CLA comments on new legislation to crack down on illegal hare coursing

THOUGH new measures to tackle the cruel practice of hare coursing came info force on 1 August 2022. Now anyone caught hare coursing will now face an unlimited fine and face up to 6 months in Prison. Hare coursing; an illegal activity where dogs are used to chase, catch and kill hares; is a serious problem in some rural areas. Not only does it involve cruelty to wild animals, it is also associated with a range of other criminal activities, including:- theft, criminal damage, violence and intimidation.

Commenting on the new hare coursing legislation coming into effect, Country Land and Business Association (CLA) Vice President, Gavin Lane, said:- "Hare coursing continues to be a blight on rural communities across England and Wales, and this new legislation which the CLA has been campaigning for ensures that anyone caught hare coursing will now face an unlimited fine and up to 6 months in prison. It is encouraging to note that there are also 2 new criminal offences added to the Police Crime Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, in addition to giving extra powers to the courts. Since the legislation received Royal Assent in April, the CLA has been working closely with Police and Crime Commissioners across England and Wales to inform them of the new powers so Chief Constables can prepare rural Police officers with training before the beginning of the Hare coursing season in the autumn."

For more information about the CLA, visit:- CLA.Org.UK.

CBI responds to latest UK interest rate decision

THE CBI who speaks on behalf of 190,000 businesses of all sizes and sectors across the UK have reacted to the latest UK interest rate decision.  Alpesh Paleja, CBI Lead Economist, said on 4 August 2022:- "The Bank of England's latest rate rise is the biggest in 27 years, and follows in the footsteps of strong tightening by other central banks. It underscores the seriousness of our inflation problem, but also demonstrates the MPC's willingness to act in response. Despite early signs of some pipeline price pressures fading, it's clear that we're in for a hard winter. With another hefty rise in Ofgem's energy price cap looming, support for the most vulnerable households and businesses should be kept under review. Monetary policy is the 1st line of defence against inflation, yet building resilience to future price shocks requires a concrete plan for economic growth. So the new Prime Minister must prioritise boosting productivity through greater business investment via incentives and business rate reforms. Meanwhile, investing in energy efficiency can support people struggling with the cost of living crisis."

What are your thoughts on the latest interest rate decision? Please email them to our Newsroom:-  News24@SouthportReporter.Com.

Liverpool voted 3rd best UK City for green space

THE 29 July to 5 August 2022 was Love Parks Week, which is all about celebrating the green spaces that the UK has to offer, with Liverpool taking the 3rd spot. Research conducted by Workthere, the flexible office specialists reveal the top 10 cities for green space that are as follows:-

1. Newcastle.
2. Oxford.
3. Liverpool.
4. Bristol.
5. Nottingham.
6. London.
7. Cardiff.
8. Leicester.
9. Edinburgh.
10. Bradford.

Please do let us know by emailing our Newsroom, at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com what Parks within the Liverpool City Region do you think are the best and why?

LGA responds to ONS data on drug related deaths

COMMENTING on the publication of new drug related death statistics by the Office for National Statistics for the year 2021, showing an increase in the number of drug related deaths in England and Wales, Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the Local Government Association's Community Wellbeing Board said:- "These statistics published today are very concerning, with drug related deaths showing sharp increases compared with 2020. Every death to drug misuse is a tragedy and Councils are absolutely determined to ensure vulnerable people have the right support and treatment. Many drug overdose deaths are preventable. Ensuring robust practices are in place, along with the policies or protocols to support those at the greatest risk, can prevent overdoses and subsequent fatalities. As well as this, we must support and expand the provision of naloxone, a drug that can reverse the effects of an opiate overdose and provide overdose training for drug service users, drug users not in treatment, family and friends, hostel residents and others. Commissioning good quality and effective drug treatment services is essential. But the rising number of deaths demands more. Working in partnership with the Police, social care, housing, mental health and prisons, Councils can play a vital role in ensuring everyone affected gets the help they need."