01/11/2016 Channel Islands News

These are Tuesday's headlinds. it. Now on BBC One we

Multi-million pound consult`nts for Jersey's government -

Womack is big costs to the public purse that perhaps on some occasions

could be avoided. From a ?15 million deficit

to balancing the books. Guernsey's financial fortunds

appear to be turning. the award-winning classes

for people with dementia. And after the 1819 breeze over the

last couple of days, quite ` big change come the weekend with a big

temperature drop. I will have all the details later in the programme.

I will have all the details later in the programme.

Next tonight, millions of pounds could have been saved by Jersey s

government if it had thought twice about hiring consultants.

The auditor's report also stggests the States isn't getting value

for money from experts and hsn't checking its homegrown talent

Big projects - like the new police station, changes to passports

and future hospital need expert help but it comes at a cost -

3.9 million spent last year on consultants alone

and I haven't seen evidence to suggest to enough research

was done to see if the resotrces and skills already existed

In the four years between 2011 and 2015 the States spent almost

The Chief Minister's department spent ?1.6 million

Health and Social services spent ?2 million.

The biggest spender was Infrastructure -

10 and a half million for projects including replacing the Bellozanne

When we're spending multio lillion pounds of taxpayers money its vital

we get the project right so the time spent with those consultants

who have the expertise is vhtal to deliver on time and on btdget

But according to the Audit office, it's not all been money well spent.

There isn't always the need to bring in a consultant.

An example today the environment minister asked about the public

states are hiding people without checking if civil servants have the

same skills. Many thousands of pounds will be spent on an hnspector

or consultants to look at an issue, it has already been discussdd by the

department, and the Departmdnt has the skill set to adjudicate. (

suggested that millions of pounds could have been saved at a time of

austerity. The Chief ministdr declined an interview and the BBC

was told the states are not in the position to respond.

Guernsey's States will return tomorrow as they try to thr`sh

out the island's budget for the next year.

Today's debate began with ndws that what had looked like a bleak

financial outlook six months ago, is looking considerably

Our Political Reporter, Simon Fairclough has been

A financial picture that's looking brighter now

Initial fears that Guernsey could fall some ?15 million

into the red have been proved wrong,

mainly thanks to increased property sales and cutbacks

All of that is contributing to a much improved position for 20 6,

and it could even be that wd have a balance for 2016 which,

considering that we were looking at nearly 15 million in Jund

The news put the States on a positive footing

Responsible, fair, progressive and realistic.

The words use by Deputy Gavhn St Pier to describe the 2017 btdget.

And it looks as if Deputy St Piers largely going to get

things his own way - with an amendment placed thhs

morning to look at the posshbility of introducing motor tax narrowly

defeated and another propos`l to introduce some form of t`x

Attempts were made to fly the flag for pensioners, by keeping

a higher personal tax allowance for the over 65's.

The cost of living is higher for elderly islanders in Gudrnsey -

They do spend more on heating, they do spend more on medic`l

services, they do spend mord on house maintenance hat thdy can no

longer do themselves - and if we're not going to rdcognise

that, then what sort of society are we becoming?

It's hoped the 2017 budget will continue to keep Guernsey

on the right financial path for the next year.

Simon Fairclough, BBC Channel Islands News, Guernsey.

Jersey's government has dechded not to introduce a new voting

States Members felt that two systems ranking candidates in order

of preference on the ballot paper would be too complicated.

But as Lucy Bickerton reports, members of the public thought

It would be much worse in sxnc stand a better way of choosing people who

because at the moment I don't think because at the moment I don't think

the states represent the people The government may not

think it's a good idea - but these people in St Helidr today

wanted to see change. It might give a better picttre of

how people want to vote and how the candidate they are going to vote for

might stand a better chance than just first past the post. It allows

you to vote for someone you wouldn't normally vote for because it would

almost feel like a wasted vote. But what exactly was

the government voting on? Alternative Voting and Single

Transferable Voting see people rank their chosen candidates

in order of preference. If no candidate receives a certain

percentage of first choice votes - then second choices are considered -

and so on. Some believe it's fairer -

and could see different Crucially you would get less wasted

votes, people would not havd to vote tactically and they would sde some

getting elected and the -- that getting elected and the -- that

would be a much more common phenomenon on, so you would have

more enthusiasm for politics and greater representation.

But, critics argue that AV `nd STV can be misunderstood by votdrs.

But, despite much enthusiasl for change - when voters go

to cast their vote in the ftture, they'll be choosing just

Now, a sense of well-being, less pain and more confidence -

those are some of the benefhts reported by people with

dementia after they joined a Jersey swimming group.

The Splash Chat project combines therapy with conversation -

and it's been such a success, that it's won a major award.

These may be small strokes but this swimming group havd

People living with dementia and their carers spend 30 mhnutes

We've had feedback telling ts about how the group has bendfitted

physical health so people h`ve reported walking better,

reduced levels in pain, sleeping better, but overriding has

been the mental health improvements there's been observed levels

of increased happiness in pdople we have a lot of fun,

but a sense of well being so people are getting put socialising.

And that "living well" is pleasing the Jersey Alzheimer's Association.

Once the 'Splash' is over, the group go for a 'chat' and this

As a charity we're really campaigning for a dementia friendly

community and what that means is a community that accepts

and is inclusive for people with dementia so the fact that we're

using two community areas Aquasplash and then The bar

is a real true sense of that dementia friendly community.

Diana and Craig have been coming since July,

Craig's swimming has now improved and they are both

We used to swim a lot and lhke most people you bring up your falily

You come for the chat and the couples Coffey afterwards. The

Coffey encourages you, doesn't it? The Coffey encourages

you, doesn't it? And with the accolades heapdd

upon this award-winning swilming group, hopefully more smiles will be

created in future. Alderney's President

has been re-elected, Stuart Trought was the only name

on the ballot paper by the time Mr Trought - who has been

President of the States will enter his third

term in December. Sport now and Jersey's

cricketers hope to boost their chances of staying

in World League Four this evening. They're up against Italy

in their third match of the tournament in Los Angeles,

with both sides trying to gdt Our sports editor Tim Pryor sent

this report from California. Jersey's cricketers have re`d the

Hollywood script just yet, just a mile up the road. And opening-day

defeat to Oman by six wickets. It was followed a day later, again a

six wickets defeat, this tile against Denmark. Now jersey have a

big game against Italy next as the battle to survive in this dhvision.

And we will bring you the l`test result in the 1013 years. Whether

now and it definitely feels like it has been the mildest Novembdr day

that I can remember but how the next few days looking?

You're quite right, we have had some pretty good temperatures today.

Yesterday we got to 90 degrdes and I think we have had a similar sort of

day today. Perhaps not quitd warm. Tomorrow it is definitely going to

feel colder, quite misty conditions and perhaps we will get somd

sunshine. 18 degrees today `nd by Sunday we are back down with a bump

to just 10 degrees and I thhnk we will notice that big drop in the

territories. The reason for the changes the high pressure is

beginning to move away from us, not apparent for the next 24 hotrs or so

with a week whether from coling in around the head of that are` of high

pressure producing a few sphts of gristle in the morning but then in

any of high pressure as he loved into Thursday and Friday, sort of

split in half. One sits in the Atlantic and the other moves into

the eastern part of France between the two and open support for the

study of low pressure to brhng a northerly wind across as and that

goes -- that will be under way to Friday and Saturday. The first

weather front is break across the more central part of Britain,

already introducing more mohsture so misty in places. But denied the

cloud will be thick enough to produce a few spots of light rain

and drizzle but for the gardeners and drizzle but for the gardeners

and growers not really a grdy deal of rain it has to be said. 810

degrees the minimum temperature Tomorrow morning the layer of cloud

will clear and it could takd until mid-morning till it is gone. The

more in the way of sunshine and the rest of the date dry with stnny

spells but for all of us temperatures at about 12 or 13

degrees. Here are the times of high water, said Helier is 7:31al and St

Peter Port 7:44am. The coastal waters forecast the winds whll be in

north easterly three. We st`y much colder for the rest of the week

somewhat persistent rain for a time on Friday, blustery winds of cold

That said from BBC Channel Hslands That said from BBC Channel Hslands

news, I am back with the he`dlines at eight and 10:30pm for thd late

news. In the meantime here hs Justin and Victoria.

in the best fish and chip rdstaurant category.

How would you feel if gener`l waste was collected only once a fortnight?

There are fears that if these plans go ahead in Plymouth,

it will lead to more rubbish in the street and more flythpping.

The Conservative administration say those concerns are unfounded

as the service will be modernised with bins and cleansing teals

It's bin day in this part of Plymouth but these rounds probably

And some people think that plans to get rid of these weekly

It's going to be a bit tough because the bins

The only problem I can find is that it makes a mess in the

We have been sheds, but it would still smell.

Obviously, you would stack the bin bags are up,

It's just going to create more problems,

like, rats in the area. It's going to create bad smdlls

Councils will vote on the ndw scheme in the next week.

It will mean we cycle bulls being picked up one week

According to the woman in charge of bringing

the same, there were similar concerns when they introducdd it

For the first few months, people are unsure and that's

where we just need to make sure that we are working

We think this is the right step to take to get Plymouth

in the right place, to incrdase recycling and make

The project aims to save ?750,000 per year.

main goal is to make the city more green.

Currently, Plymouth's recycling rate is 33%, way below the

Here in Plymouth, people rely heavily

Areas such as this absolutely depend on it.

Cutting it will mean more w`ste out in the streets, more fly-tipping,

less hygiene, and that's something nobody wants.

Meanwhile, the Conservatives running the council

They're putting out leaflets against this,

Don't put out leaflets that are against it.

Come and work with others to see what you

want for your area, work for your local people and gdt better

Most English councils are further down

the road than Plymouth when it comes to fortnightly collections.

Threequarters already do it and some,

like East Devon, are rolling out three weekly collection.

We're going to jail in a molent - in fact you could go too with plans

a day at the races as Exeter hosts its biggest horse race of the year.

It's not often that Bodmin Loor is the warmest place

in the country, but that happened today.

All the details later in the programme.

The Environment Agency says many farmers are adding to flood risks

because they're not doing enough to care for the soil.

It says almost forty per cent of sites they have tested

across the region have problems with the earth

becoming too compressed, forcing rainwater onto

Our Environment Correspondent Adrian Campbell has been to

This is a familiar sight during a typical Southwest winter.

Water running off a muddy fheld straight onto a nearby road.

It's something the Environmdnt Agency says farmers

Richard Smith is one of the agencies soil experts.

It is a popular crop with f`rmers but one which involves the

use of heavy farming machindry, even when the soil is wet.

That can compact the soil, causing water to run off.

What we've got here is comp`ct soil and there's no air in

the soil. Very little air.

And, as a result, water hits the top and

It's difficult for it to soak into the soil.

and you will see how dense it is.

This kind of soil is hard for the roots of crops to pdnetrate,

meaning farmers often have to rely on more fertiliser to help dstablish

This is what they are growing in the field here.

This is what we're going to use to demonstrate the problem.

If I pour this, the water, see how quickly it flows over the

That could be going downstrdam, down the valley and

flooding someone's home, couldn't it?

It certainly could be running out the gateway

Ultimately, yes, it could go into people's houses.

We do the same here on this loose and bit, OK.

This crumbly, healthy soil is what farmers want.

The National farmers union says it's helping them to

We do know that from some of the sensitive

farming events that over 96$ of those that have attended have

looked to make changes as a result of what

they've learned, particularly with crops like maize.

The Environment Agency acknowledges the importance

of maize but says it must bd carefully managed to protect

Now fans of the series Poldark will know that,

when he's not breaking hearts, the hero Ross spends

a lot of time getting on the wrong side of the law.

Hence a large number of scenes, like this one,

take place inside Cornwall's most notorious prison -

I wish you justice, if there's any to be found.

Which there ain't. As we both know.

So luck it must be. For us both then.

Well, now, just like Ross, you could have the chance

of an extended stay at the real Bodmin Gaol.

The historic building has bden bought by a Russian businessman

Jane Chandler's been for a look around.

In opposing, ominous, an inviting. This was the county jail of Cornwall

for many years. It's thick `nd it was housed 200 prisoners. Now there

are plans to create 65 guest rooms in the prison cells. The lower two

floors will be transformed hnto a new museum attraction and the upper

three floors will be part of a 5 room hotel. I arrived on a wet day

and walked into this space. It just captivates you, really. It's a

cathedral like space but for prisoners so it has a strange, eerie

feel. It's an amazing space. A vision of how the jail could thrive

in the modern world came during a family visit by a Russian

businessman. It inspired hil to buy it. He wants to preserve history and

for guests to enjoy it. At last there is somebody around thhs with

the will and the gumption to preserve history. If all gods

according to plan, it could be open within five years. Better book now.

Jane Chandler reporting frol Bodmin jail.

Many of us will remember a teacher from school -

someone who influenced us, and sometimes we remember them,

But a head teacher from Devon has been hailed as one of

Jane English picked up a prdstigious Pearson teaching award

at a ceremony in London, after 34 years at Paignton Community

Scott Bingham went along to find out why she's dedicated her carder

The winner, from Paignton community and sports academy...

As soon is they said Paignton, I knew instantly

that I had won. I mean, I was so excited.

It was just such a privilege and a pleasure.

After last week's glittering ceremony, Jane English

where it all began as a PE teacher

She proudly showed me some of those achievements, including the

If you ask me about what do I think of most when I

think of the achievements we've made, it's the young people.

I can go walking in the supermarket,

or in the town of and somebody will tap

me on the shoulder and say,

"I just need to speak to you for a minute."

I just need to tell you and I feel wonderful stories of young people

Ad one of those young peopld is Hugh Maynard, now a

Jane English has taught three generations of some

local families and staff, p`rents and pupils are rightly proud of her

She's not like other headteachers who just sit in an

You can actually see her and she's walking

around and she's really friendly to people.

I haven't seen many teachers that have been at one school for so

long and how much determination and passion she is put into one school,

I can honestly say, I've enjoyed every single d`y.

Jane plans to retire next E`ster but won't quit education

She hopes to continue her work overseas with the British

What lovely tributes from the pupils. Obviously very proud of

their headteacher and rightly so. It's Exeter's biggest horse race

of the year and today the Haldon Gold Cup produced

a finish to match its status. A 10/1 outsider beat the favourite

by the narrowest of margins. That was good news for

the bookies but also for those We sent Hamish Marshall to sample

Gold Cup day at Exeter. All roads lead to the races.

And trying to beat the bookhe. This is the most prize monex

for any fixture all year. Obviously, as you can see, we get

plenty of people to come and enjoy it as well

so it's a great day for us. As the form's assessed,

there's a big question, It's a lovely day.

Always good racing up here. So, yes.

Looking forward to it. You've got your race card there

what do you think? I think Resolution Bay

will win this today. Backing him with a decent alount

of money? I may be.

We'll have to see. I better not say as

the wife might hear. And others were backing a previous

winner of the top This is the one they are

putting their faith in. Dodging Bullets was in great form

two seasons ago, not so much last season, will it be able

to repay the faith Just over a lap of a track

saw Dodging Bullets finished third, two others fought

out a titanic battle for first place Not a lot.

About 25 quid, or so. I thought it wouldn't be

out of the first three. And it was a first big win

for Sir Valentino's I wasn't too confident when I passed

the line but Richard said well done, I thought he'd h`ve more

experience than I but... Yeah.

It's tough. No matter how confident you are

It's always tough. I think Hamish was tipping Dodging

Bullets. I hope you didn't put any money on it. A lovely day today

Not often that Cornwall gets the highest temperature of anywhere in

the country but it did todax. Unusual to CDs temperatures on the

first day of November. Sadlx, it's the last time we're going to CDs

figures for some time. Colddr air is heading our way. By the timd we get

to Sunday, back down with a bump. Just nine degrees. We've got an area

of low pressure developing over the next 24 hours, or so. Tomorrow, a

cold start. A touch of Frost but mostly fine weather. The ch`nge is

being brought about by this weather front. It sinks steadily sotth

tonight. Moving steadily into northern France. All the whhle,

followed by colder air. Pretty good until the next weather systdm

arrives. It brings them patchy rain. By the time we get to Fridax, we've

got an area of low pressure across the British Isles and colder air

will follow for the weekend. Saturday and Sunday, colder air for

all abuzz and quite blusterx conditions. There's that laxer of

cloud in more detail continting its journey southwards. A lot of low

cloud and misty conditions for a time. The last three hours before

light in the morning we see the cloud clear and where we get that

clear sky, it means temperatures will quickly tumbled to between one

and three degrees, cold enotgh for some frost to form. Tomorrow,

certainly a day when we will need a jumper. Quite a drop in

temperatures. A top figure of just 11-12 Celsius. For the Isles of

Scilly, bright and dry but feeling colder. Not much for our surfers.

We are back to normal by thd end of the week and into the weekend.

Northerly winds and temperatures between ten and 12 Celsius. Have a

good week. Thanks for your d-mails on bin collections. Many of you

saying fortnightly collections aren't a problem. We will sde you

later this evening in the l`te bulletin. Until then, good night.