While I have always been to the ‘left’ in politics, I’ve always been prepared to work across political divides for the benefit of local communities and I am in fairly regular contact with a number of Independent Councillors who are both effective and diligent in representing their individual wards. I have no political axe to … Continue reading The State of Independents
One hundred and eighty-nine years on from when the station first opened, it is time that Hexham railway station was accessible to everyone. We cannot keep blaming the Victorians for our inaccessible rail network, and with Hexham station being one of the busiest on the Tyne Valley line, we believe that it's time for lifts … Continue reading ‘Lifts for Hexham station’ Q & A
Farage talks about “something going wrong in our once beautiful country”. Yes, something is going wrong with this country, it is grifters like him, aided and abetted by the hard right media, who for years have sown the seeds of hate and division for personal and political gain. However, it is vital that ALL politicians … Continue reading Taking on the far right
As a campaigner for rail accessibility, a train driver and a proud member of the ASLEF union, I am delighted that yesterday ASLEF adopted the motion which I wrote for debate at ASLEF's Annual Assembly of Delegates (AAD), which means that supporting improved rail accessibility on the UK rail network is now official ASLEF policy. … Continue reading ASLEF union backs UK rail accessibility!
A frequent and accessible public transport system, with seamless links with other transport modes is vital, both for social inclusion, reducing loneliness, access to work and leisure and as part of our drive to reach net zero. Therefore, I was delighted that around three years ago a transport interchange was announced for my local train … Continue reading It’s time to run public transport for the public
On 31st March, the pause in the installation of prepayment meters by warrant will end. The appalling treatment of prepayment meter customers, who are among the most financially vulnerable people in the UK, is a national scandal. Ofgem, the UK's energy regulator has fundamentally failed in its role to protect vulnerable energy users and while … Continue reading Who is standing up for prepayment meter households? An open letter
As someone who thinks they are reasonably savvy on consumer issues and does a fair bit of research before deciding on anything, I think I have just made a significant error in choosing my latest energy tariff*. However, before I get into the details of that error, having looked further into the issues around the … Continue reading The smoke and mirrors of the energy price cap
Like much of government policy these days, most of the budget was leaked out to the press well before the Chancellor stood up in the House of Commons to deliver his hour long speech setting out his tax and spending plans for the next few years. Sunak has a slick operation, ably assisted by a … Continue reading Rishi dishes out cold cuts in budget
*** Update 5th March 2021 *** Following the publication of this blog Northern have been in touch and have now amended the descriptions of the stations mentioned below. However, a brief look at other stations across the Northern franchise reveals numerous examples of inaccurate information and there remains much to be done across this and … Continue reading How the rail industry’s access map lost its way – and how to get it back on track
The current pandemic has presented numerous challenges at a local, national and global level. Whatever you think about the government's actions in relation to the virus, it has been heartening to see how communities have pulled together and looked out for one another. However, with climate change an even larger crisis looms, and as well … Continue reading Central Beds Council – on the right track to net zero carbon?
Julian Vaughan 