassador and we look forward to working with her to promote this campaign so we can retain some of the character that makes this area such a pleasant place in which to live, work and shop.’

Between Two Pools

CANVEY'S paddling pool made the local press again today as the Echo placed its spotlight on Lea Swann and its Save Our Pool Campaign.

Surprisingly, the unnamed reporter alludes to a £1 million under-spend by Castle Point Borough Council (CPBC), last year; but, as Jeff Stanley pointed-out (when presenting the annual accounts to council last week) the £1 million was money allocated to projects that, at the year end, had not been completed.

Consequently, the funds had been shown carried forward on the council’s Balance Sheet, to complete those tasks, in the current financial year.

The facts appear to have been lost on the Echo – and on Swann (who, with her sister, just happens to own the Concord Cafe which is situated between the two overly-publicised pools).

Seizing upon the Echo’s misrepresentation, Lea is reported as saying:-

‘It’s ludicrous.

'They obviously don’t care what the public think, they should be more accountable to the local electorate who pay their wages.’

Well, is that not the point, Lea? The council is being accountable to the electorate of Castle Point. Council knew that it was going to face substantial government cuts after the election – and chose to close a pool.

It is widely acknowledged that they chose to close the wrong one; but your campaign is not about that, is it?..

Colin Letchford’s examination and report on the two pools were damning: the old pool is much safer than the new. His report was published; petitioned islanders agreed; and CPBC capitulated.

Since then islanders have been asking themselves what all the continuing fuss is about. Why does CPBC not close the new pool and, instead, spend the Canvey pool budget renovating the old?

Does it have something to do with the fact that such a decision would equally damage the Swann sisters’ seasonal beach cafe business?

Castle Point Borough Council has been exceedingly patient. They have chosen to address the old pool’s main safety concerns to ensure it can be used this season – and to provide further time for their discussions with Canvey Town Council (CTC) who wishes to take the old pool over. However, it is evident that CTC will need to significantly increase the contribution of residents through their Council Tax if they are to realise that ambition.

It seems that the Canvey Island Independent Party (CIIP) is unwilling to release their hold on an issue that, misrepresented in a way that only the CIIP can manage, allowed them to maintain their island grip in the last local elections. But what further political capital can they hope to wring from it now?

The Borough faces swingeing cuts over the next four years; but the Town Council continues to live in Cloud Cuckoo Land. While CPBC brings officers’ and councillors’ minds to bear upon the important issue of achieving 25 percent cuts – rather than the 10 percent previously predicted, the Town Council continues with its profligate spending on Canvey Lake; Summer Fun and Canvey Seaside Pool Consultations for which residents will pick-up the bill.

Can we not call it a day now, and allow borough councillors to get back to more important matters – rather than the Echo pursuing them for the same old quote?

This time, the Echo quoted Jeff Stanley as saying:-

‘We’ve said all along there are two paddling pools down there and the authority can only afford to pay for the upkeep of one of them.

‘It would be wonderful to afford everything, but it simply isn’t prudent financial management.’

When are you going to start putting the needs of local residents first, TC (rather than your local business chums)?..

Welfare, Work And Withering Cuts

This Blog’s welfare theme was taken up by the national press early this week with Frank Field, the government’s Poverty Tsar, focusing on young, unemployed, fathers.

The former advisor to Tony Blair told The Guardian: ‘The reason why we have so many single mums is because we have so many single dads who cannot fulfil what most single mothers want from their partners, and the children from their fathers.’

His suggestion is that unemployed fathers, who refuse to go back to work, should lose their benefits.

Few would disagree. In fact, the vast majority would insist that anyone capable of full-time work should have their benefits taken away if they refuse to take reasonable employment; but such measures are not likely to have a major impact on DHSS expenditure.

While the coalition government tinkers with the welfare system, in order to reduce costs, it seems it is unwilling to admit that the system itself is no longer fit for purpose.

Tinkering with Thatcher’s 1980 Housing Act, in 2005, to ensure that tenants have been in a property for five years and obliging them to offer it back to the local authority, at a commercial price, should they wish to sell it, has not deterred the likes of Peter and Mary from taking full advantage of the system.

The sad fact is that the welfare system itself is responsible for creating a particular class of criminal who sees their children as a guaranteed source of income; free housing; and the means to avoid any form of work. And, unlike other criminals (who are normally out to make a quick profit) this particular breed is content to wait patiently for its fraud to bear fruit.

No encouragement to work for a living is going to influence Mary. And no rule about having to offer a property back to a local authority, before placing it on the open market, will deter Peter.

‘There’s nothing about renting it out, is there?’ he asked. ‘And it depends on when you want to sell it. Property values go up each year – so the longer you keep it the more you make.’

What do we do about the likes of Peter and Mary? More to the point: just how many Peter and Marys are there? How much do they cost us all each year?

Employing more investigators and increasing their budgets is not an option in the current economic climate – and that fact is not lost on the likes of Peter.

Criminals do what they do because the rewards outweigh the risks – and the coalition government needs to rebalance that equation if it is to make any significant headway in the welfare budget and its reforms.

Locally, this week, Castle Point Borough Council was able to claim the respect of residents for its financial management last year. In the Special Meeting called to present its financial accounts, Cllr Jeff Stanley announced that the Council was in a good position not to have to take a knee-jerk reaction to impending government cuts of up to 25% over the next four years.

The council had some £4 million in reserve that could be used as a buffer while suitable time was spent ensuring that consequent cuts were implemented appropriately.

Cllr Ray Howard brought council’s attention to resident support for local waste recycling – without whose co-operation the results would not have been so rosy.

Cllr Stanley pointed-out that the council’s current spending plans, which had only projected a 10% cut in funding, were now somewhat outdated and that new plans were being compiled.

All members were invited to attend the next cabinet meeting at which the new figures would be considered.

... (04/07/2010, Independent) - Osborne shocks ministers with demand for 40 percent budget cuts
... (04/07/2010, Ted Pugh's Blog) - A Chilling Week Despite The Summer Heat Wave