By-election in Totnes

BY-ELECTION IN TOTNES

One of the Totnes Green Party councillors elected just 4 months ago to South Hams District Council has resigned due to ill health. This has resulted in a by-election in the town. The Liberal Democrats have chosen John Birch to be their candidate in the by-election.

About John Birch

For the last sixteen years John has lived in Totnes. He is a solicitor and specializes in construction law. Before moving to Totnes, John was a Liberal Democrat District Councillor and during his time on the council he led those committees responsible for planning, economic development and transport.

His current voluntary activities include being treasurer of the Totnes with Bridgetown Parochial Church Council, whose responsibilities include the churches of St Mary's and St John's.

Housing : The Numbers Game

• There is an acute shortage of affordable housing in South Hams.

• A recent council report shows that nearly 2000 are on the council's housing waiting list in South Hams.

• John Birch will press the council to give priority to increases in rented social housing and in affordable houses for sale in South Hams.

• What is happening here in Totnes is not meeting this need. More new houses that are mostly not affordable are being squeezed in. Also, there isn't proper provision of other services. Traffic and access problems are getting worse.

John Birch believes that enough is enough in Totnes and the District Council should look to other places in South Hams where development can take place more easily and sustainably.

Council squirrels away YOUR money

• South Hams District Council is squirrelling away money from your council tax and government grants.

• It is doing this instead of using it for much needed community projects and services.
• The council has put about £1.7 million into its Reserve Account.

• But the Audit Commission has recommended that the reserves should only be about £450,000 to £900,000.

• The Council's action means an unnecessary reduction in spending on much needed community projects of somewhere between £800,000 and £1.25 million.

• John Birch believes this to be wrong, and would press for the funds be used for projects -- such as those likely to arise out of the forthcoming Totnes Neighbourhood Plan.

How would you like to see this surplus reserve money spent?

Send your suggestion to John Birch at j.birch@btinternet.com or by post to Totnes Liberal Democrats, 43 Fore Street, Totnes, TQ9 5HN

Scandal of misused "bonus"

• South Hams District Council has received £3.5 million between 2011 and 2015, as a result of a government handout called the "New Homes Bonus".

• This grant is based, amongst other things, on the number of new homes built in the area.

• Local authorities are supposed to engage with the communities most affected by housing growth to decide how the money is spent, so residents can share in the benefits of growth.

• However, South Hams District Council has still not engaged with Totnes and the other communities most affected by new housing developments

John Birch will press the council to live up to its responsibilities, and engage with the people of Totnes to decide how our share of the 'New Homes Bonus" should be used to benefit the town

JOHN BIRCH - A VOICE FOR TOTNES x