Tyndall Manchester would like to invite you to attend the next talk in our seminar series “Emancipating Transformations: from controlling ‘the transition’ to culturing plural radical progress” by Professor Andrew Stirling, on Thursday 23rd June(room C1, George Begg Building, Sackville Street) at 4.00pm.
Emancipating Transformations: from controlling ‘the transition’ to culturing plural radical progress
Professor Andrew Stirling, University of Sussex
Global environment policy reverberates with increasingly ambitious aims to ‘take control’ of planetary systems. Democracy is portrayed as a ‘failure’, a ‘luxury’, or ‘an enemy of nature’, which must be ‘put on hold’. Familiar rhetorics of incumbency insist there is ‘no alternative’ to compliance, other than irrational denial and existential doom. Yet it can be recognised from the history of ‘Sustainability’ and wider issues, that emancipatory struggle is typically the main means by which to achieve ambitiously progressive transformation. In this view, concentrated power and fallacies of control are actually more problems than solutions. This talk will explore some of the key – rather important – implications
Manchester City Council has not made any bids for funding for the “Eco-Neighbourhoods” programme since September 2014. They spent just £9,500 pounds on 5 events between December 2014 and March 2015. They asked for no progress reports or cost-benefit analysis for that funding (see below for details). Despite the council’s logo appearing on a “prospectus” for Eco-Neighbourhoods published in on Pravda, sorry “Platform” in November 2015, it has offered no more support.
So glad to see that Manchester City Council thinks engaging the citizens of Manchester in carbon reductions and preparations for a warmer world is not just done via brief glib one-off events, but is actually something the Council both gives a damn about and also actually does something about. I mean, the alternative would be unthinkable…. #sarcasm.
Replies to the Freedom of Information Act request (this one arrived without me having to go to the Information Commissioner, or get my local councillors on the case.)
a) Since September 2014, what bids have been made by Manchester City
Council to fund the Eco-Neighbourhoods Programme, including the
organisation bid to, the date it was bid, and the amount of money that was
asked for in the bid and – of course – the outcome of the bid. Manchester City Council has not bid for funding for the Eco Neighbourhoods Programme. The Eco Neighbourhoods programme is delivered by the Green Leaders, a partnership of local third sector organisations.
b) Funding of its own that the Council has devoted to the
Eco-Neighbourhoods Programme MCC provided initial funds of £9,500 to Groundwork to deliver Eco Neighbourhood events from December 2014 to March 2015.
c) The total amount of council funds spent on the Eco-Neighbourhoods
programme, including the five pilot in early 2015. £9,500
d) Any progress reports/cost-benefit analysis reports that have been
produced about the value for money/effectiveness of the Eco-Neighbourhoods
programme to date. No reports have been produced.
The Freedom of Information Act request (details at the foot of this blog) reveals that the politician (Executive Member for the Environment Kate Chappell) only made two requests to the council bureaucrats, in early 2014 and late 2015, despite having publicly committed to setting up a blog. She did not enact the alternatives that were suggested to her by the council’s officers for non-Council website to which the Council would link.
Meanwhile, the officers threw up frankly spurious objections. The leader can have a blog the council’s website, but because a green party exists in Manchester, the Executive Member for the Environment cannot… And they also worried that if the Environment Executive had a blog, the other Executives might want one. (Then where would we be – elected representatives engaging with the public without the officers controlling everything. It would be anarchy! Or worse, functioning representative democracy!
So we have a situation where an elected representative – with responsibility for the environment, allegedly a priority for this city – makes a promise to start communicating with the public using one of those technologies that Manchester keeps saying is the wave of the future (this new-fangled Internet thing). Her leader is already doing it, but she is disallowed. And after a mere two exchanges of emails, she gives up.
This is Manchester, in a nutshell.
Background
In January 2014 citizens of Manchester (not ‘some environmental campaigners’ as Councillor Chappell characterises them) asked the City Council to take nine specific low-cost actions to try to revive momentum towards a low-carbon future. You can see the video below.
One of the 9 actions was for the Executive Member for the Environment (Kate Chappell) to start a blog. The Leader of the Council, Richard Leese, has had a blog for many years, so it was hardly establishing a precedent.
In late February Kate Chappell replied to the 9 demands, and on the specific subject of the blog, said ‘yes’ and said she’d try to get it going by the proposed start date of 15th March You can see the letter – on the Council’s letterhead – here.
She didn’t do that. In April, interviewed by Manchester Climate Monthly, she said was encountering resistance, but the blog would still go ahead. You can see the video here.
(the relevant assurance is at 6 mins 40)
Asked again in June what had happened, she said the blog would not be happening. No explanation, no apology.
In March 2016 she approached the editor of Manchester Climate Monthly at the launch of the Council’s latest shiny community strategy. She said she’d tried three times to get a blog established and been told no. She agreed that she would write an email – for publication – about this. She didn’t.
In April, Manchester Climate Monthly used the Freedom of Information Act (FoIA) to request the correspondence between her and the officers about the blog. The answers were due on 12th May. They did not arrive. After MCFly contacted the Information Commissioners Office in London (the ICO overseas the FoIA), and after MCFly raised the issue of the council breaking the law with four different councillors, finally a reply.
Dear Mr Hudson
Re: – Request for Information CEX/A8ZJH8
Thank you for your request for information, which was received by Manchester City Council on 12 April 2016 and has been considered under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (“FOIA”). Please accept my apologies for the delay in responding to your request.
You requested the following information
I am requesting copies of all the correspondence sent by you [Councillor Kate Chappell] and the relevant council officers about the setting up of a blog (this includes both emails and letters).
I am requesting copies of all the correspondence from council officers about the setting up of a blog, including all the reasons they have given you [Councillor Kate Chappell].
In response to your request, I confirm that the Council does hold the information that you have requested and I have attached a partial response. However, having carefully considered the information, the Council has determined that it is unable to comply with part of your request. This is because one of the emails is exempt from disclosure under Section 42 FOIA which covers Legal Professional Privilege.
This exemption applies because the information has arisen as a result of communications between the Council and its professional legal advisers, created for the primary purpose of providing legal advice, and the information has the necessary quality of confidence required for LPP. The client for the purposes of LPP includes Council Officers and Members. I would like to make it clear however that in this instance the advice in question was between Council Officers within legal services and communications and not between Council Officers and Councillor Kate Chappell.
This exemption is a ‘qualified’ exemption, which means that it is subject to a public interest test. The Council has applied the public interest test and has determined that, on balance, it is more beneficial to the public to withhold the information than to release it. In reaching this decision the Council has considered that under the Act, there is an assumption in favour of disclosure in the interests of accountability and transparency, and furthering public debate.
However, this needs to be balanced against the public interest in protecting a client’s confidence that any communication with their professional legal adviser will be treated in confidence. Disclosure of the information may undermine the legal adviser’s capacity to give full and frank legal advice
The Council considers that the advice given in 2014 carries significant weight in that the advice provided may inform other similar events in the future.
The rest of the emails are enclosed with this letter. The Council has redacted the names of officers under sections 40(2) and 40(3)(a)(i) FOIA as the information constitutes personal information about third parties. The Council has determined that the information relating to the third party should not be disclosed because disclosure would contravene one or more of the data protection principles under the Data Protection Act 1998, including the first principle that requires that information should be processed lawfully and fairly. I confirm that there are no letters relating to this matter
And here, in chronological order, are the blogs (I’ve cut out the headers) Here’s the reply
Manchester’s Kindling Trust is recruiting for a Strategic Development Worker. Join a committed, passionate team of people working to revolutionise the food system in Greater Manchester and beyond. Kindling is seeking a strategic thinker to help drive our projects forward, strengthen Manchester’s sustainable food network, and help us develop an overall strategic plan for our Manchester-based work over the next five years, involving multiple partner projects and stakeholders. Closing date 24th July. To apply go to http://kindling.org.uk/Jobs
Strategic Development Worker (closing date Sunday 24th July 2016)
The Kindling Trust is seeking a highly motivated and driven individual to join our small, committed team, working to revolutionise the food system in Greater Manchester and beyond!
Hours: 4 days (30 hours) per week
Days: Although exact days worked may be flexible, we will require you to work on Fridays
LengthofContract: 18 months (ideal start date 6th September 2016 to early March 2018)
Probationary Period: 4 months
Salary: £15,912 p/a (pro rata 30 hours) plus 2% employer pension contribution
We work to create a fairer more sustainable society, starting with the food system. Working alongside communities, farmers, policy makers and activists, we aim to create radical social change, addressing problems at their root cause. We establish, incubate and support progressive initiatives that are not only helping to transform our city’s food system, but which also demonstrate the potential for a radically different food economy. Our innovative, co-operative enterprise models include FarmStart – an incubator initiative for new organic growers, Manchester Veg People – a co-operative of veg buyers and growers; and Veg Box People – an organic box scheme.
We are now at a critical and exciting stage in our development. We are seeking a highly motivated, driven individual to join our small, committed team to improve our overall effectiveness and help us create the change we need in our region’s food system and beyond.
The Strategic Development Worker will be responsible for monitoring and improving the efficiency and performance of our individual projects and enterprises and crucially, for helping Kindling develop an overall strategic plan for our Manchester-based work over the next five years, involving multiple partner projects and stakeholders.
The role will also involve relationship building with stakeholders to grow and strengthen our base of support, and building Manchester’s sustainable food movement through the Feeding Manchester network.
To apply, download the background information, job description and application form below and return application form to mail@kindling.org.uk.
Closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 24th July 2016. Interviews will take place on Monday 1stAugust.
For more information drop us a line at mail@kindling.org.uk or ring 0161 881 8384.
I am doing a PhD at University of Manchester. I am doing it on the Australian Coal Industry and climate change. (I wanted to do an ethnographic study of Manchester’s climate policy-makers, but for reasons that defy explanation, I was refused access…).
Anyway I made it into the final of the University’s “Three Minute Thesis” competition. So if you want to see 11 really great 3 minute presentations, and mine, then come along on Wednesday! Its free, and you register here.
Three Minute Thesis ® (3MT) challenges doctoral candidates to present a compelling spoken presentation on their research topic and its significance in just three minutes.
In the UK, the 3MT national competition final is hosted by Vitae. Individual UK universities run their own competitions, to put forward one winner per participating Institution. The University of Manchester is one of 40 Institutions participating in 2016.
This is the Manchester final. Where 12 UoM students successful in their heats will present to the public audience and judges for glory and a £500 first prize.
Join us to enjoy these presentations and a free drinks reception.
WHEN
Wednesday, 8 June 2016 from 14:00 to 16:00 (BST) – Add to Calendar
WHERE
University Place – Lecture Theatre A, Manchester, M13 9PL – View Map
The Commission invites legal persons (entities) registered in the European Union (EU) to present proposals for the 2016 Call for proposals for LIFE Action Grants. The call covers proposals for both LIFE sub-programmes.
For the sub-programme for Climate Action, this call will cover action grants for “Traditional projects“,Integrated projects, Technical Assistance projects.
Proposals may be submitted by legal persons (entities) registered in the EU. Applicants may fall into three types of beneficiaries: (1) public bodies, (2) private commercial organisations and (3) private non-commercial organisations (including NGOs).
Applicants must use the LIFE 2016 application packages (in English only) for the preparation of their proposals. Each application package contains full and detailed explanations with regard to eligibility, procedures, co-financing rates and all other relevant details. These can be downloaded below.
“caught owing more than £2,500 of unpaid council tax” and “have all been issued with summonses since last November – but all paid off their arrears in time to be allowed to vote through the town hall’s budget in early March, after being warned by their bosses.” [great story by Jennifer Williams of the Manchester Evening News]
Rebecca Moore, chairwoman of the City Council Tax Avoidance Task Group, who in January last year, during a meeting of the Council’s economy scrutiny committee announced that half the British cabinet were engaging in tax avoidance.
NB Year ago, back when I was paying council tax, (I’m currently a full-time student, so exempt), I ended up with a final warning letter from the Council, and then paid up (I, like Councillor Peel, was mortified). It can happen. If you’re a councillor though, aren’t you supposed to be Caesar’s wife, above reproach? Especially if you’re chairing a tax avoidance task group, and spouting off about “half the British cabinet” #justsaying
NB2. Am not a member of ANY political party. Not the Lib Dems, not the Greens, not any socialist or fascist sect either.
I am pleased to invite you to a charity fundraising event featuring a premiere of the short documentary film: ‘Solar Nation’.
***This event is sponsored by http://www.mobilesolarchargers.co.uk/ who have generously donated over £300 of solar powered equipment which we will be auctioning off!!***
It is being held on Tuesday 7th June, doors open at approximately 6.30pm – with live Q+A with the film’s director Dr Helena Wright, who will be hosting the London premiere… #solarnation#solarnationfilm
All proceeds are going to the excellent internation development charity, Raleigh International.
Tickets are just £5 for this incredible event and Krispy Kreme donuts and popcorn will also be available to buy.
Synopsis:Bangladesh is home to one of the fastest growing solar markets in the world. Solar energy is lighting up homes and schools, and has reached around one in ten people. This film brings together the voices of women who have installed solar panels, and people involved in solar energy across the country, from professors to bankers. The goal is to shed light on people’s experiences and explore the impacts on people’s daily lives. With over 1 billion people across the world still lacking access to electricity – what can we learn from Bangladesh’s solar revolution?
“A monthly environmental dashboard does not exist at the current time, but work is underway to develop this as part of the work described above on the Manchester Strategy.”
So, MCFly has submitted the following Freedom of Information Act request
Since September 2014, what work has been undertaken to create a monthly environmental dashboard, by whom?
Is a monthly environmental dashboard going to happen? If so, when will the first one appear?
If not, what reasons does the council have for not doing such a basic thing?
Please consider this a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
Given current form, we will end up going to the Information Commissioner in about a month’s time…
Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for the Environment, Kate Chappell, promised to set up a blog, over two years ago. She never kept that promise. Now, the City Council is refusing to even respond to a Freedom of Information Act request into what correspondence took place between her and the officers who she says kibboshed the blog.
Manchester Climate Monthly submitted a FoIA request in mid-April. The answer was due on May 12th. Despite a reminder to the Council, and a promise from them to look into it… nothing.
So, the following email has been sent to the Information Commissioner, who oversees the Freedom of Information Act.
Watch this space.
Email sent to casework@ico.org.uk on evening of 31st May
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing because Manchester City Council is refusing to meet its legal obligation to provide an answer to a Freedom of Information Act request that was due on 12th May, despite reminders.
Details are below.
Manchester City Council seems to be choosing which FoIAs it responds to, and how long it takes.
This is illegal, and it needs to be resolved immediately.
Thank you.
Marc Hudson
On April 13 I sent the following request for information to both the Executive Member for the Environment of Manchester City Council and also the information compliance officer.
Dear Kate,
Several weeks ago, at the launch of the latest Manchester Strategy, you
approached me and told me that you had requested a blog from the Council
three times and been told no. I suggested that instead of telling me
this in person, you write to me with a for-publication statement. You
agreed to do this. This has not happened.
Therefore, I am submitting the following Freedom of Information Act request
Dating back to February 2014, when you first agreed to set up a blog, I am
requesting copies of all the correspondence sent by you and the relevant
council officers about the setting up of a blog (this includes both emails
and letters)
I am requestiong [sic] copies of all the correspondence from council officers
about the setting up of a blog, including all the reasons they have given
you.
Many thanks
Marc Hudson
As per above, please consider this a request under the Freedom of
Information Act 2000. (address supplied)
The Council’s officer wrote back on the 14th April, assigning a code “CEX/A82JH8″ to the request.
Marc
I acknowledge receipt of your request for information received on 13
April
The Council aims to respond to your request by 12 May
If this timescale needs to be extended to consider an exemption you will be
notified and kept informed.
Regards
On the evening of May 17th I wrote to the information compliance officer to request an internal review on a different information request. I also wrote “There is another FoIA that you are overdue on, but I’ll save that for another letter.”
On May 19th she replied in part
“I will speak to the officer concerned with regards to CEX/A8ZJH8 if this is the FOI you are referring to?”
The same day I confirmed
Dear Yasmin,
thanks for your reply. I look forward to an answer to the internal review on or (probably not much before) 16 June.
Yes, I am indeed referring to CEX/A82JH8, which was in fact due last week.
Our "leaders" are going to keep making empty promises. It makes them feel good. It gets the activists to act like zombie kittens. If you want to have some self-respect and perhaps make a difference (actual facts may vary), then find a functioning group that cares about your skills and knowledge - what you have, what you want.
One useful group might be www.climateemergencymanchester.net - you can email them on contact@climateemergencymanchester.net
Tyndall Manchester would like to invite you to attend the next talk in our seminar series “Emancipating Transformations: from controlling ‘the transition’ to culturing plural radical progress” by Professor Andrew Stirling, on Thursday 23rd June (room C1, George Begg Building, Sackville Street) at 4.00pm. 
Here’s the reply
manchester climate monthly 