Current Affairs 2023

[david63]

As always actions speak louder than words but if Kier Starmer can delivery half of what he promises then that has to be better than sticking with a conservative party

From what I have read it sounds like a lot of "sound bites" to me. For example build 1.5 million new houses sounds really good but no mention of the infrastructure needed to support them such as schools, doctors, hospitals, roads etc.

[Onelife]

I hear Kier will be approaching your King asking if he would like to donate some of his our 650 million to kick start some of these projects

[towny44]

I hear Kier will be approaching your King asking if he would like to donate some of his our 650 million to kick start some of these projects

I think you might have tinnitus OL, and I suspect Sir Keir will have a thick ear if he tries that on!!!!

[Onelife]

You may be right John…let’s face it, the only levelling up the monarchy would know about is the space between their knives and forks.

[david63]

Just been reading this https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-67075706

In that report is the following

He added that it was understandable that individual MPs would want to "stand up" for residents in their local areas.

But he added: "The role of government is obviously different. The role of government is to deliver on big projects."

Irrespective of political views, or any particular subject, is this right?

I was always led to believe that all MPs were elected to represent the views of their constituents (I am talking theory here not reality) and unless it is a matter relating to national security then those views should be listened to and, where appropriate be acted upon. That surely is the job of parliament to prevent bulldozing policies through. If the Government of the day cannot prove the argument for a policy then that should be the end of it.

[paultheagle]

For years now Government after Government have promised to fix the housing shortage in this country and Government after Government have failed miserably. The main reason for that is NIMBY's.
Good luck to him if a change in approach is successful and we can build the housing that this country desperately needs.

[Ray B]

I hear Kier will be approaching your King asking if he would like to donate some of his our 650 million to kick start some of these projects

You may have forgot his new Town Poundbury.

[Onelife]

Ching ching...it certainly has a nice ring to it

[Onelife]

We have a housing problem David, one which can only get worse what with thousands of immigrants needing a roof over their heads.

Second homes, air B&B’s, unaffordable private rented accommodation all add to the lack of useable housing accommodation. Every Government since the second world war have promised more affordable housing, so in that sence Keir is only promising what others have promised before. Can, will he delivery? well I haven’t got a clue, but something needs to be done to offset the chronic shortage of housing. I personally wouldn’t worry too much about where MP’s allegiance will lie as they will always pay lips service to their constituent’s… then tow the party line.

With regard to bulldozing our present Government have nothing to be proud of as most of their policies have ended up in U-turns.

But hey! Let’s look on the bright side, in six years’ time the Conservatives will probably sweep back into power having sorted out the problems that have brought this party to its knees.

It is as I have always said…our political system is broken and until such time that it has a complete overhaul, we will continue to go round in this vicious circle of stagnation.

If Keir can work miracles, then I would suggest Dorset and Cumbria as good places for ‘New Towns’

Vote Green and get rid of the freeloading Monarchy

[Stephen]

I heard a rumour that the Midlands have been earmarked for two million housing asociation homes near you Keirh. I'd get you ride on mower up for sale on Gumtree while you can mate. You might not be needing it for much longer.

[Onelife]

I heard a rumour that the Midlands have been earmarked for two million housing asociation homes near you Keirh. I'd get you ride on mower up for sale on Gumtree while you can mate. You might not be needing it for much longer.

I’m not getting rid of my ride-on as I use it to patrol our village looking for undesirables wishing to move up from Down Souf

Btw, are you back from your tugboat cruise Yet?

[Stephen]

Got back Saturday.

[Onelife]

Got back Saturday.

You must have got the washing and ironing done by now, Squeak! Squeak! where’s your cruise report?... I know some will be interested to read it

[Stephen]

My names not under the thumb Keith

Report:

Got on board
Cruised
Got off


The end

[towny44]

My names not under the thumb Keith

Report:

Got on board
Cruised
Got off


The end

It would be interesting to have your views on the cruise, this is supposed to be a cruise forum where we can report our own cruise experiences, and read others peoples as well?

[Stephen]

Maybe when I’m in the mood.

[Onelife]

My names not under the thumb Keith

Report:

Got on board
Cruised
Got off


The end

Great report Stephen…thanks for taking the time to write it

[Stephen]

It wasn't too over the top was it?

[Ray B]

Maybe when I’m in the mood.

Put a Glen Miller record on then

[Ray B]

What I fail to understand is when a developer put in for planning permission they include a few 'affordable ' homes next to their four and five bedroom detached house, after starting up the site ,they come back to the council saying they can not afford the 'affordable'
houses. The council ,disappointed ,then gives them the go ahead. Will one day a council dig their heals and say to them, the planning permission given was for the the application submitted and it's up to the developer to supply as to the permission given. That was to supply affordable housing .
What really is 'affordable' housing, as still a lot of house hunters find they are still above what they can afford.

[david63]

What really is 'affordable' housing, as still a lot of house hunters find they are still above what they can afford.

The problem is that there is a difference between being affordable and being what is desired.

At one time when starting off on the housing ladder we all bought what we could afford - not necessarily what we wanted in the area that we wanted. We then worked hard and saved and eventually bought the next step up the ladder (some were lucky in that they had assistance with this due to the fact that their employer moved them) and so it went on.

Today when starting out it appears that many consider the starting point being what their parents have but that is not what they can afford so go around crying that there is no (what they want, where they want it, brand new) affordable housing. Add into that mix that for any number of reasons that the young of today are more likely to be renting and not able to save the deposit required to buy any property - let alone "affordable" housing.

The Government a few years back brought out the "Help to buy" scheme which should have been named "Help to build" scheme as that was what it was designed to do.

For first time buyers there needs to be a better way that we have now - something along the lines of, say, have a 100% mortgage where the repayments are 10% of gross income with a government guarantee to underwrite (as a loan) any shortfall should they sell within 10 years. That would at least focus minds on what is affordable and what is not.

[Onelife]

I don’t know much about planning but I would have thought the availability/lack of building plots has a big impact on what size houses are built on them. Clearly builders will want to build houses that give them the best potential profits, therefor smaller plots of available land will be utilised to the builders’ best advantage. The next Government need to create larger plots of land (somewhere Down Souf ) which should make affordable housing more attractive to builders.

The only impute that planners need to have is that they ensure these new estates are built on a green principle with adequate tree planting and green spaces…there should also be a strict rule that front and back gardens are kept neat and tidy…failure to do so will incur fines and/or ten lashes.

[Ray B]

Watched the report last night about the way Amazon will be delivering parcels, don't think I will be ordering a TV from them any time soon.

[Stephen]

I saw that.
Can you imagine in years to come loads of buzzing drones everywhere. Think I’ll get the blunder bus serviced ready for action.

[towny44]

Watched the report last night about the way Amazon will be delivering parcels, don't think I will be ordering a TV from them any time soon.

The size and weight restrictions rather limit its use, but I suppose Amazon must have calculated how many small parcels they ship.
However I think that living in a flat might prove a little difficult for their drone to hit the correct target!