Aristocracy loses countryside to
pension funds and National Trust |
 (Link: Daily Telegraph, 10 November)This article reveals how the grip of the traditional owners of our largest tracts of terra firma is loosening in favour of pension funds and charities. I worked on a really good report (even if I say so myself) with Smiths Gore last year on the contribution of estates to the rural economy. In those days you could use the banned "R" word "Region" although I don't think RDAs liked us linking it as much as I would have preferred with our other special "R" word "Rural." Anyway cutting a long story short our research revealed that the model of the estate in terms of land management, long term investment views and strategies, conservation and community was a sustainable approach to rural development. Now I am not - before you even think of accusing me of it - suggesting a return to feudalism. However before we throw the "baby out with the bath water" is it not worth thinking about how we might develop a post modern approach linking land ownership, communities and sustainability in rural areas? This article suggests if we want to pursue such issues going forward we might need to speak to the people managing our pensions or in terms of the national trust the recipients of some of our charitable giving. If you want to read the whole article, click here. |
Bio-fuel plan 'will cause
rise in carbon emissions' |
 (Link: Independent, 10 November) This article reveals the unintended consequences of a UK commitment to source 10% of transport fuels from renewable sources within 10 years. It explains: "The admission coincides with a major study published this week which concludes that biofuels will create an extra 56 million tons of CO2 per year - the equivalent of 12 to 26 million cars on Europe's roads by 2020. This is because Europe will need to cultivate an area somewhere between the size of Belgium and the Republic of Ireland with biofuels to meet the target, which can only be done through land conversion - and more controversially, deforestation. The work will be on such a scale that the carbon released from the vegetation, trees and soil will be far greater than those given off by fossil fuels they are designed to replace." I am currently discussing the development of a major Bio-Tech facility in Lincolnshire (no names no pack drill at this stage!) and will open up this line of discussion with them. It is interesting to reflect that the decision to rely on fossil fuels rather than renewables at the outset of the industrial revolution has left us with a particular legacy which makes (if you believe this article) the transition to renewables difficult now. Another interesting angle offered by my friends in Lincolnshire was that in view of the very limited overall world land mass in cultivation food security is not an issue undermined by bio-fuels. I am sure you will have views. |
Sainsbury's claims X Factor
boost as profits rise | |
An interesting alternate spin on the impact of the recession on food retailing - the return of the family meal around the hearth - with woolly mammoth and cave paintings replaced by ready-meals and Simon Cowell.
What is intriguing about this is that people seem to be replacing trips out to the restaurant with premium food options at home. There surely must be some angles for independent and niche food retailers here selling top end options for consumptions in the home rather than leaving it all to the bigger supermarkets.
I sometimes wonder when people bleat on about the vice like grip of the supermarkets if we think hard enough about options like this to beat them at their own game?
This particular approach certainly works for Sainsburys with this article reporting: "King's (CEO) comments came as Britain's third-largest supermarket reported an 8% rise in first-half profits to £332m, on sales of £11.2bn in the six months to 2 October. Like-for-like sales rose 2%."
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| Half of councils to cut back on street lights |
 (Link: Daily Telegraph, 10 November)At the outbreak of the First World War, Sir Edward Grey famously opined "The lamps are going out all over Europe. We shall not see them lit again in our time." For some reason, this article on how councils are seeking to save money by amongst other things turning off street lamps made me think of him. I don't think things are as grave as they were in 1914 but sometimes I think we under estimate just how serious a threat to our established way of life the current recession is. As I have said before these challenges present opportunities aswell as difficulties and in rural areas could be a big driver of real innovation. They could provide an opportunity to build on the significant social capital we possess in many communities. I am completing a piece of work on rural service provision. I have a very strong sense that the solution to many service delivery issues lies in cultural change within the public sector, which could develop a default position that community solutions are best where service provision is concerned. This needs to be accompanied by a process of community ownership (interpreted as broadly and literally or narrowly and metaphorically as you wish) of services in the outside world. This involves an approach to service provision which encourages communities to take more direct control of their needs. It also requires many rural communities to get real about supporting local services rather than expecting the state to routinely provide them without their positive involvement and commitment. |
| Graffiti art divides councils' opinion |
 (Link: The Guardian, 10 November)This story - stirred up by a giant rabbit painting on the side of a building in Hackney is great fun. The council there want it removed. In more "permissive" Brighton the council welcomes graffiti as an advertising opportunity. I would like to see more of it in small towns - no-one can argue against removing rubbish and poor quality stuff - but where innovative and worthwhile examples exist in rural areas we should think twice about removing it - particularly if it detracts from closed shops and derelict buildings - or am I being far too liberal with a small "L"? |
| Consultations | Consultation on Reimbursement Arrangements for the Concessionary Bus Travel Scheme in England
This is a technical consultation on the reimbursement arrangements for concessionary travel. It is the country cousin of consultation on the arrangements for the moving of concessionary fare administration from Districts to Counties. Approaches to the implementation of the latter could have major impacts on rural authorities. To respond to the former, click here. To respond and lobbying in relation to the latter, contact Dan Bates at the RSN direct. Closes 11 November.
A Long-Term Focus for Corporate Britain: A Call for Evidence - BIS
Let's make sure there are some rural responses to this. On 25 October, Business Secretary Vince Cable launched the first stage of a review into corporate governance and economic short-termism by issuing a call for evidence.
The review aims to establish whether there are further issues affecting the functioning of capital markets and, if so, what are the causes. It considers the role of directors and shareholders and asks fundamental questions; for example, about shareholder engagement, market short-termism and the functioning of the investment chain in the UK.
It also considers directors' remuneration and - following up the Takeover Panel's recent announcement - the economic case for takeovers. Closes 14 Jan 2011.
Consultation on Revising the Strategic National Transport Corridors - Dft
This 12-week consultation is on changing the criteria defining infrastructure included in Strategic National Corridors (SNCs) to promote connectivity with the capital cities of the United Kingdom. The consultation document explains the background to our proposals and the intended effects, and invites you to respond. Closes 10 December 2010.
Bovine Tuberculosis: the government's approach to tackling the disease and consultation on a badger control policy - Defra
The Coalition Government has committed, as part of a package of measures, to develop affordable options for a carefully-managed and science-led policy of badger control in areas with high and persistent levels of bovine TB in cattle. Defra is inviting your views on the Government's planned approach to tackling bovine TB in badgers through this consultation. Closes 8 December 2010
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The
Rural Services Network - working with Knight Frank
 Knight Frank
is delighted to be working with the Rural Service Network as its
dedicated property partner.
As well as taking great pride in the
range and quality of rural property services that we offer our clients,
we also believe that it is vital to help the communities in which we
operate. That is why we are so pleased to be supporting the invaluable
work that the RSN performs on behalf of its members.
To find out
more about our services, please look at our website. To arrange a
complimentary initial consultation to discuss how Knight Frank can help
with any property issues you may have, please email rsn@knightfrank.com.
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| And finally... | | Rise in the number of sun-burnt whales
Independent, 10 November 2010
It would take a lot of special sun-tan lotion to resolve this problem. However we should celebrate the change this story reflects from seeing these wonderful things as a source of fuel and food to worrying about them getting a tan.
On a slightly weird note, someone told me that the fastest a human had travelled before the invention of the steam train was during what was called the "Nantucket sleigh-ride" - the term used to describe the process of being dragged along in a little boat having harpooned a whale.
Does this sound true to you?
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This week before I get onto my stories an excerpt from our response to the consultation on changes to the concessionary fares reimbursement process: if you would like to know more or see the whole response please get in touch:
(Link: 
