Flogging off England's forests

[David Johnson]

Hi,

As you may know our esteemed government is planning to flog off 18% of the woodland in England. This includes areas such as the New Forest and the Forest of Dean. THey expect that the vast majority of this forest will be bought by private companies and wealthy individuals. Apparently the purchase of woodland provides a number of tax dodges. The government says that public access will still be catered for. Unfortunately there have already been cases in the Lake District where publicly owned land has been sold off and access denied subsequently.

These measures are opposed by the usual bunch of Nazi New Labour supporters (I included the phrase for you, Jimbo!) like Sir Rannulf Fiennes and the Archbiship of Canterbury etc.

So if you enjoy access to the Forestry Commission forests and you regard these forests as owned by you the taxpayer and shouldnt be flogged off so bankers can have a tax cut, then please sign the following petition.

http://www.38degrees.org.uk/page/s/save-our-forests

On the other hand if you believe that the reason your utility bills are so cheap is because Thatcher sold off the publicly owned utilities you will probably decide not to sign the petition.

Thanks
D

[alicia_fan_uk]

I recall that Private Eye has run an interesting story on this subject. Some public woodland was flogged off and very soon afterwards the very public-minded new (private) owner claimed a total of c.90% of the purchase price via various subsidies, stewardship grants and the like. Great stuff.

I think Cameron et al may be shaping up to privatise government next. Or privatise privitisation itself.*

alicia_fan_uk

*Which I know doesn't really make sense, but clearly nothing can be ruled out when we are faced with the economic doomsday of the last administration etc etc....

[David Johnson]

"I grew up in Glengarry, west of Invergarry in Lochaber.
That is one example of the many small rural communities across the Highlands where the employment provided by the Forestry Commission is essential. That work supported families living in the area ? whereas the neighbouring private forestry did not.
The Scottish Government's plans to lease 25% of Scotland's forests to private investors would put jobs at risk. The time has long past when people regarded our national forests simply as sources of cash. The Forestry Commission now does vital work creating paths and mountain bike tracks and supporting environmental improvements. The paths and bike tracks are popular with local people and tourists alike. I am campaigning against this ? if you want to support that campaign please sign the online petition at Scottish Lib Dems: Save our Forests!.

Whoever gets this question right will get a package of prime oak woodland in England to offset against inheritance tax. And there will be a package of grants available.

Cheers
D

[Arginald Valleywater]

250000 have already signed a petition against this stupid move and our local MPs, of all parties, have come out against this move.

[David Johnson]

"You don't say ? As it has always been since Steve Davies the snooker player in the 80's bought a load of Scottish ferns. Tax breaks are there to be taken advantage of. Are you against the tax breaks that have existed for over 25 years or just the selling off of the forests ?"

Both the Thatcher and Major governments tried to privatise the Forestry Commission in the 1980s and 1990s but failed following intense pressure from conservation groups and lack of interest by industry. Now they are trying to organise the biggest sell-off of publically owned land in 80 years.

Am I against tax breaks? Yes if they provide a way of investors recovering vast percentages of their outlay at the expense of the taxpayer.

Am I against the selling off of the forests? Yes this is Tory asset stripping. The same asset stripping which took place in the 80's and now results in the taxpayer getting ripped off left right and centre by gas companies for example.

Cheers
D

[andy at handiwork]

If the sale is to raise money, it seems pretty stupid to then allow the buyers have big tax breaks, which the rest of us will have to subsidise. Its little more than the tories helping their rich mates.

[David Johnson]

Sorry guys I am desperate to get my hands on a package of prime oak woodland so I have lept in to give you the answer to the quiz question.

So as a reminder, the quote is below and yes, it was that wonderful Lib Dem MP, now Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander!!!!

Well at least we will have him on the public's side when it comes to a vote on the bill.

Won't we?

"I grew up in Glengarry, west of Invergarry in Lochaber.
That is one example of the many small rural communities across the Highlands where the employment provided by the Forestry Commission is essential. That work supported families living in the area ? whereas the neighbouring private forestry did not.
The Scottish Government's plans to lease 25% of Scotland's forests to private investors would put jobs at risk. The time has long past when people regarded our national forests simply as sources of cash. The Forestry Commission now does vital work creating paths and mountain bike tracks and supporting environmental improvements. The paths and bike tracks are popular with local people and tourists alike. I am campaigning against this ? if you want to support that campaign please sign the online petition at Scottish Lib Dems: Save our Forests!.

Dont worry I will give you lads access to my oak woodland. You will have to look over a fence and I am planning to close down the car park, but hey, you guys have binoculars don't you?

Cheers
D