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Sunday, 12 October 2008

Removal of tolls worth £1bn

Independent research published on Tuesday has estimated the Humber economy would be given a massive £1.1 billion boost over the next 23 years if the Humber Bridge tolls were abolished. And if the tolls stayed in place, but were reduced to £1 for a car (compared with £2.70) and a similar reduction for all other classes, the economy would still get a £580-million boost over the same period. The period up to 2032 has been used for the calculations, as this is the time period for the repayment of the existing loans on the Humber Bridge. The remaining debt on the bridge currently stands at approximately £330 million.

The £1.1-billion injection into the Humber economy is the main finding from the research, carried out Colin Buchanan and Partners. The research makes the point that, of all the policy measures available to remove barriers to the economic development and prosperity of the Humber economy, Government action on Humber Bridge is likely to be the simplest and most successful. The consultants have used the Department for Transport's economic model and guidance to evaluate the financial benefits for the Hull and Humber Ports City region (comprising Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire and North-East Lincolnshire). Using the economic model, it is possible to estimate the improvement in the city region's productivity and output if the tolls were either abolished or reduced substantially.

These findings give the campaign to see decisive action on the tolls - the highest in the UK- a major boost. And with the level of political and business support behind the campaign, we must ensure we press ahead without delay. The four Humber councils will work closely with all concerned to arrange a meeting with ministers to see how we can now move ahead on the tolls. But as Ian Cawsey, MP for Brigg and Goole, made clear yesterday, we first need to study the research and agree how to present our case to Government as persuasively as possible. Ian is doing a first rate job in pulling together all interests and I thank him for the work he is doing.

We now have to evidence to prove conclusively that the very high tolls are holding back the City Region's economic performance, affecting jobs and the life prospects of nearly 900,000 people. If that doesn't demand action at the highest levels of Government, then I don't know what does. It is vital now we have the research findings the momentum that is building up is not lost. The case for action now looks unanswerable. The nature of the debate has now changed. It is now clear the issue is not going to go away until decisive action results. That was clear from all those in attendance at the launch of the findings this week.

 

Supporting documents:

 
Thursday, 02 October 2008

Lincs Lakes project is feasible

I am pleased to note a North Lincolnshire Council study into the Lincolnshire Lakes project has revealed that the scheme is technically and financially feasible. The report has looked into the reality of the Lincolnshire Lakes scheme, taking into account the ways the area is currently being used and how best to develop the land for maximum impact.

The project plans to create a series of lakes at the western edge of Scunthorpe. These lakes are hoped to create a whole new economy, which will include the potential for green tourism and the creation of hundreds of new jobs. The scheme aims to incorporate the different uses for the land - leisure, housing and business - and how to incorporate these together in an ecologically sound environment.

The council has produced a master plan that sets out how the scheme will progress. The Lakes study area runs west from Scotter Road to the Trent in the east and from Messingham in the south, up to the northern boundary of Scunthorpe. Phase one of the plan is in the south-east corner of the Lakes study area.

The master plan also sets out:

  • Where the inter-connecting canals will be
  • A new road layout.

There could also be a potential new train station for the Lakes area. To progress further, the project must next obtain approval from the Environment Agency. The recent report will show that this development is needed in North Lincolnshire and that the location has been researched and is justified. This stage will be completed by November. Residents in North Lincolnshire will be given the opportunity to have their views heard as part of a public consultation, which will take place later this year.

 
Tuesday, 30 September 2008

A busy week!

It has been a very busy last week or so and I thought I would blog on everything that has gone on.  Last Wednesday we had full council of which there was plenty of good news to announce. The Safer and Stronger Communities Scrutiny panel presented a fantastic report on domestic violence, while North Lincs Homes have promised to look at the issue of leaseholders. The chief executive also told members how the council has been rated as one of the best in the country.

During the meeting I announced that despite the alleged 'credit crunch' we will not be introducing huge council tax rises next year. Since North Lincs came into being we've consistently been lower than the Tories. The Tories had four years in power, during a period of economic boom - and yet they put tax bills up year on year. An average of 4.6 per cent. Disgraceful.  Labour, however, set a careful budget in February and we put money aside for a rainy day, giving us flexibilities if we need them. With no money saved by the Tories we'd have faced panic - job cuts, service cuts - cuts, cuts, cuts. Thanks to the careful attitude of this council and the hard work of officers I am confident we will come in on budget - despite extra financial pressures that we all face. I can give an assurance that council tax bills next year will not put any extra burden on the taxpayer. We won't force 4.6 per cent increases on people like the Tories did that's for sure.

On Friday I visited The Foundry as the council held a consultation event over the weekend to show off the plans for the new entertainment venue. There was a steady stream of people interested in what we are doing and I would like to thank everyone who came and had a look. Most were positive and even the other comments were very worthwhile. I would urge anyone who has a question to email me or leave a comment and a contact email address on this blog and I will get back to them.

On Friday I also attended the anniversary of John Leggott College which was attended by Ed Balls the Government minister.

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Many people turned up to the event and we should be very proud to have such an excellent educational facility on our doorstep.

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And on top of that our fight to remove the Humber Bridge tolls continues and I would again urge everyone reading this to write to the board to call for a public inquiry!

 
Monday, 29 September 2008

Don't forget to object to bridge toll increase

If you're planning to object to the latest toll increase to cross the Humber Bridge, you only have until Monday 6 October to do so. If you do object, the chances are the increase, which would take place almost immediately, will be put on hold while the Government orders a local public inquiry to consider objections.

The Humber Bridge Board wants to see an increase in the tolls for all classes of vehicle - for a return car trip the cost would be £5.80 and for the largest HGV, £39.80.

To object you just have to give your reason why the planned increase is not something you can support. Your letter has to go to:

Secretary of State for Transport
c/o Mr Julian Smith
Road Strategy Division
Department for Transport
Zone 3/05, Great Minster House
76 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DR

You also have to send a copy of your letter to:

The Humber Bridge Board
c/o Mr P Dearing
Kingston Upon Hull City Council
Legal Service
Guildhall
Hull
HU1 2AA.

If you want to see a local public inquiry held, please say so in your letter.

Attached below is a letter template you may wish to use to submit your objection.

 
Tuesday, 23 September 2008

Council is among best in the country

I was delighted to read in The Times newspaper today that North Lincolnshire Council is among the best in the UK. The paper has published its Best Councils To Work For annual list and this Labour-run authority is said to be the 24th best in the UK out of more than 400. The list is based on the views of employees and the the policies and processes of employers - in effect, we have been judged by our very own staff.

More details can be viewed here: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/career_and_jobs/specials/best_councils/ 

What makes this achievement even better is that we are the highest ranked council in the whole of the Yorkshire and Humber region and we are the second largest authority on the top 25 list. With gross expenditure of £290-million only Aberdeenshire Council, with £512-million, did better.

The council has been congratulated for encouraging staff to take part in voluntary activities, flexible working and job sharing. We have also been congratulated for having a low staff turnover of 7 per cent and the level of communication between staff and managers.

This is an incredible achievement. I am very proud to be the leader one of the best councils in the country and I'm very thankful to our staff for the work they do and the major part they have played in achieving this accolade. The Times report states the quality of a council's services is linked to its staff and so this is an important way to benchmark how well we work with employees. When Labour came to power in May 2007 we made a commitment to ensure our staff are well looked after and I think this survey proves that. We want people to be proud of working for the council.

Well done!