Background In 2018, the Government launched the Future High Streets Fund (FHSF) to revitalise town centres and create jobs nationwide. In December 2020, the Council secured £17.9 million from the FHSF for the Blackfriars area regeneration, with £6.517 million initially earmarked for the Scala/Corn Exchange project. However, by December 13, 2022, construction cost increases and material shortages necessitated reallocating £6 million from other FHSF programs. Now this money cannot be used for healthcare, services, or anything else. It can only be used for “capital investment”, that is buying and renovating buildings (excuse the teacher simplifying everything). So, the initial plan conceived by the Conservative-led council was a grand 500-seat theatre, but spiralling costs saw this project scaled back. Consequently, the Scala Project underwent a transformation under the Green-Labour joint leadership in 2023-2024, re-emerging as “The People’s Scala” (as this was described in a recent Labour party leaflet in Cathedral ward) – a multi-purpose community arts hub. Back in 2020, a consultant was hired to carry out a financial viability report. As part of that process, they produced the table below to evaluate each option which included the theatre and the Arts Hub, and this is how the council reached a decision on the theatre. However, it soon became evident that option 5 could not be accomplished within budget leaving the council searching for a new solution. The Scala Project costs to date. I submitted some questions through the Policy and Resources committee, and I received answers at the last meeting. I have done my best to summarise some of those answers here. The spend as of (31 December 2023) is £4,305,263. This includes acquisition costs, including all fees and charges, of £1,824,080, and re-location costs of £980,509 (getting the business that was there to move next door). A further £1,500,674 has been spent on consultants and other professional services as outlined below. I will make no comments on these costs and let you the reader decide if this is expensive considering all we have right now is two unusable empty buildings. While it could be said that most of this expenditure was incurred under the previous administration, the new Green-Labour administration took a “new approach” which involved hiring another consultant to run focus groups, surveys, and one-to-one interviews in hope of finding a new way forward. However, the outcome of this endeavour was merely the re-packaging of the art-hub option that was considered in 2020, without addressing any of the concerns that were raised then. My issue with The People’s Scala: Back in 2020, one of the very expensive consultants the council hired evaluated the arts-hub idea. Now, I had some issues with the methodology of some of that initial consultation, but I will not bore you with that. The point is that back in 2020 they highlighted fundamental hurdles, particularly concerning leadership, coordination, and venue management. Quoting directly from the report: “The co-location of the various artists and organisations could be a powerful audience development tool which enables more people to engage with the arts and particularly cutting edge, contemporary and experimental art. On the other hand, Section 4 describes how audiences in Worcester have mainstream interests and it could be that the community arts hub appeals to a narrow but engaged section of the population. In order to be financially sustainable, the venue would need to programme commercially which could have a detrimental effect on other venues in the city (Swan, Huntingdon Hall and Marrs Bar).” “Discussions with both Severn Arts and Worcester Arts Workshop were very positive, and they could see the merits of such a proposal. The challenge however would be in leadership, co-ordination and overall management of the venue. This would probably require one of the organisations to take an overall lead and responsibility for the venue (unlikely and too risky for most) or the council taking on the management of the venue and co-ordinating the tenants. Significant rental income is unlikely to be forthcoming from these organisations further reinforcing the need for a commercial events programme which, as stated above, could squeeze other venues in the city and affect their viability.” With regards to the questions as to whether a community arts hub would create an ongoing burden on the council, the report in 2020 concluded: [burden on the council is] “Likely to be significant and unlikely to come from anywhere but the council in the short term unless a bid to Arts Council was made as a new NPO (national portfolio organisation).” Despite this assessment four years ago, the Green-Labour lead council have hired yet another consultant who carried out a social science consultation resulting in the same idea, with some of the same players, but without any indication of how they will mitigate the risks that were clearly laid out four years ago. I have a lot of issues with the methodology in the second consultation, which I will not bore you with; I will only say that the process is vulnerable to selection and confirmation bias and is an inappropriate tool for assessingfinancial risk. While the initial consultants in 2020 were not flawless, their words have already been proven true. Despite pressure from me at the different meetings, I still have not seen a business plan or model of how The People’s Scala will work. So far, it looks like the council will have to run it and pay for it. In fact, in a year where the council has had to cut services and budgets, the Labour-Green led-council is asking for £80,000to be spent on the running of The People’s Scala and that is just for the first year. As far as I am aware, nobody knows if this project will ever be able to pay its own bills. The Art House Cinema Proposal: Anyone who has heard me speak at council meetings will know I had to declare an interest saying something to the effect that I was involved in helping someone put forward a proposal
35% increase in sewage dumps by SEVERN TRENT last year
New figures released by the Environment Agency have shown that Severn Trent which covers Worcester discharged sewage a staggering 60,253 times last year, a 35% rise compared to in 2022. Worcester Liberal Democrats are calling for tougher action against sewage dumping in local rivers, including replacing Ofwat with a tougher regulator. The party has also called for a ban on bonuses for water company bosses whose firms have dumped sewage into waterways. Conservative MPs have consistently voted against measures which would have helped to tackle the crisis, including MP for Worcester, Robin Walker. Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Worcester and Parliamentary candidate Mel Allcott said: “It is a complete scandal that filthy sewage is being pumped into Worcester’s rivers and waterways. “Our community should not be forced to put up with this any longer yet time and again this Conservative government has voted against tougher action on sewage dumping. “Here in Worcester, the Liberal Democrats have been leading the way in holding water companies to account and have called for tougher action to stop sewage being dumped in local rivers. We need to see a ban on bonuses for water company bosses whose firms have pumped filth into our waterways and our local community is protected from this filth.”
JESSIES BLOG: Sabrina Play Area Update.
I wanted to take a moment to address an important matter concerning the safety of our community’s play areas. Currently, 35 out of 45 of our Play Areas in Worcester have a wet pour safety surface, and repairs are needed at a significant number of these locations. As your councillor, ensuring the safety of our children while they play is of utmost importance to me. To address this issue following question of members of the community. I visited the site yesterday and have contacted a member of the Works Unit, who is currently focusing on play maintenance, to compile a detailed schedule of all the surface repair works required across our city. This comprehensive schedule will allow us to go out to procurement and appoint a single contractor to complete all the necessary repairs. However, I want to be transparent with you – resolving this issue will take time. Creating a detailed schedule of works, including photographic evidence of every task, to be included in the specification/scope of works is a meticulous process. But please rest assured that we are committed to ensuring that our play areas meet the highest safety standards for our children. Therefore, I kindly ask for your patience and understanding as we work through this process of identifying and addressing the repairs needed in the first instance. Your safety and the safety of our children remain our top priority, and we are dedicated to resolving this issue as efficiently and effectively as possible. Thank you for your cooperation and support as we work towards making our community a safer place for everyone. Best regards, Jessie Jagger Councillor for Claines
Karen at Work: Repairing Vandalised Bus Shelter
In a recent victory for the community, the Claines Liberal Democrat team successfully campaigned to repair a vandalised bus shelter. At a time when the City Council proposed replacing it with a mere bus stop, our team, led by Karen Lawrance, stepped in to preserve this vital amenity. “This is an exposed site, and it’s important that people have somewhere to sit out of the weather whilst waiting for the bus,” Karen emphasised. Thanks to Karen’s dedication and our team’s persistence, commuters can have a sheltered spot to wait for their bus, rain or shine. It’s another testament to our commitment to prioritising the needs of our community and ensuring that everyone has access to essential services.
Karen at Work: Lib Dems Championing Elderly Residents
In 2021, residents of Noele Court found themselves grappling with a daunting challenge—a 12-day elevator breakdown. Amidst the frustration and concern, one individual stepped up to champion their cause: Cllr Karen Lawrance. Not just any councillor, Karen brings a unique perspective to the table as an engineer, equipped with the expertise to understand the technical nuances of such issues. Karen wasted no time in taking action. Recognising the urgency of the situation, she launched a vigorous campaign for urgent repairs to the elevator. But her efforts didn’t stop there. Karen also took the fight to the council chambers, where she challenged Sanctuary Housing’s maintenance approach. Her impassioned advocacy and technical insights led to significant changes in how maintenance was handled. As a result of Karen’s work, Sanctuary Housing revamped its maintenance strategy, bringing it in-house. Moreover, the company initiated nationwide elevator assessments to proactively identify and address potential issues, thus preventing future incidents. This proactive approach underscores the commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of older residents—a commitment that resonates deeply with the values of the Liberal Democrats. The story of Noele Court serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of having Lib Dem voices represented on every committee. It’s not just about policy—it’s about real people facing real challenges. With individuals like Karen, the Liberal Democrats continue to stand as staunch advocates for the most vulnerable members of our community.
12,212 pensioners in Worcester to be hit by £1,000 stealth tax bombshell following the Budget
12,212 Worcester pensioners are set to be hit with a £ 12,211,770 stealth tax following the Budget, new analysis by the Liberal Democrats has revealed. Research by the Resolution Foundation think tank has found pensioners are set to lose out from last week’s Budget. This is due to the Conservative government’s decision to freeze income tax thresholds, which will lead to a £8 billion tax bombshell for pensioners across the country by 2027-28, or an average of £1,000 each. Further analysis by the Liberal Democrats suggests this will impact on the estimated 12,212 pensioners in Worcester who pay income tax. Worcester’s Liberal Democrats have said that this showed the Conservative Party has “abandoned” pensioners who are already struggling to pay the bills. The Liberal Democrats were the first party to commit in full to the triple lock for the upcoming election, which ensures pensions will see an increase by whichever is highest of average earnings growth, CPI inflation, or 2.5%. Liberal Democrats have called on the government to double the Winter Fuel Allowance to offer extra help to pensioners, paid for by a proper windfall tax on the oil and gas companies. Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate and spokesperson for Worcester, Cllr Mel Allcott said: “Pensioners who have worked hard and paid taxes all their lives are now being punished by this Conservative government with a £1,000 stealth tax. “Many elderly people are already struggling to make ends meet as heating bills and the cost of the weekly shop go through the roof. Now these Conservative tax hikes will only pile on the misery. “The Liberal Democrats are proud of our record of introducing the triple lock to protect people’s pensions. We will stand up for the pensioners in our community who have been cruelly abandoned by the Conservatives, including by calling on the Government to double the Winter Fuel Allowance.”
JESSIE’S BLOG: Period Equality
Tackling Period Inequality: Our Pioneering Scheme In Claines, we are proud to launch a pioneering scheme aimed at combatting period inequality in our community. Spearheaded by Cllr Jessie Jagger, our team is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to essential hygiene products, regardless of their financial situation or background. Rationale: Period inequality is a pressing issue that affects individuals across various demographics, impacting their education, employment, and mental health. Shockingly, recent surveys have highlighted the extent of this problem, with many individuals forced to prioritize food and fuel over period products. Our scheme aims to address this injustice by providing free sanitary products at select locations in Claines. About The Products offered We are sourcing the products from a UK company renowned for its sustainability and social consciousness. The pads 100% plant-based, biodegradable and sourced from a UK-based social enterprise. For every box purchased, the enterprise will donate a box to another area in need, amplifying the impact of our initiative. How It Will Work: Starting immediately, individuals in need of period products can access them free of charge at Perdiswell Leisure Centre, Claines Church, and Scouts Worcester. The scheme’s success will be evaluated, and if proven successful, donations will be sought to sustain it. Those interested in contributing can email jessievjagger@outlook.com.While there is currently a limited supply for each location, we will review the uptake after the trial period and seek donations to sustain the scheme if it proves successful. Our aim is to provide barrier-free access for all individuals in a discreet and dignified manner, ensuring that no one in our community is left behind due to something as natural as menstruation. Together, we can make a difference and create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
Budget a “Desperate Deception” as families in Worcester face soaring bills
Worcester’s Liberal Democrats have labelled the Chancellor’s budget announcement a “desperate deception”, with income tax bills still set to rise for local people. Worcester’s Liberal Democrats have said that local residents will see through this “deception” by the Chancellor and that people don’t want more “empty promises” from this Conservative government whilst “local health services are left on their knees”. Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate and spokesperson for Worcester, Mel Allcott said: “This Budget will barely touch the sides for families and pensioners around here, who are facing soaring mortgage bills while the cost of the weekly shop goes through the roof. “People in Worcester know that their tax bills will remain sky high after this budget, and the Chancellor is attempting a desperate deception after years of income tax hikes. “People don’t want more Conservative empty promises while our local health services are left on their knees. They want proper change through a General Election so we can kick this Conservative government out of office.”
257,246 four week waits for a GP appointment in Herefordshire and Worcestershire last year
Herefordshire and Worcestershire saw a 55% rise in four week waits for GP appointments last year when compared to 2022, House of Commons Library research commissioned by the Liberal Democrats has revealed. The NHS data measures the time between when the appointment was booked and when it took place. It showed that the number of appointments that saw patients wait two weeks or longer in Herefordshire and Worcestershire has spiked by 29% to 959,922 in 2023, up from 743,310 the previous year. It means the proportion of appointments where a patient waited two weeks or longer in Herefordshire and Worcestershire has risen to 17.4%, up from 14.2% in 2022. Worcester’s Liberal Democrats have criticised the Conservative government for letting the community down with their neglect of local health services. The Liberal Democrats are calling for a legal right to get a GP appointment within seven days, or 24 hours if in urgent need. The policy would enshrine this right in the NHS Constitution, putting a duty on the government and health service to make sure it happens. It would be achieved by increasing the number of GPs, and increasing the number of nurses and pharmacists fully qualified to prescribe day to day medicines. Commenting, Parliamentary Candidate for Worcester, Mel Allcott said: “Far too many people in Worcester are struggling to get a GP appointment when they need one. It is causing people huge anxiety because they can’t be confident any more of getting the care they need. “It shows our community has been totally abandoned by this government when it comes to local health services. “Being able to see a GP when you need to should not be too much to ask, but even on this measure people are being failed after years of neglect by this Conservative government. “That is why the Liberal Democrats are calling for a legal right for all patients to see their GP within seven days or 24-hours if in urgent need.”
Worcester Lib Dems host a guided nature walk to get people “Wild About Worcester”.
The Worcester Lib Dems kicked off spring early on the 9th March, as they organised a guided nature walk along part of the Wild about Worcester Way – a 12 mile circular wildlife route that connects fifteen green spaces in our beautiful city. The walk started off at Bath Road going through Battenhall Park then via Redhill Lane up to London Road and finished at Waitrose for tea and coffee. Leading the walk was Paul Snookes, who co-founded the Worcester Environmental Group (WEG) in 2021 with WLD Chairperson, Alison Morgan. WEG enhances the biodiversity in Worcester and helps residents to connect with and understand nature more. Paul said, “We not only face a climate emergency, we also face a biodiversity collapse. In response WEG’s amazing volunteers are bringing hope for a better future. Together we can thrive in a flourishing natural environment.” The group explored many sorts of habitats along the way, including Duck Brook, a wildflower hay meadow, ponds, trees, hedges, traditional orchards and many other features. The route is home to all sorts of creatures, including insects, bees, slow worms, hedgehogs, foxes, otters, and bats, just to name a few. Lib Dem Campaigner, Jon Taylor (Arboretum Team member) said after the walk, “Thank you so much to Paul for taking us on a guided tour of part of the Wild about Worcester way. Paul was, of course, excellent and there was a great turnout.” Alison Morgan, WLD Chairperson, was extremely happy with the event. She said ‘I was very pleased the walk was a success and so well attended. It’s important to understand the world around us so we can take better care of it. Further guided walks are planned for later in the year.’
