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New Statesman
07-08-2025
- Politics
- New Statesman
Letter of the week: Build back better
Photo by Getty Images Jason Cowley asks: 'Which England do you believe in?' (The Diary, 1 August). My answer: both. My belief in the England of the Lionesses is one of faith, supported by many good things I see around me. My belief in the cowardly anonymous online haters, broken Britain, etc, is based on the reality of a world that Anoosh Chakelian describes as one of low wages, housing shortages and a crumbling public realm (Cover Story, 1 August). If a structure is collapsing, a good place to look is at the foundations. Perhaps the story Keir Starmer needs to tell is that Labour, having taken over the structure of the public realm, found the state of its foundations to be worse than they believed possible. Their challenge now is to fix these foundations. This will be time-consuming, expensive and will not lead quickly to visible results – it's not sexy. Few will admire the out-of-sight, out-of-mind work involved. It takes courageous leadership to tell difficult truths, and faith that those you lead will back you to do what is needed, even if that means short-term discomfort. The alternative is populist leaders who tell the people what they want to hear. Paul Wotton, Wells, Somerset Brew-haha As a fan of both Timothy Taylor's Landlord and Sangiovese, and also of Cheddar and Parmesan, I cannot agree that 'the English win every time' (Editor's Note, 1 August). Michael Henderson clearly isn't comparing like with like. And Tom McTague is right to fear the wrath of the Italian ambassador for suggesting that 'cheese with fish is fine'. Many years ago I earned a rollicking in a campsite trattoria in Tuscany for requesting Parmesan on a fish pasta dish, and then compounding my error by ordering a cappuccino after lunch. Allan Buckley, Greystoke, Cumbria Tom McTague asked us to write in response to his Editor's Note, so here's my effort. No need to hide under your desk: I agree Theakston Old Peculier and Black Sheep (different breweries, but same family) are superior to Guinness. I retried the Irish nectar this week while enjoying the Yorkshire vs Sussex cricket at Scarborough; it is an acquired taste which I haven't developed. Jim Martin, Scarborough Tom McTague is certainly right that Theakston Old Peculier, a beautiful, flavoursome local cask ale, is superior to Guinness, a global pasteurised keg stout. Mind you, the latter is still superior to the ersatz offerings of the global predator brewers that have destroyed much of British brewing. Perhaps the New Statesman needs a full-scale piece on the political economy of brewing, a case study in vulture capitalism. Andy Cooper, Worcester A year of living Labourishly What I found very refreshing about Andrew Marr's article (Politics, 1 August) was that it offered a perspective on Labour's progress at odds with the narrow and hostile perspective of much of the media, and indeed, of many of my friends, most of whom are on the left. In 1979, when I joined the Labour Party, many people abandoned Labour under the illusion that the Callaghan government was 'not much better than the Tories'. In 2010 many people abandoned Labour because of the Blair government's betrayal over Iraq and its compromises with the centre right. For many, these were adequate reasons for not voting Labour. In 2019, I knocked on doors for Labour in Hastings and was repeatedly told: 'I can't vote for Labour while it is led by Corbyn.' But even Jeremy Corbyn would have been preferable to Boris Johnson. Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe Marr offers a corrective to the view that this Labour government is 'no better than the Tories'. James Callaghan and Gordon Brown, for all their faults, were vastly superior to what followed them: Thatcher, Cameron, May, Johnson, Truss, Sunak. We should all carry around in our back pockets Marr's list of Labour's achievements in its first year, just to remind us of what our fight with the Tories is all about. Dick Brown, Buxted, East Sussex Going to waste The interview with the Unite organiser Joe Rollin (Interview, 1 August) while he was on his way to Birmingham to support the bin strike has him claiming that '85 per cent of the city's residents supported the strike'. The fact is that most residents are fed up with both Unite and the council, and just want this unnecessary strike settled. Tony Wright, Birmingham Straight down the middle Donald Trump tells us, 'I know nothing about the boats,' but doesn't let that prevent him from having an opinion (The Sketch, 1 August). Well, I know nothing about golf, but it seems par for the course that he manages to double bogey during most away fixtures. Les Bright, Exeter Age of terror I support Megan Gibson's contention that the proscription of Palestine Action over-extends the definition of terrorism (Reporter at Large, 1 August). However, I object to the implicit ageism in the sentence: 'If the definition of terrorism has become so wide it includes pensioners holding up placards, what does it even mean to be a terrorist any more?' Nick Gould, emeritus professor of social work, University of Bath Not-so-clean energy Rachel Cunliffe draws our distracted attention to the government's announcement of its 'solar roadmap', surely an area of vital interest for us all (Bursting the Bubble, 1 August). Our 1970s workhorse of a gas boiler has developed a neat drip, which puts out the pilot light, so we want to put solar panels on our south-facing roof. But here arises an inconvenient truth: we can't find a source for solar panels that does not go back to the immiseration and forced labour of the people in the Uyghur region of China. To quote the International Energy Agency, 'The world will almost completely rely on China for the supply of key building blocks for solar panel production through 2025… China's share of global polysilicon, ingot and wafer production will soon reach almost 95 per cent. Today China's Xinjiang province accounts for 40 per cent of global polysilicon manufacturing.' I don't see how I cannot harm those people if I buy from China. Sophy Gairdner, Bristol Poetic justice John Gray states 'there is reason in history' (The NS Essay, 1 August). From the same poem, 'Gerontion', that supplied the phrase 'a wilderness of mirrors', which Gray quotes, comes: 'History has many cunning passages, contrived corridors/And issues, deceives with whispering ambitions,/Guides us by vanities.' Perhaps we should hope Trump gets lost in the corridors. Margaret Sherborne, Barry, Wales The way we were As a survivor of the New Society staff back in its heroic decade from the mid 1960s, I winced at your books and culture section being retitled 'The New Society'. The magazine I worked for was that, and so much more. But happily in last week's issue, Anoosh Chakelian's cover story provided a model illustration in her piece on Diss and Epping of a New Society hallmark, that of serious reportage. Back then, we'd travel to where the action was to give a voice to the people concerned. There was the bonus that we attracted readers who wanted more than the clever writing honed in the office or the pub to be found in the then New Statesman and Spectator. Now that the challenge is to create bridges to better understand the current social and political malaise, may the new New Statesman build on that New Society tradition and flourish. Anne Corbett, London SW5 On grief Having gone through my fair share of bereavement at a (relatively) young age, I would like to thank both Pippa Bailey (Deleted Scenes, 1 August) and Hannah Barnes (Out of the Ordinary, 25 July) for sharing their own recent experiences of grief. While every relationship and therefore every loss is unique, it is an experience which is ultimately universal. Such honest writing is refreshing and relatable, and I wish there was more of it in public discourse. Daniel Tewkesbury, Manchester Whose party? At the end of Commons Confidential (1 August) we return to the fascinating – to some of us – topic of a formal name for the new party of the left. No one seems to have considered the obvious: 'It's My Party (And I'll Cry If I Want To)'. Steve Cornforth, Liverpool Write to letters@ We reserve the right to edit letters [See also: Inside the factions of the new left] Related
South Wales Argus
22-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
New housing plans in Cwm, Ebbw Vale approved by council
But concerns were raised over a planning condition which could mean that the the applicant would be allowed to sell off most of them in the future. At a meeting of Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council's Planning committee on Thursday, July 17, an application by Tai Calon Housing Association to build homes on the former Cwmrhydderch Court retirement flats at Cwm came before councillors. The retirement complex was built in the 1970s and demolished in 2022. The proposal would see a mix of eight one bedroom 'walk up' flats, five two-bedroom and five three-bedroom houses built at the site which borders on School Terrace. The scheme would be 100 per cent affordable homes and managed by Tai Calon. Planning officer Helen Hinton presented the report and said: 'The flats would be at the top end of the site; the northwestern corner and the dwellings would be in the southeast.' She explained that the flats would be two storeys hugh, but the roofs would be set below the houses on School Terrace. Ms Hinton added 'There are solar panels indicated for each of the properties and air source heat pumps are proposed for the dwellings facing School Terrace. '24 parking spaces would be provided within the confines of the site, and the proposal is considered to be compatible and appropriate for the area.' She added that no objections had been received and recommended that councillors approved the scheme as it would 'help address current shortfall in housing delivery.' Cllr Wayne Hodgins (Independent group) wanted 'clarification' over a condition that Blaenau Gwent planners would place on the planning permission. Condition three stated that Tai Calon would retain 10 per cent of the development as affordable housing. Cllr Hodgins asked: 'Is that an indication that they would sell off the properties? 'With an RSL (Registered Social Landlord) it's affordable rents that we focus on, what are we saying there?' Ms Hinton said that RSL's have opportunities to sell properties to some of their tenants. Ms Hinton said, 'What we are saying is that at least 10 per cent should be retained for social rent purposes – it's unlikely to occur but to make it policy complaint we recommend that condition be imposed. 'In theory they could sell them on, but I don't know what limitations are put on this by Welsh Government.' Cllr Hodgins added that he was 'quite excited' to see the benefit and hope to see it benefit 'local' as well as ease the council's housing waiting list. Cllr George Humphreys (non-aligned Independent) is the ward member for Cwm. Cllr Humphreys said: 'This was once a school which you can see from photographs, the railings are still there. 'It looks off the scale lovely from the pictures, to me its welcome and so nice to see.' The committee then went to a vote, and councillors unanimously backed the scheme. Tai Calon Community Housing was formed back in 2010 following the large-scale voluntary transfer of the council's housing stock and manages 5,821 homes in the county borough.
Scottish Sun
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
New rules to help renters including bans on shock evictions delayed again
We reveal what help you can get if you're struggling with rent below HOUSE THAT New rules to help renters including bans on shock evictions delayed again Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NEW rules giving more power to renters including a ban on shock evictions have been delayed again. The Renters' Reform Bill will reportedly not come into force in autumn as planned due to delays in Parliament. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 The Renters' Reform Bill has been held up in Parliament Credit: Alamy The far-reaching bill will ban Section 21, also known as "no fault" evictions, as well as prevent landlords from increasing rents to deliberately squeeze hard-up renters out of their homes. The delay to the ban on Section 21 notices, as first reported by The Financial Times, is the first in a string of push backs. Fears have been raised by campaign group the Renters Reform Coalition that the latest delay could mean the bill not coming into effect until the spring of 2026. Tom Darling, director, said: "Renters will feel let down yet again on hearing that Section 21 no fault evictions are now unlikely to be scrapped until 2026 - a year and a half since the government was elected on a manifesto pledge to 'immediately abolish' them. "Now we find out renters will be facing a second no-fault eviction nightmare at Christmas since this promise was made. "Everyone needs a decent, secure home, but with every month that passes thousands more renters are faced with a no-fault eviction. "The Government must show a renewed impetus to get this over the line." Estimates from Shelter suggest around 25,000 households have been threatened with homelessness following a Section 21 notice since the Labour Party was elected. The charity said this means for each day the Government delays a ban, 70 households will be threatened with homelessness. The Sun spoke to one couple who were forced out of their home before Christmas, leaving them scrambling to find a new place to live with their four kids. Landlord Responsibilities Trevor and Tnaesha Twohig described receiving the no-fault eviction as "devastating and anxiety-inducing". The Sun asked the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to comment. What else is included in the Renters' Reform Bill? It's not just a ban on Section 21 evictions covered in the Renters' Reform Bill. A host of other changes are included in the legislation. These are just a few of the major ones: Ensuring possession grounds are fair to both parties - this will give tenants more security but also allow landlords to recover their properties "when reasonable". - this will give tenants more security but also allow landlords to recover their properties "when reasonable". Providing stronger protections against backdoor eviction - this will ensure tenants can appeal above-market rents which are designed to force them out. - this will ensure tenants can appeal above-market rents which are designed to force them out. Introduce a new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman - this will mean renters can get impartial help if they have a grievance with their landlord. - this will mean renters can get impartial help if they have a grievance with their landlord. Give tenants strengthened rights to request a pet in the property - a landlord will have to consider this and cannot refuse it unreasonably. - a landlord will have to consider this and cannot refuse it unreasonably. Apply "Awaab's Law" to the sector - this will set clear legal expectations about the timeframes within which landlords in the private rented sector have to take action to make homes safe where they contain serious hazards. Help you can get to pay rent You might be able to get help via the Household Support Fund, which is worth £742million to councils in England. What to do if you've been served a Section 21 notice Here is what you can do, according to the Renters' Reform Coalition... Check the form - A section 21 notice must be on an official form, known as a 6a form. Your landlord can't issue an eviction notice just by telling you in person or by text/email. Check if the form is valid - you must be given at least two months notice to vacate a property. You also can't be given a section 21 if your tenancy started less than four months prior. If you are on a fixed term contract you can't receive a section 21 unless there is a break clause in it. These things can also make a section 21 notice invalid: The council have given your landlord an improvement notice to fix things, or an emergency works notice, in the last 6 months. Your deposit isn't in a deposit protection scheme. In that case the landlord must return it to you before they can issue a section 21. The property is a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) but it doesn't have a HMO licence from the council. In some areas all rented properties need a licence - check with your council. The landlord has charged you illegal fees - such as a deposit worth more than 5 weeks rent, or admin fees. In this case they must return the money to you before serving a section 21. You never received key paperwork for the property - the Energy Performance Certificate, the 'How to rent' guide, and a gas safety certificate (if there is gas). What to do if the section 21 is valid: You don't have to leave the property at the end of your section 21 notice. Your landlord still has to apply to court for a possession order and a warrant for eviction, to use court bailiffs to evict you. If you are remaining in your property after the end of a section 21 notice, make sure you inform your landlord and continue to pay rent while you look for another place to live. If you can't find somewhere to rent and are facing homelessness, tell your council immediately. They should be able to advise you on what to do and provide emergency temporary accommodation or other support. Local authorities have until March 31, 2026, to allocate their share of the fund and can set their own eligibility criteria. But you might be able to get free money through the fund which can be used to pay for rent. Speak to your local council about what help is on offer. You can find your local council via You might also be able to apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment to cover the cost of rent. You can apply for a DHP if you get Housing Benefit or receive the housing element of Universal Credit. Some charities offer grants to those struggle to make ends meet as well. Use the Turn2Us grants search checker to see if you're eligible for anything - Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
Spectator
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Spectator
The bitter end of bitter
'Another pint of bitter, love, when you're ready.' To those of a certain age the request slips off the tongue like the opening line of a sonnet. A pint of bitter is as English as the first cuckoo of spring or the last rose of summer. It brings to mind a pub, the people in it, and that social phenomenon which binds us to those we trust – the round. And, of course, one pint may lead to another. Television adverts used to be full of jolly pint-swillers. Whitbread 'Big Head' Trophy Bitter was 'the pint that thinks it's a qua-art'. Tetley of Leeds, a big player in those days, introduced viewers to their 'Bittermen', with the declaration: 'You can't beat 'em.' Bitter, more than its maltier cousin mild, was the favoured hoppy drink of the pub before the tasteless brute lager swaggered into our taverns. Sometimes, particularly in the north and Midlands, the two went together in a single beaker – though if you try telling the tale of 'mixed' to the hipsters of Camden Town, you might get some funny looks. The trendy modern toper prefers to take his ale from a barrel marked 'craft', as though the indentured brewers of previous decades hadn't the foggiest. Their successors, terrified by the prospect of being behind the times, are running scared. The Wye Valley Brewery, responsible for the superb Butty Bach, has decided to 'rebrand' its best bitter as Pyoneer. Although they insist the change is a way of honouring native traditions – Canon Pyon being the village where the brewery has its roots – a spokesman rather gave the game away by referring to the hunt for 'a new demographic'. We know what that means. Out with the woolly jumpers; in with bucket hats. So fare thee well, bitter beer. It was lovely knowing you. These days, if you promise to behave, you may be passed off as 'amber ale', which, strictly speaking, is true. Sometimes your dance card says 'pale ale', which is more or less true. Bitter and pale ale have always worn each other's clothes – like those hipsters in Camden. Landlord, the world classic brewed in Keighley by Timothy Taylor, is designated a pale ale. Their best bitter has for some years been called Boltmaker – and jolly good it is, too. There is no time for tears so long as brewers offer regulars such sapid stuff. London Pride, the jewel in the crown of Fuller's of Chiswick, is also promoted as an amber ale. There was a deliberate change of tone when Asahi, the Japanese brewers, bought the company six years ago – and you can still get Pride worth a gargle. The Red Lion in Barnes, a white-walled fortress with a garden, is a good place to satisfy your curiosity. But the foreign invasion, represented in part by the rise of those overrated craft beers, has claimed some notable victims. Later this year, the Banks's Brewery in Wolverhampton, which has pleased Black Country boozers for 150 years, will close its doors. Their mild is justly famous so this is a real deprivation. The carve-up of regional brewers by multinational corporations has changed the culture of drinking habits in a land known for its range of ales The carve-up of regional brewers by multinational corporations has changed the culture of drinking habits in a land known for its range of ales. Jennings of Cockermouth and Ringwood of the New Forest are merely the latest brewers to join the likes of Boddingtons in the taproom of history. Who ever thought 'Boddys' could go? It was as much a part of Manchester folklore as rain in July and the gay village. Well, the palace next to Strangeways Hotel, where they brewed what beer guides called 'a distinctive straw-coloured bitter', was pulled down 20 years ago. It can be difficult to keep up with developments. Draught Bass is now brewed under licence by Marston's. It is one of the great beers, characterised by the red triangle – the UK's first registered trademark – that appeared in Manet's Bar at the Folies-Bergère. Is it a bitter, or a pale ale? It doesn't really matter – though you might be stretching the tolerance of Burton folk to call it an amber ale. Sitting outside the Swan Inn at Milton last week, six miles from the brewery, it was possible to close one's eyes and pretend the cataclysm hadn't happened. There are still corking beers to be supped. Bateman's of Wainfleet, Holt's of Manchester, Batham's of Brierley Hill, and Woodforde's of Norwich won't let you down. And there are plenty of local breweries giving it a go without having to pretend they've 'gone craft'. Is there an outstanding candidate? There most certainly is. If we put Landlord to one side, for the sake of argument, then Harvey's Sussex Best of Lewes lands the strongest punch. 'Sussex Best Bitter', to put a proper handle on the jug, must be considered the champion. At the Express Tavern on Kew Bridge you may find this great ale, which has been sluicing through their pumps for 105 consecutive years. There is no excuse for not popping in to see how they are getting on.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Evicted tenant accused of breaking into his former Rockford residence
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford Police arrested Jordan Bickler, 24, for allegedly breaking into his former residence that was condemned due to a fire. The landlord told authorities she believes Bickler was responsible for the fire, according to court records. On May 5, around 10:30 a.m., officers were called to the 1000 block of Harlem Boulevard for reports of property damage. Police found Bickler walking on Main Street and took him into custody. Jordan Bickler. Photo: Winnebago County Jail The owner of the home told officials the suspect was still living in the home even though he was evicted on December 21, 2024. When asked about a structure fire that happened on April 28, Bickler smirked, the landlord told authorities. A tenant alerted the owner that Bickler was still living on the second floor of the unit and had caused damage to the house by forcing his way into the residence. Officers were shown four separate door frames with significant damage, according to court records. Bickler is charged with criminal trespassing to a residence and criminal property damage. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
