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.
Friday, March 16, 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.
.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Latest New Year enews from Valerie Vaz MP
Happy New Year 2012
Walsall South To Contact Valerie: Constituency Office:
Telephone: 01922 635835 114a Lichfield Street, Walsall, WS1 1SZ Westminster Office:
Telephone: 020 7219 7176
Email: valerie.vaz.mp@parliament.uk House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
For further information, please visit:
http://www.valerievazmp.co.uk Work to Date in Parliament
Since being elected to Parliament in May 2010, Valerie has:
Held Adjournment Debates on Libraries in Walsall South, Parking and En-forcement in Walsall, Human Rights and Planning in Walsall South.
Presented Petitions to Parliament on Pleck Library, Education Maintenance Allowance, Parking and Enforcement and the One Woodside Close devel-opment.
Asked questions to the Prime Minister on buildings at Joseph Leckie School, Human Rights, the Health and Social Care Bill and provision for people with Epilepsy.
Introduced 10 Minute Rule Bills on Epilepsy and Related Conditions and Adoption (Leave, Pay and Allowance Arrangements).
Spoken in the House of Commons on 88 occasions.
Asked 190 questions written questions
Was the primary sponsor of . 53 bills and signed 464 Early Day Motions (EDMs).
Sat on the Public Bill Committee for the Public Bodies Bill.
Contributed to 12 Reports of the Health Select Committee.
Valerie has worked on 3,309 constituency cases:
Valerie Calls for Rethink over BBC Cuts During a House of Commons debate Valerie called for a rethink of the proposed 20% cuts to the BBC budget.
Valerie said: "I am dismayed about the proposed decimation of BBC West Midlands. Factual pro-gramming for BBC television and Radio 4 will be moved out of Birmingham. The £15 million that is spent on the region is worth £28 million to the local economy."
On Tuesday 20
During the debate, Valerie said: "In my constituency, the green belt is already under threat. The residents in the Cottage Farm Residents Association feel that their views have not been taken into account regard-ing the development at One Woodside Close."
"The National Planning Policy Framework will relax brownfield targets; relax the requirement to plan for the efficient and effective use of land; reduce the protection of the green belt; remove the direction to direct offices to the town centre; and reduce sustainable economic development. The combination of those things will push development away from where it is most needed."
th December 2011, Valerie took part in a pre-recess Adjournment Debate in the House of Commons on Planning in Walsall South and the National Planning Policy Framework. Following the de-bate, Valerie presented a petition of 263 signatures from residents living near the controversial One Woodside Close development to Parliament. Surgeries Valerie holds regular surgeries. To arrange an appointment, please call the Constituency Office on 01922 635835
Valerie was contacted by a local resident who was concerned about the safety of the Zebra Crossing on Darlaston Road in Pleck. A four year old boy and a woman were knocked down on the crossing during 2011. Valerie wrote to the Council to request that a signal controlled crossing be installed. The Council is considering the request.
Treasury Questions
Valerie asked the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury about the steps the Government is tak-ing to address tax avoidance and close the stamp duty tax loopholes. The Minister replied that more resources would be allocated to addressing the problem.
do contact me via the above numbers if you wish to raise some issue with me!!
regards
Valerie Vaz MP Walsall South
Darlaston Road Crossing Ring and Ride Charges During Business Questions in the House of Com-mons, Valerie asked the Leader of the House to intervene to bring an end to discriminatory charges for the Ring and Ride Bus Service that mean that people over 60 with disabilities are un-able to access free public transport. VALERIE DEBATES WALSALL PLANNING IN PARLIAMENT
Walsall South To Contact Valerie: Constituency Office:
Telephone: 01922 635835 114a Lichfield Street, Walsall, WS1 1SZ Westminster Office:
Telephone: 020 7219 7176
Email: valerie.vaz.mp@parliament.uk House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
For further information, please visit:
http://www.valerievazmp.co.uk Work to Date in Parliament
Since being elected to Parliament in May 2010, Valerie has:
Held Adjournment Debates on Libraries in Walsall South, Parking and En-forcement in Walsall, Human Rights and Planning in Walsall South.
Presented Petitions to Parliament on Pleck Library, Education Maintenance Allowance, Parking and Enforcement and the One Woodside Close devel-opment.
Asked questions to the Prime Minister on buildings at Joseph Leckie School, Human Rights, the Health and Social Care Bill and provision for people with Epilepsy.
Introduced 10 Minute Rule Bills on Epilepsy and Related Conditions and Adoption (Leave, Pay and Allowance Arrangements).
Spoken in the House of Commons on 88 occasions.
Asked 190 questions written questions
Was the primary sponsor of . 53 bills and signed 464 Early Day Motions (EDMs).
Sat on the Public Bill Committee for the Public Bodies Bill.
Contributed to 12 Reports of the Health Select Committee.
Valerie has worked on 3,309 constituency cases:
Valerie Calls for Rethink over BBC Cuts During a House of Commons debate Valerie called for a rethink of the proposed 20% cuts to the BBC budget.
Valerie said: "I am dismayed about the proposed decimation of BBC West Midlands. Factual pro-gramming for BBC television and Radio 4 will be moved out of Birmingham. The £15 million that is spent on the region is worth £28 million to the local economy."
On Tuesday 20
During the debate, Valerie said: "In my constituency, the green belt is already under threat. The residents in the Cottage Farm Residents Association feel that their views have not been taken into account regard-ing the development at One Woodside Close."
"The National Planning Policy Framework will relax brownfield targets; relax the requirement to plan for the efficient and effective use of land; reduce the protection of the green belt; remove the direction to direct offices to the town centre; and reduce sustainable economic development. The combination of those things will push development away from where it is most needed."
th December 2011, Valerie took part in a pre-recess Adjournment Debate in the House of Commons on Planning in Walsall South and the National Planning Policy Framework. Following the de-bate, Valerie presented a petition of 263 signatures from residents living near the controversial One Woodside Close development to Parliament. Surgeries Valerie holds regular surgeries. To arrange an appointment, please call the Constituency Office on 01922 635835
Valerie was contacted by a local resident who was concerned about the safety of the Zebra Crossing on Darlaston Road in Pleck. A four year old boy and a woman were knocked down on the crossing during 2011. Valerie wrote to the Council to request that a signal controlled crossing be installed. The Council is considering the request.
Treasury Questions
Valerie asked the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury about the steps the Government is tak-ing to address tax avoidance and close the stamp duty tax loopholes. The Minister replied that more resources would be allocated to addressing the problem.
do contact me via the above numbers if you wish to raise some issue with me!!
regards
Valerie Vaz MP Walsall South
Darlaston Road Crossing Ring and Ride Charges During Business Questions in the House of Com-mons, Valerie asked the Leader of the House to intervene to bring an end to discriminatory charges for the Ring and Ride Bus Service that mean that people over 60 with disabilities are un-able to access free public transport. VALERIE DEBATES WALSALL PLANNING IN PARLIAMENT
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
What is a fair pay rate for being your councillor?
4th January
A set of revised pay rates is to go to Council next Monday. It cannot be right to raise the cost of us councillors at a time when we are making 99 members of our staff redundant and cutting severely into the budgets to support the most vulnerable in this Borough.
Taking a step back to try and judge what is fair in view of the time commitment involved, for example, those who sit on the cabinet ( if they do their job well and conscientiously!) should be spending quite a time each day in hands on managing public money of around £700 million a year.
Those who chair committees such as employment , audit, scrutiny committees and planning do have a bit more work than an ordinary councillor but not that much more in my view, to justify an extra £5200 to £8300 each more in pay. A cut to a total pay here to say around £3000 as an extra allowance, would save about £40000 which would result in an overall cut in the budget to the council tax bill for the cost of councillor pay, rather than what is currently proposed which would cost around £16000 extra.
. At a time of painful cuts for the community we councillors must not be immune . We used to do the job for an allowance for each committee we attended but I accept that this could seriously disadvantage younger candidates who could find their income so very badly affected if they then committed to taking on a lot of extra responsibilities over and above that of an ordinary councillor
.This must be balanced however , by the fact that is an honour to be elected and represent your local residents . Many of us do similar unpaid work as magistrates, sit on voluntary bodies such as the Citizens advice bureau and run very time consuming counselling work in marriage guidance with no claim for payment so working as a councillor still represents a similar considerable public service. So scrap the increases and cut the extra allowances !!
Regards
Cllr Ian Robertson
A set of revised pay rates is to go to Council next Monday. It cannot be right to raise the cost of us councillors at a time when we are making 99 members of our staff redundant and cutting severely into the budgets to support the most vulnerable in this Borough.
Taking a step back to try and judge what is fair in view of the time commitment involved, for example, those who sit on the cabinet ( if they do their job well and conscientiously!) should be spending quite a time each day in hands on managing public money of around £700 million a year.
Those who chair committees such as employment , audit, scrutiny committees and planning do have a bit more work than an ordinary councillor but not that much more in my view, to justify an extra £5200 to £8300 each more in pay. A cut to a total pay here to say around £3000 as an extra allowance, would save about £40000 which would result in an overall cut in the budget to the council tax bill for the cost of councillor pay, rather than what is currently proposed which would cost around £16000 extra.
. At a time of painful cuts for the community we councillors must not be immune . We used to do the job for an allowance for each committee we attended but I accept that this could seriously disadvantage younger candidates who could find their income so very badly affected if they then committed to taking on a lot of extra responsibilities over and above that of an ordinary councillor
.This must be balanced however , by the fact that is an honour to be elected and represent your local residents . Many of us do similar unpaid work as magistrates, sit on voluntary bodies such as the Citizens advice bureau and run very time consuming counselling work in marriage guidance with no claim for payment so working as a councillor still represents a similar considerable public service. So scrap the increases and cut the extra allowances !!
Regards
Cllr Ian Robertson
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Are you sure the NHS is safe in Tory hands? OK if you can afford to go private!
•
NHS hospitals in England will be free to use almost half their hospital beds and theatre time for private patients under government plans.
A recent revision to the ongoing health bill will allow foundation hospitals to raise 49% of funds through non-NHS work if the bill gets through Parliament.
Most foundation trusts are now limited to a private income of about 2%.
The Health Secretary says the move will benefit NHS patients but Labour claimed it could lead to longer waiting lists.
The amendment to a clause of the Health and Social Care Bill was made shortly before Christmas by Health Minister Earl Howe.
Commenting on the move, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said lifting the private income cap for foundation hospitals would directly benefit NHS patients.
Health and Social Care Bill
• Introduced into Parliament on 19 January 2011
• Main theme is to change commissioning of NHS services, giving GPs more control of the NHS budget
• Concerns led to a Government 'listening exercise' in the summer
• The bill then progressed through the House of Commons
• Further examination of the bill is to take place in the House of Lords in 2012
"If these hospitals earn additional income from private work that means there will be more money available to invest in NHS services," he said in a statement.
"Furthermore services for NHS patients will be safeguarded because foundation hospitals' core legal duty will be to care for them."
But Labour's shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham claimed the move could mean longer waits for NHS patients.
He said: "This surprise move, sneaked out just before Christmas, is the clearest sign yet of David Cameron's determination to turn our precious NHS into a US-style commercial system, where hospitals are more interested in profits than people.
"With NHS hospitals able to devote half of their beds to private patients, people will begin to see how our hospitals will never be the same again if Cameron's Health Bill gets through Parliament."
Critical services
A cap on the amount of income hospitals can raise from private patients was put in place by Labour in 2003, amid political controversy over the setting up of foundation hospitals, which have more freedom to decide how their services are run. All NHS hospitals are set to become foundation hospitals by 2014.
...the Government has consistently assured us that the NHS is safe in their hands, but if allowed to go ahead, the removal of the cap could lead to the fundamental erosion of key NHS principles”
End Quote Dr Peter Carter RCN
The cap has prevented hospitals from expanding their private work beyond the proportion earned in 2002. It varies from hospital to hospital, but is limited to about 2% in most hospitals.
In a small number of specialist hospitals, such as the Royal Marsden, the limit is set much higher, at around 30%. Health secretary Andrew Lansley has long said he will abolish the cap but it has been unclear how much private work would be allowed.
Proponents of the move have pointed out that the Royal Marsden is rated one of the best NHS providers while taking up to around a third of its income from private activity.
But critics are concerned that NHS patients would get a poor deal under the proposals, as foundation trusts with large financial deficits seek to take on more private work.
Dr Peter Carter, chief executive and general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said it was "a seriously worrying development".
"At a time when the health service has to make significant efficiency savings, it is only natural, that given the option, providers will look to maximise their income through private patients," he said.
"This will undoubtedly lead to a situation whereby those who can afford to pay will get faster access to better treatment, with increased waiting times and a decrease in quality for NHS patients."
He said existing NHS providers could be left to deliver critical services, which are the most expensive and challenging to run.
He added: "Really, it doesn't get much more serious than this; the Government has consistently assured us that the NHS is safe in their hands, but if allowed to go ahead, the removal of the cap could lead to the fundamental erosion of key NHS principles.
"The very heart of these principles being that access to care should be on the basis of clinical need, regardless of ability to pay."
Dual role
But the chief executive of the health thinktank, the King's Fund, Chris Ham said hospitals had generated funds from private patients for many years, and it was possible to provide high quality care to both NHS and private patients in the same hospital.
"The cap is only a significant consideration for a minority of hospitals," he said.
"These hospitals should report annually on how they are ensuring NHS patients do not lose out if the cap is either removed or at a relatively high proportion of income."
I think this is another step for the tories to privatise as much as possible of our NHS
What do you think! ... regards Ian Robertson walsall.
NHS hospitals in England will be free to use almost half their hospital beds and theatre time for private patients under government plans.
A recent revision to the ongoing health bill will allow foundation hospitals to raise 49% of funds through non-NHS work if the bill gets through Parliament.
Most foundation trusts are now limited to a private income of about 2%.
The Health Secretary says the move will benefit NHS patients but Labour claimed it could lead to longer waiting lists.
The amendment to a clause of the Health and Social Care Bill was made shortly before Christmas by Health Minister Earl Howe.
Commenting on the move, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said lifting the private income cap for foundation hospitals would directly benefit NHS patients.
Health and Social Care Bill
• Introduced into Parliament on 19 January 2011
• Main theme is to change commissioning of NHS services, giving GPs more control of the NHS budget
• Concerns led to a Government 'listening exercise' in the summer
• The bill then progressed through the House of Commons
• Further examination of the bill is to take place in the House of Lords in 2012
"If these hospitals earn additional income from private work that means there will be more money available to invest in NHS services," he said in a statement.
"Furthermore services for NHS patients will be safeguarded because foundation hospitals' core legal duty will be to care for them."
But Labour's shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham claimed the move could mean longer waits for NHS patients.
He said: "This surprise move, sneaked out just before Christmas, is the clearest sign yet of David Cameron's determination to turn our precious NHS into a US-style commercial system, where hospitals are more interested in profits than people.
"With NHS hospitals able to devote half of their beds to private patients, people will begin to see how our hospitals will never be the same again if Cameron's Health Bill gets through Parliament."
Critical services
A cap on the amount of income hospitals can raise from private patients was put in place by Labour in 2003, amid political controversy over the setting up of foundation hospitals, which have more freedom to decide how their services are run. All NHS hospitals are set to become foundation hospitals by 2014.
...the Government has consistently assured us that the NHS is safe in their hands, but if allowed to go ahead, the removal of the cap could lead to the fundamental erosion of key NHS principles”
End Quote Dr Peter Carter RCN
The cap has prevented hospitals from expanding their private work beyond the proportion earned in 2002. It varies from hospital to hospital, but is limited to about 2% in most hospitals.
In a small number of specialist hospitals, such as the Royal Marsden, the limit is set much higher, at around 30%. Health secretary Andrew Lansley has long said he will abolish the cap but it has been unclear how much private work would be allowed.
Proponents of the move have pointed out that the Royal Marsden is rated one of the best NHS providers while taking up to around a third of its income from private activity.
But critics are concerned that NHS patients would get a poor deal under the proposals, as foundation trusts with large financial deficits seek to take on more private work.
Dr Peter Carter, chief executive and general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said it was "a seriously worrying development".
"At a time when the health service has to make significant efficiency savings, it is only natural, that given the option, providers will look to maximise their income through private patients," he said.
"This will undoubtedly lead to a situation whereby those who can afford to pay will get faster access to better treatment, with increased waiting times and a decrease in quality for NHS patients."
He said existing NHS providers could be left to deliver critical services, which are the most expensive and challenging to run.
He added: "Really, it doesn't get much more serious than this; the Government has consistently assured us that the NHS is safe in their hands, but if allowed to go ahead, the removal of the cap could lead to the fundamental erosion of key NHS principles.
"The very heart of these principles being that access to care should be on the basis of clinical need, regardless of ability to pay."
Dual role
But the chief executive of the health thinktank, the King's Fund, Chris Ham said hospitals had generated funds from private patients for many years, and it was possible to provide high quality care to both NHS and private patients in the same hospital.
"The cap is only a significant consideration for a minority of hospitals," he said.
"These hospitals should report annually on how they are ensuring NHS patients do not lose out if the cap is either removed or at a relatively high proportion of income."
I think this is another step for the tories to privatise as much as possible of our NHS
What do you think! ... regards Ian Robertson walsall.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Win for labour in Birchills Leamore
Tina Jukes wins for Labour
While not in Walsall South, many of us have been helping in canvassing in the by election in Birchills Leamore and despite the date ( not called by Labour or tories) right next to Christmas the following result has put some Christmas cheer in our step here in Walsall Labour.
We shall redouble our efforts to capture the next 4 seats to re gain control of this Council in May 2012. All help gratefullly received.
On a low turnout for a by-election of 15.9% but not surprising given the
closeness to Christmas , Tina Jukes defended the Birchills seat of the late Joan
Barton
Results Birchills-Leamore: Lab hold.
Tina Jukes (Lab): 835; 53%Kamran Aftab (Con) 512; 32%
Chris Newey (Eng Dem) 130; 8% Liz Hazell (UKIP) 59; 4%
L Gebrakedan (Green) 46. 3%
Tina will be an excellent councillor for the people of Birchills-Leamore.
This result once again sees Labour and Conservatives at 27 seats each, Lib
Dems with 5 and an independent.
This Council has been run by the Tories for the past 12 years. They continue to waste our money... the latest proposal to spend nearly £1 Million on doing up the Council House over the next two years when front line services for the most vulnerable in this Borough are being cut to the bone is just one example.
There have been serious flaws in a number of contracts that have resulted in really bad deals for Walsall residents : education is potentially in limbo with the apparent proposal to end the Serco contract within 6 months and leaves a real sense of concern for teachers and pupils as they face their examinations in the summer... we need to re-establish the Walsall Education Board urgently to take control:
However we all know that their theme is 'let the market decide' OK if you are well off but not so good if you are struggling! As our Town centres fall into decay and unemployment rises and education results, while improved ,are nowhere near good enough, we look forward to being in a position to do a lot better for the residents of Walsall after May.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
email newsletter from Valerie Vaz MP
November 2011
Walsall South To Contact Valerie: Constituency Office:
Telephone: 01922 635835 114a Lichfield Street, Walsall, WS1 1SZ Westminster Office:
Telephone: 020 7219 7176
Email: valerie.vaz.mp@parliament.uk House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA For further information, please visit: http://www.valerievazmp.co.uk/
HOSPITAL BUS STOP
When the 38 bus was intro-duced it was expected to stop at the Manor Hospital. A Red Route was placed on Pleck Road, so buses stopped some distance away.
Valerie wrote to the Chief Executives of Walsall Healthcare and National Express West Midlands and they have said that from the 1st January 2012 the bus will stop at the Hospital.
VALERIE HOSTS EVENTS IN HONOUR OF NOOR
INYAT KHAN & AUNG SAN SUU KYI
Photo by Alan Williams During November, Valerie hosted events at the House of Commons in honour of Noor Inyat Khan and Aung San Suu Kyi.
Valerie said: "Noor died in Da-chau concentration camp in 1944, at the young age of 30 having risked her life as a member of the Special Opera-tions Executive, based in Paris during the Second World War. She was awarded the Croix de Guerre and the George Cross but there is no memorial to her in this country. I look forward to one being unveiled in 2012."
"It was a privilege to host the event in honour of Aung San Suu Kyi. I hope many people will learn about her inspiring life through the book "The Lady and the Peacock", which was launched at the event. Noor Inyat Khan and Aung San Suu Kyi are both very
inspiring women."
WALSALL SOUTH AND THE 2012 OLYMPICS
" YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT RISES
Valerie has criticised the Government’s record on long-term youth unemployment after the number of people aged 18-24 in Walsall South who have been claiming Job Seekers’ Al-lowance for more than six months doubled between Janu-ary and October this year. 600 young people in Walsall South have now been claiming JSA for more than 6 months.
Nationally, there are now over 1 million young people claim-ing JSA and in Walsall South the figure stands at 1,456.
Valerie said: "Before Labour’s Future Jobs Fund was abol-ished I visited a project in Walsall South. I saw its work at first hand. Young people who would have been on the dole were given training. There was no Government interference, but money was given directly to local organisations which taught skills to match the available jobs. At the end, the young people received a CV and a reference.
VALERIE REACTS TO AUTUMN STATEMENT On Tuesday 29th November 2011, the Chancellor, the Rt Hon George Osborne MP delivered his Autumn Statement to the House of Commons. The Chancellor announced that public sector pay rises would be capped at 1% at the end of the current pay freeze, that the total number of public sector job losses will reach 710,000 and that the Government will borrow £158 billion more than expected.
Valerie said: "I am astonished that the Chancellor has decided to cap public sec-tor pay rises at 1% at the end of the current pay freeze. This is well below the current rate of inflation and in effect represents a pay cut for thousands of teach-ers, nurses and police officers."
"The Government is set to borrow £158 billion more than it planned a year ago. Its economic policy is simply not working. The Government lacks the
competence to bring growth back to the economy and bring down the deficit."
Surgeries Valerie holds regular surgeries. To arrange an appointment, please call the Constituency Office on 01922 635835 Valerie has welcomed news of the benefits the 2012 Olympics will bring to Walsall South. It was announced this month that Walsall South-based manufacturer, Alucast has won a contract to produce components for the torches to be used in the Olympic Flame Relay. The relay will pass through Walsall on 30th June 2012.
Valerie wrote to every school in Walsall South asking them to take part in a scheme to make Pennant Flags for all the athletes taking part in the 2012 Olympics. Valerie said: "I hope all schools in Wal-sall South will take up this opportunity."
Walsall South To Contact Valerie: Constituency Office:
Telephone: 01922 635835 114a Lichfield Street, Walsall, WS1 1SZ Westminster Office:
Telephone: 020 7219 7176
Email: valerie.vaz.mp@parliament.uk House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA For further information, please visit: http://www.valerievazmp.co.uk/
HOSPITAL BUS STOP
When the 38 bus was intro-duced it was expected to stop at the Manor Hospital. A Red Route was placed on Pleck Road, so buses stopped some distance away.
Valerie wrote to the Chief Executives of Walsall Healthcare and National Express West Midlands and they have said that from the 1st January 2012 the bus will stop at the Hospital.
VALERIE HOSTS EVENTS IN HONOUR OF NOOR
INYAT KHAN & AUNG SAN SUU KYI
Photo by Alan Williams During November, Valerie hosted events at the House of Commons in honour of Noor Inyat Khan and Aung San Suu Kyi.
Valerie said: "Noor died in Da-chau concentration camp in 1944, at the young age of 30 having risked her life as a member of the Special Opera-tions Executive, based in Paris during the Second World War. She was awarded the Croix de Guerre and the George Cross but there is no memorial to her in this country. I look forward to one being unveiled in 2012."
"It was a privilege to host the event in honour of Aung San Suu Kyi. I hope many people will learn about her inspiring life through the book "The Lady and the Peacock", which was launched at the event. Noor Inyat Khan and Aung San Suu Kyi are both very
inspiring women."
WALSALL SOUTH AND THE 2012 OLYMPICS
" YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT RISES
Valerie has criticised the Government’s record on long-term youth unemployment after the number of people aged 18-24 in Walsall South who have been claiming Job Seekers’ Al-lowance for more than six months doubled between Janu-ary and October this year. 600 young people in Walsall South have now been claiming JSA for more than 6 months.
Nationally, there are now over 1 million young people claim-ing JSA and in Walsall South the figure stands at 1,456.
Valerie said: "Before Labour’s Future Jobs Fund was abol-ished I visited a project in Walsall South. I saw its work at first hand. Young people who would have been on the dole were given training. There was no Government interference, but money was given directly to local organisations which taught skills to match the available jobs. At the end, the young people received a CV and a reference.
VALERIE REACTS TO AUTUMN STATEMENT On Tuesday 29th November 2011, the Chancellor, the Rt Hon George Osborne MP delivered his Autumn Statement to the House of Commons. The Chancellor announced that public sector pay rises would be capped at 1% at the end of the current pay freeze, that the total number of public sector job losses will reach 710,000 and that the Government will borrow £158 billion more than expected.
Valerie said: "I am astonished that the Chancellor has decided to cap public sec-tor pay rises at 1% at the end of the current pay freeze. This is well below the current rate of inflation and in effect represents a pay cut for thousands of teach-ers, nurses and police officers."
"The Government is set to borrow £158 billion more than it planned a year ago. Its economic policy is simply not working. The Government lacks the
competence to bring growth back to the economy and bring down the deficit."
Surgeries Valerie holds regular surgeries. To arrange an appointment, please call the Constituency Office on 01922 635835 Valerie has welcomed news of the benefits the 2012 Olympics will bring to Walsall South. It was announced this month that Walsall South-based manufacturer, Alucast has won a contract to produce components for the torches to be used in the Olympic Flame Relay. The relay will pass through Walsall on 30th June 2012.
Valerie wrote to every school in Walsall South asking them to take part in a scheme to make Pennant Flags for all the athletes taking part in the 2012 Olympics. Valerie said: "I hope all schools in Wal-sall South will take up this opportunity."
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