FROM ANNE SNELGROVE MP July 2006
Posted by Anne Snelgrove, MP for South Swindon, at 17:24, Thu 6 July 2006:
Listening to local people and making sure that Government hears their voices is the most important part of my job as South Swindon’s MP. That’s why I make sure that Ministers know that Swindon wants to talk and invite them here at every opportunity. I’m delighted that David Miliband is taking the time to listen to us on 17th July. I will make sure there are lots more opportunities for my constituents to take part in policy discussions and to talk directly to people who can influence government policy.
LET’S TALK WITH DAVID MILIBAND
We are very fortunate to have secured the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for a ‘Let’s Talk’ event on Monday 17th July at New College Swindon. The meeting will run from 10am to 12.30pm and is open to anyone interested in environment policy. Anyone interested in this discussion on environmental issues, plus a Question and Answer session, please contact the office on 01793 615444 or email annesnelgrovemp@parliament.uk with your name and address.
VETERANS COFFEE MORNING
I held a coffee morning open to all veterans in Swindon at the Walcot Dome, Frobisher Drive, Swindon at 10am on 26th June. The aim is to express appreciation of the huge debt we owe to those who served in the armed forces and encourage take up of the new Veteran’s Badge, introduced by Labour.
- The badge is intended to be worn on civilian attire so that veterans can be recognised in the community. More than 240,000 badges have now been issued to veterans and War widows/widowers.
- More information is available at: www.veteransagency.mod.uk
COMPANY LAW REFORM BILL
This will require companies to take account of ethical concerns in their business dealing and to consider employees, the community and the environment. Jenny Ricks is a campaigner for Action Aid who is working with me and other supportive MPs on the campaign to strengthen the Company Law Reform bill’s commitment to Corporate and Social Responsibility. Come and meet us at the Broadgreen Centre at 6pm on Friday 21st July. As usual, please call my office to let me know if you would like to attend.
NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE
As a Parliamentary Private Secretary on Health issues to Lord Warner and Andy Burnham MP, I am very involved in legislation concerning the National Health Service and have been attending the Standing Committee on the NHS Redress Bill.
Its aim is to ensure patients no longer have to go to court to get an investigation, apology or compensation where something has gone wrong with their NHS treatment or care and to deliver fairness for patients and avoid the emergence of a ‘US-style’ litigation culture. My own experience is that people often want to know what want wrong and an assurance that it won’t happen again, rather then starting legal action. Sometimes, they feel that there is no alternative to litigation to get the answers they want.
The issue of deficits continues to run in the media. The unaudited accounts for the NHS in 2005/6 report a net deficit of £512 million. This is a result of gross deficits of £1.277 million and gross surpluses of £765 million. So, some Trusts are overspending and some are underspending.
The deficit needs to be kept in proportion. It is around 1% of the NHS’s total income. It is the equivalent to someone on £20,000 a year having an overdraft of £200. This is a problem, but a manageable one.
In the past, underspending NHS Trusts, which tend to be in poorer areas, have handed back money to support Trusts in wealthier areas that overspend. Trusts have now been told by the Secretary of State that they must balance their books. I believe this is right – but the most important issue is patient care.
MEET YOUR MP!
As well as regular appointment-based surgeries, I have held coffee mornings with residents’ groups and open surgeries at Asda in West Swindon, the Pilgrim Centre and Tesco in Ocotal Way. A new programme of ‘Meet Your MP’ events will be arranged from September. If you have any ideas or requests for venues, please call on 01793 615444.
It’s Your Parliament: Constituency groups are made very welcome at parliament.
So far, I have arranged for petitions to be handed over on behalf of Windmill Hill School parents, protestors against the M4 Croft Road to Hay Lane link road and against the extra £1 on council tax for tenants. Constituency groups come regularly to Westminster and I even arranged a tour of 10 Downing Street for a group of New College students. If you would like to arrange a tour of Parliament or to meet me at Westminster, please call Dan on 0207 219 6963.
ANNUAL PARLIAMENTARY REPORT
My first Annual Parliamentary Report will be ready soon. If you can deliver a few copies of the report in your area or wider Swindon, please call 01793 615444. To contact Anne Snelgrove MP write to: 7 Little London Court, Swindon, SN1 3HY, phone 01793 615444, fax 01793 644752, email annesnelgrovemp@parliament.uk . Anne’s website www.annesnelgrove.labour.co.uk is updated regularly.
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