Archives for July 2014

The Quantock AONB relies on funding from a number of different sources - Somerset County Council, the District Councils and, provided  everybody chips in the right amount, the remainder is matched by the Government.  But Somerset County Council was considering reducing its contribution by around 90% …
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It is National Parks Week - time to be appreciate the wonderful scenery right on our own doorstep. And here are a few things you may not have realised about Exmoor: Did you know - Exmoor has the most remote shoreline in England? Did you know - Exmoor has an exceptionally wooded …
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Regular readers may remember the man who used to be Somerset County Council's Director of Resources. In 2007 Roger Kershaw played a leading role in negotiations towards the formation of South West One.  He was one of the key signatories of a contract that promised (with IBM) savings of hundreds of …
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The Government intends to protect  householders living in high flood risk areas who may have encountered difficulties renewing insurance or securing adequate cover. The Flood re-insurance scheme does not mean that either the Government or taxpayers will underwrite the risks for ever, but the new …
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She may be new, but she's already hard at it at the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs Department. Liz Truss was given the job of DEFRA Secretary this week and is busy catching up on the latest information about our Flood Plan.  She has also accepted an invitation from me to come to the Somerset …
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The challenge to encourage children to read is now official. The Reading Agency has launched a campaign this summer to help persuade young people to read at least six different books during the vacation. I am all in favour and will be dropping in to the Agency's event at Westminster today to show my …
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Should the taxman be allowed to sell personal data? Put as bluntly as that it is surely a no-brainer of a question: of course they shouldn't.  But HMRC claims it would always ensure that any data is rendered anonymous first. I have discuissed this matter with Ministers and have received many …
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 Last night at Westminster Somerset's MPs spoke with a single voice about what still needs doing to prevent future flooding - but, most important, the response from the Minister, Dan Rogerson, is a clear indication of the Government's determination to spend money on something like a barrier at …
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