Adrian Sanders

Empty Homes Deepen South West Housing Crisis

Figures unearthed by Torbay MP Adrian Sanders have shown that there are over 70,000 empty homes in the South West, with over 3,000 in Torbay alone.

With over 6,500 families on the housing list in Torbay, Adrian is calling on the Government and the Council to do more to ease homelessness and the wide range of problems that result and cost society considerably.

With almost half a million social homes being sold off in the last 10 years, and only 175,000 new ones built, the housing shortage is affecting those on low incomes the most.  Pensioners and low paid workers are finding it increasingly difficult to find suitable accommodation, especially if their housing needs change suddenly.

The Housing Act 2004 allows councils to utilise empty dwellings to ease homelessness through Empty Dwelling Management Orders.  These have not been widely used in the South West. 

Adrian is also advocating the abolition of VAT on rebuilding work, to encourage empty homes to be brought up to a good standard.  While Greenfield building developments pay 0% VAT, rebuilding and renovation incur 15% VAT.

Adrian and the Liberal Democrats are also calling on the Government to extend support for buying empty homes for social use.  Housing Minister Margaret Beckett has announced funding for around 5,500 home purchases nationwide but this total would not even house those on Torbay’s waiting list.

Adrian said: “The lack of suitable, affordable housing in Torbay is one of the biggest issues the area faces.  With good housing and infrastructure comes a better quality of life and a more productive economy.  The Government is wary of investing in this area but it has ignored the immense financial benefits reducing homelessness brings; poor housing leads to poor health, anti social behaviour, low aspirations and a poor sense of community.”

“There is so much that can be done to increase the housing supply without building on Greenfield sites.  Bringing even half of the empty homes in Torbay into use would be such a boost to so many families and would immensely benefit our local communities.  Good housing must be at the centre of national and local policies to tackle social deprivation.”

Adrian has now written to Housing Minister Margaret Beckett and Torbay Chief Executive Elizabeth Raikes, urging progress on this issue.

Adrian Sanders MP is super supportive of Mind’s Get it off your chest campaign

Adrian Sanders, MP for Torbay, is urging men to Get it off your chest in support of the leading mental health charity Mind’s new campaign on men’s mental health. The campaign aims to get men to recognise the importance of talking about their problems and seek help when times get tough, particularly during the recession.

Mind’s new YouGov survey found that almost 40% of men are worried or low at the moment and the top 3 issues playing on their minds are job security, work and money. One in seven men will develop depression within six months of losing their jobs (1) and unemployment also increases the risk of suicide with research showing that two-thirds of men under 35years were out of work when they took their own life (2).

Even though men and women experience mental health problems in roughly equal measures men are far less likely to discuss their feelings and seek the help they need. Only 31% of men would talk to their family about feeling low compared to nearly half of women and only 14% of men (35-44yrs) would see a GP if they felt low compared to 37% of women. The consequences of suffering in silence can be fatal - 75% of all suicides are by men (3).

Mind’s Get it off your chest campaign is calling for a first strategy on men's mental health, to match the existing women's mental health strategy. Supporters with personal experience include Lord Melvyn Bragg, Alastair Campbell, Stephen Fry, actor Joe McGann and Heart FM DJ Matt Wilkinson.

Mind’s Chief Executive Paul Farmer said: “The problem is that too many men wrongly believe that admitting mental distress makes them weak and this kind of self stigma can cost lives. When men do look for help, they can be put off by health premises that are geared more towards women. Men told us that GP surgeries offering women’s magazines can feel like a hairdressers and make them feel uncomfortable. Treatments could be more ‘male friendly’ too. It is a major health inequality that a mental health strategy exists for women but not men.”

(1) Kivimaki M. et al. (2007), ‘Organisational downsizing and increased use of psychotropic drugs among employees who remain in employment’, Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health 61: 154–8

(2) Association of Public Health Observatories (2007) Mental health: indications of public health in the English regions

(3) Office for National Statistics (2009), Suicides

Torbay MP Welcomes Report on Event Licences

Torbay MP Adrian Sanders, member of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, has welcomed the findings of the Committee’s report on Licensing Legislation.

The recommendation to allow councillors to be able to represent residents’ views on temporary event licences has been particularly welcomed.  The recommendation comes after the issue was raised by Preston Councillor Dave Butt, leading to a submission to the Committee that was supported by Adrian.

Currently, only the police can offer objections on temporary event notices, which cover one off events lasting up to 4 days long, with up to 500 people attending.  The police can make representations on law and order concerns but local people, who may want to support or oppose any given event do not have the right to make their views known to licensing officials.

Adrian commented: “The lack of democracy in the licensing system is a problem and hopefully the Government will accept the recommendations of the report.  Whether people want to support a popular local event or complain about something that will bring noise and disruption to their neighbourhood, they should always be allowed to put these views forward to be considered by the licensing authorities.”

Government Confusion on Torbay Air Quality

Bay MP Adrian Sanders has voiced concern over mixed messages on air pollution in Torbay.

Questioning DEFRA Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, Adrian found that the Government is ‘satisfied’ with progress being made in Torbay in tackling air pollution.

A recent report by Government Office South West revealed, however, that ‘none of the three air quality targets [for Torbay] are “on-track”.  The report is responding to the council’s progress report on its local transport plan.

The report went on to say: “Public concern is also expressed about the continued deterioration in air quality for the Hele, Brixham and Paignton AQMAs (Air quality management areas).  Unfortunately the solution to improving these areas is reported as being based around modal transfer, which you are failing to achieve.”

Adrian is pressing Ministers to offer more substantive support to tackle air pollution and Mr Irranca-Davies highlighted grants available and help lines for local authorities to call.

Adrian commented: “The Government needs to get its story straight on air pollution.  One branch of Government has launched a scathing attack on progress while another thinks all is well.  I will be offering the council any assistance I can and I will be urging them to exploit fully the resources the Government is providing.”

Adrian Sanders MP asks mobile phone users – what’s the problem?

Torbay MP Adrian Sanders joins forces with Consumer Focus to help tackle problems faced by mobile phone users

In response to consumer complaints about the service they receive from mobile companies, Consumer Focus, the new independent champion for consumers, launched an investigation into the mobile phone sector this month. Adrian is backing the move and urging residents to take part by sending their top ‘mobile moans’ to the UK’s largest watchdog.

Adrian said “Public confidence in the mobile phone sector is low with more than 100,000 complaints received by the advice agency Consumer Direct in the last two years. I am very pleased that Consumer Focus will be championing mobile consumers’ rights and urge you to tell them about your views and experiences”.

Ed Mayo, Chief Executive of Consumer Focus, said: “Nine in ten UK households now use a mobile phone, more than have a fixed phone line. The challenges facing mobile phone users have moved on greatly since the first mobile call was made in 1985. Mobiles are at the heart of modern communication and those without access can face exclusion and disadvantage. It is crucial that all consumers get a fair and affordable deal.”

Bay MP Welcomes Council Commitment to Listen to Residents

Torbay MP Adrian Sanders has welcomed a commitment from Deputy Chief Executive of Torbay Council Caroline Taylor to look at rectifying the poor results shown in a recent survey of Torbay residents.

The results from the ‘Place Survey’ saw only about a third of residents approving of how the council acts on behalf of local people.  Fewer than 20% thought that they had enough influence on local decision making, reflecting Mr Sanders’ own survey of thousands of residents in 2008, where only 13% felt they were involved enough.

The Council is soon to unveil an ‘action plan’ to the Torbay Strategic Partnership to rectify the problems highlighted in the survey and Mr Sanders has been encouraging the council to do more to listen to residents and pro-actively take action on issues.

Adrian said: “The perception of mismanagement at the town hall and the overriding of the needs and wishes of Torbay residents is one of the major concerns people in the Bay raise with me.  Hopefully the council can now look closely at why people hold these perceptions and bring in meaningful change, not just in how the council presents itself but in the substance of what it does strategically and on a day-to-day basis.”

“The survey did take in the views of over 2000 residents but the Council should be listening to the views of all residents everyday, ensuring that consultations actually influence decision making.”

In a reply on behalf of Torbay Council, Caroline Taylor wrote to Mr Sanders saying: “The survey has allowed us to do an analysis on a Ward and Town basis and this will allow us to carry out local targeting and some innovative work in Ward areas to respond to various big issues raised.  There is also a quarterly residents’ focus group now in place to track changes in perception and concern before the next formal survey takes place in 2 years time.”

Government Refuses to Reveal Level of Dissatisfaction Over Pub Tax

Adrian Sanders, Lib Dem MP for Torbay has been tackling the Government over its lack of support for local pubs.

With increasing competition from supermarkets selling alcohol at below cost-price, problems for pubs increased with a 2% above inflation duty rise in the Budget.  Pubs are now closing at a rate of 6 a day nationally and there are 75,000 jobs under threat.

Treasury Minister Angela Eagle refused to tell Mr Sanders how many people had been in favour of the above inflation duty rise, which will push more sales to supermarkets.  While it was acknowledged that a ‘wide range’ of representations had been received, the Minister cited the precedent of previous administrations that the numbers in favour and against the duty rise would not be revealed.

The Minister also admitted that no research had been carried out to identify the impact of the duty rise on pub closures and job losses.

Adrian said: “Pubs across Torbay and South Devon have been closing in recent months.  All closures will cost jobs and damage the economy and many will have a seriously negative effect upon local communities by removing a vital social hub.”

“The British Beer and Pub Association ran a high profile campaign to get as many people to contact Ministers as possible and the Minister is just trying to hide the level of unpopularity of her policy.  The Government is, in theory, here to represent the interests of the British people but yet again views have been ignored.  There is so much the Government can do to help stabilise the pub industry and prevent future closures and job losses but it simply refuses to take an intelligent approach.”

Adrian is pressing the Government to take a better approach on the issue.  There is currently no evidence that duty rises reduce binge drinking; the problem lies in under-pricing by large supermarket chains.  Large pub companies are also charging inflated wholesale prices to tied pubs, which is having some impact.  Adrian is also calling for fewer burdens for pubs wishing to host live music.

Government Hindering Business Sales

Adrian Sanders MP has called on the Government to change its policy on Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), which he claims is hurting businesses and stifling investment.

All buildings must have an EPC before they can be sold or let.  EPCs must be assessed by a certified professional and the Government has not put a limit on the price commercial assessors can charge.  Constituents in Torbay have reported being given quotes of over £1500 for their businesses.

The Government offers no financial help for struggling businesses that want to sell up to cover the costs of the EPC, adding a significant burden.  Adrian is pressing the Government to offer leeway on this issue, to ensure businesses that need to sell or rent premises can do so without any penalty, which in the current economic climate would be prohibitive.

Adrian said: “Energy Performance Certificates are generally positive in that they encourage better energy efficiency and provide good information for buyers and tenants.  The way the Government has introduced the scheme unfortunately does not match the aims; they have not thought through the effect on businesses.”

“The EPC is also based on something of a simple computer program and in many cases, particularly in old buildings, will not reflect the true environmental impact.  With the downturn, the Government needs to think more carefully about this scheme; with property sales plummeting, EPCs can often just add another disincentive.”

In response to Adrian’s concerns, Housing Minister Margaret Beckett said: “Climate Change is real and happening.  Nearly half of all carbon dioxide emissions in this country come from buildings.  EPCs mean that for the first time those buying a property will know how energy efficient those buildings are, and how to make them perform better.  Consumers can save money on their energy bills, and we all gain if carbon dioxide emissions are cut.  So, the policy is normally a win for everyone.”

Government Letting Young People Down over Apprenticeships

Torbay MP Adrian Sanders has criticised the Government for not doing enough to promote apprenticeships.

Following the high profile launch of the National Apprenticeship Service in December, there has been a slow uptake by employers. Although over 50,000 potential employees have signed up nationwide, there are jobs for fewer than 1 in 8 of them.

In Torbay there are currently only 2 vacancies and in Exeter only 5.

South Devon College currently offers high quality career and apprenticeship advice but the Government has introduced a new scheme that has so far not incorporated apprenticeships already offered.

Adrian has called for the Government to take a more realistic approach rather than just create a top-down national database that serves little purpose. He will be pressing Ministers to support the creation of more posts and ensure that school-leavers are aware of the opportunities available to them.

Adrian said: "High profile campaigns and massive investments are all very well, but the Government needs to deliver on the ground, focusing resources in places like Torbay that desperately need investment. There is a lack of joined up thinking that needs to be addressed so that young people know exactly where to look and also so that resources aren’t needlessly wasted."

"What really needs to happen is for someone to take a clear lead in each area. In Torbay the College clearly has the skills to do this. What the Government needs to do is enable more young people to become apprentices. This means ensuring all aspects of the public sector provide entry level apprenticeships as a matter of course and that small businesses have the support and resources they need to take on trainees."

In response to Adrian’s concerns, Minister Lord Young of Norwood Green stated: "The Government aims to deliver over 250,000 apprenticeship starts and 190,000 successful completions by 2020 and apprenticeship funding to meet this challenge is planned to increase by almost a quarter between 2008-08 and 2009-10 to over £1billion."

Government Ignores Tourism and Transport for Coastal Resorts

Torbay MP Adrian Sanders has condemned comments from Transport Minister Paul Clark as ignoring the problems facing Torbay and many other seaside tourist destinations.

Mr Sanders is campaigning for better rail links to Torbay to encourage domestic tourist visits. The Government's refusal to consider improving services not only damages business but shows the Government's commitment to environmental sustainability as all talk and no action.

With over 6,000 journeys every day between Torbay and London, only 4% are taken by train and this is likely to fall when South West Trains withdraw the Paignton to Waterloo service later this year. The few direct services between Paddington and Torbay are unreliable and take up to four hours compared to the two and a half hours other services take from Paddington to Newton Abbot.

Mr Clark stated in responses to Adrian in Parliament that there were no plans to provide more or better services and that it would be up to community groups and local authorities to improve their rail links.

Adrian said: "The poor intercity rail services to and from Torbay have piled pressure on local roads and stifled both the tourist sector and other industries that we desperately need to diversify into. The Government is simply ignoring the terrible effects of its policies on areas like Torbay. The admission by the Conservatives that they may not fund the bypass if they form the next Government makes the rail link all the more important."

"For tourists especially, having a direct rail link to your destination is a big selling point. When you compare the links we have to somewhere like Scarborough, Torbay is light years behind. One of the Minister's responses showed he just did not care about the impact of transport policy on key industries. To have a Government mismanaging such an important part of the economy as this is ridiculous."

Adrian is now pressing South West Minister Ben Bradshaw MP to support the campaign for better rail services.