In September 2010 the Association of Inland Navigation Authorities (AINA) released a report on the residential use of waterways, highlighting the recent increase in demand for on water housing and the issues this raises for navigation authorities. In Defra’s 2000 investigation into the future of Britain’s waterways (Waterways for Tomorrow), residential use of floating...
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In its long-term vision paper, 2020, British Waterways identifies the opportunity provided by its potential transition into the third sector. In previous posts we have discussed the role that communities can play within this process and their importance to satisfying BW’s overall vision. But one must not ignore the financial realities of BWs position,...
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In a previous blog I suggested that the name of the new organisation would reflect its cultural bias, its approach to community development. Here I highlight the importance of cultural perspective on the fulfilment of the localist agenda. The inclusion of A Community Right to Manage within the governance documents of the new waterways...
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In his comment piece in this Sunday’s Observer, Andy Wightman asks us to “Imagine a Britain of small-scale forestry, of farm forestry, of small- scale rural businesses, of community forests”. Will the Public Bodies Bill and the threat of a “shallow and nihilistic land grab”, make this vision implausible? If the Public Bodies Bill...
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The public consultation on the future of the UK’s forests is launched today. The government’s proposals to sell off large sections of the forest estate to the private sector have come up against significant opposition. Despite assurances, many are worried that left in the hands of land grabbing timber companies, forests will become disconnected...
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What should the new waterways charity be called? British Waterways (BW) asks us to provide suggestions that stick within the ‘does what it says on the tin’ remit. To provide useful suggestions we must ask not only ‘what will it say on the tin?’ but what exactly will the new organization look like. What...
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State of the Sector The following provides a brief introduction to the state of cultural and creative industries in the UK. In the Economy Creative employment provides around two million jobs, in the creative sector itself and in creative roles in other sectors. Employment in the sector has grown at double the rate of...
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State of the Sector The following provides a brief introduction to the state of the education sector in the UK. Coalition Policy The coalition’s education policy is driven by the need to reduce inequalities in the UK’s school system. In 2009 only 53% of 7-11 year olds known to be eligible for free school...
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Opportunities The renewable energy sector in the UK is growing rapidly. The government’s commitment to carbon reduction targets has created a space for new approaches to energy production to develop. Heat Exchange – Heat is responsible for a big part of the UK´s energy consumption. Energy generated by heat pumps should increase to 14...
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State of the Sector The following provides a brief introduction to the state of the local food production sector globally and in the UK UK Food Sector Globally, Food Security is at the top of government agendas. The financial crisis was accompanied by a surge in food prices brought about by increases in the...
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