Date posted: 28/05/12

NFLG will be making its first public appearance at the County Show on Bank Holiday Monday 4th June, where we will be sharing a stand with Trees Please, so do come along and say hello.

Date posted: 22/05/12

NEFRAN was established last autumn as part of a Defra initiative to provide rural stakeholders with a link to Defra and its ministers. In this regard, it is not a great deal different to the old Rural Affairs Forum. NEFRAN was established mainly by Northumberland and Durham County Councils and covers those counties along with the rural parts of Tyne & Wear. It is chaired by Antony Braithwaite and consists of a range of rural stakeholders, including myself.

Date posted: 17/05/12

This initiative came out of Defra’s Rural Growth Review and offered £15m for 6 RGNs across England. The idea was that Local Enterprise Partnerships would bid for the funding. In the North East, the LEP possesses little...

Date posted: 17/05/12

Following the announcement in the budget that the Government will impose VAT at 20% on alterations to listed buildings, the Heritage Alliance has launched a campaign against the introduction. As part of this, there is an epetition, which can be found at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/32056 Please sign this petition to voice your disagreement with imposing additional a tax burden on our heritage.

Date posted: 17/05/12

These are another brand new concept introduced by Defra. Any resemblance to the old Biodiversity Action Partnerships is purely coincidental! Bids need to be submitted by 6th June and there will be three bids concerning the North East. The Northern Uplands LNP will cover the Pennine Chain...

Date posted: 17/05/12

NATURAL ENGLAND’S UPLAND POLICY – WHAT NOW?
You may recall that Natural England launched its upland policy back in autumn 2009. The reception by the industry was best described as luke warm and all I can say is that the published document was a great deal better than the first draft. Now, three years into the 50 year vision, the document has been withdrawn...

Date posted: 17/05/12

We all know the saying that the law is an ass and every so often a case comes along that confirms it. In this case, even the Judge agreed as he clearly stated that he could see no  benefit to anybody in settling the case, but felt that he could only uphold the law as written...

Date posted: 17/05/12

Following last summer’s hiatus regarding roadside advertising, Northumberland County Council did review its policy. This review is now complete and can be found athttp://www.northumberland.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=13407
The Council is seeking comments on the review by June 22nd.

Date posted: 17/05/12

Time is running out to take advantage of the Nationwide Insulation Grant Scheme, which is now offering free loft and cavity wall insulation for all, with no linkage to age or benefits. It does apply to rental property. It is likely that the scheme will disappear when (or if!) the Green Deal  is introduced, which is meant to be in the autumn. To arrange a survey, phone 0800 0192 609.

Date posted: 17/05/12

Community Action Northumberland is working with community groups across the county to help deliver cheaper heating oil. Local groups will work with the county co-ordinator, who will be able to negotiate bulk buying discounts on a monthly basis. Early reports are that savings of £25-75 are being achieved on a 500l delivery. The scheme costs £20 to join. For further information and to register go to http://www.ca-north.org.uk/oil  or call 01670 500812.

Date posted: 17/05/12

8.00am 20th June The Cube, Barrack Rd, Newcastle.
This free seminar will focus on managing absence and disability issues in the workplace. To register, contact Rachel.watson@sintons.co.uk or call 0191 226 3732.