Local constituency news - and back in Parliament
Posted by Mark Lazarowicz, MP for Edinburgh North and Leith, at 16:20, Tue 21 April 2009:
We're back at Parliament in Westminster this week after Easter, and of course the big focus this week will be on the Budget. I will be covering the Budget, and what in particular its implications are for Edinburgh in my website and blog on Wednesday.
However, I thought I would write today with some information both about some national issues but also a lot of local issues, in which I have been involved during our short Parliamentary recess at Easter.
At UK level, a number of new measures came into effect from the beginning of April. These included a cut in the basic rate of tax, increases in child tax credits and working tax credits, a rise in the basic state pension, a new grant for mums-to-be, incentives for businesses to recruit extra staff, and stronger rights for people at work with the extension of the right to request flexible working and tougher enforcement of the minimum wage. You can find more details of all of these on my website at http://www.marklazarowicz.org.uk/new-government-support-to-create-a-fairer-society-welcomed-by-ma.
And today, the UK government has announced the details of the Homeowners Mortgage Support scheme which will enable eligible borrowers, throughout the UK, who suffer a temporary loss of income to cut their mortgage interest payments for up to two years to help them get back on track with their finances. You can get details at this weblink: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Keepingyourhomeevictionsandhomelessness/Mortgagesandrepossessions/DG_177639.
Locally, there’s a lot happening in different parts of Edinburgh North & Leith. This week, on Wednesday 22 April, the group working to bring Leith Theatre (at the back of Leith Library) back into public use are organising an open public consultation event between 1500-1700 and 1800-2000. Just drop in if you want to find out more.
Also in Leith, the campaign for a Leith museum, which I chair, has launched its proposals for a museum in Leith Custom House. These are exciting proposals, and you can find more details of them on my website at http://www.marklazarowicz.org.uk/3fc89a31-a186-7c54-45a3-580bc7e76b08.
An issue which has been raised by a number of people in various communities throughout Edinburgh North & Leith is the future of local bus services. There have been reductions in a number of services over recent months, and more are threatened. Along with local residents, we have organised a 'Bring Back our Buses' campaign. The initial focus has been on buses in the Broughton and Leith areas, but there is concern over this issue in many parts of the constituency. You can find out more on the campaign website at http://bringbackourbuses.blogspot.com/ and there is also an on-line petition at http://www.gopetition.co.uk/online/26914/sign.html which you can sign if you are concerned about the issue.
As you may know, I have been involved in a group which has been looking at the possibility of a 'community energy' initiative in the North Edinburgh area. This would aim both to promote renewable energy and to help tackle fuel poverty. The first stage of the work of this group has now been completed, and there will be a public conference on the proposals and related issues on Saturday 9 May, in the Prentice Centre at West Granton. A full programme for the event can be found at http://www.edinburghcommunityenergy.btik.com/documents/2168771875.ikml.
There is no charge for attendance, but advance registration is desirable.
Also on the environmental theme, 'Greener Leith' are currently carrying out a ‘travel survey’ for anyone with an EH5, EH6, or EH7 postcode. This is part of their project funded by the Climate Challenge Fund, and they are keen for as many people as possible to take part. You can find the survey at http://www.greenerleith.org/travel. Have a look!
There is news about many other local initiatives and events on the Community Pages on my website at http://www.marklazarowicz.org.uk/-news-from-the-community.
Looking at the international scene, I thought I would give advance notice of an event I am involved in organising which will be looking at the current situation concerning international development issues. The UK Secretary of State for International Development, Douglas Alexander MP, will be speaking at a public meeting in the constituency at 7pm on Friday 19 June. This will be an opportunity both to hear about some of the key issues for international development, and also to raise your concerns and questions with him. The event will take place at St George's West Church, Shandwick Place. Places should be booked in advance as there is expected to be considerable demand for this meeting. Please email me if you would like to book a place or places.
These are only some of the issues I have been involved with over the last few weeks. If you would like more details, please visit my website http://www.marklazarowicz.org.uk/ or blog. These include my views on a wide range of both local and national issues, ranging from pedestrian safety on Leith Walk to the G20 demonstrations in London, and the topic of MPs allowances! If you have any comments, views or questions, let me know or join in the debate on my blog at http://marklazarowicz.blogspot.com/. (I am also on Facebook).
I hope you find this newsletter of interest.
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