Transition in Action, Totnes 2030, an Energy Descent Action Plan

2009

Many people grow increasingly worried about the further deterioration of the global economy and decide to not be so reliant on their paid jobs. Many sell their cars and reduce energy consumption at home, investing the savings in solar energy devices and insulation around the home. Where possible, edible plants are squeezed into gardens and patio pots
Internet-based eco-business is growing. Moor Cars car-pool scheme opens for business. Totnes (on-line) Swap Shop Forum goes live
More businesses in Totnes carry out Energy Resilience Assessments and introduce a range of energy-saving measures, making great savings and protecting themselves from rising bills and reducing risk.

Totnes Chamber of Commerce looks for ways to improve trading for local businesses as the national economy deteriorates further and local sales drop. They consider how social enterprise and offering training could stimulate local trading and their sales. Attracting more visitors through local package tours which include accommodation, outings and evening meals is actively explored.
TTT launches its Totnes Pound loan scheme for local projects . The number of applications for funding far outstrips grants available; the number of Totnes Pounds in circulation increases by 20%
Refurnish recycling store takes the advice of the Sustainable Design project and has a makeover, setting up sitting-room displays and bedrooms to dream for with help from local charity shops who supply curtains and bedcovers. Its new marketing strategy reaps rewards and enables it to create more paid jobs
TRESOC (Totnes Renewable Energy Supplies Company) launches its sale of shares for investment in local renewable energy schemes. Local support and enthusiasm enables this company to make huge strides in its first year
Totnes Christmas Festival is extended to four Tuesdays and will include a number of street performances and story telling events in local pubs and restaurants

A flurry of new politicians emerges from the local and European elections with commitment to better local governance of finances, budgets and investments. Local surveys to assess the local impact of major unemployment and opportunities to create local community work and green jobs are undertaken. The new SHDC £1K community grants are a first step in a number of new measures to support local projects. DCC and SHDC agree to issuing green bonds to encourage local investment and provide money for local programmes
G20 London Summit agrees to refinance International Monetary Fund (IMF) with $750bn plus an additional $1.1 trillion programme to restore credit, growth and jobs in the world economy. It agrees to prevent and report on protectionism of currency flows. An open letter on email to Gordon Brown suggests that the total liabilities from the vast majority of UK PFIs from 2006-07 – 2032-33 is likely to be £157.9bn People are shocked and demand that finances stay in the UK