Tuesday 13th March 2012
bathimpact
13
Sabbs Corner
www.bathimpact.com
Article 4 draws near Lots of Union
opportunities David Howells SU President supresident@bath.ac.uk
L
Naomi Mackrill VP Community and Diversity sucommunity@bath.ac.uk
T
he countdown to the decision on the future of student housing in Bath has begun. On Wednesday 14th March, at 6.30pm, Bath and North East Somerset Cabinet will be meeting in the Guildhall to discuss and decide on an Article 4 Direction for Bath. If you’re reading this after that date then the future of housing has probably already been decided… (check www.BathStudent.com/article4 for the outcome) This is a decision that will affect students for years and years to come and one that you should feel empowered to influence. Article 4 Direction has been a topic for discussion for a good few months now, and it was only last week that the final proposals were released. If these go through, then it is more likely than not that Bath will be subject to an Article 4 Direction on Houses of Multiple Occupation from April 2013. As it is a proposal aimed at shared housing, not just student housing, anyone who plans to still be in Bath after this is implemented will be affected. There are many, many, many arguments for and against an Article 4 Direction, but as one of the main stakeholders who will be actually affected by this, it is imperative that we are listened to. It is all to easy for the local councillors to introduce policy that makes them popular with long term residents, who are more likely to vote, which is not something we can really blame them for. However, that means that we need to stand up and be counted when we get the chance. This is our chance.
The proposals that will actually be voted on are: “The cabinet agrees that: a) Notice is given of the Council’s “intention to implement” and Article 4 Direction over Houses in Multiple Occupation in the City of Bath, b) A 6 week public consultation being undertaken, with results being considered before any implementation of the Article 4 Direction, c) authority is delegated to the
This is a decision that will affect students for years to come and one you should feel empowered to influence it Divisional Director for Planning & Transport, in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing, to prepare and publish the Article 4 Direction Schedule, d) a Supplementary Planning Policy is prepared as part of the local Development Framework to enable implementation of the Article 4 Direction, e) the results of the public consultation are considered by Cabinet in no less than 12 months from the notice of the Article 4 Direction to enable consideration as to whether the Article 4 Direction should be confirmed, abandoned or amended, and f) Evidence is gathered to ascertain whether the legislative conditions for introducing additional licensing can be met, and if so, undertake a 10 week public consultation exercise which will inform the design of any such designation. The outcome of this process will be subject to a further report to Cabinet where a decision will be made
whether to implement additional licensing and if so, whether all or part of the District to be subject to additional licensing for classes of HMOs specified by the Council.” By attending the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 14th, we are showing the Cabinet that we *do* care about the decision, that we are *not* going to be apathetic if they vote for it and that the needs of students living in the city *are* important. We mustn’t forget that whatever the outcome, this isn’t the end. If the council vote against an Article 4 Direction, then there will be other plans coming along and it is important to look at these and how they affect students as well as other residents of Bath. If the council vote for an Article 4 Direction, there will be a period of 6 week public consultation, the results of which will be considered when making a second decision on Article 4. If this occurs then we will have to get all residents on board to oppose the proposals, which is one battle in itself.
Beautiful Bathonian homes
Kylie Barton
This is a scene not often viewed. Article 4 will see queues worsen and images like this gone forever
ast week saw the crowning of five new sabbs to lead the Union into 2013 (or the apocalypse, depending on your faith in Mayan arithmetic). Many, especially those poor individuals who live of campus, may think this is the end of the journey that is democracy. They are, of course, wrong. The full-time student officers have been elected, but this week sees the opening of nominations for an array of positions for students to take up alongside their studies next year. Seven executive committees, which are the hearts of student-led activities, will be holding elections in the next fortnight, so it’s time to consider standing.
ulty or school. The same opportunities will be available in October for postgraduate students on all courses, and all faculty reps come together at Academic Exec. The six other execs cover student activities: Development & Enterprise, Diversity & Support, Media, Societies, Sports Association and Volunteering. Each one offers opportunities for everyone. Good a leading and directing? Chair/office roles let you take the lead in your area. Like writing, talking and generally getting the message out there? Publicity. Balancing the books your thing? Treasurers are always in short supply. Each exec offers its own opportunities, and you should check out any you’re interested in, maybe by speaking to students involved now. Some positions are only open to students already a member of an associated society or club, whereas
Get involved with groups like Media for fun and the CV! First up: faculty reps. In each of the faculties and the School of Management two undergraduate posts will be available for students to represent their peers at a local level, and bring together the issues raised by student reps in individual departments. The role includes attending several important University committees, and gives the opportunity to mix liaising with senior figures and championing real student needs across 2012/13. Many faculty reps have been academic reps, but is by no means a necessity, and any undergraduate student can run or vote within their fac-
some (such as Diversity & Support) are open to everyone. These are all great opportunities to get involved in the things you love, and like all such opportunities the experiences and skills students develop in these roles will allow them to excel once they leave. But if there isn’t something here for you, never fear: the elections journey doesn’t end with these either, as the chance to get involved in running clubs, societies and other groups will come up over the next month. Until then, remember one thing: even if you’re not running, it’s always good to vote!