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News From Your Local MP

Posted by Dawn Primarolo, MP for Bristol South, at 13:57, Wed 8 December 2010:

WELCOME!

Here’s the latest edition of my regular newsletter.

GOVERNMENT'S PLANS FOR SOCIAL HOUSING

The Government has published a consultation document on reforms to social housing. Amongst the worrying proposals are plans to allow local authorities and housing associations to offer fixed tenancies for a minimum of 2 years as opposed to the current arrangements where secure, lifetime tenancies are typical. I am concerned that abolishing secure tenancies and forcing tenants to move should they get a promotion or pay rise will cause uncertainty for tenants and may be a disincentive to work. The plans will allow local authorities and housing associations to decide who is eligible for fixed term tenancies for how long and at what rent. I have written to the Councillor responsible for housing in Bristol asking him to protect lifetime tenancies for existing and new tenants.

OPENING ILMINSTER AVENUE SPECIALIST CHILDREN'S CENTRE

It was an honour to be asked to cut the ribbon at the official opening of Ilminster Avenue Specialist Children’s Centre at the end of last month. The new centre will bring together childcare and health services under one roof. The nursery at Ilminster Avenue had already been giving children the very best start in life, and was rated as Outstanding by Ofsted. I was joined by Headteacher, Pat Rogers, and also staff, parents and children to celebrate the opening. Bringing together childcare and health services makes sense, and this will be a brilliant facility for the community. Pat and her dedicated staff have worked so hard to get this project off the ground, and I know it will make a real difference to parents and children. The centre is equipped with a hydrotherapy pool and sensory room, and benefits from a large open space. It will really benefit children with severe and complex learning difficulties and having services located together means an end to parents regularly travelling across the city for their children’s appointments.

WORLD CUP DECISION

I was sorry that England was not selected to host the 2018 Fifa World Cup. England had an excellent bid, and Bristol would have been a magnificent host city. Despite this disappointment, I will still do all that I can to support Bristol City’s new stadium and the jobs and investment it would bring to Bristol South.

MORE SCHOOLS REACH "EVERY CHILD A READER" STANDARD

It was my pleasure to visit two more schools in Bristol South who have achieved the Every Child a Reader standard. I joined celebrations at School of Christ the King in Knowle West and Wansdyke Primary School in Whitchurch by unveiling a plaque and presenting certificates to children who had been working really hard to improve their reading. Every Child a Reader, which is operating in nearly 50 Bristol primary schools, is a programme which helps children who are struggling with their reading. Academic studies have shown the success of the scheme, which provides one-to-one tuition to help ensure children who have difficulty with reading soon catch up with their peers. This is a fantastic project, run by dedicated teachers and volunteers and I’ve seen for myself that it has brilliant results.

Learning to read is so fundamental, which makes Every Child a Reader incredibly important. Unfortunately, the Government seems intent on cutting the funding for projects like these and I’m very worried that some children will get left behind. I will carry on lobbying the Government to convince them that Every Child a Reader is not something that they can afford to cut.”

ELECTRIFICATION HOPES DASHED

It was very disappointing to be told that the Government has decided not to proceed with electrification of the Great Western Mainline, instead postponing a decision until 2011. A decent, modern rail service is vital if we are to bring more jobs and investment to our region. I hope that we can apply enough pressure on the Government in the next few months to convince them of the economic importance of these improvements, and I have written to the Transport Secretary about this matter.

SAINSBURY'S NEW PLANNING APPLICATION

As you may know, Sainsbury’s has submitted a revised planning application for the proposed relocation of its existing Winterstoke Road store to the current Bristol City Football Club site at Ashton Gate. The previous planning application was turned down by councillors in July. I understand the new application is due to be considered at a meeting in January. As always, I believe it’s important for local residents to have their say and if you would like to submit a comment on the latest plans, you can write to the Council’s Democratic Services Team at Room 220, The Council House, College Green, Bristol, BS1 5TR or email: democratic.services@bristol.gov.uk quoting the planning application reference: 10/04777/P.

ANY QUESTIONS?

If you have any queries about these issues, or have a question you would like to ask about anything else, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Just email primarolod@parliament.uk, phone 0117 909 0063 or write to me at PO Box 1002, Bristol, BS99 1WH.