Groups fighting plans to abandon coastal areas to the waves have resolved to work together to convince the government to drop the controversial proposals - reports the Eastern Daily Press.
Councillors from across Suffolk and Norfolk coastal areas and from all levels of local government met for a conference in Southwold today.
Also among more than 100 delegates were coastal pressure groups, Natural England, Suffolk Coastal MP John Gummer and Euro MP Geoffrey Van Orden.
They were united in wanting to stop the Environment Agency's policy of “managed retreat”, or letting nature take its course as sea levels rise and coastal erosion continues.
The conference focused on the Blyth estuary, one of the areas which will be most affected by the policy, but also heard of concerns elsewhere on the Suffolk coast and in Norfolk.
Delegates decided that co-operation and communication were the key to persuading government to drop the plans and instead invest in flood defences.
Showing posts with label suffolk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label suffolk. Show all posts
Saturday, 14 June 2008
Thursday, 12 June 2008
Norfolk: Fire chief warns of flood threat
A senior fire office last night issued a stark warning that a repeat of the 1953 floods - which killed 100 in Norfolk - would have a more devastating impact today because of a lack of specialist crews - reports the Eastern Daily Press.
East Anglia has been identified as one of the least protected areas of the country in a report which reveals a national shortage of firefighters trained in flood rescues.
Paul Hayden, who coordinates flood rescues for the Chief Fire Officers' Association and is the former deputy chief fire officer for Norfolk, called for additional training and equipment so more firefighters can respond to major flooding disasters.
East Anglia has been identified as one of the least protected areas of the country in a report which reveals a national shortage of firefighters trained in flood rescues.
Paul Hayden, who coordinates flood rescues for the Chief Fire Officers' Association and is the former deputy chief fire officer for Norfolk, called for additional training and equipment so more firefighters can respond to major flooding disasters.
Monday, 9 June 2008
Youngsters wait longer for dental care
Young people in Norfolk and Suffolk are being forced to wait up to four years for orthodontic appointments, despite more than £5m being pumped into the region's NHS dental services - reports the Eastern Daily Press.
However, the sum is equivalent to only 8 hours of cash the government pays to the audit-failing European Union every year - even taking into account grants and subisides Britain receives back. And only about a fifth of the money will be spent on tackling the severe shortage of orthodontists.
Meanwhile, the average wait for orthodontic care in the Yarmouth and Waveney Primary Care Trust (PCT) area now tops three and a half years, with patients in Suffolk and Norfolk waiting two and a half year before an appointment.
Last month, NHS Norfolk announced that it would invest £2.8m in the county's NHS dentistry services to tackle shortages in towns including Dereham and North Walsham, but only £720,000 will be spent on improving access to orthodontic treatment.
Although the extra funding should allow about 600 more cases to be dealt with each year by employing at least two more specialist orthodontists, it will take several years for the long waiting lists to be reduced.
Liberal Democrat shadow health secretary and North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb said: “Norfolk has some completely unacceptable waiting times and, as a parent whose children have both benefitted from orthodontic treatment, I sympathise with the problem.
“Parents are finding now that getting treatment for their children is much more difficult than it was just three or four years ago, the service has deteriorated that quickly. It is a serious issue.”
In the Yarmouth and Waveney area, the average waiting time is three and a half years - meaning that many patients are left waiting significantly longer than that before treatment.
With some youngsters being referred to orthodontists when they are 10 or 11, they could be in their late teens before the work to correct their teeth is complete.
Bob Purser, contracts manager for Yarmouth and Waveney PCT, said: “We acknowledge that there is currently an extended assessment waiting time for primary care specialist orthodontics treatment. A key priority for the PCT for the coming 12 months is to significantly reduce this waiting time.”
Suffolk PCT announced a £1.3m investment in its NHS dental services earlier this year, but only about £900,000 has been ring-fenced for orthodontic care.
NHS Norfolk is due to increase spending on dentistry by 13pc next year, totalling a £2.8m investment.
A spokesman for Suffolk PCT said: “We are aware that some of the waiting lists for orthodontic treatment are longer than we would like. Working with our orthodontists, we are identifying ways of improving access and reducing waiting times. In 07/08 the PCT invested an additional £230,000 precisely for this purpose.”
But these are drops in the ocean compared to the scale of cash central government is wasting on the audit-failing EU, and will make little impact reducing the long waiting lists.
The government must stop wasting so much money on an organisation that hasn't been able to get its accounts approved for 13 years running, and focus on continuing funding shortfalls within NHS Primary Care Trusts that are causing these poor service levels.
However, the sum is equivalent to only 8 hours of cash the government pays to the audit-failing European Union every year - even taking into account grants and subisides Britain receives back. And only about a fifth of the money will be spent on tackling the severe shortage of orthodontists.
Meanwhile, the average wait for orthodontic care in the Yarmouth and Waveney Primary Care Trust (PCT) area now tops three and a half years, with patients in Suffolk and Norfolk waiting two and a half year before an appointment.
Last month, NHS Norfolk announced that it would invest £2.8m in the county's NHS dentistry services to tackle shortages in towns including Dereham and North Walsham, but only £720,000 will be spent on improving access to orthodontic treatment.
Although the extra funding should allow about 600 more cases to be dealt with each year by employing at least two more specialist orthodontists, it will take several years for the long waiting lists to be reduced.
Liberal Democrat shadow health secretary and North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb said: “Norfolk has some completely unacceptable waiting times and, as a parent whose children have both benefitted from orthodontic treatment, I sympathise with the problem.
“Parents are finding now that getting treatment for their children is much more difficult than it was just three or four years ago, the service has deteriorated that quickly. It is a serious issue.”
In the Yarmouth and Waveney area, the average waiting time is three and a half years - meaning that many patients are left waiting significantly longer than that before treatment.
With some youngsters being referred to orthodontists when they are 10 or 11, they could be in their late teens before the work to correct their teeth is complete.
Bob Purser, contracts manager for Yarmouth and Waveney PCT, said: “We acknowledge that there is currently an extended assessment waiting time for primary care specialist orthodontics treatment. A key priority for the PCT for the coming 12 months is to significantly reduce this waiting time.”
Suffolk PCT announced a £1.3m investment in its NHS dental services earlier this year, but only about £900,000 has been ring-fenced for orthodontic care.
NHS Norfolk is due to increase spending on dentistry by 13pc next year, totalling a £2.8m investment.
A spokesman for Suffolk PCT said: “We are aware that some of the waiting lists for orthodontic treatment are longer than we would like. Working with our orthodontists, we are identifying ways of improving access and reducing waiting times. In 07/08 the PCT invested an additional £230,000 precisely for this purpose.”
But these are drops in the ocean compared to the scale of cash central government is wasting on the audit-failing EU, and will make little impact reducing the long waiting lists.
The government must stop wasting so much money on an organisation that hasn't been able to get its accounts approved for 13 years running, and focus on continuing funding shortfalls within NHS Primary Care Trusts that are causing these poor service levels.
Wednesday, 23 April 2008
EU 63%: teachers 2.45%
A teachers' strike set for tomorrow is set to close or partially close more than 6,000 schools in England and Wales - reports the BBC.
Warnings to parents from 88 local authorities - half of the total - show that 28% of schools are expected to face disruption from loss of lessons to complete closures.
The one-day pay strike is being staged on Thursday by members of the National Union of Teachers over a pay dispute.
The union is attacking a pay deal which represents a 2.45% rise this year with a further rise of 2.3% in 2009 and 2010, arguing that it is below inflation and is therefore an effective pay cut.
Christine Blower, the union's acting head, said: "What we're saying to the government is, if you really do value teachers, then make sure that they're paid at least at the level of inflation - which we take to be the RPI, which is 4.1%."
The offer contrasts sharply with the government's agreement to increase Britain's annual contributions to the EU by 63% - or £2.5bn net extra every year from 2007-13.
This excessive generosity was despite EU auditors remaining unable to approve the "majority" of the EU's spending - a situation that has persisted for 13 years running.
This EU pay deal was endorsed by a majority of MPs back in February. So unless the MPs responsible imagine that there is a bottomless pit of public money to plunder, none who unjustifiably voted to support splashing so much extra on the EU can complain when it emerges that there isn't enough money left to pay teachers fairly.
MPs must acknowledge the reality that if they approve an obvious waste of vast sums of public money in one area, then that decision will have consequences in other areas of public spending.
This is a simple economic reality that everyone is familiar with in their own personal lives, and which MPs must realise applies to national finances too.
MPs must take responsibility when this happens, particularly where it affects their own constituencies. Rather than (as so often) posture in support of public services facing cuts, despite having voted to waste large sums that could instead have been used to help.
Widespread disruption to schools is likely in a number of both inner city and rural areas. Leeds, Cardiff, Suffolk and Cumbria all look likely to have many schools shut or partially closed.
Warnings to parents from 88 local authorities - half of the total - show that 28% of schools are expected to face disruption from loss of lessons to complete closures.
The one-day pay strike is being staged on Thursday by members of the National Union of Teachers over a pay dispute.
The union is attacking a pay deal which represents a 2.45% rise this year with a further rise of 2.3% in 2009 and 2010, arguing that it is below inflation and is therefore an effective pay cut.
Christine Blower, the union's acting head, said: "What we're saying to the government is, if you really do value teachers, then make sure that they're paid at least at the level of inflation - which we take to be the RPI, which is 4.1%."
The offer contrasts sharply with the government's agreement to increase Britain's annual contributions to the EU by 63% - or £2.5bn net extra every year from 2007-13.
This excessive generosity was despite EU auditors remaining unable to approve the "majority" of the EU's spending - a situation that has persisted for 13 years running.
This EU pay deal was endorsed by a majority of MPs back in February. So unless the MPs responsible imagine that there is a bottomless pit of public money to plunder, none who unjustifiably voted to support splashing so much extra on the EU can complain when it emerges that there isn't enough money left to pay teachers fairly.
MPs must acknowledge the reality that if they approve an obvious waste of vast sums of public money in one area, then that decision will have consequences in other areas of public spending.
This is a simple economic reality that everyone is familiar with in their own personal lives, and which MPs must realise applies to national finances too.
MPs must take responsibility when this happens, particularly where it affects their own constituencies. Rather than (as so often) posture in support of public services facing cuts, despite having voted to waste large sums that could instead have been used to help.
Widespread disruption to schools is likely in a number of both inner city and rural areas. Leeds, Cardiff, Suffolk and Cumbria all look likely to have many schools shut or partially closed.
Wednesday, 31 October 2007
Suffolk: Massive council cuts proposed
A multi-million-pound round of cuts in services, from buses and road maintenance to care for older people and transport for sixth-formers, are in store for Suffolk residents - reports the Eastern Daily Press.
Older people also face paying more for council-run care homes, while support for extra-curricular dance, drama and sport could also be axed.
The proposed cuts were unveiled yesterday by Suffolk County Council at the start of its budget process. The plans will be discussed at scrutiny meetings over the next month before the budget is set in February.
Under fire from opposition councillors yesterday, council leader Jeremy Pembroke stressed the proposals were subject to change, and the council did not yet know what grant it would get from the government.
However, the council is expecting to have to save £16m, though it says it is also spending £10m on extra services.
Fifty-seven jobs will be lost, on top of the nine to 31 already planned for next year.
Mr Pembroke said the most unpopular decision was likely to be £950,000 of cuts to bus subsidies, which would spell the end to 15 bus services providing 150,000 passenger trips.
Likely to be equally unpopular is a proposal for the end of free transport for 16 to 18-year-olds to sixth form or college from next September.
Old people with savings may also be charged more if they move into one of the 15 council-run care homes.
Currently, the cost is capped at the amount the council pays for private sector homes, even though the true cost of a council-run home is higher.
Those entering council-run homes who are deemed able to afford the fees face having to pay upwards of £200 a week extra, but those already in them will not be affected.
Other proposals include: Cutting the roads maintenance budget by 40pc (£1.6m), meaning unclassified roads will be left to develop potholes rather than get preventative work. Axing support services for school dance, drama, and extra-curricular sport unless schools pay for them, saving £80,000 a year for three years.
Older people also face paying more for council-run care homes, while support for extra-curricular dance, drama and sport could also be axed.
The proposed cuts were unveiled yesterday by Suffolk County Council at the start of its budget process. The plans will be discussed at scrutiny meetings over the next month before the budget is set in February.
Under fire from opposition councillors yesterday, council leader Jeremy Pembroke stressed the proposals were subject to change, and the council did not yet know what grant it would get from the government.
However, the council is expecting to have to save £16m, though it says it is also spending £10m on extra services.
Fifty-seven jobs will be lost, on top of the nine to 31 already planned for next year.
Mr Pembroke said the most unpopular decision was likely to be £950,000 of cuts to bus subsidies, which would spell the end to 15 bus services providing 150,000 passenger trips.
Likely to be equally unpopular is a proposal for the end of free transport for 16 to 18-year-olds to sixth form or college from next September.
Old people with savings may also be charged more if they move into one of the 15 council-run care homes.
Currently, the cost is capped at the amount the council pays for private sector homes, even though the true cost of a council-run home is higher.
Those entering council-run homes who are deemed able to afford the fees face having to pay upwards of £200 a week extra, but those already in them will not be affected.
Other proposals include: Cutting the roads maintenance budget by 40pc (£1.6m), meaning unclassified roads will be left to develop potholes rather than get preventative work. Axing support services for school dance, drama, and extra-curricular sport unless schools pay for them, saving £80,000 a year for three years.
Labels:
bus services,
council cuts,
elderly care,
suffolk
Wednesday, 24 October 2007
Suffolk: Student bus cut fears
Students in Suffolk could become the latest victims of budget cuts after it emerged that secret discussions to cut school transport subsidies for 16 to 18-year-olds are under way - reports the Eastern Daily Press.
About a quarter of the 10,345 students of that age group in education in the county are likely to be left forking out hundreds of pounds in travel every year if the policy gets the go-ahead.
Currently, 2,200 students across Suffolk pay about £300 a year for school transport, with the remaining £300 being met by Suffolk County Council, but as part of ongoing budget cuts the council is trying to reduce its £16m school transport budget.
Sources have revealed "substantial" further savings need to be made and council chiefs are holding confidential meetings to discuss the possibility of axing post-16 travel subsidies.
Axing subsidies could save in excess of £600,000, with teenagers and parents footing the bill.
The Labour group has slammed the "tax on A-levels".
Graham Manuel, Labour's roads and transport spokesman, said: "Every parent wants their children to have the opportunity to study hard and get on in life."
A council spokesman said: "In February we reviewed home-to-school transport as part of the budget process. A policy development panel was set up to look at all aspects of the transport service provided to pupils, particularly areas of expenditure due to budget restraints. The findings will be going to cabinet in April 2008."
About a quarter of the 10,345 students of that age group in education in the county are likely to be left forking out hundreds of pounds in travel every year if the policy gets the go-ahead.
Currently, 2,200 students across Suffolk pay about £300 a year for school transport, with the remaining £300 being met by Suffolk County Council, but as part of ongoing budget cuts the council is trying to reduce its £16m school transport budget.
Sources have revealed "substantial" further savings need to be made and council chiefs are holding confidential meetings to discuss the possibility of axing post-16 travel subsidies.
Axing subsidies could save in excess of £600,000, with teenagers and parents footing the bill.
The Labour group has slammed the "tax on A-levels".
Graham Manuel, Labour's roads and transport spokesman, said: "Every parent wants their children to have the opportunity to study hard and get on in life."
A council spokesman said: "In February we reviewed home-to-school transport as part of the budget process. A policy development panel was set up to look at all aspects of the transport service provided to pupils, particularly areas of expenditure due to budget restraints. The findings will be going to cabinet in April 2008."
Thursday, 30 August 2007
Suffolk: GPs in budget cut battle
Health centre budget cuts in Suffolk have been criticised by doctors, according to the BBC.
GPs in Haverhill claim they are facing cuts of as much as £300,000 in funding because of a new agreement with Suffolk Primary Care Trust.
The Trust said many of the services provided by doctors can be done more efficiently by pharmacists, nurse practitioners, NHS Direct and others.
Four years ago the health centres were given growth money to help recruit more staff and treat more people, but now they say the cash is being taken away.
The doctors have united and pledged to fight the budget cuts.
Speaking for all the surgeries, Dr Neville Selby said: "It's tremendously demoralising and as a GP you must do your utmost to help the patients you live and work with.
"To have a government organisation telling you that you can't do certain things is downright immoral."
GPs in Haverhill claim they are facing cuts of as much as £300,000 in funding because of a new agreement with Suffolk Primary Care Trust.
The Trust said many of the services provided by doctors can be done more efficiently by pharmacists, nurse practitioners, NHS Direct and others.
Four years ago the health centres were given growth money to help recruit more staff and treat more people, but now they say the cash is being taken away.
The doctors have united and pledged to fight the budget cuts.
Speaking for all the surgeries, Dr Neville Selby said: "It's tremendously demoralising and as a GP you must do your utmost to help the patients you live and work with.
"To have a government organisation telling you that you can't do certain things is downright immoral."
Wednesday, 29 November 2006
Grant shortfall leads to cutbacks of £22m
The government was last night accused of short-changing Suffolk after it received an annual grant which will spark £22 million of county council cutbacks – reports the East Anglian Daily Times.
Although the figure was roughly what the council had expected, the grant is not high enough to offer a last-minute reprieve to the services earmarked for cutbacks earlier in the year.
Jane Storey, portfolio holder for resources, finance and performance, said the authority would be "deluding" itself if it thought much bigger grant increases would be given the next year, meaning more savings would have to be made in the future.
She said: "We have plans to cover most of the shortfall by changes to the way we deliver services. However there will be an impact on services in some areas, as we will have to choose between what we want to do and what we can afford."
Reg Hartles, chairman of Protest Against Council Tax Suffolk, said he blamed the need for the controversial milti-million pound savings 90% on the government.
He said: "This is making life more and more difficult for the council - £22 million is a hell of a lot of money and a lot of worthy causes will suffer for this."
- Article contributed by: IP19 0QB
Although the figure was roughly what the council had expected, the grant is not high enough to offer a last-minute reprieve to the services earmarked for cutbacks earlier in the year.
Jane Storey, portfolio holder for resources, finance and performance, said the authority would be "deluding" itself if it thought much bigger grant increases would be given the next year, meaning more savings would have to be made in the future.
She said: "We have plans to cover most of the shortfall by changes to the way we deliver services. However there will be an impact on services in some areas, as we will have to choose between what we want to do and what we can afford."
Reg Hartles, chairman of Protest Against Council Tax Suffolk, said he blamed the need for the controversial milti-million pound savings 90% on the government.
He said: "This is making life more and more difficult for the council - £22 million is a hell of a lot of money and a lot of worthy causes will suffer for this."
- Article contributed by: IP19 0QB
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