The Malvern Hills Trust trustees are vigilant on Malvern Hills Bill
Recently, an article was published in Worcester News, regarding the Malvern Hills Trust's Private Parliamentary Bill. We remain vigilant that our Bill will cause no unintended consequences that might negatively impact the Malvern Hills and Commons.
We analysed nearly 500 pieces of feedback from members of the public and organisations about our proposed governance changes. Trustees carefully considered all the responses and the Trust sincerely thanks all who have given their views and helped to inform the Trust's decision-making process. You can find out more about how the feedback influenced our decisions at https://www.malvernhills.org.uk/latest-news/20241030-public-consultation/
Changes to the Trust's proposals in the draft Bill include:
- Having a trustee as a named point of contact with each local area to build the relationship with local communities.
- Improving the drafting of the proposed general power to address some of the specific concerns about when and how it could be used.
- Replace the term 'membership organisation' to make it clear that such a group would have no role or influence on the Trust's decision making. The term 'supporters' group' would be more appropriate.
- Removing the provision to allow fencing for animal health reasons. There were many comments about preserving the open nature of the commons.
- A six-month break period between taking down an area of temporary fencing for grazing and reintroducing fencing over the same land (with an exception to allow re-fencing of small areas, for example to control difficult vegetation).
The Trust also looked at strengthening the language of the Bill to reflect concerns about licensing activities on its land which could lead to commercialisation.
The Bill was deposited on 27 November. The examiners’ hearing on 18 December was a first step where we proved that standing orders had been complied with. The Bill has now been allocated to the House of Lords.
We’ve seen social media posts that question how much the Trust has taken concerns of the public into consideration in developing the Bill. We believe that meaningful dialogue is the best way to address concerns and are regularly meeting with people to discuss their interests and any concerns. Please email info@malvernhills.org.uk if you want to take up the opportunity to speak with us.
Our CEO, Deborah Fox
John Michael, Chair said:
“We are pleased to see that the Parliamentary Private Bill that the Trust presented to Parliament on 27th November is of interest to many. We knew the Bill would be up on the UK Parliament website within a day or so of 27 November but we didn’t know exactly when. The Bill has now started its journey through Parliament, a process that will allow full public scrutiny and debate.
“Anyone who would like to raise any specific points about the Bill or its content is invited to get in touch with the Trust to discuss them – we all have the best interests of the Hills and Commons at heart and a constructive dialogue will be the best way to promote them.
“We look forward to constructive engagement with all those who wish to contribute to the vital process of preparing the Trust for the future.”
Deborah Fox, CEO said:
“The Trust is here to protect the Malvern Hills and Commons for the nation. We agree this is our greatest local asset and we are passionate about caring for it into the 21st century. Our duties to the public and this iconic landscape are enshrined in law. We therefore only seek governance changes when they are absolutely necessary.
“We remain vigilant for unintended consequences. We have identified and resolved a number of concerns related to unintended consequences already in our public consultation, such as the wording of the general power. We will remain vigilant as the Bill progresses through Parliament under full public scrutiny.
“The Malvern Hills Bill is now available to view on the UK Parliament website. For those who need it, a hard copy will also be available to view (or to purchase) at the Malvern Hills Trust offices on Grange Road, Malvern WR14 3EY between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday (except for Bank Holidays). These opening hours will continue until 6 February 2025. More information about the proposals to future-proof the Trust for the benefit of the landscape and people is available at www.malvernhills.org.uk/governance-changes."
We would like to thank Ryan Smith for working with us to create the article in the Worcester News issue (dated Wednesday 18th December 2024).