Cllr Victor Chamberlain - Chorlton Liberal Democrat

Marie Curie Cancer Care Fundraising Day - 22nd May

noreply@blogger.com (Chorlton LibDems) — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:52:00 +0000

Chorlton Planning Applications from May '13

noreply@blogger.com (Chorlton LibDems) — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:33:00 +0000

Guest Blog: Jeremy Browne MP: Crime down to lowest levels since records began.

noreply@blogger.com (Chorlton LibDems) — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:27:00 +0000

Jeremy Browne is a Liberal Democrat Minister of State at the Home Office

Under the Coalition Government, crime is at its lowest level since independent records began. That’s fewer homes burgled and possessions stolen; fewer communities blighted by vandalism; and fewer people hurt, or killed in violent attacks.

Lots of people predicted that in tough economic conditions, crime would go up, as it always has done in the past. But it hasn’t and we should be proud of that fact. It has been achieved without excessive bureaucracy or increasing intrusion.

Keeping crime and the fear of crime down is a key part of the fairer society Liberal Democrats are in politics to build.

That’s why, in Government, Liberal Democrats have been at the forefront of a Rehabilitation Revolution.

For years, the Liberal Democrats have argued that you only truly break the cycle of crime when you cut re-offending. We are determined to reduce both its economic and social costs.

Labour talked tough on crime, but appeared to believe that a ballooning prison population was a good thing. Be tough on crime, yes. Be tough on the causes of crime, yes. But none of it matters unless you are tough on breaking the cycle of crime too.

That’s why, in our Offender Rehabilitation Bill, we are extending rehabilitation measures to the most frequent re-offenders – those who serve sentences of 12 months or less.

And today Nick Clegg announced that the small companies and organisations that we know are so effective at delivering rehabilitation services will have extra support and money from the Government to ensure they are able to get fully involved in this new system.

These are Liberal Democrat policies – debated at and approved by our Autumn conference in 2012 and being delivered in Government.

You can read Nick Clegg’s speech in full here.

GROW FOR IT COMMUNITY ALLOTMENT

noreply@blogger.com (Chorlton LibDems) — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:24:00 +0000

Come along and get your hands dirty down at the Grow For It Community Allotment in Chorlton.

Help out... Learn... Grow stuff... Make things... Meet people... Share...

Everyone welcome...

Find us on Manchester Rd on the bridge near the swimming baths and Unicorn Groceries.

Saturday 11am
Sunday 2pm
Wednesday 5pm

See poster for details or call... 07973139068

We should not allow fracking in our region

noreply@blogger.com (Chorlton LibDems) — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:05:00 +0000

This is the column I wrote for the Manchester Evening News about Fracking which was published last week:

Do you think Manchester would be better with contaminated tap water, earthquakes and explosions? Sadly your Council thinks it is worth that risk to help big gas companies. Last week Greater Manchester Councils agreed a ‘Joint Minerals Strategy’ allowing these companies to use the controversial process of gas extraction called fracking.

Fracking involves pumping water and chemicals into coal beds (like those under Manchester, Salford and Wigan) to release gas. It has caused uproar in America where communities have evidence it has contaminated drinking water and land, caused earthquakes and fires, and keeps us trapped in reliance on harmful fossil fuels. Areas like Pittsburg and New York State have listened to the evidence and banned it. Manchester needs to do the same!

Greater Manchester Councils have made a short sighted mistake by agreeing this part of the Minerals Plan; one which future generations will regret. I am deeply troubled by the Plan’s lack of protection against the harmful effects of fracking - I believe it needs to ban fracking entirely.

In January, Professor Kevin Anderson, a globally respected climate scientist, showed Manchester Councillors the imminent threat climate change presents to Manchester and the planet. He reminded us that the Greater Manchester Climate Change Strategy calls for: “Radical action on carbon emissions… to pass a viable and safe climate onto future generations”.

Sadly the Minerals Plan conflicts with this objective. Fracking only increases our reliance on gas and so worsens our carbon emission problem. We cannot claim to be an environmentally sustainable city while we allow gas companies to pollute the environment we are trying to protect. The Committee on Climate Change has said fracking is “totally incompatible” with the UK’s carbon reduction targets. We should take note that allowing it to take place in Manchester would destroy our chances of matching our own carbon reduction targets.

Manchester Council won praise in the 1980s by taking radical action to declare itself a “Nuclear Free City”. That forward thinking move showed the Council cared about the city it was passing on to future generations. Sadly, that radical flair had died by last July, when the Council refused to accept the Liberal Democrat motion I put forward to declare the City a ‘Fracking Free Zone’ - despite many Labour Councillors promising to vote for the measure just two months earlier. Instead, the policy that has been agreed is weak and fundamentally fails to understand the threats fracking brings.

Fracking is still a relatively new form of gas production, so its effects are not fully understood yet. But you only have to look at the impact it has had in the US to see how damaging it can be for communities. Closer to home, fracking in Lancashire has led to earthquakes in Blackpool. There is evidence the chemicals and water used during fracking pollute the water table - we don’t know how to stop this. There has even been examples of gas coming out of water taps. While there are still so many question marks around this controversial process we need to declare Greater Manchester a ‘Fracking Free Zone’.

Most people agree that we need to cut carbon emissions to prevent climate change. Why then have our Council leaders agreed a weak policy that allows gas companies to keep us hooked on a harmful fossil fuel? If the millions of pounds that go into fracking were diverted to harvesting clean renewable energy we could make a real difference to tackling climate change. We need to get our Council chiefs to think again and use Manchester’s famous radical flair to help save our planet. Please write to your local Councillors to let them know your views.

Chorlton Coffee Festival - 28th-30th June

noreply@blogger.com (Chorlton LibDems) — Fri, 10 May 2013 14:09:00 +0000

The weekend of 28 – 30th June sees the launch of Chorlton Coffee Festival. Brainchild of Canadian-born Lorelei Loveridge, she decided it was time to bring cafe culture to south Manchester suburb, Chorlton, when refused a cup of coffee after 9 pm. The festival will take place in cafes, bars and restaurants around Chorlton, and will also host a festival ‘hub’ in Chorlton Central Church on Saturday 29th June. The hub will feature various workshops and talks, such as ‘How to Become a Home Barista’ and ‘One Chemex, Five Coffees’.

Over thirty cafes, bars and restaurants in the Chorlton area are involved in the festival and will be participating through hosting various events over the weekend, as well as offering coffee-based drinks specials for festival attendees. Cafe events currently include a poetry workshop with Chorlton-based published author, Rosie Garland, intimate gig performance from the always fascinating Kirsty Almeida, and ‘Tour de Cafe South Manchester’, a cycle tour around the finest coffee haunts in Chorlton and beyond!

Festival producer, Lorelei, left Canada for the exotic and lived in Saudi Arabia for 11 years, travelling and sampling the teas, coffees and cafes of Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Oman and the UAE as well as India, Nepal and other parts of South and Southeast Asia. She came to Manchester and lived in the city from 2007-2010, was beckoned back to run a community service program in Qatar for two years and finally settled in Chorlton last July after relocating from the Middle East. Having lived for the most part in countries with an emphasis on cafe culture, Lorelei missed meeting up with friends in coffee houses in the evening. “When I moved to the UK, I would say ‘Let’s meet for a coffee’ and people would respond with ‘Or a drink’. Alcohol seemed to have a far greater importance than coffee here. I miss the cafe culture from Canada and Arabian peninsula: I don’t disapprove of alcohol consumption; in fact, I see a place for it to sit inside cafe culture, instead of the two being at polar ends of the spectrum.”

The festival is mostly free to attend, while entrance to the festival hub will cost £3 for adults and £1 for children. Chorlton Central Church hosts the festival ‘hub’ on Saturday 29th June from 10am – 7pm, and is located on Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, M21 8BF

Website – www.chorltoncoffeefestival.com

Twitter - @chorltoncoffee

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/chorltoncoffeefestival

Trees going free...!

noreply@blogger.com (Chorlton LibDems) — Fri, 10 May 2013 13:27:00 +0000

The Woodland Trust has free tree and hedgerow pack available for

community groups / schools. Apply before 13 September to be delivered in

November.

http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/en/moretreesmoregood/free-trees/Pages/free-tree-packs.aspx?gclid=CJ6_hJT7iLcCFRLLtAod13wA3A

Chorlton Good Neighbours Job advert

noreply@blogger.com (Chorlton LibDems) — Fri, 10 May 2013 12:19:00 +0000

Chorlton Good Neighbours Care Group is looking to appoint two part-time workers. Both posts are from 1st July 2013 until March 2015, but with potential to continue. More details at http://t.co/GXPJaSU9JB

======================================

Chorlton Good Neighbours Care Group is looking to appoint two part-time workers. Both posts are from 1st July 2013 until March 2015, but with potential to continue. Applicants must be car drivers.

We are seeking two flexible, committed and enthusiastic people who have experience of working with older people to join our team of workers and volunteers in order to support the excellent work of this well established Neighbourhood Care Group.

1. Service Support worker post, part-time, 25 hours per week

To support the Co-ordinator in the running of the group and take on responsibility for some of the group activities. In addition, to be responsible for regular weekly visiting of 10-12 older people, some with complex needs. This post will be based in the office, but with outreach work.

Actual Salary : £9360.00 per annum (subject to review)

2. Wheelchair Support Worker, part-time, 20 hours per week

To support vulnerable older adults with wheelchairs in the Chorlton/Whalley Range area to access the local shops & other community facilities.

Actual Salary : £7488.00 per annum ( subject to review )

Closing date for applications : 12 noon on Tuesday 29th May

For further information & application forms contact: elen Hibberd, Co-ordinator, Chorlton Good Neighbours, Wilbraham St Ninians Church, Egerton Road South, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 OXJ

Tel: 0161 881 2925 any week day morning, except Wednesday, o email helen@chorltongoodneighbours.

Chorlton Planning Applications from April '13

noreply@blogger.com (Chorlton LibDems) — Wed, 08 May 2013 16:19:00 +0000

Photo from 192.com

Gardening in Beech Road Park

noreply@blogger.com (Chorlton LibDems) — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:25:00 +0000

A group of gardners from the Friends of Beech Road Park will be in the park this Sat 11 May, 10.30-12.30 (followed by refreshments at Beech Road cafe). Plant donations always welcome.

Jobs this month include:

tidying rose bed, including edges

planting any donated plants

any other jobs you think need doing - come along and share your ideas.

No experience necessary, and you don't have to come for the full 2 hours - any time would be appreciated. Come along and enjoy the wonderful cherry blossom.

20’s Plenty for Us Welcomes Overhaul of UK Speed Signage Rules

noreply@blogger.com (Chorlton LibDems) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:02:00 +0000

The Department for Transport are changing traffic sign regulations. Fewer repeater speed limit signs would make wide 20mph limit implementation cheaper. Even more places are expected to agree to 20mph limits for their communities.

On 16th April at the Traffex conference, Graham Hanson, DfT Head of Traffic signs policy announced a “radical overhaul” of legislation. Plans include significantly reducing ‘repeater signage’. Local authorities could have sole discretion over signing speed limit changes and intervals. Changes will be consulted on shortly. Laws would alter in March 2015.

Due to the success and popularity of wide-area 20mph limits which are now normal in so many of our cities(1) 20’s Plenty for Us have been calling on DfT to recognize the ‘transition’ phase. The UK is moving from the old default of 30mph set in 1934 to slower speeds. 20mph should be accepted as the appropriate limit for most residential streets and where there are high numbers of vulnerable road users.

20mph is prominent in the DfT’s Setting Local Speed Limits Guidance from January 2013 where Local Authorities are reminded of a ‘priority for action’:-

“Traffic authorities are asked to keep their speed limits under review with changing circumstances, and to consider the introduction of more 20 mph limits and zones, over time, in urban areas and built-up village streets that are primarily residential, to ensure greater safety for pedestrians and cyclists….”

A major cost element of 20mph limits is currently repeater signs. 20’s Plenty for Us say these are superfluous since most government organisations recognise 20mph limits as best practice for most roads. It makes sense to let local authorities sign a 20mph default – eg York is a 20mph city unless otherwise stated - and use repeater signs only on 30mph roads and above (2). In Portsmouth 94% of roads are 20mph. Changes will mean hundreds fewer signs for new 20mph places with significantly reduced costs and visual clutter.

Rod King, Founder and Campaign Director of 20’s Plenty for Us commented :-

“This is a triumph of common sense. It would cut 20mph limit costs. With recent more flexible mixing of zones and limits, easing of Traffic Regulation Order red tape and recommendations within latest guidance on wide-area 20mph limits, we expect near universal adoption of 20mph limits for residential roads. A tipping point will be reached when the de-facto standard national speed limit will be 20mph. International observers have seen how the UK is taking a ‘progressive and pragmatic’ route to the implementation of 20mph limits for residential roads. Fewer repeater signs is another important milestone.”

1 Bristol, Bath, York, Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton & Hove, Newcastle, Liverpool, Islington, Camden, Lancashire, Warrington, Wigan, Portsmouth.

2 Current regulations require any speed limit other than the ‘national’ limits of 30mph and 60mph to have regular repeater signs.

Recent Chorlton Planning Applications - March/April '13

noreply@blogger.com (Chorlton LibDems) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 19:43:00 +0000

Below are recently submitted Planning Applications in the Chorlton area. You can find out more information about any of the proposals on the City Council's Planning Portal at http://tinyurl.com/yv6lex or by contacting the South Area Planning Group Manager - Roger Hall; Tel: (0161) 234 4536; email: r.hall@manchester.gov.uk . You can also make a Planning representation (in support or opposition) to Mr Hall or the designated planning officer for each application. Please feel free to contact me on (07947383740; cllr.v.chamberlain@manchester.gov.uk) if you wish to discuss any application and please also send me a copy of any representation you make.

102007/NMC/2013/S1 70 Claude Road Chorlton Manchester M218DF Non-material change to planning permission ref: 101197/FH/2012/S1 to allow the installation of an additional rooflight to the front of the property

102010/NMC/2013/S1 70 Claude Road Chorlton Manchester M218DF
Non-material change to planning permission ref: 101199/FH/2012/S1 to
allow the installation of an additional rooflight to the front of the property
101851/FH/2013/S1 26 Daresbury Road Chorlton Manchester M21 9WA
Erection of single-storey rear extension to form additional living accommodation

101898/FH/2013/S1 12 Neale Road Chorlton Manchester M21 9DQ
Erection of single-storey garage to side of property

101923/FH/2013/S1 12 Hartley Road Chorlton Manchester M21 9NG
Erection of part single, part two-storey side extension to form additional livingaccommodation
102028/FH/2013/S1 65 Oswald Road Chorlton Manchester M21 9QD
Erection of single-storey side extension and single-storey conservatory to rear

102054/FH/2013/S1 9 Barway Road Chorlton Manchester M21 9JZ
Alterations to roof to form gable roof, installation of rear dormer with juliet balcony and associated elevational alterations
101690/FH/2013/S1 53 Vicars Road Chorlton Manchester M21 9JB Erection of part single, part two-storey side and rear extension to form additional living accommodation to dwellinghouse (C3 Use Class)
101801/FO/2013/S1 Paupers Wood Junction Of Nell Lane And Princess Road Erection of single-storey timber structure on stilts to form waterless composting toilet with associated access ramp
102038/FH/2013/S1 219 Brantingham Road Whalley Range Manchester M21 0TP
Erection of two-storey side and rear extension to form additional living accommodation

£600k Boost for cycling in Manchester from Coalition Government

noreply@blogger.com (Chorlton LibDems) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 16:14:00 +0000

Cyclists in Manchester are set to benefit from investment in safer roads, announced by Liberal Democrat Transport Minister, Norman Baker.

This funding boost is part of £40m fund to improve dangerous routes and junctions and in Greater Manchester will provide 100 advanced stop lines and 50 trixi mirrors help prevent cyclist casualties. As well as this the Wimslow Road/Wilbraham Road junction will receive a £200k boost making it more cycle friendly.

The money will be made available to improve the design and layout of roads at 78 locations across the country, with all schemes due for completion within the next 12 months.

Commenting, John Leech said:

!Road safety is so vital in Manchester for cyclists and other road users and I’m delighted Liberal Democrats in the Coalition Government are taking action to improve road safety for all.

“It is absolutely essential people should be able to cycle to work or school in a safe environment. This £600k government funding boost in our area will go a long way to achieving this.

“Not only is cycling healthy and enjoyable but by getting more people out of their cars and on their bikes, we can ease congestion too and strengthen our local economy.”

Councillor for Withington Simon Wheale said, “I’m really pleased with this investment the Wilmslow Road/Wilbraham Road junction is one of the main routes into town for Withington and Fallowfield residents and a very dangerous junction. I’m glad we are finally seeing an investment that will mean thousands can travel to and from town safely.”
Last year Liberal Democrats in Manchester passed a motion to introduce 20mph in Manchester, now’s the time to implement this to make Manchester a cycle friendly city with a strong emphasis on road safety for all.”

Commenting further, Norman Baker said:

“Cycling is healthy and reduces congestion so it is welcome news that more and more people are taking to two wheels. Ensuring this funding is targeted where improvements will make a real difference to cyclists is just one way we are ensuring this trend continues.

“This is part of the £107 million investment we have announced in cycling infrastructure over the last year, over and above the £600m we have invested through the Local Sustainable Transport Fund.

“We have launched a THINK! “Let’s Look Out For Each Other” campaign and have made it easier for councils to set 20mph speed limits and install trixi mirrors at junctions so drivers are better able to see cyclists.”

Message from Nick Clegg: Delivering fairer tax

noreply@blogger.com (Chorlton LibDems) — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 19:44:00 +0000

The new tax year has just started and that means Liberal Democrat tax reforms are coming into effect. From now on, more of the money people earn will go into their pockets and less will go to the taxman.

That's because we've raised the point at which you start paying income tax. Over 20 million people will now pay £600 less than they did under Labour. In households where two people are working, that’s an extra £1200 a year. £1200 to cover energy bills, or mortgage repayments, or to go towards a family holiday. And next April it’ll go up again. The vast majority of British taxpayers won’t pay a penny of income tax on the first £10,000 they earn. Millions of the lowest earners won’t pay any at all.

This is real help in tough times and it wouldn’t have happened without the Liberal Democrats.

Of course, the new 45p upper tax rate – down from 50p – is also coming into effect. But don’t let Labour pull the wool over people’s eyes. They may complain now, but of the 13 years they were in power, the 50p rate was in place for just 36 days.

In fact, for most of the time their top tax rate was 40p. Not 50p. Not 45p. But 40p - 5p less than now. And under Labour a cleaner would pay a higher rate of tax on their wages than a hedgefund manager selling their shares - a gross unfairness we have fixed.

What matters most today is that millions of people feeling the pinch will see their income tax cut – a promise from the Liberal Democrats in opposition, delivered by us in government.

Chorlton Liberal Democrats welcome Income Tax cut for 133,880 people in Manchester

noreply@blogger.com (Chorlton LibDems) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 16:03:00 +0000

Chorlton MP John Leech has hailed the 6 April Income Tax cut as a giant leap towards the Liberal Democrat goal of a fairer tax system.

On 6 April 2013, the Personal Allowance will be raised to £9,440 – the largest rise in the Personal Allowance ever. This means that 133,800 ordinary basic rate taxpayers in Manchester will see their Income Tax cut for the third year in a row. That will bring the total Income Tax cut since Labour’s time in government to £600.

Thanks to this rise in the point at which you start to pay Income Tax, the number of the lowest paid people who have been lifted out of paying any Income Tax in Manchester will reach 14,330.

John Leech MP said:

“This Income Tax cut is real help for ordinary people in these difficult times. It is evidence of how in the Coalition Government, the Liberal Democrat priority is to create a fairer society and a stronger economy, enabling everyone to get on in life.

“Labour increased taxes for lower paid workers by abolishing the 10p tax rate and now stand on the side-lines denying their responsibility for the economic mess they created. It show how people still can’t trust them to make the right decisions on the economy.

“At the same time, we know that you can’t trust the Tories to deliver a fairer society. It is thanks to Liberal Democrats that 24m basic rate taxpayers are getting an Income Tax cut on 6 April. At the same time, Liberal Democrats in the Coalition are cracking down on tax avoidance and ensuring the wealthy pay their fair share.”

Fires on Chorlton Ees and Ivy Green

noreply@blogger.com (Chorlton LibDems) — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 19:53:00 +0000

Message from Dave Bishop, Chair of the Friends of Chorlton Meadows:

For a number of years now someone has been setting fire to grassland on Chorlton Ees and part of the Hardy Farm SBI and it has happened again this year during the present dry spell. This is an immensely damaging practice!

It kills countless numbers of over-wintering insects and small mammals and deprives birds of food. After the fires, the burned areas are invaded by Rosebay Willowherb ("Fireweed") which reduces their nature conservation potential.

If you see anyone setting these fires do not approach them but try to get a description.

Weekly list of planning applications we 8 Mar 13

noreply@blogger.com (Chorlton LibDems) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Below are recently submitted Planning Applications in the Chorlton area. You can find out more information about any of the proposals on the City Council's Planning Portal at http://tinyurl.com/yv6lex or by contacting the South Area Planning Group Manager - Roger Hall; Tel: (0161) 234 4536; email: r.hall@manchester.gov.uk . You can also make a Planning representation (in support or opposition) to Mr Hall or the designated planning officer for each application. Please feel free to contact me on (07947383740; cllr.v.chamberlain@manchester.gov.uk) if you wish to discuss any application and please also send me a copy of any representation you make.

101690/FH/2013/S1 53 Vicars Road Chorlton Manchester M21 9JB
Erection of part single, part two-storey side and rear extension to form additional living accommodation

101729/FO/2013/S1 575 Barlow Moor Road Chorlton Manchester M21 8AE
Installation of canopy, balustrading and decking to create outdoor seating area

101816/FO/2013/S1 Copperfields 430 Wilbraham Road Chorlton Cum Hardy Manchester M21 0AS
Installation of extract cowl to flat roof at front of property

101891/TCA/2013/S1 1 The Meade Chorlton Manchester M21 8FA
Works to various trees
101797/FO/2013/S1 Chorlton High School Nell Lane Manchester M21 7SL Erection of single-storey dining hall extension and link corridor within existing courtyard

101854/NMC/2013/S1 20 Dartmouth Road Chorlton Manchester M21 8XJ
Non-material change to planning permission ref: 099228/FH/2012/S1 to allow reduction in number of windows
101880/TEL/2013/S1 Vodafone Ltd C/o Agent Central Reservation Of Princess Road Near TheJunction With Barlow Moor Road West Didsbury Manchester M20 2YR Manchester
PRIOR NOTIFICATION - Installation of 15 metre high monopole radio base station following removal of existing monopole

101862/TEL/2013/S1 Vodafone Ltd C/o Agent Grass Verge Of Princess Road Facing St Bernadettes Church Withington Manchester M20 1HH PRIOR NOTIFICATION - Installation of 15 metre high telecommunications monopole and associated equipment cabin following removal of existing monopole

VAT Workshop at Chorlton Library

noreply@blogger.com (Chorlton LibDems) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 09:52:00 +0000

£700 back in the pockets of millions

noreply@blogger.com (Chorlton LibDems) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:41:00 +0000

Weekly list of planning applications we 1 Mar 13

noreply@blogger.com (Chorlton LibDems) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 19:49:00 +0000

Welfare Reform drop-in session

noreply@blogger.com (Chorlton LibDems) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:33:00 +0000

Significant changes are being made to the benefits and tax credits system over the next few years because of the Welfare Reform Act 2012.

Chorlton High School and Southway Housing Trust are working together to help parents and carers if they are concerned about the effect the changes will have on their families. Together, they are hosting a drop in service for families and parents who may need support.

On Thursday 21st March, from 5.00pm to 8.00pm, staff from Southway Housing Trust, Parent Support Advisers and other support staff will be available in The Green Room to offer guidance and advice on the following:

* Money management and budgeting

* Making benefit claims and ensuring you are receiving your

* full entitlement

* Employment and training opportunities

* Registering for rehousing

Parents will have access to IT facilities, the internet and one-to-one support during the drop in. Refreshments will also be available.

Labour playing politics over Mansion Tax

noreply@blogger.com (Chorlton LibDems) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:13:00 +0000

John Leech has today accused Labour of playing politics with their opportunistic opposition day motion on a Mansion Tax. He went on to say he supports a mansion tax but opposes Labour’s attempt to play politics with the issue.

John Leech said,
Actions speak louder than words and Labour have more front than Blackpool promenade. They had 13 years to introduce a Mansion Tax and consistently refused to back our mansion tax. The Lib Dems have taken more than 2 million people out of paying income tax altogether, unlike Labour who scrapped the 10p tax rate in 2007, leaving millions of people on lower incomes worse off.

The Manchester MP went on to say,
“I believe that, in difficult times, it is reasonable to ask those in multi-million pound houses to chip in a little more. That’s why I have long campaigned for a Mansion Tax first proposed by Vince Cable that was included in the Liberal Democrat election manifesto. I will not however support a meaningless Labour motion designed exclusively to play cynical party political games.”

The Coalition has tabled an amendment to Labour’s motion, which allows Liberal Democrats to express their support for a mansion tax while also recognising Conservative opposition to it and criticising Labour’s record on taxation in office.

Vince Cable said: “The Liberal Democrats will not support a Labour motion designed exclusively to play cynical party political games. Parties should be judged on what they deliver on fairer taxes, rather than what they say about them. In Government, Labour refused to back our mansion tax.

The Mansion Tax is a Liberal Democrat policy to create a fairer tax system. The Liberal Democrats designed it and were the only party to make it a manifesto commitment in 2010. It would be levied at a rate of 1% on properties worth over £2 million, paid on the value of the property above that level

Recent Chorlton Planning Applications

noreply@blogger.com (Chorlton LibDems) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 18:22:00 +0000

Below are recently submitted Planning Applications in the Chorlton area. You can find out more information about any of the proposals on the City Council's Planning Portal at http://tinyurl.com/yv6lex or by contacting the South Area Planning Group Manager - Roger Hall; Tel: (0161) 234 4536; email: r.hall@manchester.gov.uk . You can also make a Planning representation (in support or opposition) to Mr Hall or the designated planning officer for each application. Please feel free to contact me on (07947383740; cllr.v.chamberlain@manchester.gov.uk) if you wish to discuss any application and please also send me a copy of any representation you make.

101623/FH/2013/S1 72 Nicolas Road Chorlton Cum Hardy Manchester M21 9LR Erection of single-storey side and rear extension to form additional living accommodation

101635/FH/2013/S1 3 Abbotsford Road Chorlton Manchester M21 0RJ
Erection of two-storey side and rear extension to form additional living accommodation

101641/FH/2013/S1 105 Ivygreen Road Chorlton-cum-Hardy Manchester M21 9FX
Erection of two-storey side and part single, part two-storey rear extension to form additional living accommodation
101175/FU/2012/S1 1 Railway Terrace Chorlton Manchester M21 0RQ Retrospective change of use from shop (class A1) to cafe (class A3) with outside seating area

101404/FH/2013/S1 6 Westfield Road Chorlton Manchester M21 0SP
Erection of single storey rear extension with cellar to form additional living accommodation

101451/FO/2013/S1 Coriander Restaurant 485 Barlow Moor Road Chorlton Manchester M21 8AG
Installation of a new shop front

101454/FU/2013/S1 Coriander Restaurant 485 Barlow Moor Road Chorlton Manchester M21 8AG
Creation of outside seating area

101535/FO/2013/S1 Ivy Court Beech Road Chorlton Manchester M21 9FL
Erection of timber arbour to communal garden area
101490/FO/2013/S1 3 St. Annes Road Chorlton Park Manchester M21 8TA Change of use of ground floor retail shop into residential use to form additional living accommodation in association with the existing first floor flat; change of use of rear store into granny flat; and associated elevational alterations
101497/FO/2013/S1 Post Office 127 Egerton Road South Chorlton Cum Hardy Manchester M21 0XN Erection of single storey rear extension to form additional retail space and elevational alterations to front to form separate entrance to first floor flat
101625/FH/2013/S1 225 Kings Road Chorlton Cum Hardy Manchester M21 0XG Erection of single-storey side extension, part single, part two-storey rear extension to form additional accommodation, together with erection of single-storey detached garage and 2 metre high boundary wall

101652/FH/2013/S1 176 Brantingham Road Chorlton Cum Hardy Manchester M21 0TS
Erection of two-storey rear extension to form additional accommodation, and including juliet balcony

License Application: The Laundrette, 32 Beech Road

noreply@blogger.com (Chorlton LibDems) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 18:11:00 +0000

I have received notification that an application has been received by the City Council for a New Premises Licence for The Laundrette, Basement And Ground Floor, 32 Beech Road, Manchester, M21 9EL.

A summary of the application is as follows:

Proposed trading hours for the provision of regulated entertainment

Films:
Mon to Sun 0800 to 2300

Live music:
Mon to Sun 1600 to 2200

Recorded music:
Mon to Sun 0800 to 2300

Proposed trading hours for the supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises only:
Mon to Sun 1200 to 2300

Proposed opening hours for the premises:
Mon to Sun 0800 to 2400

If you have any comments, you can make these directly to The Licensing Unit (e-mail: premises.licensing@manchester.gov.uk) or write to: The Licensing Unit, Regulatory & Enforcement Services, Premises Team, PO Box 271, Manchester, M18 8YU by 4 April 2013. The Licensing Authority may only consider a representation relating to the effect of granting of a licence on the licensing objectives, which are: Prevention of crime and disorder; Public Safety; Prevention of public nuisance and the Protection of children from harm. As a local Councillor I can make representations to support local residents; as can John Leech MP (leechj@parliament.uk; 434 3334). If you wish for us to do so, please let us know and send us a copy of any representation you may be making.

Energy Auction News

noreply@blogger.com (Chorlton LibDems) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 18:08:00 +0000

Did you miss out on signing up to the Energy Auction in January? Well here’s some good news – there’s another chance to make big savings because the whole process is being repeated on the 9 April!

That’s the day that the next online energy auction will take place: UK energy providers are given the chance to supply people across Greater Manchester who have signed up to the scheme, and bid for your custom by offering their cheapest energy deal.

The best-value provider will then be chosen and that deal will be sent out and offered to everyone who’s signed up this time. There’s no obligation - once you receive your offer, it’s your decision whether to accept or not.

Fill in the online form at www.gmfairenergy.com (please have a recent energy bill to hand because they’ll need to estimate your annual energy use and spend) or take your latest energy bills to your local library and ask about energy switching.

There were some amazing savings made in the first energy auction: one dual-fuel customer was offered a staggering saving of £892 per year, another resident was offered £770, and deals were also made available for people on prepayment meters for the first time, with one resident being offered a saving of £295.

Remember: the more people who sign up, the better the savings will be so don’t delay – you need to register by 8 April 2013.

There is a full explanation of the scheme at www.gmfairenergy.com

After 9 April, everyone who has signed up will be contacted within two weeks by iChoosr and offered an energy tariff based on their usage, which will outline how much they’ll save by switching.