tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2116781715548978232012-01-27T16:49:53.050ZGraham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.comBlogger4911100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-61276089087665646092012-01-27T16:49:00.002Z2012-01-27T16:49:53.059Z

£32m superfast broadband is on its way courtesy of Lancashire Council Council, enabling wealthy rural communities to shop faster. Lancashire County Council will bring superfast broadband to 97% of the county by 2014 at speeds in excess of 30 Mbps. Superfast broadband is already available to approximately two-thirds of Lancashire - the less affluent urban areas. The scheme will create just 25

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-89239539493934253102012-01-27T16:27:00.002Z2012-01-27T16:28:17.684Z

We now know just how badly David Cameron and George Osborne’s reckless gamble with the economy has backfired. After stalling for a year our economy has now gone into reverse. Unemployment is at a 17 year high. And the result is £158 billion more borrowing than planned. This Tory plan is hurting, but it’s not working. Of course if we had won the election there would have been difficult

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-73785084644940930772012-01-25T16:20:00.000Z2012-01-25T16:20:00.221Z

As part of the private members bill I had before the Commons on Friday I was asked to do quite a few broadcast news. ITV Daybreak, BBC Breakfast, Sky News, BBCTV London as well as regional radio and Radio 1.Some of those news pieces can be found below;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uQoglWw5c8http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16165179http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16645206    

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-2378629264317343722012-01-25T16:01:00.002Z2012-01-25T16:01:07.794Z

Ed Balls has responded to the growth figures issued this morning for the final quarter of 2011. He said: “The British recovery has been stalling since the government’s spending review in the autumn of 2010, but now the economy has gone into reverse. Since the Chancellor’s spending review the economy has grown by just 0.3% compared to the 3.0% the government predicted. “And far from the

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-28224002043020642812012-01-25T12:07:00.001Z2012-01-26T15:42:43.303Z

Interns : why do people act foolishly? Having explained how our office has treated well the two 'interns' we have had, it failed to penetrate the wisdom of one Internet blogger. For those on catch up I employed my first intern, my second intern was a student on an educational placement from the US and I could not pay him. His visa was not a work visa. He came from an established educational

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-22975830427575643612012-01-24T12:18:00.000Z2012-01-24T12:47:33.024Z

A golden inheritance from Labour in 2009 and improved financial investments has left Lancashire County Council with a surplus of £50m. The Council have now decided to allocate (spend) this funding to various new schemes.The problem is this is a top down decision, there has been no wider consultation or  'green paper'. It appears rushed and leaves too many unanswered questions. Spending £15m on

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-72595320401035479342012-01-22T17:15:00.001Z2012-01-22T17:16:16.679Z

Dear constituent (affected),Thank you for expressing your concerns about the dire state of the PRS in Hyndburn. Hyndburn Council is now at last a Labour Council and this has provided an opportunity to deal with rogue landlords. I have campaigned relentlessly on this issue since 2004 and do so now in Parliament. You may be interested to read Jack Dromey, Labour's Shadow Housing spokespersons

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-15969266734521940112012-01-22T16:59:00.001Z2012-01-22T16:59:18.043Z

These are tough times and they require tough decisions. As I will say at the Fabian Conference tomorrow, even with our five point plan for jobs and growth and the long-term reforms of our economy that Labour has been calling for, getting the deficit down will mean difficult choices on tax, spending and pay.On pay, we recognised in government that – to secure the recovery, get unemployment falling

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-29764669806266342352012-01-20T18:29:00.000Z2012-01-24T12:52:10.019Z

Today the Government decided to object to my Private Member’s Bill on metal theft, which would have gone a long way to cracking down on the scourge of metal theft on our national infrastructure and our national heritage. We have all seen the stories of train delays caused by cable theft, and damage caused to churches by lead taken from the roof. Worst of all we have been appalled by reports of

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-61509821077230907772012-01-20T16:17:00.000Z2012-01-22T16:18:19.221Z

Sir, There has been for many years a consensus amongst the nations of the world including Britain and those in the EU, the US, and the U N that the settlement policy of the Israeli government in the occupied West Bank and in East Jerusalem is illegal and that this policy is intended to deliberately frustrate the wishes of the international community in the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-77984329757773177022012-01-19T13:50:00.004Z2012-01-22T16:41:51.593Z

I have worked very closely with Shadow housing minister Jack Dromey on this matter and other housing matters. Committed, hard working and consious of the huge negative impact poor housing has. It is one of the main contributors the widening gap bewteen rich and poor and the growth of disenfranchised and dislocated underclass. Jack Dromey has backed my view and reiterated the Labour Government's

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-80776961687308695612012-01-17T18:50:00.004Z2012-01-17T18:53:26.212Z

I am backing a bill to objectively look at the benefits of moving the clocks forward by one hour. This Friday the Daylight Saving Bill receives its Third Reading in the House of Commons. The bill calls on the Government to conduct a comprehensive review of the costs and benefits of putting clocks forward an hour throughout the UK, resulting in lighter evenings every day of the year. The

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-51168011875448776522012-01-17T09:41:00.005Z2012-01-17T09:43:14.852Z

Rising fuel bills are stretching household finances and people are looking for ways to save money on their energy bills. Help is at hand through Big Energy Week (16-21 January 2012) which is being run by Citizens Advice. During Big Energy Week you can get practical advice on cutting your fuel bills and help to see if you are getting all of the financial support you are entitled to. You can

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-60133910175131617642012-01-15T16:52:00.000Z2012-01-17T13:25:09.882Z

On the Andrew Marr show today Ed Miliband briefly mentioned devolution in England. Those with quick minds will be pricing together a picture of determined, bright and focused Labour leader Ed Miliband who everyone seems to following at the moment. Economic and social changes that question the last 30 year consensus. From 'crony capitalism' to a 'something for something' nation.  When Ed

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-19520392892559631252012-01-15T14:30:00.001Z2012-01-15T16:53:39.166Z

Written on iphone. Sent from iPhone. Andrew Mitchell, the minister for International development has put a positive case for aid using Ghana as a template. Having visited Ghana last February in conjunction with aid agencies to look at world food challenges my own view is at odds with Mr Mitchell's. We should be providing aid, no doubt. At times you have to turn your head away and avoid looking

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-50218486252774118522012-01-15T11:37:00.001Z2012-01-15T12:01:02.443Z

In December I initiated a debate on empty homes in Hyndburn which was reported on the empty homes network site. My main point which was totally overlooked in the article is simply this; Hyndburn has 34,000 families and 36,000 houses and 2,000 empty properties. Regenerating them alone is not the answer. It is possible to identify many people who want a home and can't get one in Hyndburn.

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-38069463939407622502012-01-14T10:26:00.001Z2012-01-15T11:59:19.865Z

Having just returned from Jerusalem it was quite evident both in discourse and geography that the option for a two state solution in Israel-Palastine is withering in a searing reality. The Independent article last Thursday reveals the hardening polemic in the region, singularly the expansionist settler communities supported by Israel whose sizeable and growing population in the Palestinian

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-65463362907270018782012-01-14T10:00:00.000Z2012-01-15T12:00:23.663Z

Next week is Big Energy Week, the Citizen’s Advice initiative to help consumers spend less heating their home. Many older constituents will be struggling with energy bills this year, following the impact of last year’s hefty 21% or £224 price hike on their winter fuel bills. As a result, growing numbers of concerned consumers may wish to get ion touch with me for help, support or advice on how

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-88026739770050749162012-01-13T22:00:00.000Z2012-01-15T11:13:06.988Z

Time to defend ordinary people protesting peacefully Blackburn Rovers are in a crises, both on and off the pitch. Absent owners and an absence of credible management on the pitch. Stuck in the middle a large employer with a dedicated staff trying to make a silks purse from of sows ear. The importance of Blackburn Rovers and the value of an EPL franchise cannot be understated. Blackburn as

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-66998550025268456802012-01-13T10:00:00.000Z2012-01-13T15:18:28.996Z

Double click letter for larger version

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-15556912582725341832012-01-11T18:18:00.001Z2012-01-14T10:41:03.472Z

Double click to enlarge in new window The latest survey of MP's backgrounds is very disappointing. (Nuffield election studies) It shows the rise and rise of the professional politician, now the largest group of MP's (90). The most shocking aspect of our current representation is the number of manual workers which will reflect no doubt the number of working class MP's. As a skilled graphic

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-73403116811776478632012-01-11T15:49:00.003Z2012-01-14T11:39:33.941Z

I live in the one of the most deprived wards in a two up two down terrace in one of the most deprived constituencies Hyndburn. I see every day the issues of youth failure. Either passive failure or worse, young people who enter the criminal justice system. Respublica's report on Military Academies is interesting. I am sure it's emphasis will be about promoting positive self esteem in the most

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-12726693817248338832012-01-09T10:13:00.003Z2012-01-11T14:52:02.180Z

To George Clarke Ch4 Property Scandal; To Kevin McCloud Grand Designs. Dear .... I hope you thought the launch in Parliament (I organised and sponsored the room for Channel 4 as a board member of the Empty Homes Agency) for the launch of Channel 4's Great British Property Scandal week which went very well. There was a packed attendance and a huge amount of interest. It is exciting that Grand

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-41269495186592546162012-01-05T17:42:00.001Z2012-01-05T17:48:50.490Z

My private members bill seems have some support from the minister Lord Henley. I met with Lord Henley in early December and have since submitted the full draft of the bill. I have done a lengthy interview for Radio 4 which will be broadcast tonight at 8pm on Metal Theft. In advance of that the 'The Metal Recycling Weekly' has reported today that; Home Office minister Lord Henley suggested the

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-32234055756515415022012-01-04T17:15:00.000Z2012-01-25T10:22:28.521Z

This week has seen the issue of interns return. I have an ad for one (more on that later). The difference is this; the critics have picked the wrong person to make what is a reasonable case. Their basis in this case is just empty headed right wing politics - a Labour MP - and no more. To be honest there is an issue over interns but with their scatter gun criticism (twitter & blog), they are

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-4973656544821516242012-01-04T15:05:00.001Z2012-01-14T10:29:47.604Z

This winter many families living in poverty are struggling with increased pressures on their household budgets. One of the biggest financial strains they are facing is the rising cost of energy bills. New evidence from Save the Children in the attached report shows that across the UK, children’s well-being and health is being put at risk by rapidly rising energy prices. Our latest survey

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-5601565324626739512012-01-04T15:01:00.000Z2012-01-14T10:30:01.683Z

One million people have taken out a payday loan to help pay their rent or mortgage in the last 12 months, according to survey findings released by Shelter today. The astonishing results reveal the spiral of debt that people are falling into in order to keep a roof over their head. Shelter has a network of debt advice services across the country, I would encourage people in difficulty to

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-30488794219068627232012-01-03T20:01:00.000Z2012-01-03T20:01:33.876Z

Councils have been requested to submit responses to the Governments "Technical Reforms of Council Tax - Response to Consultation October 2011”; In short the Government are going to allow Councils to charge, say 150% Council Tax (and removing any discounts) on empty properties in an effort to deal with the 750,000 empties in the UK. I believe these proposals as a whole may lead to a reduction of

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-40297004675473767222012-01-03T19:58:00.000Z2012-01-03T19:58:27.918Z

I have always had a strong view that public transport is underinvested and vital to economic wellbeing. The campaign to get the Todmorden Curve reinstated and a direct rail link to Manchester from Accrington Station was successful and the track and service should be operable early 2013. It is buses though that are the staple of public transport in Lancashire and yet we suffer a third class

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-47332626262186785942012-01-03T16:10:00.002Z2012-01-03T16:13:20.446Z

• Ministers forced to reveal their private ambitions for the NHS • Health Bill will turn England's hospitals into American-style hospitals Labour today reveals the full extent of David Cameron's ambitions to turn NHS hospitals into private businesses, pitting one against another in a competitive market. In a move that will send shock-waves around the NHS, the Government is seeking to amend its

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-76719669001801369992012-01-03T16:08:00.002Z2012-01-03T16:16:46.386Z

Chris Bryant MP, Labour's Shadow Home Office Minister, responding to the IPPR report on immigration, said: "The Tory-led Government has failed to set out workable policies which might achieve its promise to cut net migration to the tens of thousands by 2015." "The number of people coming to the UK for intra-company transfers is going up, student visitor visas are going up, while the number of

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-48410158324556869342012-01-03T01:35:00.001Z2012-01-14T10:33:18.392Z

An intelligent and knowedgeable Conservative voter in the constituency asked this week not that this country actually does the unthinkable but that it should at least think about the unthinkable. That the UK may have its strategy on Iran wrong. His argument is that whether it's next year or the next decade, Iran will acquire a nuclear weapon. They have the desire and intelligence. The question

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-18818350624314012042012-01-03T01:03:00.002Z2012-01-03T01:05:22.668Z

My daily life over the last few weeks has not passed without a reference to the major local topic on many people's minds. The plight of Blackburn Rovers and the worry the impact that the loss of premiership status would have on the local area and employment at the club. Straying into football was a bit of a no-no until the crises point went beyond being confined to just football matters but

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-69696895955412374362012-01-03T00:47:00.002Z2012-01-03T10:25:40.788Z

With news in short supply and a national campaign to Save our Sealyhams in earnest, I thought I would break off  for a minute and tweet my support. This breed is in the top 3 Kennel Club endangered breeds. You can follow the campaign here mysealyhams.com - Sealyham Terriers and Puppies

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-38173395780038519722012-01-01T10:52:00.001Z2012-01-03T10:18:29.284Z

The New Year begins with more Ed bashing. Not a New Years hangover through alcoholic excess but more of the excessive and baseless knocking of Ed Miliband. Iain Martin in his Telegraph article falls in to all the old traps. A retread article that tries to reinforce a narrative that Ed Miliband is weak. The truth is they have every reason to fear a courageous and intelligent leader whom Cameron

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-62604438342140158352011-12-29T21:45:00.001Z2012-01-03T14:52:38.878Z

Today I did an interview broadcast on Sky News on metal theft.  Next week the government will begin its £5m scheme to tackle metal theft aimed at making it easier to trace sellers.  The new scheme will be trialled in North East England from January 3, under which people selling scrap metal to dealers will have to provide proof of identity, supported with a utility bill. Police said they

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-87924127095585518432011-12-29T21:01:00.001Z2012-01-22T16:22:01.745Z

Last week I had the displeasure of travelling to Jerusalem to look at two divided communities and a failed peace process. Depressing. Parliamentary trips, especially those with aid agencies and NGO's are far from the palatial misrepresentation the media like to wallow in reporting on. It's all go from 8am till 8pm. No rest, food on the go, a bed not quite on the cheap but nothing to write home

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-17464227287114762242011-12-29T16:29:00.001Z2012-01-01T19:15:35.256Z

The Accrington Observer have asked for my response to Steve Keans criticisms of interfering MPs.I am not impressed by SK.Firstly, I wont be taking on board any criticism from the manager until he starts winning football matches.Further, many of the fans in the stadium could probably manage at least 7 wins out of 39 and therefore are qualified enough to give the manager advice given his own

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-74609019186105086022011-12-20T17:13:00.004Z2012-01-01T19:16:02.515Z

A Caabu parliamentary delegation has returned to London after seeing a Palestinian child jailed by an Israeli military court. The 14-year-old boy from Aroub refugee camp was arrested on 18th September after stones were thrown at an Israeli settlement in Hebron. He was sentenced to five months’ imprisonment by a military judge in a short hearing attended by a delegation of parliamentarians,

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-64280880925269138842011-12-19T15:17:00.000Z2011-12-19T15:18:01.154Z

Margot James (Stourbridge) (Con): Metal theft is a scourge across the entire country and yesterday my hon. Friend the Member for Dudley South (Chris Kelly) and I met the Minister responsible at the Home Office, Lord Henley, and found much agreement with the provisions in the Bill promoted by the hon. Member for Hyndburn (Graham Jones), which has widespread cross-party support. Will my right hon.

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-23524123177694199132011-12-15T09:58:00.000Z2012-01-01T19:16:25.899Z

The Warm Homes Campaign is a national campaign run by the UKs leading fuel poverty charity National Energy Action to raise awareness of fuel poverty and the issues surrounding living in a cold home. This year has seen energy prices rise to record levels and the number of fuel poor households in the UK is now over 6.6 million. Over 29% of households in Hyndburn are struggling to heat their

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-29382193785785264442011-12-14T21:12:00.000Z2012-01-01T19:16:37.822Z

Following several weeks of non prime ministerial PMQs and a Government running out of steam questions have to be asked about Mr Cameron. If Ed Miliband is so bad, how is it that Mr Cameron loses more than he wins. He offers up windbag answers and when struggling, which is often, rants on about Labour making I up as he goes. His jokes are wooden and he has lost his temper so many times I have

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-52694205057432918602011-12-14T13:42:00.001Z2011-12-14T13:44:10.584Z

Tenants are being let down by an unregulated lettings market, with significant upfront costs, variable fees and a lack of transparency around charges, according to a new report published today by the Resolution Foundation. In a mystery shopping exercise of letting agents in three cities carried out by the think-tank, the range and type of fees charged varied significantly; for example,

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-54839243612231976232011-12-14T13:33:00.001Z2011-12-14T13:36:20.788Z

Shadow housing minister Jack Dromey has stated that a Labour Government's intention is to regulate the private rented sector (PRS) after he said the abuse of tenants shown in Channel 4's Landlords from Hell programme was 'truly shocking'. The programme - which uncovered families sent by councils to live in filthy, bed bug-infested homes - aired on Monday night. I have worked with Jack on a

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-7287791339535971822011-12-08T17:09:00.001Z2011-12-14T13:20:10.147Z

I often get in conversations about the wars of the last decade. Sometimes I am met by a visceral hatred of Labour or Blair or both. I think it is worth putting my views on the matter into words. Recently the Commons voted to take military action, albeit 'no boots on the ground' action in Qaddafi’s Libya. This was action that had the prerequisite of approval. Firstly the Arab League and latterly

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-28177404884189064602011-12-08T12:13:00.001Z2011-12-14T13:22:33.699Z

One Planet community shop in Accrington, along with Huckleberry Films have with some of the local people who supply goods to the shop, have created a film documenting their work, showing the processes behind it. It interviews local people about why they like to choose local produce, and the benefits that shopping local can have. This project has been commissioned by the One Planet shop, a

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-54929823865126949902011-12-07T17:10:00.001Z2011-12-07T17:11:39.546Z

Insolvency trade body R3 has today released a report into payday loans, featured on the Today Programme (clip). Key findings include: 3.5 million adults are considering taking out a payday loan over the next six months Of those sampled who took out a payday loan, 60% regret the decision and 48% believe the loan has made their financial situation worse Only 13% believe their payday loan had a

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-7419833640840393822011-12-07T14:56:00.001Z2011-12-07T17:08:52.991Z

The recent EU debate was somewhat a damp squib. All of the euro sceptic’s failed to address my concerns. The economic rise of China and the lack of a political and economic response from the EU which appears locked within a free trade ideology. The impact this EU free trade policy has on green economy, shipping unnecessarily unethical and environmentally damaging goods half way round the world.

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-33806128378610119332011-12-05T17:59:00.001Z2011-12-05T18:04:45.444Z

The average amount allocated to each region is £47,900,897. However, the North West which has chronic housing problems is to receive a total of £37,114,439; a full £10.8 million less than the average regional allocation. If we break this down further and look at the funding which has been allocated for the five local authorities of East Lancashire, we can see an even meaner picture emerge.

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-86482069276554016092011-12-05T17:52:00.001Z2011-12-05T17:53:58.476Z

Jon Snow uncovers more housing scandals in the latest edition of Dispatches tonight on Channel 4 at 20:30 as part of ‘The Great British Property Scandal’ series, which will be screening throughout this week. We urge you to watch live or catch up later at this link. The hard hitting documentary will highlight some appalling housing conditions and looks at the growing concern around the housing

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-3447104256796375422011-12-02T14:42:00.001Z2011-12-02T14:50:21.147Z

The Governments relentless drive to cut local government, and to cut it even further in the North transferring resources to the south goes on unabated. The Tories simply don't care about the North. This weeks announcements on New Homes Bonus funding to Hyndburn and Rossendale and indicate there has been no change to the rise in the rich south at the expense of the North. Last year Hyndburn

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-5129648495656944502011-11-30T16:37:00.001Z2011-12-01T08:33:29.152Z

This letter has been edited for confidentiality. It highlights the fact that legal highs, in this case 'Black Mamba' are dangerous and apparently on open sale locally. I think it is important to warn people of the dangers of the lunacy of drugs, legal highs and other concocted chemicals made up in 'back street' premises by greedy, ruthless, uncaring gangs.  People involved in providing

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-61872959105860661562011-11-30T09:01:00.001Z2011-11-30T17:43:06.843Z

Yesterday in his Autumn statement, the Chancellor announced the creation of a £5 million task force to tackle metal theft. It is just a sticking plaster. While I welcome the fact that metal theft is at least on the Government’s radar, they still shows an apparent unwillingness to legislate and seriously tackle this problem. Stretching the British Transport Police isn’t going to solve the

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-8198567986900495622011-11-30T08:58:00.001Z2011-11-30T08:59:25.560Z

Yesteday was judgement day for David Cameron and George Osborne. After a year and a half in government, we now know that their reckless gamble with our economy had catastrophically backfired. With prices rising and unemployment soaring families, pensioners and businesses already know it’s hurting. And with billions more borrowing than planned to pay for rising unemployment, today we find out

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-83418300408546642862011-11-23T17:57:00.001Z2011-11-24T14:24:52.296Z

Tomorrow DCLG will announce that Hyndburn's Labour Council has been successful in bidding for the full £2.35million it bid for from the Government's exit HMR fund (Transitional Relief Fund). I know it's been a very demanding for Councillor Clare Pritchard the Cabinet member and the Leader, Miles Parkinson. I have led a Parliamentary campaign here in Westminster with the Housing Minister and his

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-76854011925993048562011-11-23T16:44:00.001Z2011-11-23T16:47:50.277Z

The media narrative is that Ed Miliband is not the right leader and is losing out to Cameron. I thought you might find interesting some figures derived from the MORI series which show both Ed Miliband and the Labour Party polling better in Ed’s first year as Labour Leader than David Cameron and the Tories were doing in his first year as Tory leader. This is contrary to the impression given by

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-15974805890268798852011-11-23T16:35:00.001Z2011-11-23T16:36:56.365Z

Globally, an estimated 2.5 billion people still live without effective sanitation and the Department for International Development estimate that this causes over 2 million avoidable deaths each year. Labour agree that we need to do more to prevent these avoidable deaths and tackling water supply and sanitation problems is a key element of this. We recognise the Government’s commitment to

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-48288584850995621372011-11-23T16:31:00.001Z2011-11-23T16:34:13.236Z

Dear Graham, I wanted to write to you setting out what support British Gas has available to your constituents at what we know is a difficult time. We are doing all we can to help customers and have produced a package of support for this winter. These include: INFORMATION: Writing to all customers setting out what support is available, checking whether they are on the right tariff and

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-23076339864389379342011-11-22T09:56:00.001Z2011-11-22T12:28:38.262Z

NSPCC have launched ‘All Babies Count’, a new campaign aimed at ending cruelty towards vulnerable babies. In the UK today, 198,000 babies under 1 year old have parents who are affected by domestic violence, substance misuse or mental health problems, and more shockingly, 23 children under 1 are killed each year. There are many complex reasons why babies are abused, and no simplistic explanation

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-54679586445516441712011-11-18T09:50:00.001Z2011-11-18T10:58:23.269Z

With the conference season over and Westminster back in full swing, MP’s were greeted by a slew of poor economic figures and obdurate ministers trying to protect their own interests in the face of poor judgement. We have witnessed a remarkable 6 weeks of blundering ministers. Theresa May’s ‘cat-gate’ story which outside of the Daily Mail, was found to be untrue. Her fellow minister Ken Clarke

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-53388854809794721982011-11-17T17:12:00.001Z2011-11-17T17:14:12.465Z

As an MP I receive a lot of correspondence from young people in Haslingden and Hyndburn concerned about the future and about the way things are going in their lives. It is currently one of the toughest times it has been to be young in recent memory. On top of the problems young people face, youth unemployment this week rose to 1.02million. That is why I want to promote Get Connected, a

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-67199030201693211722011-11-17T11:17:00.001Z2011-11-17T17:14:23.042Z

I am supporting a new awareness campaign led by Consumer Focus and Citizens Advice, aimed at letting people know where they stand legally, should they have problems covering the soaring cost of energy. With winter just around the corner, lots of constituents have contacted me expressing their concerns about energy prices and it is incredibly important that people know their rights should they

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-53590487217887330602011-11-11T16:02:00.001Z2011-11-17T17:14:35.827Z

On Tuesday I will be introducing a bill to the House which will go some way to cracking down on the crime of metal theft. Metal theft is endemic in this country. There have been 6 fatalities and over 50 serious injuries this year alone, plus the disgusting story recently regarding the theft of a war memorial. The reason that this war memorial was stolen, sold and scrapped, is because the

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-13862539482630086242011-11-08T12:51:00.003Z2011-11-08T16:25:39.384Z

Hyndburn has had an MP since 1875. The Government's proposals to change the boundaries in favour of the Tory Party are almost coming to the end of the consulation period. There are just 28 days left. There are two arguments that are being made. Save Hyndburn as a seat. The Labour Party are the only party to keep Hyndburn together, including Padiham to make up the required numbers. We have made

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-86939853150899126532011-11-08T12:12:00.000Z2011-11-17T17:14:53.974Z

The Norgrove erport last week led to some debate about childresn welfare. The argument by Norgrovwe in denying esentially fathers rights is to keep the courts free from a tsunami of legal challenges from embittered and embattled parents who put to one side their childrens welfare whilst they rough each other up. Some fathers hopes of securing equal rights over their children have been

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-71438055296526827372011-11-08T11:00:00.001Z2011-11-08T11:00:40.627Z

Last week I spoke up about poor quality developments being the only viable option in low demand or run down areas. That these poor developments are because of a Brownfield first policy. Where those with priviliged access to green belt want to stop any development on virguin turf. Where a subsequent shortage of housing land forces up Brownfield land values and release of old mills for housing in

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-50703919568361100712011-11-08T09:00:00.001Z2011-11-08T10:49:55.491Z

I have campaigned recently on Metal Theft. In early summer I met with the Energy Networks Association to gauge the scale of the problem. In September I had a debate in the Commons on the issue. House of Commons Hansard Debates for 06 Sep 2011 (pt 0005) (Scroll to near bottom). You can support my Private Members Bill to prevent Metal Theft on the 15th November by signing the epetition. http://

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-82780629536098481542011-11-02T15:55:00.001Z2011-11-04T14:15:29.127Z

Yesterday's growth figures confirm that the British economy has been flatlining for the last year – well before the eurozone crisis of recent months. Just 0.5% growth in the twelve months since the Tory-led government’s spending review compares to 2.6% growth in the previous twelve months when we were starting to recover from the global financial crash. http://www.labour.org.uk/plan

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-5675102626157227012011-11-01T15:31:00.004Z2011-11-01T15:36:11.907Z

I  welcome the £8.8m Regional Growth Fund spend on the direct rail link to Manchester which will see the the Todmorden Curve reinstated. The reinstatement of the Todmorden Curve is something I have campaigned on years, and it is great news for the residents of Hyndburn. This improved connection with Manchester and the South will make Hyndburn a viable part of Manchester’s commuter belt, and

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-20702356632591926412011-10-28T17:06:00.001+01:002011-10-28T17:11:46.445+01:00

Today the Government announced support for the Daylight Saving Bill – calling for a change to the way we set our clocks. As a long-time supporter of the bill, and the Lighter Later campaign behind it, I welcome the move. Today's announcement will be warmly welcomed by the road safety organisations, sporting bodies, tourism industries and community groups that make up the 80 strong coalition

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-81029267341601050212011-10-28T13:33:00.000+01:002011-10-28T13:36:35.817+01:00

Government's Community First Programme somewhere between a sticking plaster and a joke. The £30 Million available over the next fours years is to fund community projects in some of the most deprived areas of the country. Looking at the list of the 597, it is clear that Lancashire has been abandoned again. East Lancashire has faced the heaviest of al the Government cuts and has

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-16877189982101157472011-10-28T12:05:00.001+01:002011-10-28T12:05:18.216+01:00

Since my debate in Parliament with the minister and my Twitter exchange with Channel 4's Jon Snow, the issue of metal theft has taken on more national and local significance. Channel 4 TV followed this up with a 'Fact Check' (follow the link on Ch4's website). The Accrington Observer carried a front page headline this week highlighting the issue. On the 23rd of November I will, in partnership

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-24052025249524182182011-10-27T16:23:00.001+01:002011-10-27T16:24:28.368+01:00

FactCheck: Why copper theft is the perfect crime Metal theft has caused at least six deaths, 50 injuries, 60 fires and - a contender for stat of the year here - a total of 673 days of train delays in the last three years. But unless personally blighted by it - as Jon Snow was over the weekend - you'd be forgiven for being oblivious to the problem. Graham Jones, MP for Hyndburn in Lancashire,

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-18629400894300956412011-10-27T15:43:00.004+01:002011-10-27T15:45:42.172+01:00

Many Haslingden and Hyndburn residents will have noticed an alarming increase in the number of payday lenders on our streets. These high-cost credit providers are taking advantage of recent economic woes by offering short-term loans to people desperate for cash to make ends meet. And as Christmas approaches, with all the financial pressures the season brings, these lenders are set for a bumper

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-35244119879639380432011-10-25T12:12:00.000+01:002011-10-25T12:16:38.969+01:00

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) has had been a topic of concern recently. You may have read that many people who live near green fields have been out objecting to the government's proposal to relax plannng constraints on virgin turf. Led by the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) and the National Trust with over 5 million members combined. There argument is to

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-17605907174031536322011-10-25T10:21:00.002+01:002011-11-08T14:54:27.632Z

Dear Member of Parliament, As you’ll undoubtedly be aware, volunteers, schools and non-profit organisations across the country are coming together to create wonderful environmental projects for the benefit of the communities in which they are based. At The Green Insurance Company we like to encourage such projects and last year launched our Green Grants initiative inviting community groups

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-66890787531612633752011-10-21T13:33:00.001+01:002011-11-08T14:54:14.552Z

Dear Graham A year ago this week, George Osborne announced the biggest spending cuts and tax rises of any major country. He boasted that Britain was out of the danger zone. And he claimed austerity would boost confidence, jobs and growth. Do you remember how Tory MPs cheered and waved their papers in glee? Well I can’t hear anybody cheering now. Because the evidence is mounting day by day

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-23580516687460010212011-10-20T19:54:00.000+01:002011-11-08T14:54:49.929Z

What is interesting is I called by the table office to pick up the alleged 'government' amendment which will not be published till tomorrow. None the less the Standard is already carrying it as their suggestion! The leader paints the anti EU brigade as extremists. In the Tory case probably true.

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-41979285967189980502011-10-19T17:02:00.000+01:002011-10-21T13:29:42.337+01:00

Today's date has been put back due to 2 government statements. The motion aims to question the Governments proposals to move from mandatory household voter registration to individual registration which is optional. This issue is part of the gerrymandering of the next election. In short some estimates put the numbers of voters who will choose to register will be 60% of those currently

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-68035315227806710952011-10-19T14:29:00.000+01:002011-10-19T14:31:08.021+01:00

Community Evolved Learning - making learning more accessible The Community Evolved Learning is an extension of Resolve 180, but it uses a mobile learning vehicle, operating directly into the heart of the community. It delivers a range of programmes and accredited courses making access to learning more achievable to adults. The benefits of our mobile unit is that learners can not only access

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-73200162612396942492011-10-18T11:55:00.001+01:002011-10-18T11:55:48.779+01:00

Shelter last week  published Shelter’s Rent Watch. It is the first in a series of reports examining local rent levels and affordability compared to average earnings in each local authority. The report reveals just how much people are struggling to pay their rents in each area of the country and includes statistics for people living in Hyndburn. • Private rented sector rents are unaffordable for

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-41164485383430214122011-10-17T16:46:00.002+01:002011-10-18T17:03:03.899+01:00

My campaign for the Government to act on this matter has gathered momentum in the last few weeks. Last week MP's raised in the Churches debate the increasing incidence of lead theft from the roofs of church estates. Last weeks Hyndburn Highways Bulletin report the theft of 230 gully grates in Hyndburn with "officers having difficulty ensuring locations with missing grates are maintained in a

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-63299332002147512252011-10-17T16:45:00.002+01:002011-10-17T17:18:22.166+01:00

Great Harwood residents have made their views known to the County Council in significant numbers. A huge 5,252 objections were received by County, almost three times as many as were received for Garstang and over a 25x greater than Bacup. The table below highlights the passsion of Great Harwood residents to save their recycling centre. I have taken this up on their behalf in Parliament,

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-25152267112269286662011-10-13T17:56:00.002+01:002011-10-17T17:19:42.019+01:00

People come into my surgery complaining about the private rented sector. Desperate cases. Children and families with only a miserable future to look forward to. Condemned to a life of poverty in childhood. Where home is a damp and mould. Cold and sometimes dangerous. Bleak. I make the point that voting matters. That campaigning matters. Below is the data set for your previous Conservative Council

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-86245831359386686662011-10-13T17:41:00.002+01:002011-10-17T17:11:41.755+01:00

Following the debate I had with the minister in the House of Commons on the increase in Metal Theft, several journalists and MP’s have picked up on the issue which seems to be gathering momentum. This week I did an interview for Channel 4 and you can see the FactCheck on the issue on their web page here; http://blogs.channel4.com/factcheck/factcheck-why-copper-theft-is-the-perfect-crime/8134

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-6918940608647882452011-10-07T12:59:00.000+01:002011-10-07T12:59:17.179+01:00

Anytime now the Government are going to make a decision on the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) bid to Government for around £8m to rebuild the direct train route between Accrington and Manchester (Victoria) via Burnley and Todmorden. I have campaigned over many years to see this line reinstated which will provide around a 40 minute journey to Manchester rolling back the Tory 'Beeching' cuts made of

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-41260081208535290132011-10-06T17:34:00.001+01:002011-10-06T17:36:08.901+01:00

An article in the FT yesterday - EADS to slow production of Typhoon jets - FT.com -  is interesting as it is saying there will be no job losses from our Eurofighter partners in Finmeccanica in Italy or EADS in Germany who are part of the agreed slowdown. BAe tell me the number of units produced is being reduced from 61 to 36 resulting in the partner companies reducing the numbers of parts

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-50002547694858819422011-10-06T16:09:00.003+01:002011-10-06T16:18:56.786+01:00

Hydraulic fracturing (gas fracking) is a new process of extracting gas by fracturing the shale rocks at depth. A very large gas reserve has been found on the Fylde coast but many questions remain about the dangers in this process. The link below in HD - one of many examples - shows such high concentrations of methane that residents can ignite their tap water. The lady speaks of thegas build up

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-67593496126985394032011-10-06T11:18:00.003+01:002011-10-06T11:20:19.046+01:00

In the last two months June Harrison who has been tireless in her efforts and I, along with Terry Hurn (Baxenden Conservative Councillor) and David Hartley (Labour Baxenden candidate) have campaigned for the reinstatement of a Baxenden bus service following the subsidy withdrawal from LCC and consequent ending of the previous service. We have spoken to bus operators in the hope that a market day

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-57349558652516113872011-10-06T11:02:00.000+01:002011-10-06T11:02:51.659+01:00

Michelle is an Employment Support Officer at Accrington & Rossendale College. She has set up a job page to try and help out with job vacancies. You can ascribe to Michelle's Facebook page to receive updates. http://www.facebook.com/MyJobPage

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-28809557303562458232011-10-05T15:14:00.000+01:002011-10-05T15:14:06.740+01:00

Help Direct - Safe Trader Scheme set up by the previous Labour County Council through County Council Trading Standards department aims to protect consumers across Lancashire. Since being elected I have pressed for empowering consumer rights and this is one way. I wrote to Ed Miliband back in the summer to highlight what a big issue this is for ordinary people and I am grateful he has made

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-45485939232915186382011-10-05T12:31:00.003+01:002011-10-05T13:26:37.578+01:00

I wrote to the Chief Executive of Lancashire County Council over the proposed closure of Great Harwood's recycling centre which I have objected to along with thousands of people from Great Harwood, Clayton and the Ribble Valley. An online epetition can be found here. A written petition was also collected and this I presented to Parliament. The reply (see below) paints a gloomy picture and gives

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-1502990135813003382011-10-03T09:59:00.002+01:002011-10-05T13:27:06.620+01:00

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-71970759441692511032011-09-30T17:43:00.002+01:002011-09-30T17:43:59.538+01:00

Shelter supporters demonstrate against bad landlords, London, 2002. Photograph: Johnny Green/PA- written by Kay Boycott It is unlikely to come as a surprise to readers of the housing network that the private rented sector is growing exponentially, by more than 40% in the past five years. Less understood is the corresponding rise in rogue landlords taking advantage of this boom, landlords who

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-91586824427545245032011-09-23T11:55:00.002+01:002011-09-23T12:13:08.568+01:00

It is with sadness that that Willows family and child centre is to close. Sure Start have replied and I attach the reply at the bottom. The Government have stated that "we are all in this together", "the deficit will not be cut on the backs of the poor" and the Prime Minister guaranteed any minister coming forward with cuts to front line services "would be sent straight back". All seem a

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-49636096433128817372011-09-23T11:41:00.003+01:002011-09-23T11:44:02.265+01:00

Dear Eric [Pickles] 22 Sept, 2011.... We all want to see people treated fairly. Sadly travellers passing through Hyndburn have treated the Borough with great disrespect and the sympathy that did exist has long evaporated away. It’s about time travellers who cause damage and leave Council’s to clear up after them are forced to pay like the rest of society has to. Hyndburn has a very high number

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-49148328416203217722011-09-19T17:17:00.002+01:002011-09-23T11:37:39.585+01:00

The Labour Council have taken a tough line on Gypsy and Traveller encampments despite only being in power since May. Swift evictions have occurred on Arden Hall and Huncoat playing fields already. It may seem harsh but years of being fair have resulted in unreasonable and unruly behaviour, an increase in petty criminal acts and illegal sites left looking like rubbish tips. A new Gypsy and

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-73049825229740301442011-09-19T15:13:00.005+01:002011-09-19T15:28:41.447+01:00

Great Harwood Household Waste Recycling campaign goes on. Last Wednesday I took the petition to Parliament calling on self proclaimed 'greenest government ever' to write to LCC to oppose the closure of Great Harwood Household Waste Recycling. Graham Jones, House of Commons, 14 September 2011; "I should like to present this petition, on behalf of the residents of Great Harwood in Lancashire and of

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-61681243881110564032011-09-19T11:52:00.003+01:002011-09-19T11:54:49.858+01:00

Planning reform needs to happen. It's complex and it is slow to react. It distorts local views and often angers communities and citizens. Controversial elements of the Governments planning reform (National Planning Policy Framework) include presumption in favour of sustainable development on green field sites and removing the town centre first planning rule. The Government have a point on the

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211678171554897823.post-55006850939235078082011-09-19T10:18:00.004+01:002011-09-19T11:29:40.615+01:00

There has been an up swell of constituents bemoaning Government imposed boundary changes. "Why has the government abolished our constituency?", or "Why have they divided up our town or broken up our community?" The reality is some 400 seats have changed radically out of 533 current English seats. Scotland and Wales find boundary proposals come later this year. The BBC suggested just 57 remained

Graham Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12327111110296204964noreply@blogger.com1