Draft Library Strategy 2024-2029 Consultation Response Comments submitted by Councillor Jane Keane
I am responding to the Draft Library Strategy 2024-2029 Consultation, as the Labour councillor for the Romford ward of St Alban’s.
Town halls, parish churches, public houses, markets, and local libraries are at the heart of civic life. In the mid-20th century nearly every town, and sizeable village in England boasted a free library. The public provision of a free library was seen as the hallmark of a progressive society where learning was prized as a means of “getting on” socially and economically. Libraries and the learning activities carried out in them contributed directly to the formation of the modern English civic life and culture that many of us grew up and flourished in. It is, therefore, simply bewildering that at a time when we are trying to grow our economy and promote stronger civic values in the younger generation and amongst new immigrants that the council might, if not careful, reduce their opportunities – which in my mind is the only possible outcome if the Council reduces the library estate and service without any firm plan in place to address the remainder of the library estate.
I attended the consultation meetings in Collier Row, Romford and Gidea Park Libraries. There I was forcibly reminded of the role libraries and librarians played in my own personal development. I was an early reader. This was due to the fact that I lived next door to a primary school teacher whose own daughter was a teacher to me. We, family and friends, all regularly visited the Thameside complex in Grays. It was a magical, free, public facility. As well as the theatre, there was also a local history museum and the library. My father studied for his Open University Degree there. While he consulted the academic books in the library, I hung around in the local history museum. It was there I learned Queen Elizabeth 1st’s speech,“ I know I have the body of a weak, feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and a king of England too.” This was her famous address to her troops at Tilbury. A generation later, my mother and father took their grandchildren, my children, to the local children’s section of Upminster library whilst I studied at Essex University. I was given special permission to take books out overnight from the University’s short loan section. Later I poured over examples of risk calculations at the library table in Upminster as part of my Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators course. I held lessons on London history and places of interest in the room above Hornchurch library and my choir Fairlytes Singers met in that same room for singing rehearsals before performing at the Queens Theatre. As a result of polio and childhood sickness and poverty one of my grandmothers was illiterate, so I would say that my family is living proof of the importance of library based learning in the lives of working class people trying to “get on.” It is simply backward to be divesting our communities of libraries which are fundamentally publicly accessible spaces for learning and self- improvement. Every day we are confronted with fake news and scams. Havering residents need support with literacy, numeracy, critical thought and research skills more than ever before.
Since my election in 2022, I have visited Romford Library many times, to attend meetings of the Citizens Advice Havering, to meet with residents when it is evident that the situation demands a quiet, private, safe space so that they can offload their concerns, and more recently to borrow litter picks for my “Litter Pick and Natters”. It has sometimes been necessary to book a table so that I can use my laptop; demand for tables with access to plug sockets for laptops is high. Having visited regularly, I doubt Romford Library has the capacity to absorb library users from Gidea Park and Collier Row especially if it has to do so before its own facilities are improved, expanded, or these libraries are closed simultaneously. The strategy document also raises doubts about the capacity of the remaining libraries to absorb the extra demand.
My concern about the strategy and public consultation is that at no time have I seen how the savings figures break down across the library estate, nor have the costs of making those savings been set out in the consultation document. There will be costs to the council of closing and securing buildings and keeping them empty and it is not clear whether the Council intend to sell the land, or develop it using a vehicle for that purpose. What is clear is that the savings of between £334,613 and £350,855 are relatively small whilst the social and economic cost to Havering though difficult to quantify, will be very high and continue for generations.
CURRENT LIBRARY PROVISION IN ROMFORD:
Within the Romford constituency there are three libraries and they are Romford Main Library (open 50 hours a week) and the two branch libraries of Collier Row and Gidea Park (each open 24 hrs a week). These libraries currently serve the constituency of Romford which had a population of 109,351 in 2021 but this is expected to rise to 119,263 in 2031 which falls just outside the life span of the strategy. Please note that whilst St Alban’s Ward, my ward, does not contain a council library, its population is expected to increase by 34% over this period. No other ward is likely to see the same percentage increase. The Council’s draft strategy does not address the issue of Romford’s population growth over time and this is a serious defect in the strategy.
FLAWED BUSINESS CASE FOR CAPITAL INVESTMENT WITHOUT PLANS FOR ROMFORD MAIN LIBRARY
The strategy and consultation proposes the development of a business case for capital investment in the remaining library estate following the closure of the four unspecified branch library buildings but, other than two lines of text referring to “an options appraisal and business case for a new children’s library”, there are no details of what that capital investment might look like and when it would be sequenced. Based on that, as an elected Romford Labour councillor, I would like to gently and politely ask the Cabinet Member responsible for this strategy to talk to the cabinet member for regeneration. The omission of any reference to the future of Romford’s main library is a significant flaw in the strategy. I am sure the Cabinet Member for Regeneration might be able to advise the Cabinet Member of the reasons why the future of Romford’s main library makes it imperative that the branch libraries in Romford should remain open, including inter alia: –
· Romford’s status as a thriving metropolitan centre.
· Romford’s population is projected to significantly increase as already mentioned.
· The emerging Romford Masterplan will surely make references and spatial provision for the relocation and expansion of the existing library?
· Romford’s library (built in the 1960’s) is in decline.
· There is huge development opportunity in Romford to use Department of Culture Media and Sport grants and community infrastructure contributions to create a cultural quarter bringing together a new children’s learning centre, the local studies and family history service, the museum and the library, funded by revenue generating uses.
· The branch libraries provide scope for alternative library provision should the administration grasp the opportunities that are clearly present.
Instead the Proposed Library Delivery Model plans for the managed reduction of Havering’s branch libraries which in time may prove to be very costly and short sighted.
DEEP AND UNACCEPTABLE CUTS TO ROMFORD BRANCH LIBRARIES AND LIBRARY PROVISION
The Strategy suggests a reduction in the number of library buildings in the borough by four from ten libraries to six libraries. Identified for potential closure are the two Romford branch libraries of Collier Row and Gidea Park (the other branches being South Hornchurch, Harold Wood, Elm Park and Rainham), but uniquely amongst the Havering constituencies of Dagenham and Rainham, and, Upminster and Hornchurch, that could leave Romford with only one main library which would have to serve a population of approximately 119,263 by the end of the strategy’s lifespan. Not only could Romford lose two branch libraries but 48 hours, out of the proposed reduction of 96 hours would be lost to Romford residents. This is simply unacceptable. It is noted that on the horizon is the possible redevelopment of the Gidea Park Library and this might mitigate that loss but as yet that project is in its early stages.
PROPOSED CLOSURE OF COLLIER ROW BRANCH LIBRARY – UNENLIGHTENED AND COSTLY
There is no world in which it would be right to close the Collier Row branch Library. Yes, the branch library is in poor condition. It was earmarked for closure back in 2019. However, it was given a reprieve because of its importance to the communities that comprise the wards of Havering-atte-bower and Mawneys. I understand it was hoped that an army of volunteers would help run the service. Volunteers did come forward but it is likely that efforts to bolster the service with volunteer help were undermined by the Covid19 pandemic.
The Collier Row library serves two Romford wards, Havering-atte-Bower and Mawneys. Both wards contain a population which is below the English average in terms of educational attainment. 23.3% of residents in Havering-atte-Bower, and 21.5% of residents in Mawneys, over the age of 16 have no qualifications. The English Average is 18.1%. Rather shockingly for a Borough whose Leader has been championing proposals to host and develop Europe’s largest data centre only 5 wards out of the 20 Havering Wards meet that average, or have better educational attainment than the English average. It therefore makes no sense for the council to be reducing the library learning opportunities available to the Borough’s children to improve their knowledge and skills. Skills are on the new Labour Government’s agenda. Whilst the residents in Heaton and Gooshays top the list of most educationally challenged wards, they will continue to have access to the Harold Hill Community Hub which is right. Romford’s children will suffer by comparison.
At the library consultation meetings strong concerns were expressed about the proposed closure of Collier Row branch library because it serves Havering’s rural hinterland and it does not have great transport links to Romford. Collier Row is furthest away from any other nearby library (page 97) when it is closed, its users will be forced to travel by car, bus, bike or on foot into Romford to use the main library. 18.7% of Havering-atte-bowers population and 19.4% of Mawneys’ population do not own a car or van. Residents in these wards would therefore have to walk, cycle or take a bus to Romford to use the main library. The journey times to Romford Library would far exceed current journey times. More concerning, is that fact that at the consultation meetings, the view was expressed repeatedly (and a little unreasonably in my opinion) that Romford was not a popular destination for many residents; an unknown number of older drivers would probably stop using library services because they find negotiating the A12 daunting and the parking costs in Romford’s car parks prohibitive. Additionally, local children from the many local primary schools would not be able to walk to a library escorted by teachers or independently travel because of the perceived risks. Since Collier Row also serves a catchment area with relatively high numbers of children living in poverty it begs the question where will these children go for learning enrichment? Just opening a room in the already booked full to capacity local Community Centres will not address their specific learning needs, it is the skilled human resource in the form of professional library officer that will make a qualitative difference to their lives.
GIDEA PARK LIBRARY AND THE BALGORES SPECIAL SCHOOL
On 8th November 2023 Council approved the commencement of a procurement process for the Balgores Special School, a project that aims to establish in Gidea Park a 300-place special school for children and young people, next to the existing Gidea Park Library, that may be demolished and reconstructed as part of that project. The emerging plans for this proposed school are not referred to in the library strategy. Of course the planning process is far from certain in terms of timing and outcome so that is understandable. It is, therefore, to the general principle of closing the Gidea Park Library before the outcome of that process is known that this part of my email refers. I would like to urge the Cabinet Member for Young People, and Cabinet Member for Digital Transformation and Customer Services, to give serious consideration to the sequencing of the project so that Gidea Park is not left without its valued local library service.
Gidea Park library is loved and used by local residents. Evidence of its place at the heart of the community can be seen from the elaborate murals decorating its walls, to the fine displays of reading scheme books in its children’s section. Attendees of the consultation meetings were left in no doubt of the thought and effort that has gone into making it a warm and welcoming place for local children even if maintenance of the building has not kept pace with that aspiration. It surprises me given the aspiration that resides in its well educated residents that there has been very little capital investment in the library facilities.
Gidea Park branch library does not have the same captive market for its services that Collier Row library has, being nearer to Romford main library. However, it is almost as equally popular as Collier Row, judging from the number of visits to the library and this popularity and affluence should have been a reason to invest in its facilities to create a revenue stream that would have offset its annual running costs. What the Cabinet Member for Digital Transformation and Customer Services should be aware of is that Gidea Park has recently lost two banks and two popular butchers shop. Mindful of the emerging plans for the special school, cabinet members might wish to note that should this library be cut and/or closed prematurely there will be an adverse impact on businesses nearby. In the meantime, is there an opportunity to work with the high street banks to offer a banking or post office hub here?
TECHNOLOGY
Much is made within the strategy of the role that technology could play in mitigating the harm of closing four of Havering’s branch libraries. However, technology will not help those who do not have access to computers or tablets and they are mainly the old, the poor and those with disabilities. Nor is technology fool proof and a substitute for a professional librarian. As Neil Gaiman wittily said, “Google can bring you back 100,000 answers, a librarian can bring you back the right one.”
PRICELESS CONTRIBUTION OF THE LIBRARY SERVICE
In bringing this emailed response to the consultation to a close, I thought it important to acknowledge the significant contribution Library staff have made to the mental health and well-being of residents. Residents in the Borough were hit hard by the deprivation of friends and family during Covid19. Hornchurch main library became a vaccination centre. As Havering came out of the pandemic, librarians worked hard to attract back lost visitors. However, libraries soon became houses of hope as they adapted their facilities to meet the physical needs of those seeking warmth and shelter during the worst cost of living crisis in decades. It would be impossible to put a price tag on the contributions that librarians have made but one way of repaying that service would be for the administration to flesh out the missing parts of the library provision jigsaw so far as the future of Romford Main Library and Gidea Park Branch Library are concerned. Then the administration should task its officers with putting its capital to work more efficiently to attract grants for capital investment that would generate new revenue income and reduce library running costs through improved energy efficiency.
Thank you for taking the time and trouble to read this response to your consultation. I hope to receive an acknowledgement and response to my comments in due course.
ELECTION 2024 Local Prospects in Havering
The polls show a large Labour lead and a prospect of the Party returning to Government after the worst result since 1935 in the 2019 election,.
Locally the prospects are good. The small Labour majority in Dagenham and Rainham should be increased if the national polls are in any way accurate.
Romford has long been a safe Conservative seat. However, the national Labour lead is likely to dent the majority. The local issues with the MP absent from the House of Commons for an extended period appear to have been resolved. What is less clear is the extent to which defections by Romford Conservative councillors reflects a wider split within the local Tories, and whether this will mean a depleted number of activists. This could be a factor, or irrelevant. Defections from Romford Conservative Councillors to the Residents suggest there is something happening.
When Havering has changed MPs in the past, the swing from the Governing Party has been above the national average – if repeated, then Romford could be very much in play.
Hornchurch and Upminster has a larger Conservative majority. It does however have no Conservative Councillors. This means the electorate have no “tribal” loyalty to the Conservative Party. As in 1997, it is possible that electors who support the residents at Council elections are prepared to vote for someone else in a general election. This could be Labour or Reform. A strong Reform vote at the expense of the Tories could bring the seat in to play. The sheer size of the majority means the seat is at the outer reach for Labour although if Labour maintains a twenty per cent plus lead its game on.
Demographic factors may help Labour in the longer term. The Borough has an increasingly diverse communities, although changing voting patterns do not mean this guarantees a higher level of Labour support.
The national trend is for young voters to support Labour – a recent poll suggested that Labour is ahead in every age group up to the over sixty-fives. If sustained, this would help Labour locally.
Beyond Havering, the forecast is for significant Labour gains in London. Polls with the widest opinion poll lead for Labour could see the Conservatives wiped out in London. This seems unlikely\ optimistic.
In Essex, the polls show Thurrock turning Labour, with gains in Southend and Colchester. Even Clacton could return a Labour MP. The polls also show both Basildon seats returning a Labour MP. As with Havering when Governments change Essex tends to swing more than the rest of the Country.
There are a number of Labour candidates who have spoken at Havering Fabians.
| Seat | Candidate |
| Dagenham and Rainham | Margaret Mullane |
| Romford | Andrew achilleos |
| Ilford South | Jas Athwal |
| Ilford North | Wes Streeting |
| Barking | Darren Rodwell |
| East Ham | Stephen Timms |
| Eltham and Chislehurst | Clive Efford |
| Felton and Heston | Seema Malhotra |
| Reading and West Berkshire | Olivia Bailey |
| Harrow West | Gareth Thomas |
| Thanet North | Polly Billington |
| Gillingham and Rainham | Naushabah Khan |
| Thurrock | Jen Craft |
| West Lancashire | Ashley Dalton |
| Leeds South | Hilary Benn |
There are some departing MPs who have spoken to us as well.
| Jon Cruddas | Dagenham and Rainham |
| Geraint Davies | Swansea West |
| Margaret Hodge | Barking |
In addition, Catherine Deakin who attended our zoom meeting with Hilary Benn is the candidate in Broxbourne.
Labour’s long term strategy for the Arts:
A reason to be cheerful? By Claire Blakemore
There are many reasons I disagree with Toby Young, but one in particular is his reaction to the film I, Daniel Blake. The film, by Ken Loach, charts how a disabled man in his late fifties, out of work and with poor IT literacy tries to navigate his way through the benefits claims system, and finds himself caught up in an Orwellian bureaucratic nightmare. Toby Young was very upset. Not with the fundamental inhumanity of the Department for Work and Pensions claims system, or with the startling levels of poverty and inequality that have found themselves embedded in modern Britain. He was upset because he thought Loach had an: ‘absurdly romantic view of benefit claimants.’ He was upset because the benefit claimant wasn’t ‘drinking, smoking, gambling, or even watching television’. He was upset because Loach had the audacity to create a character that ‘listens to Radio 4, likes classical music and makes wooden toys for children’. [1] Toby Young was incandescent that a piece of art demonstrated that working class people were cultured.
Figure 1Photo taken by Claire Blakemore Royal Academy Summe Exhibition 2017
That someone to the right of the political spectrum has this reaction isn’t much of a surprise. The last fourteen years of Conservative rule has been characterised by the strategic de-prioritisation of the arts. In the state school curriculum art, dance, drama, literature and music has been pushed aside in favour of science, technology, engineering and maths; leading to a startling 47% drop in students taking arts subjects at GCSE. [2] Funding in schools for these subjects is so bad, that Labour reported in 2022 that less than £10 is allocated per student for all music, arts, and cultural programmes. [3] The devaluing of the arts has been further compounded by local funding cuts that have reduced access to arts and cultural venues and spaces. In 2019/20, around 53.5 percent of 11-15 year olds in England were participating in theatre and drama activities, compared to 69 percent in year 2008/09. [4] The reality for too many young people is that they will never have visited a theatre, been to an art gallery, or museum to experience first hand the transformative power of art and culture.
The Cultural Learning Alliance calls this the learning enrichment gap, in 2017, a Sunday Times investigation found that private schools in London alone have 59 theatres between them, with many of them being state of the art. By contrast, the West End only has 42 theatres. [5] We spoke to local teachers in Havering, who say that the appetite for attending local theatres is as high as ever, and that many schools are still running trips and days out to the theatre, but that this effort is hampered by lack of funding. The number of places offered for students are limited, with demand vastly higher than places available. One of the biggest issues is the cost of staffing to replace the teachers that chaperone trips. Some teachers resort to using their own days off to minimise the staffing costs and make these trips happen. The teachers we spoke to said that to increase participation it would be great for theatre companies to visit the school themselves, or have more opportunities for artists in residence so that pupils see first hand what it means to be a professional creative. While there are some fantastic initiatives, for example Speak Up run by the National theatre, a lot depends on secure long-term funding for schools and local arts venues. Meanwhile, schools are increasingly losing art and drama teachers and the willingness and appetite for schools to provide access to these activities is precarious and too dependent on the goodwill of passionate teachers to keep them going. For example, if a drama teacher leaves, it can be the case that the provision of drama teaching will leave with it, given the subject is not on the national curriculum. Right now, the pressure on teachers is higher than ever, and with that, it is easier for cultural enrichment activities to fall down the list of priorities.
One of the consequences when we devalue the arts in state education is that we end up with unequal representation in our creative industries. According to an analysis by Labour nearly half of all British cultural stars nominated for major awards in the last decade were educated at private schools. This is despite only 6% of the population being privately educated. [6] Meanwhile, the creative industries are suffering from a drought of diverse, imaginative creative talent. A report by Creative Access found that class is the missing dimension in diversity and inclusion in the creative industries, with 73% believing there is class-based discrimination, this is particularly pronounced in publishing. [7] While this is set to have an impact on our cultural heritage, health of our creative economy and international standing, another key dimension of denying children arts and culture is the impact on their mental health. A comprehensive study by Oxford researchers in 2023 found that young people’s mental health deteriorated during COVID-19, with higher levels of depression and social, emotional and behavioral difficulties than before the pandemic hit. [8] Arts and culture form part of a holistic package of education that ensures children feel a sense of connectedness to themselves, each other, and society. Art may not be a panacea for mental health, but allowing children the opportunity for artistic expression does form an important part of a broader education of the whole child.
But change, finally, is afoot. In March, Keir Starmer outlined Labour’s vision and long term strategy for the arts – putting creativity, art, and culture at the heart of their stated aim of a decade of national renewal. As Charlotte Higgins from the Guardian pointed out, the content of his speech mattered less than the fact that he was making it at all. [9] There has been a deafening silence for too long on the importance of the arts and culture to the UK, despite it being a fundamental component of our soft power as a nation, and as Starmer has pointed out, the bedrock of our ability to attract international investment – for example he noted Warner brothers building studios in the UK. In his speech, Starmer has promised to put creativity at the heart of the curriculum, ensuring that the school accountability framework is reworked to make sure that the arts count and that all children should study an arts or sports subject until 16. He also noted the importance of oracy skills being woven into the education system, something that private education already prides itself on. Encouragingly, there was also acknowledgement of the importance of the arts for health and wellbeing, noting that young people face a mental health crisis that the arts could go some way to mitigate. Starmer noted that while he ‘cannot turn on the taps’ in terms of funding straight away, the curriculum is something that is an immediate change that can be made. [10]
While the election is far from won, Keir Starmer’s speech was the first time anyone working in arts education has a reason to be hopeful in a long time. That we may, if all goes well, have someone in Downing Street who understands that the arts and economic vitality is not a zero sum game. That growing the economy and investing in the arts is not mutually exclusive. The stunted imagination evident in education policy in recent years has been worrying. When Rishi Sunak announced he wanted everyone to study maths to 18 it suggested there was no greater vision for education and skills other than educating everyone to become an investment banker like him. [11] This wouldn’t be so much of a problem if this announcement was complemented also by a focus on the arts, or it was joined up in some way with other elements of the curriculum, to provide young people a holistic education. It was a good example of policy being led by ego not evidence. Perhaps someone should tell Sunak about the link between mathematical and musical ability, and that studies show children who play musical instruments are able to complete complex mathematical problems better than peers who do not play instruments. [12]
Figure 2 Thangam Debbonaire MP Shadow Culture Secretary
Meanwhile, after 12 culture secretaries in 14 years, we now have the tantalising prospect of Thangam Debbonaire as a potential culture secretary. Debbonaire was a professional cellist who performed as part of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and describes her potential future post as her ‘dream job.’ If Debbonaire was elected, it would be a huge departure in and of itself, given that none of the last 12 cultural secretaries have had an arts education, the majority coming from Law or Finance backgrounds. [13] In a recent speech at Remix Summit London 2024, Debbonaire made another crucial point about the importance of arts and culture – the link with progress and emerging technologies, noting: ‘It is the creative industries that stimulate ideas of what another world could look like’. [14] Both Debbonaire and Starmer seem to fundamentally grasp that investment in arts and culture is what drives innovation, rather than distract from it. Crucially, both talk about creating the right conditions for art and culture to thrive, and that there has to be a holistic ecosystem, supported by many parts of society for people to not just take part in the arts, but take risks in it. Debbonaire has also underscored the need for diversity and equality to be part of building the right ecosystem, a critical dimension if we are to truly develop world-leading culture. She notes that she wants to see creative industries and art and culture, work together and that ‘the publicly invested sector feeds the commercial sector, and vice versa.’ [14] Critically for arts educators she wants every child to have access to high quality creative education, understanding that creativity skills are critical no matter what job a child may do in later life. But more than that, she understands that giving someone access to an outlet for creative expression is something that enriches a persons life, no matter who they are and what job they end up doing.
All these announcements are positive, but we have to be realistic that it will take decades of funding and hard work to try to undo some of the damage done over the last 14 years, and we are yet to fully see the impact of strangling arts investment on the next generation of creative talent. But I want to end on a positive note, because if there is one thing opening access to the arts gives us, it’s more optimism. Ken Loach announced hisretirement last year, but there are signs the next generation of filmmaking voices are already here, in spite of the current political climate. The film, aptly titled Scrapper by Charlotte Regan depicts a young girl, who uses her wits to survive on her own terms after losing her mum. It recently won the World Cinema Dramatic Grand Jury Prize at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. [15] Charlotte Regan, the director, identifies herself as working class, and has said that ‘I’d love to see more working-class films that are happier’. [16] The film is a joy, rather than the usual grey of kitchen sink, social realist drama it is colourful, fizzing with charm and eccentricity to reflect Charlotte’s lived experience. This is why people need to be able to express art in their own way. There is more to working class lives than poverty. There is humour, vitality, and community. As Reagan shows there are so many groundbreaking, entertaining stories still to be told.
Finally, as Starmer said in his speech, ‘talent doesn’t discriminate, opportunity does’. [10] Artistic talent, like sporting talent doesn’t care what’s in your bank balance. Labour’s job, if they are to win the next election is to ensure they do everything to make sure that finding that talent is not a lottery. They must build an ecosystem that not only finds creative talent, but nourishes it and helps it thrive. Not just because it is the right thing to do, but because when we allow the best artistic talent to shine, we give all of us the chance to see the world through new, more vivid, more optimistic eyes.
| Originally from Havering, Claire Blakemore is a freelance writer with over ten years’ experience in the communications industry. Having graduated with an MA in Creative Writing from Birkbeck in 2022, she has a particular interest in working class representation in storytelling and literature and is currently writing a series of essays about widening arts participation in the UK. |
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References:
11. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prime-minister-outlines-his-vision-for-maths-to-18
13. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secretary_of_State_for_Culture,_Media_and_Sport
16. https://www.bfi.org.uk/interviews/charlotte-regan-scrapper
FEPS/Fabian Conference 2024
These series of articles cover the Fabian New Year Conference , and are written by Dave Baldock and Sue Watson.
Opening Comments
The event, held in The Guildhall, was opened by the General Secretary of the Fabians, Andrew Harrop. He informed the meeting it was the 140th year of the Fabians and gave an overview of the significant input to policies and politics the organization has had. He ended his opening comments by looking for a Labour government to win the 2024 election for the good of the country.
He was followed by a representative from the City of London Corporation. He spoke of the history of Labour. An example of how the Fabians have worked with and impacted on Labour policy was, thirty years ago the Fabians proposed making the Bank of England independent. Gordon Brown introduced this idea.
Then what is needed, he outlined three key areas with the importance of each touched on.
- Economic growth/business growth
- Financial and professional services
- Government, businesses and the third sector are working together to solve problems both nationally and internationally.
The Fabians chair then introduced the first Keynote speaker and looked to welcoming in a Fabiantastic Labour government.
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Keynote Speaker- Mayor of London Sadiq Khan
Sadiq opened his address by wishing the Fabians a happy 140th birthday and that he is looking for City Hall, the Government and the Great Offices of power all held by Labour and the think tank that is the Fabians. He said imagine what a Labour mayor working with a Labour government could achieve for London and the whole country.
He then expanded on his overall theme of universalism. Sadiq sees this as defining society through the values held by that society. Values would be similar, and all would work together for the good of the society they are part of. This includes elements such as a living wage, secure livelihoods for all and how older and disabled members of the society are enabled.
A further example of universalism championed by early Fabians, was the concept of good nutrition for all children and the positive impact that has. The continuation of the free school meals for all Primary aged children was shared with the meeting. Sadiq commented that education is the great leveler.
Sadiq was clear that economic competency will lead to social justice. With ULEZ he sees this as a green issue, a racial and social justice issue as well as leading to health improvement, particularly for children.
Re Brexit he ran through some of the economic costs to London, the cultural, educational and social costs. There is also a skill and labour shortage. Sadiq gave the figure of approximately £30billion as the cost to the economy of London. He stated a closer relationship with the European Union, as per David Lammy’s stance, would work to reduce the impact.
He shared that there is a rise in crime and anti-social behaviors, highlighting the feelings this gives rise to. However, he linked this to the loss of youth clubs/facilities, youth workers and cuts to the police. Sadiq acknowledged the work Yvette Cooper is undertaking working with communities to bring about progress.
He also touched on the Gaza/Palestinian/Israel situation. Sadiq was clear that a ceasefire is needed, Netanyahu is “roadblock to peace” and a two-state solution could provide the peace and stability the region needs.
Sadiq closed his speech by saying politicians either play on people’s fears or listen and addresses those fears. He reiterated imagine what a Labour Mayor working with a Labour Government could achieve, stating Britain is at its best when Labour is at its best.
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FABIAN NEW YEAR CONFERENCE – POVERTY AND FINANCIAL SECURITY
PANEL
Liam Byrne MP
Caroline Abrahams CBE, Charity Director at AGE UK
Abby Jitendra, Principal Policy Adviser at Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Sasjkia Otto, Senior Researcher at the Fabian Society
Chair: Clare McNeil, Associate Fellow at IPP
Liam Byrne spoke first. Britain had increasing levels of poverty and work was no longer a route out. His new book addressed some of the issues this raised.[1]
Seventy per cent of the wealth of the Country was in the hands of one per cent of the population.
Since 2010 inequality had grown with thirty-one times more being held by the top 1%. Sale of luxury goods is at an all time high, while life expectancy is in decline.
Unequal nations are unhappy, and this was true of Great Britain. Inequality drives corruption (for example PPE during covid).
The position will only improve if we do something. As rich baby boomers die, their wealth will pass on to their families. Others will face large care bills. This will accelerate the wealth differential. The underlying issues were set out clearly ten years ago by the French economist Thomas Pickety in his book “Capital.”[2] Not a lot had changed since publication.
Having set out the problems here are some solutions.
- Smarter growth – devolution is part of this so regions and Councils can take decisions that will work for their area.
- Stop the race to the bottom – there may need to be a second big bang in the city. If so, pension savers have muscle to influence this. The 32,000 pension funds can exert influence but do not use this,
- Universal Basic capital – provide a lump sum to all 18 years olds to change their life prospects.
- Savings accounts for the young
- Auto enrolment in pension schemes for long term income
This could be funded via a Sovereign Wealth Fund which will take time to build, so is a longer-term solution.
- Restore fairness to the tax system – there is investment income of £80 billion which if taxed differently could raise significant amounts.
These are ideas which have been tried elsewhere in the world and have worked.
On a happier note, ninety per cent of all scientists that have ever worked are alive today, so there is scope to be optimistic about innovations and the difference that these can make.
Assets and Wealth are important for life chances.
There are 2,6 million people who are off work as long-term sick, an all-time high.
Of these £1.5milion are on a waiting list. The health service has lost 150,000 health care workers since the pandemic, so is not a position to improve the situation. Getting the Health service right will have influence on this.
A recent Fabian paper[3] makes recommendations on this including.
- Employment Rights from day one of employment
- Carers and disability leave.
- A national occupational health service
- Create a duty to look at where employers fall short?
There is a hostile environment toward those on universal credit and we need to dismantle this.
We also need to address the issues facing those coming up to retirement who are made unemployed between 55-65. If people have financial issues in this age group there are limited opportunities to correct the position. Universal credit draws on savings at a time in life when people could have been saving for retirement.
. Universal Criedit would consider savings between £6.000 and £16,000 which would impact significantly on this heading for retirement. Savings above £16,000 could be eroded or wiped out by an extended period of unemployment, which would impoverish people before they reach retirement age,
Older people vary in wealth, some are okay others not. A third of those entitled to Pension Credit do not claim it.
One in five families are in poverty, which is six million people.
There has been a three time increase in the number of food parcels provided.
The Joseph Rowntree Trust has looked at why-
- Costs are volatile.
- Wages have not kept up.
- Benefits are inadequate.
Without spending more the possibilities are
- Looking at the profit levels in the care sector
- Linking public funding to decent wages and salaries
- Paid care leave
- Essentials guarantee – match the cost of living (this will cost)
Economic growth will provide the funding for this so has to be the priority. It will take time to address all the issues.
The tax system is unfair, the income from wealth has doubled this century and tax income have not kept pace.
The tax rebate given to those with over £100k invested in ISAs is worth two billion pounds per annum. Is this fair and reasonable?
Questions were then taken from the audience.
How can we tax wealth when people work hard to “off shore” their wealth? The aim would be to address this although this needs handling with care to minimise avoidance,
The point was made that constant references by politicians to “working people” alienated people acting as full-time carers who were just as important.
Consideration could be given to levying National Insurance on investment income, so taxing it on the same basis as income from work.
Can we redistribute wealth to younger people?
Inheritance tax was important in addressing wealth accumulation. Could consider a “gift tax” so the receiver pays.
Child care has been expanding to enable parents to work but there were capacity issues. The government has started to address this. The sector is one of low pay which makes a career unattractive.
, There is scope for increasing responsibility of employers to ensure the health of their workforce e.g. care workers.
An increase in employment rights (particularly for the young) would be effective as would better pay and payment for travel time.
Some care chains generate significant profits while others do not, and many smaller companies struggle.
There is not enough money in the system to fund major improvements to terms and conditions, and increased inheritance tax could be used to address this. it would take time to achieve this,
Poverty is not a stand alone “mission” but cuts across Labour’s five missions. The missions aim to shift the narrative to “we” not “me” in national thinking, as we aim to produce a fairer society, one with a sense of hope.
DB
[1] The Inequality of Wealth: Why it Matters and How to Fix it. – Liam Byrne
[2] Capital in the Twenty-First Century – Thomas Piketty
[3] Equal footing -why we cannot afford to ignore inequality -Anneliese Dodds Fabian Pamphlet
FABIAN NEW YEAR CONFERENCE ARTS AND CULTURE
Panel –
Thangam Debonnaire MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport
Armando Iannucci, Satirist and Writer
Tom Gray, PPC for Brighton Pavilion
Alison Cole, Director of Fabian Society Arts and Creative Industries Policy Unit
Chair: Charlotte Higgins, Chief Culture Writer at The Guardian
Thangam opened the panel discussion. The National Lottery had had a very positive effect in providing funding for the arts. There were new arts facilities throughout the country, generating a pride in both those establishments themselves and in the events that have been put on. This was all round a good thing.
The advent of austerity in 2010 reduced the level of government support for the arts and culture. Further reductions have resulted from the cutbacks in local authority budgets. More recently, the combined impact of COVID, inflation and Brexit have all helped to remove funds from the sector because of which many parts of it are struggling for survival.
Thangam believed storytelling is important in establishing a narrative of how to proceed. Under the Attlee Government, Jenny Lee had produced a White Paper on policy in the arts. This placed arts at the centre of policy making, and not remote from the population. Such an approach is still relevant and follows on from the creation of the Arts Council by the Labour government in 1946. Her approach to the Open University in 1969 followed a similar approach.
Where we are now is similar to the incoming problems facing the Labour government in 1964. The arts are under attack and has not been viewed seriously. There have been twelve Secretaries of State over the past Fourteen years. The Arts Council faced a reduction of a quarter of its funding in the period between the 2010 and 2015 elections. The reduction to the budget without thinking about the consequences has led to severe problems for the sector and has had a damaging effect on the Country.
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Harold Wilson had been the first Prime Minister to have a Minister for the Arts and that was Jenny Lee. Lee had begun establishing the essential infrastructure that is a component of making sure that art the arts operate properly. The arts are for everyone they are important and all should be able to share in them.
It is important to value the whole ecosystem and do not want divergence between various parts of the industries based on their perceived inherent superiority.
Addressing the issues relating to arts and culture is integral part of the economic growth process. The sector is so large (see Armando Iannucci comments below) it is important economically[1].
If art becomes regarded as elitist, then its i’s being presented correctly.
The European Community still matters. One of the initial impacts was to make life difficult for UK musicians to work in Europe. The importance of having remuneration in place for artists and royalties on a common basis across Europe is an issue that needs addressing.
Cultural Education is important for the opportunities it creates for self-enrichment and subsequent employment.
Diversity and inclusion matter as they make for better art, more perspectives and draw on everyone’s talents. Arts and Culture therefore have a key role in national renewal.
There are sources of funding available to the arts that do not necessarily come from direct government subsidy Thangam was of the view that these should be explored to the full and that there were many private sector organisations willing to provide funding if they knew there was some coherence towards overall government policy in this area.
For example, the Film Tax Credit has led to many films being made in the United Kingdom.
Armando Iannucci spoke next. Arts has become increasingly relevant economically as the creative industries make up 6% of GDP worth £115 billion with around two million employees so the area needs to be treated with respect[2].
For example, the relocation of the English National Opera to Manchester was done as a cost cutting exercise and did not look at the needs of Manchester and London as regarding opera in general. The move was a mean decision done purely to save costs and, in the end, may result in the decimation of a part of an important sector of the industry, which as a result regards such moves as being treated with contempt. For example, Angela Rayner had been subject to much adverse comment from the right-wing press for going to Glyndebourne- why shouldn’t she?
Alison Cole spoke next and pointed out the scope for a cross departmental approach towards arts and culture making them part of Labour’s five missions. The arts belong to everybody and are central to education. in particular primary education we should include arts that are more than painting and drawing.
Two other areas to consider where there could be more additional funding this include the lottery tax relief another under used funding pots for example the unspent element of the levelling up fund.
Creative education is a supply side issue with a number of novel things can be done for example pairing together schools and arts organisation and creating the links between the two. Providing arts as part of breakfast club provision is another potential area of activity.
Arts is important and the Tories know that- arts are very well funded within the public-school sector.
Tom Grey spoke last, there is a tension within the commercial market for music and the need to ensure that musicians are paid a reasonable amount. Britain has an established sector that generate generates significant funds from the international market. At present, the Royalty regime is making this increasingly difficult as the regulations needed to deal with this are out of date with the new way in which people tend to consume music (streaming as opposed to physically purchasing something with the music on) which most of the regulations that are currently in place relate to
As well as commercial aspects to music it is good for health, good for mental health and has been shown to be particularly useful for people with dementia in keeping them involved with their families that bit longer.
The music industry has been a vehicle for social mobility. For this to remain the case, musicians need to be able to have an income in enables them to subsist and should not be seen as a cheap option. When people use musicians for events, they need to be paid rather than to be expected to work at sub market pay levels.
Eventually there will be a need for a National Strategy for Music
Although this will not be the number one priority for Labour when elected, it is one of those things that within the Arts and Culture department may well come to the fore later.
Another suggestion would be a United Kingdom music export office to assist. As Thangam had mentioned, there are issues with musicians getting visas necessary to work abroad as part of the Brexit settlement.
A copyright framework is required that enables musicians to be able to market and sell their talent in a way that provides some rewards. At present this is something that is a problem.
The United Kingdom understands music and culture and acts accordingly. It would be a safer place to live creating a creative pathway for children and being able to sustain them to work as musicians on an ongoing basis.
Questions from the audience began with a plea from the museum sector for more funding. The current funding was inadequate to maintain the level of activity at its current level with buildings in decay and the necessary requirement to maintain the exhibits also under pressure.
Section 114 notices[3] within Local Authorities are adding to this. As more resources are removed from local authorities, they are no longer able to fund the museum sector to the same level, but they were able to do in the past.
There was a plea for a National Museum strategy and a need for funding now to deal with some of the emergency problems. This is one of those things to add to the list of things that Labour would like to spend money on and will need to consider which of these is a priority in due course.
Thangam responded that she appreciated they are looking for funding. There may be other platforms than directly from government or indirectly by local government where they will be able to obtain more funding. This could mean looking at the private sector, the lottery and or philanthropy as being part of the answer. Not necessarily ideal given the current economic climate, but this may be a way of providing additional resources.
The next question was about the BBC licence fee and what the Labour Party would be doing with this. Thangam did not provide an answer but did indicate that there was some consideration being given to Labour would do. while noting that in all probability the Conservatives will have already moved a long way down the path, if not decided what the future of the licence fee is before we get to the election- in which case for Labour the alternative their perspectives would be different.
The intention was to have an interim review of the BBC. Universality is the key, and the intention would be to not deny anyone access. This is a probably an indication that the BBC would not be moving to a subscription service anytime soon under Labour Government.
The BBC’s future would be part of a briefing due from the civil servants in the next week or so after which Thangam may be able to provide an update.
One of the suggestions was to broaden the 1964 Library Act to all elements of the art so as with libraries there is an entitlement to library provision, this is extended towards an entitlement to cultural activity. Obviously, this would need thinking about and no firm commitment to enter such a proposal was made/
The point that was made earlier was made again, that the potential for funding from the private sector exists, particularly when the private sector comes to the view that the Government has a strategy and a purpose and an overall idea of what it wants to do with the sector and therefore any money invested by the private sector won’t be into projects that are not sustainable.
One of the proposals that could be considered is to have public art in every building.
The Copyright Act of 1988 has only been changed once that was in 2001 to deal with downloading. The act does not deal with streaming and work on the on a European copyright regime is underway. This is essential if the sector is to continue to be viable.
The European regime is more advanced than the American regime although the two clearly into have an overlap and need to have some sort of alignment, Currently the European regime is not in UK legislation although people including Carole Tongue are working on this.
Thangam is live to both the potential and the challenges of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and it is important to view the two together because there are positive aspects from what AI can bring to the table as well as some of the risks to the artists themselves.
Ultimately recognising and rewarding the artist through the copyright regime is the way forward. It is important not to rely on lower end terms and conditions for artists and there should not be an expectation that people will provide art of any form for free.
An interesting session covering the whole range of arts and cultural matters from copyrights, BBC and the reason why arts itself is important. Funding does not to come from central government.
This aligned with the central theme of the day. A Labour government needs to establish a better mood in the country where people are more content with their lives, something that has gone astray under the current regime.
This is not going to be easy to do, particularly as resources are limited and priorities will need to be established/
This was a theme that came through each of the theme groups; that there are whole host of things that Labour wants to do but they cannot all be done at once. Some may need a second or third term before they can be brought to the table.
Not a particularly exciting prospect and will be a hard sell so it is important generally that there is something on the table within the manifesto that will improve the look and feel of people’s lives quickly after the election.
As to what this might be many could speculate very few know what the intention is that will become clearer as the manifesto Is produced.
DB
[1] Arts Council England, Arts contribution to the economy https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/research-and-data/contribution-arts-and-culture-industry-uk-economy
[2] As reference above
[3] Notices issued by Council Chief Finance officers when Councils are unable to meet ongoing obligations within existing resources,
FABIAN NEW YEAR CONFERENCE HEALTH AND CARE
Panel consisted of: – Abena Oppong-Asare MP, Shadow Minister for Mental Health.
Anita Charlesworth CBE, Director of Research and the REAL Centre at the Health Foundation.
Dr Sonia Adesara, NHS Doctor and Activist
Andrew Harrop, General Secretary of the Fabian Society.
Chair: Cathleen Clarke Business Manager at Labour List.
Abena opened the session by stating previously the Fabians made it clear poverty is not a choice and called for socialized medicine and a national service. Fabians drafted the NHS Bill in 1945 that led the Labour Government of Attlee, to introducing our NHS. A medical service based on clinical need not payment, a medical service free at the point of delivery and this needs to be fought for. However, she acknowledged the NHS needs radical reform with prevention as the watchword.
The Wanless report details how prevention not only would increase the health outcomes for individuals/groups, but would potentially save the NHS significant amounts of money and add to the economy with less days lost to sickness. An additional factor could be satisfaction with the NHS. 2001-2010 it stood at 70%, today it stands at 29%.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC194071
Approximately 1million people have died prematurely in the last decade due to poverty, covid and the inequality that poverty brings. Abena informed the meeting Labour will address health inequalities and look to increase life expectancy. This will feature in their manifesto as in 1945.
A further issue was why Labour will introduce supervised teeth brushing at school, with one of the benefits being fewer hospital appointments for children to have teeth removed. This is a prevention better than cure initiative.
Mental health is now a national emergency. The Fabians understand health cannot be treated in isolation from all the impacts on and of society. Labour has asked Luciana Berger to ensure mental health is included in all policies. Labour will cut waiting lists for mental health support, introduce specialist support in schools and develop mental health hubs to provide advice and support.
Abena referenced the Black report in that poverty is the chief cause of disease. The example of black maternal health outcomes, particularly in childbirth, where mortality is higher than other ethnic groups. Labour plan on recruiting more midwives and health care workers, along with reviewing training.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7118327
Andrew informed the meeting Wes Streeting, Shadow Health and Social Care minister, asked the Fabians to review the care sector and think through a National Care Service. Issues explored include a new national workforce settlement, a national service type approach with. national responsibilities and a responsibility for finance and standards within the care workforce. It was felt the geographic disparity had to be ended and a move from a market-based fragmentary system to a National Care Service would help here. It should be for everyone and not as currently with the public sector ‘holding the hands’ of those that need care. It was also recognised a long-term financial commitment would be needed.
Anita shared concerns around rising obesity levels and the rise of those with mental health needs. She also pointed out how women’s health is falling in inner cities. The importance of prevention in improving the health of the nation along with potential positive impacts for the NHS explored. However, Anita pointed out spending on prevention has been cut by a quarter over the last 10years. She was clear that prevention is a form of investment and that it may be necessary to legislate for a spending commitment. Anita felt spending on primary care is critical as an economic, social justice and equality issue. Reviewing this area of spending was seen as a priority as 2.5million more are living with chronic illnesses in the UK. The need to modernize the NHS by investing in the buildings, facilities and new technologies would further drive improvements in the NHS.
Sonia pointed out the UK has one of the highest asthma mortality rates in the young in Europe. Poverty, damp housing and malnourishment can lead to a young person being 2 ½ times more likely to be admitted with asthma to hospital. She called for Labour to be bold and look at legislation to improve the social drivers of health inequality She called on Labour to make hope possible rather than despair a reality.
Points from the floor included the need for wellbeing to run cross government and through all policies. Labour looking at deals struck with pharmaceutical companies to maximize best deals. Look at Sure Start type provisions as part of preventative work linked to a child health action plan that has tangible positive outcomes. The importance of resilience within the NHS is seen as part of eradicating health inequalities.
SW
FABIAN NEW YEAR CONFERENCE DAVID LAMMY KEYNOTE SPEECH
David started by thanking the Fabian Society for the invitation. During the speech he was interrupted several times by protestors over the Labour approach to the war Gaza and Israel’s aggression. The disruption attracted coverage in the national media.
The General Election gave the Country a change option between Labour and the Conservatives. Labour offered green jobs and protection for the planet.
The Government was proposing to break international law with the Rwanda scheme. The rule of law is fundamental and doing this sets a dangerous precedent.
Labour would reconnect and restore the UK’s influence in the world. There were bleak issues to deal with – Ukraine and Gaza were worrying but there is a rising threat of military power and neglect of Human Rights
The older rules-based order is eroding with great power rivalry causing tension. Institutions such as the United Nations are not valued, and with the climate in crisis the influence of government is being reigned back. Mounting disorder does not help address climate issues as there is a lack of co-ordination.at Government level.
After the first interruption, David resumed.
Labour wants a sustainable cease fire in Gaza.
Change will be brought about by Labour in power not by protest. Labour in government will have more ability to achieve this.
David Lammy’s recent Fabian pamphlet sets out a vision reconnecting Britain to the world[1].
This advocated “progressive realism” – equality, rule of law, internationalism.
We must deal with the world as it is, not as we would wish it to be. This continues the realism of Bevin, the architect of NATO, and the principled foreign policy advocated by Robin Cook.
Bevin saw things as they were. He was not a fan of Stalin and would not be a fan of Putin. He advocated the nuclear deterrent and standing up to dictators. He had faults, particularly views on the empire.
Robin Cook had conviction and principles. The response of the Labour government to Kosova reflected this.
Labour needs to operate in the real world of Bevin and apply the idealism of Cook.
The new world disorder is changing lives with more conflicts. Gaza had seen thousands of innocent people killed. Eighty-five per cent of the population were refugees, and there were still over a hundred hostages.
The position was intolerable, and Lammy called for a sustainable cease fire. He had been to the Middle East four time, and each time there was a fear of escalation. Israel and Hizballah were close to conflict. The conflict had expanded to the Red Sea which was threatening food prices. So, closing the Red Sea would have significant CONSEQUENCES.
Preventative diplomacy is needed, one of Britain’s strengths. In its approach to Israel and Palestine the UK had seen a decade of indifference. It is important not to sleepwalk in to despair.
The Israeli PM was morally wrong to reject a Palestinian state. Israel must change. Under a Labour government the UK will collaborate with partners to recognise Palestine as part of a move to peace,
Russia has chosen war in Ukraine and was now aligned with Iran and North Korea.
Soth Korea had provided more shells to Ukraine than Europe. There needs to be a long-term response and a pathway to Ukraine NATO membership.
This is progressive realism.
The climate is a longer-term issue. The COP approach has made progress, albeit too slowly. We should not lose perspective After Paris 2015, the rise in temperature was forecast to rise by 3.5 degrees, now the projection is 2 degrees. So, progress has been made. The expenditure on clean energy id now doubles that on fossil fuels.
The UK can set an example. Labour is committed to ending new licences in the North Sea. There is a need to build on “securenomics” to build and protect green markets.
We are living through a crisis and if and when Labour returns to Government the eyes of the world will be on us.
The aim of Government is to keep people secure, and the planet protected. Neither is guaranteed and Labour needs to rise to the challenge.
DB
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[1] Britain Reconnected – David Lammy March 2023
PLANS FOR POWER- WOMEN AND EQUALITIES
Panel consisted of: – Anneliese Dodds MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Women and Equalities.
Cllr Catherine Fookes, PPC for Monmouthshire.
Cllr Anya Sizer, Speaker of Hackney Council
Dr. Liz Hind, Secretary of Fabian Women’s Network
Chair:Cllr Marianna Masters, Chair of Fabian Women’s Network.
Annelise Dodds opened the session by emphasising 2024 is a pivotal year for the UK. She stated this could be the year where the country turns the page on division, on inequality. Where cruel barriers are removed. Annelise pointed out the gender pay gap is rising, online misogyny is rising, delays in court cases/actions are rising; that groups that put so much into society are getting so little out. This, she said, has to change.
Economic growth must include all with equalities running through all of Labour’s policies.
Approximately $34billion is the cost to the economy of inequality. An example given was the impact of menopause. Labour will expect the workplace to have a menopause action plan. The estimate is approximately an additional £11billion to the economy if menopause support is in place. The pressure on family life was discussed with the economic along with societal impacts shared. Labour would ban zero-hour contracts and look to the use of flexible contracts.
Approximately £20billion would be added to the economy by closing the ethnic minority employment gap. For those with a disability, too many are on or below the breadline. Labour would bring in an expectation that disability pay gap would be reported. A range of suggested adaptations were shared. By lowering the pay gap for disabled workers by 2% this would add £3billion to the economy.
Annaliese called time on old ways of dividing people, on bluster, on failure and bravado and called for a government based in the Fabian tradition of evidence based practice.
This was followed by Cllr Sizer-she discussed how SEND children and young people are treated, particularly neurodiverse individuals. This, she sees, is a litmus test of who we, as a society are. The parent experience is of barriers faced at every turn. Evidence has shown mothers of teenagers with ASD exhibit the same stress as combat soldiers. Depression amongst parents is high too. There are financial and practical implications for parents too. There is a need for a change where parents/carers thrive not just survive. She pointed out the Governments recent SEND plan is simplistic and not working. Cllr Sizer called for Labour to introduce policies where SEND and trauma informed practices are embedded throughout all policies. The SEND “black hole” in council budgets and why was acknowledged however it was stated that there is a need for whole system change where there is a whole family focus on mental health, where there are parent coaching opportunities. This would be economically sound practice as well as emotionally literate.
Cllr Fookes spoke of Barbara Castle and Harriet Harman and the Acts these women brought into law. She then raised the issue of childcare and how the majority of unpaid care was undertaken by women. Wales provides 30 hours childcare for all 3-4year olds. 2.5% of GDP is invested in childcare.
A further issue she raised was around ending health inequalities for women. Cllr Fookes closed her speech by calling for 50/50 representation and leadership within the Labour party, the cabinet and parliament itself. Currently women make up 35% of parliament. Gender parity in parliament could be a quick win for an incoming Labour government.
Dr Hind spoke next re gender responsive budgeting work she has undertaken for OECD. Further this work has included how to embed this within public services. She stated 9% can be added to growth in the economy, if gender responsive budgeting is adopted. She stated that men are not the default that women diverse from, that economies are people.
There was a question from the floor about those leaving care and how they are catered for. There was a question as to if leaving care should be a protected characteristic under the Equalities Act.
A further question around the role for procurement when agreeing contracts, in supporting and enabling disabled workers was also posed.
Annaliese replied that the New Deal for Working People will help all. So many aspects of the 2010 Equality Act are not being used and Labour will use this Act more effectively. Additionally, she pointed out the Government’s disabled people strategy has been ruled illegal as they did not speak to disabled groups. Labour will engage with community groups to ensure the voices of people are heard by Labour. Labour will be the government of all not just some.
SW
Fabian new year conference – Plans for Power: Environment and Climate
Sarah Jones MP, Shadow Minister for Industry and Decarbonisation
Katie White OBE, PPC for Leeds North West
Eloise Sacares, Researcher at the Fabian Society
Cllr Mete Coban MBE, Hackney Council, Cabinet Member for Energy, Waste, Transport and Public Realm.
Chair: Helena Horton, Environment reporter for the Guardian
Sarah Jones began the session with background to how Labour organised around this issue. At Shadow Cabinet level the oversight of this area was dealt with by John Reynolds (Industry) and Ed Miliband (decarbonisation)
Over the preceding days, the announcement had been made on the future of Port Talbot steel works, which would potentially see 3.000 jobs lost[1] as the result if two furnaces. Labour would not do this, and a key part of the Industrial Strategy was to retain steel making capacity. In part this would be due to security issues.
The Government was failing on climate change, to the extent that its internal critics had resigned to cause a by election (Chris Skidmore Kingswood). The crisis is deepening, and recent projections has suggested that the UK would face demand for water greater than supply in the 2050’s.
There were lots of ideas about what could be done and support from the relevant UK industries. Labour had the ambition to deliver these and looked to the Biden Administration in the USA for what could be done[2] with a more active state. It is important to consider Biden’s increased investment into this area had not resulted in a poll lead.
Labours aims in this area were.
Help communities to cope with the cost-of-living crisis – windfall taxes may help this.
Create Great British Energy – to ensure independence.
Create a National Wealth Fund – to reinvest in ports and infrastructure.
Upgrading the National Grid
Reform planning.
Reform the Apprentice Levy to increase support for technical colleges and similar institutions,
Insulation of drafty homes – a proposal that would create lots of jobs.
The was widespread disillusionment with politics on the doors and people were now listening to Labour. Labour needs to be believed if we are to get elected and deliver.
The next election would be the first where Climate change was seen by the electorate as a big issue.
Eloise Sacares has written a recent pamphlet for the Fabian Society on these issues [3]. Already the UK is having to cope with climate change, and it is vital we meet the net zero commitment. We are already seeing extreme weather including floods, heat, and drought. There had been a record number of deaths globally from these. There had already been six hundred flood warnings in the UK before the end of January.
The government has not adapted. Flood defences are weak, and this is an area we can address through a change in policy. There is scope for Labour to make a difference. It is low income and the most vulnerable people that suffer from flooding and overheating.
Should there be a maximum working temperature law, and tougher requirements for resilience from infrastructure suppliers.
Katie White has a climate change background and is PPC for Leeds North West. The science is clear, and the position is getting worse. What opportunities does this present?
Growth is central to Labour’s economic recovery plan and the green sector is important. The United Kingdom had a competitive advantage in 2010 but had lost three out of ten of the world’s top businesses in this area since,
Globally there is a big north \ south divide.
We need to identify what are the key industries in this area and locate new industries in the North to achieve some “levelling up.”
Aston Martin were now producing gear boxes for wind turbines. This type of change is a good example of how industries can adapt.
Mete Coban is a Hackney Councillor. Labour needs to focus on green jobs and lower energy prices. Need to consider how to engage with and encourage people. Hackney has a green zone with £61 million investment in to sustainable transport, and trees – 5.000 had been planted on the streets, 1,000 in parks.
Hackney has a community energy fund to encourage initiatives in schools, churches etc. There are lots of jobs in this area, but a skills gap that needs addressing.
The Council is looking to provide Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points. Local businesses are very engaged when the Council can give certainty on what will be done.
Younger people are interested in this, and it is important we do not betray them by not acting now.
It is good to have innovative ideas. For example, why not increase tax on SUVs and frequent flyers?
It is important to focus on outcomes and not the £28 billion figure that has dominated the Labour approach[4]. This would make the issue real for people and needs to be supported by a clear argument against the costs of not acting now.
More trees will help with Carbon dioxide absorption. Reversable heat pumps will enable cheaper cooling.
There were several interesting questions.
The young were not homogenous and while some were very engaged with climate issues, others were not. This applied to traditional politics as well.
Farming issues had not been addressed yet and need to be.
Fossil fuel lobbyists prevail at COP, and this is an issue.
Homes need to be built in the right place (not flood plains). Should all new homes have solar panels and full insulation?
An interesting session which reflects how fast the issues can change. The Port Talbot decision had just been announced. The move to remove two blast furnaces had environmental positives but would decimate employment in the area. There were options. The comment about needing outputs rather than a £28 billion figure proved all too accurate!
[1] ‘Devastating’: Port Talbot steelworks to shut blast furnaces and shed up to 2,800 jobs | Tata | The Guardian
[2] Green New Deal explained: What is it and Biden’s climate plan compare? | The Independent
[3] Whatever the Weather | Fabian Society
[4] This was before the announcement on 9th February Starmer’s £28bn green plan was bungled but Labour still has bold hopes for the country – and the planet | Polly Toynbee | The Guardian
FABIAN NEW YEAR CONFERENCE
Crime and Security
This article is part of a series covering the Fabian New Year Conference, written by Dave Baldock and Sue Watson
The Panel consisted of: – Emily Thornberry MP, Shadow Attorney General for England, and Wales
Jason Towse, Managing Director of Business Services at Mitie.
Kate Green OBE, Greater Manchester Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime and Criminal Justice.
Cllr Natasha Ennin, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Southwark Council
Chair Vikram Dodd, Police and Crime correspondent at the Guardian.
Emily started her presentation by stating the left should never have conceded Law and order to the right. She expanded by saying the Tories are pretending the problem crime no longer exists. Labour’s document, Make Britain’s Street Safe, sets out their vision around dealing with crime. Emily acknowledged the damage done with people perceiving there are no outcomes or consequences for crimes committed.
Emily informed the meeting she has three priorities for action as soon as she is in office.
- Crimes that make people afraid to go out, Anti-Social Behaviours including street theft and petty shoplifting included here. More police will be visible on the streets, hot spot patrolling will be increased, as well as removing the under £200 shoplifting leading to no police attending. There would also be work undertaken with schools and youth clubs.
- Fraud-approximately £219billion was lost through fraud up to June 2023. This equates to the whole NHS budget and a further ¼ on top. 3.7million people have been victims of fraud last year (2023). Forty percent of crime is fraud. Emily pointed out the Tories do not include fraud in their crime statistics. Labour would reclaim monies lost as a result of PPE fraud People are 200times more likely to be a victim of crime than go to jail. Emily was clear that this is going to change once Labour is in power.
- Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Emily pointed out currently approximately 2% of reported VAWG go forward to conviction. The word “epidemic” was used to describe the level of incidents; however, it was acknowledged there is a small chance of prosecution and conviction. Emily is looking to initially cut VAWG by half. Work would be undertaken in schools, work places, homes, leisure venues, everywhere.
Jason spoke of the pressure on police calling this “stretch.” He expanded on how a collaborative approach between the police and private sector could help here. He pointed out retail is seeing a rise in crime, with some extreme violent examples. Organised Crime Groups (OCGs) have used hammers, knives, packs of dogs and baseball bats during their crimes. He stated £10million would be needed to combat retail crime in London. Private security firms, such as Mitie, track OCGs across the UK, so this could feed into policework. Pegasus has been launched to combat retail crime. Regarding terrorism Jason asked for legislative reform to protect where we work, socialise and play.
Kate reminded the meeting the levels of crime are a result of 14years of Tory underfunding. The potential negative impact on local policing of abstractions raised. Greater Manchester actively works to minimize abstracting Safer Neighbourhood Team officers to maintain good local policing levels/activity. Kate called for three things from Labour around policing.
- The police funding formula-Labour needs to recognise the pressures police forces are under and respond appropriately.
- McPherson mark2 and challenge institutional racism.
- Invest in effective community penalties. These are cost effective and have better impacts around reoffending. Further it allows the offender to carry on working and maintaining family life.
Natasha spoke of fear being normalized. The impact of ASB, gangs, knife crime, drug use, sexual harassment all feed into the fear. Cuts to police funding have impacted on crime. Natasha stated there are 10,000 fewer police officers from 2010 levels. Statistics show a 40% drop in theft arrests and arrests for rape are “shockingly low”. Southwalk had 2500 incident a day this year to date. She raised a point around the number of police officers within the ranks that should not be there. To add further pressure to criminal justice generally, the courts, police and Crown Prosecution Service are all overwhelmed with massive backlogs Natasha commented that the probation service has effectively collapsed and needs a long-term plan to fix it. Natasha pointed out there are 400,000 private security officers in the UK. She proposed these individuals could play a role. The importance of neighbourhood policing with an ambition no abstractions should form part of what Labour would do to reduce local crimes.
Emily commented that fraud needs a level of expertise in those investigating. This would include investigating phone and banking fraud. She emphasized that Labour would work with banks, phone companies and social media companies to bring about change. An example given was to stop the sale of British telephone numbers overseas.
A suggestion from the floor was no incarceration without education. Further comments from the floor included the need to reform what happens in prisons and how to link to schools to show prison is not a “glamorous” outcome to crime. A focus on prevention was also shared.
SW
2024: An Uncertain World
Keynote speech – Barbara Nowacka, President of Inicjatywa Polska and Minister for Education
International Address – Pedro Silva Pereira, Portuguese MEP, Vice-President of the European Parliament
Miguel Costa Matos MP, Member of the Portuguese Assembly of the Republic
The final session featured three European politicians giving a wider perspective of how events in Europe were impacting on them.
Barbara is an MP for the newly formed Polish government and began the session with an overview of the recent election. The 2023 elections were important and gave Poland a choice between getting closer to the EU or Russia. With around three million refugees from Ukraine, Poland has much to contend with.
The previous Law and Justice regime were a right-wing populist government, playing on Poland’s catholic heritage to limit socially progressive policies. They had been in power for eight years. They were authoritarian in nature, did not respect the rule of law and had restricted abortion. The government determined what was taught in schools and had ensured public TV was like the Russian “Pravda” model.
To defeat them, there was a wide coalition of the three main opposition parties, not ideal but necessary to ensure Poland remained a pro EU nation and continued to support Ukraine. The coalition engaged with civil society and groups that had suffered under the regime – there were many of these as Law and Justice was anti-abortion, and unsupportive of the LGBT community. A six-week long protest in schools had ended without success but had not been forgotten by the teachers involved.
The three main opposition groups, Civic Coalition, Third Way, and New Left, took 54% of the votes, winning enough seats to allow them to take power. According to the final vote count by the National Electoral Commission, Law and Justice won 194 seats, the Civic Coalition 157, the Third Way 65, The L eft 26, and the Confederation Liberty and Independence 18
The coalition had come together and had held since the election, with ongoing campaigns to build a common future and deal with the corruption of the previous regime. Poland had many refugees and was aware of the brutality of the Russian government.
The new Government was led by Donald Tusk, who was well known across Europe and helped ensure Poland remained pro EU and not under Russian influence.
Pedro Silva Pereira appeared via video link and gave greetings from the European Parliament. Britain, while outside the EU, had several common issues and continued to work with the EU to address these.
Miguel Costa Matos was part of the Socialist government in Portugal. Governments of the left are rare in Europe at present, and he was pleased to be able to talk on how the Government was making progress on a range of issues. An election was due in March 2024.
An interesting session and a reminder that many of the Countries in Europe have similar issues to the UK, Poland is more effected by the war in Ukraine, and Russian influence remains.
DB
The Arts and the cost of living crisis
In the first of a series, Claire Blakemore sets out why art matters and the difference that positive engagement can have in educational, well-being, employment, and economic terms.
In the last few years, the ‘cost of living crisis’ is a phrase parroted by politicians so incessantly it has become thought paralysing. Often used as a self-evident explanation of why we must tighten the public purse, it is increasingly difficult to open up debate around public spending for fear of being seen as fiscally irresponsible. After all, we need to be grown up about it. There is simply no money to go around for nice little luxuries like reduced hospital waiting times or building new schools.
Figure 1 The National Theatre London
Not only this but the cost of living crisis is treated not as a man-made reality (however global and complex the cause), but instead an inexplicable, almost supernatural event that has befallen us. And now that this bone-rattling curse is here, we must accept our new normal. The stance taken by many Conservatives is that it is unnecessary to explore what the crisis means, and how we got here. For example, questions around why Britain is the only major Western economy in which inflation hit double digits or that the economy is predicted to experience the weakest growth in the G7 in 2024, are curiously few and far between. (1)
None of this is to say that there is not a crisis. People are facing extremely difficult choices. The Trussell Trust, an anti-poverty charity that operates a network of food banks across the UK, reported a 37% increase in the number of three-day emergency food parcels it distributed between 31 March 2022 and 1 April 2023, compared to the year before (3).
Meanwhile, the charity National Energy Action (NEA) has reported that as of 1 October 2023, there are now 6.3 million households in fuel poverty. (4)
Local councils facing funding shortfall
No one is more aware of the stark realities of our current economy than the budget holders responsible for local council expenditure. Councils are on the front line of the crisis and have faced years of chronic underfunding, with no indication from the Autumn budget that this is likely to change anytime soon.(5)(6) Boroughs in the capital will need to make over £500m of savings next year to balance their budgets, leaving their ability to deliver essential services on a knife edge.(6) Tough choices will need to be made. In this harsh climate, it is understandable that what little extra funding there is gets directed into frontline services that need urgent investment like homelessness and adult and social care.
The loser, in times like these, as so often is the case, is that other services that are not critical become harder to justify and fall by the wayside. Nowhere is this more true than funding arts and culture.
Are the arts and creative industries in terminal decline?
The truth is that when we talk about the cost of living, we are really talking about the cost of surviving. The difficult choices that are being made on public expenditure, whether that is at national or local level, are not about how we flourish as a society but where we sleep, how we heat our homes and how we afford to eat. Set within this context, it can sound trite, even callous to refocus the conversation on how we fund theatre, film, art, craft, dance, music, or new writing.
But this is to fundamentally misunderstand what the arts can do, and the benefit they provide to the economy, the fabric of society and the individual’s health and spirit.
Major arts organisations, together with the private creative industries have been sounding the emergency klaxon. But is anyone listening? Everywhere we look there are signs that the arts and cultural sector is in terminal decline. Whether it’s the 47% decline in children taking arts subjects at GCSE since 2010 (7), or the row over the removal of funding for the English National Opera (8); or the 800 libraries that have closed in the last decade (9), or the lack of state-school arts investment leading to a lack of diversity of talent in the creative industries (10) – we are reaching the point of no return.
Alan Davey (Former CEO, Arts Council England; former controller, BBC Radio 3) describes it as a doom loop. (11) Whereby lack of risk taking and investment in future art projects, will lead to reduced participation and further funding cuts. Even if we start to correct the damage being done to our cultural institutions through funding, the skills and talents needed for them to flourish will take decades to repair. Most importantly, this will leave us not only in an economic black hole, but a cultural one.
The arts as a major economic driver
The arts and creative industries are not a nice to have but a major driver of the UK economy. Art and culture contribute £10.6 billion to the UK economy – the UK has a creative economy worth £27bn and culture brings £850m to the UK, through tourism, each year. From 2010 to 2019 the creative industries grew more than one and a half times faster than the wider economy, to be worth more than £115bn, making up around one in eight businesses, and accounting for 7.1% of all UK jobs. (12)
The British Council also points out that the arts provide Britain with “soft” power and influence. Joseph Nye outlined that one of the three key parts to a nation’s soft power is ‘its culture’: how it presents itself and is attractive to other countries and citizens. This can include its heritage and the story told throughout its history, as well as newer and fluid elements of culture such as media, digital assets, and film. (13) Can we afford to neglect such an enormous driver of our growth and global influence?
There is also an increasing understanding that arts and culture have a critical role to play in mitigating social determinants of health. (14) Arts and culture strengthen the community and civic ties that are necessary for people’s overall health and wellbeing. According to The Campaign for the Arts, arts engagement was associated with higher levels of wellbeing, social connectedness, and lower odds of intense social loneliness. (15)
The Mental Health foundation has a similar view, noting that engaging in the arts, social activities and interaction within our communities can help with major challenges, such as ageing and loneliness. It can also help to boost confidence and make us feel more engaged and resilient. (16)
Despite all of the clear benefits of the arts, we are now at a point where the economic crisis threatens to seriously damage Britain’s cultural heritage, with many of the benefits outlined above at risk, having severe consequences for employment, tourism, health, and wellbeing.
Havering and arts funding
Figure 2 The Queens Theatre Hornchurch
Locally, Havering is facing severe financial problems, and there is a real possibility of bankruptcy, with a Section 114 Notice potentially being issued in the next few months. This will mean that they will not be able to make new spending commitments. (17) Realistically, if we want to protect the arts and cultural organisations that already exist in Havering, more concerted efforts will need to be made to fight to protect current and future investment.
In better news, there are signs of positive steps forward to this effect, including the recent bid for Havering to be a London Borough of Culture for 2025. The bid aimed to bring in millions of pounds of investment and was put together by a collaboration of organisations under the umbrella of Havering London (made up of Havering Changing, FUSE – a local cultural education partnership, Communicating Havering, Creative Health Havering, and Havering Council) whose vision is to transform us into a hub of creative innovation. (18)
Regardless of the outcome of the bid, it matters that there is a collective enterprise fighting locally for arts and culture, championing its importance for the community.
If not now, when?
The economic picture is bleak. Local councils face extremely difficult choices. It can feel almost impossible to talk about issues like arts investment in these circumstances. But, if not now, when? The cost is too high if we do not defend our cultural institutions when they are at their most vulnerable. Now is exactly the right time to ask questions of our politicians and leaders, when the threat to the arts is higher than ever before. It is now, we need to start asking ourselves what we value as a society. We will need to take an unflinching look at what it will cost us all if we do not protect and fight for what makes our lives so worth living in the first place. Because if the arts can do anything at all, it teaches us not just what it means to live but how to come alive.
This marks the start of a series of articles that will explore the importance of arts and culture in Havering, examining what they mean for the local area as we mitigate budget cuts, and prepare for a national election.
Originally from Havering, Claire Blakemore is a freelance writer with over ten years’ experience in the communications industry. Having graduated with an MA in Creative Writing from Birkbeck in 2022, she has a particular interest in working class representation in storytelling and literature and is currently writing a series of essays about widening arts participation in the UK. |
References for Arts and the cost of Living
No. Topic Reference
1 Weakest growth in G7 https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-set-have-weakest-growth-among-g7-2024-imf-forecasts-2023-10-10/
2 Highest inflation in Europe https://www.newstatesman.com/chart-of-the-day/2022/08/uk-inflation-rate-2022-vs-europe-g7-other-countries
3 Trusell Trust & Food banks https://www.trusselltrust.org/news-and-blog/latest-stats/end-year-stats/#:~:text=Between%201%20April%202022%20and,parcels%20were%20distributed%20for%20children
4 National Energy Action, fuel poverty https://www.nea.org.uk/energy-crisis/
5 Autumn budget https://www.local.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/Autumn%20Statement%202023-%20LGA%20briefing.pdf
6 Council underfunding https://www.insidehousing.co.uk/news/shortfall-in-london-councils-budgets-increases-to-600m
7 47% decline in arts enrolment at GCSE, Campaign for the Arts https://www.campaignforthearts.org/huge-decline-in-arts-subjects-worsens-at-gcse-and-a-level/
8 Funding of English National Opera https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/nov/09/english-national-operas-funding-to-be-cut-to-zero-unless-it-moves-from-london
9 Closure of libraries https://tribunemag.co.uk/2021/01/the-quiet-disappearance-of-britains-public-libraries
10 State school education underfunding and diversity of talent https://assets.website-files.com/65539fe2a43de480289f25d5/65551867c1da387e32dcee9a_CREATIVE%20INDUSTRY%20ALLIANCE_LETTER_15.11.2023.pdf
11 Alan Davey Doom Loop https://www.theguardian.com/education/2023/dec/01/the-arts-are-heading-into-a-doom-loop
12 Arts Council England, Arts contribution to the economy https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/research-and-data/contribution-arts-and-culture-industry-uk-economy
13 Culture and soft power https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/arts-culture-soft-power
14 Arts as a mitigating factor in social determinants of health https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31038422/
15 Campaign for the Arts: How the arts can benefit us https://www.campaignforthearts.org/the-arts/benefits/
16 Mental health foundation: how the arts can improve your health https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/blogs/how-arts-can-help-improve-your-mental-health
17 Havering Council Section 114 notice https://www.havering.gov.uk/news/article/1290/an_update_from_the_leader_on_council_finances
18 Havering London bid https://haveringlondon.com/
Stephen Timms – The work of the Work and Pensions select committee.
Stephen began with a tribute to the late Dennis Breading, who had been active in Newham South when he was first elected to Parliament in 1994.
. As part of the post-2019 General Election allocation of Select committees, Labour would chair the Work and Pension Committee. Stephen won a vote of all MPs to take the position.
Figure 1 Chair Keith Darvill introduces Sir Stephen Timms MP
Select Committees exist to scrutinise the Government. The committee has a Labour Chair but a Conservative majority. The committee works on a consensus basis, which means achieving an outcome critical of the Government is difficult. It is important to find the right issue on which a common line can be agreed.
The committee has responsibilities covering.
- Job Centres
- Benefits
- Pensions Policy
- The Health and Safety Executive (Which is under the Department of Work and Pensions)
With lockdown from March 2020, initial meetings were via zoom. There was a desire to look at the pandemics impact.
The five-week delay for Universal Credit was one topic looked at.
The theory is to mimic life in work, where an employee would have to wait to be paid.
Pressure has been applied since its introduction to reduce this period, as many people have no financial resources to fall back on. This achieved a reduction from the six-week delay when Iain Duncan Smith introduced the scheme.
If the claimant had no money, they could obtain an advance from the Job Centre. This is clawed back from future payments over a 2-year period.
With benefits already at a low level, this is not always helpful to the claimant, spreading the misery over a longer period, and is one of the issues driving a rise in foodbank use.
In 1948, when current welfare arrangements were put in place, forms were completed in biro, manually taken to Blackpool and payments were made in 10 days. The same process now takes 5 weeks to complete.
The Committee recommended starter payments to avoid this with payments at the start of the claim. While Conservatives on the committee agreed, the Government did not and change arrangements.
There remains a fundamental delay of five weeks in payments of Universal Credit. It would cost £750 million to deal with this and Stephen was encouraged that Keir Starmer is aware of the issue and may look to address this.
The Health and Safety Executive is part of the remit of the Committee, and in this area, they have looked at Asbestos and related issues. Asbestos use had been banned by then Minister Angela Eagle in 1999, despite pressure from many sources including the Canadian Government. Once Britain had done this many countries did the same.
Asbestos remains a significant cause of death, particularly among teachers and nurses who are exposed more than other sections of the community as they work in buildings constructed when Asbestos was widely used.
Asbestos is safe if left undisturbed. However, the age of buildings mean that some are starting to crumble.
The committee looked at this area and Stephen noted that the Education unions are particularly aware of the issues involved,
The committee recommended.
- A deadline for all asbestos to be removed – set as 40 years due to the huge amount of work involved.
- A central database recording where Asbestos is located.
The alterations required to buildings to meet net zero requirements will be significant and it would be sensible to undertake removal at the same time.
The Government again said no to the Committee recommendations.
There is a head of steam on this issue, with The Sunday Times covering it in depth. The Committee is keeping up the pressure on Ministers, who are moving slowly on the issue. Trade Union General Secretaries are also keeping the pressure on.
Another area looked at is support for childcare costs as part of Universal Credit (UC).
Parents need help with childcare costs as they are expensive, particularly in London.
There is some support available to parents. For those on UC, the issues again arise from cashflow.
Most providers require upfront payment, which can be hundreds of pounds per child. Payment is greater for those with more than one child. This is hard for those who are unemployed to pay, and so becomes a barrier for moving in to work. So, there is a request to make payment up front rather than in arrears.
There is a cap on the amount paid, which has not increased since 2008.
The Work and Pensions committee lobbied for this to be increased.
The Government has agreed to this. Conservative members of the Committee were able to put pressure on to achieve this, showing that Select Committees can have an impact.
The change will enable people to enter employment.
Stephen then took a wide range of questions.
The first was on Housing. Housing support was now part of UC, although Housing Benefit remains for those who are retired.
The freeze of Local Housing Allowance since 2011, although did increase by £20 week during the pandemic. This was removed when the pressures eased. Inflation has increased housing costs and resulted in claimants having to use the remaining benefit income, leaving less for basic needs.
The Government did reinstate LHA to 30% of market rent (when originally introduced it was 50%) which will have some impact, but the increase is (initially at least) temporary.
In the longer term there is a need to convert UC payments in to funding for new build council homes
The introduction of Council Housing had been one achievement of the short term 1924 Labour government.
The Pension Protection scheme had been introduced by Ian MacCartney. The scheme has performed well and currently has a surplus of £12 billion. This could potentially be used to uprate the pre 1997 scheme and this is a live issue for the Committee.
Select committees are important, although the Government does not always respond, and Ministers say no to recommendations without detailing why.
A potential change could be to give Committees more power, although whether any Government would agree this remains a good question.
Even where Committees undertake pre appointment hearings the Government typically appoints its choice anyway.
The benefit level is too low and can produce perverse outcomes. The Conservative think tanks Bright Blue recently suggested the pressure on unemployed people to take any job was such that many took the first job on offer even if it did not suit their skills and this was significant enough that nationally productivity suffered as a result.
The State Pension is currently protected by the “triple lock” mechanism. This can create inter-generational issues, with pensioner income protected, while those in work and on UC have no such protection. Pensioners vote and if more younger people did, this may alter the thinking.
Public and Private sector pensions have become quite different leading some to question the sustainability of public sector pensions in their current form. Private Sector
Employer contributions are important and need to be increased if there is to be a” levelling up.”
Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are an issue. Many applications are rejected but over 60% are overturned on appeal. So, the entire system is wrong. The committee has made recommendations to reform this. For example, where a claimant has a progressive condition, there should be no need to call them back annually – but this still happens.
There is a report coming on the support for vulnerable claimants (the Errol Graham case is relevant). The current system is complex, with delays and a lack or sensitivities. It does not have to be like this.
At one period during the pandemic, there had been 100,000 claims in a day. The system had coped so improvements are possible.
The levels at which UC is reduced in respect of a claimant’s capital have been the same since 2006. The Committees report will cover this as it increases poverty levels.
An exceptionally good discussion with Stephen making complicated issues understandable.
The meeting ended with Dave Ainsworth moving a vote of thanks to Stephen for an excellent meeting.
Romford Labour Councillor Jane Keane writes
I was so proud to be elected a Labour Councillor for Romford in 2022. It has been a great pleasure getting to know local residents in St Albans Ward and in wards in Romford.
One of the most important annual duties that a Councillor in administration, like me, is required to do is set a “balanced budget”. A balanced budget essentially means that the money we have coming in covers our outgoings and debts. Unlike the NHS we are not allowed to set a negative budget. Every year this is a challenge as grants from central government have been cut.
Despite the Government cuts, Havering Council provides relatively cheap and reliable services. Officially we are a well run Council. We have the lowest unit costs of the outer London Boroughs. We are in the top quartile across London for collecting our Council Tax and Business Rates.
This week our Council has been in the news. The Leader has signalled that the Section 151 Officer may have to serve a section 114 notice.
Here are some more details that help explain why our Council, like many other Councils, is in trouble.
Government Grant
We have had over a decade of underfunding from Central Government. We receive the third lowest central government grant in London. Over 80% of our income comes from Council Tax.
People
We are required to provide some services by law. Over 70% of our budget is spent on Adults and Children’s Social Care and support to homeless individuals and families.
Funding Formula
The funding formula used by Central Government has not changed since 2013 and uses census data from 2011. And yet, Havering has seen the 4th biggest percentage increase in 0-7 years nationally. Our funding has not kept pace with our population.
Talking to Government
For three consecutive years officers have been talking to the Government Department (Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities also known as DLUHC) about our funding challenges and the inequalities of our funding formula.
Cost of Living and Inflation
The Council has been impacted by central government policy and changes such as the housing benefit cap and fair cost of care in adult social care which alongside the cost of living crisis has impacted our costs.
Housing
The local Housing Allowance has not kept pace with market rents in Havering. This has meant an unprecedented number of homelessness approaches and having insufficient homes to place people in, meaning we are using hotel accommodation which is expensive and falls on Council Tax payers.
Broken Markets
The market in children’s social care is broken. Residential placements keep vulnerable children safe. The competition and market’s authority published a report on this last year but typically there has been no action from Government. Placements for children can cost tens of thousands per week.
Building Regulations
Policy changes on building regulations and high inflation meant that we had to pause building affordable homes.
Havering has the second lowest level of reserves in London and our forecast budget gap exceeds our level of reserves which is why our Section 151 Officer has said we are 6 to 12 months away from issuing a section 114 notice if we do not receive additional financial support.
As you can see this a Perfect Storm.
Councillors in administration have said they will do all they can do to protect essential services and keep the Commissioners away.
This means tight controls on non essential spending.
One of the first things to be dropped in my ward is the replanting of the beds in Wheatsheaf Road. I will do what I can to work with other volunteers to get this replanted for the spring. But there will be other decisions that your councillors will have to take that cannot be fixed.
Please write to your local MP, as I will be, to ask them to fix Local Government funding. Only national government can fix this.
Jane Keane is a Havering Labour Councillor for St Albans ward
Jack Stephens RIP
Jack Stevens and his wife Betty were two of the first members of Hornchurch Labour Party l met when l attended my first meeting of the Hacton Labour Party in 1971. They soon became firm friends.
Their contribution to Hornchurch Labour Party cannot be over estimated. They were loyal though thick and thin, in success and defeat. They were always there whether at election time, Branch meetings or fish and chip suppers.
They supported me in a very real way when l was elected to the GLC in 1981 and in our gloomy days of the 1983 and 1987. But how they enjoyed coming to County Hall!
Jack of course went on to be Chairman of Hornchurch Labour Party. I always recall his delight when John Cryer won the seat in 1997 and he went on to support John in his time in the House of Commons in the 8 years he represented Hornchurch. I know that John joins me in saluting a hard working man who had a great social conscience and was admired not just in the Party but in the wider community. He had a full and active life. He will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts are with his son Gary and his family today.
Alan Williams
Former GLC Member for Hornchurch , Havering Councillor and Labour candidate for Hornchurch in the 1983 and 1987 General Elections
Denis O’Flynn – A life of Public Service
Denis was first elected to Havering Council in July 1971, in one of the by-elections caused by the appointment of Alderman following the Council elections in May. This was the Havering election which was won outright by Labour for the first (and so far, only) time. Denis joined the new administration at an exciting time, and was also part of minority administrations under Arthur Latham, Wilf Mills and Ray Harris.
Dave Ainsworth paid the following tribute;
“I first met Denis when starting work in Ford’s Dagenham Foundry. Denis was a leading Shop Steward. The Trade Union was “The Amalgamated Union of Engineering Workers (Foundry Section)”. In time Denis successfully stood for election to become a full-time District Organiser, hence he became based at their Dagenham East Office. Denis had a wide area to cover.
In time the Trade Union changed its name a few times, through amalgamations, so becoming the AEUW (Amalgamated Union of Engineering Workers), then AMICUS and now UNITE.
It’s like turning a full circle, for only a couple of months ago UNITE opened its new office block ion Yew Tree Avenue, which is where the old May & Baker Works were – this office complex is also where Jon Cruddas MP recently moved his Constituency Office to. You can see his old office from Unite’s new office. Denis is highly active in UNITE as he’s Chair of the local UNITE Retired Members’ Branch.
He’s held many other Community positions. He’s so active that constituents of other less committed Councillors often turn to Denis with their concerns and problems. He never turns anybody away – and makes his home phone number available in all publications.
Denis is – without doubt – the most active Councillor ever to serve on the Harold Hill Estate. He stood 4 times for Parliament, in Romford February 1974, when I was his Election Agent – then in same Constituency in October 1974. In 1979 Denis stood in Hitchin and 1987 for Upminster.
In Havering he was a highly effective Housing Chairman and twice served as Mayor with wife Maureen as his Mayoress.
Figure 2 Denis in full flow at a Havering Fabian meeting in 2018
Denis became a Councillor in 1971. Denis always was, and still is, a brilliant orator. He can quickly grasp situations, such as in his early Council days as he organised effective protests and demonstrations on Harold Hill about the dangerousStraight Road, when mobilising hundreds of residents to stage road blocks at two locations along what was dubbed “Murder Mile” by our local press. Soon after election he organised one of the most successful and best supported mass participation protests ever seen in Havering – and one which Denis is still proud of, to this day. The local press dubbed Straight Road as “Murder Mile” owing to many serious road accidents, some fatal.
Denis twice had his Council service broken. Prior to our 2006 Council Elections he was disgracefully “stitched-up” in a curious selection meeting, where people were present who nobody knew – and to this day, have never been seen since. Along with long-serving Wilf Mills R.I.P. he was deselected. The Romford Recorder reported that Labour had ditched their two best drawing cards. Denis was then selected to contest Rainham & Wennington Ward, where he was unsuccessful. However, he continued supporting Labour and, along with fellow dumped local politician Wilf, ran weekly advice surgeries in St. George’s Church on Harold Hill – this despite receiving a Labour Party disciplinary letter instructing him not to, as he was no longer an elected Councillor. Denis ignored that letter and carried on! As did Wilf! As for Heaton Ward – without Denis & Wilf – Tories won 2 of the 3 seats with only Councillor Keith Darvill remaining for Labour. Ouch!
Denis also lost his seat in the 2014 Council Election when UKIP won 2 Heaton Ward seats, again with only Councillor Keith Darvill retaining his seat. However, Denis was back in our Council Chamber in 2016 after a really hard fought by-election with numerous candidates, caused when Councillor Philip Hyde (ex-UKIP and then “Independent”) resigned.
Without doubt Denis has been the most active Harold Hill Councillor ever seen. So much that residents from all parts of the Borough contact him when, at times, their own elected Councillors aren’t so active. Denis never turns anybody away. He’s always made his home address and personal telephone number available to all, on campaign literature and in directories.
Denis has twice served as Mayor with wife Maureen as his Mayoress and currently holds a Council position – this being The Havering Champion for the Armed Forces. Denis, along with Wilf, was a protagonist in securing a Harold Hill War Memorial and commencing a well-attended open-air service each Remembrance Sunday.
We will never see his like again!”.
Dave Ainsworth
Denis is keen to point out that the “Made in Dagenham” film on the equal pay dispute under states for dramatic impact the level of support for the women from the male trade unionists. Denis was very supportive and did all he could to support the cause, and was not unique in this. Denis did not seek re-nomination for the Council Election in May 2022 and so will end his time on Havering Council and once again become an honorary freeman of the Borough. We wish him well in what we hope will be a long and happy retirement and look forward to seeing him at future Fabian meetings where his wit and humour are always welcome.
FOOD BANK AT ROMFORD LABOUR HEAD QUARTERS
Prospective Labour Candidates for the St Albans ward Jane Keane and Hope Mendy have begun a Food Bank Collection point at Saffron House on South Street. The collection is open every Saturday from 10am-2pm, although they are happy to collect donations if people are unable to make the trip
“We started the collection to give back to the community” Hope commented “Over a decade of Tory austerity has sadly meant there’s a real need for food banks. Even in a relatively wealthy area like Romford. After we publicised that we were going to be donating, we heard from another Food Bank that they would appreciate donations as well, so we’ve begun donating to them too. It’s a real issue. 2.5 million people used foodbanks over the past year.”
Through the terrific generosity of residents, Jane and Hope have been able to deliver over 80kg of food to local food banks. In addition to collecting food, they also collect toiletries and pet food.
Hope (left) and Jane await your donations,
“The reception from the locals in Romford Town, particularly in our ward has been warm and generous. We’ve even seen some regulars pop by!” says Jane “Although this isn’t the only community project we have embarked on. We’re also planning on setting up a Gardening Club along with arranging Historical Walks and Assisted Dog Walking. If anyone would like to get involved, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.”
Hope Mendy and Jane Keane
RACISM IN HAVERING –
WHAT IS THE WAY FORWARD?
A Statement from Havering’s Labour Councillors
No decent human being in the 21st century would condone slavery. However, there has been a long tradition of established road names in the borough some with debatable origins. Labour councillors have no intention of advocating any changes to our street names at this time or in the future.
However, we are pleased to see that the Tory administration has called for a review into racism. There are many aspects to this but what is crucial is to know whether the council operates in a racist manner at any level.
Are all residents treated in the same way by housing officers, children’s services teams and finance personnel? It’s clear there needs to be the raising of awareness for some council staff as to what a racist action is. Focused training needs to tackle these issues.
The Cohesion Forum is admirable in its objectives to tackle inequality. However, it fails to meet regularly and is not effectively publicised. Items raised on the agenda seem to lose their momentum because of its very loose organisation.
Havering Labour councillors want to see a far-reaching, truly independent review of racism in the council that has been highlighted by various councillors and staff employees.
Many Havering residents from differing backgrounds have occupied key roles in surpressing Covid 19, risking their lives for the sake of others. Some are in low paid jobs with few financial resources. The very least Havering council can do is to ensure everyone using its services is consistently treated with the utmost respect.
Labour councillors want to see the council keep its promise to eradicate ‘complacency and injustice’. We want to see these stirring words now translate into immediate action. The council now needs to openly and honestly interrogate every arena within its many spheres of influence.
Life will be better for everyone in Havering if our community cohesion is improved.
A Call-to-Action: End the racial inequality at Havering Council
I am Councillor Tele and I am tired and black.
The title ‘Councillor’ does not protect you from the overt and covert discrimination at Havering Council. When I have walked into the Town Hall, and without speaking a word, Council staff have immediately directed me to the public gallery to watch the proceedings, instead of the Council Chamber where my colleagues, politicians, like me, are sitting. At meetings, I am warned that I am asking too many questions, my recommendations are not noted, and my remarks are cut short. Meanwhile, others can speak at length and with no restrictions. What they have in common is the colour of their skin. More often, I raise my black hand, which is very visible, yet the Chair looks around the room and says, “let us move on.”
It is a year since I was physically assaulted at the Town Hall by a white Councillor and Havering Council has done nothing. If it was a black man who aggressively grabbed a white woman in the Town Hall, the Council would have reacted very differently. I have written a report on diversity and race for Havering Council and put forward recommendations. Emails have been sent, and meetings had about these issues. I and many have concluded that Havering Council is institutionally racist. George Floyd’s death and outcry for justice has shown me that several voices are powerful and it will take a collective to push the race agenda and that black lives matter.
Therefore, I am making a Call-to-Action for you to email Andrew Black-Herbert, Chief Executive: andrew.blake-herbert@havering.gov.uk and Councillor Damian White, damian.white@havering.gov.uk the following demands;
- Switch on the Town Hall lights to purple in memory of George Floyd and in support against the fight of racism on Friday, 12 June 2020. This is being done across the country by other Councils. Havering Council has also done this before, and therefore, it is not a policy issue, but merely a decision to show solidary or not.
- Launch an inquiry into the entrenched racial inequality at Havering Council which affects their workforce and Councillors. This should be an independent Investigation – and not someone on Havering Council’s retainer as this will lead to a whitewashed report. Recommendations must be adopted within 5-10 years.
- Havering Council should set up a task group including the BME forum and their BAME employee forum to provide solutions to tackle racial inequality in our community.
- Havering Council should create an equality fund by the next Budget Council meeting. Members in the community can apply and use the funds for projects which will bring about better community cohesion and inclusion.
- Havering Council does not know the ethnicity or race of over 40% of its workforce. How can they aim to want to achieve the ‘Excellent’ rating in the Equality Framework for Local Government when they do not capture or monitor such data about their employees? That is basic for any organisation and this failure shows clearly how much their employees’ lives matter. Havering Council must close the data gap by April 2021.
- Havering Council should diversify its Senior Leadership Team and Senior Managers within 5-10 years. At the Senior Leadership level, there is not a single black or Asian director in 2020.
In Havering, brothers George, Keane, Ryan, Charlton, and Robson Handley will be running a combined marathon in support of Black Lives Matter on Sunday, 14 June. The Romford Recorder has published an article here; https://bit.ly/2zUT4jW. You can donate here; https://bit.ly/309nrxs.
Please see here other ways you can support George Floyd family and the Black Lives Matters Movement in the UK; https://linktr.ee/grmdaily
Best
Councillor Tele Lawal
Londoners punished for doing the right thing.
by Cllr Judith Garfield MBE
Havering and Redbridge Labour candidate for the London Assembly
Transport for London’s funding package from the government, agreed last week, will allow Londoners to travel safely for the next four-and-a-half months. But for our communities, it will cause added hardship – particularly for our key workers; care workers and those who are already struggling with day-to-day household bills.
The Government has insisted TfL must increase its fares above inflation next year, bringing an end to the four-year fares freeze introduced by the Mayor of London. They have also insisted that the scope and hours of the congestion charge be widened, a suspension of free travel for pensioners during peak hours, and that free bus passes for children be halted entirely. After pressure from the Sadiq Khan, the Government has now agreed to allow disabled Freedom Pass holders to continue travelling for free at all times.
When speaking with residents in Havering and Redbridge earlier this year, before lockdown they want a safe environment without pollution for which reliable, fairly priced and comfortable public transport is central. They should not be exploited by the government through its abuse of our public transport. They did not want to see politics before people and this is precisely what this government has done.
We stayed indoors because it was the right thing to do; we worked from home, maintained social distancing, missed family birthdays, and even paid our respects via videoconference. We are continuing to stay home in a heroic effort to get us past the coronavirus peak and prevent a second wave of the infection, which some of our nearest and dearest wouldn’t survive.
As the hub of COVID-19, we Londoners worked together to reduce the infection rate. The government tells us that we are ‘in this together,’ so why are they punishing us with a bad deal for our public transport? In Havering and Redbridge, this spells further hardship for frontline workers who have already been told not to expect a pay rise any time soon.
The Mayor has been honest with us all – this is a bad deal for London. But it was the only deal the Government were willing to put on the table, and one he had to accept to keep the tubes and buses running.
In 2015, austerity meant TfL lost a yearly £700 million grant from central government. Today, we are the world’s only major capital city with an unsubsidised transport network. All our transportation costs are covered by fares and some devolved business rates, unlike the government subsidised transportation networks in Paris, Seoul, or New York City.
COVID-19 has left a £4 billion hold in Transport for London’s budget this year. Travel on the tube and buses plummeted 95% in the first week of lockdown, representing an equal drop in fare revenue which the government has told TfL to fund its operations with. Whitehall has announced other transport networks in Britain will receive similar funding packages, because they have also suffered the same plunge in operating revenue. Except, they have assured private operators their bailouts will be devoid of the penalties inflicted on TfL. So, why is this government punishing Londoners?
Many of us in Havering and Redbridge rely on public transport to meet our everyday needs and get to work. Our NHS heroes, supermarket staff, refuse collectors, care workers, and cleaners all depend on TfL. Outer London boroughs like Havering and Redbridge are home to the lifeblood of this city and if we want to get through coronavirus ‘together,’ the government needs to stop punishing low-paid Londoners and the residents in Havering and Redbridge.
Cllr Tele Lawal
Title; Andrew Rosindell MP, get a grip!
On Friday, 22nd May the MP for Romford, Andrew Rosindell, published an interesting letter on his socials about the level of illegal crossings taking place in the English Channel. He urged the Home Secretary to ’get a grip on this crisis.’
The letter to the Secretary of State is distasteful and not a true reflection of Romford constituents views. During a global pandemic, where people are dying, I do not believe for second this is a major concern constituents are raising at this time.
Residents across the borough are worried about their health, employment, the risk of children returning to school too soon, the lack of PPE and how they will put food on their table in the coming weeks and months.
Businesses which are largely in the Romford constituency are concerned about the gaps in the packages announced by the government. Many have been locked out of any Government support through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan scheme. And do not let me start with the self-employed, contractors or freelancers.
Andrew Rosindell MP should appreciate that businesses are the drivers of growth for our economy, and will be crucial to our recovery from the economic shock caused by Coronavirus. We would rather a letter to the Chancellor to address those concerns and more.
The MP for Romford is hiding behind voters, instead of boldly airing these concerns as his own. Andrew Rosindell should stop using his position to push his right-wing views. For once, I and many, would like to see him make a real and proper representation for the diverse constituency in which he was elected to represent.
Tele Lawal
Title: When Should Gerpins Tip Re-Open?
Havering Labour Group Leader Councillor Keith Darvill
Of course we all want to the tip to open as soon as possible. But it has to be done safely and effectively. Havering must not be in the position of opening Gerpins and causing miles of static traffic as happened recently in Manchester.
Social distancing measures need to be set up to adhere to government guidelines. Personal Protective Equipment needs to be available for those working at the site. We need assurances that this will actually happen as we already know that PPE is still not being adequately provided at Queen’s Hospital and our borough’s care homes. We don’t want to put people’s lives at risk, as many thousands have died as a result of the virus in this country already.
Labour wants to see a coordinated approach to a re-opening that will be in line with other London boroughs and Essex County Council. The police need to be able to monitor and supervise this enterprise, as long queues will cause frustration. Possible fly tipping en route to the tip could occur if the public are unable to reach their destination for long periods of time.
We don’t want to see political, petulant point scoring from Havering Tory Leader Damian White that helps no one. We do want Gerpins to open safely for the protection of those working there and the general public.
If those safety measures need more time to be ensured and organised, then we say take the time needed and put people’s lives first.
Better support for Havering care homes during COVID-19
Havering Labour Group Leader Councillor Keith Darvill
Day by day, the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic is changing people’s lives. We, as elected opposition councillors, need to ensure that the council is doing its best to ensure the safety of all Havering residents at this critical time. That is our role.
We understand the challenges and difficult decisions that now have to be made by the Tory council but we need to be able to scrutinise and question decisions so that the best outcomes are implemented for everyone’s benefit.
Havering has 60 plus residential care homes and an older than average population. These demographic factors are not new but have been intensified by the chronic underfunding of the health and social care sector for the last ten years. We, as Labour councillors, have been lobbying the government for years to increase the funding.
Now, the situation in Havering care homes is at a critical stage. Those serving our elderly and vulnerable residents put their own lives at risk because of a lack of protective equipment. They are poorly paid with little job security. We hear of people being released from hospital back into care homes without being tested, putting staff and other residents at risk.
And now information is being collated at a national level that is stoking our worst fears.
1. The Guardian and Telegraph have reported that major care operators have seen a steep rise in deaths and infections.
2. The soaring cost of PPE could bankrupt care homes. The Head of the National Care Association says that some care homes have to pay as much as £8,500 a week to keep staff and residents safe.
3. Care home residents have been told that they are unlikely to be offered ventilators if they are admitted to hospital with Coronavirus.
We in the Labour Party want to support the government and our council in its measures to fight this pandemic. However, as local councillors we need to have much more opportunity to ask questions. A desultory one-hour report back is not adequate. The group leaders’ one-hour slot is too short and limits probing questions.
All Havering councillors need to have full access to the true facts about the situation in our care homes and be able to ask questions which our casework has thrown up.
We want to serve our community at this time of uncertainty. To do that, we need full access to accurate and current information
Do we need an inquiry into the deaths of BAME people dying due to coronavirus?
By Councillor Tele Lawal, Heaton Ward
Throughout the world, communities are affected by the global health pandemic which has disrupted all parts of citizens’ day-to-day lives. Coronavirus does not discriminate. It sees no race, age, class, sex, or religion.
As we mourn those who have sadly been taken by the silent killer, emerging figures highlight that coronavirus appears to be disproportionately affecting black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities – while this might be an uncomfortable truth for many, this revelation is no surprise to me, and to many who identify as BAME.
While the government recently announced an inquiry into why people from a similar background like me are disproportionately affected by coronavirus (led by the NHS and Public Health England) – I fear this is merely a token gesture, somewhat a tick box exercise.
Many of us already know the underlying cause of the disparity, and what the conclusions of the review will reveal. If we discuss the robust correlation between socioeconomic status and health, it is widely known that individuals of lower socioeconomic status are more likely to suffer from poorer health, than those in the higher social hierarchy.
Those individuals in the UK are usually BAME people who are overrepresented in overcrowded/poor accommodation and insecure, low-paid employment. All of which contributes to why BAME people have a lower life expectancy and serious underlying health issues in the UK. It is already confirmed that coronavirus preys on those with underlying health conditions.
BAME people are more likely to be employed in frontline roles, like the NHS. Such keyworker roles will put them at greater risk of contracting coronavirus. The first ten doctors in the UK to die from coronavirus were from BAME backgrounds.
This health pandemic has removed the plaster once again and has shown these deaths are the consequence of inequalities deep in our society, that the government has not addressed, review after review. Clearly, we have not learned from the Grenfell Tower inquiry or the Windrush report.
We do not need another report catching dust on the government’s website and used as mere references in academic research papers or political speeches. We need life-changing action. While these underlying causes cannot be addressed in the short term to save lives, the government can start capturing the ethnicity on the number of people who have died as a result of coronavirus – at the moment age and sex are only recorded. This will enable us to explore how best to protect communities.
Havering Council should not hesitate to join the conversation and take action. Coronavirus Equality Impact Assessments (EIA) should be carried out to assess the impact on different communities protected under the Equality Act 2010. Labour Councillors have already suggested that a temporary overview and scrutiny committee should be formed to look at COVID-19 related issues, such as this, thus allowing Councillors to put forward life-saving policies and recommendations, based on information from the EIA and other sources.
I believe that communication is a powerful tool. Havering Council should produce a coronavirus information sheet, electronic or otherwise, targeted to BAME communities. This will help reaffirm the facts about how the virus is and isn’t spread – and tackle myths too. Havering Council should work with charities, organisations, and local groups to ensure those who are not known to them are receiving the relevant support during this period.
Once this crisis is over, we do not need another roundtable discussion or committee formed to analyse the report. I hope for my future and those from similar communities, we will see real legislative changes, backed with proper central government funding. But, I won’t hold my breath.
Councillor Tele Lawal | Heaton Ward
Committees : Crime & Disorder | Children Services
Town Hall
Main Road, Romford, RM1 3BB
Labour Movement what won it!
Community Organising the key to winning again.
Margaret Mullane
I have been a labour activist for many years. In that time I have worked for Jon Cruddas MP for eleven years and have been a ward councillor for nine. I can say with confidence that I have never fought a campaign as hard as I did in December 2019. Fast forward to the Poll of Polls at 10.00 pm on election night and I had a sinking feeling as I headed off to the count. Hours later, after a very long night, Jon Cruddas won the election – but it was close. We won locally by just 293 votes. We always knew it would be tough, and so the questions are: how did we survive in Dagenham & Rainham, and why did we lose so badly nationally?
Let’s start by looking at the local campaign. Dagenham and Rainham as a constituency formed in 2010, and Jon inherited three Havering Wards with a Conservative leaning electorate. Jon and the labour activists have worked incredibly hard to win these wards, but when the Brexit referendum happened over 70 % of Jon’s constituents voted to leave the EU. From a national perspective I watched key figures in the party calling for a second Referendum and promoting a Remain stance, and constituencies such as Dagenham and Rainham never bought into the “will of the people” rhetoric. Even last week, when asked about Brexit two of the candidates for the labour leadership said that we never challenged the Tories enough on their “Brexit at any cost” approach and again advocated for Remain, before begrudgingly admitting that, at this point, Brexit must happen.
When the Election was called, Jon met with Councillor Darren Rodwell, the Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, and they both set about working on their campaigns. . Never do we hear “we only see you at election time”, as we are committed to being engaged and involved in local issues and community politics all year round. On the back of this strong foundation they utilised the 51 councillors of the area to make a powerful pro-Labour to local residents.
The Trade Union movements were paramount to the success of keeping the seat. Unite activists and leaders beat the streets with us, and were key in mobilising support when and where we needed it. Members of the London Labour parties also came in their literal hundreds to help us.
On a National level, I felt that the UK press undertook a targeted and imbalanced campaign against the leadership – But being frank, they always do. I feel that we needed a more succinct and firm stance in terms of our core campaign messages. As simplistic and annoying as “Get Brexit done” was, it stuck and resonated with the public. I feel that in seats such as Dagenham and Rainham the constituents felt Labours heart was never in Brexit and going back to what I always state in my articles, were a bit “sniffy” and dismissive in parts about Brexit and its voters. Our seat does not share the opinions of the liberal elite in London who would discount the beliefs and opinions of much of the country.
The talk now in articles is about how Labour can win back our Heartlands – and worse still, some are saying we may need to find more new ones. This for me is very worrying talk. Our vote in what is deemed “our heartlands” has been decreasing. One of the many reasons is that our voters don’t recognise the political class that represent them. Where are the Bus Drivers, Train drivers, Care workers, call centre workers, amazon workers in the House of Commons? They are not there – it can often feel like an echo chamber for the wealthy and privileged. Jeremy Corbyn has tried through his Leadership to ensure that more regular people have an opportunity to be involved in politics, but the way that the current labour party Selection process works makes this an unlikely ideal. I have said it before – the membership fee is too expensive. If you are on a zero-hours contract or struggling to pay rent and bills, how will you afford the £50.00, especially if you don’t meet the concessions criteria?
I feel that aspiring to improve things for the public is the key for the seats we need to win in the Labour Heartlands, Scotland and many other areas. We must focus not on what we think should be done, but what our Communities want and need. In Barking and Dagenham the local council has secured Coventry University in the Borough. UCU is coming shortly, along with the three markets from the City of London Billingsgate, Smithfield’s, the fruit market, and a Film Studio. What does this mean? Decent, secure jobs and educational opportunities that are second to none. The people of the Borough deserve access to fantastic opportunities for work, education and leisure, and we are dedicated to continuing to strive for exactly that.
Labour must also work to find common ground with those who wish to own their own businesses, or want a successful job in the city. Currently those people feel that Labour isn’t for them.
Housing is a hugely important issue for us. A very good offer was made in the manifesto for council housing, but unfortunately this message was lost among the rest of the pre-election noise. Many people must now rent, and the rent paid takes up so much of people’s income. Again, this was touched upon in the manifesto but was ultimately ignored in the national press. Rent controls are needed, and adopting the licensed Landlord scheme that is run in the Borough on a national level would be well received.
Crime is of huge concerns to all communities; the Tories were let off the hook on the police numbers being dramatically cut in a bizarre but apparently effective campaign where they promised to undo most, but not all, of the damage that they have caused under austerity. We need to understand the Tories won’t stand up to public scrutiny, with local candidates not turning up at hustings and a refusal to take part in media appearances, to name but a few of their avoidance tactics. We need to carry on campaigning in a different way.
Grass root, community led campaigns are the only way forward, as in Dagenham and Rainham there is at least one volunteer in every area – not necessarily Labour members, but certainly labour voters. They know that we keep in touch 365 days a year and will continue to let them know what is happening in their communities. In return, they act as champions and advocates for the community and let us know what is important to them and others like them. They see the community action, and believe me, when parties from the right and far right arrive and try to pretend to be interested and engaged in local issues, be that the BNP, UKIP or the Tories, the public will vote Labour.
However, we must never be complacent as Scotland has proved that someone will always fill a vacuum, and we once would have struggled to believe that the Tories would be representing our Heartlands! We must remain vigilant and dedicated to the best interests of people of the Borough, and trust that they will see that their future lies with Labour.
Margaret Mullane is the Office Manager for Jon Cruddas MP
Village Ward Councillor Barking and Dagenham Council
Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement
CLP Secretary Dagenham and Rainham CLP
This article first appeared on Margaret’s website
Margaretmullane.co.uk
Tele Lawal Labour candidate for Hornchurch and Upminster on the General Election and the Labour offer
Councillor Tele Lawal: A strong and local voice representing you in Parliament
My name is Tele Lawal and I am your Labour Candidate for Hornchurch and Upminster Constituency. I am honoured and proud to have the opportunity to stand for what is right in this General Election and on a promise of change for Havering.
I was born and raised in Havering, having been educated at local schools. I have worked here and attend community groups and a local church. In 2018, I was elected as a Councillor for Harold Hill, where I live. I believe that with my conscientious council service I have demonstrated my passion for my community and what they care about:
Protecting our environment
– Worked with residents to save Gooshays Gardens from housing development by the Conservatives
– Submitted evidence to the High Court resulting in the borough-wide traveller injunction on our green spaces
– Advocated for Briar Road estates highways to be resurfaced, which is now scheduled for early next year
Fighting for better health services:
– Protected our health care services, by preventing Harold Wood GP Walk-in Centre from being closed down
– Campaigned for better funding for our NHS in the community
Improving community safety:
– Launched a review on how Havering Council is tackling knife crime in the community
– Active member on Havering police advisory boards, such as Stop & Search Monitoring Group and Independent Advisory Group, where I work with the community and police on safety issues
– Changed the Council’s policy on collecting and storing dangerous weapons until the police retrieve the items
Better housing for all:
– Improved Havering Council’s online housing application form
– Working with residents to tackle anti-social behaviour and drug-related activity on our estates such as Harold Wood Hall/Briar Road
– Requested a review of the Conservatives’ plans to remove Community Wardens from our housing estates, but still make Council tenants/leaseholders pay for them
Supporting investment in our high streets, businesses and Council services
– I voted against the Conservatives’ increased car park charges and removal of 30-minute free parking slot
– I opposed the closure of our Children’s Centres in Harold Hill and libraries not being fully supported by Havering Council
– I have championed residents’ and businesses’ views on the regeneration projects in Harold Hill, requesting that a community hub be built
From listening to residents in Havering and hearing about their concerns for the future, Its clear, they’re tired of our current government, and the state of politics in general. Many residents want to move on from Brexit, and start focussing on the issues that matter to them – and I feel the same way.
That is why I am standing to be your Member of Parliament, because it is time for a change, and to have a local and present individual representing what you care about in Parliament. I am not a self-serving politician, but simply a politician who is strong and has a bold voice, to push back against the cuts and policies imposed by the Conservatives.
I am a Labour Candidate who is not just a local Councillor. I work full-time as a Caseworker in Parliament, dealing with housing problems, education and health-related matters, crime and immigration issues. I know first-hand how a decade of austerity, imposed by our current government, has affected people’s lives.
As your MP I would work to achieve a well-resourced police force, so you can walk the streets without fear. I want Investment in our schools meaning every child receives the best education and start to life. I would fight for our strained health services to ensure you’re not waiting weeks to see your GP, and you’re able to access the best care.
I would advocate for the protection of our environment and new affordable housing for residents in Havering. I’d demand more government funding for Havering Council, resulting in proper investment in our local shopping centres, and the reduction of car park charges.
We need a Labour MP, like me, who is passionate and only wants to improve the quality of life for all. I hope on Thursday, 12 December you will vote for change in Cranham, Emerson Park, Harold Hill, Hacton, Harold Wood, St Andrew’s and Upminster.
Promoted by Keith Darvill on behalf of Tele Lawal both at 54 Park Drive, Upminster, RM14 3AR.
Unintended Consequences
Politics is, or should be, about achieving what is possible and making (informed) choices. Policies that appear at first glance to be non-controversial can often be anything but once fully understood.
The Children’s Act is one example. The Act was intended to increase parental influence over the assistance given to children with High Needs. This is a motherhood and apple pie policy, that no one is going to be against.
Until it becomes apparent that the consequences are to drive a significant number of councils into even more dire financial problems than they have had after nine years of austerity .
The legislation has brought more children into the system, in addition to the growing number resulting from population increasing. Given the choice of care packages, what parent would not select the one that provides most support, even if the child could manage with less.
So surprise, the cost of support has shot up nationally. Councils that have not unreasonably sought to balance care with cost have been taken to court and lost judicial reviews, meaning more cost and leaving high cost packages in place. There is some extra funding to allow the Government to make the claim it is dealing with the problem, but it is nowhere near enough.
None of this would matter if the Government had respected the principle that if central government creates extra responsibilities for local government the funding it provides should be adjusted accordingly. This was known as the New Burdens rule, and was introduced by the coalition government in 2010.
However, this only applies where there is a direct link. The element of parental choice complicates this as Government will argue that they have not caused the costs to increase, it is the parents.
All this may be of secondary importance if Councils had a way of raising sufficient revenue each year to meet the additional costs. Guess what, they don’t. The capping of increase in Council by central government nine years of budget reductions and demographic changes all make the position harder to deal with.
The law allows administrative decisions to be subject to Judicial review. Nothing unreasonable about that. So should a council not satisfy a parents wishes, the matter can go to court. Again wholly reasonable. Should the court find in the parent’s favour, the council will need to provide a higher standard of care, and cost is not a consideration. To add to the budget pressure, precedents are set and similar cases have to be treated in the same way. So costs go up further. Councils across the country therefore face increasing costs as an unintended consequence of a policy change, on a spiralling scale into the millions.
There is no way out short of government recognition that the change in legislation has resulted in the additional cost and that this needs funding. Ten years of austerity have squeezed out efficiency savings, councils cannot increase council tax – so this has to fall back to Government as they instituted the legislation that caused the financial shortfall.
Do you think this is going to happen anytime soon?
Mike Lucas RIP
Sad to hear of the death of former Elm Park Labour Councillor Mike Lucas. Mike was a Councillor from 1986-1994.
Mike had a massive heart attack during the 1990 election campaign and it was touch and go for a while. Alan Williams tells the story of arriving early in the morning on election day and seeing no one around, fearing the worst
Mike survived, and was nominated as chair of Social Services in the minority administration that followed…however he never assumed this role for a variety of reasons. He did not stand in 1994, and was a bit disillusioned with Labour politics.
He had great integrity, and when we made a error in an election leaflet naming him as current Chair of Benhurst school governors rather than former Chair, we manually wrote in the correct title to 4,500 leaflets.
He was Chair of Governors at Abbs Cross until 1992 resigning when the school became Grant Maintained.
Mike had been a social worker for Newham and later Essex County Council and helped out at Community Links, the main Charity in Canning Town.
He was a loss to the Labour Party, and a genuinely decent man.
Condolences to his wife June, and Joanne, Kevin David and his grandchildren RIP.
Jean Horan RIP
Jean Horan was a most loyal member of the Hornchurch Labour Party and l well recall her enthusiasm in the Greater London Council election of May 1981 that resulted in my election to County Hall. She always enjoyed her visits to the building and once met Ken Livingstone!
She represented Hylands ward on the Hornchurch General Committee for some years. I will never forget her determination to forcefully put forward her opinions but in a cheerful and friendly manner. The Labour Party would have been much happier and successful in the 1980s had there been more members the likes of Jean Horan.
Alan Williams
GLC Member for Havering Hornchurch 1981-1986. Parliamentary candidate 1983 and 1987.
Havering Fabian Society 