Thursday, July 30, 2020

Test and Trace (& report) to defeat Covid-19

I have been asked to take another test by this NHS/King's College London self reporting app (despite having no classic symptoms). 

Previous one was sent to my home and was negative. Just booked online at local walk through centre for tomorrow. Only took a couple of minutes to book and a 16 minute cycle ride to get there.

"slow the spread of #COVID19 & identify at risk cases sooner by self-reporting your symptoms daily, even if you feel well. Download the app https://covid.joinzoe.com/"

Update:  I got negative result back via text within 24 hours

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Newham Pension Committee: We have a 111 year old pensioner! No tobacco pledge (and why parents should join the LGPS - and anyone else lucky enough to be eligible)

This evening I took part in the Newham Council Pension Committee, which runs the staff pension fund (under government regulations and guidance). It was our first "public" committee meeting (via zoom) since lock down. It was broadcast live on Facebook (you can still see it if you are so inclined)

The committee is composed of Newham Councillors, trade union representatives, council officers and professional advisors. The Committee (supported by officers and advisors) manages the £1.5 billion pension fund which is invested in a wide range of different equity, bond, cash, property and "alternative" investments in the UK and across the world.

The most important thing that came out of this evening's meeting is that the fund has survived (so far, touch wood etc etc) pretty well during the financial turmoil and is now nearly back to pre covid fully funded basis. Obviously there are still massive investment risks, especially if there are future covid-19 related lockdowns.

The most interesting thing that I learnt tonight is that the oldest Newham Council pensioner is 111 years of age! So I suspect that they may have received a pension for at least 59 years (if not longer) and only paid in for a possible maximum of 40 years.

The next most important thing I learnt is that the fund has 46 children (under age 20) who are dependents of pension fund members who have died. I am sure that many employees who are eligible to join the pension scheme but don't - do not realise that not only do they get a decent pension but free life assurance and financial support for their kids if they die while they are dependant.

The other important public issue is that Newham is the first Council pension fund in the country to sign up to a call for a tobacco free Portfolio pledge and also congratulations to our Chair, Cllr Nareser Osei shortlisted for the Women in Pensions Awards 2020 in the category of Trustee of the Year.

The Chair is the only shortlisted finalist from the Local Government Pension sector. The awards will take place on 25th November 2020).

There were some other serious issues which were due to confidentiality are exempt and had to be discussed in a private session.

Monday, July 27, 2020

Vote4Christina


"I am seeking branch nominations to stand in the UNISON General Secretary election.

I have the experience, proven track record and vision to lead UNISON in partnership with you.
As UNISON’s Assistant General Secretary for Bargaining, Negotiations and Equalities, I am one of the most senior women trade union negotiators in the country. I have stood up to Governments and led national disputes to fight for our members’ pay, pensions and conditions.

We need a modern, organising union fit for the future.

πŸ“’πŸšΊπŸŒˆπŸ’ͺ🏾⚖️πŸ—³

-I will take bold decisions to direct resources and funding to branches and regions and put local organisers where they are needed.

-I will ensure no member is left alone. UNISON will be there for you and I will establish a National UNISON College to secure all our members’ futures.

-I will demand a new deal for public sector workers and public services.

-I will lead the call for a National Social Care Service. Organising care workers will be a top priority.

-Together with our self organised groups, we will lead the fight to dismantle the injustice of all racism and discrimination.

-I will use the collective strength of our 1 million women members to be the voice for women’s rights across the country and around the world.

Like you, I have been an activist fighting for workers’ rights all my life. You can trust in my experience and ability, to lead in partnership with you, to deliver for our members and to fight for our future in UNISON.

Yours in solidarity,
Christina McAnea"

Saturday, July 25, 2020

Newham Reflections – Workers United



Newham Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz, me and Newham Council trade union reps reflect on Covid with TUC regional secretary, Sam Gurney.

Thursday, July 23, 2020

Chad Green ASB Walkabout

Today I went on my first post lock down "walkabout" around Chad Green in Plaistow North Ward with local ward Councillor Daniel Lee-Phakoe, Council officers, local Police and Deputy Housing Cabinet member, Cllr Shaban Mohammed.

There has been a number of problems in this area including the senseless murder last year of a local teenager.

Due to action by local residents, Police and ward Councillors, crime and disorder is still a top issue but has been reduced but lack of effective CCTV, environmental crime (especially fly tipping) and noise nuisance are still key issues.

A report of agreed actions will be drawn up (and sent to all of us on the walkabout and anyone with an appropriate local interest).

It was good to be "out and about" after so long on lockdown (my colleague Cllr Mohammed has already undertaken 2 other visits).

All Council estates should now be regularly inspected - High rise tower blocks every 3 months and low rise ever 6 months. Local Councillors and residents should also be invited to join these walkabouts.

As a Council we all want to put "people at the heart of everything we do".

Contact your Housing Liaison Officer here if you want to join the next walkabout


Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Got abused by an anti-masker

Man drives past cyclist who is wearing a mask & shouts abuse at him.
Cyclist shouts abuse back.
Man gets out of his car.
Watch what happens next....
(watch until end)

Monday, July 20, 2020

#LifeAfterLockdown



I fully support the campaigning Charity Z2K and the launch of #LifeAfterLockdown. In particular their policy demands listed below:-

"In the wake of #Covid19, urgent changes are needed to our social security and private rented housing systems so that everyone has a safe place to live and enough money to live on. #LifeAfterLockdown cannot just be a return to normal.

Combining what the people involved in our #LifeAfterLockdown project have told us with evidence from our casework, these are the key changes that we would like to see made to the #PrivateRentedSector and #UniversalCredit:

✔️Licensing schemes that ensure properties have to be of a certain standard
✔️#HousingBenefit to be increased to cover median rents, and the #BenefitCap removed
✔️The introduction of deposit 'passporting' so people are able to move when they wish
✔️The £20 uplift to #UniversalCredit maintained beyond March 2021 and applied to all benefits
✔️All benefits increased to be in line with the cost of rent and living
✔️The complete removal of benefit sanctions
✔️An end to benefits stigma"

Sunday, July 19, 2020

Essex Way: Fairstead to Cressing circular walk


Another lovely 8 mile walk along the Essex Way (and back). We started today at Fairstead Church and went to Cressing along this national path then self guided back to Fairstead along alternative routes.

Fantastic ancient green lanes and big Essex skies. At end of walk we went into the Church (partly built using bricks from a former Roman Villa) and viewed the medieval wall paintings.

This was a lovely and peaceful walk which is highly recommended. We hardly saw a soul all day. 

Saturday, July 18, 2020

Support Unison #10billionbailout campaign

From Leader of the LGA Labour Group, Cllr Nick Forbes  - 

"We’d urge all Labour councillors to get behind Unison’s #10billionbailout campaign, which is calling on the government to fix the current funding shortfall, which is estimated to be £10bn. 

Unison have warned that unless the funding shortfall is fixed, there could be tens of thousands of job losses and catastrophic cuts to local services. 

 If cuts were to be applied equally across all services, it would mean £1.9bn slashed from children’s social care spending, £1.1bn from environmental services and £3.5bn from adult social care –an area already in crisis before the coronavirus outbreak. 

Friday, July 17, 2020

Vote Early 2021 elections: Sadiq for London

Last night was my first pint in a pub, tonight my first online political campaigning post in quite a while!

"Did you know that the Tories were already winning the general election two weeks before polling day because of Early Votes? Registering for an Early Vote makes it easier for Labour to win future elections. Sign up for an Early Vote today: https://votelondon.labour.org.uk" London Labour Party

Thursday, July 16, 2020

My First Pint in a Pub for a quite a bit (Thank you and all the best Julianne)

Very sad to hear tonight at the first Newham Full Council meeting since the start of Covid19 that our fabulous Cabinet Colleague for Education, Cllr Julianne Marriott, is stepping down from her post.

However, every cloud in life has a silver lining - and many thanks to Julianne for my first pint in a (socially distancing) pub since lock down (with other colleagues).

I will post a more considered post on our Council meeting and Julianne's contribution to the transformation in our borough very soon.

Hat tip photo Charlene M

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

David Bailey’s August Cover Is His 99th For British Vogue


I have never posted about a Vogue magazine cover before but, British photographer, David Bailey (born nearby in Leytonstone) took this photo taken in Wanstead park published on its front cover. It is apparently a Egyptian Goose according to a local wildlife photographer.  Hat tip Pat B


Tuesday, July 14, 2020

"Health inequality and the impact on Newham"

Join the Newham Fabian Society this Saturday for debate and discussion on health inequalities.
We'll be joined by Dr Martin Edobor and Cllr James Beckles who, along with Newham Fabians Vice Chair Cllr Mumtaz Khan, will lead a discussion on health inequality and the impact on Newham.
🎀 Dr Martin Edobor is the Clinical Director for North Newham Primary Care Network and NHS GP at Woodgrange Road Medical Practice in Forest Gate. He is the Vice-Chair of the Fabian Society and was the Labour parliamentary candidate for Witham in the 2019 general election.
🎀 James is a councillor in Custom House and the Cabinet Member for Crime and Community Safety. He is a Newham Fabian Society member and has previously worked in education policy for the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and was a Compliance Inspector for the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
🎀 Mumtaz is Secretary of the Fabian Women’s Network, a councillor for Green Street West, and has led campaigns and organisations which fight to stop violence against women and access to health and social care for the BAME community.

Monday, July 13, 2020

Dave Prentis - A personal message

This morning UNISON NEC members received this email from our General Secretary, Dave Prentis, announcing his retirement.

"Dear Colleague

I’ve been so proud to serve as your General Secretary for 20 years. It has been the honour and privilege of my life to be able to represent our incredible public service workers from across our four nations, and never more so than in the last few difficult months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today I have advised the President that I will retire on 31 December 2020 when my current period of office comes to an end. In order to comply with trade union law, our NEC Development and Organisation Committee will meet this week to discuss a timetable to elect my successor and full details will be published once that is agreed. But I wanted you, the leading members of our union, to hear the news directly from me.

We have been through some tough times together. We’ve brought our union through the long years of austerity where we saw our public services decimated with hundreds of thousands of jobs lost. But we stayed strong and we built the union.

We are now the largest union in the UK and the fastest-growing union in Europe. We have a vibrant lay democracy with activists like you in more than 50,000 workplaces. Our finances are strong and I hope we are now in a position to channel additional support and resources to our branches – where I truly believe that we organise and support our members best.

Every day for the past 47 years, I have been proud to serve this union and I have always been driven by a belief in fairness and justice for all our members. Never more so than in the past five months when I have seen our members and our public services rise to the challenge of the pandemic. In the worst of all circumstances, I have seen our union at its very best.

New members are joining our union faster than ever before because they value what a strong union can provide – support when they need it, strength to fight for change and a community that means that even in the most worrying times, you are never alone. Our enduring values of caring and solidarity will be more important than ever in the coming years.

As the health crisis turns to an economic crisis, we will face more challenges. I will be here to continue to lead this union until the end of this year – we still have a great deal of work to do together.

It has been my pleasure, my honour and an absolute privilege to lead our union, UNISON.

Thank you,

Dave Prentis

General Secretary

UNISON

(Above is my favourite picture of Dave taken on a very wet campaigning day in Chipping Barnet. Hat tip Miriam).

Sunday, July 12, 2020

A meal out at Aromas (at long last)


Last night Gill and I went for a meal out in our favourite local restaurant. "Aromas" in Forest Gate, (opposite the station). This was our first meal out since lock down. It was a little surreal but the food and service was as usual excellent (we have enjoyed delivery foods from Aromas but the mixed grill special has to be served fresh and sizzling). 

There was a "signing in" process where we had to give our contact details, hand sanitiser was available, tables had been removed to provide adequate social distance and staff wore face masks, 

By coincidence my Labour Party comrade and long lost Welsh cousin, Stuart Walker, was also there with his wife Suzannah and family friend Alicia. Stuart is somewhat shy and retiring but always entertaining. 

Aromas is a family business. The father cooks and runs the kitchen with his daughter and sons. It must have been very tough for them during the past few months. They also have ambitious plans to extend the restaurant to the rear. 

Everyone has a responsibility to ensure that they do nothing that could mean such businesses have to close in the event of a future Covid-19 spike. 

I am really pleased that on route to Aromas that the pavement had been extended along Woodgrange Road so that we could safely avoid people queuing at the fast food outlets. 

Friday, July 10, 2020

#Srebrenica25

Newham Council is flying Remembering Srebrenica flags from its town halls in East Ham and Stratford to mark the 25th anniversary on 11 July of what the United Nations said is the single greatest atrocity on European soil since the Second World War.
#Srebrenica25

Thursday, July 09, 2020

SURVEY - COVID-19 and gender-based online violence

"This survey by Glitch and the End Violence Against Women Coalition aims to document the online experiences of women and non-binary people during COVID-19. For safeguarding and ethical purposes, this survey should only be completed by participants aged 18+. 

Your input will help us to shine light on the issue of online abuse and its impacts, and will give vital information about the scale of the problem during COVID-19. 

We will use what you tell us to amplify the experiences of those communities most at risk of online abuse, and to push for change and improvements in the online world. Please help us by sharing a link to this survey once you’ve completed it. Thank you! 

Support for those affected by this issue is available here"

Wednesday, July 08, 2020

My NEC report to the UNISON Community Service Group Executive (SGE) meeting 8 July 2020

(Love this pic. The 1.3 million members of UNISON are split into "Service Groups" according to their occupation and employer. Community comprises of members employed by the Voluntary Sector (Charities and Housing Associations). While we have our moments, it is known as the "Friendly Service Group". Microsoft teams only allowed 9 videos out of I think 23 participants in the meeting on my laptop.

They were not laughing at my report - honest!)

"May I start by noting that this is the first full meeting of the SGE since the General election disaster and the woeful performance by Boris Johnson and his Government during the Covid-19 pandemic reminds us what a catastrophe that election result was to all workers.

I would like to thank the activists and staff in Community for their superb dedication, care and support to members. In this most difficult of times they have made the union proud of them and the work which they have done.

No-one expected when they became an activist or a staff member that they would have to part of this national emergency supporting sometimes very frightened members while fighting for adequate PPE and risk assessments.

Hopefully, you will have seen the letter of thanks signed by myself and Denise Thomas which was sent to all Community members (on email)

NEC Meeting 19 December 2019

Extensive discussion of General Election debacle; industrial action update (agreed to send message of support to Addaction members)

NEC sub-committee Policy Development & Campaigns 22 January 2020.

Long debate and analysis of General Election result. Very interesting presentations from all 3 devolved nations on key political and bargaining issues.

NEC meeting 12 February 2020.

So much has happened it is hard to remember. Much of the business was agreeing motions for NDC; Finance report. The General Secretary in his report noted that Shantha David, a UNISON legal National officer, had been named by “Lawyer Magazine” as one of the top 100 lawyers in the Country. There was a full discussion on the Labour Link Nomination process for Leaders – why Keir and Angela. The launch of the UNISON Housing manifesto and mentioned during the industrial action update the dispute between our members and Addaction over Agenda for Change terms.

Community Conference 28 February 2020

A wet and windy Cardiff but I think a warm and successful conference. A few weeks later began lock down. Hopefully, we will be able to hold next year’s conference in person.

(Note Community SGE 25 March 2020 was cancelled due to Covid-19 lock down. NEC meeting on 1 April 2020 cancelled since it was a meeting to discuss National Delegate Conference only business - which has of course had also been cancelled).

NEC sub-committee Policy Development & Campaigns 20 May 2020.

Dominated by immediate response to Covid-19 and a future recovery response.

NEC Meeting 3 June 2020

Was held virtually via GoTo and actually worked in my view very well. I think there was a better attendance than during physical meetings in the UNISON Centre. The meeting started with a moving tribute and one minute’s silence as the names of the 66 UNISON members known to have died from the pandemic were read out. Covid-19 and “Black Lives Matters” naturally dominated the meeting.

General Secretary made it clear that UNISON will hold the government to account https://www.unison.org.uk/news/article/2020/06/nec-told-will-hold-government-account-covid-19/

Intention to hold an election for General Secretary as soon as practical. New timetable for postponed SGE elections expected soon. Covid-19 response fund. £250,000 extra on top of usual support.

UNISON Staff Pension fund.

A number of meetings and updates with trustees and advisers. Massive reports to read. By far my busiest NEC responsibility.

National Labour Link 2 July 2020

Shadow Justice Minister David Lammy MP gave a very thoughtful and considered presentation/Q&A

Labour Link also had a special meeting with Angela Rayner.

Finally

Many thanks to our Regional Community leads and the National officer team for all their support (while working from their kitchens and living rooms) especially Andrew who was thrown into the deep end as our new national officer.

I have been involved in constructive talks with National and regional officers with the National Housing Federation about possible joint working over Covid-19 and aftermath.

Next PDCC meeting 14 July 2020

Next NEC meeting 23 July 2020

John Gray

Community NEC (General Seat)

(Please ring #### or email John.Gray2012@icloud.com if any questions or comments. If you want Denise (my fellow NEC Community rep) or I to present virtually to your branch or regional meetings then just let us know)

Tuesday, July 07, 2020

7/7 Bombing Anniversary - remember the 52 victims (& the 700 injured)

On this day 7/7/05 I was at work at my housing office in Bow. We shut early. There was no trains or buses. I remember driving along Bow Road into Stratford High Street towards home and there was a sea of people walking east wards.

A few years later I listened to a Radio 4 drama about the London Blitz. In the drama a fictional character spoke about how in 1940 she walked along Bow Road, East London towards Stratford in order to escape the bombing. Along the road with her was a constant stream of other survivors walking along the road in the same direction of safety.

This September is also the 80th Anniversary of the London Blitz.

London Mayor, Sadiq Khan laid a wreath today at the Bombing memorial. 

Sunday, July 05, 2020

Wendover Woods & Cobblers’ Pits walk


Went on lovely 6.8 mile circular walk on Sunday courtesy of the Chiltern Society (check here for free download of map and route). 

Started with a little climb out of Wendover into its famous woods and Boddington Hill fort. A little busy at times with families picnicking on top (but everyone was very sensible). Down the other side past Mountain bike trails, golf course and Cobblers Pits then back to start along the Wendover Arm of the Grand Union canal which is a haven for wildlife. 

Saturday, July 04, 2020

Happy 4th July & 128th anniversary of the election of Keir Hardie to West Ham South


Hat tip Keir Hardie Society "Today in 1892 was the start of the election (they went on for weeks then) which saw James Keir Hardie elected as the MP for West Ham South. He campaigned for a shorter working week, better housing and jobs for the unemployed. Sounds familiar! This is a booklet Newham Council produced for the 120th anniversary".

Below is picture from 2012 when Newham TULO organised a walk and tour around Stratford Town Hall where the 1892 general election count took place and where Keir gave his victory speech to the crowd of cheering supporters outside. 


Friday, July 03, 2020

"Landlord licensing can help protect our communities"

"Before I became the cabinet lead for Housing Services in May 2018, I had worked in inner City housing for over 25 years and thought rather arrogantly I had seen it all. The squalor, deprivation and human misery I have seen while out with our licensing inspection officers shocked me out of this complacency.

On one of my first visits we went into a small unlicensed 3 bedroom terrace house which had families in each bedroom, the living room and the loft. The rear garden shed was also used as accommodation but was at the time empty. The property was damp, poorly decorated, dirty carpets, broken and worn furniture with dangerous electrical and gas fittings. Each family were charged from £600 to £1,000 per month for their room. I am sure that Charles Dickens would have seen similar scenes in Victorian London.

This is despite Newham having one of the most extensive, longest running and most effective landlord licensing schemes in the country. Set up in 2013, renewed for another 5 years in 2018, the current scheme lasts until 2023. To do this we had to persuade a somewhat sceptical Government that licensing was necessary to tackle serious anti-social behaviour and housing hazards but also to protect tenants from exploitation and criminal landlords.

There are an estimated 17,000 landlords who have to register, pay a fee and comply with the terms of the license and we estimate there are at least 47,000 households renting privately licensed accommodation in Newham. Since February 2018 we have fined 247 landlords and prosecuted 38. Recently we have doubled the number of enforcement officers.

We have a huge private rental sector in Newham. In 2001 only 17% were privately rented; now it is nearly half of all homes. Prices of properties in Newham were traditionally low and this enabled private landlords to buy homes cheaply by London standards. However, between 2011 and 2018, rents increased in Newham by 56%, house prices by 89% – but salaries have only risen by 21%. Median monthly private rents in the third quarter of 2018 were above £1,400. This is one of the chief reasons that 50% of families in Newham live in poverty after their housing costs are taken into account.

There are a number of myths about local authorities and private sector rental licensing. I have been to ‘lively’ meetings with local landlords who are convinced that this is a “money making machine” for the Council and do not understand that their license fees are ring-fenced for enforcement and cannot be used to cross subsidise other council services.

We are definitely not, repeat not, “anti-landlord”, but we are anti exploitative and criminal landlords. There are many conscientious landlords who want to work with us to drive up standards. Many landlords will privately admit that bad landlords who fail to maintain their properties drive out their tenants who live nearby.

Some residents and tenants are frustrated that we are not always able to take the immediate and direct action to tackle anti-social behaviour and disrepair that they want to see enacted. To prosecute bad landlords we need to obtain sufficient evidence of criminality (“beyond reasonable doubt” standard) which is needed to satisfy the courts. It can sometimes be a slow and complex process.

To be clear, licensing is a success story, but is far from being a panacea for all housing ills in Newham. For example, we cannot license rent levels for affordability. We have a long wish list of improvements, including ending the incredible exemption that local authorities and the National Asylum Service enjoy from being licensed (and that includes our own council). We need the government to keep to its promise to get rid of section 21 (no fault evictions) but also the abolition of immigration checks on rental agreements and no recourse to public funds.

The Covid-19 pandemic has made all of us in housing stop and think about what we can do protect our community. Despite staff working from home they have managed to prevent many illegal evictions and stop people being thrown onto the streets.

Targeting our inspections and enforcement on dealing with damp, disrepair, overcrowding, unlawful HMOs, poor energy efficiency and fuel poverty would seem an obvious initial response to Covid-19. To be frank, we are also worried that when/if the Government allows housing courts to fully operate again then there could be a huge increase in evictions (legal and illegal).

Licensing and our Homeless prevention and assistance service will be working together to manage this. We will not hesitate to prosecute anyone who criminally evicts or harasses tenants. We will also, if appropriate, refer them also to planning enforcement, council tax fraud and HMRC.

Future plans include: completing the setting up of new Empty Homes and Energy Efficiency teams; a communications campaign planned over the summer to increase awareness of rights and responsibilities for tenants as well as legal requirements for landlords; creating post(s) within the service to support PRS tenants and advise landlords.

We are stepping up not only enforcement but also our advice and support. Hopefully, when a future Cabinet lead goes out on inspections they will find a different story." John Gray

Hat Tip Red Brick blogThe place for progressive housing policy debate

Thursday, July 02, 2020

Heol yn Arwain at y Fferm / Road to the Farm by Kyffin Williams

Gorffennaf / July 2020 Calendar by Welsh Landscape Artist, Kyffin Williams. The National Library of Wales 

(hopefully I will be walking along similar tracks in Wales sometime soon)

Wednesday, July 01, 2020

"East Ham War Pensions Committee: Your Fight Is Our Fight"

Historic photo of  dependants of World War One ex-service men protesting against cuts to War pensions in 1919. The authorities claimed that the local East Ham War Pensions committee did not follow the "rules" and gave out too generous benefits.

Check out "British Widows of the First World War - The Forgotten Legion" about this story and the dreadful treatment of many widows whose husbands had been killed for post war "immoral misconduct".

Hat tip @LondonNurse2015