London's Climate weekend brings out the Greens

A lovely September afternoon brought thousands on to London streets today to put pressure on governments to take action on climate change.  The demonstration coincided with others taking place in cities throughout the world.

The Green Party was particularly prominent alongside Friend sof the Earth and other environmental actvists. The demonstration included many family groups and was marked by a relaxed, friendly and very creative atmosphere.

For why we should be concerned about Climate Change read this: LINK

On Saturday, as a member of the Green Party Trade Union Group and Chair of Brent Campaign Against Climate Change, I attended the Campaign Against Climate Change Trade Union Group conference: For A Future That Doesn't Cost the Earth: The International Fight For Climate Jobs.

With the miracle that is Skype, we heard from Fernando Losada, Director of Environmental Health and Climate Justic at National Nurses United, speaking from New York.  He talked about the work of the climate justrice movement in shifting the stance of trade unions, where the American Federation of Labour often allied themselves with oil and fracking businesses in order to protect  or create jobs large infrastructue jobs..

The movement had challenged this and their arguments for socially useful jobs had been partially successful - AFL statements in favour of big energy projects had become less bold.  One of the big battles will be over the latest phase of the Keystone Pipeline LINK

Organising this weekend's demonstration had galvanised some local unions to take a positive position that contrasted with that of their union nationally, creating dialogue about the climate change issue. Some local unions had endorsed the march forcing their national leadership to also back it.

Kjersti Barsok, Vice President, Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (Oslo) concentrated on their national campaign to reduce oil use which had in the 2013 Oil Alliance united 100 organisations in its demands.  This was very much a 'climate solution from below' campaign and included a  national petition to reduce oil production at source. The campaign had made links with popular movements and with May Day rallies but also put forward demands to protect workers during transition.

Dipti Bhatnagar, Friends of the Earth Internmational and Justica Ambiental addressed the conference from Mozambique via Skype. She said that many national governments and the UN had been 'captured' by corporates. The battle  was to reclaim them: 'they mist listen to the people and not to the polluters'.

Phil Pearson, TUC Senior Policy Officer for Climate Change and Energy,  suggested that TTIP was in conflict with the  UN Commission on Climate Change's argument for growth compatible with reducing climate change.  However the latter's  10 point plan was purely voluntary whereas as TTIP states combatting climate change should not restrict economic growth.

He argued that climate change measures need to be regulated on the basis of the rights of citizens but there are currently no legal machanisms in this regard. But there are regulations in place in the interests of trade,

The conference saw the launch of the new edition of  the pamphlet  One Million Climate Jobs.  Written by a group of trade unionists, environmental activists and experts it sets out in great detail  the nature of the problem and sector by sector the jobs that could be created, Practical, rather than  polemical, it is a useful tool for trade unionists working in their union to get the issue of climate change taken seriously.

We need a different, supportive & conciliatory working culture at Brent Council

I have received many comments about the Empoyment Tribunal Judgment on Brent Council and Cara Davani,  This one I thought was worth publishing separaely as it gives a different, contextual view:

First the good stuff. Before Cara Davani arrived Human Resources in Brent was not fit-for-purpose. The few staff that were under-performing or not contributing could not be tackled by managers due to inadequate policies and procedures and HR advisors who were risk adverse, without realising the damaging impact that this was having on front-line services. CD did not do all the work, and cannot take all the credit, but be in no doubt whatsoever that under her leadership HR changed and is now fit-for-purpose, helping managers to build performing teams, establishing a modern flexible, service-first (not staff-first) culture. Without CD this would not have happened. She deserves enormous credit for this. As they saying goes, you can't make an omelette without breaking eggs.

I cannot definitively tell, but from what I have seen, CD is not a racist or prejudiced. Nevertheless, since Gareth Daniels left, the number of BME staff working in the top three tiers of managers, has unhelpfully plummeted - going down to just one at one stage. This era appeared to involve the recruitment of a number of people that had worked with the new senior officer leadership for previous employers. Perhaps this is a more benign reason for the reduction in BME senior managers?

CD's private website states that she is in a relationship with the Council's Senior Employment lawyer. Some worry that this might influence advice given and action taken. it would be a disciplined relationship indeed if both never talked informally about staff employment matters before formal employment advice is given on the same cases.

However, it is the case that many senior managers are wary of CD, the CEX and Leader. They all seem to come to quick judgements about people's careers based on small issues. CDs email in the Judgement that expressed her disappointed that a colleague did not say hello to her, is pretty typical. All three seem to have a view that managers that pre-date their coming to power 2 or 3 years ago, are somehow inferior and in many cases must go (and have gone). There has been a very strong centralisation of power, with even relatively senior managers no longer being authorised to make fairly mundane decisions. This engenders a sense that senior leaders, mistrust staff and junior managers to take those decisions, and culture of fear if small things like not saying hello, help build their view of you as an employee.

The coming year will be brutal, as heavy Government austerity cuts are implemented. This will hit services much harder than previously, as many of the softer options have already happened. Many more staff will lose their jobs in the next 18 months, and this further builds a culture of fear.

Be clear, Brent Council needed the shake-up, which Gareth Daniels launched, and CD played a big part in delivering. But it is now a brutal place to work, where expectations of staff - despite their being far fewer - is unhealthy and unreasonably high. We now need to move forward with a different supportive, conciliatory and team-building culture.

Anger mounts over Employment Tribunal findings against Brent Council

Cara Davani

Brent Council workers and residents have reacted angrily to the Employment Tribunal findings of racial discrimination, victimisation and constructive dismissal against Brent Council and Cara Davani, Operational Director of Brent Human Resources.

Many commenting on this blog have called for sackings as a consequence of the findings. Others have raised the question of the cost of an appeal if Brent Council goes ahead with one and who should pay for it.  There is also the question of who decides on whether to mount an appeal - officers or the political leadership?

I have had to edit or delete some of the comments such are the strong feelings aroused by the case. I am at a conference today but will try and keep up with comments during the day.

Join the People's Climate March on Sunday

The World Leaders' Climate Summit in New York this September will be a key moment in the fight against climate change. The march organised in New York aims to be the biggest climate demonstration the US has ever seen, and over 900 solidarity events are planned globally on the same weekend.

The Campaign against Climate Change is helping to organise the People's Climate March in London along with many other organisations including Avaaz, 350.org, UKYCC, People & Planet, Operation Noah, Wake Up London, Oxfam, Art Not Oil, BP or not BP, CAFOD, UCL Students' Union, Greenpeace UK, Rising Tide...

Join the March! 12:30 pm Temple Place (Embankment) – Sunday Sept 21st

12.15pm - Multi-faith gathering in Victoria Embankment Gardens
1pm - March sets off. Just join the throng or march along with the Fossil Free bloc, the families and children bloc, the 'BP or not BP' Viking longship, the trade union bloc, the Bike bloc, the Queer bloc...
1.45-2.45pm - Rally in Parliament Square

Brent Council 'disappointed and surprised' by findings that their employee was racially discriminated against, victimised and constructively dismissed

Following my story below LINK on the findings of the Employment Tribunals in the case of Rosemary Clarke vs the London Borough of Brent and Cara Davani, Brent Council has issued the following statement:

The council has robust, up-to-date policies around equalities, whistleblowing, bullying and harassment and we take these issues extremely seriously.

We are committed to equal and fair treatment for all our staff who are from a hugely diverse range of backgrounds and represent the diversity of our unique borough.

We are disappointed and surprised by the findings in this case and are currently seeking legal advice. Therefore we are not able to comment on the case any further at this stage.

Tribunal finds employee suffered race discrimination, victimisation and constructive dismissal at hands of Brent Council

The Employment Tribunals has announced its judgment in the case of Rosemary Clarke versus the London Borough of Brent and Ms Cara Davani, Brent's Director of Human Resources.

Allegations about Ms Davani's conduct and that of other members of the Corporate Management Team at Brent Council have been the subject of serveral postings on this blog LINK, LINK, LINK   which includes a complaint to Eric Pickles about Brent Council.

Brent Green Party's concern was such that we called for an independent investigation LINK:

Brent Green Party is deeply concerned about recent revelations concerning the Corporate Management Team at Brent Council. We call for an independent investigation of:

1. Corporate Management Team officers being paid through their private companies rather than normal pay roll
2. The contractual arrangements for CMT officers and interim appointments
3. Previous employment and business connections between senior offices appointed by Brent Council on an interim basis
4. The working culture of the Human Resources department
5. Brent Council's Whistle Blowing Policy to ensure that it adequately protects whistle-blowers from harassment and retribution.

During Wembley Matters' coverage of the issue, Fiona Ledden, Head of Legal and Procurement at Brent Council asked me to remove material from this blog. I refused on the grounds of Public Interest.

The Employment Tribunals found:

• The claimant (Rosemary Clarke) has been directly discriminated against on the protected characteristics of race.
• The claimant having done a protected act has suffered victimisation.
• The first respondent (London Borough of Brent) has breached the implied term of mutal trust and confidence.
• The claimant terminated the employment relationships as a consequence of the respondent's breach.
• The claimant was constructively dismissed.

Remedies are to be considered as a remedy hearing but meanwhile Brent Council has said it will appeal.

The detailed document reveals much much about the machinations within Brent Council and in particular what it refers to as Cara Davani's micro-management style.

The Full Judgement is available at a cost of £10. Follow this LINK

Case Number 3302741/2013  Claimant Ms RC Clarke Respondents 1. London Borough of Brent 2. Ms Cara Davani  Heard at Watford Tribunals 23-24 June 2014 and 22-23 & 30 July in Chambers.

Ms Ledden recently refused my request to speak to a Full Meeting of Brent Council on the issue of the appointment of a Permanent Chief Executive.  Correspondence about this is ongoing.

Greens call for a People's Constitutional Convention following revolutionary levels of engagement in Independence Referendum

Votes at 16 Campaign reaction the day after

From the Green Party of England and Wales

Following the defeat of the “Yes” campaign in the Scottish referendum on independence, the Green Party would like to congratulate all those who were involved in mounting such an inspirational ‘Yes’ campaign.

The ‘Yes’ campaign has played a vital role in throwing-open questions about the support for our current constitutional settlement – questions that will not go away simply because of a defeat for the “Yes” campaign. The debate triggered by the referendum has illustrated how people across the country have been left feeling unrepresented and neglected by Westminster policies and politics.

It is clear that the “business as usual” approach to politics favoured by the three main parties is no longer resonating with the voting electorate.

There is now a real opportunity to mount a serious reassessment of our political system – including a debate over the introduction of a written Constitutional Convention and Bill of Rights.

Natalie Bennett, Green Party leader, said:

I congratulate the 'yes' campaigners in their positive, hopeful campaign that attracted so many to a message of real change. Despite the result, however, it is clear that real, significant constitutional change is now certain - in Scotland, and the rest of the UK.

The Coalition Parties and Labour have promised the people of Scotland 'devo-max', and many 'no' voters will have made their choice on that promise. They have to deliver on that; and those changes will also mean there has to be political change in other parts of the UK, and particularly at the Westminster parliament.

Long overdue political reform is clearly now on the public agenda. The kind of party stitch-up that saw Lords reform fall apart in this parliament cannot be allowed.

It's nearly 100 years since we had significant constitutional reform in Westminster - when women got the vote. We cannot afford for the future of our democracy to get to that anniversary in 1918 without significant change.

Yesterday Caroline Lucas, Green MP for Brighton Pavilion write this Open Letter to Messrs Cameron, Clegg and Miliband:

Whatever the outcome of today’s referendum about the future governance of Scotland, there seems to be a strong consensus that nothing will ever quite be the same again. People in Scotland have been granted their right to be heard and have used the opportunity to imagine all kinds of positive futures.
Alongside the official Yes and No campaigns, we have seen the growth of genuine grassroots movements, giving everyone a voice. Across the nation, people previously disengaged from formal politics have been passionately debating what matters to them – all because they have a decision to make in which their individual vote really will influence the outcome.

For many of these people, voting had previously become merely an exercise in democracy rather than true democracy – casting a vote made little tangible difference to the outcome of elections, let alone their day to day lives.  The referendum has newly enfranchised them because every vote counts.  It’s also invited a whole new generation of young people to shape their own futures.

We have a unique opportunity, at this point in our history, to learn from what has happened during the referendum campaign. To recognise that behind the ever declining turn out in General Elections, especially amongst young people, the disillusionment and distrust, there is another story. One in which people are not disengaged from politics, simply from a political system that is not good at listening, that conspires to keep people relatively powerless and is designed to protect the interests of a small, self-interested and wealthy elite.

You did a brave and bold thing, ceding some of your power via a referendum.
You have also made promises, in the event of a No vote, to devolve more powers to Scotland – a welcome move that that has wider implications. The next steps must not be decided without full and proper consultation with everyone affected.

So I hope you will be braver still and demonstrate a genuine commitment to democracy by supporting calls for a People’s Constitutional Convention. A Convention to explore, discuss, debate and inspire. To tackle the democratic crisis that has left far too many people feeling unrepresented, neglected and alienated by Westminster.

A continuation of the conversation that has begun in Scotland – and England and Wales and Northern Ireland – about a fairer voting system, an elected House of Lords, job sharing for MPs, lowering the voting age, giving local communities and local authorities more power, including via local referenda and citizens initiatives, more regional government and total recall for elected politicians.

It’s an idea that’s already being championed the Electoral Reform Society, Open Democracy, Compass, Involve, Democratic Audit and the chairman of House of Commons’ Political and Constitutional Reform Committee, amongst others.

Above all, it would demonstrate a genuine commitment to real democracy and embody the principle that power flows upwards from the people, not down from a centralised state. Scotland has shown that this is the way to build engagement in the decisions that affect all of our lives – by respecting, trusting and listening. This is also the way to give people hope again.

I hope you will join me in supporting a People’s Constitutional Convention as the way forward.

A petition calling for A People's Constitutional Convention is now up on the Change.Org website LINK

Wembley Asda permitted to extend Click & Collect hours despite objections from neighbours

Despite objections from neighbours Brent Council has granted planning permission to Wembley ASDA to extend the opening hours of its Click and Collect Bay by two hours daily. It can now operate until 10pm.

Five residents of 115 Chalkhill Road objected. This is what two of them said:

•  Objection: To whom it may concern, I am a resident of the block that stands directly behind the Asda home delivery unit. Since this facility has been opened a couple of weeks ago I have been constantly disturbed by the noise made by Asda home delivery workers and their vans. It's 10:57 pm now and they still pack and unpack their vans and the noise is not bearable. I must also admit that they start very early in the morning and the noise has been disturbing the whole of my family including my child, we all feel that our health has been affected by ongoing problems with noise caused by asda. I have all the emails that have been sent to yourselves, as well as emails that we as residents have received from the council workers therefore please do check your own records regarding Asda noise made by all the residents of the east side of the 115 Chalkhill road block. I have also kept audio/video records that can be used as evidence that asda do not respect the neighbourhood. I do hope that application will not be granted. If they want extension of working hours till 22:00 and currently they have it till 20:00 and they still make noise at 23:00, what would happen if they "on paper" work till 22:00?! Please kindly consider my comments, I am sure that my neighbours would certainly agree with them. Yours sincerely, Disrespected professional who would like to just relax and forget about constant problems with Asda
•  
•  Objection: Living just above the newly built Click and Collect bay, I am concerned about noise and light pollution, you will see from your records that the residents of this block have already had to file numerous complaints regarding the noise from the machinery in Asda's loading area, the car wash when it was in this location and the construction of this Click and Collect. I cannot speak for the rest of the block, but my health has certainly suffered from the incessant noise from Asda's at all hours of the day and night. I strongly object to any further changes. Please do not grant them permission to cause more disruption to the residents behind them. Thank you.

Navin Shah calls for Crossrail branch to Wembley Central and Harrow and Wealdstone

From Navin Shah's Office

 

Navin Shah AM today used his appearance at the planning inquiry into London Plan alterations to argue for a new branch of Crossrail 1 linking from Old Oak Common to Wembley, Harrow & Wealdstone, and beyond. Mr Shah argued that providing this important piece of transport infrastructure would unlock the expected development of these town centres.

The comments came at today’s session of the Examination in Public at City Hall, where the Mayor’s further alterations to the London Plan are being examined by an independent inspector.

Mr Shah also argued that the proposal to designate Harrow & Wealdstone as an Opportunity Area must not become an excuse to allow high-rise development that is inappropriate for the area. He said there must upfront funding for key infrastructure as well as genuine community involvement so that decisions about development reflect the concerns and hope of local people.

After attending the Examination in Public today, local London Assembly member Navin Shah said:

The new branch of Crossrail 1 extending from Old Oak must include stops at Wembley and at Harrow & Wealdstone, and the London Plan must be amended to reflect this. Connecting these important Opportunity Areas with the necessary transport infrastructure is vital to ensure that development is done in a way that benefits the local community, and reflects their concerns and their hopes for the area.

If Harrow & Wealdstone is going to be designated as an Opportunity Area, it must have upfront funding provision for key infrastructure works like step free access for Harrow On the Hill Station and Redevelopment of Bus Station.

The Examination in Public presents a significant opportunity to shape the London Plan, the Mayor’s strategic planning framework for London. I participated in order to stand up for the future of Brent and Harrow on key issues of concern like our need for homes and jobs, town centres, community facilities, and regeneration.

London Green Parties oppose Mayor's Development Corporation in Old Oak/Park Royal

The following  motion, proposed by Brent Green Party, has been passed unanimously by the London Federation of Green Parties.

--> “We call on the London Federation of Green Parties and the Green Party GLA members to oppose the Mayor’s plans to remove local planning powers over the Old Oak/Park Royal area as we believe this undermines local democracy and may further worsen  social and housing inequalities in order to increase private profit.”

Police pass Kensal Rise e-mail fraud information to CPS

Andrew Donald, Brent's Director of Regeneration and Mayor Projects, has told local campaigner Meg Howarth that the Brent police have passed information regarding the Kensal Rise Library Development fraudulent e-mails on to the Crown Prosecution service for their consideration.

It is not known when any further information will be available.

Fruadulent e-mails using the names and addresses of local people were submitted in support of Andrew Gillick's first planning application for the redevelopment of Kensal Rise Librray which was closed down by Brent Council.

Subsequently Brent Legal ruled that the police investigation was not something that the Brent Planning Committee could take into consideration in its decision making and Gillick's second planning application for the library site was approved.

The news comes just as the Guardian publishes a scathing article on the pressures on planning officers and local councillors from ruthless developers LINK:

One former planning officer is frank about the reality of the imbalance in our confrontational system. “If you throw enough resources at a planning application, you’re going to manage to tire everyone out,” he says. “The documentation gets more and more extensive, the phone calls get more frequent and more aggressive, the letters ever more litigious. The weight of stuff just bludgeons everyone aside, and the natural inclination is to say, ‘Oh yeah okay, I’ve had enough of this one,’ and just let it through. It’s like a war of attrition.”

It is a long article but well worth reading for local residents interested in the Quintain-Wembley, Willesden Green Library , Queensbury, Bridge Park, Alperton developments and the failure to build genuinely affordable housing or achieve amenity gains for the community.

For a Future That Doesn't Cost the Earth - Conference Saturday

Campaign Against Climate Change Conference Saturday September 20th at London Met

Saturday 20th September 2014 12.00-17.00
 Tower Building, London Metropolitan University, Holloway Road, London, N7 8DB (directly across the road from Holloway Road tube station)

During a weekend of international climate change protest, the Campaign against Climate Change Trade Union Group will be launching the new edition of the influential "One Million Climate Jobs" booklet, and making links with activists in other countries.

Key speakers include Kjersti Bartos, Vice-President of the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions, Fernando Losado from the US Nursing Union, and Philip Pearson, the TUC's senior officer for energy and climate change. Speakers from NUS and People & Planet will lead a workshop on "Students, Environment and Climate Jobs". There will also be Skype links with representatives of the Climate Jobs movement in South Africa and some of the US and British trade unionists who will be on the New York "People's Climate March" on September 21st.

Book your place online

Join the Facebook event

Conference Timetable

12.00 – 12.30: Registration

12.30 – 12.40: Conference opening

12.40 – 2.00: Opening plenary: "The International Fight for Climate Jobs"

Speakers:

Kjersti Barsok, Vice-President, Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (Oslo)
Fernando Losada, National Nurses United trade union, USA (by Skype)
Philip Pearson, TUC Senior Policy Officer for Climate Change and Energy
Dipti Bhatnagar, Friends of the Earth International, Mozambique (by Skype)
Jonathan Neale, Editor, “One Million Climate Jobs” Report

2.00 – 2.15 Break

2.15 – 3.45 Workshops:

a) "Unpacking Climate Jobs"
Lead speakers: contributors to “One Million Climate Jobs” report

b) "Building a Better Future by Campaigning for Climate Jobs"
Lead speakers:
Clara Paillard, PCS Green Rep and NW TUC
Ken Montague, Secretary, CACCTU

c) "Students, Environment, and Climate jobs"
Lead speakers:
Laura Williams, Project Officer – Green Impact, NUS
Andrew Taylor, People & Planet

3.45 - 4.00 Break

4.00 - 5.30 Closing Plenary: "Time to Act on Climate Change!"

Speakers:
Chris Baugh (Assistant General Secretary, PCS) on the New York “People’s Climate March” (by Skype)
Maxime Coombes (ATTAC, France) on mobilising for the Paris 2015 COP
Suzanne Jeffery (Chair, CACCTU) on the UK “Time to Act!” campaign.

'The MDC is okay with me' says Pavey but others disagree

Brent's Cabinet met at Roundwood Youth Centre this afternoon, as part of a programme to move the meeting around the borough. It was followed by a walk-about in the area.  There was more discussion than usual with backbenchers and residents contributing but once again a Brent Council meeting was marred by the failure of councillors to project their voices and the lack of microphones.

Democracy must be HEARD to be done!

The Cabinet approved the action plan arising from the Brent Education Commission which includes partnership work between schools and support for the Brent Schools Partnership which has recently appointed a Strategic Director who will work a three day week.

One of the more controversial issues was  planning school places:

Objective: Ensure that the local authority is proactive in encouraging the best schools in Brent and free school providers  to set up new schools in areas where extra places are need.

Activities:

Work wuth the Education Funding Agency, DfE Free Schools team, the Regional Schools Commissioner and other partners to attract the best quality providers to Brent.

Promote the establishment of effective local chains/federations/partnerships to promote new schools and offer a local solution for schools at risk of failure.

A Labour Council supporting free schools and chains will stick  in the throats of many, particularly on the day the Michaela Free school opened in a building that remains a building site and when Gateway and Gladstone Free Schools failed to open on time.

Deputy Leader and former lead member for Children and Families, Cllr Michael Pavey, raised the possibility of the strategy changing if there is a change of government policy after the General Election.

Cabinet approved plans to make school expansion contracts more attractive to building companies by putting several into a package.

The London Mayor's plans for a Mayoral development Corporation in the Old Oak/Park Royal area provoked most discussion. As explained in an earlier blog Brent Council has not opposed the MDC in principle. Backbencher Cllr Dan Filson thought that was a mistake and said that Brent should start from the position that the MDC is undemocratic and limits the input of Brent council into the plans. He though that having the three council leaders (Brent, Hammersmith & Fulham, Ealing) sitting on the MDC would not solve the problem as they would not have time to get down to the nitty gritty. The focus of the MDC was on Old Oak rather than the important task of reinvigorating the Park Royal Industrial Estate and rescueing it from being mainly devoted to warehousing.

Resident John Cox said that in the Harlesden incinerator campaign there were 180 councillors they could lobby. With the MDC it would be just three.  He said much of the land was publicly-owned, which we purchased in 1948 when nationalising the railways. Instead of flogging off public assets for the maximum value to developers, and then being supplicants to try and get some (so-called) affordable housing, we should value some of the land as zero, in perpetuity, and the state should build social housing. We could even call it council housing if we wanted to. He said the area was more like the Docklands development rather than the Olympic site.

Cox said that there was no chance of Crossrail coming to Wembley Central station  but Cllr Butt said that the Council had not given up the battle to make Wembley Central a destination: 'We can't afford to not having trains stopping there'. It was essential for the housing planned for Wembley.

Cllr Claudia Hector, another Labour backbencher, said that housing in the new development must be 'genuinely affordable' not the London Mayor's 80% of affordable rent. Director of Regeneration and Major Projects, Andy Donald, said the council was aware of that and that there would be a mixture of housing.

Cllr Pavey said that he thought the MDC was the right structure, with the wrong Mayor.  He could not see a combination of the three local authorities (Ed: Ealing's suggestion) as working for such a large development.

Muhammed Butt said that the three councils were continuing to talk but he stressed that they must come up with a 'credible alternative': 'We will have to work with the MDC if we don't come up with anything else'.

The Cabinet approved a bid to the GLA to make Alperton and Wembley Housing Zones. 20 will be created across London at a cost of £400m to create 50,000 new homes and 100,000 associated homes over the next 10 years.

Margaret McLennan said that the Zones were essential, especially in Alperton, to provide much needed infrastructure including new schools, health centres, transport etc to kickstart the areas. Cllr Perrin, lead member for the environment was concerned that this was at the  cost of moving businesses out of the area and there were also issues over contaminated land near the canal at Alperton.

I was pleased to see that £6m has been set aside for the provision of school nurses but this is going to external procurement, rather than in-house and only one bidder has emerged. it was confirmed that the provision would be free to local authority, academies and free schools but not to private schools. There was no detail about how many hours per school would be involved.

There was a rushed discussion of the Borough Plan where the Council hope to engage young people in schools in discussions about the future of the borough and no discussion at all on the Quarter 1 Performance Report where council services are given a RAG (Red, Amber, Green) rating. Support to enable families to be independent, take up of 3 year olds nursery education grant and the number of in-year applications for primary places getting a place withion four weeks of applying were all given a red rating.

Michaela opens despite safety fears over site

Michaela Free School opened to 120 Year 7 pupils this morning despite fears about the safety of Arena House which is now a building site with just as narrow roofed timber lined corridor for entrance and exit.  Concerns have been raised with both Brent Council Health and Safety and the London Fire Brigade.

It was really sad this morning to see eager young faces, excited about starting secondary school, drop when they saw the state of the building.

Worried parents were assured that it was just the outside that looked like that - it was 'lovely' inside. However, parents were disconcerted to be refused entry to the building to see for themselves. They were promised a chance to view it at the Open Evening on Wednesday.

This is a glimpse of what appears to be an assembly/canteen/classroom seen through the windows.

Outside parent and grandparent views were mixed. Some accepted the promise that the school would soon be ready at face value, while others said the state of the building was 'disgusting'.  One grandparent, who welcomed the 'strict discipline', contrasted the building with the 'beautiful' building at Oakington Manor Primary that her grand-daugher had just left.

Parents at the school entrance today (white door)

There had been grumbles about the strict school rules at a pre-meeting with parents. They were told, 'If you don't like our rules, find another school!'

Several of the parents said they had not chosen Michaela but it was the only school available when their six choices were refused.

Clearly the school has a major job to win some parents round on several counts, including the state of the building, safety and discipline.  There may well be a split in the first few weeks between those who positively chose the school because of its 'strict, private school ethos' and those who were forced to take it because nothing else was available.

Challenging times ahead.

Parents and children speak out to save Stonebridge Adventure Playground

Not for the first time Stonebridge Adventure Playground, which has sertved generations of children in one of the most disadvantaged areas of Brent  since 1976, is threatened with closure.

Children and parents speak out in this impromptu video, recorded on Friday, about what the playground means to them.

Sign the petition to save the playground HERE

Brent Council calls for modification of Mayoral Development Corporation' for Park Royal/Old Oak while Hammersmith & Fulham opposes in principle

Brent's Cabinet which meets tomorrow afternoon, will be considering its response to the proposed Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) that would take control of the regeneration of Old Oak Common and Park Royal. It would cover parts of Brent, Hammersmith and Fulham and Ealing.

Stephen Cowan, leader of  Hammersmith and Fulham Council, came out strongly against it in July, calling it a 'land grab'.

This council objects to an MDC at Old Oak and Park Royal. We are concerned about the Mayor of London’s record on delivering truly affordable homes for Londoners and do not believe he should be entrusted with sole responsibility on a scheme of this importance.

We are committed to changing housing policies so that we build homes for residents rather than investment properties for overseas speculators and look forward to working with Ealing and Brent councils to do that. There is no good business case for the Mayor to step in.

In fact, the move in government over the years has been to devolve more powers to local communities not take them away. The Mayor’s proposed organisation is a throwback to decades long gone, it would be undemocratic and unnecessarily takes away powers from local residents and local businesses and essentially hands them over to developers and unelected bureaucrats.

There is little information on Ealing Council's  response but Brent Council LINK does not follow Hammersmith and Fulham in opposing the MDC in principle:

To support delivery on the scale required there is no doubt a delivery body  with a strong regeneration focus is required. Without such a body there is a real risk that the opportunity HS2 and the Old Oak interchange presents for Brent will be missed. Arguably an MDC gives Brent greater influence over the proposals that will come forward at Old Oak as the Council will have representation on the decision making bodies.

The report goes on to seek some changes in the MDC brief..

In fact, when the Ealing Officer's report LINK sets out their demands if the MDC goes ahead despite their opposition, there is little difference between the two Councils.  Both seek changes in the borders of the MDC zone.  Both seek greater representation on the MDC and quote the Localism Act in their support. Both also seek assurances on the availability of genuinely affordable housing. Brent is also concerned about the CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy).

Countering the MDC proposal Hammermsith and Fulham call for a Joint Area Action Plan:

The Council has also discussed the potential for a joint Area Action Plan that would include land from LBs of Ealing and Brent as well as LBHF. Officers from the three Boroughs have been working well together on this project for a considerable period of time meeting weekly with the GLA and TfL as a JointProject Team and reporting up to a Project Strategy Board. LBHF has resourced the project with key staff who have led on and significantly progressed the project. This process could continue (subject to discussion and agreement with LBs of Ealing and Brent) and a cross borough Area Action Plan could be progressed by the three boroughs without the considerable expense and administration involved insetting up an MDC.

This is not mentioned as far as I can see in the Brent report - Brent offers no alternative, just a modification of the MDC. It is surprising that in dealing with a Tory mayor that three Labour boroughs have not cooperated more on their response.

Brent Officers call for the following local benefits:

Brent 'Local offer' service for parents of children with special needs and disabilities goes live

From Brent Council

 

Information and advice for parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is now easier to access thanks to the launch of Brent's Local Offer.

Developed with the help of a parent support group and pupils from Brent special schools, the Local Offer is a single point of contact for families who want to find out about services and support for children and young people with SEND from 0 to 25.

Statutory services like education, social care and health are included, as well as information about leisure, transport, money advice and independent living, all of which can be searched for by area or age range.

Further work to review and enhance the information available on our Local Offer will take place with parents over the coming months so that we can ensure it is responsive to what you want and need.

Find a service in the Local Offer

Brent's Shahrar Ali pushes the diversity agenda in first speech as Green Party deputy leader

Shahrar Ali, the Green's Brent Central candidate at the 2010 General Election and a candidate for the GLA and European Parliament, was elected Male Deputy Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales earlier this month.

This is his first speech as Deputy Leader recorded at our Birmingham conference last weekend:

Amelia Womack, elected Female Deputy Leader, and an experienced member of the Young Greens also made her first speech at the Conference. Together with Natalie Bennett they are the team that will take the Greens into the General Election in May 2015 where Greens hope to retain Caroline Lucas' Brighton seat.

Update on Ashley Gardens Primary PRU closure

I understand that the closure of the Primary Referral Unit (PRU) at Ashley Gardens, near Preston Road, Wembley is to go ahead at the end of the month and the current staff will lose their jobs.

The Council has had discussions with the parents of the children who have been excluded from mainstream school. Some will be bussed daily to the Anna Freud Free School in Islington.  Anna Freud has a therapeutic approach to education.The total cost, including transport, is £18,500 annually  per child which the Council claim is cheaper than other placements.  Others will be integrated back into mainstream school.

Although this settles things for the moment, there is still no long-term solution to the problem of primary age children excluded from school. More children are likely to be excluded in the future, particularly with the 'too much, too soon' curriclum changes that come into effect this academic year.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that Year 1 boys in particular find the demands of a 'sit down, sit still, and learn' approach difficult and react against it - sometimes getting labelled as a behaviour problem or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) in the process.

Brent Council has a statutory responsibility for the education of excluded children.

Dave Wetzel of Fares Fair fame leaves Labour for the Green Party

Ex public transport lead for the Labour Greater London Council (GLC), Dave Wetzel, has announced on Facebook that he has joined the Green Party.

Wetzel said: 

As a new Green Party Member I consider all Government cuts are unnecessary and left the Labour Party this year because the Labour Front Bench intend to continue with cuts. This is totally unnecessary as instead we could adopt the Green policy and introduce an annual Land Value Tax so that rich landowners like the Duke of Westminster repay the land wealth we all create.

Wetzel alongside Ken Livingstone introduced the Fares Fair policy of low
transport charges which contributed to Labour's 1981 GLC election victory.

The popular policy went all the way to the Law Lords and was eventually over-ruled leading to a massive increase in fares.

Following the introduction of the new fares structure and the travel card car usage in London dropped by 10%, tube travel went up by 44% and bus by 14%.

In retrospect many saw the policy as ahead of its time and it certainly puts the current high fares into  perspective. LINK

A battle with the Tory government led eventually to the abolition of the GLC and the Inner London Education Authority.

Dave Wetzel is the President of the Labour Land Campaign and CEO of the consultancy Transforming Communites.

It will be interesting to see how his thinking influences the Green Party.

West Hendon Estate battles Barratts and Barnet

Cross-posting from Shahrar Ali's blog - edited version. Full version with more photographs and interview HERE

On Saturday 13 September, residents came out in force to assert their claim to be able to live in a peaceful, clean neighbourhood, without the noise and pollution impact of construction work on their doorstep. The neighbourhood was West Hendon estate on the bank of the Welsh Harp nature reserve. The contractor was Barratts Homes, determined to extend its real estate with prior permission of Barnet Council and with all the nods and winks that came before that.

Brent and Barnet Greens have been active on the campaign to preserve the habitat of Welsh Harp for several years, against the threat from over development on both sides of the council boundary and were visible at this protest. Discussion of the impact of this latest development on current tenants in social housing came to the fore last summer at a public meeting hosted at Brent Council (Brent Unites against Welsh Harp overdevelopment). Unfortunately, despite the approval from Barnet, Brent did not mount a judicial review and it was unlikely residents would be able to afford to do so.

I lent my megaphone to a resident who was driven around the estate to drum up a bit more people power. We began obstructing the main gate to the construction site, as dozens of contractors started to arrive. Our spirits were up as we sang, “Aint gonna do no work today”.  A couple of vehicles were mounted up against the hoarding at the critical entrance and banners and placards were mounted around.

Site managers came to speak to us and we entered into a conversation about the impact of their construction on the neighbours and the prospect of worse to come with the demolition of a tower block on the opposite side of the street, with residents still living a stone’s throw away. We conveyed our mission not to allow construction trucks into the site and the managers were turned back. Minutes later we were joined by police asking who was in charge. They entered into a diffuse conversation with our flat hierarchy, followed by a visit to the site office. They returned to announce that they “would allow” our presence there so long as we did not impede emergency vehicles.

Minutes later, came the highlight of the action – a concrete truck performed a U-turn mid-way up the road. The small crowd was jubilant and time to take a group picture.

Further actions are planned – please follow on facebook or @ourwesthendon #ourwesthendon

Birbalsingh's 'high standards' do not to appear to apply to the Michaela building

Katharine Birbalsingh's strictures on school uniform (sturdy black traditional shoes - send us a picture for approval before purchasing if you are not sure), haircuts (must 'comply' with school policy, presumably nothing expressing any personality or ethnic identity allowed) and umbrellas (only black or blue - nothing colourful) have been received with some amusement LINK

However, Birbalsingh's 'high standards' on uniform and behaviour do not seem to apply to the school building where pupils will start at 11am on Monday.

The pupil entrance is through a builders' door and along a wooded boarded narrow passage way that separates pedestrians from building equipment on one side and stacked cabins on the other. The whole of the area beneath the school appears to be covered in building equipment apart from this passage way.  As far as I could see this morning there is no play area at all at the moment and more importantly nowhere for the children to assemble in the event of a fire.

They would have to evacuate the building along the wooden boarded narrow passage way and assembly outside on the pedstrianised road.

This morning there was a lot of work going on inside the building but what appeared to be  classrooms had no equipment apart from tables and chairs. There may be other rooms hidden from view.

120 excited children, who have waited an extra two weeks for their school to be opened, may well be rather disappointed by what they find when they enter the building for the first time. 

ALL PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN EARLIER TODAY

CLASSROOM?

 

KITCHEN

GROUND LEVEL

GROUND LEVEL - HOARDING PROTECTING PEDESTRIANS (FAR RIGHT)

PEDESTRIAN GATE (WHITE) FOR PUPILS (EXTREME RIGHT)