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Email from Peter Bone MP

Posted by Peter Bone, MP for Wellingborough, at 17:12, Thu 16 February 2006:

NEWSLETTER FROM PETER BONE MP Member of Parliament for Wellingborough and Rushden

LISTENING TO WELLINGBOROUGH AND RUSHDEN

February 2006

It has been an exciting few weeks at Parliament since the Christmas recess. I have been extremely busy both at the Houses of Parliament and in the constituency.

I had been lucky to secure another Westminster Hall Debate on Pensioner Incomes in Wellingborough which was held on 17 January 2006. In my speech I explained the problems that pensioners face in Wellingborough particularly with Council Tax. Wellingborough has seen the biggest rise in Council tax since council tax began and in the debate I urged the Government to look into better and fairer ways of funding local councils so that they are not forced to hike up council tax as a result of the small financial settlements given to them from central Government.

Those on fixed incomes, especially pensioners are hit the hardest because the small rises in their state pensions are swallowed up by the rises in Council Tax.

I also talked about the failings of the Pension Credit system where pensioners are means tested and have to fill out forms disclosing many personal details to see if they are eligible. Our pensioners should be treated with dignity and respect in their old age. Those that have worked hard all their lives and paid tax and National Insurance deserve a proper, decent pension to live from in their old age. They should not be dictated to as to how they spend their money. They know best and the Government should start trusting them.

I also spoke in my colleague Philip Hollobone, the very active and excellent Member of Parliament for Kettering’s debate on NHS Dentistry which was held in Westminster Hall on 10 January 2006. NHS dentistry in Wellingborough and Rushden has been effectively privatised. I did a survey of dentists in the constituency on the day of the debate and out of the eleven I contacted, not one dental practise was taking on new NHS patients. And the situation for existing NHS dental patients is about the get much worse.

From April this year, NHS patients who currently pay six pounds and twenty pence for a filling will have to pay forty two pounds and forty pence. That is seven times more expensive or if you like a six hundred and eighty four per cent increase. It is even more expensive than a filling would cost if it was done privately.

A partial denture on the NHS currently costs forty nine pounds and forty eight pence. From April this year, NHS patients will have to pay one hundred and eighty nine pounds for the same procedure. That is a three hundred and eighty-two per cent increase.

But the money generated from this huge increase in prices will not go to the dentists but back to the Government. NHS Dentistry has reached crisis point in Wellingborough and something must be done so that everyone has access to decent, affordable treatment.

In the last few weeks I have also spoken in debates on the following issues: Internet Rogue Dialling The World Trade Organisation Talks in Hong Kong The Animal Welfare Bill Rural Post Offices Electoral Administration The Child Support Agency School Milk Provision The Work and Families Bill The role of Parish Councils in the Planning Process Rising energy prices Anti-social behaviour The National Lottery Bill The Government of Wales Bill NHS Audiology Services Rail Travel Community Hospitals The Fire Service Bullying in Schools The Government’s 10 Year Transport Plan Further Education

I am currently the sixth most active Member of Parliament for speaking in debates in the House of Commons and have now spoken in over 90 debates since being elected in May 2005.

In addition I have asked a large number of Parliamentary Written Questions to the various Government departments over recent weeks. The questions I have asked cover a wide range of topics and issues and I list just some of the topics below:

Secondary School places Nuclear Power Military Strategy The European Union Budget Child Support Agency Tax Returns and Self Assessment forms Cardiac Rehabilitation Services Pension Credits Homeland Security Alternative energy supplies Hospital Waiting times Avian Influenza Removal of failed asylum seekers Road Safety Legal Aid 2012 Olympics

For a detailed list of my questions and the relevant Ministers’ answers, please log on to www.theyworkforyou.com

I have also been very busy in the constituency over recent weeks. In addition to my weekly surgeries and constituents’ home visits I have had numerous meetings with local organisations and groups and have attended many events. They include:

  • Speaking at the Holocaust Memorial Ceremony at Swanspool House

  • Participating in the Indian Republic Day at the Hindu Community Centre in Wellingborough

  • Meeting with the local Chief Superintendent of Wellingborough Police to discuss local crime issues

  • Meeting with the Strategic Health Authority and the Northamptonshire Heartlands Primary Care Trust

  • Meeting with the Chief Crown Prosecutor at the Northamptonshire Crown Prosecution Service

  • Meeting with local fire fighters in relation to the Government’s proposed changes to fire fighters’ pensions

  • Meeting with the Local Government Minister, officials from the County Council and Northamptonshire Police to fight for a fairer funding settlement for the county.

  • Meetings with the Leaders of Northamptonshire County Council, Borough of Wellingborough Council and East Northamptonshire District Council.

  • Visiting local businesses based at Finedon Sidings to discuss road safety issues.

  • Visiting the pupils of Denfield Park School to listen to their concerns about crime and disorder.

  • Meeting with local Primary School Head teachers to listen to their views and concerns.

  • Meeting with concerned residents at Brook Vale, Wilby to discuss concerns over pedestrian safety at the roundabout near Sainsbury’s in Wilby, Wellingborough.

  • Collecting a petition signed by parents of pupils at All Saints School in Wellingborough concerning the safety of children crossing the road due to illegally parked cars.

  • Visiting the Wellingborough Prison’s Visitors Centre and meeting volunteers who run the facility to discuss issues of funding.

  • Meeting with local pensioners to discuss their concerns relating to council tax, the state pensions and pension credits.

  • Attending the Indian High Commission for discussions with the High Commissioner and the Minister for Trade

  • Meeting with the local JobCentre Plus to discuss local employment

  • Meeting with Chilean teacher on exchange visit to Rushden

  • Lobbying with the police authority regarding the Government’s proposed police force mergers

  • Meeting with representatives of Wellingborough based company RICOH to discuss recycling issues

If you know of any local group or organisation who you feel would benefit from having a meeting with me, please do not hesitate to let me know on 01933 279 343.

If anyone would like to come and see me at my weekly surgeries, they can also ring 01933 279 343 for an appointment. My constituency office is open most week day mornings if anyone would like to drop in. My office is 21 High Street, Wellingborough, NN8 4JZ.

Yours Ever Peter Bone MP Member of Parliament for Wellingborough and Rushden

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