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News from Westminster

Posted by Dawn Primarolo, MP for Bristol South, at 13:51, Fri 31 July 2009:

CHALLENGING BUS FARE INCREASE

I was very disappointed that First Bus has yet again raised the price of some of its fares this week. I’ve consistently campaigned against the expensive bus fares we pay in Bristol, and have raised my concerns repeatedly with both the local bus manager and with the Chief Executive of First Group Plc. Local residents tell me they would use the buses more often if they were more affordable and I have written again to First this week to ask for fares to be reduced, especially when people are struggling during these difficult economic times.

BACKING BRITAIN'S YOUTH

Bristol City Council has been successful in its bid to the Future Jobs Fund, a programme designed to create 150,000 jobs across the country. The jobs will be primarily aimed at young people who have been out of work for a year or more.

In addition, the Department for Work and Pensions has launched a national campaign to encourage employers to do everything possible to help young people find a job, training, or work skills and experience. Employers are being asked to offer work experience places and internships; act as mentors for school and university leavers; consider providing apprenticeships; and make sure job vacancies are advertised to local young unemployed people. I am delighted that young people in Bristol will benefit from the Future Jobs Fund, and I would urge all employers in our city to do what they can, in partnership with the Government, to provide jobs and support to young people throughout the recession and beyond.

RADIO IN SCHOOLS

I was very pleased to visit Bristol’s Heart Radio studios to learn more about their Radio in Schools project. Radio in Schools is working with a number of schools in Bristol South, helping them to make and upload podcasts on to the internet. This is fantastic for improving children and young people’s communication skills, and the high-tech nature of the project keeps pupils interested. Radio in Schools uses the latest technology, but it’s still user friendly for teachers and children alike. I even recorded my own podcast, which you can listen to at www.radioinschools.co.uk. While I was at Heart, I also had time to talk to breakfast show hosts Bush, Troy and Paulina, about life as an MP.

KICK-STARTING BUILDING WORK

The Government has announced that 270 stalled development projects across Britain have been shortlisted for a share of £925 million to help get building work back on track for 22,400 homes and create up to 20,000 new jobs. Two of the short-listed projects are in Bristol South, including the Lake Shore project in Hartcliffe, which will provide 287 homes. Funding will only be provided where developers cannot get support from other sources, and tight restrictions will be placed on the funding, including the ability to get work going again straight away. This funding will be incredibly important in ensuring we make some progress to reducing the housing shortage, and will provide nearly 9,000 affordable homes. Short-listed projects will now undergo a rigorous assessment to ensure that public funds are well spent.

ELECTRIFICATION OF THE GREAT WESTERN MAINLINE

I was very interested to hear the announcement by Transport Secretary, Andrew Adonis, about electrification of the main railway line between Bristol and London. Electric trains will mean quicker, quieter and more reliable journeys; extra seats; and lower energy use. The electrification programme will boost jobs and is central to the UK carbon reduction plan because electric trains emit 20%-35% less carbon per passenger mile than diesel trains. It is hoped electric services between London and Bristol will be introduced by the end of 2016, and on to Swansea by the end of 2017.

STRENGTHENING LOCAL DEMOCRACY CONSULTATION

I welcomed last week’s launch of the consultation on local democratic renewal, which is a major part of the Government’s proposals for constitutional reform, and proposes a fundamental transfer of power to local government. The consultation suggests ways of increasing both the powers and the accountability of local government to make councils stronger, with the aim of improving local services and enhancing the quality of life for local people, as well as ensuring citizens have as much say and involvement as possible. More information about the consultation, which is open until 2 October, and details about how to respond, are available on the following website: http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/localdemocracyconsultation

BUS RAPID TRANSIT

The Department for Transport has pledged financial support for the proposed Bus Rapid Transit route planned between Ashton Vale and Bristol Temple Meads via City Centre. The new scheme would see rapid transit vehicles offering an alternative to the private car with its quick and reliable journey times. Exact details of the route are yet to be confirmed, but I’m very pleased that the Government has chosen to back improvements to Bristol’s public transport system.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT FROM COMPANIES

From time to time, I am contacted by large companies and organisations, offering support to community groups and the voluntary sector. What follows should not, therefore, be seen as either an exhaustive list or an endorsement of the company involved. I do, however, think it’s important to promote activities from large organisations that could benefit our communities, so I’m happy to report:

• BT is working to provide facilities to help community groups both get online and develop their own websites. For information on how to apply for a laptop and a year’s free broadband, visit www.btcommunityconnections.com. For further details of free websites for community groups, click on www.communitykit.co.uk.

• The British Gas Green Streets Scheme is offering a total of £2million to invest in 14 community projects which deliver environmental improvements and education. For more, please see www.britishgas.co.uk/greenstreets.

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. Email me at primarolod@parliament.uk, phone 0117 909 0063 or write to me at PO Box 1002, Bristol, BS99 1WH. Alternatively, for more information on what’s happening in and around Bristol South, you can visit www.bristolsouthlabourparty.org.uk.