Update from Linda Gilroy: Week ending Friday 11 December 2009
Posted by Linda Gilroy, MP for Plymouth, Sutton, at 10:24, Fri 11 December 2009:
Thought for the Week - Pre Budget Report
On Wednesday the Chancellor unveiled the Pre-Budget Report (i.e.) the Government's financial plans for the next six months. They give a good idea of Labour's priorities for Government - securing the economic recovery by encouraging growth and reducing the amount of debt whilst protecting front line public services. Specific measures included a 50% tax rate imposed on the highest bonuses for bankers, together with more money to tackle energy poverty and to encourage the development of energy efficient technology.
My Week at a Glance
Armed Forces Federation
On Monday I joined representatives from the British Armed Forces Federation in meeting Ministry of Defence officials for discussions about how they can get contribute to shaping the next strategic defence review on behalf of their members.
Water
On Tuesday Anna Walker published the long awaited findings of her Independent Review of Water Metering and Charging. Those of you who have been following my work will know this is something I was heavily involved in shaping. I was able to bring Anna Walker to Plymouth twice in the course of her enquiries to meet with constituents so she could hear first hand about the difficulties our high water bills bring.
It seems she took our concerns onboard, because her Report recognises that for the South West fairness in charging is a significant issue. On Thursday I led a delegation of South West MPs to meet with the water minister to press him to take this onboard. I'm very pleased that he has already asked Ofwat to advise on the options available. I will not let this matter rest. I intend to meet with both Ofwat and the Prime Minister in the New Year. You can find links to Anna Walker's report and an analysis of what this means for the South West at
http://www.lindagilroy.org.uk/independent-review-of-water-metering-and-charging-is-published-t
Community Hero
On Wednesday evening I was delighted to accompany Syliva Wooldridge to No 10 Downing street for a reception hosted by the Prime Minister to celebrate the work of local figures in the community. Sylvia was a founding director of the Wolseley Economic Development Trust and set up a social enterprise Wolseley community Catering which employs seven people and offers training and work experience to a further 11 people. She spoke with Gordon Brown about the importance of providing work based training for young and disabled people.
Four Days in Plymouth
A one line whip meant I could leave Parliament first thing Thursday morning and spend a four day weekend working back home in Plymouth. Yesterday I went to Highview School to watch their Christmas Nativity Play . I wish I could have bottled the happiness and energy of what was a really professional production for such young people! Today I'm hoping to visit the Bingo Hall in Devonport to celebrate the reduction in Bingo tax announced by the Chancellor on Wednesday. I'll also be meeting with Plymouth University Students Union to discuss how we fund higher education - and how we promote good relations between students and local communities. On Saturday I will be joining local Labour Party members in stuffing envelopes - maybe not a glamorous task but something that is nevertheless an important part of our democracy! Then on Sunday I'll be calling in to the Christmas Party at the Crownhill Armed Forces Families Centre.
Looking ahead
Things always seem to get really busy just before Christmas! Next week's diary includes a meeting with the Chief Executive of South West Water, meetings on dementia and osteoporosis, a briefing on the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission (which has taken over from the much troubled Child Support Agency) and Defence Committee sessions on providing better, more cost effective and timely equipment for the armed forces. I hope to take part in debates on the Water and Floods Bill on Tuesday – and the Christmas Recess debate on Wednesday. As its Christmas I will also be treating myself to a visit to the Aztec exhibition at the British Museum! But first of all I will be spending ten days over Christmas in Plymouth which I am really looking forward too.
PS.............
Don't forget that you can use the forums on my website to let me know what you think about proportional representation, reform of the House of Lords and the role of MPs. Find them at http://www.lindagilroy.org.uk/your_say
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