Blog Entries » Wycombe Liberal Democrats

Will Wycombe take up renewable challenge?

Aug 112010

Chris Huhne has called on councils to kick-start a local power revolution

As part of his ambitious plans to create a sustainable low-carbon economy, the Liberal Democrat Energy and Climate Change Secretary has written to all local authorities to announce that from next week they will be allowed to sell renewable electricity to the grid.

At present only 0.01% of electricity in England is generated by local authority-owned renewables, despite the scope that exists to install projects on their land and buildings. In Germany the equivalent figure is 100 times higher.

At present local authorities are able to put any renewable electricity they generate to local use, and to benefit from the associated feed-in tariff for projects smaller than 5MW. But they are restricted from selling any excess renewable electricity into the grid.

The steps that are now being taken could mean up to £200m a year in income for local authorities across England and Wales.

In advance of a visit to Woking Borough Council’s clean energy projects, Chris Huhne said:

“For too long, Whitehall’s dogmatic reliance on ‘big’ energy has stood in the way of the vast potential role of local authorities in the UK’s green energy revolution.

“Forward thinking local authorities such as Woking in Surrey have been quietly getting on with it, but against the odds, their efforts frustrated by the law.

“I’ve taken the early step of overturning the ban on local authorities selling renewable electricity to the grid.

“This is a vital step to making community renewable projects commercially viable, to bring in long-term income to benefit local areas, and to secure local acceptance for low carbon energy projects.”

Rose Carnival – Marlow Bottom

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Jun 262010

Kavita Mohan took a break from door knocking today to attend the Rose Carnival in Marlow Bottom. The weather was fantastic and there was a real sense of the community coming together. The organisers can rightly feel proud of staging such a successful event.

What a shame then if this is the last ever Rose Carnival. The organisers need more volunteers who can give just a small amount of time to help plan and stage this event. If you can help then let Kavita know and she will forward your details to the organisers.

Email kavita.mohan@wycombelibdems.org.uk

Thank you to the organisers and everyone who supported this community event.

Greater Marlow By-Election

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Jun 202010

Kavita Mohan has been selected as the new Liberal Democrat candidate for this election. If you can help then please contact the campaign team via ian.morton@wycombelibdems.org.uk

Kavita Mohan says “I am delighted to have been selected as a candidate in this election and I am looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible over the next few weeks.

I feel in light of a new era of politics I can offer a different candidate, one who is hard working and determined to serve their local community and fight for the causes that are important to the residents’.

Being a litigation caseworker by profession means that I am keen to get involved with local casework for any disputes and issues local residents may have.

I have been living in the district for 4 years having been in London previously, one aspect that stands out about Buckinghamshire is the sense of community spirit. So I was disappointed to hear that Marlow Bottom’s Rose Carnival could end after this year due to a lack of volunteers. This can not be allowed to happen, your Councillors should be championing community events like this and using their contacts within the community to ensure it’s survival. If you can help with this event then let me know and I will pass your details onto the organisers. The carnival raises funds for the maintenance of the playing fields as well as the local school and is therefore deserving of all our support. The carnival takes place on 26th June on the playing field at the top of Burford Close.”

Thank You!

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May 082010

The votes have been counted, and we have increased our vote to 13,863. This represents a swing from Tory to LibDem of 4.8%, an outstanding result which clearly establishes us as the main challengers in Wycombe. So my thanks are due to every one of the 13,863 Wycombe people who put their faith in us in 2010.

I must also record here my thanks to a number of others too. I have the great fortune of being part of a fantastic team of people. So many volunteers delivered leaflets, canvassed or donated money. We couldn’t have done it without any of you. My agent worked tirelessly for many weeks on the campaign, and he like everyone is a volunteer and gave his time for nothing. Finally, my wife has been a tower of strength. It is easy to forget the strain of being the spouse of being a candidate. I am so grateful for her support.

I offer my congratulations to Steven Baker, who has become MP for a great place. He is truly fortunate. I also give Steven notice that I won’t be going away. I remain committed to Wycombe and will be scrutinising his performance as your MP.

We also had some fantastic news from Totteridge, where Lib Dem Jen Joseph secured the seat vacated by the resignation of Joel Foley on Wycombe District Council. I am looking forward to working with her, and I thank the people of Totteridge for electing her. I know she will be a great asset.