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"We'd rather have a bowl
of Coco Pops!"
THIS is just another example of how the
media is finding it hard to work out just how the Brixit Referendum really is
affecting our nation. Yes, lots of products have been affected by exchange rate
pressure, but knowing just how many is very hard to find out, as is
demonstrating it.
The latest Brexit story that has been debunked is around a chocolaty breakfast
time cereal is made by Kellogg's, called:- 'Coco Pops.' Coco Pops
brand has been in family homes in the UK for over 50 years and has recently been
brought into the Brixit debate after many of the national media outlets spotted
that before the Brexit referendum, a large box was 800g and a small box was
550g, but after the Brixit Referendum, the 800g became 720g and the 550g become
510g. This has lead to reports claiming that the reduction has been down to
foreign exchange pressures, due to significant currency fluctuations. The
reality, we are told by Kellogg's, that they have been repeatedly misrepresented
in these articles about shrinkflation and in reports about manufacturers
reducing the size of products as a result of Brexit and the pound decreasing in
value.
Kellogg's said that:- "After seeing Coco Pops repeatedly misrepresented
this week across national and regional media, we'd like to share our statement
to clear up any confusion and expect this to be included in any piece relating
to the weight reduction. We'd like to clarify 2 points:-
► Coco Pops are made in Manchester. They are not
imported and therefore we are not incurring import costs as a result of the
falling value of the pound.
► The weight change was due to a recipe change to
remove some sugar, in response to consumer feedback. We now actually put more
Coco Pops in the box."
Another Kellogg's spokesperson added:- "Kellogg's Coco Pops packs reduced
in weight due to a recipe change, which removed sugar and changed the coating.
Although the packs now weigh less, the number of Coco Pops in each box increased
by more than 10%. It would be misrepresentative to claim that these changes were
for any other reason. We are extremely proud of our sugar renovation programme
and as an open and honest press office, we'd welcome a chat with any journalist
needing detail for future pieces."
This is a good example of why fact checking is so important, no matter what your
views are about the argument that for Britain:- "no deal would be better
than a bad deal" when it comes to the EU. Please email us your
views on this to:-
News24@SouthportReporter.Com.
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New plans for CityBIKE
scheme
LIVERPOOL'S CityBIKE scheme is to be
brought under Council control as part of a plan which could also see it expanded
to neighbouring boroughs. The cycle rental scheme has grown considerably since
it was launched in 2014 and there are now around 1,000 bikes available for hire
from 140 docking stations across Liverpool.
There have been around 300,000 rentals to date, with usage up significantly year
on year, and those using the bikes have cycled a total of 1.4 million miles so
far. But the size and scale of the operation means that, in common with other
bike hire schemes, it requires an annual subsidy to cover the costs of repairs
and maintenance; and data shows that 80% of the hires come from just 20% of the
docking stations.
Now the Cabinet is being asked to reduce the subsidy by bringing the scheme in
house from operator Hourbike; saving ₤100k a year; and look at further
offsetting them by removing the least popular docking stations, expanding its
use to other parts of the City Region and seeking sponsorship.
Councillor Steve Munby, Cabinet member for highways, said:- "CityBIKE has
been a huge success in terms of the number of people using the cycles to get
around Liverpool, evidenced by the number of people we see riding around on
them, particularly in the City Centre. We know the scheme brings huge benefits
and that people use them to get to work or for leisure and that they are great
for tourists to explore our City. It is a much better environmental option than
any other method of transport and it is great for people's health. There is a
fine balance between making the scheme attractive and affordable to users
against the ongoing costs of maintenance of the bikes and the docking stations
and that is why, in common with other local authorities that run bike hire
schemes, we have had to subsidise the scheme. We are committed to keeping it
running, but given the financial pressures we are under, we need to look hard at
making savings where we can such as by removing docking stations which are not
used and other ideas such as expanding it to neighbouring areas. Council borders
are artificial, so it is sensible to look at giving people the option of being
able to cycle up the coast to Sefton or take the Mersey Ferry across to Wirral
and leave the bikes there without needing to worry about bringing them back."
The report will be considered by the Cabinet, on Friday, 4 August 2017.
CityBIKE In Numbers:-
► 34 - average rental time in minutes.
► 140 - docking stations.
► 1,000 – bikes.
► 32,000 - active users.
► 300,000 – rentals to date.
► 1.4 million – miles cycled to date.
► 9am and 5pm weekdays / 12pm to 4pm weekends; most popular rental times.
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