Rosanne Kirk

By Rosanne Kirk Rosanne Kirk

Eight hundred years ago today in 1217, a special moment in history took place. A moment that has had profound effects on democracy and human rights ever since.

The Charter of the Forest may sound like it only applies more to areas of woodland than is does to the public, but it laid down some strong roots for the protection of people that are still in place today.

There are only two remaining copies of the Charter of The Forest in existence, one in Durham and one in Lincoln.

Our city’s copy takes pride of place in a permanent exhibition alongside the older, more widely known Magna Carta.

The Magna Carta is commonly regarded as one of the most important documents of all time, and certainly does have some reason to stake that claim, but the Charter of the Forest should be considered as equally, if not more important.

The Charter of The Forest is about the people and their rights, about freedoms that to this very day need to be protected and even strengthened.

During the reign of William the Conqueror and his heirs, access to the forests of the UK was limited so that they could retain a monopoly.

All ‘free men’ were excluded, including those who had farmed these areas for generations. As the rule started affecting the economy, it created unrest amongst the public and pressure was put on the King.

Thus the Charter of the Forest was established, that set out the rights of access to land across Britain.

Issued on November 6 1217, and originally sealed by King Henry III, this was a partner document to the famous Magna Carta.

And this is where it gets interesting. Unlike the Magna Carta, which was about the rights of the Barons, it’s about giving rights not to the privileged few, but to the common person. And these were real rights, protections. Human rights, against abuses. Against the abuses of the aristocracy.

Land was to be available to commoners. Access, rights. This is powerful for the common person. Democracy arriving, right there in 1217.

That’s why this charter is amazing. And do you see how, in 2017, knowing this is empowering? That we the people have access, protections, given rights. We won’t be dominated by forces encroaching on our freedoms, trying to take away our rights. To protect and strengthen the rights afforded to us in the Charter of The Forest should be something we all take an interest in.

Councillor Rosanne Kirk is the Portfolio Holder for Social Inclusion and Community Cohesion on City of Lincoln Council

By Rosanne Kirk Rosanne Kirk

When I heard that British Gas had decided to raise its energy prices by more than 12% I was shocked, and more than a little disappointed to learn that a company which makes hundreds of millions of pounds profit every year feels the need to exploit its customers.

Fuel poverty is becoming more common across the country, and it’s something that I see regularly in my role as a city councillor in Lincoln.

People who are forced to make the choice between feeding their family and heating their homes this winter are only going to be put in a worse situation because of this news.

The positive message surrounding this news is that people still have the choice and can change if they are not happy with their current energy suppliers.

At City of Lincoln Council we are part of a programme called the Lincolnshire Energy Switch, which uses collective buying power to get the best energy prices for the county’s residents.

If you sign up to the switch, the city council along with the other districts in Lincolnshire, will go to an energy provider on behalf of everyone signed up and negotiate the best possible price.

All the resident has to do is get in touch with us and provide some details, we will take care of the rest.

I’ve signed up to the scheme myself and have saved a good amount of money since doing so, so I would happily recommend it to anyone.

If you want to find out more about the Lincolnshire Energy Switch, the next programme starts on Tuesday, August 8 and will run until October 9, and you can call 0800 0488439 or visit the website here.

If you are a British Gas customer, or are with a different supplier and concerned about your energy prices, I would strongly recommend finding out more about the Lincolnshire Energy Switch.

Councillor Rosanne Kirk is the Portfolio Holder for Social Inclusion and Community Cohesion on City of Lincoln Council