Latest news with #SurreyHeath
BBC News
4 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Extra funding to repair Surrey Heath pavilion to be reviewed
A local authority is due to consider a request for extra funding towards improving a popular community facility in Heath Borough Council is being advised to approve an additional £85,000 in funding towards an upgrade of the West End Pavilion, estimated to total £450, proposed refurbishment includes upgrading the heating, lighting, changing rooms, accessibility and the addition of a public Alan Ashbery said: "This project from West End Parish Council aligns with a number of our key priorities to promote healthier and more inclusive communities." He added: "It also helps us to promote vibrant villages and local centres."The council said West End village has grown in recent years, with more than 400 new houses, and the parish council wants to improve the community facilities approved, the council said funding would come at no cost to the council or taxpayers, and would come from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) fund. West End Parish Council has asked for a CIL contribution above the 15% standard parish contribution towards their pavilion refurbishment pavilion at Benner Lane is already a well-used venue for a wide range of activities which benefit the also acts as the parish council office and meeting hall and was last refurbished in 1990.
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Department of Transport issues update on free bus passes for over 60s in England
Local councils in England "do have the power" to lower the age threshold for the older persons' bus pass, the UK Government has confirmed. But lowering the age would "need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme's financial sustainability." Surrey Heath representative MP Dr Al Pinkerton had queried whether an evaluation had been conducted on the "potential merits of extending free bus pass eligibility to people aged over 60," in a written response, the Daily Record reports. Given that concessionary travel falls under devolved jurisdiction, the qualifying age for complimentary bus journeys varies across Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. While Scots aged 60-plus enjoy this benefit, those residing in England typically receive it upon reaching State Pension age. READ MORE: DWP issues update for disability benefit claimants owed £1,000s in compensation READ MORE: State Pension age may be increased to 70 following DWP proposals However, in the written response, Transport Minister Simon Lightwood, explained that 'local authorities in England have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations, such as lowering the age of eligibility'. Never miss a story with the MEN's daily Catch Up newsletter - get it in your inbox by signing up here It comes after a petition online calling for bus passengers in England to be given the same financial benefits as those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland received more than 100,000 signatures. Mr Lightwood said: 'The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. 'The ENCTS costs around £700 million annually and any changes to the statutory obligations, such as lowering the age of eligibility, would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme's financial sustainability. 'However, local authorities in England have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations, such as lowering the age of eligibility. Additional local concessions are provided and funded by local authorities from local resources.' He also said that the UK Government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025/26 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes £243m for bus operators and £712m allocated to local authorities across the country. He added: 'Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services for passengers can be used in whichever way they wish. This could include extending the discretionary concessions available.' More than 101,200 people signed the online petition supporting calls for changes to be made to the ENCTS and bring it into line with the same service provided by the Scottish Government. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE Petition creator Karen Hickman argues the current scheme is 'unjust' and calls for 'equality for everyone over 60'. The campaigner explained people in England, living outside London, are not entitled to free bus travel until they reach State Pension age - 66 for both men and women - which she believes has 'changed dramatically.' The 'extend free bus travel for people over 60 in England' petition states: 'We call on the Government to extend free bus travel to all people over 60 years old in England outside London. We believe the current situation is unjust and we want equality for everyone over 60. 'Currently, people in England who do not live in London are not entitled to free bus travel until they reach the state pension age, which we believe has changed dramatically. As people get older some over 60s drive less and less, therefore we believe we need equality on public transport. 'It would mean England had the same provision as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.'
BBC News
26-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Surrey Heath Borough Council sells land to ease financial pressures
A Surrey council is offering two plots of land for sale in a bid to ease its financial Heath Borough Council is putting land in Obelisk Way and part of Yorktown car park, both in Camberley, on the market as potential development February the authority said it could have to make job cuts in order to save £ said the plots could be used for affordable housing for key workers. The Obelisk Way site used to be a pub and is now occupied by an interiors company and two charity shops, with the leases for those businesses are being offered as part of the Yorktown car park land currently has 75 parking spaces on council said 58 parking spaces will remain, with data suggesting these will be sufficient for the level of demand. Kel Finan-Cooke, portfolio holder for property and economic development, said: "It is entirely necessary to conduct this exercise as we continue to seek savings and create revenue on behalf of the residents of Surrey Heath, to ensure essential services can be maintained."All offers received will be carefully assessed to ensure they constitute best value for residents."
The Independent
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Tory veteran Gove who suggested Lords decamp to Stoke takes seat on red benches
Former education and housing secretary Michael Gove has taken his seat in the House of Lords, which he once suggested could be moved to Stoke-on-Trent. The Tory veteran, who was handed a peerage in Rishi Sunak's resignation honours list, wore the traditional scarlet robes for the short introduction ceremony at Westminster, where he swore the oath of allegiance to the King. Lord Gove was supported by close allies and fellow Conservative peers Baroness Finn and Lord Vaizey of Didcot. As he left the chamber, Lord Gove laughed loudly at a whispered comment made by leader of the Lords Baroness Smith of Basildon as she welcomed him to the upper chamber. The politician, who had been MP for Surrey Heath since 2005, was among the most high-profile members of the Conservative Party to call time on his Commons career at the last election. He cited the 'toll' of public office as he said it was time to let 'a new generation lead' following a political career spanning nearly 20 years. He conceded he had 'undoubtedly made mistakes' throughout his political career but said he had always 'tried to be a voice for those who have been overlooked and undervalued'. Lord Gove became editor of the Spectator magazine last year. The peer – who served in the governments of David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson and Mr Sunak – was a journalist before he became an MP. A political survivalist whose career has been marked by numerous comebacks to the front line, he first entered Lord Cameron's Cabinet as education secretary before siding against him on the Vote Leave campaign during the 2016 referendum. He then backed Mr Johnson to become the new Conservative leader before launching his own unsuccessful bid for the top job. When Mrs May took office, he spent a spell in the political wilderness before returning as environment secretary after she lost the Conservative majority in 2017. He then joined Mr Johnson's top team following the 2019 election. Mr Gove was sacked by Mr Johnson after telling the then-prime minister that his time in Downing Street was up as the government fell apart in 2022. But he returned afterwards to Cabinet, throwing his weight behind Mr Sunak's leadership campaign. When in Government he sparked controversy after he suggested the upper chamber could move to Stoke-on-Trent during the multibillion-pound restoration of the parliamentary estate. The then levelling up secretary put forward the idea after ruling out the Queen Elizabeth II Centre, which is just a few minutes' walk from the Palace of Westminster in London, as an alternative location. It led former Lord Speaker Lord Fowler to accuse him of acting 'like a 19th century mill owner'.
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Michael Gove takes his seat in the Lords: Ex-Tory minister becomes Baron Gove of Torry after being handed a peerage by Rishi Sunak
Former Tory minister Michael Gove took his seat in the House of Lords today. Baron Gove of Torry was sworn in to the upper chamber this morning, having been handed a peerage by outgoing PM Rishi Sunak. The Tory veteran, who was handed a peerage in Rishi Sunak's resignation honours list, wore the traditional scarlet robes for the short introduction ceremony at Westminster, where he swore the oath of allegiance to the King. Torry is the maritime area of Aberdeen where his father, Ernest, ran a fish-processing business. Mr Gove stood down at the last election after 19 years as MP for Surrey Heath, having held Cabinet positions including education secretary. He also helped to lead the Brexit campaign in 2016, before a high-profile falling out with Boris Johnson as they vied to lead the Conservative Party. He is now the editor of the Spectator magazine - also once edited by Mr Johnson. He was supported by close allies and fellow Conservative peers Baroness Finn and Lord Vaizey of Didcot. As he left the chamber, Lord Gove laughed loudly at a whispered comment made by leader of the Lords Baroness Smith of Basildon as she welcomed him to the upper chamber. The politician, who had been MP for Surrey Heath since 2005, was among the most high-profile members of the Conservative Party to call time on his Commons career at the last election. He cited the 'toll' of public office as he said it was time to let 'a new generation lead' following a political career spanning nearly 20 years. He conceded he had 'undoubtedly made mistakes' throughout his political career but said he had always 'tried to be a voice for those who have been overlooked and undervalued'. When in Government he sparked controversy after he suggested the upper chamber could move to Stoke-on-Trent during the multibillion-pound restoration of the parliamentary estate. The then levelling up secretary put forward the idea after ruling out the Queen Elizabeth II Centre, which is just a few minutes' walk from the Palace of Westminster in London, as an alternative location. It led former Lord Speaker Lord Fowler to accuse him of acting 'like a 19th century mill owner'. Speaking to the Aberdeen Evening Express last month about his title, Mr Gove said: 'It's really in memory of my dad who passed away in 2023. He meant everything to me. He was a wonderful man. 'I'd love for my dad to be remembered just as he was; a hard worker, a good businessman and someone who always cared about other people, someone who always tried to give a start to people others didn't see the potential in.' Mr Gove, now 57, was born Graeme Andrew Logan in Aberdeen on August 26, 1967. He was taken in and then adopted by Ernest and his wife, Christine, arriving with nothing but the clothes on his back.
