News from Westminster
Posted by Dawn Primarolo, MP for Bristol South, at 11:44, Mon 1 February 2010:
WELCOME!
Here’s the latest edition of my regular newsletter.
A FURTHER FALL IN CRIME
National statistics published on 21 January show that crime across England and Wales has fallen by nine per cent. This is good news, and it is especially encouraging to see that crimes such as burglary and robbery – which often cause a great deal of anguish for victims – have both dropped significantly. The fall is confirmed both by recorded crime, and the British Crime Survey, which asks a large sample of people if they have been victims of crime. The statistics surprised experts, who had thought the recession might cause an increase in crime. Of course, it is also very important that we continue to address the fear of crime. I know that our local police teams in Bristol South are out and about on the beat, and are taking residents’ concerns on board. As you may know, you now have the chance to set your local team’s policing priorities. Visit http://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/LocalPages/ for more information.
RECESSION ENDS
Data released last week shows that the British economy is now growing again, following the recession. This, coupled with the fall in unemployment, are encouraging signs for recovery. We cannot, of course, afford to be complacent. The Government has introduced a range of measures to support businesses and individuals suffering from the effects of the down-turn, and we recognise that there is still a great deal of work to do. Here in Bristol South, we will soon see the opening of the Skills Academy on Hengrove Park, which will transform the learning opportunities available to people in our community. Nationally, programmes such as the Car Scrappage Scheme continue to give an important shot in the arm to industry. Last week, the Young Person’s Guarantee came into effect. This means that young people who have been unemployed for more than six months will receive an offer of a job, work experience or training. The Guarantee, which will see the Government working with small, medium sized and large businesses, will benefit around 900 people in the Bristol region. For more information, just get in touch.
SALE OF CADBURY TO KRAFT
You will have seen in the news that American food company Kraft has made an £11.9 billion bid for Cadbury. From a local point of view, this deal would at least offer some hope for workers at the Somerdale factory in Keynsham. Cadbury bosses had planned to close Somerdale and move production to Poland, whereas Kraft have pledged to look at options which would keep the Keynsham factory open. Obviously, workers and their representatives will want to look closely at the details of Kraft’s plans. Talk of a takeover will also be of interest to the many Bristol South residents who have pensions from Cadbury. I will be keeping a close eye on the situation as it continues to develop.
INCREASED FUNDING TO FAMILIES
In my role as Minister for Children, I was very pleased to announce £2.6 million for Family Intervention Projects (FIPs). FIPs seek to challenge and support families who have been responsible for anti-social behaviour or nuisance in the community, as well as those misusing drugs or alcohol. Evidence shows that FIPs are working, helping not only the families directly involved, but also the whole community. It is very important that we continue to challenge anti-social behaviour, as it is simply not acceptable that a small number of people can make life a misery for a whole community. The projects are tough, forcing families to confront their behaviour or risk police action or losing their home. At the same time, they offer a fresh-start to those families who want to make a positive contribution. FIPs have been successfully used in Bristol, and I would certainly encourage the Council to bid for this important funding.
BRISTOL CHOSEN FOR LOW CARBON PILOT
Last Thursday, Bristol was announced as one of nine local authorities that will work with the Government as part of a pilot project over the next 12 months to drive down carbon emissions and contribute to an ambitious programme of action to tackle climate change. The new local low carbon frameworks to be developed by councils will set out clear targets for action on reducing carbon emissions and could include action on issues such as: recycling, energy efficiency, wind power and transport. More information is available from the Department for Communities and Local Government website: www.communities.gov.uk
HAITI UPDATE
The situation in Haiti following the devastating earthquake remains desperately difficult, and the Government is continuing to do what it can to help. The UK has now provided aid of £25 million, which has helped more than 350,000 people receive food, water, shelter and medical care. This is in addition to the tremendous efforts of people across Britain who have donated to the appeal.
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. Just email primarolod@parliament.uk, phone 0117 909 0063 or write to me at PO Box 1002, Bristol, BS99 1WH.
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