Saturday, May 11, 2013
Enews from Valerie Vaz MP for May
VALERIE QUESTIONS HEALTH SECRETARY & NHS CHIEF EXECUTIVE
The Health Select Committee, of which Valerie is a member, has heard evidence from Sir David Nicholson the Chief Executive of the NHS and the NHS Commissioning Board and the Secretary of State for Health, the Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, following the publication of the Francis Report into events at Stafford Hospital. The Committee’s report is expected shortly.
Speaking after the Hearing with Sir David Nicholson in March, Valerie said: "I asked Sir David about the problems at the three strategic health authorities he was in charge of and what he did about them. It is extraordinary that he was not aware of, in particular, the high mortality rates in the hospitals that he oversaw. He said he was not made aware of the mortality rates until he was made Chief Executive of the NHS in 2006. However these figures have been made publically available by Dr Foster since 2001. In his statement, I could not find anything about patient care. Sir David said that during that time, ‘patients were not the centre of the way the system operated, for a whole variety of reasons’."
Following the Hearing with the Secretary of State on Tuesday 23 April, Valerie said: "It was important to ask about the circumstances surrounding the suspension of children’s heart surgery at Leeds Hospital. I asked the Secretary of State to clarify the timeline of when the information about children’s heart surgery mortality rates was received by Sir Bruce Keogh and when he himself had been told. It is extraordinary that he did not know the exact dates of when this information was provided. I am concerned about the role of the new Chief Inspector and the Secretary of State told me he did not know how much this would cost."
SADDLERS’ 125th ANNIVERSARY
On Sunday 29 April 2013, Valerie attended the End of Season Awards and 125th Anniversary Celebration of Walsall Football Club.
Valerie said: "Walsall FC makes a tremendous contribution to the community locally and helps to put Walsall on the map nationally. The Club had a successful season in League One and finished only 6 points from the playoff places. I hope next season, the Saddlers will be able to gain promotion to the Championship."
Dear Friends
This edition of my eNews covers my work over March, April and the Easter Recess. You will find some statistics on the next page about my work during the 2012-13 Session. Parliament is now prorogued and the new Session will start with the Queen’s Speech on Wednesday 8 May 2013.
Yours ever
Valerie
GALA BATHS
Valerie said: "Walsall Gala Baths is home to the only brine pool in the West Midlands and I know this resource is valued by many of my constituents."
"I was contacted by constituents who use the pool and were concerned about its closure. I raised this with the Chief Executive of Walsall MBC who said that the Council is currently reviewing the provision of the Sports and Leisure Service. The Council has said that no decision has yet been taken as to the future of the Gala Baths."
"It is clear to me that the Gala Baths are of substantial benefit to many of my constituents and particularly those who are elderly or disabled. Given the Olympic legacy and the need for people to take more exercise, any move to close the Gala Baths would be resisted. I hope that following the review of Sport and Leisure Services, the Council will ensure the long term future of the Gala Baths."
BEDROOM TAX
Valerie said: "A number of significant changes to the benefits system have taken effect in recent months. These are changes I opposed as they do not adequately take account of people’s needs."
"Figures released by the National Housing Federation show that the ‘Bedroom Tax’ risks having a
devastating impact on around 1,434 households in Walsall South. It is estimated that households with 1 spare room will face a bill of approximately £566 extra a year and those with 2 spare rooms will have to pay approximately £1,010 extra each year. It is difficult to see how those affected are going to be able to make ends meet. The Government says funds are available for people in need, but the principle is wrong and these funds may not be available in the long term."
SCHOOL VISITS
Valerie has recently visited Hillary Primary School and Abu Bakr Girls’ School. At Hillary School, Valerie discussed with the Head Teacher Ms Cherry what could be done to remedy traffic problems at the front of the School. Valerie subsequently made representations to Walsall MBC and WHG.
At Abu Bakr, Valerie presented certificates to pupils who had taken part in the ‘Heartstart’ Emergency Lifesaving Skills programme led in Walsall by Phil Jevon of the Manor Hospital, who was also present.
THE CASE OF MRS PRESSDEE
In the Pre-Recess Adjournment Debate in the House of Commons, Valerie raised the case of Mrs Brenda
Pressdee. Valerie said: "My constituent, a senior citizen faces the prospect of having the home she has lived in for 38 years sold but she cannot remember why."
"It is unclear how Mrs Pressdee came into contact with Dream Money Ltd. It brokered an agreement and she had to pay £3,000 in fees because she signed a loan agreement for a second charge on her property of £36,000. Once the brokerage fee and all the fees for lawyers, solicitors and title insurance had been paid, the total charges and interest came to £32,995, which is 99.9% of the £33,000 Mrs Pressdee had initially requested.
"By December 2012, with interest and charges and charges associated with arrears, Mrs Pressdee’s total debt was £51,713.74. She is unable to keep up her payments and now has to sell her home under the mortgage rescue scheme while living there and renting it out. As a result, Blemain Finance will receive a £55,000 redemption from the sale of her home."
"We must help Mrs Pressdee, a vulnerable pensioner who has been driven out of her home. We should be protecting her."
The full transcript of Valerie’s speech is available in the Official Report .
CEMETERY PETITION
Valerie presented a petition of more than 1,200 signatures to Parliament on the planning application for the
development of a cemetery on land south of Aldridge Road.
Valerie said: "The site would be a wholly inappropriate location for a cemetery. The Council took into account the relevant considerations in refusing the application. I presented the petition as residents asked me to and it will ensure that their concerns are raised if ever there is a further application."
The transcript of the presentation is available to view from the Official Report
PARKING CHARGES
Valerie said: "For two years, alongside local businesses, we campaigned for the removal of on-street parking charges. These charges were removed from Ablewell Street in
December 2013, but the parking meters have been left in place. In response to my subsequent representations, Walsall MBC removed the meters during the week commencing Monday 18 March 2013."
"This is fantastic news. It shows clearly the effectiveness of our campaigning over the past two years and I am pleased the Council have now listened to businesses."
2012-13 PARLIAMENTARY SESSION
During the 2012-13 Parliamentary Session, which ended on Thursday 25 April 2013, Valerie:
Spoke in Parliament on
64 occasions
Tabled 56 written questions
Contributed to
11 reports of the Health Select
Committee
Tabled
30 Early Day Motions
Signed 217 Early Day Motions
Was granted an Urgent Question on the situation in Burma
Served on the Crime and Courts Bill Committee.
Raised adoption inequality at Prime Minister’s
Questions
In response to the ongoing situation in Burma and a report published by Human Rights Watch on the humanitarian situation in the country, Valerie raised the issue of Burma with Ministers on two occasions in recent weeks. Valerie’s questions and the Ministers’ answers can be viewed here & here.
Valerie raised in the Pre-Recess Adjournment debate the issue of why the Government has only designated 31 of 127 proposed Marine Conservation Zones. Valerie’s speech can be read here.
Valerie asked the Health Minister whether there was a mistake in the instructions given to parliamentary counsel in drafting the
Section 75 Regulations which have subsequently been withdrawn for redrafting. The Minister’s reply can be viewed here.
Following reports by Cranfield Business School and Lord Davies on women on the Boards of FTSE listed companies, Valerie asked the Minister for Women and Equalities where there was a
possibility of introducing quotas. The Minister’s response is available
Valerie asked the Health Minister whether the new list of 28 prescribed drugs produced by the NHS Commissioning Board will increase access to the cancer drugs fund. The Minister’s answer can be viewed
Following the Secretary of State for Health’s statement on the Government’s response to the Francis Report, Valerie asked whether the new list of 28 prescribed drugs produced by the NHS Commissioning Board will increase access to the cancer drugs fund. The Secretary of State’s response is available
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
December enews Valerie Vaz MP
December 2012
VALERIE QUESTIONS MANOR HOSPITAL DEATH RATES
A report from the Dr Foster Organisation has found that death rates at the Manor Hospital on two
of four key measures were significantly higher than expected. Valerie has written to the Hospital’s
Chief Executive asking for an explanation and raised the matter in the House of Commons.
A number of constituents have contacted Valerie with concerns about the treatment they, or their
relatives, have received at the Manor Hospital. Valerie has made representations to the Hospi-
tal’s Chief Executive on behalf of each constituent who has raised concerns.
Valerie said: “These are very worrying findings and the Hospital must immediately investigate
what has gone wrong and set out the steps it will take to cut death rates as soon as possible.”
NHS QUESTION
Valerie asked the Leader of the House for an urgent debate on why £3 billion has been taken out
of the NHS and not used for front-line services.
Valerie said: “In the light of recent findings regarding patient care at
the Manor Hospital, it is clear that the NHS is being given insufficient
resources to guarantee the highest standards of patient care. The
Government must explain why this £3 billion has been taken out of the
NHS.”
SECOND CHANCES SCHOOL
Students from the Second Chances School in Walsall South
visited Parliament and were taken on a tour by Valerie.
Valerie said: “I was pleased to see the students. I took them
on a tour of the Palace, including the chambers of the House
of Commons and the House of Lords.”
“The School’s Head Teacher, Jan Concannon, told me that
many of the students present had never been to Parliament
before. The students learned about how Parliament works”
WestminsterVisit
Bentley West Primary School invited Valerie to visit the School to speak with pupils as part of
Parliament Week.
Valerie said: “I began by telling the pupils a little about my work and what happens in Parlia-
ment. I showed them copies of Hansard and Early Day Motions. The pupils then took part in a
mock Parliamentary debate on a motion relating to the provision of school milk. They sat on
opposite sides with some pupils representing the Government and some representing the Op-
position. At the end, I asked the pupils to vote on the motion by walking through ‘Aye’ and ‘No’
lobbies as we do in Parliament. The motion to provide school milk was passed by 27 to 23
votes. I was very impressed by the pupils’ knowledge and interest.”
HUMAN FERTILISATION AND EMBRYOLOGY AUTHORITY
Valerie co-hosted an event with Gareth Johnson MP to introduce the work of the Human
Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) and their recent consultation on mitochondria
replacement.
Valerie said: “It was important to highlight the work of the HFEA in Parliament. As the body
responsible for the regulation of fertility treatment, the HFEA plays a crucial role in informing
the public and providing support for families with children conceived through IVF.”
PAT FINUCANE
Valerie has put questions to the Northern Ireland Secretary and the
Prime Minister about the Govern-ment’s response to the murder of
Pat Finucane, in which the security services colluded.
Valerie said: “The Government must ensure that Pat Finucane’s
family receive the justice they de-serve. The latest review into the
case—the Da Silva Report—has not achieved this. The Government
must do more to bring justice.”
EU BUDGET
PARKING CHARGES
PETROL TAX
NEW ART GALLERY
The Government was defeated on the EU budget at the
end of October 2012. Valerie voted against the budget.
Valerie said: “At a time when the cost of living is rising
quickly for tax payers in the UK and significant cuts are
being made to vital public services, it cannot be right to
increase the EU budget. This was a perverse move when
governments across Europe are making big cuts in public
spending.”
“It is important that Britain is an active member of the EU,
which is crucial for much of our trade and many of our
jobs. But when EU plans are wrong for Britain, we must
say so. The EU must look at savings which can be made
through measures such as the reform of agricultural sub-
sidies including the Common Agricultural Policy.”
Following an 18 month long campaign by Valerie and
local traders, Valerie has welcomed news that the on-street parking charges on
Ablewell Street and five other town centre streets
have been removed.
Valerie said: “Shortly after the charges were intro-
duced without consultation,
I was contacted by traders from Ablewell Street who were concerned about the drop
in passing trade. Over the past 18 months I have made
several representations to Walsall MBC, presented an
800 name petition to Parliament and raised the matter
during a debate in the House of Commons. Local busi-
nesses should not have had to endure an unnecessary
drop in trade over the past 18 months. The charges must
now be removed from every street. I will continue to
push for the charges to be dropped in every town centre
street and for a proper review.”
Despite voting against an Opposition motion calling for
it to be scrapped, the Government has announced that
the 3p per litre rise in petrol tax that was scheduled for
January 2013 has been cancelled.
Valerie said: “At a time when the cost of living has been
increasing rapidly and families across the country are
struggling to make ends meet, I was surprised that the
Government told its MPs to vote against an Opposition
motion to scrap the 3p per litre rise in petrol tax as re-
cently as 12 November 2012.”
“We continued our campaign and I am pleased that the
Government has been forced to reverse its position and
cancelled the 3p per litre rise that was due to come into
effect in January.”
2012 has been a successful year for the New
Art Gallery and Valerie is a supporter and a fan
of the NAG.
Valerie said: “After making a number of repre-
sentations to WMBC, and collecting a petition
of over 100 signatures, I was pleased when the
Gallery brought back Sunday openings. This
has boosted visitor numbers by 1,400 a month
and is expected to reach 20,000 a year.”
“The Gallery is one of four to be shortlisted to
host the Turner Prize in 2015 and recently
opened a year long exhibition of Damien Hirst’s
work.”
LEVESON REPORT
The Leveson Inquiry into the Culture, Practice and Ethics of the Press
published its findings and recommendations in November. Valerie has
welcomed the report and called on the Government to introduce legisla-
tion for the statutory underpinning of the regulation of the press.
Valerie said: “We were all shocked when details of the phone hacking
scandal emerged. It is simply not acceptable that the Press Complaints
Commission could be allowed to continue as the regulator of the press
when run by the press.”
“I welcome Lord Leveson’s measured proposals to give the self regula-
tion of the press a statutory basis. I call on the Government to imple-
ment Lord Leveson’s recommendations in full.”
VALERIE’S WORK IN PARLIAMENT
Since being elected to Parliament in May 2010, Valerie has:
. Spoken in Parliament 147 times;
. Tabled 264 written questions;
. Primary Sponsor of 85 Early Day Motions;
. Worked on 5,406 constituency cases;
. Been called 7 times at Prime Minister’s Questions;
. Presented 5 petitions to Parliament;
. Published 20 reports of the Health Select Committee;
. Held 70 constituency surgeries;
. Visited or welcomed to Parliament 20 of 42 schools in
Walsall South.
. Introduced 2 Ten Minute Rule Bills on equal rights for adop-
tive parents and a bill to improve health and education provi-
sion for children and adults with epilepsy.
VALERIE QUESTIONS MANOR HOSPITAL DEATH RATES
A report from the Dr Foster Organisation has found that death rates at the Manor Hospital on two
of four key measures were significantly higher than expected. Valerie has written to the Hospital’s
Chief Executive asking for an explanation and raised the matter in the House of Commons.
A number of constituents have contacted Valerie with concerns about the treatment they, or their
relatives, have received at the Manor Hospital. Valerie has made representations to the Hospi-
tal’s Chief Executive on behalf of each constituent who has raised concerns.
Valerie said: “These are very worrying findings and the Hospital must immediately investigate
what has gone wrong and set out the steps it will take to cut death rates as soon as possible.”
NHS QUESTION
Valerie asked the Leader of the House for an urgent debate on why £3 billion has been taken out
of the NHS and not used for front-line services.
Valerie said: “In the light of recent findings regarding patient care at
the Manor Hospital, it is clear that the NHS is being given insufficient
resources to guarantee the highest standards of patient care. The
Government must explain why this £3 billion has been taken out of the
NHS.”
SECOND CHANCES SCHOOL
Students from the Second Chances School in Walsall South
visited Parliament and were taken on a tour by Valerie.
Valerie said: “I was pleased to see the students. I took them
on a tour of the Palace, including the chambers of the House
of Commons and the House of Lords.”
“The School’s Head Teacher, Jan Concannon, told me that
many of the students present had never been to Parliament
before. The students learned about how Parliament works”
WestminsterVisit
Bentley West Primary School invited Valerie to visit the School to speak with pupils as part of
Parliament Week.
Valerie said: “I began by telling the pupils a little about my work and what happens in Parlia-
ment. I showed them copies of Hansard and Early Day Motions. The pupils then took part in a
mock Parliamentary debate on a motion relating to the provision of school milk. They sat on
opposite sides with some pupils representing the Government and some representing the Op-
position. At the end, I asked the pupils to vote on the motion by walking through ‘Aye’ and ‘No’
lobbies as we do in Parliament. The motion to provide school milk was passed by 27 to 23
votes. I was very impressed by the pupils’ knowledge and interest.”
HUMAN FERTILISATION AND EMBRYOLOGY AUTHORITY
Valerie co-hosted an event with Gareth Johnson MP to introduce the work of the Human
Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) and their recent consultation on mitochondria
replacement.
Valerie said: “It was important to highlight the work of the HFEA in Parliament. As the body
responsible for the regulation of fertility treatment, the HFEA plays a crucial role in informing
the public and providing support for families with children conceived through IVF.”
PAT FINUCANE
Valerie has put questions to the Northern Ireland Secretary and the
Prime Minister about the Govern-ment’s response to the murder of
Pat Finucane, in which the security services colluded.
Valerie said: “The Government must ensure that Pat Finucane’s
family receive the justice they de-serve. The latest review into the
case—the Da Silva Report—has not achieved this. The Government
must do more to bring justice.”
EU BUDGET
PARKING CHARGES
PETROL TAX
NEW ART GALLERY
The Government was defeated on the EU budget at the
end of October 2012. Valerie voted against the budget.
Valerie said: “At a time when the cost of living is rising
quickly for tax payers in the UK and significant cuts are
being made to vital public services, it cannot be right to
increase the EU budget. This was a perverse move when
governments across Europe are making big cuts in public
spending.”
“It is important that Britain is an active member of the EU,
which is crucial for much of our trade and many of our
jobs. But when EU plans are wrong for Britain, we must
say so. The EU must look at savings which can be made
through measures such as the reform of agricultural sub-
sidies including the Common Agricultural Policy.”
Following an 18 month long campaign by Valerie and
local traders, Valerie has welcomed news that the on-street parking charges on
Ablewell Street and five other town centre streets
have been removed.
Valerie said: “Shortly after the charges were intro-
duced without consultation,
I was contacted by traders from Ablewell Street who were concerned about the drop
in passing trade. Over the past 18 months I have made
several representations to Walsall MBC, presented an
800 name petition to Parliament and raised the matter
during a debate in the House of Commons. Local busi-
nesses should not have had to endure an unnecessary
drop in trade over the past 18 months. The charges must
now be removed from every street. I will continue to
push for the charges to be dropped in every town centre
street and for a proper review.”
Despite voting against an Opposition motion calling for
it to be scrapped, the Government has announced that
the 3p per litre rise in petrol tax that was scheduled for
January 2013 has been cancelled.
Valerie said: “At a time when the cost of living has been
increasing rapidly and families across the country are
struggling to make ends meet, I was surprised that the
Government told its MPs to vote against an Opposition
motion to scrap the 3p per litre rise in petrol tax as re-
cently as 12 November 2012.”
“We continued our campaign and I am pleased that the
Government has been forced to reverse its position and
cancelled the 3p per litre rise that was due to come into
effect in January.”
2012 has been a successful year for the New
Art Gallery and Valerie is a supporter and a fan
of the NAG.
Valerie said: “After making a number of repre-
sentations to WMBC, and collecting a petition
of over 100 signatures, I was pleased when the
Gallery brought back Sunday openings. This
has boosted visitor numbers by 1,400 a month
and is expected to reach 20,000 a year.”
“The Gallery is one of four to be shortlisted to
host the Turner Prize in 2015 and recently
opened a year long exhibition of Damien Hirst’s
work.”
LEVESON REPORT
The Leveson Inquiry into the Culture, Practice and Ethics of the Press
published its findings and recommendations in November. Valerie has
welcomed the report and called on the Government to introduce legisla-
tion for the statutory underpinning of the regulation of the press.
Valerie said: “We were all shocked when details of the phone hacking
scandal emerged. It is simply not acceptable that the Press Complaints
Commission could be allowed to continue as the regulator of the press
when run by the press.”
“I welcome Lord Leveson’s measured proposals to give the self regula-
tion of the press a statutory basis. I call on the Government to imple-
ment Lord Leveson’s recommendations in full.”
VALERIE’S WORK IN PARLIAMENT
Since being elected to Parliament in May 2010, Valerie has:
. Spoken in Parliament 147 times;
. Tabled 264 written questions;
. Primary Sponsor of 85 Early Day Motions;
. Worked on 5,406 constituency cases;
. Been called 7 times at Prime Minister’s Questions;
. Presented 5 petitions to Parliament;
. Published 20 reports of the Health Select Committee;
. Held 70 constituency surgeries;
. Visited or welcomed to Parliament 20 of 42 schools in
Walsall South.
. Introduced 2 Ten Minute Rule Bills on equal rights for adop-
tive parents and a bill to improve health and education provi-
sion for children and adults with epilepsy.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
November enews from Valerie Vaz MP Walsall South
November 2012 VALERIE PRESSES GOVERNMENT ON ADOPTION INEQUALITY AT PMQs
At Prime Minister’s Questions Valerie raised the issue of equal rights between adoptive parents and parents whose children are born to them. The Deputy Prime Minister responded on behalf of the Prime Minister, who was abroad. Valerie said: “My Ten-Minute Rule Bill in the previous Session called for equalising statutory rights for leave, pay and allowances between adoptive parents and parents whose children are born to them. That can be done by regulations, so will the Deputy Prime Minister ask a Minister or two to meet me to eliminate that unfairness?” The Deputy Prime Minister responded by paying tribute to Valerie on her campaign for equal rights for adoptive parents and indicating his support for Valerie’s proposals. He suggested that the Government would make an announcement on the issue shortly.
WOMEN ON THE BREADLINE Valerie said: “The Women on the Breadline event was organised jointly by the TUC and the Walsall Women’s Forum. I was pleased to speak with a group of women about politics. The women present also had the opportunity to take part in workshops on a variety of issues, seek legal and welfare advice and take part in training opportunities.”
QUESTIONS IN PARLIAMENT This month Valerie questioned Ministers on a range of topics. At Questions to the Leader of the House, Valerie asked why the West Midlands Ambulance Service has had to rely on assistance from St John’s Ambulance and what can be done to have a Pelican Crossing installed on Darlaston Road. The Leader of the House said he would ask his Ministerial colleagues to look at these matters. During a Statement on Health, Valerie asked whether NHS underspends would be retained or returned to the Treasury. The Secretary of State responded that the Government aims to avoid NHS underspends. LIFESAVING SKILLS As part of a Backbench Business Debate, Valerie spoke on the importance of educating children on life-saving skills in schools. Valerie said: “It is crucial that life saving skills are taught in schools. Knowledge of just a few crucial tech- niques can be the difference be- tween life and death for someone suffering cardiac arrest or seriously injured in an accident. I want the Government to make lifesaving skills part of the school curriculum.”
BRAINNAV LAUNCH The West Midlands Launch of the BrainNav online tool for people with brain injuries and their families was attended by Valerie. To visit BrainNav, Valerie said: “BrainNav shows that organisations with a range of expertise can come together and develop services that can improve people’s lives significantly.”
NEW ART GALLERY SUNDAY SUCCESS Valerie said: “I am delighted that the return of Sunday openings has boosted the New Art Gallery’s visitor numbers by 1,400 in a month and that the Gallery expects this figure to reach 20,000 in a year.” “This is exactly what I and the people of Walsall wanted. I made several representations to Walsall MBC, collected an online e-petition and raised the matter with Culture Minister, Ed Vaizey MP. I am pleased that so many families are visiting the Gallery.”
NOOR INAYAT KHAN This month Valerie attended the unveiling by the Princess Royal of a memorial to Noor Inayat Khan. Valerie said: “I became involved in this project when I was elected in 2010. I tabled Early Day Motion 109 which received cross party support. I then wrote to the Vice-Chancellor at the University of London, of which I am an alumna, to request permission for a commemorative memorial to be placed in Gordon Square near to Noor’s London home. Vice-Chancellor Graeme Davies agreed and after his retirement Vice-Chancellor Geoffrey Crossick honoured that commitment.” “The beautiful sculpture by Karen Newman was well received by the guests. It is right that Noor has now been honoured for her extraordinary bravery during the Second World War. She worked as a radio operator in occupied France and was eventually captured and tortured by the Nazis. Despite this she remained silent until her execution at the age of 30.”
At Prime Minister’s Questions Valerie raised the issue of equal rights between adoptive parents and parents whose children are born to them. The Deputy Prime Minister responded on behalf of the Prime Minister, who was abroad. Valerie said: “My Ten-Minute Rule Bill in the previous Session called for equalising statutory rights for leave, pay and allowances between adoptive parents and parents whose children are born to them. That can be done by regulations, so will the Deputy Prime Minister ask a Minister or two to meet me to eliminate that unfairness?” The Deputy Prime Minister responded by paying tribute to Valerie on her campaign for equal rights for adoptive parents and indicating his support for Valerie’s proposals. He suggested that the Government would make an announcement on the issue shortly.
WOMEN ON THE BREADLINE Valerie said: “The Women on the Breadline event was organised jointly by the TUC and the Walsall Women’s Forum. I was pleased to speak with a group of women about politics. The women present also had the opportunity to take part in workshops on a variety of issues, seek legal and welfare advice and take part in training opportunities.”
QUESTIONS IN PARLIAMENT This month Valerie questioned Ministers on a range of topics. At Questions to the Leader of the House, Valerie asked why the West Midlands Ambulance Service has had to rely on assistance from St John’s Ambulance and what can be done to have a Pelican Crossing installed on Darlaston Road. The Leader of the House said he would ask his Ministerial colleagues to look at these matters. During a Statement on Health, Valerie asked whether NHS underspends would be retained or returned to the Treasury. The Secretary of State responded that the Government aims to avoid NHS underspends. LIFESAVING SKILLS As part of a Backbench Business Debate, Valerie spoke on the importance of educating children on life-saving skills in schools. Valerie said: “It is crucial that life saving skills are taught in schools. Knowledge of just a few crucial tech- niques can be the difference be- tween life and death for someone suffering cardiac arrest or seriously injured in an accident. I want the Government to make lifesaving skills part of the school curriculum.”
BRAINNAV LAUNCH The West Midlands Launch of the BrainNav online tool for people with brain injuries and their families was attended by Valerie. To visit BrainNav, Valerie said: “BrainNav shows that organisations with a range of expertise can come together and develop services that can improve people’s lives significantly.”
NEW ART GALLERY SUNDAY SUCCESS Valerie said: “I am delighted that the return of Sunday openings has boosted the New Art Gallery’s visitor numbers by 1,400 in a month and that the Gallery expects this figure to reach 20,000 in a year.” “This is exactly what I and the people of Walsall wanted. I made several representations to Walsall MBC, collected an online e-petition and raised the matter with Culture Minister, Ed Vaizey MP. I am pleased that so many families are visiting the Gallery.”
NOOR INAYAT KHAN This month Valerie attended the unveiling by the Princess Royal of a memorial to Noor Inayat Khan. Valerie said: “I became involved in this project when I was elected in 2010. I tabled Early Day Motion 109 which received cross party support. I then wrote to the Vice-Chancellor at the University of London, of which I am an alumna, to request permission for a commemorative memorial to be placed in Gordon Square near to Noor’s London home. Vice-Chancellor Graeme Davies agreed and after his retirement Vice-Chancellor Geoffrey Crossick honoured that commitment.” “The beautiful sculpture by Karen Newman was well received by the guests. It is right that Noor has now been honoured for her extraordinary bravery during the Second World War. She worked as a radio operator in occupied France and was eventually captured and tortured by the Nazis. Despite this she remained silent until her execution at the age of 30.”
Friday, November 9, 2012
September /October News from your MP
WALSALL MYPLACE CENTRE
Valerie visited the Walsall MyPlace youth centre in Palfrey and was given a tour of the Centre by Director Ian Cruise – Taylor.
Valerie said: "The Walsall MyPlace youth centre in Palfrey is a fantastic resource. MyPlace offers young people a variety of activities to take part in during their spare time as well as a wide range of advice services delivered by a number of different public and private sector providers. I saw students taking advantage of this who felt they had a real stake in it. They were involved in the design too."
September/ October 2012
WE ARE WALSALL
In September Valerie spoke at the We Are Walsall event at Gallery Square in the Town Centre. The event was organised to oppose an organisation that had come to Walsall with the aim of promoting division in society.
Valerie said: "There is no place in Walsall for people who promote racist views. Our diverse commu-nities have been living together harmoniously for many decades and will not allow themselves to be driven apart by the actions of an extremist minority."
ABLEWELL STREET PARKING CHARGES
Following an 18 month campaign against the charges, Valerie welcomed news that Walsall MBC is to abolish charges for on-street parking on Ablewell Street and five other town cen-tre streets.
Valerie said: "Shortly after the charges were introduced, I was contacted by traders from Ablewell Street who were concerned about the drop in passing trade. Over the past 18 months I have made several representations to Walsall MBC, presented an 800 name peti-tion to Parliament and raised the matter during a debate in the House of Commons. It is a pity that local businesses have had to endure an unnecessary drop in trade over the past 18 months and that the charges are not being removed from every street. I will continue to push for the charges to be dropped in every town centre street and for a proper review."
BADGER CULL
Valerie voted for the Motion to stop the planned Badger Cull. It was carried by 147 to 28.
Valerie said: "The motion called on the Government to stop the planned cull. The Government has only announced a postpone-ment of the cull until next year."
Valerie raised the proposed changes to the planning rules, which were announced by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, in a Pre-Conference Adjournment Debate.
Valerie said: "The Secretary of State’s statement should have given us clarity, not ambiguity. Planning inspectors will decide on applica-tions, instead of the local authority. The problem is not the speed with which planning officers have to deal with applications, but the lack of properly qualified staff. Cuts are affecting the number of staff who can make considered decisions on planning issues. The proposals to in-crease the limit on the size of extensions that can be built without Planning Permission are wrong and have been rightly rejected by a number of councils. The Government’s plans serve only to take power out of the hands of local people."
EU BUDGET
On Wednesday 31 October, Valerie voted for an amendment calling for a real terms cut in the EU budget between 2014 and 2020. The Government was defeated by 13 Votes.
Valerie said: "At a time when the cost of living is rising quickly for tax payers in the UK and sig-nificant cuts are being made to vital public services, it cannot be right to protect the EU budget.
This would be a perverse move when governments across Europe are making big cuts in public spending."
"It is important that Britain is an active member of the EU, which is crucial for much of our trade and many of our jobs. But when EU plans are wrong for Britain, we must say so. The EU must-look at savings which can be made through measures such as the reform of the CAP."
SUNDAY TRADING
Valerie asked the Leader of the House of Com-mons for clarification of the Government’s posi-tion on Sunday trading.
Valerie said: "Sunday trading regulations help support small businesses by allowing them to open for longer than the larger stores over the weekend. The Gov-ernment has been sending confusing messages about their plans to extend the relaxation of Sunday trading restrictions beyond the end of the Olympic and Paralympic games."
"The Leader of the House said the Government was constantly looking at the issue, but had not changed its plans."
In September, the House of Commons Health Select Com-mittee, of which Valerie is a member, heard evidence from the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The CQC is responsible for regulating all health and adult social care providers in England.
Valerie said: "Inspections are crucial to maintaining public confidence in healthcare practi-tioners and ensuring that abuse, such as that found at Winterbourne View cannot go undetected. I asked about the staffing levels as this was one of the Health Select Commit-tee’s concerns. The CQC told me that there were 194 in-spector vacancies in April of this year. It takes 8 weeks to train an inspector and so it will take some time for all the vacancies to be filled. The CQC must urgently address this problem to ensure inspections are undertaken."
RETROSPECTIVE PRE-PAYMENT
ELECTRICITY CHARGES
Valerie said: "I was contacted by a constituent who had re-ceived a retrospective electricity bill from Npower despite having a pre-payment electricity meter. I am aware that this is not an isolated incident. I wrote to Npower and Ofgem to ask why retrospective bills are sent to pre-payment custom-ers. Npower’s response does not give a clear explanation.
If you receive such a Bill, I would advise you to contact Npower to challenge it
VALERIE BACKS ACTION ON HEARING LOSS’ "LOCATE & RATE" SERVICE
." Valerie is backing Action on Hearing Loss’s ‘locate and rate’ web-site which helps her constituents to find local hearing services best suited to their individual needs.
‘Locate and rate’ enables people with hearing loss to comment on and rate their local NHS and private hearing services in terms of service accessibility, the clarity of explanations about hearing test results, and the usefulness of advice about communication sup-port services. To access "Locate & Rate", please click here.
VALERIE VISITS ACORNS CHILDREN’S HOSPICE
Valerie said: "The Acorns Children’s Hospice offers a network of care for life limited and life threatened children and young people, and their families. It is the only organisation that provides this level of care to vulnerable youngsters whilst offering a range of support services to the whole family to help them cope at every stage of their child’s life and beyond into bereavement. The hospice is well adapted to suit the needs of these children including a special sensory stimulation room and state of the art hoist in every bedroom. The respite care it offers for families is also a vital service."
Valerie visited the Acorns Children’s Hospice and met with the Chief Executive David Strudley and Head of Care, Anne Small.
"To donate to Acorns, please telephone 01564 82 5000 or visit http:www.acorns.org.uk."
EPILEPSEY12 NATIONAL AUDIT REPORT
Valerie spoke at the launch of the Epilepsy12 National Audit Report at the Royal College of Pae-diatrics and Child Health.
Valerie said: "This report is an excellent audit of the needs and services for children with epilepsy. The report sets out 12 specific steps that would be required to improve the quality of care. I sup-port the 12 recommendations proposed including that chil-dren must see a paediatrician with expertise in epilepsy and that an early initial, and timely ongoing assessments should be required. This is a helpful report and monitoring of the recommendations should now prompt further action for healthcare professionals."
RISING FOOD PRICES
At DEFRA Questions Valerie asked the Minister what discussions he had had with his colleagues in the Treasury and Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about rising food prices.
Valerie said: "Families on incomes in the lowest one-fifth of the population have cut their consumption of fruit and vegetables by nearly a third in recent years, as the cost of food has increased by 12% in real terms according to Defra’s own statistics. This has led to one in five mums going without food to feed their children ac-cording to Netmums. The Minister said he would speak with col-leagues in the DWP to ensure all possible support is provided."
HEALTH QUESTIONS
At Health Questions Valerie asked the Secretary of State for Health if he would use the £4 billion surplus and the savings made in the NHS to lift pay restraints for lower-paid workers to increase morale and boost productivity.
Valerie said: "At a time when the cost of living is rising quickly many front line health staff on the lowest incomes are struggling to get by. These staff are vital to our NHS and it is crucial that they are paid enough to live on."
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Let us all stand against hate and division in Walsall!
S tand together against hate and division
Racist EDL
Not Welcome in Walsall
On Saturday 29th September a gang of racists plan to descend on
Walsall.
Their aim is to ferment hatred and division in our community.
Whatever they claim, the English Defence League’s anti-Muslim and
racist slogans and their Hitler salutes tell us who they really are.
At their heart are fascists who have been active in the British National
Party (BNP) and NF (National Front). Given the opportunity, the EDL
threaten, abuse and intimidate anyone whose skin colour or ideas they
don’t like. Their poisonous message of hate must not be allowed to go
unchallenged.
The various parts of our diverse community in multicultural Walsall live
together in harmony. We must stand up against this attempt to divide
us and to scapegoat a section of our population.
Join the peaceful and inclusive celebration of unity in our community.
Gallery Square at New Art Gallery, Walsall, WS2 8LG,
11am Saturday 29th September
Organised by We Are Walsall
Racist EDL
Not Welcome in Walsall
On Saturday 29th September a gang of racists plan to descend on
Walsall.
Their aim is to ferment hatred and division in our community.
Whatever they claim, the English Defence League’s anti-Muslim and
racist slogans and their Hitler salutes tell us who they really are.
At their heart are fascists who have been active in the British National
Party (BNP) and NF (National Front). Given the opportunity, the EDL
threaten, abuse and intimidate anyone whose skin colour or ideas they
don’t like. Their poisonous message of hate must not be allowed to go
unchallenged.
The various parts of our diverse community in multicultural Walsall live
together in harmony. We must stand up against this attempt to divide
us and to scapegoat a section of our population.
Join the peaceful and inclusive celebration of unity in our community.
Gallery Square at New Art Gallery, Walsall, WS2 8LG,
11am Saturday 29th September
Organised by We Are Walsall
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Let us say no to racism in Walsall!
Please forward this email to others who will want to take a stand against the poison of the EDL
The EDL are now clearly set to come to Walsall on Sat 29th September
The We are Walsall event is coming together and support is growing.
Stand together against hate and division
Racist EDL Not Welcome in Walsall
Come to the Forum on
Countering Racism, Fascism and Islamophobia
11am, Saturday 22nd September,
Upstairs in the East Room of 'The Crossing'
Walsall WS1 1DA - Darwall Street entrance
Contributions from anti-fascist and anti-racist campaigners, community and faith leaders and local councillors. Come and join the discussion
and
Help build the We are Walsall event the following week:
Gallery Square at New Art Gallery,
Walsall, WS2 8LG,
11am Saturday 29th September
With this event we are both celebrating a united Walsall and protesting against the EDL's attempt to promote hatred and division. By gathering on the day we will be ensuring that the EDL are tightly contained away from the Saturday crowds and cannot roam around town abusing and intimidating people, spreading their message of hate. We will be making sure that the EDL's message is not the dominant story of the day. Please continue to encourage people to attend this peaceful but determined event - the racists need to know they cannot win.
Attached is the most recent flyer, a pledge sheet developed from the earlier statement that has been circulating and an email to Walsall Councillors which has received a considerable number of positive responses.
We have been allocated an assembly point of Gallery Square and that is now included on the flyer. We will need to make a final decision as to whether to make an application to march at the meeting on Thursday.
We are Walsall meets again this Thursday 20th September, 7:15pm at Palfrey Community Centre, Milton Street, Walsall.
Please bring new people to the meeting if you can so that we can develop the momentum over the last 10 days.
Please spread the word!!
Thanks
Ian Robertson
Secretary Walsall South CLP
Thanks
Ian Robertson
Secretary Walsall South CLP
Monday, September 17, 2012
The threat from introduction of Universal Credit in 2013
17th September
You may know that this Tory Government plans to introduce Univeral Credit in October 2013.
While I think everyone would accept that the benefit system needs a continuous reform process, this step will seriously affect many of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in Walsall and especially in some wards where many disadvantaged residents live. I post the concerns of many organisations that deal on a day to day basis with those at risk.
The evidence shows there is widespread concern about managing Universal Credit online, the implications of it being paid monthly and being paid to one member of a household, and the gap when the current system is phased out and the new one starts.
Ministers are very keen to ensure that the new system should be "digital by default" - in other words, managed and run online.
The new universal credit system risks causing difficulties to the 8.5 million people who have never used the internet and a further 14.5 million who have virtually no ICT skills," says Citizens Advice.
Only one in ten of claimants think it would make their lives easier”
Women's Budget Group
The public sector workers union Unison makes a similar point, as does the National Housing Federation, the umbrella group for homeless organisations, Homeless Link and Community Links, a charity based in east London, amongst others.
Concerns are raised too about paying Universal Credit monthly.
The Women's Budget Group, which describes itself as an "independent organisation bringing together individuals from academia, non-governmental organisations and trades unions to promote gender equality," also makes some observations.
It tells the MPs: "The government says monthly payment of Universal Credit mimics life in work.
"But many on low incomes in work have wages and/or benefits and tax credits paid more frequently, which matches common budgeting patterns for those on low incomes.
"Only one in ten of claimants think it would make their lives easier. Women are likely to be hit harder, as in low income families they tend to make more frequent purchases that will be squeezed as money is stretched."
There are concerns too that the payment of Universal Credit to one person in a household could, in some instances, upset the family dynamic: potentially putting that individual in a position of considerable power and influence.
Many of those who have submitted evidence are worried about how some people will cope when the changeover from the current benefits system to the Universal Credit takes place.
Work and Pensions Secretary Ian Duncan Smith wants to overcome problems in the benefits system "What consideration has been given to providing grants to cover a shortfall when transitioning from fortnightly to monthly payments, rather than claimants having to rely on budgeting advances or 'pay-day loans' which need to be re-paid?" asks Gingerbread, the charity for single parents.
Manchester City Council raise a broader concern: the effects not just on people, but communities.
We have concerns about the impacts on people but also on 'place' - either from large scale churn de-stabilising people and communities or reductions in income within areas with high concentrations of people currently on benefit."
Let's now turn to look at some of practical problems around making this change happen on time.
A wide range of organisations involved in meeting the government's deadline are clearly very worried about achieving it.
At the heart of the Universal Credit is what is known as the Real Time Information system. The aim is it will be much more responsive to people's changing circumstances.
It will require employers to report their employees' pay each time they are paid. In addition the self-employed will have to report their income every month instead of every year.
This will be a "significant and difficult burden, reliant on information from others", the Chartered Institute of Taxation tells the MPs.
The success of the Universal Credit depends on the new computer system being completed "under extremely tight timelines," the employers' organisation, the CBI says.
The new system's tight delivery timetable, coupled with low awareness among companies, is a risk to business and to the implementation of the Universal Credit."
"There is a real risk that the central government Universal Credit IT systems will not be ready on time," adds the Local Government Association, which represents councils.
So how does the government respond? Radio 4's The World This Weekend invited a minister to appear on the programme, but the invitation was declined.
In its evidence to the committee of MPs, the Department for Work and Pensions claims that "digital skills are a factor in around 72% of jobs", and so encouraging people to manage their Universal Credit online is sensible. It also saves a significant amount of money.
Advice will also be available, the department says, for those recipients who need help with managing their family budget.
"Rigorous, integrated IT testing has also commenced," it adds, pointing out it has "some of the best contingency arrangements in place across government" if things go wrong.
Do you think that this Tory run Council cares a jot about the potential effects to residents in Walsall?
Please commit yourself to supporting Labour here in Walsall who cannot stop these changes but at least are compassionate on their effects and will ( if they are in charge) try to mitigate the disastrous effects on the most vulnerable in our society.
Please post support or otherwise!
Regards
Ian Robertson
secretary Walsall South CLP
You may know that this Tory Government plans to introduce Univeral Credit in October 2013.
While I think everyone would accept that the benefit system needs a continuous reform process, this step will seriously affect many of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in Walsall and especially in some wards where many disadvantaged residents live. I post the concerns of many organisations that deal on a day to day basis with those at risk.
The evidence shows there is widespread concern about managing Universal Credit online, the implications of it being paid monthly and being paid to one member of a household, and the gap when the current system is phased out and the new one starts.
Ministers are very keen to ensure that the new system should be "digital by default" - in other words, managed and run online.
The new universal credit system risks causing difficulties to the 8.5 million people who have never used the internet and a further 14.5 million who have virtually no ICT skills," says Citizens Advice.
Only one in ten of claimants think it would make their lives easier”
Women's Budget Group
The public sector workers union Unison makes a similar point, as does the National Housing Federation, the umbrella group for homeless organisations, Homeless Link and Community Links, a charity based in east London, amongst others.
Concerns are raised too about paying Universal Credit monthly.
The Women's Budget Group, which describes itself as an "independent organisation bringing together individuals from academia, non-governmental organisations and trades unions to promote gender equality," also makes some observations.
It tells the MPs: "The government says monthly payment of Universal Credit mimics life in work.
"But many on low incomes in work have wages and/or benefits and tax credits paid more frequently, which matches common budgeting patterns for those on low incomes.
"Only one in ten of claimants think it would make their lives easier. Women are likely to be hit harder, as in low income families they tend to make more frequent purchases that will be squeezed as money is stretched."
There are concerns too that the payment of Universal Credit to one person in a household could, in some instances, upset the family dynamic: potentially putting that individual in a position of considerable power and influence.
Many of those who have submitted evidence are worried about how some people will cope when the changeover from the current benefits system to the Universal Credit takes place.
Work and Pensions Secretary Ian Duncan Smith wants to overcome problems in the benefits system "What consideration has been given to providing grants to cover a shortfall when transitioning from fortnightly to monthly payments, rather than claimants having to rely on budgeting advances or 'pay-day loans' which need to be re-paid?" asks Gingerbread, the charity for single parents.
Manchester City Council raise a broader concern: the effects not just on people, but communities.
We have concerns about the impacts on people but also on 'place' - either from large scale churn de-stabilising people and communities or reductions in income within areas with high concentrations of people currently on benefit."
Let's now turn to look at some of practical problems around making this change happen on time.
A wide range of organisations involved in meeting the government's deadline are clearly very worried about achieving it.
At the heart of the Universal Credit is what is known as the Real Time Information system. The aim is it will be much more responsive to people's changing circumstances.
It will require employers to report their employees' pay each time they are paid. In addition the self-employed will have to report their income every month instead of every year.
This will be a "significant and difficult burden, reliant on information from others", the Chartered Institute of Taxation tells the MPs.
The success of the Universal Credit depends on the new computer system being completed "under extremely tight timelines," the employers' organisation, the CBI says.
The new system's tight delivery timetable, coupled with low awareness among companies, is a risk to business and to the implementation of the Universal Credit."
"There is a real risk that the central government Universal Credit IT systems will not be ready on time," adds the Local Government Association, which represents councils.
So how does the government respond? Radio 4's The World This Weekend invited a minister to appear on the programme, but the invitation was declined.
In its evidence to the committee of MPs, the Department for Work and Pensions claims that "digital skills are a factor in around 72% of jobs", and so encouraging people to manage their Universal Credit online is sensible. It also saves a significant amount of money.
Advice will also be available, the department says, for those recipients who need help with managing their family budget.
"Rigorous, integrated IT testing has also commenced," it adds, pointing out it has "some of the best contingency arrangements in place across government" if things go wrong.
Do you think that this Tory run Council cares a jot about the potential effects to residents in Walsall?
Please commit yourself to supporting Labour here in Walsall who cannot stop these changes but at least are compassionate on their effects and will ( if they are in charge) try to mitigate the disastrous effects on the most vulnerable in our society.
Please post support or otherwise!
Regards
Ian Robertson
secretary Walsall South CLP
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