Mike Scott-Hayward, UKIP councillor, has declared that Fife Council is now seen BY MANY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC as being guilty of using guesswork to determine public opinion, and technological flannel to circumvent consultation.
"The councillors on the Education Committee should avoid the mistakes made by the Policy Finance and Asset Management Committee (PFAM) when deciding the future of secondary education in North East Fife. PFAM rejected a proposal to have a referendum of parents and locals to assess whether or not full reliance should fall on a single new, and therefore large, secondary on a site in St Andrews, or two smaller schools - one for St Andrews and the other for the Tay Bridgehead.
"The view in support of two schools has been quoted in local newspapers, but mention of that is ruled out, almost forbidden, by the parties in power; one of which was elected on the promise of two schools. Labour opposition also stands against a Bridgehead school.
"The rejection of asking the people, whom we trust to elect governments, means we are now either in the hands of the unelected wielding complex matrixes, the tick box approach, or in the hands of ad hoc groups pushing single views. I applaud the effort of those who have raised a petition of over 2000 names but note that sadly, those signing were offered only one choice to support.
"Others have raised the very valid point that one option, South Street, is ruled out simply because the size of school serving the whole area won't fit there, and on transportation grounds, too many busses: a two school option would allow that choice to be on the table and also cut bussing - now a seemingly also banned topic.
"No one now knows what level of support there is in reality for two schools; nor does anyone really know the level of support for each possible site in St Andrews. We would do, though, had PFAM not chucked out the idea of a referendum, which the Conservatives and I had proposed. This way, the Council's way, means we will all still be in the dark. The lid will not go back on this can of worms by these means. Do the public even know that they could have had a referendum?"
Cllr Scott-Hayward was also critical of the consultation with parents. "The first meeting of the so called working group, decided that the impact of public opinion had to be a criteria in the magic matrix, the table to be used to assess options. I asked if the assessing group would include parents or public and was soundly told that the assessment was a matter for the experts! At the meeting of Fife Council, I asked how officers would determine 'public opinion' and the Leader of the Administration told me that there are officers who are well versed in assessing public reactions. Yet at the meeting informing parents of the result of the deliberations, the first point made by officers was that they had decided to merge that criteria with others as they found it too difficult to assess and so public views will only be able to made as part of the planning application process. That, of course, is post decision.
"It's a mess"
Wednesday, 2 November 2011
Friday, 2 September 2011
Falkland Responds
Thanks to the Fife Herald publishing my call for a referendum in Falkland, local people got up a petition. Now the SNP councillor is delighted!
And I don't mind in the least that he is now following UKIP policy. He might have said thanks!
He will now carry the message of the people to the Council - they do not want "no alcohol" on the village green. We'll see; local Lib Dems are for the ban - one of them, a leading light, even said that I should stay away as he was best placed to decide who should vote in any referendum...........
You couldn't make it up.
And I don't mind in the least that he is now following UKIP policy. He might have said thanks!
He will now carry the message of the people to the Council - they do not want "no alcohol" on the village green. We'll see; local Lib Dems are for the ban - one of them, a leading light, even said that I should stay away as he was best placed to decide who should vote in any referendum...........
You couldn't make it up.
Wednesday, 17 August 2011
Let the Villagers decide.....
The Community Council in Falkland, Fife, wants the Scottish Parliament to approve an alcohol free zone in the viallge.
I think that all the residents of Falkland should be given the opportunity to comment on whether or not the village should be an alcohol free zone.
UKIP policy is to have a local referendum on such issues - it could very easily be organised by the Community Council by simple having a copy of the electoral register to hand, crossing out the names of those appearing to cast a vote, and asking them to fill in a simple slip.
There are always strong views on both sides of this sort of matter and unless there is an over-riding issue, local views should swing the day. A good turnout will soon let all vested interest know the real common view.
I think that all the residents of Falkland should be given the opportunity to comment on whether or not the village should be an alcohol free zone.
UKIP policy is to have a local referendum on such issues - it could very easily be organised by the Community Council by simple having a copy of the electoral register to hand, crossing out the names of those appearing to cast a vote, and asking them to fill in a simple slip.
There are always strong views on both sides of this sort of matter and unless there is an over-riding issue, local views should swing the day. A good turnout will soon let all vested interest know the real common view.
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
RAF Leuchars closure and UK's Defences
Whilst the impact on St Andrews matters locally, the economic implications will be balanced by the use of the base by the army.
The real implications of what the Cameron and Clegg Government, however, is doing is unforgiveable.
From the time he first came forward to lead the Conservatives, in a contest against David Davies, Cameron dismayed me - he showed then in answers to questions about restoring our traditional regiments, that he has a poor grasp of the overall value of the Armed Forces. It is one reason why I left the Conservatives and joined UKIP.
Other politicians have been parochially vigorous but have not put their careers on the line in the defence of the Armed Services overall. This base closure is just another drastic step in a disastrous chain of events which MPS have sat and watched - indeed, condoned.
Coupled with the concept of building aircraftless aircraft carriers, scrapping ships and reducing the Britsih Army to the point where they couldn't fill Wembley Stadium, this new round of cuts puts us in a position now where we will not be able properly to defend the interests and safety of Britons. The Coalition clearly believes our future role is to play a second fiddle within a European Union Force. Holding on to the nuclear deterrent is all that will gives us credibility within that Force. Balance has gone - the impact is greater than any local disruption we may see North East Fife in the base changing from the RAF to the Army. Folk need to look at policies in future and not have simple pavlovian responses when we have the chance to influence, or choose, future governments.
The real implications of what the Cameron and Clegg Government, however, is doing is unforgiveable.
From the time he first came forward to lead the Conservatives, in a contest against David Davies, Cameron dismayed me - he showed then in answers to questions about restoring our traditional regiments, that he has a poor grasp of the overall value of the Armed Forces. It is one reason why I left the Conservatives and joined UKIP.
Other politicians have been parochially vigorous but have not put their careers on the line in the defence of the Armed Services overall. This base closure is just another drastic step in a disastrous chain of events which MPS have sat and watched - indeed, condoned.
Coupled with the concept of building aircraftless aircraft carriers, scrapping ships and reducing the Britsih Army to the point where they couldn't fill Wembley Stadium, this new round of cuts puts us in a position now where we will not be able properly to defend the interests and safety of Britons. The Coalition clearly believes our future role is to play a second fiddle within a European Union Force. Holding on to the nuclear deterrent is all that will gives us credibility within that Force. Balance has gone - the impact is greater than any local disruption we may see North East Fife in the base changing from the RAF to the Army. Folk need to look at policies in future and not have simple pavlovian responses when we have the chance to influence, or choose, future governments.
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
Fife Health Board Experiment going wrong........
It is time to question the value of the elected local Health Board being piloted in Fife.
The Health Board is in charge of NHS Fife - with half its members being elected. This is a move designed to make the Board more accountable to users, more democratic and in tune with local need.
Well, that is falling apart, as far as I am concerned. I have watched in disbelief as the Board has jiggled pharmacy services in Leuchars and Balmullo, going from bad to worse. In an exercise which now seems to me to have been designed to kick the issue into long grass, the Board set up a special sub committee to examine and resolve the question of who gets what pharmacy in this rural part of Fife.
Two appointed board members were joined by two elected members, none of whom, I understand, represents East Fife, to make the important decision to either allow the GPs in Balmullo to have a pharmacy, or not.
The vote against the local plans, supported by the local people, was 3 to 1 against local needs. I don't call that a system designed to represent local views.
UKIP has a policy whereby this is exactly the sort of issue that should be decided by a local referendum - especially where a so-called local board is seen to be biased against local views.
The Health Board is in charge of NHS Fife - with half its members being elected. This is a move designed to make the Board more accountable to users, more democratic and in tune with local need.
Well, that is falling apart, as far as I am concerned. I have watched in disbelief as the Board has jiggled pharmacy services in Leuchars and Balmullo, going from bad to worse. In an exercise which now seems to me to have been designed to kick the issue into long grass, the Board set up a special sub committee to examine and resolve the question of who gets what pharmacy in this rural part of Fife.
Two appointed board members were joined by two elected members, none of whom, I understand, represents East Fife, to make the important decision to either allow the GPs in Balmullo to have a pharmacy, or not.
The vote against the local plans, supported by the local people, was 3 to 1 against local needs. I don't call that a system designed to represent local views.
UKIP has a policy whereby this is exactly the sort of issue that should be decided by a local referendum - especially where a so-called local board is seen to be biased against local views.
Monday, 25 April 2011
Let the People decide...............
The elephant in the room is the European union bureaucracy against whose weight I will always lean. But I am realistic – as an MSP I want to remove the gags now placed on your councillors, who should be free to fight for their people.
We must introduce ways in which we, local people, will have the final say in what goes on in our communities. Planning appeals must be decided by the vote of local communities, not by remote imposed Reporters. They will advise: we will decide.
I want referenda on Scottish Independence and on our EU membership.
We must introduce ways in which we, local people, will have the final say in what goes on in our communities. Planning appeals must be decided by the vote of local communities, not by remote imposed Reporters. They will advise: we will decide.
I want referenda on Scottish Independence and on our EU membership.
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
STANDING IN NORTH EAST FIFE
I want the powers over our daily lives and our county’s future to be in our own hands. We, the people, must have the right to a local referendum over important local issues, such as major local planning decisions, over windfarms, the future of school and libraries etc.
I will be available to discuss policies and local issues from 6.30 pm to 7 .30:
Wednesday 20th April - Kingskettle Primary School
Thursday 21st April - Wormit Primary School
Tuesday 26th April – Pittenweem Primary School
Thursday 28th April – Auchtermuchty Primary School
Tuesday 3rd May – Newburgh Primary School
I am also holding a
PUBLIC MEETING
LARGOWARD COMMUNITY HALL
Tuesday 19th April from 7 pm
Accompanied by CHRISTOPHER MONCKTON
Renowned Anthropogenic Climate Change Sceptic and UKIP Lead Candidate for Mid Scotland and Fife
Promoted and published by Mike Scott-Hayward, Sawmill House, Kemback Bridge, Fife KY15 5TP on his own behalf
I will be available to discuss policies and local issues from 6.30 pm to 7 .30:
Wednesday 20th April - Kingskettle Primary School
Thursday 21st April - Wormit Primary School
Tuesday 26th April – Pittenweem Primary School
Thursday 28th April – Auchtermuchty Primary School
Tuesday 3rd May – Newburgh Primary School
I am also holding a
PUBLIC MEETING
LARGOWARD COMMUNITY HALL
Tuesday 19th April from 7 pm
Accompanied by CHRISTOPHER MONCKTON
Renowned Anthropogenic Climate Change Sceptic and UKIP Lead Candidate for Mid Scotland and Fife
Promoted and published by Mike Scott-Hayward, Sawmill House, Kemback Bridge, Fife KY15 5TP on his own behalf
Saturday, 5 February 2011
Bats - did you know?
The Committee of Auchtermuchty Landscape and Environment Group are concerned about windfarms being installed throughout Fife and beyond. You may not be aware of the threat to bats posed by wind turbines and the fact that the legal position in Europe is that in order to implement the EU Habitats and Species Directive, Member States have to enact their own domestic legislation, and in the UK this is done through the Conservation (Natural Habitats etc.) Regulations 1994 (amended in Scotland in 2004). The European Commission keeps a close eye on how well member States are implementing the Directive. During the past couple of years, the UK has been obliged to make some changes. Thus in the UK, the legal protection of bats was strengthened in relation to the EU Habitats Directive, and in Scotland the previous laws were again amended. We now have: The Conservation (Natural Habitats etc.) Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2007. This states that “It is an Offence, intentionally or recklessly, to kill, injure or take a bat.”
Moving towards more Private Care Homes
Scotland's only UKIP councillor, Mike Scott-Hayward, believes that there should be an end to the expressions of alarm at the change in direction of the management and operation of Fife Council care homes.
"As long ago as 2001, I could see that the direction now decided upon was necessary: the Council simply does not deliver as much care as can be achieved by using the private and voluntary sector. There are too many people, some councillors included, who are hung up on an ideology that the job can only be safely done by the council.
"That simply is not the case. Already, nine out of ten people in care homes in Fife are in the private and voluntary sector. The Care Commission sets and inspects the standards, be that in private or public sector. Clearly, the 3000 spaces delivered in Fife, only ten percent of which are by the Council, meet the standards and generally do so well.
"I have no criticism of the standard of care in council run homes; and certainly no criticism of the staff. Indeed, many staff in private homes joined from council run homes. The problem with delivery by the Council is in the nature of the beast: budgets are set by a bureaucracy, then spent regardless, mostly using laborious and convoluted procurement processes. The "state" usually makes a pig's ear of delivering new builds. The cost of new council owned and operated homes is not as efficient as can be achieved in the private sector.
"Moreover, the running cost, because of the bureaucrat systems, of a council home is more expensive, approaching almost twice as much, as the private sector.
"Ten years ago, and repeatedly since then, I advanced the budget proposal for a phased changeover to increased private sector use. The move now, belated as it is, was inevitable - it is a logical and sensible step, and not one for any alarm.
"Councillors, both in the opposition and some in the administration who equivocate seeking popularity, should stop disparaging this new sensible approach. The provision will still be local, will still be subject to the Care Commission regime, and will be able to provide for more people who need the care. The plan does not portend the end of care, or the turfing out of those currently in council care."
"As long ago as 2001, I could see that the direction now decided upon was necessary: the Council simply does not deliver as much care as can be achieved by using the private and voluntary sector. There are too many people, some councillors included, who are hung up on an ideology that the job can only be safely done by the council.
"That simply is not the case. Already, nine out of ten people in care homes in Fife are in the private and voluntary sector. The Care Commission sets and inspects the standards, be that in private or public sector. Clearly, the 3000 spaces delivered in Fife, only ten percent of which are by the Council, meet the standards and generally do so well.
"I have no criticism of the standard of care in council run homes; and certainly no criticism of the staff. Indeed, many staff in private homes joined from council run homes. The problem with delivery by the Council is in the nature of the beast: budgets are set by a bureaucracy, then spent regardless, mostly using laborious and convoluted procurement processes. The "state" usually makes a pig's ear of delivering new builds. The cost of new council owned and operated homes is not as efficient as can be achieved in the private sector.
"Moreover, the running cost, because of the bureaucrat systems, of a council home is more expensive, approaching almost twice as much, as the private sector.
"Ten years ago, and repeatedly since then, I advanced the budget proposal for a phased changeover to increased private sector use. The move now, belated as it is, was inevitable - it is a logical and sensible step, and not one for any alarm.
"Councillors, both in the opposition and some in the administration who equivocate seeking popularity, should stop disparaging this new sensible approach. The provision will still be local, will still be subject to the Care Commission regime, and will be able to provide for more people who need the care. The plan does not portend the end of care, or the turfing out of those currently in council care."
Votes for Convicts? I don't believe it!
I take my hat off to Jack Straw and David Davis - they are doing what the government ought to do - standing up for our sovereingty.
It is the sovereign right of the British to decide who shall represent us in Parliament, and who shall have the right to vote for what should be our wholly sovereign parliament.
Messrs Straw and Davis rightly wan to block prisoners, people who have gone beyond the law, from having the right to vote. The EU has dictated that prisoners should have that right - and the Coalition Government is rolling over for them. Cameron pledged he would not surrender any more sovereignty; here another slice will go unless Straw and Davis succeed in getting the support of parliament. Parliament can assert our sovereignty, even if Cameron and Clegg are too weak to stand up against the EU.
I applaud Straw and Davis - but it is only an element of what is necessary: there are those of us who would reclaim all our sovereignty.
Mike Scott-Hayward
UKIP
It is the sovereign right of the British to decide who shall represent us in Parliament, and who shall have the right to vote for what should be our wholly sovereign parliament.
Messrs Straw and Davis rightly wan to block prisoners, people who have gone beyond the law, from having the right to vote. The EU has dictated that prisoners should have that right - and the Coalition Government is rolling over for them. Cameron pledged he would not surrender any more sovereignty; here another slice will go unless Straw and Davis succeed in getting the support of parliament. Parliament can assert our sovereignty, even if Cameron and Clegg are too weak to stand up against the EU.
I applaud Straw and Davis - but it is only an element of what is necessary: there are those of us who would reclaim all our sovereignty.
Mike Scott-Hayward
UKIP
Friday, 24 December 2010
Nick Clegg, Vince Cable and the Lib Dems just don't get it
Nick Clegg, Vince Cable and the Lib Dems just don't get it. MPs' surgeries, supported by taxpayers' funds, are indeed confidential and are for the purpose of dealing with constituents facing some difficulty or other.
The confidentiality of a surgery does provide cover for the MP to parade their egos, to boast of their use of official powers to pursue a personal ideology or a secret party political aim (itself wholly reprehensible behaviour, well exposed here!), or to insult other MPs. The MP must know that, and should appraise the constituent, real or impostor, of the form, rather than themselves misbehave.
Too late to appeal to the third umpire; they were naive, and well caught behind the wicket.
The confidentiality of a surgery does provide cover for the MP to parade their egos, to boast of their use of official powers to pursue a personal ideology or a secret party political aim (itself wholly reprehensible behaviour, well exposed here!), or to insult other MPs. The MP must know that, and should appraise the constituent, real or impostor, of the form, rather than themselves misbehave.
Too late to appeal to the third umpire; they were naive, and well caught behind the wicket.
Thursday, 6 May 2010
Finally, before you place your cross today....
A remimder:
The Treaty of Lisbon (initially known as the Reform Treaty) is a treaty that was signed by the European Union (EU) member states on 13 December 2007, and entered into force on 1 December 2009. It amends the Treaty on European Union (TEU, Maastricht; 1992) and the Treaty establishing the European Community (TEC, Rome; 1957). In this process, the TEC was renamed to Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).
Of which Article 288 states:
A regulation shall have general application. It shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.
A directive shall be binding, as to the result to be achieved, upon each Member State to which it is addressed, but shall leave to the national authorities the choice of form and methods.
A decision shall be binding in its entirety. A decision which specifies those to whom it is addressed shall be binding only on them.
Recommendations and opinions shall have no binding force.
The Treaty of Lisbon (initially known as the Reform Treaty) is a treaty that was signed by the European Union (EU) member states on 13 December 2007, and entered into force on 1 December 2009. It amends the Treaty on European Union (TEU, Maastricht; 1992) and the Treaty establishing the European Community (TEC, Rome; 1957). In this process, the TEC was renamed to Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).
Of which Article 288 states:
A regulation shall have general application. It shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.
A directive shall be binding, as to the result to be achieved, upon each Member State to which it is addressed, but shall leave to the national authorities the choice of form and methods.
A decision shall be binding in its entirety. A decision which specifies those to whom it is addressed shall be binding only on them.
Recommendations and opinions shall have no binding force.
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
It's nearly time......
You should vote for UKIP for North East Fife because our policies would
• End the poverty trap with the combination of benefits and income tax plans
• Make no cuts in NHS frontline services
• Move to a universal non means tested Citizen’s Pension of £130 pw each
• Invest £1.5bn in new social housing immediately we are free of the EU
• Invest £3bn in the UK’s road and railway infrastructure
• Introduce binding local referenda on important major planning decisions
• End undemocratic planning targets in favour of local decision-making
• Old railway lines to be re-opened: a chance for St Andrews rail link.
• Abolish the Scottish Reporter: Local Referenda have final say.
• Bring RAF up to strength with extra 6,000 personnel
• Buy C17s, add 50 more Typhoons.
• Enlarge the tanker fleet
• Buy more helicopters and put Maritime Patrol aircraft back on track.
You should vote for me as I have shown my commitment as a long standing councillor and I am the only candidate who cares enough for North East Fife to have made my home here. I will work as ever without fear or favour.
• End the poverty trap with the combination of benefits and income tax plans
• Make no cuts in NHS frontline services
• Move to a universal non means tested Citizen’s Pension of £130 pw each
• Invest £1.5bn in new social housing immediately we are free of the EU
• Invest £3bn in the UK’s road and railway infrastructure
• Introduce binding local referenda on important major planning decisions
• End undemocratic planning targets in favour of local decision-making
• Old railway lines to be re-opened: a chance for St Andrews rail link.
• Abolish the Scottish Reporter: Local Referenda have final say.
• Bring RAF up to strength with extra 6,000 personnel
• Buy C17s, add 50 more Typhoons.
• Enlarge the tanker fleet
• Buy more helicopters and put Maritime Patrol aircraft back on track.
You should vote for me as I have shown my commitment as a long standing councillor and I am the only candidate who cares enough for North East Fife to have made my home here. I will work as ever without fear or favour.
Sunday, 2 May 2010
Candidate Briggs (Con)
Miles Briggs (con), in his election address, a "record of action" in North East Fife, says "I believe we live in one of the best parts of Scotland." Implication?
Truth: Miles lives in Edinburgh. What's the harm in that?
Promoted by Mike Scott-Hayward of Sawmill House, Kemback Bridge, Fife KY15 5TP on his own behalf.
Truth: Miles lives in Edinburgh. What's the harm in that?
Promoted by Mike Scott-Hayward of Sawmill House, Kemback Bridge, Fife KY15 5TP on his own behalf.
UKIP's plans kill the poverty trap - Basic Cash Benefit and flat rate tax is brilliiant!
Why has the media and the fiscal world failed to latch onto the brilliance of UKIP's Basic Cash Benefit and Flat Rate tax plans? It kills the benefits poverty trap.
Here is how it works:
All 70 odd current benefits are scrapped and replaced with the Basic Cash Benefit - BCB - set at the same level as the current Job Seeker's Allowance. It is paid to all unemployed and low earners without any clawback if they take employment. Those on BCB, however, pay flat rate tax on all earnings, whilst keeping the full BCB.
When earnings reach £11,500, the BCB stops but then the personal tax allowance kicks in and the flat rate tax is paid only on earnings over £11,500.
What does all that mean?
Have a look at this (assumes BCB is £60 pw)
BCB........3120......3120......3120......3120......3120......0000.....0000......0000
PAY........000......1500......2500.....10000.....11400.....11500....14000.....20000
TAX........000.......465.......775........3100......3534.......000......775......2635
POCKET.3120......4155......4845.....10020.....10986.....11500...13225.....17365
As can been seen there is clearly an incentive to take work and to build up to full time employment and full wages. The Personal Allowance of £11,500 equates to a full time job on the minimum wage.
The poverty trap would be no more.
Here is how it works:
All 70 odd current benefits are scrapped and replaced with the Basic Cash Benefit - BCB - set at the same level as the current Job Seeker's Allowance. It is paid to all unemployed and low earners without any clawback if they take employment. Those on BCB, however, pay flat rate tax on all earnings, whilst keeping the full BCB.
When earnings reach £11,500, the BCB stops but then the personal tax allowance kicks in and the flat rate tax is paid only on earnings over £11,500.
What does all that mean?
Have a look at this (assumes BCB is £60 pw)
BCB........3120......3120......3120......3120......3120......0000.....0000......0000
PAY........000......1500......2500.....10000.....11400.....11500....14000.....20000
TAX........000.......465.......775........3100......3534.......000......775......2635
POCKET.3120......4155......4845.....10020.....10986.....11500...13225.....17365
As can been seen there is clearly an incentive to take work and to build up to full time employment and full wages. The Personal Allowance of £11,500 equates to a full time job on the minimum wage.
The poverty trap would be no more.
Saturday, 1 May 2010
Who rules your life?
Some would dispute that the EU is now in charge of most law-making in our country - and are dismissive of those who are concerned about the loss of our sovereignty.
Most folk have heard, however vaguely, of "EU Directives" but many still think that these are simply ideas from Brussels which are dealt with by our Parliament on a take it or leave it basis.
Well, now use the link and discover the new reality of the way in which you are governed. But first, here is Article 288 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union:
THE LEGAL ACTS OF THE UNION
Article 288
ex Article 249 TEC)
To exercise the Union's competences, the institutions shall adopt regulations, directives, decisions,recommendations and opinions.
A regulation shall have general application. It shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.
A directive shall be binding, as to the result to be achieved, upon each Member State to which it is addressed, but shall leave to the national authorities the choice of form and methods.
A decision shall be binding in its entirety. A decision which specifies those to whom it is addressed shall be binding only on them.
Recommendations and opinions shall have no binding force.
For the full document:http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cmsUpload/st06655-re01.en08.pdf
Most folk have heard, however vaguely, of "EU Directives" but many still think that these are simply ideas from Brussels which are dealt with by our Parliament on a take it or leave it basis.
Well, now use the link and discover the new reality of the way in which you are governed. But first, here is Article 288 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union:
THE LEGAL ACTS OF THE UNION
Article 288
ex Article 249 TEC)
To exercise the Union's competences, the institutions shall adopt regulations, directives, decisions,recommendations and opinions.
A regulation shall have general application. It shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.
A directive shall be binding, as to the result to be achieved, upon each Member State to which it is addressed, but shall leave to the national authorities the choice of form and methods.
A decision shall be binding in its entirety. A decision which specifies those to whom it is addressed shall be binding only on them.
Recommendations and opinions shall have no binding force.
For the full document:http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cmsUpload/st06655-re01.en08.pdf
BBC misrepresents UKIP on NHS - naughty bias...
The BBC has been misrepresenting UKIP policy on the NHS, purporting that UKIP would cut spending by 1/3rd.
The truth is different: The UKIP manifesto says UKIP would:
Make no cuts in front line services but substantially reduce waste and bureaucracy
Use NHS funds better, by abolishing overlapping layers of bureaucracy.
So, which B in BBC stands for bias?
Mike Scott-Hayward
PS Under Labour, NHS spending has risen massively, effectively by £42 Billion per year, without real benefit. Even common sense dictates that substantial savings, particularly in bureaucracy, must be available without injury to front line services.
The truth is different: The UKIP manifesto says UKIP would:
Make no cuts in front line services but substantially reduce waste and bureaucracy
Use NHS funds better, by abolishing overlapping layers of bureaucracy.
So, which B in BBC stands for bias?
Mike Scott-Hayward
PS Under Labour, NHS spending has risen massively, effectively by £42 Billion per year, without real benefit. Even common sense dictates that substantial savings, particularly in bureaucracy, must be available without injury to front line services.
Should we revamp the Met Office?
From a barbecue summer to ash clouds....is the Met Office cutting the mustard?
Perhaps we need a review of the way the Met Office is managed and funded. Did the National Air Traffic Service get the best advice before closing air space over the UK? Was there too much of a heavy hand from EuroControl?
Is there a politically correct atmosphere in the Met Office?
The Met Office feeds a lot of information to the IPCC - the source of glabal warming alarm. Is this sane? If the Met Office uses probablity rather reality, as they seem to have done with the ash clouds, is what they pass to the IPCC reliable?
Perhaps we need a review of the way the Met Office is managed and funded. Did the National Air Traffic Service get the best advice before closing air space over the UK? Was there too much of a heavy hand from EuroControl?
Is there a politically correct atmosphere in the Met Office?
The Met Office feeds a lot of information to the IPCC - the source of glabal warming alarm. Is this sane? If the Met Office uses probablity rather reality, as they seem to have done with the ash clouds, is what they pass to the IPCC reliable?
Tuesday, 27 April 2010
Saving St Andrews and others from the Planners, the UKIP way.
I fervently hope that residents of North East Fife, especially those concerned about the autocratic and often crippling Fife Structure Plan, have read the UKIP policy on Housing and Planning.
St Andrews and Cupar, facing massive developer led over-development, could both be saved from those dire consequences, were UKIP policy to prevail.
Here are some highlights from the Executive Summary:
UKIP will abolish the Planning Inspectorate (Scottish Reporter) and end appeals to
Government Ministers. Planning decisions will be taken by local authorities and local
Referenda with a final right of appeal to the High Court.
There will be direct binding Referenda on all major housing schemes and economic
developments such as supermarkets, housing developments of more than 50 homes and
other major building projects.
UKIP will abolish centrally and regionally directed housing requirements.
UKIP will scrap centrally and regionally directed targets. UKIP will also abolish
Regional Development Agencies and Regional Assemblies.
UKIP will return to county, local and district plans that will be under the control of the local authorities. UKIP will also introduce a UK National Plan that will provide an overview and guidance for local authorities. This won’t be a rigid framework as is currently the case.
UKIP is opposed to mass housing estates.
UKIP will encourage the building of more ‘community’ housing such as the Dorchester
suburb of Poundbury as well as smaller developments of fewer than 50 homes.
UKIP will demand higher quality and standards of material, craft, soundproofing and
spacing for new homes to ensure that any new houses last as long as Edwardian and
Victorian homes.
From the saved UK contributions to the EU, UKIP will spend 1.5 billion a year on
building new quality social housing and demolishing poor quality houses.
UKIP will encourage the building of new local council homes by local councils instead of forcing developers to provide social housing on new developments which amounts to a ‘homeowners development tax’. That puts house prices up.
UKIP will remove VAT and its replacement Local Sales Tax from the costs of
conversion of listed buildings, buildings in conservation areas and on empty buildings.
UKIP will encourage the return to productive use of the nearly one million homes that are currently empty.
St Andrews and Cupar, facing massive developer led over-development, could both be saved from those dire consequences, were UKIP policy to prevail.
Here are some highlights from the Executive Summary:
UKIP will abolish the Planning Inspectorate (Scottish Reporter) and end appeals to
Government Ministers. Planning decisions will be taken by local authorities and local
Referenda with a final right of appeal to the High Court.
There will be direct binding Referenda on all major housing schemes and economic
developments such as supermarkets, housing developments of more than 50 homes and
other major building projects.
UKIP will abolish centrally and regionally directed housing requirements.
UKIP will scrap centrally and regionally directed targets. UKIP will also abolish
Regional Development Agencies and Regional Assemblies.
UKIP will return to county, local and district plans that will be under the control of the local authorities. UKIP will also introduce a UK National Plan that will provide an overview and guidance for local authorities. This won’t be a rigid framework as is currently the case.
UKIP is opposed to mass housing estates.
UKIP will encourage the building of more ‘community’ housing such as the Dorchester
suburb of Poundbury as well as smaller developments of fewer than 50 homes.
UKIP will demand higher quality and standards of material, craft, soundproofing and
spacing for new homes to ensure that any new houses last as long as Edwardian and
Victorian homes.
From the saved UK contributions to the EU, UKIP will spend 1.5 billion a year on
building new quality social housing and demolishing poor quality houses.
UKIP will encourage the building of new local council homes by local councils instead of forcing developers to provide social housing on new developments which amounts to a ‘homeowners development tax’. That puts house prices up.
UKIP will remove VAT and its replacement Local Sales Tax from the costs of
conversion of listed buildings, buildings in conservation areas and on empty buildings.
UKIP will encourage the return to productive use of the nearly one million homes that are currently empty.
An unfortunate coincidence?
What a shame for the Lib Dems in North East Fife: their candididate's campain poster is the same shape as a scatter cushion......a constant reminder of the expenses scandal.
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