INTOUCH WISE TORIES HAD CASH JAB READY TO WARD OFF COVID TAX HIKE - FAREHAM ...
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InTouch
CONSERVATIVES – Over two decades of outstanding civic service
FAREHAM NORTH WEST – Spring 2021
Wise Tories had cash jab ready
to ward off Covid tax hike
SIDE EFFECTS from Covid-19 To Fareham’s precept will be added
played havoc with Fareham’s fi- the much larger Hampshire County
nances, leading to the worst bud- Council precept and that from the Po-
getary situation in two decades and lice & Crime Commissioner and Fire &
threat of a council tax hike. Rescue Service.
But the wise Conservative adminis- Overall income from council tax of
tration had an antidote ready for rainy £7.5m represents just 15% of the bud-
days – and pandemics. get to deliver all services costing over
Prudent investments and careful han- £48m. Other income is realised from
dling of the coffers had built up a ‘vac- fees and charges such as rents arising
cine’ of reserves, so £2m was available from the Council’s £64m commercial
to inject into the budget to relieve the property portfolio, car parking charges,
pain in taxpayers’ pockets. hire of sports pitches etc.
Fareham Borough Council’s tax increase for Fareham’s 44,000 There is also a capital programme over the next 5 years of £86m.
homes is just 1p per day and the result for the average home stays Subject to necessary viability studies, we plan to invest:
at less than £3 per week for all Council services. •£10m for building new council houses
“This remains almost the lowest in the country,” said Council •£15m for improving existing council houses
Leader Seán Woodward, recalling that in 1999 Conservatives in- •£6.5m for acquiring new council houses
herited a huge deficit from the previous administration.
•£12m for a new arts and entertainment facility –
Fareham Live
‘Toughest by far’
“Now we are in a similar situation. This is the 22nd budget that
•£7m investment in improving Fareham’s two leisure centres
I have presented to the Council and it was the toughest by far. •£0.5m for playground improvements
“The economy of this country has been decimated by the Co- •£2.5m for disabled adaptation grants
vid-19 pandemic and Fareham Borough Council, like every family •£10m for investment in Solent Airport @ Daedalus
and business, has not been immune to the turbulence. including new buildings for businesses and jobs
“Thankfully, due to Conservatives’ financial prudence that we •£6m for car parking improvements across the Borough
have practised over two decades, we have been able to weather Councillor Woodward added: “I am grateful to our residents
the financial hurricane. for stepping up during these tough times to help friends,
“The Council has paid over £45m to businesses in the Borough neighbours and strangers. Our Borough is one amazing com-
for Covid hardship by way of grants and business rate reliefs.” munity.”
Fareham planning nightmare: ‘Events out of our control’
PLANNERS are tearing their hair out again, reverting from 2018 to 2014 figures housing completions over the last 3 years,
after another Whitehall U-turn sent for estimating housing growth. but fewer houses have been completed
the housing element of the current Councillor Martin said: “Consequently, against the Government’s requirements.
Fareham Draft Local Plan to the shred- Fareham’s annual housing need has been Government added 20% to the 5-year
der. confirmed as 508 homes per year, as op- housing targets and required preparation
Executive Member for Planning and De- posed to 403 homes per year that the of a Housing Delivery Action Plan.
velopment Simon Martin said: “We are Publication Local Plan was based upon. The Council couldn’t meet the target
being penalised by events out of our con- “We must now revisit the housing re- due to being unable to issue planning con-
trol.” quirement, amendments will need to be sents for 2 years due to the impact of ni-
The Plan went out for consultation just put forward and also to consider the re- trates on the Solent. Simon Martin added:
before Christmas after the Council ap- sponses received from the consultation. “We are lobbying Government hard to
proved an earlier Government change- “Additional sites required to deliver the ensure they support us. Despite our best
around allowing a lower number of houses. higher number of houses will be included efforts to issue planning permissions and
Two days before the consultation closed, in an amended version of the Local Plan.” proceed with the Local Plan, we are being
the Government moved the goal posts Fareham has to submit annual figures on penalised by events out of our control.”
Almost England’s lowest district council tax – thanks to CONSERVATIVES
2 InTouch Only a CONSERVATIVE COUNCIL can deliver the goods year after year InTouch 3
Scourge of the throw-away masks Leisure centre extension progresses Redevelopment of
THIS poor duck was lucky to put their used masks in the WORK has started while trying to clear Menin House is
to be spotted with a mask bin and enforcement officers on the £6.8m
THE NEW LOOK
the ground for the in the pipeline
wrapped round its neck that can issue £80 on-the-spot scheme to improve new extension and
some thoughless person had fines to anyone caught litter- the Borough’s have built a new
NEWS ROUND
tossed into its habitat. ing. leisure centres. temporary tarmac
Throw-away Covid masks are Fred Birkett said: “Nearly all Most of the cash path beside the
a new litter scourge spreading of us are having to wear face will be spent updat- fenced area.
Covid grants available across the environment. masks and many of these are ing the 40-year-old The centre, which
Struggling charity and community organisations Councillor Fred Birkett said single use. Fareham Leisure is run by award-
can apply to Fareham Council for a Covid-19 a recent Marine Conservation Society “Not only are incorrectly disposed Centre in Park Lane. winning Everyone Active, will boast new
special grant. survey found that discarded PPE was face masks a litter nuisance, they also Since lockdown was announced in De- features designed to appeal to users of all
The application process is quick and easy and found on more than two thirds of lit- pose a risk to our street cleaners, and cember, external works have progressed ages
groups who have had to close or stop operating ter picks. in some cases hurt our wildlife, so well and while the Leisure Centre is closed, In the Western Wards, Holly Hill Leisure
due to lockdown restrictions are welcome to The Council is displaying posters in please think of others and dispose of internal work was completed. Centre users can look forward to a steam
apply. its noticeboards reminding residents your masks properly.” Contractors battled against bad weather room and sauna towards the end of 2021. MENIN HOUSE is 55 years old and is
A rose arises from the thorns of a wasteland
Those successful will receive a one-off payment getting past its sell-by date.
of £250, provided they can provide evidence to It’s going to cost the Borough Council
meet the criteria. at least £600,000 to maintain, fix struc-
The grant is not available to profit making or- TENANTS should soon be moving into social and affordable housing. tural issues and update fittings over the
ganisations, those with large reserves, or any that Rose Court, the striking complex of Councillor Birkett said: “It is really exciting next 30 years.
have received funding from the Council during the flats that now adorns what was derelict to see this project finally completing. When So councillors are considering rede-
pandemic. wasteland. I first became a Councillor the Hampshire velopment of the site and the Executive
It’s a triumph for Conservative-run Fare- Rose site was an area I was extremely keen meeting on March 1 heard that it could
Bid to halt tree disease ham Council and for Executive Member for to see properly developed, having seen provide a greater number of modern,
Ash dieback disease is spreading through West- Housing Fred Birkett and Councillor Peter it change from a pub to a derelict waste energy efficient, affordable homes.
ern Wards woodlands. Davies in particular. ground over the years. Executive Member for Housing Council-
Holly Hill Woodland Park and Whiteley have When he was elected as NW Ward Coun- “It has been a challenging time for all con- lor Fred Birkett said it was built in 1966
been affected, so has Wicor Copse, Portchester cillor in May 2016, Fred set his sights on cerned, but I think everyone will agree the and its original method of construction
where 65 trees have to be felled. transforming the site of the old Hampshire result definitely presents a hope for those presented some costly challenges.
Fareham Council started taking urgent mea- Rose pub into much needed housing. Fred Birkett said work had been hindered spacious interior design, as shown in the that desperately need housing.” He said: “In view of the condition of the
sures in February to halt the spread by remov- The result stands as a tribute to his per- by the Covid situation but, with house photos, with some having wheelchair acces- “More FBC housing projects are starting current structure/building and the cost to
ing infected trees while dormant. sistence – 18 attractive flats in two blocks. moves still allowed under current regula- sibility adaptations included. across the Borough, and with HCC agreeing address those concerns, Council officers
In many areas such as woodlands and semi- Contractors are due shortly to hand over tions, it was hoped to move the first tenants It is part of the wider Fareham Affordable the sale of the Kershaw Centre on Wynton have been considering the most appropri-
natural greenways natural regeneration will be the keys of the first six flats to the Council, in as soon as possible. Housing Strategy programme, with other Way, it will not be long before a new housing ate option for the future of Menin House.
encouraged, but in parks and open spaces trees with the rest to follow in April/May. The flats have been finished to a modern, areas of the Borough benefitting from new project will be underway in Fareham NW.” “Officers have also taken into account
will be replaced the following winter. that Menin House occupies a large site
Solar panels scheme College chosen as rapid Covid test centre
with adjacent garages, many unused.”
Still up and running
Citizens Advice has not stopped operating in A NEW scheme to provide cleaner, greener and RAPID community testing for people with no coro- Health and Social Care and will run for an initial 6-week Homes plan to replace eyesore
Fareham during the lockdown. more sustainable power for Fareham residents is navirus symptoms, but who need to leave home for period. Derelict wasteland in Fareham town
Although advisors are not currently seeing being launched. work is being set up by the Borough Council. Councillor Fred Birkett said: “The introduction of free centre will be turned into a smart new
clients face-to-face, they are offering the same The Borough Council is joining forces with iChoosr, From the week commencing February 22, 11 commu- rapid community testing is a significant step in our fight housing estate if a plan for 18 homes is
top level of service. independent experts in group-buying schemes, to offer nity testing sites were being opened in Hampshire and against Coronavirus. I encourage anyone who is eligible approved.
Here’s how you can contact them: households high quality solar panels and battery storage Fareham College was selected as the Borough’s venue. for the scheme to get tested regularly to ensure that Curdridge-based Imperial Homes Com-
•General advice: phone 01329 223117 or send at the best competitive prices. The scheme is by appointment only and is aimed at we identify positive cases more quickly.” mercial Ltd want to regenerate the site be-
an email to public.citafareham.org/advice. Residents can register for free by providing details residents who travel regularly outside their home for Anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should hind the Red Lion pub that has been an eye-
•Universal Credit: call 0800 144 8 444. about their roof, such as its size and orientation. work and who are not covered by an existing work- not attend a community testing site, but book a test at sore for decades.
•Consumer problems: call 0808 223 1133 The more people that register, the better the deal place testing scheme. nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. They propose building 2 and 3-bedroom
•Online scams: call 0808 250 5050 should be for each household and the installer with the It’s being delivered by the County Council in part- Book a test at https://www.hants.gov.uk/testing-no- houses with private parking and individual
most competitive package will win the contract. nership with district councils and the Department of symptoms gardens, 40% of them classed as affordable.
BOROUGH COUNCILLORS COUNTY COUNCILLORS COME AND JOIN US
Fareham North West Fareham Town If you support Conservative principles and
Peter Davies Fred Birkett Peter Latham Fred Birkett would like to vote to select your Council
142 Highlands Road 22 Lynden Close Posbrook Gardens 22 Lynden Close and Parliamentary candidates, to attend
Fareham PO15 5PS Fareham PO14 3AL Triangle Lane Fareham PO14 3AL social and political events or help us by
Tel: 01329 846239 Tel: 0750 5000 987 Titchfield PO14 4HD Tel: 0750 5000 987 delivering InTouch in your street, then why
email: pdavies@fareham.gov.uk email: fred.birkett@fareham.gov.uk Tel: 01329 843267 email: f.birkett@fareham.gov.uk
not join Fareham North West Branch of
email: peter.latham@hants.gov.uk Fareham Conservative Association? Please
Whether you voted for us or not, your Conservative councillors promise the highest standards of service to everyone in the com- phone Fred Birkett on 07505 000 987.
WE SERVE YOU ALL munity. Contact us any time and we’ll respond personally within 48 hours.
4 InTouch with Westminster
Looking forward to a year
of success and recovery
I know that many people are strug-
gling with covid restrictions.
Suella
However, I sincerely believe that
2021 will be a year of recovery and success for us.
With Brexit finally done, this Conservative Gov-
BRAVERMAN MP for Fareham
BUILDING on my recent
ernment fulfilled its major promise to the British
visit to the Royal South
people, securing a historic deal with the EU which
Hants Hospital in South-
takes back control of our borders, laws, money
ampton to meet the team
and trade restoring our political and economic
behind the Hampshire Re-
independence. search Hub, I am delighted
We have also delivered one of the most com-
that we as a nation have
prehensive economic responses in the world to
now passed the 15 million
support jobs and businesses during the pandemic,
vaccinations milestone.
providing over £280bn in jobs support-including
At the time of writing, the
protecting 12 million jobs through the furlough
UK was the first country in
and self-employed schemes. the world to approve the
Together, we are beating Covid. Pfizer/Biontec vaccine and Suella at the Hampshire Vaccination Research
Please note that I am on maternity leave until
is one of the global lead- Hub with Team Leader Professor Saul Faust and
September following the birth of my daughter. My
ers in its roll-out of the East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds.
office remains fully functional and I continue to
vaccine. also one of the leading Partnerships
serve Fareham residents through my Proxy Vote in
I know I speak for many people in the South East and the country,
Parliament and representation to Ministers in the
in Fareham in paying tribute to the issuing over 100,000 doses in one
usual manner.’ front-line NHS staff and volun- week alone.
CONTACT SUELLA teers who have helped to vaccinate Community First are providing a
14 East Street, Fareham PO16 0BN thousands of local people at sites safe, accessible and Covid-secure
like Fareham Community Hospital, transport option for people in need.
Tel: 01329 233573
For more information see www.
Email: suella@suellabraverman.co.uk Brook Lane Surgery, Portches- cfirst.org.uk/transport/community-
ter Practice and Village Pharmacy.
Facebook: fb.com/SuellaBraverman transport-to-vaccinations.
Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is
Win up to £25,000 on Fareham’s Community Lottery 11
WANT TO to help good causes and 26
for Leisure and Community Councillor
be in with a chance of winning up to Sue Bell said: “I am pleased our Communi-
Raising 47
£25,000? money for ty Lottery tickets are now available to buy
good causes
Then buy a ticket for Fareham’s new in Fareham and would like to thank One Community
Community Lottery which is now live 14 for their efforts in setting it up.
online with draws taking place every Sat- Win cash
prizes up to
£25,000
For more information or
to buy a ticket visit
www.farehamlottery.org.uk
“ With 55 good causes registered to
8
urday, having started on March 13. benefit from the scheme, every ticket
Tickets are on sale at £1 each, of which purchased will contribute to the fantastic
40p will go to one of 55 local charities “This scheme will help provide vital work they do across our Borough.
that have registered to take part. support to good causes which have been “I sincerely hope that Fareham residents
When you buy a ticket, you can choose hard hit by the pandemic and it’s lovely to will show their support now that tickets
which charity you want to support. be able to offer a positive, simple way for are on sale.”
Funding was awarded to set it up to them to increase their income and contin- Tickets can only be bought online, either
One Community, whose Chief Executive, ue to support people in every generation at www.farehamlottery.co.uk or by visiting
Jean Roberts-Jones, said it had been made from our local area.” Fareham Community Lottery facebook
possible through hard work by volunteers. Fareham Council’s Executive Member page.
The French connection powers into UK homes
cember and has now moved to a 90-day of CO2 from entering the atmosphere,
operational phase, equivalent to planting 50 million trees.”
Councillor Fred Birkett said: “In this The 127-mile connection from Nor-
phase they can transfer low carbon elec- mandy surfaces at Monks Hill Beach
tricity between the UK and France using south of Solent Airport at Daedalus and
ELECTRICITY is flowing between IFA2’s full capacity of 1000 megawatts – goes on to a large converter station
France and England as the massive enough to power a million British homes. north east of the airfield, from where
sub-Channel project powers up. “By importing low carbon electricity, 11/2 miles of underground cables link it
Interconnexion France-Angleterre 2 they estimate that within one year, the to the National Grid at Chilling, near
(IFA2) was tested successfully in De- project will prevent 1.2 million tonnes Warsash.
Website: www.farehamconservatives.org.uk Email: farehamconservatives@gmail.com
Published by Fareham NW Conservatives,14 East Street, Fareham PO16 0BN. Printed by Cedar Group, Unit 3 Triton Centre, Premier Way, Abbey Park Industrial Estate, Romsey SO51 9DJ
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