20/09/2013 Spotlight

MajestyDubbed the bedroom tax by Labour, they say they'd scrap it.

Tonight, a south—west Conservative MP says? Good evening.

Welcome to Spotlight. Spare room subsidy or bedroom tax? Whatever you

call it, it has divided opinion. Tonight, Ed Miliband tells our

political editor about his party's plans for it. It's not working, it

is unfair, a A Labour Government would end it. We'll have reaction

from the Tory MP Gary Streeter. Parents' outrage over having to buy

uniforms from the school itself. Families say they're being forced to

buy expensive clothes from a college when they can get them cheaper

elsewhere. Thousands welcome the Tour of

Britain and cycling's biggest names to Devon.

And celebrating 50 years of freedom — the Royal Navy and Royal Marines

on parade in Plymouth. Labour leader Ed Miliband has this evening

announced that his party would reverse the housing benefit cuts —

which his party, dubbed the Bedroom Tax — if it returns to Government.

The controversial changes, introduced in April, reduced housing

benefit for people with spare bedrooms. A local senior

conservative says Labour would be making a big mistake. Here's our

Political Editor Martyn Oates. What they called a bedroom tax has

been making headlines ever since it was announced. In February, we may

feature this woman who told us that losing what the Government calls the

spare room subsidy would leave her £12 per week worse off. I feel that

making somebody find some money from the bare minimum of what they have

in the first place, I don't think it is fair. Later, in May, we talked to

this family said they were having to move from their rented three—bedroom

housing in Newton Abbot. The iMac you could move somewhere we could

actually stay here, get into debt and then get kicked out. From

April, people are given less housing benefit. At the time, the Government

said 9000 people in Devon and Cornwall and 660,000 nationally

would be affected by the change. It is a policy that ministers have

defended. There are many people in private

rented accommodation who don't have housing benefit who cannot afford

extra bedrooms and we have to get control of housing benefit. We are

now spending, as a country, £23 billion on housing benefit and we

have to get it under control. Now, the Labour leader says he will

repeal the cut in benefits. One thing we will do is we are going to

Edmund the bedroom tax. It is causing massive hardship. There are

30,000 people across the south—west being hit by the bedroom tax. A

Labour Government, I am announcing today, would close the loophole that

allows —— is allowed under the Conservatives. That is just one of

the things we will do in our conference to show we can tackle the

cost of living crisis. A lot of politicians here would say that

before the economic crisis and now the biggest problem facing us is the

lack of affordable housing. This Government has said that the bedroom

tax would actually alleviate this by getting people out of big houses

they don't need and getting families who need them into it. That is a

long way away from the experience of most families and councils. The

problem is that the bedroom tax is hitting two thirds of people who are

disabled and there aren't properties for people to move to. That is the

experience around the country. We know there are 50,000 families

facing eviction as a result of the bedroom tax. It is not working, it

is unfair, a Labour Government would end it. Ed Miliband affair. This

policy has been incredibly controversial. On all kinds of

levels. I mentioned there being a row over what it is even called,

there is a debate about cost, benefits, then this debate about

whether or not removing the subsidy will help get people into housing.

Some local authorities are saying that the problem is that there hunt

and smaller properties to move people who don't need the larger

property into. He is the reaction from one MP. —— here is. We

definitely cannot afford to subsidise people in council housing

to have a spare bedroom. We made that decision some time ago for

people and socially rented housing and now we are levelling the playing

field. The system is beginning to work, that the changes are beginning

to work, this will throw a spanner in the works. Next Friday, I will

have the last of my party leader interviews with the Prime Minister.

In the meantime, plenty of more —— plenty more political coverage.

"Outrageous!" That's how one mother has described a school policy

forcing parents to buy parts of its uniform from the school itself.

Exmouth Community College insists its students wear the jumper, tie

and polo shirt provided by the school. But as Sophie Pierce reports

parents say the prices are prohibitive and could be bought much

cheaper from local retailers. This woman is a single mum who has a

daughter who attends Exmouth community college. Like most

schools, there is a uniform. Three key items must be bought from the

school. The idea of spending 20 plus pounds

on one jumper is outrageous. Especially when there are

alternatives out there from being able to buy the jumper from a

supermarket... Could then attach a batch to say that the child goes to

that school. In tough times, more than 160 parents are supporting her

campaign to change the policy. A child who wears the largest sizes

will have a jumper costing more than £30, a Polish to more than £15 and a

tie is just under £6. —— a polo shirt.

Schools should seek clothing which can be published cheaply and

compulsory items must be kept to a minimum.

We have been looking carefully at these issues. We are going to issue

new guidance to all of the schools. That is going to deal with some of

what we see as the weaknesses of the existing system, the fact that it is

too easy for schools to have this single supplier arrangements where

parents can pay more than they need to. Despite requests for an

interview, no comments from the school. It is no good the school

saying they can help some parents, I think that is actually quite

insulting. Schools should be able to allow parents to buy uniforms that

they can afford. We don't want hand—outs, we want affordable

uniforms. Like many parents, she supports having a uniform, she just

wants it to be a uniform everyone can afford.

Well, we've had several comments about this story via Facebook and

email. Paul says: "What would happen if the parents of Exmouth Community

College did not purchase 'branded' school uniform? The children can't

be punished for it and neither can the parents." Emma says, "It is the

same at our local school. The uniform is overpriced and only

available via a website. P.E socks are over £5 a pair." And Irene says,

"In my view, school uniforms should be banned. They are a form of

oppression and an unnecessary expense." Thanks for those comments,

let us know what you think. The south—west could trial a plan to

ban smoking in prisons. Exeter Prison is expected to be involved in

a pilot scheme starting next spring. If successful, it could be extended

to all prisons in England and Wales. It's thought officials are worried

about legal action from staff and prisoners who've suffered the

effects of passive smoking. A man who downloaded an Al—Qaeda

training manual and a document by Norwegian mass killer Anders Breivik

has been jailed for 33 months. —— he has walked free from court. John

Roddy from Torquay previously admitted possessing documents

containing information useful to terrorism at Exeter Crown Court. He

also admitted sending threatening messages and damaging a mosque. He

was given a suspended sentence. Tobias Ruth arrested with Roddy, was

given a suspended sentence for distributing threatening material.

A woman has been seriously injured after running into a rope that had

been deliberately tied across a footbridge near to the Double Locks

in Exeter. The woman, who is 33, is understood to have suffered a

serious neck injury and is in hospital. Her condition is being

described as stable but serious. The penultimate part of the 95 metre

high chimney has been put into place on the waste to energy incinerator

being built in Plymouth. It took more than six hours to manoeuvre the

longest part of the structure into position. When finished, the

incinerator will burn 250,000 tonnes of waste a year. The fourth and

final part of the chimney will be put up tomorrow, as long as weather

conditions remain favourable. We've got the highlights from a

spectacular day of cycling in a moment. Still ahead. Torbay's

special visitor — the Navy ship that's one of a kind. And give the

dog a cone, the pooches lapping up doggy ice cream.

Thousands of people lined the route of the Tour of Britain as it made

its way through Devon today. The race started in Sidmouth at 11am,

headed north to Tiverton, swung down to Exeter and then cranked up to

Dartmoor for the race's first ever summit finish at Haytor. Spotlight's

John Henderson followed the action. It's got to riders and runners. The

Devon stage of the tour of Britain, 85 miles from the seaside to the

moors. A chance to see the best of Bevan from a new perspective. The

race started in Sidmouth, where thousands of Bevan from a new

perspective. The race started in Sidmouth, where thousands lined the

seafront, ready for the 11 o'clock start. It is a beautiful day and

then a lot of people here. Mark Cavendish, one of the stars, but

lots had come out to see another man. Bradley Wiggins is my

favourite. He was in pole position as the race began. Narrow streets of

Sidmouth soon gave way to Devon's wide open spaces. Plenty of room for

fans to get animated. After Tiverton and Exeter, stage six

headed to the hills, it may not be the Alps, but Dartmoor is still a

tough test. The writers kept pushing hard, blink and you miss them. They

go past so quickly. Who was that? Was that Bradley Wiggins? How about

this? Dartmoor delivering a sensational climax with a sprint

finish at Plantagenet We will have mourned the tour of

Britain in the sport little later. There's a very special

around 550 serving personnel and veterans took part in the parade to

celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Naval service been granted the

Freedom of the City. At 1pm sharp, the first round of a

13 gun salute echoed across the city. The band of her Majesty 's MAC

Royal Marines led the parade from the Royal Citadel. Today's event as

a celebration of 50 years since it was granted the Freedom of the City.

It gives them the privilege to march them with colours flying and

bayonets fixed. Back in September 1960 three, 1000 spa so now exercise

that right, a little over 50% were on parade today. The Freedom of the

City was given to the Plymouth command, we are now not Plymouth

command, it recognises the changing shape. You'll notice there are Royal

Marines here, it is recognising the whole of the Naval service.

The units marched down Royal Parade and around Derry's crossed before

assembling in Armada Way. They were inspected by flag officer

Ray Admiral Penn key and the Lord Mayor of Plymouth before the

presentation of a silver casket reaffirming the Freedom of the City.

It is an honour for me to accept on behalf of the officers, sailors and

Royal Marines of the Naval service based here in Plymouth, the freedom

of this great city, conferred again some 50 years after it was

originally granted to our forebears. It is not often that we see such a

big parade. They all turned out looking so smart, just as the Navy

would, we are so ploughed of them here. I have lived here all of my

life. Plymouth does it so well. I think it is a wonderful day for

Plymouth. We owe a lot to the Navy and I think they owe quite a bit to

us. The close association between Plymouth and the Royal Navy has

endured for hundreds of years, both the city and the senior service have

seen their share of tough times. This honour may be ceremonial, it is

also being raised as a signal to those in power at the relationship

is still as strong as ever. There's a very special visitor to

Torbay this weekend. HMS Protector is anchored up and members of the

public are being invited out to sea to have a look around and see what

life is like on board. But as John Ayres explains, this naval ship is

not like any other. You may not recognise it at first

glance. She is read because she is a icebreaker. The colour makes her

easily seen. The protector is the ice patrol vessel. We primarily go

to Antarctica, but it could be any ice. Primarily, Antarctica where we

are there to provide a sovereign presence in the territories. We

support the British Antarctic survey and also conduct of research and

survey to improve safety navigation. She is anchored up here and members

of the public are being invited to go aboard and meet the crew. HMS

protector is doing operational sea training along the south coast and

helping with recruiting. The ship is a different colour and the crew were

different kit. —— were different kit.

It is a bit of a change. It is hard at first, but the community on board

is fantastic and everyone is in the same situation and in the same boat.

Everyone helps each other out. In the galley, preparations are being

made a cocktail party for invited guests. Members of the public will

be able to see what goes on for free, but it is ticket only,

available from centre in Torquay. It will be interesting.

Time for the sport now and we go back to the Tour of Britain and

Dave's been at the finish of the Devon stage at Haytor.

The Devon stage was won by Simon Yates of team Great Britain with

Bradley Wiggins just retaining the overall leadership. From Cornwall

and from Devon we will be joined by Mr Barker and Chris from team Great

Britain. How did you get on? I had an easy day, I didn't feel great and

we have been doing a key role, so Ian Wilkinson was in the break,

great farce, he made sure that everyone knows we're the race. I

just wrote the finish. What was the problem? It was too fast. I track

too fast? Were the best domestic —based team and that is a big

achievement for us. Everyone is enjoying the race. Absolutely. You

are with your young son, Chris, what was its like to day? It was a stage

that I was a little apprehensive of. I went to the stage in Sidmouth and

knew what was this stage. I knew that I looked myself there, I could

be a key to the finish. I am more of a sprinter, so I am looking forward

to the weekend where we have flatter stages. What was the king of the

mountain like? We did it in training not so long ago. It was just as bad

then as it was today. It is tough. It is a long way to the top. It

makes you feel a lot hotter than it really is. There is nothing to cool

you down. We wish you the very best of luck. Thank you for joining us.

We'll Yeovil Town become the first team to beat Queens Park Rangers

this season? The championship leaders visit Somerset with wins

under their belt. The Glovers haven't with a terrific jolt Grant

goal. It'll be interesting at St James's Park next city face Newport

County who have also started well. Plymouth Argyle have a difficult

game against Scunthorpe United. Torquay manager is desperate for his

first home win of the season when Cheltenham town provide the

obstacle. The weekend rugby kicks after night

with both the Cornish Pirates and Plymouth Albion looking to follow up

their wins. Plymouth Albion are favourites to

beat Moseley. After getting their first win of the new season, Exeter

Chiefs go to London Irish on Saturday with wealth —— Welsh

international hoping to add to his tries from last weekend.

Finally, you may remember we feature him recently in training to swim the

English Channel for the children's Hospice, he has been given the green

light to go from Dover this Sunday. The 24—year—old hopes to complete

the achievement in 12 hours. We wish her the best of luck.

We certainly do, because she has tried before, but hopefully

everything will go well this time. Good luck Jazz. What is your

favourite flavour of ice cream? When I was on holiday, I had high Nico

ice cream which was very nice. How about roast chicken with gravy,

cheese and dog biscuits and beef and gravy?

No, that's does not appeal to me. —— that's does. An ice—cream maker in

Cornwall has come up with the new flavours for dogs and as Eleanor

Parkinson's been finding out, they are lapping them up.

Mabel tucks into her favourite ice cream, roast chicken flavour, her

owner came up with the idea of canine ice cream, Mabel can choose

between various flavours. The ice cream is made by Denise's son who

learned how to make it in Italy. We wanted to have ice cream that

would be gentle on the dark's tummies, so we thought we would swap

the clotted cream and the rich cream or yoghurt. From the restaurant, we

had gourmet Roast beef and they always have a stock running of

marrow and bones, so we folded that in between the ice cream. The

customers are queueing up, first in line with this greyhound. The money

race from the ice cream system to a charity which we home stocks. We

cannot thank her enough. It is hugely not also appeals to all dog

owners, but it couldn't have come at a better time for us. It is a

perfect day for an ice cream and I am going to take this type of cheese

and biscuits flavour down to the beach to see what the dogs there

think. Does your doglike ice cream? What about cheese and biscuit ice

cream? Baxter is an immediate ban. This dog is a little wary at first,

but then tucks in. The Labrador, well, he just dives in

and it gets a bit messy. Back at the ice cream parlour, not

surprisingly, the biggest fan is Mabel. With every flavour on tap, it

is a dog's life. Lots of wagging tails there, it

seemed to go down well. Let's have a look and see if it is ice cream

weather this weekend? A lot of dry weather through the

course of the weekend. There will be some drizzle around. It is worth

noting that this dry spell of the nine high pressure is going to last

for a number of days to come with temperatures on the rise,

particularly as we get into the first part of next week. Let's take

a look at the wider view as we go through the

into Saturday. Gets a hill fog conditions and some coastal low

cloud and some patchy drizzle, but you will notice that signal and the

latter half of Saturday for things to brighten up. On Sunday, things

will turn back to square one with extensive low cloud and more

particularly across the southwestern peninsula is. Through the course of

this evening, it has been a fine enough afternoon for many of you,

but that of low cloud spreads in. You will get hill fog even over

moderately high ground and some patchy drizzle here or there. Things

continue, it is going to continue eastwards through the night and by

the time we are through .Mac seven P M —— 7am tomorrow morning. It will

see 14 sources for some, a similar story out in the Isles of Scilly.

Double figures I think that the vast majority, if not all. It will be

quite a clammy start, a lot of low cloud and coastal fog of high ——

will hang on. Some Southern district around

Devon, come further around the western periphery here, we continue

with the low cloud and the fog. Weather it brightens up will be a

matter of some doubt. That will be reflected in the temperatures. Where

it does write an app, you could quite easily be getting up to 20,

maybe even 21 Celsius. Conversely, more like mid—teens for some. That

will be when you're stuck under the dollar conditions. But you should

see some fleeting brightness. We shall see. Looking beyond that, as

we go into Sunday, it is a broadly similar pattern with dry weather.

This area of high pressure into Monday slips a bit further eastwards

and interned the winds will be back. That means drier air starting to

feed in from that direction out of France and interned that will start

to lift the cloud. For a fair number of us, it will be more generally

sunny by Monday, compared to the weekend. He is a summary. —— here is

a summary. All other smaller less in the same boat as we go through the

next few days. Notice the brightening up as we go into next

week. I would be surprised if we see some places with the low 20s.

Now a chance to remind you that we've launched our search for our

Unsung Sporting Hero of 2013. Do you know someone who voluntarily gives

up their time to encourage others to participate in sport? If you do, now

is the time to nominate them for the BBC Sports Unsung Hero Award which

is in its tenth year. There are two ways of nominating — you can either

go to our website bbc.co.uk/unsunghero or you can call

0845 308 8000 to ask for a nomination form to be posted to you.

Calls cost up to 5p/min from most landlines and calls from mobiles may

cost considerably more. Full terms and conditions for the awards are on

the website. We will leave you tonight with

a look back at the parade through Plymouth and the band of Her

Majesty's Royal Marines. Goodnight.