“BUSINESS AS USUAL” SAY CONSERVATIVE COUNCILLORS (20/04/05)

At the final County Council meeting before the election on 5 May, Conservative Councillors continue to fight hard for the residents of Somerset.

Following a Conservative initiated motion, Somerset County Council will demand assurances from the new Government that Somerset Carnivals will not be penalised by any form of licensing charges.

John Edney, Conservative Spokesman for Community Regeneration and Economic Development, welcomed the move. He said “This legislation, due to come into force later this year, cannot be allowed to ruin the carnivals we have enjoyed in Somerset for hundreds of years. I am glad that the Council has agreed to support the Conservatives on this.”

The Licensing Act 2003 could result in crippling fees being imposed on the organisers of Somerset Carnivals. The motion passed today represents the Conservatives’ latest effort to force the Government to come clean about its intentions. Adrian Flook, Parliamentary Candidate for Taunton, wrote earlier in the year to Tessa Jowell, then Secretary of State, seeking clarification. None was forthcoming. “This is typical of the many laws that have been introduced by Labour since 1997. They are ill-thought out and have been rushed through without proper parliamentary scrutiny”.

David Heathcoat-Amory, Parliamentary Candidate for Wells, has also made clear his opposition to any form of licensing charges. “Somerset Carnivals are central to the social fabric in many of our communities and we should always be able to celebrate our traditions. We Conservatives are pledged to defend them.”

The Conservatives also stood up for fair play by initiating a motion calling on the Government to introduce stronger legislation to deal with abuse of the planning system by illegal traveller encampments. Unfortunately, the Lib Dems were more concerned with tinkering with the edges of the problem and were unprepared to act upon the simple premise that the rule of law should apply equally to everybody.

John Smeaton, Conservative spokesman for Environment and Transport, expressed his disappointment “Our motion called for action to deal with the very real problems affecting lots of residents, such as those in North Curry. The Lib Dems acknowledge the problem but do not have the will to do anything about it”.

The Conservatives also noted the growing problem of a funding “black hole” in the Lib Dem’s finances. The gap, for investments in things such as roads and school buildings, had now grown to over £350 million over the next three years. A report to Council showed that capital investment requirements of £550 million had been identified, but only £178 million had been allocated to meet this need. Christopher Wolverson, Leader of the Conservative Group, commented “The sooner a responsible administration, willing to get a grip on the financial management of this Council, takes control, the better for everybody in Somerset.”

Ends

Notes

1. Full text of “The Licensing Act 2003 and its effect on Carnivals” Motion:

"Somerset County Council is extremely concerned at the implications of the 2003 Licensing Act which comes into force later this year.

Somerset is justly famous for its many Carnivals which contribute greatly to the economy of the County and are an integral part of its cultural heritage. Carnivals are central to the social fabric in many of our communities and celebrate a tradition with a 400 year history.

The guidance notes provided by the Ministry of Culture, Media and Sport do little to allay the concerns being expressed about the potential cost implications. The crippling fees being proposed in this legislation could well be the death knell to these events. It seems that vehicles in motion may be exempt but no mention is made of pedestrian entries which are a very important part of the Carnival scene and provide the seed bed for the large entries in future years.

"We therefore call upon the Secretary of State to respond as a matter of extreme urgency to ensure that Somerset Carnivals in their present form are not penalised by the imposition of any form of licensing charges."

For further information, contact John Edney, Conservative Spokesman for Community Regeneration and Economic Development, Somerset County Council, 01278 653026

2. Full text of “Unauthorised Gypsy and Traveller Encampments” Motion

"Whilst recognising that

- harmonious relationships exist between the very many settled gypsy sites in Somerset and their village neighbours,

- the law abiding traveller and gypsy communities within the County are part of our heritage,

- the provision of legally regulated sites for these communities should continue,

this Council calls on the Government to stand up for fair play, by:

- preventing human rights legislation from frustrating planning laws

- allowing councils to stop abuse of retrospective planning permission

- making intentional trespass a criminal offence, and

- giving stronger guidance to the police and councils to enforce the law."

For further information, contact John Smeaton, Conservative Spokesman for Environment & Transport, Somerset County Council, 01823 412706

3. For further information on the shortfall between allocated capital investment and identified need, contact Ken Maddock, Somerset County Council, 01458 850906