08/02/2013 Spotlight

The spare room the benefit cut, thousands of tenants may have to

downsize or pay extra. Making somebody find money from the bare

minimum of what they have got in the first place, I do not think it

is fair on anybody. Good evening and welcome to Spotlight. The

government says it's determined to cut the annual �23 billion pound

housing benefit bill. We'll have more on that story in a moment. Why

Exeter's buying in to new technology to combat shoplifting

and we're live at Plymouth's Life Centre as the country's top divers

prepare for the British Thousands of social housing tenants

in the South West face a benefit reduction from April. The change to

housing allowances will affect more than nine thousand households in

Devon and Cornwall. The new rules allow one bedroom for each adult or

couple but two children under ten will be expected to share a room

and if they are the same sex they will have to share until they are

sixteen. One spare room will mean a 14 % cut in housing benefit, two

spare rooms will incur a 25% reduction. The Government says it

will save money, but critics say it will do nothing to reduce a

shortage of social housing. Andy Breare reports.

It's been the family home for 17 years but Michel says a change to

housing benefit is leaving her and her teenage daughter with a choice,

move out or lose vital cash. I just feel the making somebody find some

money from the bare minimum of what they've got in the first place, I

don't think it's fair on anybody. From April, working-age people in

social housing with spare rooms will get less benefit. Disabilities

mean Michelle cannot work but her home has three bedrooms and a new

one of her three children still lives at home so she will be down

�12 a week. This is my flat. This is my bedroom. Someone else who

will work -- lose out his Phil macro. He downsize to a flat and

his son is single and stays with him when he is not away serving in

the RAF. From April, he will see his housing benefit cut. I have

downsized all ready to a two bedroom. I am only keeping the room

because my son, who is in the armed forces, needs that when he comes

home on leave. Critics argue although the government might be

right to tackle the housing benefit bill, the policy is not the right

way to do it. The main issue is if people want to do something about

it, the options are downsizing or paying their rent without

additional housing benefit. We all know there isn't a housing

available to move around in such a way in social housing. It will

cause problems. The auction available to them is an air. --

option. The government says is determined to tackle the �20

billion bill for housing benefit and ministers argue that changes

were not only do that but free up more living space for overcrowded

families. I am joined by are political editor.

How is the government defending the move? The Cornish Lib Dem MP says

we should spare a thought for the 5 million people who have no housing

at all while others have houses with spare rooms. The Prime

Minister this week said it's about fairness because people on housing

benefit in private rented accommodation do not get extra

money for spare rooms. Apart from downsizing, is there anything

people can do? The Giroud and from an MP says she could take in a

lodger but they have also pointed out there is this a �50 million

emergency fund nationally which Cornwall council have �900,000

which could be used to help people who have special problems or

special reason for having an extra room. It is not necessary the blunt

instrument appears to be. And he will benefit? Disabled people may

cut two-thirds of the people affected, according to Labour. The

Prime Minister was pushed in the Commons on the issue of families in

the forces and he was not giving any ground at all.

Thank you. Much more on this subject this weekend on Sunday

Politics at eleven o'clock here on BBC One.

Spotlight has been told Exeter is planning to become one of the first

shopping centres in the country to use photo-ID technology to combat

shoplifting. There is already a zero-tolerance scheme operating in

parts of the city centre - this new development is seen as vital to

further tackle the problem. Simon Alexander has the details.

Shoplifting over the years has struck an unwelcome chord with this

shop owner. In the past, he said thousands of pounds of goods stolen

but with more focus on deterring thieves, he has seen a drop in

items taken. It is the theft. I feel the same as you would if

someone broke into your house and stole something. White to

shoplifting, I do know. It is theft. There is a zero tolerance scheme in

parts of Exeter to stop shoplifting and a ban on known offenders

entering shops. Reported incidents are down by 15%. The statement is

clear. If you want to indulge in criminal activity, particularly if

it is targeted against businesses and -- in Exeter, you will get

caught. You had better off stay away. The chances of being caught

are very high. There is technology being used, store detectives, we

are working with local businesses. We are expanding the schemes across

the city rather than focusing on the city centre.

Security teams using state of-the- art photo ID systems are seen as

vital in deterring people. If an offender is in one premises, if we

can share information and photographs of the offender, the

chances of there being caught are greater. That is one of the first

centres to deliver that technology so we are very much recognising we

need to be ahead of the game to tackle shop lifting and anti-social

behaviour. In difficult economic times, shops are being extra

vigilant. In Exeter, they use the latest technology to get their

message across. A record number of rail passengers

have been using the regions branch lines. But there's concern that a

delay in awarding a long term franchise to an operator will lead

to more over crowding. First Group currently has a six month extension

to continue running our trains but it will be two years before the

full ten to fifteen year franchise is awarded. Our business

correspondent Neil Gallacher Small trains with an ever-growing

payload. 10 years ago, an early train like this might be empty. The

region's branch lines carried 2 million passengers last year.

better than the bus. It is more economical. It is cheaper. The big

problem was summed up by one retired railway manager. The trains

are overcrowded, the ones are used are going to Cornwall. I think it

is of great concern for the people in the West Country. The new

franchise should have been starting in the spring, one expert says we

will miss out on improvements. He admits they are skilled at juggling

the stretched fleet. It is a big help but the franchise started in

April -- if it started in April July they would have been a nice

goodies but we will not get until it is resolved. Now and again the

lack of slack in the system has been painfully evident. The best

hope now is for the region to shout as loudly as possible for what few

carriages become available on the network. In other words, learned

the lesson from other regions. sought the north-east and north-

west making a better and stronger case and allowed the case and we

were slow off the mark. I include myself in that. We need to be a bit

sharper and quicker when we know there is rolling stock being

upgrade elsewhere to start to argue for that to come to the south-west.

First Great Western see it as a problem of success. It is great

news, the railway is doing what it should do. We need to continue

looking at increasing the rolling stock we have. We need to be

creative about how we do that and we do not know how it will turn out.

Discussions will be ongoing. Every now and again, you'll see a coach

which they have borrowed to keep the extraordinary passenger demand

satisfied. How much longer they can carry on relying on the approach,

nobody can say. The Scillonian Three, the only

passenger ferry link between the mainland and the Isles of Scilly

has undergone a two million pound refit. There have been concerns

about travel links to the islands, since the helicopter service pulled

out last year. The Scillonian has now been given a certificate to

operate for another five years. The Scillonian Three is 36 years

old. She is being given a �2 million refit. She has new

lifeboats and new navigational equipment. When passengers go on

board, she will have very different, a new seating, cafes and a bar and

better disabled access. There is more space, more colours, the

buffet, the seats and flooring. It will be completely different.

project has provided work for 50 people and staff on the ferry in

the summer were offered a chance to get involved. A Rebecca is normally

eschewed S But she was given a hard hat and paint brush. I was quite

excited. It has been good fun. A really good experience. Finding out

so much more stuff about the ship. Learning a lot of new skills.

Sanding, painting, grinding. You name it, we've done it. The ferry

is a vital link, especially since the helicopter service pulled out

last year. At present, she does not sale in winter. People would like

to see an all round -- all season round saying. There are two parts,

can the boats do it and second he will pay for it? It is about

affordability. Few people would use the boat in the winter.

Scillonian Three will leave dry dock tomorrow and begin her sea

trials at the end of the month. If all goes well, she will sail for

the Isles of Scilly in March. Islanders hope it will be a busy

$:/STARTFEED. Shaun Sawyer has been confirmed as the new Chief

Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police. He was supported by all

members of the panel. He has been the temporary Chief Constable since

the depar kphur of Stephen Otter. The assistant Chief Executive of

Cornwall Council is in line to take over as temporary Chief Executive.

A panel has recommended Paul Masters for the post, following the

departure of Kevin Lavery. The the arrangement has to be approved next

week. Still to come. Some of the country's top divers are in the

south-west, we will be live at the Plymouth Life Centre. Who is the

region's best school chef? It is one of these three. We will reveal

who later. And the publicly owned art coming out of the shadows for

all to see. The British Diving Championships have begun in

Plymouth, and in the very first everpbgts we have had some south-

west success. -- event, let us go live to the Life Centre now. It is

the most prestigious diving Championship to be held here since

the sell ter own opened last year. The home crowd have had a lot to

cheer arbgts as fl has been a gold medal in the champion snoirps a

Plymouth pair. The first ever British diving final at Plymouth's

new Life Centre, two local girls were the firm favourites. Tonia

Couch and var Barrow have been looking down on the rest of the

best pairs for the last three years. And in front of their home fans

they didn't disappoint. They were pushed hard by Leeds pair Rebecca

Gallantree and Jenny Cowan. But Team GB's 2012 Olympic pair pulled

out a fantastic fourth dive, as they went on to break their own

national record. Another British record. Another personal best fours.

We keep on improving year on year. You only improve a slight amount of

points but we were pleased this time. Both of us were nervous going

into the competition. Tomorrow, now I have done a round, I will be a

bit more relaxed. I am really excited. So all smiles for the home

crowd here in Plymouth. But as Tonia and Sarah get a fourth

British synchro gold medal, tomorrow they become rival, as they

go for the individual 10 metre crown. Well, joining me now is the

head coach of Plymouth diving Andy Bang, another British record for

Tonia and Sarah what was your feeling on their performance?

was a brilliant result they have been working hard over the winter.

Their strength and conditioning programme has been significant,

five dives needed, all of them had to kourpbgts and they smashed it.

That record is not easy. I am happy. We have more to come. Tom Daley

dives on Sunday. I understand he is struggling with illness. What is

the latest on his condition? He had has a horrible chest infection

which has put his temperature up and heart rate. So he is feeling

grotty. He managed to come in yesterday. We are hoping he will be

OK. But he is back home resting, we maybe get him in tomorrow, and

check him over. He wants to dive. That is the plan at the moment.

Fingers crossed he will be OK. The home crowd will love to see him.

What has it been like for you as koefrpbgs seeing the home

Championships? We are worried that the wheels are going to come off

but they haven't even come loose. It is a mixture of locals and the

national crew. They have worked to make this run smoothly. It is a

fantastic facility, so an easy job for them. Of course you can find

out Houghton ya and Sarah do tomorrow and how Tom does on Sunday,

here on BBC Spotlight and on BBC Radio Devon as well. Thank you.

More sports new, and Exeter Chiefs travel to face Sale in 2

Premiership tonight. Exeter got their first win since the start of

December last week, in the LV Cup and the pressure is on for the side

picked tonight to perform. The guys that get the shirt this weekend

have got a bit of pressure on their backs, they know other guys are

able to perform at that level, so we are fully focused on that,

getting good performance this weekend, and it has been tough

making those selection decisions. In the Championship Plymouth Albion

travel away to Rotherham while Jersey face a tough trip to Bedford.

Cornish Pirates can do the islanders a favour as they struggle

to avoid relegation away to Doncaster. Yeovil Town face a key

quest to get into the League One play off places. Plymouth Argyle

have an important away match. Yeovil will hope for more from

Paddy manning when they go away. A win could see the Glovers move into

the play off places if results go their way. The other end of things

Plymouth Argyle face a huge away game at Aldershot. They are only

out of the League Two relegation zone on goal difference and travel

to Hampshire side who are one point better off. Exeter City who occupy

the final play off spot are back on their travels. They have best away

record outside the top two and are at mor come. -- Morecambe. And you

can hear full commentariess on your local BBC Radio stations. Now, take

the region's best school cook, pit their skills against one another,

and allow children to judge the result, and you have one tough

contest. That is what happened today when the final of the south-

west school Chef of the Year competition took place at Plymouth

There is a bit of pressure but it is anyone's game. Got highly

commended last year and two years previous. This is my first time. I

have been blocking it in my head. The heat is on for these three

chefs. They have 90 minutes to produce two courses, to tantalise

the taste buds. Smoky paprika chick within home-made pasta. I am making

a chicken gattoe, with deep-fried honey leek heads. Their work is

being studied by a panel of judges including 11 year pupils from a

primary school. We are asking is it something you would know or is it

something you grew up with or is it new to you? They are looking

forward to tasting the puddings. will try all of them. We both love

puddings. The food has to look good. Taste great and be healthy. We want

something where they improve the nutrition, so they have throughout

about the fruit and vegetables and the calcium content and they have

thought about the protein to help them get strong muscles, and enough

carbohydrates, and not too sugary, salty or fatty. Finally, all plated

up, it was over to the judges to decide on a winner. Dry, throat,

sweat, really nervous now. I have a one in three chance attend of the

day. But we shall see. I am against two good people so anywhere I come

I would be more than happy, but I would like to win. The tieted went

to Steve Spofford. His chicken layered gateau followed by apple

tart putting him in the final in May. School gin dinners don't get

better than this. -- school dinners. They have come on school dinners.

It was chips and beans when I was at school. And horrible pastry. And

tapioca. I like that! Snowdrop Valley on Exmoor has opened to the

public but a week later than usual. The park normally attracts 5,000

visitors a week when the flowers are in bloom in February, the

opening was delayed after more than 200 trees were brought down along

the road in the recent heavy snow and rain. Now f you are out in

Exeter or Plymouth this evening you will be able to see some works of

art in unfamiliar settings. Paintings are being projected on to

the side of Exeter Cathedral and behind us is what is being

projected on the Drakes Circus in Plymouth. It is the launch of a new

nishty between the BBC and the charity public catalogue foundation

to allow people to see art not usually on view. Thousands will be

on view on our website to show the national collection of oil paints.

Making a rare appearance. The last time this portrait made a public

outing was in 1957. It needs a bit of conservation, as it is still in

its original 1780s canvas, but that is expensive. This oil painting may

be out of limelight, but now, like many others, it is viewable on the

web. Along with stories about its history. It is a combination of the

great artist, so a great Cornish artist, it is a great sitter. Sir

John, who was a very important Cornish land owner the late 18th

century. He was an interesting character he was a dandy at the

time, and he had great legs and was a great dancer apparently. But he

is notorious in the history of the city, particularly, he had two

long-standing mistress, and had many children with them. He was

also an important scientists and MP. And story like this can be found

with many of the 800 oils from the museum which have been catalogued

on to the website. More than 200,000 oil paint, from the

national collection are available for the public to view. People are

being asked to take part in this project by tagging a painting on

the website and adding information about the art, the artist, or in

fact the subject if possible. paintings document our history, our

culture, our heritage, and to allow the public to have access to their

heritage is really quite vital. website points out where you may be

to be able see the paint information the flesh, but some

could still be in storage, as for Sir John hebgs is waiting for large

sum of money for his conservation. So don't worry if you can't get out

because you can go to the website. You can view the entire collection.

Once you are on the site you can see which are local to you. Some

pictures of stormy seas in some of those paintings which we have had

those paintings which we have had over the last few day, will it be

calmer? It S there will be plenty of talk about snow. For us that is

not a big problem. Rain could be a problem. From is some wet weather

heading our way, light and patchy overnight tonight, and enough clear

sky to drop the temperature, but later on it will gradually cloud

over and we will see some rain setting in. Not a huge amount of

wet weather. As that rain band reaches the more eastern fringe, it

might turn to sleet, but that is about the most wherein trisilt

likely to get. For the weekend -- wintry it is likely to get. We will

find cloud and rain overnight tomorrow night, and into Sunday,

and then turning colder again, as we move through Sunday and into

Monday and Tuesday. Now, there is a lot happening on this satellite

picture. This stripe of cloud coming into the more western parts

is developing rain as it moves in. There is some clear sky the other

side of that. But all this weather out here is the next batch of wet

weather for the weekend. There it is midday on Saturday. Sunday is

the future we are watching carefully. Giving heavy snow in

Midlands, and norpbg England. For us it is likely to produce heavy

rain, and some of that rain could add up to about an inch by the

early hours of Sunday morn. This fair amount of clear sky, but it

will cloud over, and that cloud will start tro deuce patchy light

rain. Slowly as it ceeps eastwards it gradually introduces milder air.

So perhaps an early low where we have clear sky of one or two degree

degrees above freezing. By the end of the night we will see it back up

to six or seven. It will feel warmer, despite all the cloud, and

we still have the risk of rain, possible on the eastern side of

Dorset. Just briefly over high ground that might turn to sleet or

snow. As for the rest oufrbgs we keep a fair cover of cloud. Will

will be holes developing in the course of the afternoon. Brief lay

glimpse of sunshine. It is mainly dry and relatively mild. We will

see temperatures of eight, possibly nine degree, as the top figure.

Certainly one of the warmest places in Britain. The winds are generally

light, we have had pretty stormy conditions, but lighter winds

tomorrow, so not too bad. On the 2 forecast for the Isles of Scilly.

Here tects it to be mainly dry, and cloudy, but some more pesistant

rain later in the afternoon and the evening. Times of high water, at

Still sufficient size of waves for the surfers to use. It will be on

the choppy side. On the north coast up towards Bude, three to four feet

and choppy. Coastal waters forecast. The winds are from the west

tomorrow, back south-westerly. Force four or five. The more

pesistant rain later in the day. So a let us move on to the outlook.

There will be wet weather Saturday night into Sunday. About an inch of

rain. Then as we move into the afternoon it will turn more showery.

Notice the drop in the temperatures. We are getting colder again. By

Tuesday, four or Fife with the risk Tuesday, four or Fife with the risk