Archived News - Goeast
Policies published on Gypsy and Traveller accommodation in the East of England
Policies published as part of the Regional Spatial Strategy set out how many pitches and plots are needed in each district in the East of England to provide enough authorised pitches until 2021.
The figures have been agreed after extensive consultation and discussion with Local Authorities, planning bodies and community representatives, and will be written into local developments plans. By providing the right amount of authorised pitches in appropriate locations the policy will reduce the number of unauthorised sites without proper planning permission. This will also help to reduce enforcement costs to the taxpayer - estimated at around £18 million a year - and improve community relations between the settled and non-settled communities across the region.
Barbara Follett, Minister for the East of England, said:
“Today's publication of the review of the Regional Spatial Strategy is a positive step towards addressing the serious disadvantages experienced by members of the travelling communities who have a life expectancy 10-12 years below the regional average, and huge challenges accessing education and health services.
“It is vital that we address the housing needs of everyone in our communities, including Gypsies and Travellers. By ensuring sufficient provision of well-managed, authorised sites, we can help stop the negative and costly cycle of evictions from unauthorised sites that is costly to the taxpayer and impacts on the quality of life for the travelling community and can be so disruptive to all of our communities.”
Communities Secretary John Denham said:
“The Government has put funding in place for local authorities to provide new authorised sites and an effective enforcement framework that gives them the tools to tackle unauthorised developments. All local authorities must make rapid progress on making full use of these powers whenever they are needed.
“Effective management of what is often a controversial issue must mean providing the right number of pitches for Gypsies and Travellers in the appropriate locations, but also ensuring the genuine concerns of the settled community are understood and addressed. Making progress and balancing everyone's needs requires proper leadership and action.”
Today's announcement builds on the draft policy submitted by the East of England Regional Assembly (EERA) to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government in February 2008. This draft policy was then consulted on and tested at an Examination in Public in October 2008. Proposed changes to the policy were published for public consultation in March 2009.
The final policies provide a framework for local planning authorities, who can then take local decisions about the location and distribution of the pitches. The policy has been developed to ensure a more equitable distribution of the additional requirements across Local Authority areas.
Details of the breakdown of provision by district is included in the policy, which is available on the Regional Planning pages of the GoEast website.
Source: Government Office for the East of England
Proposed Changes To Gypsy and Traveller Site Provision
Following an examination in public in October, local people are now being invited to take part in an eight week long consultation to have their say on the proposed changes. The responses (due by 5pm on 22 May 2009) will then be carefully considered before the final plans are published later this year.
The provision of authorised sites, with occupiers being liable for council tax and utility bills, will help to reduce enforcement costs to the taxpayer - estimated at around £18 million a year.
Communities Minister Sadiq Khan said:
"It is important that in the same way we provide housing for the settled community, we also provide enough authorised sites for Gypsies and Travellers.
"By ensuring sufficient provision of well-managed, authorised sites, we can help stop the vicious cycle of evictions from unauthorised sites that is costly to the taxpayer and impacts on the quality of life for the travelling community and the wider public.
"Not only this, but Gypsy and Traveller residents of authorised pitches are also responsible for paying rent, council tax and other utility bills in the same way as the settled community."
The proposals suggest 80 new pitches have to be created in the Central Bedfordshire area by 2011, of which 50 must be in the South Bedfordshire region.
You can download the proposals here (see page 8 for details of how to respond).
Source: Government Office for the East of England
Children and Over-Sixties Swim for Free
It is all thanks to a £140 million Government initiative being run in partnership with local councils - including 36 in the East of England - to create a healthier, more active, nation and help get two million people more active by the time London hosts the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.
The Government is investing £3.1 million in the next year to bring free swimming to the East of England - and more than £900,000 has already been allocated to improve pools in the region. And there is the certainty of millions of pounds more to ensure free access for the two age groups, with councils being able to bid for further funding to modernise facilities over the next two years.
Andy Burnham, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said:
"The excitement is building with just one week to go and I hope young people - and those older in years, but still young at heart - are digging out their trunks and costumes, ready for 1 April. Free swimming will not only allow millions of people to reap so many health benefits, but ensure that local pools will be given a new lease of life at the heart of their communities.
"In these difficult economic times, it is great news that senior citizens can swim for free - and a real benefit too for children and, of course, their mums and dads.
"I commend councils of all political complexions who are working with us to make this exciting scheme a reality, often joining us in making a significant financial contribution to ensure its success. It is our hope that this is just the start and that in time free swimming becomes the norm across the country."
- In total 289 councils across England (81 per cent of the total) will be offering free swimming to the over 60s - 36 of them in the East of England.
- And across the country 206 local authorities (equivalent to 58 per cent) will also be providing it for children and young people who are 16 years of age or younger - 26 in the East of England.
- The initiative is guaranteed to run for at least two years - the period covered by the Government's current spending review.
- A full list of councils participating - and funding allocations - is available on the DCMS website
Barbara Follett, Regional Minister for the East of England, said "I hope that people all over the East of England will take this opportunity to get swimming. It is one of the best and most enjoyable ways to stay fit and healthy and now children and the over sixties can do it for nothing. So, get into your costumes and get swimming."
Source: Government Office for the East of England
Funding announced for authorised Gypsy and Traveller Sites in East of England
The funding will help reduce the costs of enforcing against unauthorised sites - it is estimated that this costs local authorities around £18 million a year.
In the East of England £1.3 million of Gypsy and Traveller Sites Grant has been allocated to provide new sites, extend 2 sites, and support refurbishment works on 5 sites.
Communities Minister Iain Wright said:
"The Gypsy and Traveller Sites Grant is crucial to the delivery of both new and better sites to ensure that Gypsies and Travellers have authorised, decent places to live.
The problem of unauthorised camping and the tensions it can cause will only be tackled through sufficient provision of well-managed, authorised sites, coupled with effective enforcement action. Site provision helps reduce the need for enforcement action - which costs taxpayers around £18 million a year - and makes it quicker and easier to take action where unauthorised camping does take place."
Schemes have been assessed by independent consultants and considered by Regional Assemblies. All proposals for new sites are subject to the full planning process.
The Homes and Communities Agency will be responsible for the Gypsy and Traveller Sites Grant for 2009/10 onwards.
Source: Government Office for the East of England
Publication of report on Gypsy and Traveller sites in the East of England
The Report sets out the conclusions and recommendations of the Panel who conducted the Examination in Public into the Draft Policy prepared by the East of England Regional Assembly (EERA).
The draft policy was pulled together following a rigorous consultation process where views from a wide range of groups were heard. The proposals follow two years of research and consultation with local authorities, businesses, voluntary organisations, the public and Gypsy and Traveller communities.
The report, including the Panel's recommendations, will now be considered by the Government, who will then publish the Secretary of States decisions on the Panels recommendations, along with any Proposed Changes to the draft policy. The policy is a vital part of the longer term planning process for homes within the East of England, and part of the Government's commitment to provide sufficient authorised sites for Gypsies and Travellers to stop the cycle of evictions from unauthorised sites that is costly to the taxpayer and impacts on the quality of life for the travelling community and the wider public. The proposed changes will undergo a further 12 week consultation to allow for views to be heard before the finalised plan is published by Summer 2009.
Key recommendations of the Panel include:
- An increase in regional pitch provision from 1,187 to 1,237 over the next three years to provide adequate space for traveller families and to ease pressure caused by current shortages.
- The final policy should include provision for transit sites and travelling showpeople.
Local authorities are responsible for planning authorised pitches for the Gypsy and Traveller communities as well as the housing needs of the settled population. The additional pitches contribute to housing provision in the East of England as a whole, reflecting the fact that the lack of decent, affordable homes is a key issue for settled communities and Gypsies and Travellers alike.
The East of England Plan provides a clear, agreed, long-term vision for how the region will provide jobs and homes for its residents until 2021 and beyond. It is the framework for putting into place the Government's growth agenda within the region and ensuring that growth is sustainable. The adequate provision of homes and affordable housing to accommodate the needs of different communities is a vital element of the Plan.
Following the consultation an Examination in Public was held in October 2008.
Source: Government Office for the East of England
New deal to provide affordable housing in the East of England
Twenty five developers have agreed to offer the HomeBuy Direct scheme which will help first time buyers purchase a home in 60 towns across the East of England aided by an equity loan, part funded by the Government and the developer. The equity loan, which will be free of charge for the first five years, can be used as a deposit and can cover up to 30 per cent of the purchase price.
This means a first-time buyer could purchase a house worth £180,000 for as little as £126,000. As with other HomeBuy schemes, any first-time buyers whose household income is under £60,000 who cannot otherwise afford to buy will be able to apply.
The scheme will also support the house building industry by identifying buyers for their new homes, helping them to weather the current difficult conditions in the market.
Eligible first time buyers will be able to apply for the scheme from early 2009 by contacting a HomeBuy agent in their region.
Housing Minister Margaret Beckett said:
"We are determined to give families real help in the current economic climate. For many young families who aspire to own a home, the difficulties in the housing market have made the step on to the property ladder that bit harder. This deal will give them more support and put their dream of becoming home owners within reach. At the same time, this scheme will also help developers to weather the tough times in the market, by protecting jobs and helping to keep business going."
HomeBuy Direct is one of a range of schemes designed to help families to get a foot on the housing ladder. We have already helped more than 110,000 people buy their own homes through shared equity and shared ownership since 1997. The Government is investing £8 billion over 3 years (2008-11) for the provision of new affordable housing for both social rent and low cost home ownership.
Source: Government Office for the East of England
Independent panel to consider gypsy and traveller sites in East of England
Residents in the East of England were invited to have their say through a consultation run by the Government Office for the East of England (GO-East), on behalf of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.
Local authorities are responsible for planning authorised pitches for the gypsy and traveller community as well as the housing needs of the settled population. The East of England Regional Assembly (EERA) recommended that each of the region's 48 local authorities should plan for at least 15 additional pitches by 2011 in a draft policy ('Planning for Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs). This was published on 25 February for 12 weeks public consultation. The plans for additional Gypsy and Traveller authorised sites are part of a single issue review of the East of England Plan (Regional Spatial Strategy) and follow two years of research and consultation with local authorities, businesses, voluntary organisations, the public and Gypsies and Travellers.
The East of England Plan provides a clear, agreed, long-term vision for how the region will provide jobs and homes for its residents until 2021 and beyond. It is the framework for putting into place the Government's growth agenda within the region and ensuring that growth is sustainable. The adequate provision of homes and affordable housing to accommodate the needs of different communities is a vital element of the Plan.
The panel will conduct an Examination in Public from Tuesday 21 October - Friday 24 October at the Spirella Ballroom in Letchworth, Hertfordshire. Using the results of the public consultation, the panel will provide recommendations on any changes to the proposals. The Government will consult on any further changes before publishing the final policy in 2009.
Further information about the Examination in Public is available on the Planning Inspectorate's website.
Source: Government Office for the East of England
Traffic signs in Britain - Biggest review in 40 years
Transport Minister Rosie Winterton yesterday called on motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, highway authorities and road organisations who are keen to have a say in how our streets will look in the future, to take part in the biggest review of British road signs for 40 years.
The review will ensure that traffic signs keep pace with the latest technology, help to cut congestion and emissions and keep traffic moving safely and efficiently without cluttering our streets.
The review's aims include:
- To consider new powers to reduce street clutter - and ensure out of date signs are removed
- Look at using new traffic sign technologies that can provide new ways of managing traffic flow
- Provide better road information - such as up-to-date travel news - to give motorists informed choices about their journeys
- Demonstrate how effective signing can provide safer roads and reduce accidents
- Improve road users' understanding of traffic signs and signals.
Rosie Winterton said:
"Road conditions have changed dramatically over the years - and road signs need to keep pace with that change to provide the best information possible to all road users.
"It is vital we help motorists, cyclists and pedestrians understand how to use our roads - improving road safety and helping reduce congestion and CO2 - without cluttering our streets with unnecessary signs."
Road users, highway authorities and organisations interested in streetscape will play a key role in the steering group leading the review.
AA President Edmund King said:
"Clear, concise, relevant road signs help reduce congestion, CO2, frustration and accidents. Confusing signs do the opposite so we welcome a root and branch review of the UK's traffic signing system and will seek the views of AA members to help the Department for Transport come up with signs fit for the 21 Century."
Source: Government Office for the East of England
£13million Grassroots Grants scheme for small voluntary and community groups
The Government's groundbreaking Grassroots Grants scheme declared itself open for business yesterday (4 September 2008) and called on small local voluntary and community groups across the East of England to come forward and get their hands on £13,574,255 of essential funding.
Whether it's helping local clubs get hold of new kit, coaching new volunteers or simply giving the village hall a fresh lick of paint, Grassroots Grants aim to make a real and immediate difference to the work of the East of England's small and local community groups.
In keeping the process as simple and easy as possible for applicants, the money is being distributed directly through six local funders across the East of England - slightly larger local organisations already based in the community and selected because they are familiar with the needs and causes in each area.
Funded by the Office of The Third Sector in the Cabinet Office and run by the Community Development Foundation, the programme is offering a total of £13,574,255 to local funders in the East of England to start making grants of between £250 and £5,000 to voluntary and community groups with annual incomes below £20,000.
Businesses across the East of England were also invited to get involved through investing in the scheme's innovative endowment match challenge - the first of its kind in England.
Within the £130million national programme, the Government has set aside a £50million pot from which it will match endowment investments from local businesses - offering them the chance to contribute directly to supporting and sustaining the communities in which they operate.
Each local funder has a match fund target that it must reach in order to release an endowment allocation from the Government.
The endowment element - which is also open to individual investors - aims to ensure that Grassroots Grants remain available for many years to come. It is estimated that with match funding and sound investment this £50million will be worth £150million when it starts paying out in 2011. In addition, as Gift Aid can be claimed on donations to a charitable cause, a £1,000 match-funded contribution from a business would be worth £2,560 to the fund.
Phil Hope, Minister for the Third Sector, said:
"The East of England is full of small groups and individuals who work tirelessly to tackle local problems and this £130million fund is dedicated to supporting their efforts. Grassroots Grants will put essential cash in the hands of small local voluntary groups without all the paperwork required for larger grants.
"I urge local leaders and businesses to make an investment in the future of their community by contributing to the new endowment funds. Every penny that goes in will return a much greater value, particularly as donations will also be eligible for Gift Aid."
Alison Seabrooke, CDF Chief Executive said:
"Grassroots Grants is exciting as it provides funding for community groups now and into the future. Grassroots Grants reach out to grassroots groups that may have never even considered applying for grant funding before. The endowment match challenge enables local funders to continue this funding over the long-term, giving small community groups a real future.
"Grassroots Grants are all about building a strong, independent third sector, and the Community Development Foundation is delighted to be administering such an innovative programme."
There are 66 local funders who are ready and able to start taking donations and distributing grants directly in local areas across England over the upcoming years.
Source: Government Office for the East of England
Facing the housing challenge - action today, innovation for tomorrow
A series of further measures and reforms designed to help alleviate the current challenges in the housing market and to support the vital delivery of more homes over the long-term, are being announced today by Housing Minister Caroline Flint.
The measures are part of a new update, published today, on progress to delivering more homes, helping first time buyers, supporting existing home owners, assisting the industry which is currently facing tougher conditions, and ensuring that the right foundations are in place for a recovery in new build starts.
Housing Minister Caroline Flint said:
"The package being announced today will both help people facing difficulties right now, and lay the foundations to help meet the long term housing needs of the country.
"That means being ambitious, but also practical and realistic, acknowledging not only the difficulties faced by individuals and families, but for those who work in the house building industry.
"We are determined to continue to do everything possible to promote long-term stability and fairness in the housing market. The international credit crunch has created significant challenges not just for the UK housing market, but in other parts of Europe and the United States.
"However, the long term need to provide more homes has not gone away. We have a growing and ageing population and will only see worsening affordability unless we increase housing supply."
The measures include:
- A new scheme to support first time buyers into affordable home ownership by renting first and buying later. Under the scheme, eligible households earning £60,000 a year or less will to able to rent a new home at a discounted rate for a period of two to three years. They will have the option to buy a part share in the home. The affordable rent, which will be 80 per cent of the market rent or less, will enable the household to save for a deposit to buy the share in the home. The new pilot scheme, called Rent to Home buy, is designed to give more choice and flexibility to first time buyers, and is part of the Government's low cost home ownership schemes
- New partnerships between the public and private sector that will put councils back at the centre stage of providing homes. The first 4 Local Housing Companies will be announced today, in Barking and Dagenham, Newcastle, Nottingham, and Manchester. Under this new partnership between councils and the private sector, councils put forward their surplus land into the Local Housing Company and have a full part in agreeing the development, which must include at least 50 per cent affordable homes. In return, private sector partners, provide the equivalent investment and homes and skills needed to build the homes.
- New proposals to deliver up to 75,000 homes in 20 more towns and cities, with £100 million into these areas for the schools, hospitals and other facilities needed to support homes, The councils in these areas of high demand, from Northumberland to Cornwall, have been selected as New Growth Points and have pledged to increase the number of homes in their local areas by up 20 per cent by 2016, delivering a total of up to 75,000 extra homes.
- Allocating the first tranche of a £510 million funding pot to reward councils who are working to bring land forward for development, helping to provide more homes and give the house building industry greater certainty that suitable land will be available when the market picks up. The Housing and Planning Delivery Grant is a direct incentive for councils who are taking action to meet the housing needs in their areas and rewards those putting plans and land allocations in place.
- Confirming that more funding, beyond the £200 million already allocated to buy unsold stock from house builders for affordable homes, could be made available, should the properties by in the right place, at the right price, and offering good standards. The Government believes this is the right approach rather than setting an arbitrary cap on the figure, to avoid the purchase of inappropriate properties. The Housing Corporation is now in discussion with many of the major house builders to discuss options for bringing unsold homes into the affordable housing sector.
- New plans to work with local authorities and housing associations to examine proposals for mortgage rescue schemes and the wider role they could play in supporting home owners. Some councils, for example, are assisting housing households through an emergency hardship fund, usually in the form of loans, as part of their homelessness prevention work.
- The National Housing Advisory Service will shortly publish a new advice leaflet for home owners, pulling together all the up-to-date contact details of major national money, debt and legal advice agencies into one consumer friendly document. The leaflet will be distributed in August by local authorities, CAB, Shelter, and money advisers.
Source: Government Office for the East of England
Last chance to comment on proposals for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation in the East of England
Time is running out for residents in the East of England to have their say on plans to address the shortage of caravan pitches for Gypsies and Travellers in the region. The deadline for comments is Friday 16 May, 2008.
This consultation is being run by the Government Office for the East of England (GO-East), on behalf of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.
Local authorities are responsible for planning authorised pitches for the 4,229 Gypsy and Traveller caravans in the region. Of these 1,140 are currently on unauthorised pitches. East of England Regional Assembly (EERA) has recommended that each of the region's 48 local authorities should provide at least 15 additional pitches. Proposals will be finalised by GO-East in 2009.
Tim Freathy, Acting Deputy Regional Director of GO-East said:
"It is important to engage with the Gypsy and Traveller community. By providing enough authorised sites to meet people's needs we can reduce unauthorised encampments and help to end friction with settled communities."
The plans for additional Gypsy and Traveller caravan pitches are part of a single issue review of the East of England Plan (Regional Spatial Strategy) and follow two years of research and consultation with local authorities, businesses, voluntary organisations, the public and Gypsies and Travellers.
The East of England Plan provides a clear, agreed, long-term vision for how the region will provide jobs and homes for its residents until 2021 and beyond. It is the framework for putting into place the Government's growth agenda within the region and ensuring that growth is sustainable. The adequate provision of homes and affordable housing to accommodate the needs of different communities, is a vital element of the Plan.
Responses to the public consultation will be considered by an independent panel who will conduct an Examination in Public and provide recommendations on any changes to the proposals. The Government will consult on any further changes before publishing the final policy later in 2009.
Source: Government Office for the East of England