Brent zoom meeting on government's planning 'reforms' 5pm tonight - details

Cllr Kelcher, Chair of Brent Planning Committee, has written to local groups and resident associations about a meeting scheduled for 5pm this evening regarding a campaign against the proposed new planning proposals.  Wembley Matters called for a cross-party campaign about this in August:

Cross party campaign needed to oppose Jenrick's assault on the community's already limited say on new developments

From Cllr Kelcher

I have huge concerns about the government’s radical plans to reform the local planning system through their new planning white paper Planning for the future.
 
These plans could:
1) Reduce local input and the opportunities for local people to have their say in planning decisions with a massive reduction in the powers of Planning Committees.
2) Create, what the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has called, “a new generation of slums” with an increase to permitted development rights. 
3) Reduce the amount of affordable housing we can build in Brent as developments of up to 40 or 50 units will no longer be compelled to provide some affordable units.
4) Introduce automatic permission for people in houses to add two storeys to their property without planning permission, completely changing the character of our local neighbourhoods.

Therefore, as Brent’s Chair of Planning, I have joined with the Vice Chair of Planning, and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, to organise an information and engagement session for local residents associations and interested groups.
 
We will be discussing the plan, and how we can work together as one borough to stand up against the reforms that will be most harmful to Brent.

 1700-1800, 27/10/2020 

 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84058770390?pwd=S0tROVppZzVyY0hzcG53ODF4bGswUT09  

 Meeting ID: 840 5877 0390 Passcode: 091709

Brent SEN Conference for parents and carers - book now

Brent Council says that places are filling up fast for its special educational needs (SEN) conference at Brent Civic Centre on 29th January 2014.

This is a free event for parents and carers to find out more about new reforms that will change the way that the Council provide services for children with SEN.

It also includes:

• a keynote address from Brian Lamb, a former government advisor and senior director at Scope and RNID (Action on Hearing Loss), now a consultant in SEN and disability issues
• a panel discussion and question and answer session with Brent head teachers and representatives from education, health and social services
• the opportunity to browse a variety of stalls and stands from local and national charities that support children with SEN
• a free lunch with a vegetarian option.

The conference takes place from 9am to 2.30pm.

Places are available on a first come, first served basis and can be booked now by calling 020 8937 4901 or email robert.smith@brent.gov.uk.

Green Party opposes 'damaging' teachers' pay reforms

The Green Party has reiterated its opposition to the government’s reforms of teachers’ pay, in the wake of the renewed threat of industrial action from teaching unions.

In response to government plans to end teachers’ pay rises in line with length of service in favour of performance-related pay, the National Union of Teachers executive has agreed to “build towards strike action in the spring term,” while the NASUWT has warned that “resistance across the profession” was growing.

Will Duckworth, Deputy Leader of the Green Party, who was a teacher for thirty years at his local comprehensive school, said: 'This policy may possibly hold some very short term financial benefits, but we should be looking at the long term interests of our children.”

“The reason this is a particularly damaging measure is because it chips away even more at the status of teaching. It is a profession, but this policy treats it as if it's simply a step to be taken on the way to management.

“In a real professional career, of course you receive pay increases based on experience and expertise. But this plan removes that from teaching, meaning the only way many teachers will be able to progress is by teaching for just two to three years then entering school management.

“Others will be even less likely to regard teaching as a profession, and turn to do something else instead. It's a waste of talent that we should be harnessing for the good of our children, and society in years to come.”

Mr Duckworth added: “It's also concerning that this seems to remove one more reward for loyalty and length of service, perhaps in an attempt to make it even easier for Academies and Free Schools, which will be able to raise money from private businesses, to poach the best teachers from LEA affiliated schools by offering them more money.

“The majority of children will suffer if this is allowed to happen.”