Growth figures better than expected were released yesterday reaffirming the Labour governments economic policies.
Britain's economy grew by 1.2% in the second quarter, the Office for National Statistics said today. They have revised their initial estimate of 1.1% growth.
The ONS said construction output grew by 8.5% in the second quarter, up from a previous estimate of 6.6%. Aileen Simkins of ONS said the overall effect in the quarter had been 'very positive'.
However there have been survey's of business leaders and consumers that show a negative undercurrent created by fear over the Coalition's austerity measures.
With tens of thousands of public sector workers to be made redundant and MoD defence cuts to BAe systems the area is facing a bleak future where growth might stall or even return to the areaback to recession reversing Labour's growth strategy.
Friday, 27 August 2010
Wednesday, 25 August 2010
Poorest to be hit the hardest, say IFS
Poor families will be hit hardest by the Coalition's proposed cuts, the Institute for Fiscal Studies said today.
Low income families with children are set to lose the most as a percentage of net income due to benefit cuts announced in the Budget.
The IFS report said, " Once all of the benefit cuts are considered, the tax and benefit changes announced in the emergency Budget are clearly regressive as, on average, they hit the poorest households more than those in the upper middle of the income distribution in cash, let alone percentage, terms."
James Brown for the IFS told BBC radio, " When you also include the measures that were pre-announced by Alistair Darling in previous Budgets and pre-Budget reports, the overall package does seem somewhat regressive, particularly within the bottom nine-tenths of the income distribution."
Low income families with children are set to lose the most as a percentage of net income due to benefit cuts announced in the Budget.
The IFS report said, " Once all of the benefit cuts are considered, the tax and benefit changes announced in the emergency Budget are clearly regressive as, on average, they hit the poorest households more than those in the upper middle of the income distribution in cash, let alone percentage, terms."
James Brown for the IFS told BBC radio, " When you also include the measures that were pre-announced by Alistair Darling in previous Budgets and pre-Budget reports, the overall package does seem somewhat regressive, particularly within the bottom nine-tenths of the income distribution."
Teenagers will be 'forced onto the dole', warns union
Teenagers could be forced on to the dole because of Government austerity measures in higher education, the Coalition were warned today.
It's always the vulnerable who are hit hardest by the Conservatives, the old and the young. Austerity measures in higher eduction will follow on from the recent coalition decison to remove the ringfencing around youth services such as Connexions leaving careers advice and learning support funding, as well as other youth services particulalry vulnerable to the cuts.
The University and College Union today warned that a qualifications 'domino effect' could leave GCSE students - who have achieved records results - without a place at college this year.
It's always the vulnerable who are hit hardest by the Conservatives, the old and the young. Austerity measures in higher eduction will follow on from the recent coalition decison to remove the ringfencing around youth services such as Connexions leaving careers advice and learning support funding, as well as other youth services particulalry vulnerable to the cuts.
The University and College Union today warned that a qualifications 'domino effect' could leave GCSE students - who have achieved records results - without a place at college this year.
Hyndburn – Empty Properties- Burglaries
I have recently researched a particular crime, burglary of empty properties. Hyndburn Borough has some 2200 empty residential properties plus an unknown, but high number of empty commercial properties.
People need to be aware, especially in Barnfield that these professonal trhieves are ripping out all the pipe and metal work in these properties at great cost repair. They are targetting houses under renovation knowing the value of the metal work will be available to steal.
The thieves have been removing copper pipes/radiators/boilers/water tanks and in some cases a bathroom suite and a gas cooker and extremely dangerously, a gas meter for scrap value.
Working with the Police, I want to highlight these problems (i) to draw attention to the problems of Woodnook and empty homes, (ii) to widen awareness to this sorty of crime which appears to be on the increase.
I am sure this is not exclusive to Hyndburn and other East Lancashire areas will be similarly affected. I intend to use this valuable information in discussions in Westminister about the housing problems this area faces
For the full stats see below.
*Including Haslingden, which is part of the Rossendale data set, the numbers of empty properties for the constituency (as opposed to just Hyndburn Borough) rises to around 2500.These empty properties are a problem and are adding to the burden of the Police in dealing with sometimes boarded up and abandoned houses. It is an example of how cuts in police funding will disproportionally affect a constituency such as this.
People need to be aware, especially in Barnfield that these professonal trhieves are ripping out all the pipe and metal work in these properties at great cost repair. They are targetting houses under renovation knowing the value of the metal work will be available to steal.
The thieves have been removing copper pipes/radiators/boilers/water tanks and in some cases a bathroom suite and a gas cooker and extremely dangerously, a gas meter for scrap value.
Working with the Police, I want to highlight these problems (i) to draw attention to the problems of Woodnook and empty homes, (ii) to widen awareness to this sorty of crime which appears to be on the increase.
I am sure this is not exclusive to Hyndburn and other East Lancashire areas will be similarly affected. I intend to use this valuable information in discussions in Westminister about the housing problems this area faces
For the full stats see below.
Friday, 20 August 2010
BAE Systems plays vital role in North West economy by Graham Jones
PRESS RELEASE -
NEWLY ELECTED MP GRAHAM JONES REQUESTS RESEARCH INTO VALUE OF BAe SYSTEMS IN THE NORTH WEST
New Rearch shows the valua of BAe Systems to the North West economy
Research released this morning by Lancashire Economic Partnership has reignited the debate on the importance of BAE Systems to the UK economy and specifically the manufacturing Industry in the North West of England.NEWLY ELECTED MP GRAHAM JONES REQUESTS RESEARCH INTO VALUE OF BAe SYSTEMS IN THE NORTH WEST
New Rearch shows the valua of BAe Systems to the North West economy
The research which was undertaken following a request by Graham Jones MP reveals that BAE Systems plays a vital role in the North West of England’s economy making a considerable contribution to employment and also investing heavily in Research and Development. The research clearly indicates the extent to which other businesses in the region depend indirectly on BAE Systems’ presence in the North West.
BAe systems are currently building the Eurofighter, a project LibDems said before the election would be scrapped and which is currently under review by the Coalition.
In light of the Government Spending review in October there are concerns that cuts to Government investment in the region might impact heavily on BAE Systems and this poses a considerable threat to the local economy to which the report today shows that BAE Systems is a major contributor.
A previous report in 2008 by Oxford Economic Forecasting showed that BAE Systems employed more than 35 000 people in the UK in 2006 with a particular concentration of this employment located in the North West of England.
The key findings of today’s research by Lancashire Economic Partnership are:
1) Lancashire has the highest concentration of BAE Systems workforce employing around one third of UK employees.
2) BAE Systems MAS employs c11,500 people in Lancashire, (7,000 at Warton, 4,100 at Samlesbury with the remainder at a number of facilities in Preston). At least the same number of jobs again are supported indirectly through BAE.
3) BAE Systems invests significant amounts on education locally, including a £1million partnership with the University of Central Lancashire for research into energy management.
4) In 2009, MAS recruited c50 graduates, the vast majority of which are based at Samlesbury or Warton.
Graham Jones MP quote: “This is yet another strong reminder of the importance of BAE Systems to the North West. The research clearly demonstrates the extent to which the North West economy depends on BAE System’s and the Government needs to be aware of this when it publishes its Spending Review in the coming months. BAE Systems employs from every constituency in the North West and there is a real possibility that the livelihoods of a vast number of families in the North West will be put at risk if investment in the region is cut. We cannot underestimate the importance of BAE Systems to the North West.”
Disaster Emergency Committee - Donations urgently required for the Pakistan Floods
It's always the poorest people who suffer the most. To see children, the elderly, the vulnerable, their lives hanging by a thread with the loss of the few things they had in life. No future and possibly having lost family members is heartbreaking.
Donations to the victims of the floods can be sent via the Disaster Emergency Committee website http://www.dec.org.uk/donate_now/. At the DEC site you will find details on how to donate online, by phone or via SMS text from your mobile phone and by post.
You should make cheques payable to DEC PAKISTAN FLOODS APPEAL and post it to DEC PAKISTAN FLOODS APPEAL, PO BOX 999, LONDON, EC3A 3AA.
Or alternatively you can go to any Post Office quoting Freepay number 1384 or any high street bank to make your donation.
Donations to the victims of the floods can be sent via the Disaster Emergency Committee website http://www.dec.org.uk/donate_now/. At the DEC site you will find details on how to donate online, by phone or via SMS text from your mobile phone and by post.
You should make cheques payable to DEC PAKISTAN FLOODS APPEAL and post it to DEC PAKISTAN FLOODS APPEAL, PO BOX 999, LONDON, EC3A 3AA.
Or alternatively you can go to any Post Office quoting Freepay number 1384 or any high street bank to make your donation.
Wednesday, 18 August 2010
ICM show Labour and Tories neck and neck for the first time since October 2007
There is a new ICM poll in the Guardian today that probably isn’t what David Cameron hoped for on his 100th day in power. Topline voting intention figures are CON 37%(-1), LAB 37%(+3), LDEM 18%(-1).
This is the first time an ICM poll has shown Labour catching the Conservatives since October 2007 and the election that never was.
This is the first time an ICM poll has shown Labour catching the Conservatives since October 2007 and the election that never was.
Chancellor George Osborne said today the coalition will have a 'ruthless approach'
The Coalition will follow a 'ruthless approach to waste, inefficiency and bureaucracy in government', Chancellor George Osborne told a City audience.
This isn't about waste and inefficiencies though is it?
The last few months have seen a huge reduction in front line services; policing, local government, defence, health and welfare have all been affected. That's not waste and inefficieny and if Mr Osborne's assertion is correct, shouldn't he be doing that first instead of sacking police officers and closing leisure centres such as Shadsworth?
This isn't about waste and inefficiencies though is it?
The last few months have seen a huge reduction in front line services; policing, local government, defence, health and welfare have all been affected. That's not waste and inefficieny and if Mr Osborne's assertion is correct, shouldn't he be doing that first instead of sacking police officers and closing leisure centres such as Shadsworth?
Gone is the pre-election rhetoric of George Osborne when explicitly promised “I will not accept frontline cuts”
When David Cameron said that “any cabinet minister if I win the election, if we win the election, who comes to me and says here are my plans and they involve frontline reductions, they will be sent straight back to their department to go away and think again.”
Liberal Democrat deputy leader Simon Hughes wants his party's MP to have veto over Coalition policies.
Liberal Democrat deputy leader Simon Hughes wants his party's MP to have veto over Coalition policies.. They should be able to say to the Conservatives "No, we can't go down this road", he told the BBC.
Mr Hughes said a future coalition between the Lib Dems and Labour was "still on the agenda".
Mr Hughes said a future coalition between the Lib Dems and Labour was "still on the agenda".
Tuesday, 17 August 2010
Only wealthy can be MPs, says one MP's staff member
IPSA have created a system that is 'wasteful and inefficient' and will allow only the wealthy to be MPs, a member of staff claimed today.
She also dismissed IPSA's claim that they process claims within 13 days.
A claim submitted on 28 June was paid on 12 August and there are others which have taken more than a month to be paid. In the meantime, we are receiving phone calls from suppliers asking why their bills haven't been paid.
It seems to me that IPSA has created a system where only fairly wealthy people can afford to be MPs now, because most ordinary people simply don't have their own ready supply of money to pay all of the bills up front and then wait for weeks, or even months, to find out whether or not they will get that money back.
She also dismissed IPSA's claim that they process claims within 13 days.
A claim submitted on 28 June was paid on 12 August and there are others which have taken more than a month to be paid. In the meantime, we are receiving phone calls from suppliers asking why their bills haven't been paid.
It seems to me that IPSA has created a system where only fairly wealthy people can afford to be MPs now, because most ordinary people simply don't have their own ready supply of money to pay all of the bills up front and then wait for weeks, or even months, to find out whether or not they will get that money back.
Sale of Great Harwood Co-op Store to a 'major supermarket retailer?
It would appear the Co-op store in Great Harwood has been sold to 'major supermarket retailer'. I must confess as co-operative member myself I do not know the history of this store but it's closure, if true is disapointing.
Staff have already been informed of the changes.
Staff have already been informed of the changes.
Friday, 13 August 2010
Police Numbers - Labour hits at 'broken promises'
You might be forgiven for thinking this is from The Financial Times this week. It isn't. It's from Financial Times - 3rd March, 1996 when the Conservatives were coming to the end of their 18 years in power and despite record crime levels, Police numbers were being reduced.
LibDem Bob Russell criticises the Coalition for failure to tackle tax evasion and I agree
Bob Russell, Liberal Democrat MP for Colchester who has openly criticised the coalition's failure to tackle tax evasion.
I cannot agree with Bob more. Before the election in March, HM Revenue and Customs updated its ‘Measuring tax gaps 2009 report and outlined that, “The size of the UK tax gap is estimated to be around £40 billion in 2007-08.” The tax gap is “the difference between tax collected and that, which in HMRC’s view, should be collected.
Tax is a contribution to the community and those that avoid it care more about themselves than the place they live. The coalition are choosing to support those that avoid tax whilst taking a punitive approach to a minority who deserve as little sympathy but which will only save the tax payer a fraction of those evading tax.
In other words it's political populism and not clear thinking government.
I cannot agree with Bob more. Before the election in March, HM Revenue and Customs updated its ‘Measuring tax gaps 2009 report and outlined that, “The size of the UK tax gap is estimated to be around £40 billion in 2007-08.” The tax gap is “the difference between tax collected and that, which in HMRC’s view, should be collected.
Tax is a contribution to the community and those that avoid it care more about themselves than the place they live. The coalition are choosing to support those that avoid tax whilst taking a punitive approach to a minority who deserve as little sympathy but which will only save the tax payer a fraction of those evading tax.
In other words it's political populism and not clear thinking government.
Thursday, 12 August 2010
Housing Market Renewal may be scrapped
Before the recess I met with housing minister Grant Schapps to talk over the housing crises in this constituency.
We talked about housing market renewal, the £120million housing scheme or Hyndburn over 15 years which is half way through. We discussed the lack of any private finance for demolition programmes or facelifting grants by their very nature. That facelift grants (£11k approx) have transformed declining neighbourhoods.
We spoke of The Council's unique decision here to exclude certain areas (Rishton, Woodnook to name two) in favour throwing money money down the drain in chosen areas after expensive schemes such as group repair (£55k approx, relocation grants up to £30k, interest free loans up to £30k) failed, flopped or were grossly wasteful leaving a shortfall in funding.
This waste has left even those areas underfunded.
I am concerned that the Government will turn their back on this constituency where 40% of housing fails to meet the decency standard and 11% is unfit for habitation. Wheer 2,500 properties lie empty out of 42,000.
I have published his reply in which he clearly avoids any committment to housing market renewal.
Woodnook is a scar on humanity when you consider the UK is supposed to be a first world developed nation.
I just hope their colleagues in government don't abandon their promises to protect the poorest but that isn't the message coming across since the election.
“The promise is absolutely explicit. We will protect the frontline, we are looking at waste, inefficiency and that is what is has to go in the coming year. I will not accept frontline cuts, that…I would not allow cabinet ministers in a Conservative government to come to me with frontline cuts. They have to do the hard work with their officials, with the permanent secretaries and they have to come back and find the efficiency savings, the productivity gains that every business in Britain pretty much in the last two years has had to do and find and there is plenty of that waste out there in the government and we have the government’s own efficiency experts, waste experts, telling us that.”
We talked about housing market renewal, the £120million housing scheme or Hyndburn over 15 years which is half way through. We discussed the lack of any private finance for demolition programmes or facelifting grants by their very nature. That facelift grants (£11k approx) have transformed declining neighbourhoods.
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| Received this week |
This waste has left even those areas underfunded.
I am concerned that the Government will turn their back on this constituency where 40% of housing fails to meet the decency standard and 11% is unfit for habitation. Wheer 2,500 properties lie empty out of 42,000.
I have published his reply in which he clearly avoids any committment to housing market renewal.
Woodnook is a scar on humanity when you consider the UK is supposed to be a first world developed nation.
I just hope their colleagues in government don't abandon their promises to protect the poorest but that isn't the message coming across since the election.
Quotes:
George Osborne promises not to hit the poorest
“We are all in this together. I am not going to balance the budget on the backs of the poor.” – George Osborne, News of the World, 13 March 2010.
Before the election, the Conservatives explicitly promised that they would protect frontline services. George Osborne said “I will not accept frontline cuts”, and David Cameron said that “any cabinet minister if I win the election, if we win the election, who comes to me and says here are my plans and they involve frontline reductions, they will be sent straight back to their department to go away and think again.”
George Osborne promises not to hit the poorest
“We are all in this together. I am not going to balance the budget on the backs of the poor.” – George Osborne, News of the World, 13 March 2010.
Before the election, the Conservatives explicitly promised that they would protect frontline services. George Osborne said “I will not accept frontline cuts”, and David Cameron said that “any cabinet minister if I win the election, if we win the election, who comes to me and says here are my plans and they involve frontline reductions, they will be sent straight back to their department to go away and think again.”
“The promise is absolutely explicit. We will protect the frontline, we are looking at waste, inefficiency and that is what is has to go in the coming year. I will not accept frontline cuts, that…I would not allow cabinet ministers in a Conservative government to come to me with frontline cuts. They have to do the hard work with their officials, with the permanent secretaries and they have to come back and find the efficiency savings, the productivity gains that every business in Britain pretty much in the last two years has had to do and find and there is plenty of that waste out there in the government and we have the government’s own efficiency experts, waste experts, telling us that.”
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
Study Links Crime to Jobless Rise
Guardian 7 January 1994
Conservative government claims that there is no direct link between rising crime and high levels of unemployment are directly challenged today ... during the 1980's the figure for the number of burglaries tracked the figures in young male unemployment almost exactly.I wonder whether the current Conservative government will make such absurb claims as their predessors as unemployment under the offical statistics of the OBR state unemployment is due to rise in 2010 and 2011.
Thatcher, Thatcher, milk snatcher - confusion and embarrassment with three policies in a day
The ghost of that politically infamous deathly rhyme, 'Thatcher, Thatcher, milk snatcher' and the transferability of that past to this present still haunts the Conservative Party with it's remarkable u-turn on cutting free milk to under fives.
The prospect of being viewed as nasty once again, a party with a secret agenda beyond fixing the economy led to David Cameron himself stepping in issuing an urgent dictat - free milk for under fives stays.
Earlier health minister Anne Milton had revealed in a secret leaked letter that milk to the under fives had no known nutritional benefit and they would look to cut the allowance saving £50million.
The prospect of being viewed as nasty once again, a party with a secret agenda beyond fixing the economy led to David Cameron himself stepping in issuing an urgent dictat - free milk for under fives stays.
Earlier health minister Anne Milton had revealed in a secret leaked letter that milk to the under fives had no known nutritional benefit and they would look to cut the allowance saving £50million.
It shows that beneath the Tory hierachy, beneath the cuddly trips with huskies in the Antarctic and benevolent exhibitions of compassion with African villagers is a right wing, Thatcher loving, nasty party based on the usual default credo of greed is good. These cuts prove you don't have to dig deep to find it.
Monday, 9 August 2010
Ministers have 'no interest' in the closure of Shadsworth Leisure Centre
Blackburn with Darwen Council's decision to close Shadsworth Leisure Centre just over Hyndburn's border, despite it being the most used leisure centre in Blackburn and in the 13th poorest ward in Lancashire, lacks any logical or moral judgement whatsoever.
The connection between recreation and healthy lifestyle is obvious. Survey and survey repeats what is common sense.
With that view I cannot find a reason for Shadsworth's closure other than folly or stupidity. I do not accept the financial argument. Blackburn's Conservatives are clearly putting health down a priority list, well below for example saving a few copper's on the Council Tax.
I do not accept the financial argument because these cuts are being driven by Whitehall and the Coalition's cuts in local government funding to Blackburn Council. Taking Labour's £73bn deficit reduction and adding another £40bn (£113bn), none of that from increased taxation but all of it exclusively from reductions in public spending.
A choice. They are as much a choice in Westminister as they on King William Street.
Pledging to act in a "big-hearted way" before the general election, David Cameron told BBC1's Andrew Marr Show: "What I can tell you is any cabinet minister, if I win the election, who comes to me and says: 'Here are my plans' and they involve frontline reductions, they'll be sent straight back to their department to go away and think again. After 13 years of Labour, there is a lot of wasteful spending, a lot of money that doesn't reach the frontline."
Since when has Shadsworth Leisure centre with 330,000 visits been 'not frontline' and 'wasteful'?
Mass resident appeals for a review of funding to save the centre have been rejected out of hand by Blackburn's Conservatives leaving a clear view that they just do not care about any other options. Put succinctly, this is a choice agenda to cut public services and as Bob Neil, Local Government Minister stated, starting with the poorest first.
Shutting recreational amenities would seem perverse following The Minister for Health's White Paper proposing the biggest shake of the NHS since 1947 to improve health care. Perverse it isn't though as the White Paper also proposes to close Primary Care Trusts and focus on secondary care. To believe that health improvements begin in a hospital or on an operating theatre table is ridiculous.
And it is that ridiculousness that I cannot understand. Free swimming has ended and that will be the first of many health care prevention activities that no longer feature as either as part of the NHS's improving health care policies or an overall view of preventative care that includes lifestyle's and recreation.
The closure of Shadsworth Sports Centre, by a Conservative Council under a quasi Conservative government highlights this complete disconnect between the NHS and preventative health care. Between The Minister for Health and his counterpart the Minister for Communities and Local Government. Between central and local government. The left hand does not know what the right hand is doing and the left hand doesn't care so long as the right hand is squeezing the poor.
After speaking with Jack Straw on the matter I tabled a parliamentary question to see just how much thought central government had given to the actions of Blackburn with Darwen Council and if they understood the importance of these linkages to a community like Shadsworth.
The spirit of scrooge and the ghost of Thatcher are both well and truly alive in the corridors of Parliament and the committee rooms of Blackburn Council.
The connection between recreation and healthy lifestyle is obvious. Survey and survey repeats what is common sense.
With that view I cannot find a reason for Shadsworth's closure other than folly or stupidity. I do not accept the financial argument. Blackburn's Conservatives are clearly putting health down a priority list, well below for example saving a few copper's on the Council Tax.
I do not accept the financial argument because these cuts are being driven by Whitehall and the Coalition's cuts in local government funding to Blackburn Council. Taking Labour's £73bn deficit reduction and adding another £40bn (£113bn), none of that from increased taxation but all of it exclusively from reductions in public spending.
A choice. They are as much a choice in Westminister as they on King William Street.
Pledging to act in a "big-hearted way" before the general election, David Cameron told BBC1's Andrew Marr Show: "What I can tell you is any cabinet minister, if I win the election, who comes to me and says: 'Here are my plans' and they involve frontline reductions, they'll be sent straight back to their department to go away and think again. After 13 years of Labour, there is a lot of wasteful spending, a lot of money that doesn't reach the frontline."
Since when has Shadsworth Leisure centre with 330,000 visits been 'not frontline' and 'wasteful'?
Mass resident appeals for a review of funding to save the centre have been rejected out of hand by Blackburn's Conservatives leaving a clear view that they just do not care about any other options. Put succinctly, this is a choice agenda to cut public services and as Bob Neil, Local Government Minister stated, starting with the poorest first.
Shutting recreational amenities would seem perverse following The Minister for Health's White Paper proposing the biggest shake of the NHS since 1947 to improve health care. Perverse it isn't though as the White Paper also proposes to close Primary Care Trusts and focus on secondary care. To believe that health improvements begin in a hospital or on an operating theatre table is ridiculous.
And it is that ridiculousness that I cannot understand. Free swimming has ended and that will be the first of many health care prevention activities that no longer feature as either as part of the NHS's improving health care policies or an overall view of preventative care that includes lifestyle's and recreation.
The closure of Shadsworth Sports Centre, by a Conservative Council under a quasi Conservative government highlights this complete disconnect between the NHS and preventative health care. Between The Minister for Health and his counterpart the Minister for Communities and Local Government. Between central and local government. The left hand does not know what the right hand is doing and the left hand doesn't care so long as the right hand is squeezing the poor.
After speaking with Jack Straw on the matter I tabled a parliamentary question to see just how much thought central government had given to the actions of Blackburn with Darwen Council and if they understood the importance of these linkages to a community like Shadsworth.
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, if he will hold discussions with Blackburn Council to seek to keep Shadsworth Leisure Centre open. (10548)One should not be surprised by the reply;
This is a matter for the local Authority. There is no provision for the department to intervene in this case.East Lancashire's health is amongst the poorest in Britain. That has to paid for. Shadsworth Leisure centre I believe received 330,000 visits last year. The case is overwhelming for at the very least, a revie .
The spirit of scrooge and the ghost of Thatcher are both well and truly alive in the corridors of Parliament and the committee rooms of Blackburn Council.
Thursday, 5 August 2010
Weathering the Storms II : Improving UK resilience to severe winter weather
An independent review, set up by the government, has come forward with advice to Local Authorities on winter maintenance.
The advice will come as a blow to Lancashire County Council whose policy last winter was labelled 'a disaster' with a 18% drop in customer satisfaction; down from 53% to 35%.
The advice will come as a blow to Lancashire County Council whose policy last winter was labelled 'a disaster' with a 18% drop in customer satisfaction; down from 53% to 35%.
Wednesday, 4 August 2010
National Affordable Home Swap Scheme - Another Coalition attack on the elderly
Shadow Housing minister John Healey MP ahead of the launch of the National Affordable Home Swap Scheme said:
"Making it easier for tenants to exchange with one another for more suitable accommodation is of course a good thing but no substitute for building new housing.I believe every tenant in Hyndburn and Haslingden needs to know what this means: Get a well paid job and lose your home. See your children leave home and you lose yours. Have your partner die, you lose your home. This is a Tory Government more vicious than we have seen since the war.
"I also fear these measures could be taken as a green light by some to pressure people out of their homes. Not least, as the announcement follows David Cameron letting the cat out of the bag on the Tories' secret agenda to remove security of tenure."
Simon Hughes MP has poured doubt on the policy today when on Radio 4 he said "it is not a Liberal Democrat policy"
COMMONS Jones, Graham - Written Questions to ministers awaiting answer
All written questions from the current session, in reverse chronological order, for which an answer has yet to be printed in Hansard.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, if he will hold discussions with Blackburn Council to seek to keep Shadsworth Leisure Centre open. (10548) 21/07/2010
Department for Education
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans there are for the Building Schools for the Future projects at (a) Accrington St Christopher's CE High School, (b) Alder Grange Community and Technology School, (c) Whitworth High School, (d) Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, (e) The Hollins Technology College, (f) Fearns Community Sports College and (g) All Saints Catholic Language College. (10547) 21/07/2010
Department for Education
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will compensate Lancashire County Council for its expenditure incurred in relation to those elements of the Building Schools for the Future programme in Lancashire which will not now proceed. (9761) 19/07/2010
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, if he will hold discussions with Blackburn Council to seek to keep Shadsworth Leisure Centre open. (10548) 21/07/2010
Department for Education
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans there are for the Building Schools for the Future projects at (a) Accrington St Christopher's CE High School, (b) Alder Grange Community and Technology School, (c) Whitworth High School, (d) Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, (e) The Hollins Technology College, (f) Fearns Community Sports College and (g) All Saints Catholic Language College. (10547) 21/07/2010
Department for Education
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will compensate Lancashire County Council for its expenditure incurred in relation to those elements of the Building Schools for the Future programme in Lancashire which will not now proceed. (9761) 19/07/2010
Tuesday, 3 August 2010
Hyndburn Council Leader - 10th highest paid in the country
A recent survey of allowances paid to District Council Leaders reveals that Hyndburn Council pays the 11th highest allowance out of the 174 District authorities (lastest figures 2008).
None of the top 10 were Labour controlled with Conservatives running 7 and the Liberals 1. Of the top 30 only 3 were labour controlled.
Since the survey the Leaders allowance in Hyndburn for 2009-2010 has risen sharply to around £31,000.
None of the top 10 were Labour controlled with Conservatives running 7 and the Liberals 1. Of the top 30 only 3 were labour controlled.
Since the survey the Leaders allowance in Hyndburn for 2009-2010 has risen sharply to around £31,000.
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East Lancashire hit hard by cuts - latest list
True cost to the region revealed as more than 100 projects lose out
The Northwest Regional Development agency has confirmed more than 100 projects will lose out after the Coalition Government cut £52m from its budget. The announcement is a massive blow to regeneration plans across the region.
Whilst I acknowledge the establishment of Local Economic Partnerships in their place the big issue is whether the changes will be used to underfund areas like East Lancashire and Haslingden and Hyndburn.
Haslingden and Hyndburn has already been targeted by the coalition and has suffered around £100million to £120million in cuts, mainly from the cancelled Building Schools for the Future programme covering the 8 local schools and the cancellation of Pennine Reach .
Without these strategic (and long term) investments, this area will once again go backwards to the day's when parents held community raffles to pay teachers wages.
Around £3million of cuts from Area Based Grants in Hyndburn and Housing Market Renewal cuts again in Hyndburn. Cuts to the Police budget of around 3% so far. The £50million Pennine Reach - Accrington Bus Station project has also been cancelled.
Local projects affected by the NWDA cuts are; Manchester - Burnley - Accrington direct rail link; Rossendale Vocational Training Centre; Rawtenstall Town Centre Public Realm; Haslingden Public Realm projects.
The Northwest Regional Development agency has confirmed more than 100 projects will lose out after the Coalition Government cut £52m from its budget. The announcement is a massive blow to regeneration plans across the region.
Whilst I acknowledge the establishment of Local Economic Partnerships in their place the big issue is whether the changes will be used to underfund areas like East Lancashire and Haslingden and Hyndburn.
Haslingden and Hyndburn has already been targeted by the coalition and has suffered around £100million to £120million in cuts, mainly from the cancelled Building Schools for the Future programme covering the 8 local schools and the cancellation of Pennine Reach .
Without these strategic (and long term) investments, this area will once again go backwards to the day's when parents held community raffles to pay teachers wages.
Around £3million of cuts from Area Based Grants in Hyndburn and Housing Market Renewal cuts again in Hyndburn. Cuts to the Police budget of around 3% so far. The £50million Pennine Reach - Accrington Bus Station project has also been cancelled.
Local projects affected by the NWDA cuts are; Manchester - Burnley - Accrington direct rail link; Rossendale Vocational Training Centre; Rawtenstall Town Centre Public Realm; Haslingden Public Realm projects.
Hyndburn Senior Schools Art Exhibition
From the 24th July - 30th August - Haworth Art Gallery
An exhibition of paintings and contemporary arr done by students from the four Accrington secondary schools.
Pictured here are the students from Mount Carmel.
The Haworth Art Gallery is a fantastic art gallery in the constituency and well worth a visit.
This exhibition is of the highest standard and would like to thank all those children who made the effort and demand that parents take the time to see this fabulous collection. You will be shocked at the standard.
HASLINGDEN - Community fair at Tesco
It was great to meet community volunteers and I have to say community groups are very much alive, well and thriving in Haslingden.
It was good to put names to faces and to swap details.
It is my intention to promote in any way I can local groups in Halsingden and I am more than happy to come to any engagement, diary permitting.
Hyndburn Council's £100 fines for residents who don't recycle properly
So Hyndburn Council has decided to bully residents into recycling.
Rather than provide a friendly and encouraging service, residents are finding after coming home from a long day's work, their rubbish still there with a sticker attached to thei wheelie bin big brother style threatening £100 fines to people who are at least attempting to manage their rubbish.
I am not a supporter of draconian rubbish taxes, rubbish charges, rubbish fines. It seems they are also sending warning letters to every household. This blanket approach which targets the innocent, the 40% who recycle surely has extra costs and will do little to foster a positive enthusiasm for recycling.There is nothing like being threatened knowing you have done no wrongand the resentment it creates.
This week I was presented with a sticker attached to a wheelie bin by Hyndburn Council.(double click photos below). It is not customer friendly or focused. Yes there is a need to recycle but this is excessive.
Last month I received a sticker saying they were refusing to take a green wheelie bin because the garden waste was in 3 plastic green bin bags inside. I felt like the best option was to take it and point out the inconvenience, not refuse to take it with a ‘big brother’ sticker.
The Council seem to believe taking a hard line stance with reasonable people who are recycling is the way forward. It is not my view.
The rubbish fines are exorbitant and aimed directly at people who are attempting to manage their rubbish as opposed to those fly tipping or packing their grey bin with recyclables. The authoritarian language is not customer focused and unforgiving to by and large those trying to play by the rules.
All this from a Council whom I have to point out are forever pointing out the threat of an authoritarian Labour Council and whose local literature falsely accused the Labour opposition of wanting to introduce rubbish taxes.
As a matter of fact that opposition wanted to reward people who recycle with a Council tax discount as a ‘share of the proceeds’. A system unimplementable due to the woeful limitations of various data gathering systems across the vehicles and departments.
Rather than provide a friendly and encouraging service, residents are finding after coming home from a long day's work, their rubbish still there with a sticker attached to thei wheelie bin big brother style threatening £100 fines to people who are at least attempting to manage their rubbish.
I am not a supporter of draconian rubbish taxes, rubbish charges, rubbish fines. It seems they are also sending warning letters to every household. This blanket approach which targets the innocent, the 40% who recycle surely has extra costs and will do little to foster a positive enthusiasm for recycling.There is nothing like being threatened knowing you have done no wrongand the resentment it creates.
This week I was presented with a sticker attached to a wheelie bin by Hyndburn Council.(double click photos below). It is not customer friendly or focused. Yes there is a need to recycle but this is excessive.
Last month I received a sticker saying they were refusing to take a green wheelie bin because the garden waste was in 3 plastic green bin bags inside. I felt like the best option was to take it and point out the inconvenience, not refuse to take it with a ‘big brother’ sticker.
The Council seem to believe taking a hard line stance with reasonable people who are recycling is the way forward. It is not my view.
The rubbish fines are exorbitant and aimed directly at people who are attempting to manage their rubbish as opposed to those fly tipping or packing their grey bin with recyclables. The authoritarian language is not customer focused and unforgiving to by and large those trying to play by the rules.
All this from a Council whom I have to point out are forever pointing out the threat of an authoritarian Labour Council and whose local literature falsely accused the Labour opposition of wanting to introduce rubbish taxes.
As a matter of fact that opposition wanted to reward people who recycle with a Council tax discount as a ‘share of the proceeds’. A system unimplementable due to the woeful limitations of various data gathering systems across the vehicles and departments.
GREAT HARWOOD - The Dave Smith Football Tournament
GREAT HARWOOD - The Dave Smith Football Tournament
I'd like to thank Mark and the rest of Great Harwood Rovers for their dedication and sterling efforts in not only providing kids in Greta Harwood with something to look forward to with teh multitude of hjunior football teams they run so professionally, but going one stage further and putting on a huge all ages football tournament.
I was delighted to hand some of the trophies to the kids and maybe next year get involved with some refereeing - if asked!
The tournament accomodated boys competitions for under 7s, 8s, 9s, 10s, 11s, & 12s and girls under 12s and 14s accross 6 pitches, with referee's, cartering, first aid as well as trophies and medals for all the winners and runners up. A mammoth effort.
"Graham. A couple of photos from the tournament enclosed. The one with you daughter is clearly the better of the two! Thanks for coming on the day and the mention on your website, I hope you didn't get too sunburnt. Regards Mark"
I'd like to thank Mark and the rest of Great Harwood Rovers for their dedication and sterling efforts in not only providing kids in Greta Harwood with something to look forward to with teh multitude of hjunior football teams they run so professionally, but going one stage further and putting on a huge all ages football tournament.
I was delighted to hand some of the trophies to the kids and maybe next year get involved with some refereeing - if asked!
The tournament accomodated boys competitions for under 7s, 8s, 9s, 10s, 11s, & 12s and girls under 12s and 14s accross 6 pitches, with referee's, cartering, first aid as well as trophies and medals for all the winners and runners up. A mammoth effort.
"Graham. A couple of photos from the tournament enclosed. The one with you daughter is clearly the better of the two! Thanks for coming on the day and the mention on your website, I hope you didn't get too sunburnt. Regards Mark"
Parents Raffle Car to Pay for New Teacher
THE GUARDIAN - 25 April 1997
MEMORY LANE - It is all to easy to forget the last Conservative government. Or more cynically blame everything on Labour's 13 years of power.
13 years is a very short time in politics but a very long time for those who have forgotten how far we have come. The truth is Labour inherited a country on it's knee's.
MEMORY LANE - It is all to easy to forget the last Conservative government. Or more cynically blame everything on Labour's 13 years of power.
13 years is a very short time in politics but a very long time for those who have forgotten how far we have come. The truth is Labour inherited a country on it's knee's.
PARENT RAFFLE CAR TO PAY FOR NEW TEACHER
THE GUARDIAN - 25 April 1997
Parents at an overflowing village primary school took to the street yesterday selling tickets in a £20,000 raffle to raise money for a new teacher. Determined not to put up with class sizes of more than 35 pupils, the small Yorkshire community of kirkburton, is offering a car as a prize.
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