Phil Hope MP - News archive: Jan 2009

News Archive Jan - Feb 2009

Phil welcomes rise in apprenticeships

Phil Hope MP welcomed figures showing the huge rise in the number of people completing apprenticeships in his constituency, as part of apprenticeship week.

The number of people completing apprenticeships in Corby and East Northamptonshire has risen from130 in 2004 in to 260 in 2008 – a rise of 100% in just 4 years. The figures come as people up and down the country have been celebrating the revival of apprenticeships as part of Apprenticeship Week.

Phil Hope said:
"Apprenticeships are a great way to get on in life for young people and adults who want on the job training. I'm really pleased that the number of people starting an apprenticeship has increased so fast, and I congratulate everyone in Corby and East Northamptonshire who has completed an apprenticeship in the last few years.

"The Government is expanding apprenticeships even further in the coming years, which is great news for our area. And we will soon be introducing a right to an apprenticeship place for every suitably qualified young person who wants one."
27/02/09

First Train direct to London in forty years

Phil at Corby station

Phil Hope MP stepped on the first direct train from Corby to London at 6:27 am on Monday the 23rd of February. Train operator East Midlands Trains have introduced a single daily direct return service between Corby and London St Pancras. The interim service will operate while East Midlands Trains conclude negotiations to enable the introduction of the full timetable for Corby.
Phil Hope MP said:

"This was an historic day for Corby after so long without a passenger rail service. I was delighted to take the first training pulling out of the station going direct to London. But our campaign is not over and I expect an announcement on the start of the full service shortly."
23/02/09

Just the Job

Phil Hope visited Corby Job Centre Plus to meet David Simms District Manager and the Corby Job Centre centre team. He sat in on an interview with one of their clients to find out exactly how Job Centre Plus is helping people who have recently lost their jobs or are at risk of losing their jobs.

Representatives from Fairline boats met him there to discuss how a local employer can work proactively to help their employees when they know that job loses are imminent.

He spent time with representatives of Tresham College to see how local training providers are helping people back into work. Tresham College is running short courses on writing CVs, interviewing skills, and applying for work online.

Phil Hope said:
"I visited Job Centre Plus in Corby to see how the initiatives announced by the government are helping people who have recently found themselves out of work. I want to be able to reassure local people that there is help out there for them, not only from the Job Centre but from local training providers and employers.

"Corby Job Centre is increasing and up skilling its staff so that people coming to them for the first time will be given time and the right support. People who already know that their jobs are at risk can get help before they stop working; with preparing their CVs, learning job search skills and interview techniques. I was really interested to learn than the Job Centre website is the 2nd biggest in Europe and that you can access it from home.

"Many of the people who are looking for work now have never been in this position before: they will be feeling vulnerable and intimidated. I think it is important that they are treated with respect and are give all the skills they need to get back into work quickly."

To find out more visit the Jobcentre Plus website
If you are unemployed, the usual benefit is Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), which you can be claim over the phone. You will also be given an appointment to come into the jobcentre for personal help and advice.

Phone 0800 0 55 66 88 (phone lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The call will take 40 minutes and if necessary the jobcentre can call you back.

You can also make a claim for Jobseeker's Allowance online at Directgov or visit www.direct.gov.uk/benefitsadviser to check whether you may be eligible for other financial help.
23/02/09

Play on Words

Phil at Play on Words festival

Phil Hope visited Corby Library during ‘Play on Words' a Corby Borough festival to celebrate and acknowledge the importance of books and literacy in all our lives.

Phil met author Julia Jarmon and her young audience when she read her amazing stories of make believe to them. Julia writes for tots and teens and in-betweens.

Play on Words has a whole programme of events planned through until March 15th, including various artists, storytellers, magicians, puppeteers, theatre companies and workshops.

Phil Hope MP said:
"I really enjoyed meeting Julia and her charming audience at Corby Library. I fully support ‘Play on Words – The Corby Literacy Festival. I was pleased that so many parents had brought their children along, the festival is on until March 15th so I would urge people to look out for more events like this one.

"The pleasure of reading is fundamental to achieving success in life, and learning to enjoy reading early can make all the difference to a child's aspirations. ‘This festival is about bringing the joy of reading to the whole family ensuring that the will to read is nurtured and flourishes."
23/02/09

Blind inclusion challenge:
Phil Hope is first MP to sign up

Phil Hope is the first MP to respond to a UK inclusion challenge to help blind and partially-sighted people.

Phil Hope has agreed to link with Peterborough social enterprise business Screenreader.net, which gives away free software so that blind people anywhere in the world can enjoy the benefits of the talking computer.
As well as making his website 'blind-friendly' -– and paying towards the cost - the minister also came up with the idea of a logo for all MPs' websites, with a link to the free software.

One in 60 UK citizens has significant sight difficulties and blind and visually impaired people are often excluded from the political process.
However, with a talking computer, these citizens can become more actively involved and engaged – finding out what their local MPs are up to, lobbying parliament, writing letters and reading replies.

Phil Hope MP said:
"I am delighted to be able to take this opportunity to make my website 'blind-friendly' because I think it is really important that visually impaired people are able to keep themselves informed and take an active part in the political process.

"The Thunder screenreader turns an ordinary PC into a talking computer. By reading out loud what's on screen it will enable people with sight difficulties to listen to Internet sites, shop on-line, hear their e-mails and, with the software reading out to them as they type, they will be able to create letters and other documents with ease."

Now the rest of the UK's 646 MPs around the UK are being asked to sign up to the inclusion challenge.

"Any website which is serious about including blind people should display our logo." urged Roger Wilson-Hinds, who runs Screenreader.net with his wife Margaret.

The couple, who are both blind, have already signed up campaign support from former Cabinet minister David Blunkett, who acts as their champion. And last year, Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley showed his support by meeting with Screenreader.net and their website designers, Granite5, in his local Cambridge constituency.
01/03/09

Welcome News of £1.5 m for North Northamptonshire ACRE

Phil Hope has welcomed news that following his support in North Northamptonshire's Action with Communities in Rural Areas bid they have received £1.5m funding from the East Midlands Development Agency.

Phil Hope MP said:
"I am delighted that North Northamptonshire ACRE has won £1.5 million in funding from emda which will be of direct benefit to the 60 or so villages and small towns in the rural part of my constituency.
"The themes of the bid were to promote rural tourism, local food and drink, to help in the diversification of local forestry and to support micro-enterprises.
The funding will ensure that many innovative enterprises the rural communities around Corby and East Northamptonshire will continue to progress."

David Quayle Chief Executive of Northamptonshire ACRE said:
"We are absolutely delighted with this, especially after a rather long process going back nearly 18 months. We look forward to developing and delivering the projects and activities under the bid."
20/02/09

Government Cracks Down on Debt Scams

Phil Hope has welcomed action by the Government to clamp down on businesses which are exploiting people in financial difficulty by making misleading claims about arranging for debts to be written off.

The Ministry of Justice has produced new guidance aimed at firms who deal in debt advice and counselling. They have been warned that if their adverts make dubious claims or leave out important information which might breach consumer protection regulations, they could face enforcement action that might ultimately result in authorisations being removed.

Supporting this action, Phil Hope MP said:
"Vulnerable people in Corby and East Northamptonshire facing debt problems need help and support. I am pleased that the Government is cracking down on businesses who falsely claim they can write off debt. The new guidance which the Government is producing will protect innocent customers from being misled by irresponsible firms."

Echoing those remarks, Labour's Justice Minister Bridget Prentice said:
"We would urge anyone in who is considering using a business offering debt help to think carefully before entering an arrangement and seek independent advice before making any final decisions. Our new guidance is also an important reminder to local businesses about the need to comply with rules on advertising and marketing and provide an effective service to their customers."
20/02/09

Help to Weather the Economic Storm

Phil Hope welcomes a new guide for businesses and families to get through this difficult period.

"I know that the international financial crisis is having a real impact on individuals, families and businesses in Corby and East Northamptonshire.

"We shouldn't repeat the mistakes of the past when people were left to cope on their own. So I welcome the launch of a new guide to finding help with homes, jobs and finances when you need it.

"The guide outlines the real help available now that the Labour Government has put in place to support people and businesses through the downturn, and how you can access it.

Please get in touch with me if you'd like to know more about this. Or to download a copy of the Real help now leaflet and for further information on this go to www.direct.gov.uk"
18/02/09

Gordon Brown opens Corby Business Academy

Gordon Brown and Phil Hope with Corby Business Academy students

Prime Minister Gordon Brown accepted Phil Hope's invitation to come to Corby to officially open the new Corby Business Academy.
The Prime Minster and Phil Hope MP were led on a tour of the school by head boy Jordon Joseph and head girl Jacqueline Tsiga. They spent time speaking to many students in class rooms and work areas around the school. Then they were welcomed by Executive Principal Peter Simpson and Principal Dr Andrew Campbell to the official opening ceremony.
Phil Hope MP presented the academy with an antique trowel that had been presented to him at the topping out ceremony of the building before introducing the Prime Minster.

Phil Hope MP said:
"I am incredibly proud to be welcoming the Prime Minister to Corby today to open this wonderful new academy. On our tour of the building we spoke to lots of young people who are full of enthusiasm and pride for their new school.

"I have been delighted by the number of students that Gordon and I spoke to who are already setting their sights high and planning to go on to university. The academy is already succeeding by improving the aspirations of our young people in Corby."

Gordon Brown and Phil Hope with Corby Business Academy students

Gordon Brown said:
"The building is fantastic, the facilities are amazing and the sports facilities are great.

"The most important thing I have seen this morning is the moral, determination and commitment, the feeling that every body here is part of a great project where everyone works together.

"Corby works best when Corby works together, just as Britain works best when Britain works together.

"You should be incredibly proud of what you are achieving. This academy will ensure that thousands of young people get better chances than they've every had before, which will mean a skilled highly educated work force in the years to come and most importantly the young people will be able to realise their dreams."

YouTube video of Gordon Brown's visit to the Midlands.

16/02/09

Phil Hope calls Oakley Vale Roads to be adopted

Signing Oaley Vale petition
Phil Hope is launching a campaign with Oakley Vale Residents and County Councillor Jim McKellar to get all the roads on Oakley Vale Estate adopted. He is calling on Northamptonshire County Council to immediately enter and conclude negotiations with the developers of Oakley Vale and the utility companies to complete the road works and ‘adopt' all the roads in the area.

Phil Hope said:
"It is totally unacceptable that work has not been completed on the roads and services of the Oakley Vale estate, the lack of action has created a serious hazard to residents and visitors to the estate. It has also meant that proper road gritting has not been carried out during the recent cold spell.

"I am calling for immediate action to find a solution to this intolerable delay which has resulted in residents within Oakley Vale having to cope with less than acceptable levels of service. I am asking NCC to use all their powers to negotiate or if need be impose an answer to the problem without further delay."

Phil Hope MP joined Councillor Jim McKellar and Judy Caine Chair of the Oakley Vale Community Association at the shopping area in Oakley Vale to launch a petition calling for action.

You can download a petition to collect signatures (Word of pdf)

OR register your support online.
16/02/09

Stars back scheme for free theatre tickets

Phil Hope MP joined Eddie Izzard and Kevin Spacy in welcoming the offer of free theatre tickets for under 26 year olds.

The Royal and Derngate Theatres have signed up to the scheme which is offering thousands of free tickets across England for the next two years.

Phil Hope MP said:
"I am extremely pleased that the Royal and Derngate Theatres in Northampton are taken up this scheme as it is so important that we make sure as many young people as possible have the chance to go to the theatre, we want to give new opportunities to young people.

"These theatres have excellent reputations for putting on a wide variety of fantastic productions and this scheme will help ensure that more young people get the chance to experience these brilliant productions, and I look forward to working with local schools and colleges to ensure that we encourage young people under 26 to get their free tickets.

"Having people like Eddie Izzard and Kevin Spacy offer their support is great, and I recommend people view their video clips and contact the theatres as soon as possible to get their free tickets."

Eddie Lizzard said:
"I think free theatre tickets for young people is a great idea, especially as things are getting tough financially right now. I am very pleased that the Government has launched this scheme for under 26 year olds. We have a great British theatrical tradition and I hope people take advantage of this offer."

For more information on the scheme please visit:
www.anightlessordinary.org.uk

To see the video clips of Eddie Izzard and Kevin Spacey please follow the links below
www.silverfish.tv
16/02/09

B&Q One Planet Living Awards

Phil Hope is calling on local environmental groups, community organisations, schools, charities and sports clubs to put themselves forward for the B&Q One Planet Living Awards.

Phil Hope MP said:
"Any community group who can show that they are following one of the One Planet Living principals of: saving energy, conserving nature, supporting local culture and heritage and grow your own could stand to win up to £10,000.

"This year B&Q is celebrating its 40th birthday so they are looking to support 40 projects; with the extra cash your group might be able to make even more of an impact on your local community. I would urge everyone who can to have a go!

The closing date is Friday the 27th of March, so you have plenty of time."
These awards play a central role in B&Q's long-established community programme helping to regenerate local areas and support communities to create sustainable facilities of which they can be proud. This year 40 projects will be supported as follows:

1 winner of £10,000
2 winners of £5,000
35 winners of £2,000

An application can be down loaded from www.diy.com/awards or they can contact B&Q on 0845 300 1001. The closing date for applications is Friday the 27th of March.
11/02/09

Worried about your mortgage? Get advice now!

Phil Hope MP would like to draw local people's attention to an advice leaflet now available from the National Homelessness Advice Service. Their leaflet Worried about your mortgage? Get advice now!

Phil Hope MP said:
"I want to encourage local home owners who are worried about in meeting their mortgage payments to seek advice immediately. This new simple and informative leaflet published by NHAC draws on the expertise of specialists committed to helping people stay in their homes.

All the new help available from the Government including the Support for Mortgage Interest Scheme, which may help you with your mortgage interest payments and the Government's Mortgage Rescue Scheme which is designed to stop your home being repossessed are detailed in leaflet.
You can download a copy of the leaflet from the NHAS website or by telephoning my office on 01536 443325."

The leaflet gives up-to-date contact details of major national money, debt and legal advice agencies in one simple document and helps signpost homeowners to the best source of free and independent help.
10/02/09

MP thanks NHS for doing a great job

Phil Hope MP today congratulated NHS staff for real the improvement made in patient satisfaction with the service. Recent figures from the British Social Attitudes survey published on 27 January show that people are more satisfied with NHS now than at any time in the last 25 years and significantly more so than 10 years ago.

Phil Hope MP said:
"I want to congratulate all the NHS staff; this is great news and reflects the enormous effort the staff have made in completely turning the service around. More importantly the survey shows that people who have been in the care of the service most recently are the most satisfied – it is getting better and better!

"My own very high level of personal satisfaction with the nurse, doctors and receptionists at KGH is constantly being mirrored to me by people I speak to in my constituency; who have nothing but praise for the care they are receiving from our local practitioners."

The survey shows:
One in two people (51%) are ‘very satisfied' or ‘quite satisfied' with the NHS, up 17 percentage points since 1997 (when 34% were satisfied) and 9 points since 2000 (when 42% were satisfied).
Dissatisfaction is at its lowest level since 1984: 30%, down from 50% in 1997.
69% of people with personal experience of inpatient care are satisfied with that aspect of the NHS.
Satisfaction levels for GPs are 76%.
Satisfaction with outpatient services – 60% – is now at the highest level for nearly two decades.

Concern about the quality of medical treatment in hospitals increased from 32% to 52% between 1999 and 2001, and remains high, at 49%.
The biggest gap in satisfaction is with dentistry. Two thirds (65%) of people with recent personal experience of NHS dentists are satisfied with this aspect of the NHS, well over double the rate among those who have had no recent experience (only 26% of whom are satisfied).
10/02/09

Better Care for Local Dementia Suffers

Phil Hope with members of the Corby AlzheimerÕs Society
Care Services Minister Phil Hope, this week announced a new national strategy will transform the care of people with dementia. Mr Hope met members of the Corby Alzheimer's Society prior to the launch of the strategy to hear about their experiences.

Phil Hope said:
"I met Corby Alzheimer's Society recently and talked with dementia sufferers and their carers. They told me about their experiences and how the local health and social care services could be improved to meet their needs.

"As a result, the first National Dementia Strategy directly addresses many of the issues they raised with me. It will ensure early diagnosis and intervention of the disease through new memory clinics; provide better training for GPs; bring radical improvements to the quality of care that people with the condition receive, and ensure a senior staff member in every hospital and care home is responsible for the quality of care that dementia sufferers receive.

"Dementia is one of the most important health issues that we face as our population ages. This first National Dementia Strategy is backed by £150 million over the next two years. It recognises that the number of people with dementia will double over the next thirty years, and that the cost of care and treatment is likely to triple. The direct costs of dementia to the NHS today are approximately £3.3 billion per year.

The National Dementia Strategy sets out the importance of information, high quality services and early diagnosis. This is a major landmark in improving services for people with dementia, their carers and families.
A key priority of the strategy will be to make sure that GPs have the skills to spot the first signs of dementia and are able to refer patients on to dementia specialists in memory clinics. This will help ensure that earlier intervention can be made to give people with dementia a better quality of life and to stay longer in their own homes.

The Strategy will pilot the creation of a new role of "dementia advisor" who will act as a guide to help people with dementia, their carers and families navigate the care and support system throughout their illness.
A network of specialist services, such as memory clinics, will be established across the country. Their focus will be on early diagnosis and intervention for people with dementia.

A senior member of staff will be identified in every general hospital and care home who will be charged with providing leadership to improve the quality of care for people for dementia.

Health Secretary Alan Johnson said:
"In an ageing society, caring for people with dementia is one of the most important challenges we face. I know that for many people diagnosis can be difficult, care can be patchy and without adequate support, families can be under huge stress. All that must change.
"The new role of dementia advisor will be crucial in making sure people and families get the help they need. I also want to see GPs trained to recognise the early symptoms of dementia, and be able to refer people with dementia to specialists who can give an effective diagnosis, allowing people with dementia to get the care and treatment they need, and remain as independent as possible for as long as possible. We owe them, their carers and their families nothing less."

Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of the Alzheimer's Society, said:
"Today's announcement sets out an ambitious national rescue plan to transform the lives of people living with dementia. One million people will develop dementia in the next ten years, this is a momentous opportunity to avert a dementia crisis that could overwhelm the NHS and social care.

"There is so much to do. Only a third of people with dementia get a formal diagnosis, denying them vital support. It is essential the strong leadership from the Department of Health continues so that these plans become a reality. Change won't happen overnight, but Alzheimer's Society will be working tirelessly to bring dementia out of the shadows."
09/02/09

Phil Hope out and about in Beanfield

Phil Hope met Ann-Marie Lawson of Groundwork North Northamptonshire and youth detached workers Joanne Brown and Maria Difolco in Beanfield, Corby on Friday the 23rd of January.

The Detached Youth Worker Scheme provides an instant response to identified areas of anti-social behaviour and is designed to encourage young people to engage in more positive activities.

The scheme is funded partly by £23k from County Councillors' John McGhee, Jim McKellar, Julie Brookfield, Mark Bullock and Bob Scott "Empowering Councillors" fund and funds from the County Council itself, the local Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and Land Securities. Corby Borough Council and Northamptonshire police are involved in the organisation and co-ordination of the project.

Phil Hope MP says:
"I was pleased have the chance to go out and about in the community with the detached youth workers and meet some of the young people who live in the Beanfield area. I think this creative new scheme will become invaluable in encouraging young people to engage with other more positive activities within the community.

"Just this week a new youth club has opened at the Beanfield Community Centre which will be managed by the detached youth workers. I know that when ever I speak to young people they always ask for somewhere to go and something constructive to do. The new youth club is definitely a step in the right direction."
26/02/09

Big hearted MP helps turn our windows Red for Heart for National Heart Month

Phil Hope at the British Heart Foundation Shop
Phil Hope visited the British Heart Foundation Shop in Corby to support their Red for Heart Campaign as part of National Heart Month.
Phil wrote a special heart shaped 'Love Note' for his constituents which will be posted in the BHF Shop window.

Phil Hope MP said:
"The British Heart Foundation is dedicated to saving lives through research, and by providing vital information about patient care. I am posting a ‘Love Note' to my constituents to show my support for their work and to encourage people in Corby to join the Red for Heart campaign.

"The BHF are asking people to raise funds to fight the UK's biggest killer – heart and circulatory disease by organising a Wear Red to Work Day on Friday the 13th of February. To find out more visit the BHF in Corby or visit their website www.bhf.org.uk/red."
03/02/09

Phil Hope urges tenants of social housing to get their voice heard

Phil is urging constituents who live in housing association, ALMO, co-operative or local authority controlled housing to make sure they have their say in a nationwide consultation of tenants.
The Tenant Services Authority, the new independent regulator for social housing, wants to hear from as many social housing tenants as possible, to help it decide on new standards which landlords will be expected to follow.

Phil Hope said:
"This is a unique chance to make your voice heard about your housing and how you are treated by your landlord. Tenants can download a questionnaire from www.nationalconversation.co.uk, or call 0845 230 7000 (choosing option 1) for further information. A resource pack explaining how to organise your own consultation meeting is also available.
"Alternatively, if people prefer to feed their views through to me I can make sure that they are passed on to the Tenant Services Authority."
03/02/09

Phil Hope MP Gives Thumbs Up to Irthlingborough Pharmacy

Phil at Cox and Robinson Phil Hope MP visited Cox & Robinson a community pharmacy based in Irthlingborough, on Friday the 30th where he met staff and members of the public. Phil is also Minister of State for Care Services with responsibility for pharmacy policy.

The visit, co-ordinated by the All-Party Pharmacy Group, was arranged to give Mr Hope the chance to see for himself the valuable and growing range of services that a typical pharmacy can provide in its local community. Mr Hope was given the chance to get a frontline view of how keen the profession is to roll out the services set out in the Government's Pharmacy White Paper, and how much that would be welcomed by patients.

Phil Hope was met by the pharmacists from the Cox & Robinson Pharmacy who offer a wide range of patient services including testing for blood pressure, weight and diabetes, MURs, drug addict support, emergency contraception, and smoking cessation. Whilst there Phil took the opportunity to have his blood pressure taken and was pleased to be given the thumbs up by the skilled and helpful staff.

Phil Hope MP said:

"As the Minister responsible for pharmacy policy I was delighted to have this opportunity to visit a community pharmacy in my constituency. Pharmacists already play a vital role for local communities in dispensing medicines, and providing services such as supporting people who want to give up smoking.

"I was pleased that my blood pressure is good and at how easy it was to have the test in private so quickly and easily. I want to see more pharmacists being able to prescribe for and deal with minor ailments as well as promoting good health, supporting those with long-term conditions and preventing illnesses through additional screening and advice. I was pleased see how enthusiastic the pharmacists are about extending their services."

Dr Howard Stoate MP, Chair of the All-Party Pharmacy Group which arranged the visit said:

"It is great that the Phil Hope MP who is also Minister for Care Services with responsibility for Pharmaceuticals was able to see for himself the important role that pharmacy is playing and how it will grow. This visit is an important step in increasing dialogue between Government and grass-roots pharmacists at this important time for the profession."
02/02/09

Visit to the New Ashfield House in Raunds

Phil meets resident Eric Gathercole Residents and staff at Shaw healthcare's new care home, Ashfield House in Raunds, were pleased to welcome Phil Hope, who is Minister for Care, into their home on Friday 23rd January. This was a return visit for Phil who had previously met the Ashfield House manager, Joan Spicer at the old Ashfield House, seven years ago.

The New Ashfield House £3.7 million facility has been developed by Shaw Healthcare in partnership with Northamptonshire County Council on the same site as the old home. The home provides long term residential care for either the physically frail or those suffering from Alzheimer's Disease or other dementias; it offers 40 single en-suite rooms over two floors. The living accommodation is split into smaller units of 10 creating a warm homely feeling for all residents. The facility offers places to both council and privately funded clients.

Phil Hope MP spent an hour viewing the new facilities and chatting with residents and staff. He said:
"I was delighted to meet some of the residents and staff of the newly built
'New Ashfield House'. The home offers specially designed accommodation for up to forty residents, the facilities combine the privacy of en-suite facilities with the chance for residents to socialise in the communal lounge area and dining room.

"The home brings in health professionals such as dentists, chiropodists and opticians and even encourages residents to pamper themselves with an in house beauty salon.

"Sometimes moving can be quite stressful, so I was pleased to see that the residents who have moved in are settled, happy and enjoying their new home."

Michael Knott, Managing Director for Shaw healthcare, who also met Phil on Friday at Ashfield House, commented;

"The new Ashfield House is a fine successor to its predecessor and is already building on the established reputation for high quality care. The home is an important part of the local community, many of whom, including residents' families, take an active part in supporting the home. We were very pleased to welcome Mr Hope and have the opportunity to introduce the home to him and explain our approach to care at Ashfield House."
28/01/09

Phil Hope launches 'Fairness & Respect' leaflet

Phil Hope and the Fairness & Respect Steering Group will be launching a poster and leaflet for the 'Fairness & Respect' pledge. This will inform agency workers in the constituency about their rights. The event will take place on Friday 30th January 2009 at Allied House, Spencer Court, Corby town centre from 4.30p.m. to 5.00pm.

Phil Hope said:
"I am delighted that the Fairness & Respect Steering Group has now produced a leaflet which will inform agency workers of who has signed the pledge and to report any breaches to the Citizens Advice Bureau in Corby.

"I would encourage all my constituents who work or plan to work for an employment agency to use an agency that has signed the pledge and who are committed to treating their workers with ‘'Fairness & Respect'.

"I have been very pleased to have received such great support from employers, organisations and a large percentage of local employment agencies. However I would like to take this opportunity to encourage any agencies who haven't yet signed to commit to 'Fairness & Respect' for their temporary workers. For further information contact my office on 01536 443325"
25/01/09

Phil Hope welcomes KGH's commitment to training.

Phil Hope welcomed Kettering General Hospital's commitment to training when their Chief Executive Dr Mark Newbold signed a 'Skills Pledge' today.

The 'Skills Pledge' is a Government initiative designed to ensure that employers can give their workforce training to improve their literacy, numeracy and general education up to a first full level 2 qualification which includes NVQ Level 2 and 5 GCSEs at grade C or above.

Phil wants to invite other local organisations whether in the public, private or third sector to do the same.

"I am pleased that Kettering General Hospital is now in a position to sign the 'Skills Pledge', it consolidates the work that they have been undertaking to date and shows the commitment that they are making to develop their staff.

"Employers who invest in their staff become more efficient, more productive and more profitable. I call upon local employers whether in the public, private or third sector to sign the 'Skills Pledge' and commit themselves to ensuring that their staff has good literacy and numeracy skills and at least a full level 2 qualification."
25/01/09

A 'Wow' for Art at Huxlow Science College

Phil opens Huxlow Expressive Arts Area
Phil Hope officially opened Huxlow Science College's new Expressive Arts Area on Friday the 23rd of January.

The art staff of Huxlow College put their heads together with college's business manager to come up with a creative concept incorporating the four art areas of Dance, Drama, Music and Art. The area has been opened up and colour co-ordinated with a new logo. Walls have been removed and the floor retiled.

The area includes bistro tables inside, and a funky place to eat outside for students to enjoy their meals in an attractive and vibrant area.

This is the first phase of a development taking in the art area, the 2nd phase starting this summer which will eventually lead to a new ICT suite.

Phil Hope MP said:
"I am delighted to be officially opening this creatively designed and beautifully refurbished Expressive Arts area. I am sure that the renewed area will really inspire the young people at Huxlow College. This is another example of the huge Government investment being made to improve our local schools and make our young people feel valued.

"This is only the first phase of the refurbishment, the students are looking forward to phase two which is due to start this summer and will include a new ICT suite."
25/01/09

Phil Hope welcomes the Government's help for businesses

The Government has unveiled a package of measures designed to address the cash flow, credit and investment needs of small and medium businesses. It consists of loan guarantees and a new Enterprise Fund aimed at helping companies struggling to access finance for working capital and investment.

Phil Hope said:
"Businesses in my constituency are finding it difficult to finance their current business plans. Not because their businesses have suddenly been transformed from successes to a failures; but because the credit crunch has restricted the availability of capital and banks have changed their approach to lending.

"I welcome this help from the Government which will give local businesses the access to finance they now to keep their businesses running; and give them access to the capitol the need to plan with confidence for the future."

The help being made available is:

The Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme is available from January the 14th and will operate until March. The scheme will support up to £1.3bn of new lending by banks to viable Small or Medium Enterprises with working capital or investment needs. The scheme is open to businesses with an annual turnover of up to £25m, seeking loans of £1,000 to £1m, repayable over a period of 10 years.

Most businesses in most sectors will be eligible for the scheme. However, state aid rules exclude businesses in the agriculture, coal and steel sectors. The guarantee can be used to support new loans, refinance existing loans or to convert part or all of an existing overdraft into a loan to release capacity to meet working capital needs. The Government will guarantee 75 per cent of the loan.

The Working Capital Scheme with the support of participating banks, should be operational by 1st March. supporting around £2bn of loans. The Government will provide banks with guarantees covering 50% of the risk on existing and new working capital portfolios worth up to £20bn. Business will benefit in two ways:

The guarantee will secure up to £20 billion worth of working capital credit lines for companies - ensuring they are safe from reduction or withdrawal.
In addition, the guarantee will free up capital which the banks must use for new lending as a condition of this scheme. This is lending that would otherwise not have been provided.

The guarantee is provided to a bank on a portfolio of loans to sound, creditworthy companies, which the bank has chosen to include in a portfolio which it has put forward to the Government and has been assessed by Government.

The Capital for Enterprise Fund which also available from the 14th of January is a new £75 million equity fund, bringing together £50 million of government money with £25 million from major banks. It provides longer term capital to companies who have exhausted their traditional borrowing capacity. Small and Medium sized Enterprises keen to attract investment from the Capital for Enterprise fund can register their interest by ringing the Capital for Enterprise Fund Registration Helpline on 0845 459 9780.
22/01/09

Phil Hope urges social entrepreneurs to enter £6 million award as deadline draws near

Phil Hope is supporting social entrepreneurs in Corby by encouraging them to enter a major new initiative for not for profit organisations.
The £6 million Social Entrepreneur Awards is the biggest ever of its kind in the UK and has been created by Bank of Scotland Corporate to encourage and nurture the British organisations that put welfare before wealth and reward those that put the greater good ahead of personal profits.
Two awards are on offer to ensure that both smaller and bigger social enterprises can enter and entrants must specify which they wish to enter;

1) Up to £5 million free of interest and arrangement fees for 3 years, or a one off cash donation of up to £500,000

2) Up to £1 million free of interest and arrangement fees for 3 years, or a one off cash donation of up to £100,000

The winner of each award will also secure a 'true money can't buy' reward of three days mentoring from one of the UK's best known social entrepreneurs and the title of Bank of Scotland Corporate Social Entrepreneur 2009.

Phil Hope said:
"I believe that social enterprises are in tune with the local community and make a real difference to people's lives. Here in Corby we have many not for profit organisations who help deliver ambitions and aspirations for local people, and that's why I'm encouraging our local social entrepreneurs to enter these awards. There is now one month remaining until the deadline for entries so it's important to take advantage of this opportunity."

The Social Entrepreneur Award is open to Not for Profit organisations whose primary purpose is to further social or environmental goals, and those who operate for non-commercial purposes and social benefit. Such organisations cover a vast spectrum, ranging from Charities, Churches and Social Groups, to Public Sector organisations, Schools and Universities.
23/01/09

Free prescriptions for cancer patients

Phil Hope welcomed the introduction of free prescriptions for people being treated with cancer. Patients already holding a medical exemption certificate are eligible now; other patients being treated for cancer can apply for their certificate and receive free medication from the 1st of April.

Phil Hope said:
"The Government has made huge investment in improving cancer care, this new step will give people with cancer one less thing to worry about. I want to urge everyone with cancer to apply for an exemption certificate now, so that they can receive their free medication from April the 1st.

"Everyone undergoing treatment for cancer, the effects of cancer or the effects of cancer treatment is entitled to apply and application forms are available from GP surgeries and oncology clinics.";
21/01/09

Phil Hope MP congratulates 'Education for All'

The Corby based social enterprise company 'Education for All' who specialise in providing educational resources to schools and educational projects in developing countries has announced that during the last two years, it has shipped over 30 containers to projects overseas. A further six are to be shipped at the end of this month.

'Education for All' ensure that when UK schools are rebuilt or refurbished all the useful resources such as furniture and equipment are refurbished and redistributed promoting both learning and sustainability; and reducing landfill.

Phil Hope MP said:
"I want to congratulate 'Education for All' on this huge achievement. Many of our schools in the UK are in the fortunate position of being either refurbished or completely replaced at the moment. I would be disappointed if all the still useful resources were wasted.

"'Education for All' send all sorts of things from IT equipment to sports gear all over the world –- not just benefiting schools in developing countries but protecting our environment by reducing landfill"
20/01/09

Opening of Kettering General Hospital's £4.7 m Cardiac Centre

Phila at cardiac unit
Phil Hope attended the official opening of Kettering General Hospital's new £4.7million Cardiac Centre. The centre was opened by the Department of Health's National Director for Heart Disease, Professor Roger Boyle. Prof Boyle is responsible for the implementation of national plans to improve heart care.

Phil Hope MP said:
"I am delighted that the opening of the Kettering General Hospital's own £4.7 million cardiac centre has already helped hundreds of people in the local area, prior to its opening heart patients would have had to travel to travel to Leicester for this specialist care.

"I want to congratulate Dr Shaukat and his team for their exemplary work in improving heart care in North Northamptonshire. They have already carried out 200 angioplasty treatments since the centre opening last summer; I was fascinated to be able to actually watch an angioplasty procedure being performed while I was there.

"While I was there I met members of the cardiac team, the enthusiasm and excitement they showed at being able to use this state of the art treatment to help people locally was contagious."

Kettering General Hospital's cardiology lead, Dr Naeem Shaukat, said:
"The Cardiac Centre has provided the state-of-the-art environment which has enabled us to offer a range of the most modern cardiac treatments close to people's homes.

"Since we opened in July 2007 we have helped some 1,776 local people with a range of heart problems.

"The Cardiac Centre has enabled us to provide care for local people which previously you would only have been able to get from a regional cardiac centre.

"It has meant that the majority of heart attack patients are receiving their specialist treatment within 48 hours of admission. This allows for the best outcomes and is in keeping with best practice as defined by European and American cardiac guidelines."

Professor Boyle said:

"I was delighted to accept the invitation to officially open Kettering General Hospital Foundation Trust's Cardiac Centre.

"This facility is enabling local cardiac specialists to provide the sort of high quality cardiac care which is at the heart of the National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease.

"I want to give all of the Cardiac Centre's staff my best wishes for the future as they go forward and continue to improve care for local people with heart problems."

The Trust received permission and funding for the Cardiac Centre in October 2005 and building work began in July 2006. The Cardiac Centre opened its doors to patients on July 2, 2007, and brought new procedures to North Northamptonshire such as cardiac catheterisation (a diagnostic test where a special dye is used illuminate the heart's arteries and assess their function).

Other services it include fitting pace makers, correcting heart rhythm problems via procedures such as cardioversion and various other diagnostic tests and clinics.

Since May 2008 Cardiac Centre staff have also performed 200 coronary angioplasty - a special procedure for clearing blocked arteries in its £4.7m Cardiac Centre.
20/01/09

New Help for Home Owners

Phil Hope MP welcomed two new Government schemes to help homeowners in Corby and East Northamptonshire the Support for Mortgage Interest Scheme and the Mortgage Rescue Scheme.

Phil Hope MP said:
"I welcome two new radical schemes that the Government has introduced to bring security to families who are worried about losing their homes. They will be of real help to those in my constituency who might be affected by the global economic downturn.

The improvement to the Support for Mortgage Interest scheme, gives help to people who have lost their jobs after only 13 weeks and up to a mortgage £200,000 . The change will give some peace of mind to many people by covering the interest payments on their mortgage while they are looking for another job.

The Mortgage Rescue Scheme means that families at risk of repossession will be able to stay in their homes. I think these steps show that the Government is doing everything to make sure that during these tough times everyone who is worried about losing their home can feel secure that they will be supported

As a result of the global economic downturn, some families are struggling to keep up their mortgage payments and are worried about keeping their home. The Government has taken action and has launched a package of comprehensive help so that as many people avoid repossession as possible.

For families who are on income support, the government have expanded the Income Support for Mortgage Interest scheme, which helps with their mortgage payments if they lose their jobs. From the 5th of January people can get this help 13 weeks after they lose their jobs, where previously they had to wait 39 weeks. The amount of help has also doubled –now covering interest payments of mortgages up to 200k, more than the average cost of a house

The changes to Support for Mortgage Interest will provide much quicker mortgage relief to those who need it most. The help is for people who have lost their jobs and have nothing to fall back on and will be available through JobCentre Plus.

The mortgage rescue scheme has also been announced to provide support for families at risk of repossession to stay in their homes.
The £200 million scheme is targeted at the most vulnerable households who would be eligible for homelessness assistance if their home was repossessed, such as the elderly, disabled or those with children, with a household income under £60,000 a year.

Households will be able to apply for this support from their local authority, and will be offered two options to help them remain in their homes, depending on their circumstances.

They will either be able to sell a share of the equity in their home to a housing association, enabling their monthly mortgage payments to be significantly reduced, or they can sell the entire home to a housing association and remain in the property as tenants paying a subsidised rent.
The scheme, which is expected to help up to 6,000 households avoid repossession over the next two years, is being expanded to all local authority areas in England from today, following its early introduction by 80 councils in December.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions James Purnell MP said:
We have changed the rules to make sure even more people can get help with their mortgage payments if they lose their job. We have brought in changes as quickly as possible so people don't have to wait too long for this support.

"Every time someone loses their job it is a personal tragedy. Jobcentre Plus is on hand to help people get back to work as quickly as possible. But the Labour government will do everything we can to give people the real help they need. That is why we will give financial help towards mortgage payments for someone while they are looking for job."

Housing Minister Margaret Beckett said:
"We know that some families are worried about their mortgage payments right now, and we are determined to do everything possible to ensure repossession is always a last resort. For the most vulnerable households, the mortgage rescue scheme will be available across England to help ensure they can remain in their homes.

"This is part of a range of measures the Government is putting in place to help households at risk of repossession in the current climate. As well as expanding free debt and legal advice, we have increased the support available for people who lose their jobs, and are introducing the option for homeowners to defer part of the loan to give them the time they need to get back on their feet.

"Whatever the situation, the clear message for households struggling with their payments is to speak to their lender as soon as possible."
06/01/09

MP Backs 'Golden Hellos' for Local Jobless

Phil Hope MP has backed new help for people who lose their jobs including up to £2,500 'golden hellos' to encourage businesses to recruit and train local jobless people. And Phil Hope MP is urging local employers to take advantage of the new help to give job opportunities to those at risk of falling into long term unemployment:

"The most recent figures show there are still 1,167 vacancies in Corby but we cannot afford to be complacent about unemployment. In the last recession short term unemployment was allowed to become long term unemployment we will give people the help they need to stop that from happening again."

"The longer local people are out of work the more help they will get. I urge local businesses to get in touch with Jobcentre Plus and to take advantage of the money we are putting in."

As part of a half a billion pounds package those unemployed for 6 months will get a guarantee of extra support. In Corby and East Northamptonshire at any time 270 would benefit from this new help with a range of new options available:

'Golden Hellos' - cash for employers to recruit and train unemployed people.
Money and support for the unemployed to set up their own business.
Training to improve skills to get a job.
More chances to volunteer while looking for a job.

Labour's Work and Pension Secretary James Purnell pledged he would work with Phil Hope MP to do all he could to support people who lose their jobs:
"We will help people pay the mortgage if the worse happens but I know people don't want benefits, they want a job so they can support their families. Even in these tough times most people get work quickly. But we need to do more so we are guaranteeing anyone who is still unemployed after 6 months new help to get a job."
"We can't always stop people losing their jobs but we will offer real help to get people jobs. In the 1990s recession too many people who should have found work quickly spent years on the dole or other benefits. We are determined that should not happen today.
"We have a choice. We can invest millions in people's future now or pay billions in a future where people are stuck on benefits."
12/01/09

Corby Cares!

sign post Phil Hope MP who is Minister for Care Services spent time in Corby recently finding out about some of Corby's providers of care services who are superb examples of good practice within the local community.
His first stop was Gretton Homes in Gretton. ‘'Gretton Homes'' support 60 adults with Prader-Willi syndrome from all over the UK in their Gretton, Corby and Kettering residential care homes.

Gretton Homes has a national and international reputation for supporting adults with this debilitating and in many cases life shortening disorder.
Later he was invited to present 18 employees of Goldsborough Home Care with their NVQ Level 2 certificates in Health and Social Care. The group who all work as carers within the Corby community have been trained by Goldsborough Home Care supported by Steadfast Training.
Goldsborough Home Care has held the County Council contract for Care in the Community since November 2007. The group of students; includes one lady in her sixties who has had no other experience of formal training since leaving school have relished the opportunity to gain professional qualifications. One has already gone on to study for NVQ Level 3 and Goldsborough Home Care are planning to continue developing their Corby team.

Mr Hope then dropped into 'The Sign Post' at 11 Corporation Street which is a Northamptonshire Community Project designed to support vulnerable people within the community make decisions about their individual care budgets, their leisure activities and voluntary work opportunities.
Corby Borough Council has given the project funding to refurbish and bring the facility up to scratch. Amanda DeSantis who is charge of the project hopes to bring in other agencies to use the venue to keep their users informed and to provide much needed meeting space to community groups.

Phil Hope said:
"Today was my first chance since becoming Minister of Care to call on three very different groups of Care Service providers working in Corby. I was immediately struck by the enthusiasm and commitment shown by all the people involved and their genuine concern for the vulnerable people they support, Corby clearly cares.

" Each of the providers is glowing examples of good practice within the service, and I was more than pleased to be able to visit them in my own constituency.

Gretton Homes provides a unique and valuable service to PWS sufferers; I was delighted to present the team at Goldsborough Home Care with their certificates and to hear about their plans for further training. At 'The Sign Post' I was able to meet both the staff and their clients giving me the opportunity to see how the project is really helping those in need."
08/01/09

11.9% increase in Health Funding for Northamptonshire

Phil Hope welcomes the Secretary of State for Health announcement on PCT Revenue Allocation which sees Northamptonshire receiving and additional 11.9%.

Phil Hope MP said:
"I welcome Secretary of State Alan Johnson's announcement that Northamptonshire PCT will receive an 11.9% increases in funding over the next two years, this is one of the highest in the country.

"It is vital that we continue to invest in health and social care in Corby given the high level of health needs within the town. I opened the first 8 - 8, seven day a week GP health centres 'Lakeside Plus' in December, and I am looking forward to the opening of the redeveloped Willowbrook Health Complex which will include a 60 bed hospital; both will make a huge difference in improving access to healthcare for local people."

NHS Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) are to receive £164 billion funding over the next two years, Health Secretary Alan Johnson announced in December, continuing Government investment that has seen funding in the NHS treble since 1997. The allocations give PCTs funding certainty allowing them to plan up to 2010/2011.

PCTs will control a greater proportion of funding, allowing them to tailor health services locally to meet local patient needs. Over 80% of the total NHS revenue budget will be issued direct to PCTs, compared to 72% in 1996/97. Spend per head has risen to £1,612 in 2010/11.

The new funding formula that has been recommended by the independent Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation (ACRA) targets funds at the places with the biggest health problems, the new formula will help to reduce health inequalities.

The NHS has made significant achievements in 2008 in quality of care Halving MRSA infections from the 2003/4 baseline and this spring reducing C. difficile infections by 35% on the same quarter last year and achieving more than 50% of GP practices offering extended opening hours three months ahead of target.
07/01/09

Cash boost for 28,946 as cold snap sets in

Pensioners and most vulnerable in Corby and parts of Peterborough and Leicestershire are to get £25 cold weather payment

As the cold snap hits the local area thousands of vulnerable people and pensioners will receive the highest ever Cold Weather Payment.
The Cold Weather Payment, which has been trebled by the Government this year from £8.50 to £25 a week, is paid out every time the average temperature at a weather station falls, or is forecast to fall, to 0ºC or below for seven consecutive days.

Since the cold snap has hit the local weather station at Wittering, Peterborough; the estimated number of people across local area who are eligible for the payments is 28,946 (which include post codes NN17 NN18, LE15 and PE8 PE9).

Phil welcomed the cash bonus. He said:
"When the temperature goes down no one should be afraid to turn up the thermostat - thankfully this cash boost will make a real difference to people in my Corby and East Northamptonshire constituency who are worried about their fuel bills.
"Coming on top of the extra winter fuel payments, local pensioners in particular can turn up their heating during the cold snap without having to worry."

James Purnell, Labour's Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said:
" The Labour Government is determined to do everything we can to help people make ends meet, particularly during the winter when they may be worried about their fuel bills. After the recent cold snap, millions of people will receive this extra money which is real help when they most need it."
06/01/09

Winter Festivities at Kirby Hall

Phil at Kirby Hall Phil Hope opened the Winter Festivities at Kirby Hall on Saturday the 13th of December.
The event was planned by the Rockingham Forest Trust to celebrate the success of its 'People of the Forest' heritage project a lottery funded project working with communities and schools of Rockingham Forest to enjoy, record and conserve their local heritage.

Phil Hope MP said:
I am delighted to be opening this celebration of the success of the 'People of the Forest' project. It has been working over the passed two years to build up an impressive bank of information about the landscape and settlements of Rockingham Forest from the medieval period on; whilst at the same time engaging with hundreds of local members of the community including school children giving them the chance to understand their past and plan for the future.

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been involved with the project for their outstanding achievements and for their work to maintain the special character of Rockingham Forest for the future.
02/01/09

Phil Hope maps out Corby at Corby Business Academy

Phil visited Corby Business Academy to present 200 Year 7 students with Ordnance Survey Maps of the area. Ordnance Survey's scheme to issue free maps to 11 year olds has been running since 2002. This year Ordnance Survey celebrates the distribution of the five-millionth free map.

He gave a short talk to the students explaining the importance of using the maps to keep up with the progress and development of Corby and the local area. He went on to give them an overview of how parliament works and his role as their local MP. The students then had the opportunity to ask questions.

Phil Hope said:
"Today was my first opportunity to meet some of the pupils of the wonderful new Business Academy and to present them with their free Ordnance Survey maps. The school has got off to a fantastic start. The free maps I was giving out are useful tools in teaching the students about their local area and especially about the huge progress that is being made in the regeneration of Corby.

"I was impressed by the young people's level of interest and understanding of the current economic down turn during their 'grilling' of me in their questions.

"I took the opportunity to drop into the new restaurant at the academy where the students were enjoying breakfast. This new approach does help to set the students up for the day ahead.” The aim of the scheme is to raise young people's awareness of local geography and aspects of citizenship and to teach them how to use maps. Every student also received a leaflet called Map reading made easy peasy."
06/01/09

Phil Hope welcomes real help for families

Phil Hope MP has welcomed the increase in Child Benefit as real help for people and business through tough times.

Child Benefit is rising to £20 a week from January 2009 as part of the Government's boost to the economy, which includes a £60 extra payment to every pensioner and a £12.4 billion boost for the economy through a VAT tax cut.

Phil Hope said:
"The Government is determined to help people and businesses through the tough times ahead. That is why I welcome the increased child benefit that families will see right from the start of the year. This real help will support 13,425 families in this area alone.
"I also welcome the special payment to all pensioners in my constituency of £60 on top of the Christmas bonus of £10. Families of disabled children will also receive this extra cash boost."

Locally this means:
23,530 children in 13,425 families will gain from the rise in Child Benefit (now rising to £20 a week for the 1st child, and to £13.20 a week for other children) – an increase the Government is bringing forward from April to January 2009.
05/01/09