CLA comments on reports the Government is reviewing its energy efficiency targets

THE Country Land and Business Association (CLA) comments on reports the Government is reviewing its energy efficiency targets. Country Land and Business Association President Mark Tufnell said:- "It is hugely important that we find ways to minimise the environmental impact of rural homes; many of which are very old and off the gas grid, with some even off the electricity grid. Meeting the Government's requirements of higher energy efficiency standards as previously set out, however, would have been physically impossible for many rural properties. The current proposals would see all new tenancies required to have an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of C or above by 2025, which would have Forced many landlords to spend at least £10,000 on works with no guarantee such investment would work. Keeping this unrealistic target would have considerable consequences for rural communities. A recent survey told us energy efficiency standards were the main reason why many landlords were selling or changing the use of some of their properties, causing untold damage to the supply of rural housing during a cost of living crisis. We are working constructively with the UK Government to explore how traditional rural homes can be heated in a more sustainable way, and to reform EPCs so that the system works for all kinds of homes in the countryside."

Is the National Partnership Agreement being rolled out too quickly?

COMMENTING on the announcement by the Home Office of a National Partnership Agreement limiting the Police response to mental health crises, Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the Local Government Association's Community Wellbeing Board said:- "Councils recognise that the Police may not always be the most appropriate service to respond to a mental health crisis and so it is good that this is being clarified through this national agreement. However, we are concerned that this is being rolled out too quickly, with inadequate local engagement and partnership working meaning that other agencies risk being unable to pick up any increases in demand for their services. It is also important that the Police work closely with their local partners to plan its implementation. Mental health services are funded via Councils social care budgets which are already under considerable pressure. To deliver the best care possible for those experiencing a mental health crisis, alternative community services need to be fully funded across the country."

'Outside In Festival' is back this Summer in Liverpool

THIS summer Liverpool sees the return of the Outside In Festival, in Liverpool, in August 2023! Outside In Festival launched in 2022, with the aim of showcasing some of Liverpool's top up and coming talent. Following on from the huge success of last year's event the team are back bigger and better, ready to go again this year.

This year's event will take place on:- Saturday, 5 August 2023, at Moloko, in St Peter's Square. The event will start at 1pm and run until 10pm.

The Outside In Festival is inclusive of everyone with a love of music so will run 2 bars with 1 selling alcohol and another alcohol free bar as more and more people are wanting a day/night out, but without the alcohol.

The event will be taking a different angle from the usual Dance/DJ Festival approach, aiming to provide a platform for some of the City's young performers as well as showcasing some of the best unsigned singers.

The festival, which was created by Hayley Smitton and Stephen Edgerton, who make up the Outside In Events management team.

Hayley who was previously the General Manager of the highly successful Green Room for 10 years. In that time Hayley along with the venues owners at the time produced highly successful shows in the Liverpool Empire and Blackpool Grand theatre. Hayley has used her knowledge of the acts as well as contacts in the industry to put such an exciting line up together.

Director, Hayley Smitton said:- "Moloko is the perfect venue for a summer event in the City as it has a huge outdoor beer garden with a remote control roof, a shaded balcony as well as plenty of space inside. We have put together a line-up of some of the best unsigned singers Liverpool has to offer including:- Jack Gillbanks, Liam Mcgarry, Chloe Judge, Bliss Grimes, Jonny Walman, Charlie Matthews, Emilie Leslie Wes poetry, and DJ Kaci Lea Lynch to finish the night off."

The event has teamed up this year with the amazing Jade L Roberts Project. The Jade L Roberts Project is in honour of the founder's daughter Jade who sadly took her own life back in 2021, aged just 26.

They specialise in suicide intervention, all of their volunteers are Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Trained (ASIST). Anyone who comes to them in need of help and intervention is offered priority access to our counsellors and holistic therapists.

Director Stephen Edgerton added:- "After the success of last year's event we felt we needed a bigger venue, and this 1 is perfect as the beer garden has access to peacock roof terrace which we will also be utilising. I am also pleased that we are working alongside such an amazing worthwhile cause such as the Jade L Roberts Project. Mental health awareness is more important now than ever, especially since covid with so many people being left remotely on their own. We will be donating a percentage of the ticket prices to this fantastic project. The team from the project will be here at Moloko also on the day. "

Tickets are priced at £15, and the event starts at:- 1pm and runs until:- 10pm. To book tickets, go to:- Skiddle.Com.

Dress code is strictly Festival vibes only.