DEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT & THE REGIONS
COI
DEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT & THE REGIONS
199 16 March 1998
#21 MILLION BOOST TO LINK THAMES' 'STRING OF PEARLS' - JOHN PRESCOTT
A #21 million boost for new passenger transport services on the River
Thames to provide a lasting legacy for Londoners for the Millennium
and beyond was announced by Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott,
today, as part of his Thames 2000 initiative.
He said:
"New vessels, new services and new and upgraded piers will transform
the capital's river by forging new links between the north and south
bank communities and enhancing access to London's historical and
cultural 'string of pearls' landmarks."
Announcing the outcome of a competition to run the new services and
welcoming a #6 million plus Millennium Commission grant for piers,
Mr Prescott said:
"For millions of visitors to the Millennium Experience at Greenwich
there will be express services to and from the Dome from central
London and a shuttle service connecting the Dome site with historic
Greenwich. As well as these Millennium services there will be hopper
services criss-crossing the Thames, linking its cultural landmarks
from Westminster to Canary Wharf and Rotherhithe. Our aim is to put
the heart back into London's river and put the river at the heart of
a modem integrated transport system for the capital in the 21st
century."
Most of the new services will be up and running by the Millennium.
Nearly # 15 million - half granted by the Millennium Commission -
will be spent on new piers at Blackfriars and Waterloo and on
refurbishing Tower and Westminster piers. These will complement
other new piers at Charing Cross and The Globe at Bankside and
further piers that are proposed at a number of other London locations
including Battersea Power Station. More than #6 million will be
invested in new vessels by City Cruises PLC and White Horse Fast
Ferries who the Deputy Prime Minister announced today had been chosen
as the preferred bidders to run new passenger transport services on
the Thames.
City Cruises will provide a millennium service from Waterloo and
Blackfriars to the Millennium Experience and an express legacy
service linking upstream and downstream piers. White Horse Fast
Ferries will provide a millennium shuttle service between historic
Greenwich and the Millennium Experience and a legacy 'hopper' service
between 10 central London piers from Westminster to Rotherhithe,
with the possibility of extending the service upstream at a later
date.
London River Services Ltd - a new subsidiary set up by London
Transport - ran the competition for potential operators of the new
services. It will also own and manage the key central London piers.
Notes to Editors
1. The Deputy Prime Minister launched the Thames 2000 initiative in
July 1997 with the aim of using the river services to the Millennium
celebrations at Greenwich as a catalyst to revitalise passenger
transport on the Thames. The initial groundwork of developing an
integrated package of measures to take forward the Thames 200
initiative was carried out by the Cross River Partnership and the New
Millennium Experience Company. Companies were invited to express
interest in running services to the Millennium Exhibition site at
Greenwich, and in longer term 'legacy' services. Expressions of
interest were received from 19 companies and eight were invited to
tender for services. The final tender evaluation panel comprised
representatives of London River Services Ltd, New Millennium
Experience Company Ltd, Cross River Partnership and the Port of
London Authority.
# = pounds sterling
COI
DEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT & THE REGIONS
197/ENV 16 March 1998
TWO NEW BIRD HAVENS GIVEN EXTRA PROTECTION
Environment Minister Michael Meacher today pledged extra
protection for two bird havens in England.
Wealden Heaths (Phase 2) in southern England, and the Duddon
Estuary in Cumbria have been listed as Special Protection Areas for
Birds under the EC Birds Directive. The Duddon Estuary has also been
listed as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar
Convention.
Mr Meacher said:
"I am delighted to add Wealden Heaths and the Duddon Estuary to
the growing list of protected bird habitats in the UK.
"Wealden Heaths, which covers just over 2,000 hectares across
Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex, forms one of the few remaining
extensive areas of heathland and mire in southern Britain and
regularly supports rare bird populations of nightjar, woodlark and
Dartford warbler.
"The Duddon Estuary is the most important site in Cumbria for
sand-dune communities and includes the largest coastal lagoon in
north-west England - a flooded mine working known as Hodbarrow
Lagoon.
"The watery terrain supports a rich variety of wildfowl and
waders, including ringed plover, sanderling and dunlin and provides a
vital link in the chain of west coast estuaries used by migrating
birds.
"I am glad to give these important habitats the recognition they
deserve."
Notes to Editors
1. The 1979 European Commission Directive (79/409 EEC) on the
conservation of wild birds requires member states to notify the
Commission of sites which are of particular importance to the
conservation of wild birds. The UK is also a signatory to the
Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as
Waterfowl Habitat (the Ramsar Convention - named after the town where
the first conference was held in 1971). The broad objectives of the
Convention are to stem the progressive encroachment on, and loss of,
wetlands and to promote their wise use.
2. No site is classified under the Birds Directive unless it has
first been notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Such
notification protects the site by law from activities likely to
damage its nature conservation interest. The Special Protection Area
(SPA) designation gives public recognition to the international
importance of the site and means that development proposals that
would be detrimental to the nature conservation interest will be
permitted only in very exceptional circumstances.
3. Phase 2 of Wealden Heaths follows on from Phase 1 which
consisted of Thursley, Hankley and Frensham Commons in Surrey. That
SPA was classified in February 1994 and also comprises heathland and
mire habitat.
4. 173 Special Protection Areas and 123 Ramsar sites have now been
designated in the UK covering over 700,000 hectares and nearly
500,000 hectares respectively.
COI
DEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT & THE REGIONS
200/TRANSPORT 16 March 1998
IT'S A BAD CALL'
GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY WARN MOTORISTS
Government and industry today united to remind motorists of the
potential dangers of using hand-held mobile phones whilst driving.
Road Safety Minister, Baroness Hayman, and representatives of the
mobile phone industry, the Automobile Association and Police together
launched an awareness campaign aimed at bringing home the message
that driving while holding a mobile phone is dangerous.
Launching the campaign at the Department of the Environment,
Transport and the Regions, Helene Hayman said:
"I am delighted that this campaign has won the support of the
mobile phone industry, the Police and motoring organisations and
welcome the responsible attitude that the mobile phone industry has
taken on this important road safety issue.
"Our message is clear, driving whilst using a hand-held mobile
phone could cost lives. Drivers must be in full control of their
vehicles to ensure the safety of themselves, their passengers and
other road users."
The campaign will include national newspaper advertisements and an
advisory leaflet. The advertisements, which feature images of a
crash scene, include the slogan 'Hand-held mobile phones and driving.
It's a bad call'.
The leaflet - Mobile phones and driving - published by the DETR and
endorsed by the Federation of Communication Services (FCS) - the
mobile communications industry body, mobile phone operators, the
Association of Chief Police Officers and the Automobile Association,
reminds motorists about the dangers of using hand-held mobile phones.
It offers guidance on hands-free mobile phone use and provides advice
to employers about how to reduce accident risk for staff who use
mobile phones when travelling by car.
The Government leaflet will be distributed to the general public by
road safety officers and the police, and to learner drivers through
driving instructors, test centres and the Driving Standard Agency's
magazine for successful test candidates.
The campaign is also being supported by the mobile communications
industry who intend to spend up to #1 million promoting its own safe
driving advice. The FCS launched their own information guide today -
Safe Communications on the Move - for distribution specifically
through the mobile communications industry and individual companies
for their customers. It encourages good driving practice and advises
when to use a mobile phone in conjunction with hands-free equipment..
Commenting, FCS Chairman, Jonathan Clark, said:
"Two-way communications are sometimes essential for modern
motorists. However, using a mobile phone as a driver must not be
viewed as a casual activity.
"Today's roads are busier than ever, requiring the highest
levels of concentration and control. For this reason we have
produced a 14 point advice plan for motorists, employers and those
installing phones in vehicles based on advice taken from a Transport
Research Laboratory report. These recommendations are endorsed by
the DETR, the AA, RAC and Institute of Advanced Motorists."
Ken Williams, Vice-Chairman of the Association of Chief Police
Officers' Traffic Committee and Chief Constable of Norfolk, said:
"The safety of all road users is of primary concern to the
police. This campaign recognises the increase in the use of mobile
telephones by motorists whilst on the move and offers constructive
advice as a first step in addressing the dangers posed by that
practice.
"Any activity which distracts a driver's attention or which
inhibits a driver from having full control of their vehicle increases
the risk of involvement in a collision and must be strongly
discouraged. For that reason we do not consider specific legislation
in relation to the use of mobile phones by drivers is necessary. We
already have adequate powers to prosecute drivers for driving without
due care and attention under the Road Traffic Act 1988."
AA Policy Director, John Dawson, said:
"There are two messages for drivers and they are very, very
simple. If you're thinking of using a hand-held mobile phone on the
move - don't; and before using a hands-free mobile phone - think
safety."
Welcoming the campaign, RoSPA President, Lord Astor of Hever, said:
"There is no doubt that the dual distractions of holding a
mobile phone and using it while driving are prejudicial to road
safety. Thus drivers should never use hand-held mobile phones while
they are on the move."
The campaign message has also received support from the business
world. Commenting, Adair Turner, Director General of the
Confederation of British Industry said:
"Road safety is an important issue for everyone, including
business. The CBI is happy to support this guidance which makes an
important contribution to raising awareness in this area."
A recent survey published by Lease Plan, a vehicle leasing and fleet
management company, showed that one in five company car drivers use
mobile phones while they are driving. Howard Thomas, managing
director designate of Lease Plan, reinforced today's message saying:
"Lease Plan is a strong advocate of promoting road safety.
Thinking about safety should start before your journey. By
pre-planning your route and allowing enough time for the journey,
including sufficient time for rest, drivers can make their mobile
phone calls whilst stopping for that all important break."
Commenting on the use of hands-free mobile phones, Lady Hayman said:
"It is safer not to use any type of phone when driving,
conversations on hands-free phones could distract your attention from
the road. Our advice is use a messaging service and take regular
breaks to make those essential calls."
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. A report examining world-wide research into the safety of mobile
phone usage by drivers was completed by the Transport Research
Laboratory and published by the DETR in November 1997 (see Press
Notice No: 277/Transport/97). The report concluded that the use of
hand-held mobile phones whilst driving is widely regarded as unsafe.
Studies into the road safety implication of using hands-free phones
suggested that the distraction effect reduced as they were made
easier to use. However, the distraction caused by the mental effort
of telephone conversation is present.
2. While it is not a specific offence to use a mobile phone while
driving, existing legislation can be and has been used in the
prosecution of drivers using hand-held mobile phones. Regulation 104
of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 states
that the driver must have full control of the vehicle at all times.
The maximum fine for failing to have full control of your vehicle is
#2,500. Drivers using hand-held mobile phones could also be
prosecuted for careless driving which carries a maximum fine of
#2,500 and license endorsements of 3 - 9 penalty points and
discretionary disqualification, or dangerous driving which can
involve a maximum of 2 years in prison, an unlimited fine, 1 year
disqualification from driving and an extended re-test.
3. Mobile phones are used by over 8.5 million people in the UK.
Four major mobile phone operators (Cellnet, One 2 One, Orange and
Vodafone) are producing individually branded leaflets based on the
same text as the FCS leaflet. They will be distributed to their
subscribers and plan other reminders to their customers, for example
on bills.
4. The Lease Plan survey, 'The Road Ahead...' The 1997 Survey of
Company Car Drivers is based on information taken from questionnaires
returned by 614 company car drivers. For more information about the
survey, please call Lease Plan.
# = pounds sterling
COI
DEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT & THE REGIONS
201/ENV 16 March 1998
RICHARD CABORN ANNOUNCES PROPOSALS FOR IMPROVING THE
DELIVERY OF LOCAL PLANS AND UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLANS
Proposals to improve the way in which Local Plans and Unitary
Development Plans (UDPs) are prepared and adopted were announced
today.
In a written answer to a Parliamentary Question from Mr Marsha
Singh MP (Bradford West), Richard Caborn MP, Minister of State for
the Regions, Regeneration and Planning said:
"The statement "Modernising Planning", published on 15 January,
set out our policies to improve the operation of the planning system.
In accordance with those polices my Department has today published a
consultation paper on proposals for changes to the arrangements for
the preparation and adoption by local authorities of Local Plans and
Unitary Development Plans. Copies of the consultation paper have
been placed in the Library.
"This Government is committed to the plan-led system of
development. This provides the essential framework for rational and
consistent planning decisions, and plays a vital role in promoting
development and growth which respects the environment. But if the
plan-led system is to work there must be plans which cover all parts
of the country and an effective system to keep those plans up to
date.
"The previous Government agreed a target date with local
authorities for substantial coverage of local plans by the end of
1996. Only 43% coverage was achieved by that date. The figure is
expected to be about 70% by the end of 1998. We therefore propose to
introduce changes to national policy guidance and to procedures aimed
at:
- promoting shorter, clearer plans;
- securing better targeted consultation;
- encouraging authorities to announce and be accountable for
a target timetable;
- promoting negotiation on objections in order to reduce the
number of issues requiring discussion at the inquiry;
- making the Inspector's report publicly available within a
set time period; and
- encouraging the prompt adoption of plans.
"Improvements in the quality and content of plans have a crucial
role in speeding up the development plans' system. The revised
guidance draws attention to the scope for authorities to learn from
the best practice of others. However, ensuring that efficient
procedures are in place is only part of the answer. Much of the
success of these proposals depends on the approach adopted by the
local authorities in taking them forward. These proposals will
improve the system only if used constructively by planning
authorities and there is real commitment from them to making the plan
led system work."
NOTES FOR EDITORS
1. The Policy Statement "Modernising Planning" (publication
98DPL002), is available from the Department of the Environment,
Transport and the Regions, Publications and Despatch Centre,
Blackhorse Road, London, SE99 6TT.
2. A copy of the Consultation Paper is being sent to each county,
district and unitary authority in England, the local authority
associations, representatives of the property industry, and to
statutory, professional and voluntary bodies with an interest in
planning. Further copies are available from the above address.
3. Views and comments should be sent by the Monday 1 June 1998 to
Mr H George, PCD Department of the Environment, Transport and the
Regions, Room 4/H1, Eland House, Bressenden Place, London SW1E 5DU.
COI
DEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT & THE REGIONS
202 17 March 1998
BEVERLEY GETS GO-AHEAD FOR NEW PARISH
A new parish for the ancient town of Beverley in the East Riding
of Yorkshire is to be created following a petition from local
electors, Local Government Minister Hilary Armstrong announced today.
The way is now clear for the East Riding of Yorkshire Council
to create a parish council for Beverley. This is the second parish to
be created under powers in the Local Government & Rating Act 1997.
Hilary Armstrong said:
"Parishes are the tier of local government closest to the
citizen and have an important part to play in local decision making.
They also provide a valuable opportunity for local people to take
part in managing their environment."
NOTES FOR EDITORS
Part II of the Local Government & Rating Act 1997 came into force on
19 May 1997. It introduced streamlined procedures for the creation,
alteration or abolition of parish areas and councils. It applies to
England only and enables district councils to review parishing
arrangements in their area and make recommendations to the Secretary
of State.
Local residents can also petition for a new parish council to be set
up in an unparished area, as long as the petition is signed by at
least 250 or 10% of local electors of the proposed area (whichever is
the greater), and it defines the area of the proposed parish.
Following the implementation of an order creating the East Cowes
parish in the Isle of Wight four weeks ago, that parish will be
holding first elections in May 1998.
COI
DEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT & THE REGIONS
207 19 March 1998
TENANTS TO BENEFIT IN GOVERNMENT TRANSFER PROGRAMME
A record number of tenants are to benefit from repairs and
improvements in this year's programme of large scale transfer of
housing stock which will bring a new lease of life to over 85,000
council homes.
Housing Minister Hilary Armstrong announced today that, as long
as tenants vote in favour, there could be 28 transfers of local
authority housing stock to Registered Social Landlords (RSL). The
transfer of 16 estates is being supported by the Government with
Estate Renewal Challenge funding of #208m. The other 12 transfers
will generate #482 million for the local authorities.
In a written answer to a Parliamentary Question from John
Heppell MP (Nottingham East), Ms Armstrong said:
"I am today announcing the names of the 23 local authorities
which will be able to proceed, on a voluntary basis and subject to
the approval of their tenants, with proposals to carry out 28
transfers of all or part of their housing stock to Registered Social
Landlords (RSLs) in 1998/99. The programme will involve over 85,000
dwellings in large scale voluntary transfers, generating capital
receipts of over #482 million. Seventeen of the transfers will be
supported by Estates Renewal Challenge Funding of #208m.
"This reflects the Government's commitment to a continuing
programme of transfers as a means of generating private finance to
repair and improve the condition of social housing.
"The authorities who have successfully gained a place on the
programme, together with the intended recipient RSL are as follows:
(a) disposals by Allerdale Borough Council of not more than
3,899 dwelling-houses to Derwent and Solway Housing Association and
not more than 1,002 dwelling-houses on the Salterbeck estate to
Impact Housing Association;
(b) a disposal by Bath & North East Somerset Council of not
more than 10,200 dwelling-houses to a registered social landlord;
(c) a disposal by Birmingham City Council of not more than
2,643 dwelling-houses on the Central Area estate to a registered
social landlord;
(d) a disposal by Bradford City Council of not more than 598
dwelling-houses on the Thorpe Edge estate to a registered social
landlord;
(e) a disposal by East Lindsey District Council of not more
than 5,179 dwelling-houses to a registered social landlord;
(f) a disposal by London Borough of Greenwich of not more than
1,246 dwelling-houses on the Charlton Triangle estate to a registered
social landlord;
(g) disposals by London Borough of Hackney of not more than
1,157 dwelling-houses on the Morningside estate to Sanctuary Housing,
not more than 661 dwelling-houses on the Haggerston estate to
Metropolitan Housing Trust and Community Housing Association and not
more than 1,000 dwelling-houses on the Upper Clapton estate to
Clapton Community Consortium;
(h) a disposal by London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham of not
more than 703 dwelling-houses on the Old Oak estate to Family Housing
Association;
(i) a disposal by London Borough of Lambeth of not more than
681 dwellings on the Lansdowne Green estate to South London Family
Housing Association;
(j) disposals by Liverpool City Council of not more than 800
dwelling-houses on the Pinehurst estate to CDS Housing;
(k) disposals by Manchester City Council of not more than 1,272
dwelling-houses on the Darnhill estate to Guinness Trust and not more
than 6,900 dwelling-houses on the East Wythenshawe estate to Willow
Park Trust;
(l) a disposal by Rother District Council of not more than
3,180 dwelling-houses to Rother Homes, a subsidiary of South London
Family Housing Association;
(m) a disposal by St Helens Borough Council of not more than
789 dwelling-houses on the Wargrave estate to Wargrave Community
Housing Association;
(n) a disposal by South Hams District Council of not more than
3,212 dwelling-houses to a registered social landlord;
(o) a disposal by South Somerset District Council of not more
than 9,133 dwelling-houses to a registered social landlord;
(p) a disposal by Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council of not
more than 904 dwelling-houses on the West Ashton estate to West
Ashton Pioneer Homes;
(q) a disposal by Tewkesbury Borough Council of not more than
3,105 dwelling-houses to Severn Vale Housing Society;
(r) a disposal by the London Borough of Tower Hamlets of not
more than 2,887 dwelling-houses on the Poplar estates to Poplar
Housing and Regeneration Community Association; and not more than
2,322 dwelling-houses on the Cityside estates to Cityside Housing and
Regeneration Community Association.
(s) a disposal by West Devon Borough Council of not more than
1,439 dwelling-houses to West Devon Homes;
(t) a disposal by Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council of not
more than 1,108 dwelling-houses on the Leasowe estate to Leasowe
Community Homes, a subsidiary of Liver Housing Association;
(u) a disposal by Wokingham Borough Council of not more than
3,101 dwelling-houses to a registered social landlord;
(v) a disposal by Worthing Borough Council of not more than
2,579 dwelling-houses to a registered social landlord;
(w) a disposal by Wrekin District Council of not more than
13,495 dwelling-houses to a registered social landlord.
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Since 1988, 61 local authorities have transferred their housing
stock to new landlords, with the support of tenants and the approval
of the Secretary of State. All but one of those transfers was to a
Registered Social Landlord (RSL). The transfers have generated
capital receipts of almost #2.5 billion and involved over #4 billion
of private finance.
1. A housing transfer involves the disposal of all or part of a
local authority's stock to a RSL. The transfer can only take place if
a majority of tenants are in favour. Tenants benefit from housing
transfers because, as private sector organisations, RSLs can borrow
outside the borrowing constraints which local authorities are subject
to. Increased investment means that any backlog of repairs can be
carried out more quickly and better living conditions achieved more
quickly than if the properties had remained in local authority
ownership. Rents will also remain affordable and tenants normally
benefit from a guarantee that rents will not rise more than 1% above
inflation for the first five years after transfer.
1. The purpose of the Estates Renewal Challenge Fund is to turn
around run down council estates through a public and private sector
partnership. #208 million has been made available to the 13 local
authorities listed below, affecting over 24,000 homes.
a. Allerdale Borough Council (Salterbeck estate): #4.32M
a. Birmingham City Council (Central Area estate): #47M
a. Bradford City Council (Thorpe Edge estate): #4.59M
a. London Borough of Greenwich (Charlton Triangle): #18.02M
a. London Borough of Hackney (Haggerston Estate (10.25M),
Upper Clapton estate (14.30M) and
Morningside estate (10.10 M): #34.65M
a. London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham (Old Oak estate): #7.12M
a. London Borough of Lambeth (Lansdowne Green estate): #8.55M
a. Liverpool City Council (Pinehurst estate): #5.10M
a. Manchester City Council (East Wythenshawe estate): #20.95M
a. St Helen's Borough Council (Wargrave estate): #4.49M
a. Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council
(West Ashton estate): #9.60M
a. London Borough of Tower Hamlets (Poplar estate (#18.97M)
and Cityside estate (17.69M): #36.66M
a. Wirral Metropolitan Borough Counil (Leasowe estate): #6.82M
Total: #207.87
# = pounds sterling
COI
DEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT & THE REGIONS
208/Env 19 March 1998
NEW BOARD APPOINTMENTS TO THE NATIONAL FOREST COMPANY
Environment Minister Angela Eagle has appointed Professor David
Goode, Carol Thompson and Hilary Lade to the board of the National
Forest Company (NFC).
The NFC is responsible for overseeing the creation of a new
forest in the heart of England.
The appointments are for three years from 1 April 1998.
Professor David Goode is the Director of the London Ecology
Unit. He has worked in nature conservancy bodies and local government
for thirty years and has been a member of a number of national and
international committees. A former Chairman of the Tree Council,
Professor Goode has a particular interest in the creation of new
habitats.
Carol Thompson currently sits on the West Midlands Panel of the
National Lottery Charities Board. She was formerly Chief Executive
and Director of the Heart of England Tourist Board and Director of
the Heart of England Building Society. Ms Thompson has wide
experience of both public and private sector work in the West
Midlands. She has been involved with a number of Government
monitoring committees for the European Regional Development Fund,
and has worked for West Midlands CBI.
Hilary Lade is Head of Business Development for Shell
International's Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) business. She is a
Former Director of Historic Properties and English Heritage, and
former Managing Director of Shell Gas. Ms Lade has a range of
experience in business management, heritage, leisure and marketing.
Notes to Editors
1. The National Forest Company is a non-Departmental Public Body
whose purpose is to create
a new forest in the heart of England.
2. The National Forest area covers 200 square miles and spans parts
of three counties - Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire. The
aim is to increase woodland cover from 6% to about a third of the
Forest area (16,500 ha). Around 70% of the new planting (9,000 ha) is
intended to take place by 2005.
3. The Forest will provide multiple environmental and economic
benefits. These include: enhancing a landscape scarred by past
mineral workings; creating rich new wildlife habitats; developing
major new access and leisure opportunities, and stimulating the local
economy through linked commercial benefits. It is an excellent
example of sustainable development, with environmental improvement
providing a stimulus to economic regeneration. Significant progress
has been made in planting (1340 ha committed to 31 March 1997),
reaching other environmental targets [what?] and attracting
investment to the area.
4. The Company receives #2.5m a year grant-in-aid from the Department
of the Environment, Transport and the Regions of which #1.5m is for
the National Forest Tender Scheme - an innovative woodland creation
scheme aimed at attracting competitive bids for new planting and
other multi purpose Forest benefits.
5. These three appointees will replace board members who leave their
posts at the end of March.
More information on the National Forest can be obtained from Mike
Dewsnap, The National Forest (Tel 01283 551211)
# = pounds sterling
COI
DEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT & THE REGIONS
209/Env 19 March 1998
MICHAEL MEACHER ANNOUNCES #2.7 MILLION FOR DARWIN
BIODIVERSITY PROJECTS
River dolphins in Pakistan, tortoises in Togo, wirebirds in St
Helena and a schools project on coral biodiversity in the Caribbean
are among 27 projects being funded in the latest round of Darwin
Initiative funding, Environment Minister Michael Meacher said today.
The Darwin Initiative, in its sixth year, is a unique UK venture
for funding collaborative projects in countries rich in biodiversity
but poor in financial resources.
The sixth round of funding includes:
support of conservation and sustainable use of reptiles in Togo;
conservation of freshwater dolphins in Pakistan by examining the
effects of barrages on the dolphins' movement along the river;
providing a management plan for the last remaining endemic bird on St
Helena, the St Helena wirebird;
the establishment of a sanctuary for European mink in Belarus;
and the establishment of a biodiversity awareness centre in Santiago.
Mr Meacher said :
" The collaborative projects I am announcing today illustrate
what can be done through partnership to conserve and sustainably use
some of the world's most threatened species and habitats. The sharing
of knowledge and know how to achieve global conservation goals is a
cornerstone of the Biodiversity Convention which we signed at the
Earth Summit in 1992. The Darwin Initiative ably demonstrates this as
it promotes innovative and well-targeted projects which directly
address problems faced by some of the poorest people on our planet.
I am pleased for example that we have our first project in Togo, and
our second in Ethiopia." Notes for Editors
1. The Darwin Initiative for the Survival of Species was announced at
the Earth Summit in Rio in 1992. It applies Britain's scientific,
educational and technical strengths to the conservation and
sustainable use of the world's species.
2. A typical Darwin project involves a UK biodiversity institution
receiving about #40,000 a year for 3 years to carry out research and/
or training in collaboration with a partner in a developing country.
3. A list of new projects is attached. Expenditure on the Darwin
Initiative continues at #3m per year; the total new funding in the
latest round is #2.7m, due to the need to accommodate slippage of
committed expenditure on some existing projects. As with all
expenditure programmes, this funding is subject to the outcome of the
Government's Comprehensive Spending Review.
4. The Convention on Biological Diversity (commonly known as the
Biodiversity Convention) was one of the main achievements of the
Earth Summit in Rio in 1992. Its aims are the conservation of
species and habitats, their sustainable use and the fair and
equitable sharing of the resulting benefits. The next Conference of
the Parties is to be held in Bratislava from 4 - 15 May 1998.
DARWIN INITIATIVE PROJECTS : 6TH ROUND LIST
Organisation
Project description
Host country
Total in Uk
Department of Zoology, University of Aberdeen
The role of fruit bats in maintaining biodiversity
Madagascar
90
Botanic Gardens Conservation International
Plant conservation and information management for botanic
gardens
Colombia
147
Botanic Gardens Conservation International
Training course in environmental education in botanic
gardens
Poland
11
British Virgin Islands National Parks Trust
Integrating National Parks, education & community
development
British Virgin
Islands
116
Department of Biological Sciences, University
of Durham
Biodiversity of butterflies in tropical rainforests of Sabah
Malaysia
109
Fauna & Flora International
Tabunan Forest biodiversity conservation project, Cebu
Philippines
123
Field Studies Council, Caribbean Conservation
Association, Commonwealth Institute and
Marine Conservation Society
Coral reef biodiversity in the Caribbean - schools projects
and resources
Caribbean
161
Galapagos Conservation Trust
Conservation programme for threatened flora of Galapagos
Ecuador
124
Department of Civil and Offshore Engineering,
Heriot Watt University
Development of marine habitat mapping in San Andres
Archipelago
Colombia
120
International Institute of Entomology
Insect biodiversity: taxonomic capacity building
Guyana
76
IUCN The World Conservation Union
Training for conservation and sustainable use of reptiles
Togo
83
London Ecology Unit
Establishment of biodiversity awareness centres in Santiago
Chile
132
Department of Marine Sciences, University of
Newcastle upon Tyne
Marine biodiversity capacity building in the West African
sub-region
West Africa
148
Department of Life Science, University of
Nottingham
Effects of land use change and fire on biodiversity of peat
swamp forest in central Kalimantan
Indonesia
119
Department of Zoology, University of Oxford
Devising game reserve management plans for biodiversity
conservation
Tanzania
126
Department of Zoology, University of Oxford
Planning and establishment of European mink island
sanctuaries
Estonia and Belarus
161
Peatlands Biodiversity Consortium
Conservation management of peatland biodiversity
Eastern Europe
Department of Animal and Microbial Science,
University of Reading
Ecology and conservation of the endemic St Helena
wirebird
St Helena
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
Repatriation of herbarium data for the flora of Bahia
Brazil
Royal Geographical Society
Marine biodiversity assessment training
Seychelles and
Mauritius
Royal Holloway Institute for Environmental
Research
Promoting the sustainable management of wetland
biodiversity around Lac Sahaka
Madagascar
Sea Mammal Research Unit, University of St
Andrews
River dolphin conservation on the Indus River
Pakistan
69
Department of Animal and Plant Sciences,
University of Sheffield
Development of an international ecology centre in Tigray
Ethiopia
61
Department of Animal and Plant Sciences,
University of Sheffield
Survey and monitoring of flora
Iran
115
The Sir Harold Hillier Gardens and Arboretum
Education training and materials for botanic gardens
South Africa
13
Department of Biological Sciences, University
of Wales Swansea
Assessing the status of green turtles and development of a
management plan for ecotourism
Ascension Island
127
Institute for Education, Faculty of Social
Studies, University of Warwick
Environmental education promoting conservation of
biodiversity
Bulgaria
36
# = pounds sterling
COI
DEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT & THE REGIONS
219/Env 20 March 1998
FURTHER PROGRESS ON IMPLEMENTATION OF HABITATS DIRECTIVE
Over twenty UK habitats and species of European nature
conservation importance are being proposed for recognition under the
Habitats Directive, Environment Minister Michael Meacher announced
today.
The Habitats Directive requires EU Member States to submit a
list of sites to the European Commission as proposed Special Areas of
Conservation (SACs).
The proposals will:
help contribute towards the maintenance of Europe's
biodiversity, one of the central aims of the Habitats Directive,
and a Presidency priority;
give added protection to some of the best areas in the UK for
habitats and species which are under threat in Europe;
help fill acknowledged gaps in the UK national list for river
species such as the brook and river lamprey, allis and twaite
shad, and bullhead;
be a significant step forward in the implementation of the
Directive in the UK; and
bring the number of proposed UK SACs to 286.
Mr Meacher said:
"I am very pleased that the UK is taking this significant step
towards full implementation of the Habitats Directive. Conserving and
enhancing the diversity of our natural resources - what we call
biodiversity - is a key priority for the UK during our Presidency.
These proposals will help us to protect some of the best areas for
habitats and species which are under threat in Europe. We hope to
announce the submission of further sites in the near future."
Notes to Editors
1. In response to a written Parliamentary Question from Chrisopher
Leslie MP, (Shipley), Mr Meacher said: "A further list of UK
proposals has today been sent to the European Commission. This
consists of 24 new candidate Special Areas of Conservation, boundary
extensions to 13 existing sites already submitted to the Commission
as candidate SACs and the addition of further qualifying interests
on another 10 candidate SACs. This represents a significant step
forward in the implementation of the Natura 2000 network in the UK.
"Consideration continues to be given to the few remaining sites
included in the two consultation exercises carried out in March 1995
and October 1997 which have not yet been submitted to the Commission.
I hope to announce the submission of further sites in the near
future."
2. The Habitats Directive requires EU Member States to submit a list
of sites to the European Commission as proposed SACs. From these
national lists, Member States and the Commission will agree (by June
1998) the sites of Community importance which will become designated
SACs.
3. Designated SACs are protected under the Habitats Directive. Any
plan or project which will affect such a site can only be approved,
in the absence of alternatives, on grounds of overriding public
interest.
4. Consultation was also carried out on recommendations for the
deletion of Chilbolton Common from the UK site list and removal of
qualifying interests from 4 sites (Wasdale Screes, Penhale Dunes,
Braunton Burrows, and Windsor Forest and Great Park) in October 1997.
These proposals have also been endorsed.
5. A further announcement about sites in Scotland will follow
shortly.
6. The list of proposals sent to the Commission is attached.
New sites
Boundary changes to
existing sites
Changes to interest of
existing sites
(within existing boundary)
England
Lower Bostraze and Leswidden
Newlyn Downs
South Devon Shore Dock
River Ehen
Wast Water
Rook Clift
Grimsthorpe
Barnack Hills and Holes
Devils Dyke
Ellers Wood and Sand Dale
Bollihope, Pikestone and
Egglestone Fells
North Somerset and Mendip Bats
Mendip Woodlands
River Itchen
River Avon
River Eden
Exmoor Heaths
Isles of Scilly Complex
The Lizard
Rooksmoor
St Albans Head to Durlston
Head
Border Mires (Kielder to
Butterburn)
Morecambe Bay Pavements
Blean Complex
East Hampshire Hangers
North Northumberland Dunes
Mole Gap to Reigate Escarpment
Thursley, Ash, Pirbright and
Chobham
Dungeness
Dartmoor
Chesil and the Fleet
Asby Complex
Roudsea Woods and Mosses
Norfolk Valley Fens
Wasdale Screes
Wales
Glan-traeth
Llyn Cwellyn
Morfa Harlech a Morfa Dyffryn
River Usk/Afon Wysg
Berwyn
Eryri/Snowdonia
Limestone Sea Cliffs of S.W.
Wales//Clogwyni Calchfaen De-orllewin Cymru
Preseli
Northern
Ireland
Rathlin Island
Lough Melvin
Largalinny
Garron Plateau
COI
DEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT & THE REGIONS
217 20 March 1998
KERRIER TENANTS TO BENEFIT FROM HOUSING TRANSFER
The transfer of 3700 council homes in Kerrier to a new Local
Housing Company (LHC) will give tenants a greater role in running
their own estates, Housing Minister Hilary Armstrong said today.
Kerrier Homes is one of the first large-scale LHCs to come into
operation. They take over as landlords from Kerrier Council at the
end of March following a vote by tenants to transfer under the
Government's Large Scale Voluntary Transfer (LSVT) scheme.
Ms Armstrong said:
"Local Housing Companies are a positive addition to the social
housing sector. They provide greater scope for tenant participation
in the running and management of their homes.
"This transfer will allow an accelerated programme of
modernisation and repair work to take place, and give tenants a
greater say in the management of their homes. It represents a good
deal for tenants, who will also benefit from a guarantee that rents
will not go up by more than the rate of inflation, each year, for
five years."
The application from the district council to transfer its
housing came after a ballot in which 81 per cent of tenants voted, of
whom 89 per cent supported transfer. Kerrier Homes has agreed to pay
the council just over #32 million to acquire the stock.
Today's announcement brings the number of approved LSVTs of
local authority stock to more than 250,000 dwellings. These transfers
have raised over #4 billion in private finance, to purchase and
invest in the housing stock.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Provision to set up Local Housing Companies (LHCs) appears under
the Housing Act 1996. LHCs allow greater local authority and tenant
participation than other Registered Social Landlords such as housing
associations, and they are not limited by the same borrowing
restrictions imposed on local authorities.
There are three other LSVTs included in the 1998 transfer programme.
These are the London Borough of Bexley, Congleton Borough Council,
and West Somerset District Council. They involve the transfer of
over 18,000 dwellings valued at over #160m. Congelton's transfer
which took place in February was the first to a new local housing
company.
Under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993, a
local authority proposing a transfer of more than 499 dwellings must
first obtain a place on an annual programme approved by the Secretary
of State. Councils must then obtain the consent of the Secretary of
State under the Housing Act 1985 for each transfer after it has
formally consulted its tenants.
# = pounds sterling
COI
DEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT & THE REGIONS
215/TRANSPORT 20 March 1998
NEW VESSEL FOR COMMISSIONERS OF IRISH LIGHTS
Shipping Minister Glenda Jackson has agreed that a new vessel should
be built to replace the 28-year-old "ILT Granuaile" which services
lighthouses and floating aids to navigation around the coast of
Ireland.
The new vessel will also be available to operate around the UK coasts
on an interchange basis with the four similar ships operated by
Trinity House and the Northern Lighthouse Board.
Ms Jackson said:
"I am delighted that we and the Republic have agreed that the
Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL) should have a new vessel.
"The CIL is one of the few all-Ireland bodies and this agreement
is an excellent example of Anglo-Irish co-operation.
"The Granuaile will be 29 years old when she is replaced. Her
operating costs are rising fast and the vessel is handicapped by a
small working deck which restricts the number of buoys that can be
serviced.
"The new vessel is a radical new design and offers substantially
lower running costs and greater buoy handling capacity. The
incorporation of dynamic stability and positioning keeping systems
will mean safer buoy handling in winds up to 30 knots.
"While the vessel will be based in the Republic, the Irish and UK
General Lighthouse Authorities operate a ship-sharing policy so the
vessel will be a frequent visitor to UK waters and will work on our
aids to navigation."
The new vessel will be built by Damen Shipbuilders of Holland and is
expected to enter service in late 1999. It will be based at the CIL
depot at Dun Laoghaire. The vessel will be funded in part by the
General Lighthouse Fund (65%) and in part by the Government of the
Republic of Ireland (35%).
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. The Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the
Regions (DETR) - and through him the Shipping Minister - is
responsible for the management of the General Lighthouse Fund (GLF).
The Fund is financed through the levy of light dues on commercial and
fishing vessels calling at ports in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
2. The Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL) are one of the three
General Lighthouse Authorities (GLAs) responsible for the provision
of aids to navigation in UK and Republic of Ireland waters. The GLAs
are: The Commissioners of Irish Lights (responsible for waters
surrounding the Republic and Northern Ireland), Trinity House (for
England, Wales and the Channel Islands) and the Northern Lighthouse
Board (for Scotland and the Isle of Man).
The GLAs are funded from the GLF. The Republic of Ireland
Government pays a contribution towards the operating costs of the CIL
in the Republic.
3. CIL operate 80 lighthouses, 145 buoys and two light vessels plus
beacons and electronic aids to navigation. It spends about #16
million per annum in the operation of lighthouses, buoys, beacons and
radionavigation aids to navigation. Total GLF spend is around #68
million per annum. The UK operates a "user pays" system for the
funding of marine aids to navigation and none of these costs is met
by the UK Exchequer.
4. The new vessel will be 80 metres long. It will be capable of
carrying up to 18 buoys and will utilise a 20 tonne safe working load
(SWL) crane to lift and service aids to navigation. The vessel
differs from the other vessels in the GLAs' current fleet of five
vessels in that the buoy working area is placed aft to maximise the
working area.
5. Further details of the new vessel are available from
Keiron O'Higgins at the Commissioners of Irish Lights,
16 Lower Pembroke Street, Dublin 2
(tel: 00 3531 6624525; fax: 003531 6618094).
# = pounds sterling
COI
DEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT & THE REGIONS
206 19 March 1998
LOSS MAKING COUNCIL SERVICES - GOVERNMENT ACTS
The Government is taking action against councils who have made
losses on contracts awarded to their in-house teams.
Councils make a loss if an in-house team fails to meet agreed
financial targets. Last year, 15 authorities lost money on 20
contracts they won through Compulsory Competitive Tendering. The
Government is serving notices on these councils requiring them to
explain within four weeks the cause of the losses and to set out the
steps they will take to rectify them.
Local Government Minister Hilary Armstrong said:
"We are committed to ending the policy of Compulsory Competitive
Tendering, and replacing it with a new duty for councils to achieve
best value for their local taxpayers. However, until new legislation
appears on the statute book, councils must comply with the law as it
currently stands.
"The vast majority of councils providing services through their
in-house teams were able to meet their statutory financial objectives
in 1996/97. However, of nearly 2,250 accounts received, some 260
failed to meet their targets. The notices being served today focus on
those cases where authorities have not yet convinced us that they are
doing everything they can to address these failures, and provide an
opportunity for them to strengthen their arguments."
Written responses are required from the local authorities by 16
April.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
1. Provisions in the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980
and the Local Government Act 1988 require that, for each defined
activity, local authorities must meet financial objectives set by the
Secretary of State for the Environment. The objective for work
carried out in 1996/97 was to break even having first allowed for a
6% capital financing charge.
2. Local authorities are required to submit annual reports to the
Department on each of their Direct Labour Organisation/Direct Service
Organisation (DLO/DSO) operations by November of the following
financial year. The 1996-97 returns were therefore submitted during
the final months of 1997.
3. If an authority's DLO/DSO fails to meet the prescribed financial
objective, the Secretary of State has powers to act in two stages:
first, a notice is served on the authority requiring a written
response, usually within four weeks. Secondly, if a response is not
received or is unsatisfactory, the Secretary of State may give the
authority a direction. His sanction powers can include ordering the
authority to retender the work, imposing conditions on the
performance of such work or even depriving the authority of the power
to provide the service in question.
4. 52 notices were served on 36 authorities for financial failure
in 1995/96.
5. The authorities receiving notices today are:
Aylesbury Vale
Bolsover
Calderdale
Charnwood
Coventry
Derwentside
Gloucester
Maidstone
North Tyneside
South Derbyshire
St Edmundbury
Sunderland
Walsall
Waltham Forest
Wyre Forest
6. At present, under regulations under the Local Government,
Planning and Land Act 1980 and the Local Government Act 1988,
Compulsory Competitive Tendering applies to a range of local
authority services. A local council can only carry out certain
defined activities in-house, through its own DLO or DSO, if the work
has first gone out to tender and been won in open competition.
On 3 March Local Government Minister Hilary Armstrong published a
consultation paper on introducing Best Value which aims to deliver
quality services at a price people are prepared to pay. Under the
proposals councils will be obliged by law to ask local people what
services they want, and report on how they have performed against
targets. People will be able to compare the way their own and other
councils perform.
Copies of Modernising local government - improving local services
through best value are available from the Publications Despatch
Centre, Blackhorse Road, London SE99 6TT, tel: 0181 691 9191 fax:
0181 694 0099.
Responses to the consultation document should be sent no later than
1 May.
COI
DEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT & THE REGIONS
220/Env 20 March 1998
YORKSHIRE WATER PLEADS GUILTY TO CHARGE OF SUPPLYING WATER
UNFIT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
Yorkshire Water Services Limited today pleaded guilty to
supplying water unfit for human consumption. The incident involved
the supply of discoloured water to the villages of Great and Little
Ouseburn, Marton and Marton cum Grafton in February 1997.
The charges, brought under Section 70 of the Water Industry Act
1991, were heard at Harrogate Magistrates Court.
Michael Rouse, Chief Inspector of the Drinking Water
Inspectorate, said:
"I am very pleased that Yorkshire Water has seen fit to plead
guilty. As the guardians of drinking water quality, DWI will
consider prosecution in all cases in which consumers have received
water which they regard as unfit for consumption."
The Company was fined #12,000 with costs of #8,325.
The Inspectorate will make the results of its investigations
publicly available in due course.
Notes for Editors
1. The prosecution follows an investigation by the Drinking Water
Inspectorate of an incident involving the supply of discoloured water
to the villages of Great and Little Ouseburn, Marton and Marton cum
Grafton and the surrounding rural areas on 20 February 1997.
2. Section 70 of the Water Industry Act 1991 makes it a criminal
offence for a water company to supply water which is unfit for human
consumption. The Inspectorate investigates all drinking water
quality incidents and will prosecute in the name of the Secretary of
State for Environment, Transport and the Regions if it believes that
it has evidence that water unfit for human consumption was supplied,
if it believes that the Company does not have a defence that it took
all reasonable steps and exercised due diligence to secure the
supply, and if such a prosecution is regarded as being in the public
interest.
3. In this case, the Inspectorate found that there had been a
breakdown in communications between certain sections of Yorkshire
Water, which resulted in serious operational problems at Marton water
treatment works. Yorkshire Water decided to continue supplying water
from the works rather than lose supplies overall, even though this
inevitably meant that discoloured water would be supplied to some
consumers. The water initially appearing black and contained a lot of
sediment. Some of the affected area continued to receive noticeably
discoloured water for more than two days. Yorkshire Water did not
take steps to warn consumers or make alternative supplies available.
4. Yorkshire Water logged 35 complaints during the incident, mainly
from the Great Ouseburn area. The Inspectorate interviewed a number
of the complainants, all of whom claimed that the water was
undrinkable. The discolouration was caused by the disturbance of iron
and manganese deposits. Consumers rejected it on the grounds of
appearance, there was no health risk involved.
5. The Drinking Water Inspectorate was set up in January 1990. Its
main task is to check that water companies in England and Wales
supply wholesome water and comply with the requirements of the Water
Supply (Water Quality) Regulations.
# = pounds sterling
COI
DEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT & THE REGIONS
PRESS NOTICE: 213/TRANSPORT DATE: 20 March 1998
JOHN PRESCOTT PROMISES A FIRST CLASS TUBE FOR EVERYONE
Public/Private Partnership to meet #7 billion long-term investment
needs New money boosts Tube investment to #1 billion over next two
years
Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, today announced a package of
measures designed to deliver a "first class Tube for everyone".
Mr Prescott outlined a new framework for tackling the Tube's
investment crisis, under which the delivery of services will stay in
the public sector, with the private sector brought in to tackle a
15-year, #7 billion programme to provide the Capital with a
world-class Underground system. In the meantime there will be an
immediate boost in Government funding that will see #1 billion
invested in the current network over the next two years.
Mr Prescott said:
"The plans I am announcing today will deliver an imaginative,
long-term solution to the problems caused by decades of neglect and
under-investment.
"It is not privatisation, nor nationalisation, but a radical new
third way' to generate #7 billion of long-term investment whilst
retaining a publicly owned, publicly accountable network
- the result of close co-operation with the Treasury. I am
particularly grateful for the expertise and business experience
provided by Geoffrey Robinson in developing this solution."I am
determined that the Capital should have a first class Tube for
everyone." Key elements of the package include:
- retention of a single unified public sector body - London
Underground
- responsible for operating Tube services including ticketing, fares,
service levels, drivers, station staff, line and network controllers,
operation of the signalling system and safety, acting in the public
interest, publicly owned and publicly accountable;
- private sector finance and construction capacity to be utilised in
a Public/Private partnership to overcome the investment backlog;
- one, two or three private sector contracts will be awarded to
maintain and modernise the Underground's infrastructure and rolling
stock;
- contractors will be responsible for refurbishing stations,
replacing tracks, upgrading signalling and refurbishing or replacing
trains, as well as regular maintenance;
- the contractors' obligations will include an agreed performance
regime with incentives and stiff penalties;
- the freehold ownership of the assets will remain with the public
sector and they will be returned fully to the public sector - in a
much-improved condition - at the end of the contract;
- an additional #365 million in Government funding for LT over the
next two years - total investment levels in the current tube network
over this period boosted to #1 billion;
- the rights of staff under their existing contracts - covering
pay, hours, union recognition, pension rights and concessionary
travel - will continue and be protected;
- safety remains the Government's first priority - the Health and
Safety Commission has been consulted on the Government's proposals,
and they will be working with LT to ensure a safe system.
Paymaster General, Geoffrey Robinson, added:
"These proposals represent an innovative partnership - bringing
together the best from the public and private sectors - which will
help deliver an Underground system fit for the twenty-first century.
"Our disciplined approach to managing the public finances over
the last year has enabled the Government to make available an
additional #365 million in the next two years.
"This is great news for all those people who use the Tube, who
can now look forward to improvements that much earlier."
The Deputy Prime Minister continued:
"This unique package of proposals will prove far more successful
than either wholesale privatisation or a continued exclusive reliance
on public funding.
"By using the combined benefits of sensible public financing,
proper accountability and private sector investment, the Tube network
will, at last, gain the benefits that its passengers and workforce
rightly expect.
"The light can, at last, be seen at the end of the Tube
tunnel."Mr Prescott outlined the improvements which would now be
possible over the next two years as a result of increased Government
support:
- additional track works will improve reliability, avoid
the need for speed restrictions and reduce train noise, especially on
the Northern and Victoria lines;
- old Jubilee Line trains will be converted for the Piccadilly Line,
with ten extra trains available by 2001 helping to increase the
line's capacity by ten per cent;
- around 15 more escalators will be replaced and over 30 stations to
be refurbished;
- accelerated plans to start works to make key Underground stations
fully accessible for disabled people.
London Transport should be in a position to publish its
detailed proposals, inviting expressions of interest from prospective
contractors early in 1999.
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Underground staff who currently work on the infrastructure
will have their employment rights protected if their work is
transferred to the contractor(s). There will need to be a small
nucleus of engineering staff in the operating company responsible for
administering the contract(s) with the infrastructure contractor(s)
and ensuring that their obligations were met.
2. The number of contracts for which bids will be sought - one,
two or three - will be decided in the light of further advice from
potential contractors.
3. Under the Government's proposals for a Greater London
Authority, London Underground and its parent company, London
Transport, will transfer to the proposed GLA. A White Paper setting
out the Government's proposals for the Greater London Authority is to
be published shortly.
# = pounds sterling
COI
DEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT & THE REGIONS
214 20 March 1998
OVER #6M GOVERNMENT FUNDING TO BENEFIT TWO LIVERPOOL ESTATES
Two Liverpool housing estates are getting a new lease of life
with a #6.488 million cash injection from the Government's Estates
Renewal Challenge Fund (ERCF).
Liverpool council tenants on the Carter Thackeray and Windermere
Green estates have taken advantage of the ERCF scheme and will be
transferring their tenancies this month to Riverside and CDS housing
associations respectively. The Government funding will be used to
improve their properties.
Welcoming the transfers, Housing Minister Hilary Armstrong said:
"For many years the people living on the Carter Thackeray and
Windermere Green estates have had inadequate housing. The decision
by Liverpool City Council, together with the tenants on the estates,
to bid for funds through the Estates Renewal Challenge Fund has
enabled the council and the new landlords to grasp a real opportunity
to tackle the problems and get the estates back on their feet."
The tenants voted in December to transfer to Riverside and CDS.
The Government will make more than #6 million available to the new
landlords once the transfers go ahead. The new landlords will then
provide an additional #6 million from their own resources to carry
out essential repairs to all the properties on the estates.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Estates Renewal Challenge Fund (ERCF)
ERCF was launched in November 1995 with the aim of transforming some
of the remaining big, rundown local authority estates by facilitating
their transfer to registered social landlords enabling private
finance to be raised to help regeneration. The programme is now in
its third round.
When a local authority wishes to propose an estate for ERCF funding
and transfer they have to consult and ballot their tenants. Before
giving consent to any transfer, the Secretary of State must be
satisfied that the majority of tenants are not opposed to the
transfer.
Round three of ERCF funding was announced in February 1998 and #248
million has been allocated to 15 local authorities covering 22,000
homes on 58 estates. Under the first two rounds #316 million has been
allocated to 20 local authorities for 33 schemes covering 41,000
homes on 69 estates.
# = pounds sterling
COI
DEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT & THE REGIONS
225\ENV 23 March 1995
A BREATH OF FRESH AIR FOR EUROPE -
new measures on air quality and waste agreed
New measures to improve air quality, minimise waste disposal and
increase recycling were agreed this morning by Environment Ministers
of the European Council in Brussels.
Common Positions were reached on three dossiers which will mean:
tighter emission standards for small vans;
a cut of nearly 60 per cent on damaging solvent emissions from a
range of industries from dry cleaning to aircraft painting; and
Announcing the new measures, Michael Meacher, President of the
European Council, said:
"Improving air quality standards is one of the top priorities of
our Presidency. This morning we have agreed measures which will make
a real difference to the people of Europe and the quality of the air
we breath by reducing emissions which lead to summertime smog.
"The Auto-Oil Directive will tighten emissions standards for
vans, cutting particulate emissions typically by 40 per cent; the
Solvents Directive will cut Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions
by 57 per cent from a range of industries from dry cleaning to
aircraft painting.
"Progressing the Air Quality Daughter Directive is a key aspect
to our drive to improve air quality. It will set standards for four
pollutants; sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter
and lead.
"We want to see common air quality standards - based on health
guidelines - right across Europe. Considerable progress is being
made on this Directive and we hope to reach a Common Position during
our Presidency.
"We also discussed the Association des Constructeurs Europeens
d'Automobiles (ACEA) - the European Automobile Manufacturers
Association) offer to reduce CO2 emissions from passenger cars to
140g/km by 2008 - a 25 percent improvement on 1995 levels.
"This significant improvement on the previous figure they
offered and we agreed that it was a good basis for negotiation. But
we need to study all the terms and conditions before reaching a final
decision. The Commission and ACEA will be discussing these
urgently."
Mr Meacher continued:
"This morning we also agreed to introduce licensing requirements
for landfill sites across Europe - setting higher standards for waste
disposal.
"We have argued for changes to the limits on the landfill of
biodegradable municipal waste which will result in more recycling
rather than just an expansion of incineration with energy recovery.
The target is 35 per cent of the 1995 level of municipal waste by
2016."
NOTES TO EDITORS
Council reaches agreement, or a Common Position, on the text of a
proposal after taking into account the opinion of the European
Parliament. The proposal must then pass through various technical
stages before the Common Position is formally adopted.
ACEA is the Association des Constructeurs Europeens d'Automobiles
(the European Automobile Manufacturers Association).
COI
DEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT & THE REGIONS
PRESS NOTICE: 223/TRANSPORT DATE: 23 March 1998
POLICE START TRIALS OF ROADSIDE DRUG SCREENING DEVICES
Motorists will be asked to volunteer to take part in trials of
roadside drug screening devices in four regions of England and
Scotland from today.
Traffic police from Cleveland, Lancashire, Strathclyde and Sussex
forces will be conducting roadside trials of two devices that detect
illicit drugs.
Roads Minister Baroness Hayman announced plans to introduce pilot
testing on the practicality of new roadside drug testing equipment at
a conference on illicit drugs and driving organised by the
Parliamentary Advisory Committee on Transport Safety (PACTS) on 11
February.
The purpose of the trials is not to test motorists for the presence
of drugs, but to investigate the suitability of the devices for
general day-to-day police work at the roadside. Assessment of
accuracy and reliability will be addressed separately.
Trials will start with Drugwipe', a device which takes a specimen of
sweat from the forehead. The initial trial period is due to last
three to four weeks and will be followed with trials of a second
device, due to start later in April.
Having taken part in the trial, volunteers, who will remain
anonymous, will be asked to complete a questionnaire. Police
Officers will also provide their own assessments of the practicality
of the devices. Information gained from the trials will then be
collated by the Transport Research Laboratory.
Police will not be asking those who are obviously impaired through
drink or drugs to participate in the trial - they will be dealt with
under existing powers.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
1. Drugwipes are available for cannabis, amph etamines (including
ecstasy), cocaine and opiates. Drugwipes are drug-type specific
and each of these types will be trialled. Drug traces detected by
the device result in colour changes on a strip visible to the eye.
Drugwipe is distributed by D.Tec International Limited (Tel: 01772
671288).
2. The second device, manufactured by Coz art Biosciences Ltd (Tel:
01235 861483), requires a specimen of saliva from drive rs. Any
drug traces will result in a colour change which would be detected
and displayed electronically. This device can separately identify
five drug groups: cannabis, amphetamines (including ecstasy),
cocaine, opiates and benzodiazepines (eg valium).
3. Police powers to deal with those unfit to drive through drugs
are the same as for drink-driving, although there is no power to
require anyone to undertake a roadside screening test. The police
may arrest a person on reasonable suspicion of driving while unfit
through drugs, and they may take a blood or urine sample. (Road
Traffic Act 1988 as amended by the Road Traffic Act 1991.) The
penalties are the same as for drink-driving - maximum #5,000 fine, 6
months imprisonment and at least 1 year's disqualification.
4. Contacts at the participating forces are: Cleveland
Constabulary: 01642 301244 / 301245, Lancashire Constabulary:
01772 618158, Strathclyde Police: 0141 532 2812, Sussex Police:
01273 404175.
5. For further details of Baroness Hayman's announcement on 11
February, see Press Notice 94/Transport.
# = pounds sterling
COI
DEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT & THE REGIONS
226 23 March 1997
MEACHER LAUNCHES PRESIDENCY BID TO
IMPROVE EUROPE'S ZOOS
EC Environment Ministers will today be asked to agree that zoos
should play a bigger part in improving species conservation, and
raise standards with new tougher licensing and inspection
arrangements, said Environment Minister Michael Meacher.
Mr Meacher said that he was keen to make progress on zoos as part of
the UK's Presidency. The Council of Ministers will be invited to
consider three options.
They are:
* adopting a non-binding Recommendation;
* accepting the European Parliament's proposals for an
animal-welfare based Directive;
or
* a Presidency compromise proposal for a Directive aimed at
strengthening the role of zoos in conservation, with a new
Europe-wide licensing and inspection scheme.
"Although there are different views about what form of Community
action on zoos would be most appropriate, there does in fact appear
to be a remarkable degree of consensus about the need for action to
bring this long standing dossier to a successful outcome," said Mr
Meacher.
If the Council agrees, this could pave the way for a further
discussion at the June Environment Council and possible adoption of
a Directive.
The Minister said that a network of zoos throughout the Community
working towards common objectives can achieve more in conservation
terms than individual zoos acting alone.
"Europe's zoos have a vital role to play in conservation work. Some
230 zoos in the Community are involved in programmes of action to
conserve 150 endangered species - ranging from the European otter to
the Siberian tiger. A new Directive will support this important
trend, and encourage other zoos to follow suit," he said.
COI
DEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT & THE REGIONS
PRESS NOTICE: 224/TRANSPORT DATE: 23 March 1998
GAVIN STRANG CALLS FOR GREENER MOTORING
Budget measures to promote cleaner vehicles and cleaner fuels are the
most far reaching this country has ever seen, Transport Minister
Gavin Strang said today (Monday 23 March) in advance of the first
meeting of as a working group established by the Cleaner Vehicles
Task Force to take forward the work of promoting greener vehicle use.
Gavin Strang said:
"The Government wants motorists and other vehicle users to go green.
The Budget has given the strongest possible backing to the work of
the Cleaner Vehicles Task Force, including the most far reaching
package of measures to promote cleaner vehicles and cleaner fuels
this country has ever seen.
"The Cleaner Vehicles Task Force will play a pivotal role in advising
the Government on meeting its air quality and climate change
commitments. The working group will be taking work forward on a
number of fronts including:
* compliance and enforcement of exhaust emission standards;
* improving the fuel efficiency of new vehicles;
* promoting purchases of greener vehicles; and
* developing advice for local authorities wishing to establish low
emission zones
"In particular, I shall also be asking the Cleaner Vehicles Task
Force to consider the Government's proposals for a graduated system
of VED for cars and greening of the bus fuel duty rebate."
Dr. Strang also highlighted the Government's review of company car
taxation:
"Following the support expressed by business as well as environmental
groups, we are reviewing company car taxation, to consider a switch
to a system based on private mileage rather than one that encourages
extra business miles.
"In addition, the announced increases in free fuel charges should,
over time, lead to most companies phasing out the provision of free
fuel for private mileage."
The package of environmental tax measures in the Budget marked a
longer term change to the tax system to support greener transport,
including:
consultation on a graduated system of Vehicle Excise Duty for cars
from 1 April 1999, with a new lower rate of #100 for the least
polluting, most fuel efficient models;
introduction of a concession on Vehicle Excise Duty of up to #500
for cleaner buses and lorries from 1 January 1999
a #40 million increase in bus fuel duty rebate in line with the
increase in fuel duty - the first increase since 1993
consultation on how in future bus fuel duty rebate can be better
targeted to help operators who run cleaner vehicles and to support
rural services
review of company car taxation, seeking views - to be provided to
Inland Revenue - on switching from taxation based on business
mileage, which provides an incentive for additional business
mileage, to one based on private miles
heavy and progressive increases in scale charges this year and for
the next four years to discourage companies from providing free
fuel for private mileage
increases in fuel duties 6 per cent or more above the rate of
inflation, in line with the Government's commitment to reduce
carbon dioxide emissions from road vehicles
increasing the differential between duty on standard diesel and
the lower rate for cleaner, ultra-low sulphur diesel from 1 pence
to 2 pence per litre, with a commitment to increase the
differential to 3 pence per litre in 1999
a freeze on the duty for road fuel gases - compressed natural gas
(CNG) and liquid petroleum gas (LPG)
disregarding the extra costs of converting company cars to LPG or
CNG for tax purposes (currently taxed as a benefit in kind).
Notes for Editors
1. The Cleaner Vehicles Task Force
The Cleaner Vehicles task Force is a partnership between Government
and industry to look at ways of greening vehicles both by encouraging
the production and purchasing of mor fuel efficient, less polluting
new vehicles and measures to cut emissions from the existing fleet. A
working group was set up following the inaugral meeting of the CVTF
on 22 January 1998.
2. Budget Measures
i. Fuel taxes increased by 4.4 pence per litre (duty plus VAT)
for unleaded petrol and cleaner diesel, with larger increases in
tax on conventional diesel of 5.5 pence per litre and 4.9 pence
per litre on leaded petrol. The continuing commitment to increase
road fuel taxation annually by at least 6 per cent above inflation is
part of the Government's policy to reduce emissions of greenhouse
gases, and recognises the environmental and other costs attached to
road use. Road transport is the fastest growing source of carbon
dioxide - the fastest growing greenhouse gas.
ii. The higher duty increase for diesel is partially to offset
the fact that conventional diesel has a greater energy and carbon
content relative to petrol, and also reflects the fact that using
diesel is worse than petrol for urban air quality. Burning diesel
produces more particulates and nitrous oxide emissions than petrol.
Diesel will be increased in successive Budgets relative to petrol
Similarly, the duty rates on super unleaded and leaded petrol have
been increased by more than unleaded to reflect the adverse health
effects of benzene, a known carcinogen, and lead respectively.
iii. The preferential duty rate for ultra low sulphur diesel
(ULSD) was introduced on 15 August last year at 1 pence per
litre less than conventional diesel. This differential has now been
increased to 2 pence per litre to further encourage the production
and use of ULSD. ULSD produces lower levels of particulates than
conventional diesel. In addition, to ensure the environmental
benefits, the specification for the lower duty rate has been extended
to include additional criteria related to density and
distillation.
iv. The duty on road gas fuels (liquefied petroleum gas and
compressed natural gas) remains frozen due to the environmental
benefits these gases offer. The widened differential with
conventional diesel offers a clear incentive for commercial fleets to
convert to cleaner gas power and will help to offset the cost to
motorists of vehicle conversion. In addition the cost of
conversion of a company car from convention fuel to gas fuel, or
additional cost for a new car, will no longer be included within
the calculation of company car tax.
v. VED rates for all vehicles were frozen, helping to shift
the burden of taxation from car ownership to car use, and the
Government will be consulting later in the year about the
introduction of an environmental graduated VED scheme for new and
existing cars, with a new lower 100 pound rate for the least
polluting cars. There would also be a review of the framework for
setting VED rates for lorries to ensure that the environmental damage
caused by lorries is reflected in their VED rates.
vi. A VED incentive of up to #500 will apply to commercially
operated lorries and buses which have cleaner engines. Regulations
prescribing the emission standards and mechanisms for the incentive
will be laid before Parliament later this year. Details of the
proposal were published on 23 January 1998. (See DETR Press Notice
049).
vii. The increase in bus fuel duty rebate will protect bus
operators from this year's increase in diesel tax. There will
be consultation on how the rebate scheme might best be targeted to
help meet the Government's environmental and rural objectives.
viii. The proposal to increase scale charges for employees
provided free fuel for private use by 20 per cent over the next
five years should discourage employers from providing and employees
from accepting free fuel, so that more company car drivers face the
actual cost of the fuel they use for private motoring.
ix. The broader review of company car taxation to reduce
unnecessary business mileage will consider in particular the
case for replacing the existing business mileage discounts with
discounts for driving fewer private miles in company cars. The
Government is keen that people provide their views on the case for
restructuring the company car tax system to the Inland Revenue.
# = pounds sterling
COI
DEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT & THE REGIONS
PRESS NOTICE: 212/TRANSPORT DATE: 23 March 1998
HAYMAN PROPOSES EASIER EXCHANGE OF DRIVING LICENCES
Proposals to make it easier for licence holders from some other
countries to exchange their driving licences for British ones without
having to take a British driving test, were announced today by Road
Safety Minister, Baroness Hayman.
The new proposals will allow more flexibility when considering
applications for British driving licences, so that all drivers who
can show that they meet the required standards can obtain a British
licence without undergoing a test.
Commenting on the proposed measure, Helene Hayman said:
"The present legislation on driving licence exchange is too
inflexible, giving us the option of either accepting all
licences issued by another country, or none of them. These changes
will introduce a fairer system. Suitably qualified drivers will
be saved the time and expense of having to take an unnecessary
test. We will continue to be able to refuse to exchange
licences of types which, for one reason or another, do not meet our
requirements.
"All applicants will still need to provide evidence that they
meet the stringent standards of the British driver licensing
system. I believe that this proposal will provide useful benefits
without harming road safety."
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. The proposed change will be made by an Order under the
Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994. A six week period of
consultation was carried out in 1997.
2. Foreign licence holders may drive in Great Britain on their
foreign licence for one year. After that, unless their licence was
issued in an EU country or Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein (whose
licences may be used here indefinitely), or in a country which is
designated by law for the purpose of exchanging licences eg Australia
and Japan, they do not have full entitlement to drive unless they
pass a British driving test. A country may be designated for this
purpose if its arrangements for issuing licences satisfy road safety
requirements which are similar to those in Great Britain.
3. The consideration which at present rule out designation of a
country may not be relevant to all drivers from that country, many of
whom may hold licences which could be accepted without any risk to
road safety. A good example is South Africa, whose driver testing
standards are comparable to those in the United Kingdom. However
South Africa has not been acceptable for designation because its
licences do not indicate whether they in turn were issued in exchange
for licences from another country whose driver testing standards we
do not recognise. The proposed change will give the Secretary of
State the power to designate, amongst other things, certain classes
of licence issued by countries not currently designated.
4. The proposal for a Deregulation Order will be laid on 23 March
and is then subject to scrutiny by the Deregulation Committees.
COI
DEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT & THE REGIONS
UK ROUND TABLE ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
PRESS INFORMATION
No. 2/98 23 March 1998
ROUND TABLE ENCOURAGED BY GOVERNMENT
APPROACH TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The UK Round Table on Sustainable Development is encouraged by
the approach of the Government to sustainable development.
Introducing the Third Annual Report of the Round Table, the
Chairman, Professor Sir Richard Southwood, drew attention in
particular to:
early signs that Ministers and officials would be more fully
involved in the deliberations of the Round Table;
the formation of the Sustainable Development Unit within
Government; together, these would allow consideration of
sustainable development issues to inform debate; and
the determination of the Government to include the social
aspects of sustainable development, which accorded well with the
Round Table's view that sustainable development involved the
integration of economic, environmental and social elements, with
none more or less important than the others.
Sir Richard paid tribute to the contribution made to the Round
Table's work by the former Secretary of State for the Environment and
Co-Chairman of the Round Table, the Rt Hon John Gummer MP. He
acknowledged Mr Gummer's steadfastness and diligence in raising
awareness and urging progress on sustainable development issues.
But he emphasised the Round Table's hope that all Government
departments would now take action on sustainable development. He
welcomed the formation of the House of Commons Environmental Audit
Committee; he and some other members of the Round Table had met the
Committee in January and had encouraged them to judge the policies
and actions of all departments.
The Round Table has published two reports in the past year:
Getting the Best Out of Indicators focused on the use of
indicators of sustainable development in relation to policy and in
raising public awareness. The value of such indicators depended not
only upon their relevance to issues but also upon their intended use
and audience.
Economic Regulation recommended that the Government should set a
strategic framework for economic regulation, within which sustainable
development could be pursued and which optimised the balance between
economic, environmental and social issues.
Sir Richard has written to the Prime Minister, conveying the
interim conclusions of a study of agriculture. He recommends,
amongst other things, that MAFF should ensure that sustainable
development has a prominent influence on its own policies. And it
should become fully involved in Government Offices for the Regions,
allowing strategic objectives to be developed at the regional level
which integrate the needs of agriculture with those of the
environment and rural development.
In addition to the report on sustainable agriculture, the Round
Table will shortly be publishing further reports, which will:
set out appropriate indicators by which to judge the success, in
terms of sustainable development, of the changes to the market for
domestic energy;
advise firms on how they could contribute to the conservation of
biodiversity by integrating it into their environmental management
systems; and
recommend action to integrate sustainable development into the
management of companies.
In the coming year, the Round Table will be contributing to the
consultation on a revised Government strategy for sustainable
development. And it is planning studies on: regional and devolved
institutions; financial markets and institutions; small and
medium-sized enterprises; demand management and consumer issues.
Notes for Editors
The UK Round Table on Sustainable Development was established by the
Government in 1995. It aims to encourage discussion on major
sustainable development issues and to build consensus between people
who have different perspectives and different responsibilities. Its
members are drawn from business, environmental organisations, local
government and other sectors of the community. It was originally
co-chaired by the then Secretary of State for the Environment, Rt Hon
John Gummer MP, and by Professor Sir Richard Southwood DL FRS,
Professor of Zoology (and former Vice-Chancellor), University of
Oxford and Chairman of the Inter-Agency Committee on Global
Environmental Change. Sir Richard is now sole Chairman of the Round
Table. The Deputy Prime Minister, Rt Hon John Prescott MP, is its
President.
Copies of the Annual Report, and other Round Table reports, are
available free of charge from the Secretariat, at:
Zone 4/F4, Ashdown House, 123 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6DE
Tel: 0171-890 4964 Fax: 0171-890 4959
e-mail: 10617...@compuserve.com
COI
DEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT & THE REGIONS
221/env 23 March 1998
NEDO INDICES GO SILVER
The publication of the March "Monthly Bulletin of Indices" marks
the 25th anniversary of these construction price indices, known to
the industry as the NEDO Indices'.
Welcoming the continued publication of this important
statistical information, Construction Minister Nick Raynsford said:
"My department has been the sole and uninterrupted producers of
these Indices that have stood the test of time for twenty-five years.
During that time, the indices have been used extensively by all sides
of the industry and there have been several updates and revisions.
Today's A4 bulletin contains over 7,000 indices and is received by
over 2,500 subscribers. This is an excellent example of how
statistics can improve the effective operation of industry. We look
forward to a continuing role alongside the construction industry by
maintaining this service well into the future."
The first issue of the indices was published in March 1973 as a
pocket edition containing indices for civil engineering works, to be
followed a year later by separate issues covering building and
specialist engineering works.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
1. Monthly Bulletin for Indices for Price Adjustment Formulae for
Construction Contracts" is published by the Stationary Office
for the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions,
priced #11 per bulletin.
2. Annual subscribers receive the monthly bulletins for #110 a
year, including postage. Those wishing to subscribe should
contact Alan Fordham, telephone: 0171 890 5765.
# = pounds sterling
COI
DEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT & THE REGIONS
218 23 March 1998
OVER #35M GOVERNMENT FUNDING TO BENEFIT TOWER HAMLETS ESTATES
Three London housing estates are getting a new lease of life
with a #35.2 million cash injection from the Government's Estates
Renewal Challenge Fund (ERCF).
Tower Hamlets council tenants on the Lincoln, Lansbury and
Burdett Estates in Poplar are taking advantage of the ERCF scheme and
will be transferring their tenancies today to the Poplar Housing and
Regeneration Community Association (Poplar HARCA). The Government
funding will be used to improve their properties.
Housing Minister Hilary Armstrong said:
"This is the first of three proposed transfers to the Poplar
HARCA and will make a real difference to this area of extreme housing
need. More than #88 million, from both public and private sources,
will now be invested in the estates to tackle long-needed repairs and
improvements. Tenants will also benefit from the opportunity to have
greater involvement in the running of the estates through this new
local housing company.
The tenants voted last April to support the transfer to HARCA.
When it goes ahead, HARCA will be raising another #53 million from
the private sector. This will allow it to carry out essential repairs
to all the properties on the estates.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Estates Renewal Challenge Fund (ERCF)
ERCF was launched in November 1995 with the aim of transforming some
of the remaining big, rundown local authority estates by facilitating
their transfer to registered social landlords, enabling private
finance to be raised to help regeneration. The programme is now in
its third round.
When a local authority wishes to propose an estate for ERCF funding
and transfer they have to consult and ballot its tenants. Before
giving consent to any transfer, the Secretary of State must be
satisfied that the majority of tenants are not opposed to the
transfer.
Round three of ERCF funding was announced in February 1998 and #248m
has been allocated to 15 local authorities covering 22,000 homes on
58 estates. Under the first two rounds #289m has been allocated to 20
local authorities for 31 schemes covering 39,000 homes on 62 estates.
# = pounds sterling
COI
DEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT & THE REGIONS
225\ENV (CORRECTED VERSION) 23 March 1995
A BREATH OF FRESH AIR FOR EUROPE -
new measures on air quality and waste agreed
New measures to improve air quality, minimise waste disposal and
increase recycling were agreed this morning by Environment Ministers
of the European Council in Brussels.
Common Positions were reached on three dossiers which will mean:
tighter emission standards for small vans;
a cut of nearly 60 per cent on damaging solvent emissions from a
range of industries from dry cleaning to aircraft painting; and
new measures to reduce the disposal of waste by landfill and
increase recycling.
COI
DEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT & THE REGIONS
228\ENV 24 March 1998
"DO YOUR BIT" TO FIGHT GLOBAL WARMING AND CUT POLLUTION
SAYS JOHN PRESCOTT - AND SEVEN-YEAR-OLD LEON.
Leon Valero, a seven-year-old asthmatic schoolboy from Kingsbury,
North London, joined the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott this
morning to launch a #2 million advertising campaign to raise
awareness of climate change and air pollution and encourage everyone
to do their bit.'
The campaign will run for the next two weeks in press
advertisements and radio commercials. Leon features in one of the
press ads.
Mr Prescott said:
"This campaign marks the beginning of a longer-term initiative to
encourage everyone to consider how their lifestyle impacts on their
health and quality of life.
"Climate change and air quality are two of our major concerns -
not just during the period of our Presidency of the European Union,
but into the future as well.
"At the Kyoto Climate Change Conference in Japan last December
developed countries agreed, for the first time, legally binding
targets which will reduce emissions of the six main greenhouses gases
by 5.2% below 1990 levels over the period 2008 to 2012.
"Domestically the Government is aiming to reduce emissions of
carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas by 20% by 2010.
"Using alternative forms of transport, reducing car dependency and
more effective use of energy at home can all contribute towards the
UK meeting these tough targets.
"We cannot go on pumping harmful gases into the atmosphere and
expect nature to clean it up for us. We must give nature a helping
hand.
"The Government will publish its Integrated Transport White Paper
shortly and later this summer I will publish a consultation paper on
measures which could be used to meet our climate change targets.
"For Leon's sake and for the sake of everyone, you can "do your
bit" to make his world - our world - a cleaner, better place in which
to live."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
The 'Are You Doing Your Bit?' campaign has been developed following
the world conference on climate change which took place in Kyoto,
Japan (1-10 December 1997) where Government Ministers and climate
change experts met to set legally binding greenhouse gas emissions
reductions targets for the next century.
The campaign reinforces other initiatives which the Department
supports such as 'Energy Efficiency - It's Clever Stuff', an
energy-saving information campaign from the Energy Saving Trust, and
'Going for Green', whose Green Code' features some of the campaign
messages.
The 'Are You Doing Your Bit' campaign has been developed on behalf of
the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions by
advertising agency Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO following a competitive
pitch through the Central Office of Information.
Focus groups have worked on the project to ensure that the actions
portrayed are both realistic and achievable.
An 24-hour 0345 response number is featured which will ensure that
anyone interested in further information on the topics featured can
obtain a special 'Are You Doing Your Bit?' information pack. This
contains leaflets on home energy efficiency, advice on alternatives
to using your car, greener' motoring, and protecting and improving
the local environment. Press ads will also carry a reply coupon for
the same pack.
# = pounds sterling