March 2012
Walsall South
To Contact Valerie:
Constituency Office: 114a Lichfield Street, Walsall, WS1 1SZ
Telephone: 01922 635835
Westminster Office: House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
Telephone: 020 7219 7176
Email: valerie.vaz.mp@parliament.uk
For further information, please visit: http://www.valerievazmp.co.uk
VALERIE WELCOMES COUNCIL U-TURN ON BAIL HOSTEL
Valerie has welcomed confirmation that the former Moxley Infants School site will be sold with a development brief for residential use, ruling out plans for a 40 bed bail hostel to be opened on the site.
“I am astonished that the Council thought it could do a behind the scenes deal with the Staffs and West Midlands Probation Trust to sell the land for a bail hostel. I had to step in to find out what was going on so that local residents could be informed. In my view, the questions that we asked and the Trust’s failure to engage with local residents’ reasonable concerns made it impossible for this development to go ahead.”
Valerie said: “After pressure, the Council has made a rapid u-turn and announced that it has decided to sell the site with a devel-opment brief for residential uses. The Trust has confirmed to me that the Council will not sell it the land and that plans to open a 40 bed bail hostel on the site will now not go ahead.”
“I wrote to the Chief Executive of Walsall MCB on 9 March 2012 to seek confirmation that this means the site must be used for housing and not for a bail hostel. He has confirmed to me that the Council will not sell the land to the Trust.”
Health and Social Care Act
In Parliament, Valerie opposed the Health and Social Care Act and called on the Government to abandon its reorganisation of the National Health Service.
Speaking in the House of Commons during an urgent Opposi-tion Debate on 13 March 2012, Valerie said: “If the Bill was so good in the first place and so necessary, why did it have a pause for a rethink? There have been almost 2000 amend-ments but the Bill is still unclear: if GPs are in control why are there commissioning support groups? Who are the groups accountable to? The Secretary of State says that the numbers of managers are being cut, but management consultants are crawling all over the NHS.”
“A GP wrote to me to say that GPs are disengaged and uninspired with the Bill. GPs have no ex-perience of a business model. Nor do they want to be business managers.”
The Bill received Royal Assent on 27 March 2012 .
International Women’s Day
On 8 March 2012, Valerie spoke during a Commons debate marking International Women’s Day 2012.
Valerie said: “Not for nothing are the scales of justice held by a woman. It is our right to be treated as equals. It is not only our right, but our duty, to get justice and equality for the next genera-tion.”
Mencap Event
On 2 March 2012 Valerie spoke about social care and rights for people with a learning disability, at the County Hotel in Walsall.
Valerie said: “There needs to be much more integration of services for people with disabilities and older peo-ple. Care Trusts such as Torbay have been pioneer-ing integrated care but I am concerned that this will be disrupted under the NHS reorganisation.”
High Parking Charges
Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by Valerie reveal that Walsall Borough Council’s income from parking charges exceeded £1.1 million from November 2010 to November 2011.
Valerie said: “I was appalled to learn that Walsall MBC’s income from parking charges from No-vember 2010 to November 2011 was £1,185,395. The breakdown of the figures showed that more than £611,269 was income from Penalty Charge Notices and £566,486 was raised from the sale of parking tickets.”
“The parking regime in Walsall is out of control. It is difficult to see how a well run scheme that is operated in the interests of local residents and local business could generate more revenue from fines than it does from the sale of tickets. Parking charges are stopping people shopping in the town centre.”
Surgeries
Valerie holds regular surgeries. To arrange an appointment, please call the Constituency Office on 01922 635835
published by electronic means by Ian Robertson 87 Belvidere Road walsall WS1 3AU
Friday, March 30, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012
February enews from Valerie Vaz
February 2012
Walsall South
To Contact Valerie:
Constituency Office: 114a Lichfield Street, Walsall, WS1 1SZ
Telephone: 01922 635835
Westminster Office: House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
Telephone: 020 7219 7176
Email: valerie.vaz.mp@parliament.uk
For further information, please visit: http://www.valerievazmp.co.uk
VALERIE CALLS MEETING OVER APPROVED PREMISES
Valerie called a meeting with the Staffordshire and West Midlands Probation Trust following news that the Trust is in the process of seeking planning per-mission to build a 40 bed Approved Premises on the former Moxley Infants School site.
At the meeting, attended by local Councillors and Council Officers, Reverend Inglesby of All Saints’ Church, and local resident, Mr Bill Howell, Valerie asked Mr Mike Maiden, Chief Executive of the Trust about the details of the plans for the site and the strategy for consulting local residents. Valerie also met with the Head Teachers of Pinfold Street School, Rowley View Nursery School and Moorcroft Wood Primary School to hear their views.
Valerie said: “I was concerned to hear that the Probation Trust has not set out a timetable to consult with local residents about its proposals. An Approved Premises would potentially have a big impact on the lives of local residents. I understand the plot of land has been earmarked to be part of the Moxley Regeneration Area. Local residents deserve to benefit from this land. I will be working to ensure that the proposals do not go ahead.”
NHS Risk Register Debate
Valerie urged the Government to publish the transition risk register for the controversial health reorganisation, as rec-ommended by the Information Commissioner.
Valerie said: “There is a fundamental flaw at the heart of the decision not to publish the risk register. The Information Commissioner has deemed this information to be in the public interest but the Secretary of State has chosen to hide it from the public. The Government says the cost of imple-menting the Bill will be £1.2-£1.3bn. But health experts have said it could cost up to £3bn. I have asked the Department of Health how much has been spent on NHS reorganisation since the election and they cannot give me a full an-swer.”
“The Government have already made 1,736 amendments to the Health and Social Care Bill. Regional health authorities’ risk registers warn that the Government’s NHS reor-ganisation may endanger patients and lead to the loss of jobs.”
“I am calling on the Government to publish its transition risk register. The public needs to know that MPs are in possession of all the relevant information before they vote on this legislation.”
Health Questions
At Health Questions in the House of Commons, Valerie asked the Secre-tary of State for Health, the Rt Hon Andrew Lansley MP whether he agreed with the King’s Fund that PFI represents less than 1% of the total NHS turnover of £115 billion. Mr Lan-sley did not directly respond to Val-erie’s question.
Valerie Calls Last Orders on Binge Drinking
Valerie spoke in a Westminster Hall debate on the subject of the Govern-ment’s Alcohol Strategy.
Valerie said: “Alcohol abuse puts great pressure on A & E services, and other public servants including the police have to clear up the mess on Saturday evenings at a cost of £13bn. Alcohol is linked to many other diseases, and to violent crimes, domestic violence and anti-social behaviour. In my view, there should not be 24-hour licensing. Be-fore the law was changed pubs used to close at 11pm and people knew it was time to go home.”
Surgeries
Valerie holds regular surgeries. To arrange an appointment, please call the Constituency Office on 01922 635835
Health Committee Report
The House of Commons Health Select Com-mittee, of which Valerie is a member, has published its latest report into Social Care.
Valerie said: “We recommend that the Gov-ernment should co-ordinate policy more ef-fectively, and should regularly balance na-tional spending across health, housing and care services.”
Artist’s impression of the proposed Approved Premises
Foreign Office Questions
On Tuesday 28th February, Valerie asked the Foreign Secretary, the Rt Hon William Hague MP, under what circumstances he would stop maintain-ing diplomatic relations with Syria. The Foreign Secretary responded the situa-tion was under review. British diplomats were subsequently withdrawn from Syria on Thursday 1st March 2012.
Walsall South
To Contact Valerie:
Constituency Office: 114a Lichfield Street, Walsall, WS1 1SZ
Telephone: 01922 635835
Westminster Office: House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
Telephone: 020 7219 7176
Email: valerie.vaz.mp@parliament.uk
For further information, please visit: http://www.valerievazmp.co.uk
VALERIE CALLS MEETING OVER APPROVED PREMISES
Valerie called a meeting with the Staffordshire and West Midlands Probation Trust following news that the Trust is in the process of seeking planning per-mission to build a 40 bed Approved Premises on the former Moxley Infants School site.
At the meeting, attended by local Councillors and Council Officers, Reverend Inglesby of All Saints’ Church, and local resident, Mr Bill Howell, Valerie asked Mr Mike Maiden, Chief Executive of the Trust about the details of the plans for the site and the strategy for consulting local residents. Valerie also met with the Head Teachers of Pinfold Street School, Rowley View Nursery School and Moorcroft Wood Primary School to hear their views.
Valerie said: “I was concerned to hear that the Probation Trust has not set out a timetable to consult with local residents about its proposals. An Approved Premises would potentially have a big impact on the lives of local residents. I understand the plot of land has been earmarked to be part of the Moxley Regeneration Area. Local residents deserve to benefit from this land. I will be working to ensure that the proposals do not go ahead.”
NHS Risk Register Debate
Valerie urged the Government to publish the transition risk register for the controversial health reorganisation, as rec-ommended by the Information Commissioner.
Valerie said: “There is a fundamental flaw at the heart of the decision not to publish the risk register. The Information Commissioner has deemed this information to be in the public interest but the Secretary of State has chosen to hide it from the public. The Government says the cost of imple-menting the Bill will be £1.2-£1.3bn. But health experts have said it could cost up to £3bn. I have asked the Department of Health how much has been spent on NHS reorganisation since the election and they cannot give me a full an-swer.”
“The Government have already made 1,736 amendments to the Health and Social Care Bill. Regional health authorities’ risk registers warn that the Government’s NHS reor-ganisation may endanger patients and lead to the loss of jobs.”
“I am calling on the Government to publish its transition risk register. The public needs to know that MPs are in possession of all the relevant information before they vote on this legislation.”
Health Questions
At Health Questions in the House of Commons, Valerie asked the Secre-tary of State for Health, the Rt Hon Andrew Lansley MP whether he agreed with the King’s Fund that PFI represents less than 1% of the total NHS turnover of £115 billion. Mr Lan-sley did not directly respond to Val-erie’s question.
Valerie Calls Last Orders on Binge Drinking
Valerie spoke in a Westminster Hall debate on the subject of the Govern-ment’s Alcohol Strategy.
Valerie said: “Alcohol abuse puts great pressure on A & E services, and other public servants including the police have to clear up the mess on Saturday evenings at a cost of £13bn. Alcohol is linked to many other diseases, and to violent crimes, domestic violence and anti-social behaviour. In my view, there should not be 24-hour licensing. Be-fore the law was changed pubs used to close at 11pm and people knew it was time to go home.”
Surgeries
Valerie holds regular surgeries. To arrange an appointment, please call the Constituency Office on 01922 635835
Health Committee Report
The House of Commons Health Select Com-mittee, of which Valerie is a member, has published its latest report into Social Care.
Valerie said: “We recommend that the Gov-ernment should co-ordinate policy more ef-fectively, and should regularly balance na-tional spending across health, housing and care services.”
Artist’s impression of the proposed Approved Premises
Foreign Office Questions
On Tuesday 28th February, Valerie asked the Foreign Secretary, the Rt Hon William Hague MP, under what circumstances he would stop maintain-ing diplomatic relations with Syria. The Foreign Secretary responded the situa-tion was under review. British diplomats were subsequently withdrawn from Syria on Thursday 1st March 2012.
Our NHS at risk
The final stage of this wretched Bill to reorganise our NHS comes next Monday in the Lords for the final stages.
During a Commons debate on 13 March 2012 our MP Valerie Vaz, opposed the Health and Social Care Bill and called on the Government to abandon its reorganisation of the National Health Service.
The damage that this could cause our precious NHS and the vast cost that should be better spent on patient care is of great concern. It opens the door to private companies taking over large chunks of service provision.... let the people decide ... you will have a chance in May at the local elections to show both the Tories and their Liberal lap dogs what you think of it so far!!!
Dear friends,
Have a look at this:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/NHS-petition
I’ve just signed a petition to Save the NHS. Right now the government is rushing through plans which experts, and groups representing doctors and nurses, warn could break the NHS up and hand control to private health companies.
On Monday afternoon, the House of Lords starts its final votes on the NHS changes. An influential crossbench Lord, Lord David Owen, has agreed to deliver the Save Our NHS petition. It will be carried right into the debating chamber, just before the debate starts.
Our petition will remind Lords that the public care about these risks to the future of our health service. It could persuade some wavering Lords to vote the right way. Please can you take a second to sign the petition here?
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/NHS-petition
Thanks,
Ian Robertson Secretary Walsall South CLP
I quote from our local MP who sits on the Health Select Committee that has been looking at this Bill
Valerie said:
“If the Bill was so good in the first place and so necessary, why did it have a pause for a rethink and why were there so many amendments?
“There have been almost 2000 amendments made to the Bill but it is still unclear: if GPs are in control why are there commissioning support groups? Who are the groups accountable to? The Secretary of State says that the numbers of managers are being cut, but management consultants are crawling all over the NHS.
“GPs in Walsall have written to me to say that they are disengaged and uninspired. GPs have no experience of a business model of this scale and the pace of change is dangerous.
“The pre-legislative scrutiny was inside the Secretary of State’s head. It is time for the Government to realise that taxpayers, professionals and patients do not want this Bill.”
The debate arose on an Opposition motion, put forward after an e-petition on the Government’s website attracted more than 170,000 signatures. The Speaker selected an amendment tabled by 5 Liberal Democrat MPs.
.
During a Commons debate on 13 March 2012 our MP Valerie Vaz, opposed the Health and Social Care Bill and called on the Government to abandon its reorganisation of the National Health Service.
The damage that this could cause our precious NHS and the vast cost that should be better spent on patient care is of great concern. It opens the door to private companies taking over large chunks of service provision.... let the people decide ... you will have a chance in May at the local elections to show both the Tories and their Liberal lap dogs what you think of it so far!!!
Dear friends,
Have a look at this:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/NHS-petition
I’ve just signed a petition to Save the NHS. Right now the government is rushing through plans which experts, and groups representing doctors and nurses, warn could break the NHS up and hand control to private health companies.
On Monday afternoon, the House of Lords starts its final votes on the NHS changes. An influential crossbench Lord, Lord David Owen, has agreed to deliver the Save Our NHS petition. It will be carried right into the debating chamber, just before the debate starts.
Our petition will remind Lords that the public care about these risks to the future of our health service. It could persuade some wavering Lords to vote the right way. Please can you take a second to sign the petition here?
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/NHS-petition
Thanks,
Ian Robertson Secretary Walsall South CLP
I quote from our local MP who sits on the Health Select Committee that has been looking at this Bill
Valerie said:
“If the Bill was so good in the first place and so necessary, why did it have a pause for a rethink and why were there so many amendments?
“There have been almost 2000 amendments made to the Bill but it is still unclear: if GPs are in control why are there commissioning support groups? Who are the groups accountable to? The Secretary of State says that the numbers of managers are being cut, but management consultants are crawling all over the NHS.
“GPs in Walsall have written to me to say that they are disengaged and uninspired. GPs have no experience of a business model of this scale and the pace of change is dangerous.
“The pre-legislative scrutiny was inside the Secretary of State’s head. It is time for the Government to realise that taxpayers, professionals and patients do not want this Bill.”
The debate arose on an Opposition motion, put forward after an e-petition on the Government’s website attracted more than 170,000 signatures. The Speaker selected an amendment tabled by 5 Liberal Democrat MPs.
.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)