Latest news from Bolton West and Westminster
Posted by Ruth Kelly, MP for Bolton West, at 09:58, Fri 13 March 2009:
Dear Constituent,
I am writing to keep you updated regarding developments both in my constituency and at Westminster.
Bolton West
Planning appeal to be heard next month
The Planning Inspectorate has announced that a date has been set for the appeal of planning application 80089/08. The application, which concerned changing the usage of the existing Dickinsons site in Blackrod include a waste treatment plant, was rejected by Bolton Council last August.
Orchid Environmental had submitted a planning application to Bolton Council to build a facility in Station Road which is capable of processing 75,000 tonnes of rubbish a year. It would use pioneering technology to separate the rubbish into recyclables and material suitable for bio-fuel conversion. The plans were rejected by the planning committee but the company has since launched an appeal.
I have submitted a letter to the Planning Inspectorate, highlighting concerns expressed by constituents. I have enclosed a selection of correspondence which I have received from residents. I have asked the Planning Inspectorate to consider the verdict of the Planning Committee at Bolton Council, who highlighted highways considerations for refusing to grant planning permission.
The appeal will be heard at Bolton Town Hall on 7th April at 10am.
Energy Saving Trust highlights savings
I have urged local residents to cut their carbon use and save money following recommendations from The Energy Saving Trust. There are many ways that residents can save energy such as changing to energy saving light bulbs, insulating homes to preserve heat and only filling the kettle as needed. Other simple ways to reduce costs include turning the thermostat down by one degree and not leaving unused appliances on standby.
Residents can also cut energy usage by changing home appliances, adopting more eco-friendly travel habits and by recycling waste and unwanted household goods. A free home energy report is available by filling in an online questionnaire on their web site.
It is vital that we all play our part in tackling climate change and reducing carbon emissions. The good news is that saving energy also means saving money on energy bills. Wasted energy costs families on average £300 a year, and more than a quarter of all our emissions are from our homes. I urge residents to find out more about their use of gas and electricity and see how small changes can lead to savings for both households and the environment.
Many residents may be eligible for Warm Front grants which can be used to fund loft and cavity wall insulation, replace appliances to energy efficient alternatives or improved heating facilities. Residents are advised to contact 0800 072 9006 to see if they qualify for the scheme.
To find out how you can reduce your personal carbon footprint and save money, visit http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/What-can-I-do-today
Bolton Council agree new green targets
I wrote last month to Bolton Council to ask how they are working with the Energy Saving Trust to reduce carbon emissions. Bolton Council have replied that they will publish new agreed targets to produce further CO2 reductions later in the spring.
I am pleased that Bolton Council is playing its part in ensuring a greener future and it is important that councils continue to cut their carbon emissions year upon year. I welcome the fact that the council is agreeing more ambitious targets and I look forward to seeing these outlined in greater detail.
Fair Trade Fortnight
I have been encouraging residents to buy fair trade products to ensure that farmers and traders in developing countries continue to benefit from the initiative. The Government have recently announced further support to the Fair Trade movement.
The government has committed significant resources to the Fair Trade movement; almost £2 million has been given to Fairtrade since 1997 out of £12 million to fair and ethical trade initiatives. The Government’s support for Aid for Trade which helps developing countries build their trade capacity is growing and will be above £400 million a year by 2010.
During this global economic downturn, it is vital that world trade continues. Our shopping habits can make a real difference to the world’s poorest people. Fair Trade helps support 7.5 million people in the developing world. By buying food and presents from developing countries we will help grow their economies and reduce poverty. Already the UK’s demand for African fruit and vegetables benefits a million farmers and their families. When consumers and retailers act together to promote and buy goods from developing countries, we can make a real difference to the lives of some of the world’s poorest people.
Fairtrade sales in the UK have been doubling every 2 years for the last 10 years. The total value of Fairtrade labelled products sold in the UK in 2007 was £493 million, up from £286 million in 2006. This growth is not restricted to the UK: the market for Fairtrade labelled products has been growing worldwide at 30-40 per cent a year. By the end of 2007 Fairtrade sales exceeded £1.6 billion.
Events
I visited Johnson Fold and saw for myself the excellent work being undertaken in the AGES (Active Gardening Exchange Scheme) scheme. Groups of volunteers participate in weekly gardening sessions in their own gardens, or in the gardens of people who can no longer maintain them on their own.
I also took a tour of Horwich Leisure Centre to learn of the progress being made as past of the ‘Be Healthy, Be Active’ initiative. Bolton Community Leisure Trust is liaising with the local authority and primary care trust to encourage healthy cycling and healthy walking in addition to swimming activities. The Trust has also been consulting with disability groups to construct a gym which suits the needs of disabled residents.
I also visited Bolton Hospice’s shop in Westhoughton to discuss the challenges faced by the charity with volunteers at the shop and Cathy Wright, Shop Co-ordinator. Residents can donate to Bolton Hospice by calling 01204 663055 or emailing fundraising@boltonhospice.org
Westminster
Prime Minister's speech to US Congress
Last week, Gordon Brown delivered a speech to both houses of the US Congress urging the world to work alongside the US and UK to overcome the global financial crisis. The PM, only the fifth British Prime Minister to speak to both houses, said the UK and US could not be expected to bear the burden of economic stimulus alone.
Addressing members of Congress in Washington, he said: “You now have the most pro-American European leadership in living memory - a leadership that wants to cooperate more closely together, in order to cooperate more closely with you. There is no old Europe, no new Europe, there is only your friend Europe.
“So once again I say we should seize this moment - because never before have I seen a world so willing to come together so much. Never before has that been more needed. And never before have the benefits of cooperation been so far-reaching.”
Mr Brown urged combined action in order to stabilise banks and increase demand around the world. In turn, he said, the cooperation would create more jobs and help return trade to being an “engine of prosperity”.
The Prime Minister again highlighted the strong UK-US bond saying there was no power on earth that could drive the two countries apart.
The PM said: “We will work tirelessly with you as partners for peace in the Middle East: for a two state solution… that provides for nothing less than a secure Israel, safe within its borders, existing side-by-side with a viable Palestinian state… And our shared message to Iran is simple - we are ready for you to rejoin the world community. But first, you must cease your threats and suspend your nuclear programme.”
Welcome news on waiting times
Statistics released last month reveal that the NHS is continuing to make excellent progress in reducing hospital referral to treatment (RTT) waiting times to 18 weeks. The announcement was made days after The British Social Attitudes survey revealed that people are more satisfied with the NHS now than at any time in the last 25 years and significantly more so than 10 years ago.
The most recent statistics released by the Department of Health showed that NHS Bolton, formerly Bolton Primary Care Trust, achieved higher results than the national average. 90.83% of admitted patients are seen within 18 weeks, whilst for non-admitted patients the figure is 96.10%.
Twelve years ago, it was not uncommon for patients to have to wait well over 18 months for an operation. These figures are great news for patients who can now expect much faster access to NHS care and I am particularly pleased with the results achieved locally by NHS Bolton. The dedication of hospital staff and the extra investment in services are reflected in the results of The British Social Attitudes survey .
The Department of Health hit its target five months ahead of the end of December 2008 deadline and continues to do so. The 18 week target levels are 90% for admitted patients and 95% for non-admitted patients to allow for patients who do not want to start their treatment within 18 weeks and patients for whom it is clinically appropriate to wait longer.
Statistics for November show that throughout the whole of England 90.6% of admitted patients were seen and 96.5% of non-admitted patients were dealt with within 18 weeks of being referred by their GP. The 90% (admitted) target at the national level has been achieved for the fourth month in a row. The 95% (non-admitted) target at the national level has been achieved for the fifth month in a row.
The British Social Attitudes survey has shown that 69% of people with personal experience of inpatient care are satisfied with that aspect of the NHS. 60% stated that they were satisfied with outpatient services –– the highest level for nearly two decades.
Change4Life
The Department of Health has developed Change4Life which aims to be a coalition across society of health and education professionals, the third sector, community groups, supermarkets, food manufacturers and the media.
The purpose of the coalition is to prevent people from becoming overweight by encouraging them to eat better and move more. It is estimated that, if current trends continue, 90% of today’s children could be overweight or obese by 2050.
The Change4Life advertising campaign began on 3 January 2009 on TV, in the press, on billboards and online. The campaign is particularly targeting young families and giving them relevant information to promote healthy choices around food and exercise.
The Change4Life web site offers suggestions for ensuring children eat 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day, tips to cut back on fatty foods and ideas to help children get 60 ‘active minutes’ during the day.
The site also provides information to dispel the myths associated with food and losing weight. There is also a link for residents to enter their postcode to see what services and facilities are available in their local area.
I fully support the aims of Change4Life to build physical activity into our lives and to promote healthier food choices. It is important that the benefits of regular exercise and healthy eating are highlighted across our community and it is especially important to develop such habits as children.
For more information, please contact the Change4Life helpline on 0300 123 4567 or visit http://www.nhs.uk/change4life
Free theatre places for young people
The Government have launched a scheme providing free theatre tickets for under 26 year olds. The scheme was announced by Andy Burnham, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and endorsed by Eddie Izzard and Kevin Spacey.
Theatres across Britain have signed up to the Government’s scheme which is offering 618,000 free theatre tickets across England for the next two years. The Octagon Theatre is taking part in the scheme.
I am pleased that the Government are taking steps to encourage more young people to visit the theatre. I have seen myself how positively young people respond to the theatre and The Octagon has put on many fantastic productions. I look forward to working with schools and collages to ensure that as many young people in our community as possible know about the scheme and how to apply to get their free tickets.
For more information on the scheme please visit: www.anightlessordinary.org.uk
The clips can be downloaded here:
www.silverfish.tv/clients/FreeTheatre/Free_Theatre_Tickets_Eddie.wmv
www.silverfish.tv/clients/FreeTheatre/Free_Theatre_Tickets_Eddie_and_Kevin.wmv
Kindest regards,
Ruth Kelly
MP for Bolton West
Commenting on this message is now disabled.