Phil Hope MP - News archive

News Archive March 2008

April 2008

Phil Hope MP joins in a day of remembrance on
'Workers Memorial Day'

Workers' Memorial Day April the 28th was a day of action and remembrance for people who have lost their lives, been disabled, injured or made unwell at work. On Saturday Phil Hope MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire attended an event organised by Unite the Union to mark the Day.

A cheque was presented to Alida Coates from Gordon Glassford of GMB Corby Community Branch for money they raised for the June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund.

Pictured are: Phil, Gordon Classford, Alida Coates, Lady Mayer Jean Addison and Pat Fawcett.
Phil Hope MP said:
"All over the world, people took part in a day of action and remembrance on April 28th, for people who have lost their lives, been disabled, injured or made unwell at work.
"Workers' Memorial Day provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of workplace safety, and to encourage employers to make the protection of their workers a priority.
"But this day is also an occasion to promote the fair treatment of workers, and rights for all employees. I have led a numbers of campaigns locally to promote workers' rights, and to remove unscrupulous practices from agencies and employers in our town."
28/04/08

Rate Relief for Local Businesses

Phil Hope celebrated the temporary reduction in the Council Tax rates paid by businesses in Irthlingborough affected by the road works in Irthlingborough Town Centre. Businesses in Raunds also benefited from a reduction in their rates between August 2008 and January 2008.
Phil Hope MP said:
"I am very pleased that the Government Valuation Officer has agreed a temporary 10% reduction in business rates paid by businesses in Irthlingborough where trade has been affected by the road works taking place in the town centre. I pressed for this help which also ensured that the same arrangement was made to help traders in Raunds during their town centre regeneration last year. Government funding has paid for the improvements that have taken place and now the government is ensuring that shop keepers whose trade has been affected by all the disruption are also paying less in their business Council Tax this year."
28/04/08

Phil Hope Launches Library Wellbeing Centre

Phil with Mr and Mrs Young of Roman Close, Weldon.
Phil Hope visited Corby Library to launch two major new initiatives; the Wellbeing Centre and new Self Service Scanning Technology.
For the first time a Primary Care Trust Health Trainer will be based at the library to give one to one advice on health issues and there will be access to lots of information recommended by health professional including books, CDs and DVDs. The Wellbeing centre in Corby Library is one of six being launched across Northamptonshire by Northamptonshire PCT and Northamptonshire County Council.
The New book scanning technology will mean that library staff will be freed up to help customers in the library.The new self-service machines, allow customers to check their own books in and out.
Phil Hope MP said:
"I am delighted to be launching both these new services within Corby Library. The introduction of the Wellbeing centre with a Primary Car Trust Trainer is a great new initiative which supports the governments drive toward prevenative health care, giving sound professional support to those wanting to improve their lifestyles and wellbing. The introduction of the new scanning technology will allow library staff more time to help library visiters make best use of the resources available.
"I look forward to seeing these services available in the New Corby Library now being built as part of the Civic Hub; which will provide easier access and better facilities,
encouraging library use which is part of our drive to improve educational aspirations in Corby."

The first six launches are at Corby, Daventry, Kettering, Northampton (Abington Street) Wellingborough, and Weston Favell and will run from 10am – 4pm.
Dates for Wellbeing Centre Launches are:
Tues 22nd April – Wellingborough and Daventry Libraries
Wed 23rd April – Kettering Library
Thurs 24th April – Northampton (Abington Street) and Weston Favell Libraries
Fri 25th April – Corby Library.
25/04/08

Phil Hope presents Studfall Junior School pupils with their Merit Awards

Phil with Studfall Junior school pupil Phil presented children with their certificates at the Studfall Junior School for their 'Awards Assembly'.
The children receiving the awards for their hard work and achievements this term were applauded by their parents and teachers.
Phil Hope MP said:
"I always enjoy visiting Studfall Junior School, it has a wonderful up beat atmosphere which is a credit to the teachers and children and is one of the reasons why it is such a successful school. It was lovely to see how the children with different needs where full integrated into the school. It was a pleasure to presented the merit awards to the children who showed so much positive enthusiasm."
25/04/08

Willowbrook Minor Injuries Unit extends its opening hours

bandaged hand Corby Minor Injuries Unit has extended its opening hours to include weekends from Saturday 05 April 2008.
The extended opening will enhance the current level of service provision to patients in the local area. The service, which was set up in September 2005, currently opens from 8am to 6pm on weekdays. It will now also be open from 9am to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as bank holidays (except Christmas Day).
Phil Hope said:
"I am delighted that the excellent services provided by the Minor Injuries Unit are being extended to cover weekends and bank holidays, ensuring the people of Corby have access to high quality professional treatment quickly, on their doorstep, when they are in most need. Corby people waited a long time to have an emergency services provision, 8,500 patients in 2007 – 08 shows that it has now become an essential part of the health service provision in the town."
25/04/08

Phil Hope congratulates 'Fairline Boats' on winning The Queen's Award for Enterprise.

Fairline Boats, based in Northamptonshire, has won the Queen's Award for Enterprise 2008 in the International Trade category. On hearing the news Phil Hope said:
"I am delighted to congratulate Fairline Boats on winning this major award, it is great to see a local firm with local workers consistently improving and growing. I have visited the company on a number of occasions to present staff training certificates, this just confirms that investment in sound training and staff development leads to business success".
21/04/08

Staying on success: MP hails success of education allowance

student More young people in Northamptonshire are staying on in education or training after their GCSEs thanks to the success of the Educational Maintenance Allowance, Phil Hope MP said.
The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) was launched by the Government across England in 2004 to support young people from low and middle income families who stay on in full-time education at 16.
Latest figures show that 5652 young people in Northamptonshire are getting the allowance this year – up from 2410 in 2004. Weekly payments of £10, £20 or £30 – depending on family income - are made so long as young people regularly attend their course and work hard. Young people receiving EMA must sign a contract with their school or college – and payments are linked to attendance and behaviour.
Phil Hope MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire said:
"Labour's Education Maintenance Allowances are helping young people across the country to continue learning after their GCSEs. It's really encouraging to see the positive impact EMAs have already had. This year 5652 young people in Northamptonshire are getting EMAs, giving them the chance to stay on in education and training so they have
more opportunity of getting the job they want in future.
"The Government are building on this success. From this September, all 16 year olds receiving the EMA will be given a firm guarantee of the minimum level of financial support they would get if they go onto higher education.
"I want to see all young people staying on at school, going to college, getting an apprenticeship or doing some form of training while at work. That's why I'm supporting these plans to increase the education and training age to 18, to give every young person the chance to continue learning and get new skills."
The news comes as independent reports from the Institute of Fiscal Studies and research company RCU show that the EMA has encouraged thousands of young people to stay on in education, who would not have done so without the financial support and incentive.
More information about how to claim EMA can be found by visiting www.direct.gov.uk/ema or calling the EMA hotline on 0800 121 8989.
09/04/08

Phil Hope supports new campaign to help hard working parents prepare their children for university

lecture theatre The Government is providing more financial help than ever before to assist young people from lower and middle income families to aim for university.
More and more parents appreciate the opportunities that a degree can bring to their children. That's why the campaign aims to let them know about the additional help on offer.
From September this year, one third of all eligible students in England entering higher education are expected to be entitled to a full non-repayable maintenance grant worth £2,835 and another one third are expected to be entitled to a partial grant.Phil Hope MP said:
"I'm supporting this campaign to raise awareness of financial support parents in Corby and East Northants can get from the government. Remember, we are now giving 2/3 of students non repayable grants so parents should remind their kids to apply for the support they're entitled to.
We want the best for all our children. That's why so many hard-working parents encourage their children to go to university. In fact, recent research suggests that 91% of parents and grandparents want their children to go to university.
Parents know that a university degree is worth well over £100,000 (after tax at today's prices) more than stopping at A-Levels. But although it's the right thing to do, it can be tough. That's why the government is providing more help than ever before."
Students entering university this year will get a further helping hand once they finish their studies and consider buying a house or starting a family. All students starting a higher education course in 2008/09 or later, taking out their first student loan and having a repayment start date of April 2012 or later will be entitled to a repayment holiday of up to five years, provided they remain in their course until April 2011 and enter into repayment for the first time in April 2012.
09/04/08

Act on CO2

Phil Hope encourages his constituents to 'Act on CO2' reducing the carbon footprint of their homes.
A new Act on CO2 advice line was introduced from Wednesday the 2nd of April, giving guidance on how you can reduce your carbon footprint, and connecting people with offers from energy companies and other financial support.
The helpline number is: 0800 512 012
Phil Hope MP said:
"The opportunity to tackle climate change was one of the reasons I became an MP. I therefore welcome the new help line which will give advice to householders on how to reduce their carbon foot print. Reducing energy consumption will not only help the environment but save money too. I would like to encourage everyone to make the necessary changes that will protect our planet for future generations."
The new advice line Act on CO2 will provide people with comprehensive advice on how they can reduce their carbon footprint, and connect people with offers from energy companies and other financial support. The helpline number is 0800 512 012.
Energy suppliers are being required to provide practical help to reduce people's energy use at home – including subsidies for energy saving measures and advice on how to reduce your fuel bill.
A new green neighbourhoods programme, is also being launched, a community-based approach aiming to help up to 100 selected neighbourhoods in England reduce their carbon footprints by 60%.
Government, individuals, businesses and the public sector have a role to play in tackling climate change. Individuals can make a big difference, there is high awareness and concern about climate change, but many people don't know what they need to do to reduce their carbon footprint.
The new Act on CO2 Advice Line is the first step in delivering nationwide support for people to Act on CO2 the government are providing the Energy Saving Trust with more than £100 million in government funding over the next 3 years to roll-out a green homes service nationwide, based on a regional network of one stop shops.

The Act on CO2 website has a CO2 calcuator that allows you to calculate your carbon footprint online.

08/04/08

New Play Areas for Corby and East Northamptonshire

child on slide
New play areas will be built across Corby and East Northamptonshire thanks to £1 million of investment announced today as part of the Labour Government's Children's Plan.
Phil Hope welcomed the news that Northamptonshire County Council will receive around £1 million from the Government to invest in dozens of new play areas.
Phil Hope MP said the local community must help to decide where the money should be spent and wants to hear from local families about which play areas should be rebuilt or where there is a need for new play facilities.
Starting from this month, the funding will help to develop around 20 to 25 play areas across Northamptonshire. It's part of a £235 million investment being made by the Labour Government over the next three years to transform children's play areas and make sure public spaces are more child friendly.

Phil Hope said:
"This is great news for children in my constituency. It is a very important part of a child's development to have the opportunity to play in a safe and fun environment.
"I will be making strong representations to the County Council to ensure that the money allocated to Corby and East Northamptonshire is spent in the areas of most need. I would therefore like to hear from local residents who believe that a new play area would be beneficial in their local vicinity. Please call my office to let me know your views on 01536 443325."
03/04/08

Mosquito Devices Aimed at Young People:
What do you think?

mosqito device Corby young people are leading a national campaign to reduce the use of 'Mosquito Devices' that emit a noise only young people can hear. They are used by shopkeepers and others to make young people move away from particular areas. These devices are controversial.
On the one hand young people feel it is unfair to have devices that emit noises they find irritating or even painful, aimed at them just because they are young. They say they could damage the hearing of babies and children as well as teenagers; and are unfair in that they only affect young people when other older people can also be troublesome.
On the other hand the makers of the devices, shop keepers, local councils and others say they are effective in deterring young people from gathering together in public places and causing anti-social behaviour.
Some people say that these devices would not be needed if other measures to curb anti-social behaviour were used, such as; more regular patrolling by Police Community Support Officers, providing young people with better places to go and things to do, tougher penalties for anti-social behaviour, or more use of CCTV cameras.
Another point of view is that if these devices are legal they should at least be regulated by law to control who can put them up and how they are used.

I want to know what you think.

As your MP I am keen to know what people in Corby and East Northamptonshire think about this issue. Let me know your views by completing this on-line survey.
07/04/08

Phil Hope encourages Land Girls to apply for a medal

Phil Hope is encouraging female war veterans, who worked on the Home Front as Land Girls and Lumbers Jills providing food and timber for the nation during the Second World War, to come forward and apply for a new badge of recognition.
The Women's Land Army and the Women's Timber Corps, known colloquially as the Land Girls and Lumber Jills, worked on farms to feed the nation and fell timber, as the men went to war. At its peak in 1943 there were some 80,000 women working on the land, and it was continued after the war, finally being disbanded in 1950.
With their uniform of green ties and jumpers and brown felt slouch hats, they worked from dawn to dusk each day, milking cows, digging ditches, sowing seeds and harvesting crops. They supplied the nation with food, supporting the war effort and avoiding food shortages.
Phil Hope MP said:
"I am delighted that the government is officially recognising the tremendous efforts of the Women's Land Army and Women's Timber Corps and acknowledge the debt that the country owes to them of recognition to female war veterans.
"The badge of recognition will honour the women who worked hard on the Home Front during the Second World War providing food and timber for the nation. I encourage all Land Girls and Lumber Jills, or their families in my constituency to come forward and claim their badge of recognition."
The veterans have been campaigning for many years for recognition. At the end of the Second World War it was decided that, as a civilian organization, service in the Women's Land Army and Women's Timber Corps would not be recognized as service in the Armed Forces, so they were not entitled to a medal.

An application form is provided here.
05/04/08

Phil gives healthy living his vote of approval

Phil has NMI checked
Phil Hope took a break from heavyweight politics when he had his Body Mass Index (BMI) measured at an event organised by Cancer Research UK in Parliament.
It was part of a drive to raise awareness of the impact of obesity on cancer risk and the importance of maintaining a healthy weight.
Cancer Research UK also spoke to Phil Hope MP about a recent survey conducted by the charity which found that 65 per cent of people questioned were unaware that being overweight or obese would increase an individual's risk of developing cancer.
Phil Hope MP said:
" I'm really concerned that many people are not aware that changes to their diet and maintaining an active lifestyle could improve their health and reduce their risk of developing cancer.
"I learnt a lot talking to Cancer Research UK experts and would encourage people to visit the charity's website - to find out more information."
Sara Hiom, Cancer Research UK's director of health information, said:
"The evidence linking obesity and being overweight to an increased risk of cancer is compelling. Research shows that around 12,000 people every year might avoid getting cancer if they maintained a healthy body weight.
"Cancer Research UK in partnership with Weight Concern developed a program called Ten Top Tips to provide straightforward advice to help people lose weight safely in a way that can fit around everyday life. For example, the tips include taking a brisk walk every day and exercising caution with food portion sizes."
For Cancer Research UK's advice on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle visit the charity's website.
06/04/08

Phil Hope meets Neighbourhood Policing Team

Phil Hope MP met with members of the South Corby Safer Community Team in Kingswood, Corby to launch a new national website enabling the public to easily contact their neighbourhood policing team.
The team talked to him about their recently conducted survey, and gave him their latest figures showing the huge decrease in reported crimes in the area.
Phil Hope MP said: "I am delighted to say that every neighbourhood in the Corby and East Northamptonshire now has its own policing team dedicated to tackling local problems. Three years of hard work by forces across the area means every household in Corby and East Northamptonshire has a local team with a name and phone number.
"Our experience in Corby shows just how well neighbourhood policing works. Since the scheme was introduced here crime has fallen dramatically, with burglaries down 43% and robberies down 68%. And residents are getting to know their dedicated officers – 64% of people here know who their local officers are."

The South Corby Safer Community surveyed 579 people at community hotspots in South Corby in January and March this year. 64% thought the SCT were addressing the right issues, and 64% said they knew who their local officers were.
Since March 2007 the South Corby Safer Community team has had a dramatic effect on crime in the area. All crime is down 22% in the 2007/08 against 2006/07; Burglary is down 43%, Robbery is down 68%, Vehicle crime is down 32% and Violent crime down 14%.
Every household the now has a dedicated neighbourhood policing team to solve local problems – contactable by phone or through community meetings. Contact details are now available online at:
www.direct.gov.uk/neighbourhoodpolicing

The Home Secretary Jacqui Smith speaks on neighbourhood policing on YouTube

A new policing pledge, to be introduced later this year, will set out a national standard of what people can expect from their neighbourhood policing team and give people a greater say and influence over how their streets are policed.
The standards could include arranging to visit you at a convenient time, regular reporting on the progress of detecting a crime, how a victim of crime is treated and supported, and how and when local crime information is provided to the public.

Neighbourhood policing teams will also be working with communities to set local priorities – whether it's tackling anti-social behaviour, drugs or alcohol related crime for example. By drawing up local policing pledges, local people will have a real say over how their streets are policed.
02/04/08

March 2008

Phil Hope is 'On the Buses'

boarding a local bus
Phil urges Residents to sign up for 'Free National Bus Travel'.
From 1st April 2008 every person over 60 and eligible disabled people will be able travel for free on local buses no matter where they are in England from 9.30am until 11pm every weekday and all day at weekends.
Phil Hope has written to 250 people across Corby making them aware of the scheme and encouraging them to take full advantage of the free bus travel.
Phil Hope MP said:
"I am delighted that the government is going further to help older people and people with disabilities in Corby and East Northamptonshire by introducing free local bus travel anywhere in England.
It's a great scheme and I want to make sure that everyone who is eligible gets their new bus pass. The bus travel will be a great boost for people visiting friends and relatives, or holidaying across the country where they will be able to use local buses.
It is very important to me that we continue to do as much as we can to help older people and people with disabilities get around."
This means that pass-holders will also be able to travel into other local authority areas for shopping trips or to visit local attractions.
Providing free local bus travel will contribute to greater mobility, independence and social inclusion, reduced congestion and improved local air quality.
Since May 2003 older and eligible disabled people have benefited from a concessionary travel scheme giving half-price travel on many scheduled coach services. Coach operators such as National Express, the major operator of scheduled services in this country, participate in the scheme, which will continue separately from the national bus concession.
31/03/08

Phil Hope calls on Northamptonshire County Councils to re-think their budgetary plans to freeze or cut grants and contracts to the third sector.

The revenue support grant for Northamptonshire County Council is growing by 4% each year for the next three years.
Phil Hope MP said:
"Voluntary organisations who do so much for the people in most need, do not deserve such shabby treatment by this Conservative Administration.
I call for them to re-think their priorities, and to support 3rd sector organisations who support the most vulnerable."

Figures sent to Phil Hope show that Northamptonshire County Council has either cut or frozen its funding to 3rd sector organisations.
The only growth area is in the cash which comes from Central Government that the County Council manages, and in a pooled budget where the growth comes from the Primary Care Trust.
The Conservative County Council cuts come at a time when there is major uncertainty about capital funding for the third sector.
27/03/08

Village Halls Tea Goes Down a Treat with MPs

Phil with Pam Wilton of Acre On the 24th March John Grogan MP hosted a Tea Party at Westminster for village hall trustees from all over the country, organised by the National Village Halls Forum. They came to discuss the financial future of village halls, which is once more threatened due to lack of funding. Thirteen MPs, including Phil Hope, Minister for the Third Sector, and Oliver Letwin, a Patron of the Forum, came along to listen to Forum representatives highlight the benefit of financial investment in rural community buildings. This was evidenced from the results of a recent survey undertaken in the southwest, which showed a 268% monthly increase in hall usage following capital investment.
Phil Hope said:
"I was delighted to attend a Tea Party hosted by The National Village Halls Forum.
I have worked closely with Pam Wilton from ACRE to support applications for funding and will continue to do so, as I believe that Village Halls play a huge part in maintaining social links in rural areas."
John Grogan and Oliver Letwin, both strong supporters of village halls, also addressed the gathering, recognising the vital service they provide to our rural communities, and pledging on-going support for the Forum. Martin Clifton, Chair of the Forum commented "We have to impress upon the Government that village halls, which are run by volunteers, are great value for money. They should be a rural priority because where the government supports, other organisations, including funders, will follow.
Also attending the reception were representatives from the Big Lottery Fund, ACRE, Community Matters, NALC and WREN (a landfill tax credits trust) and Rural Community Council Village Halls Advisors from across the country.
The next step is to present our 10-point plan to Government Ministers later this year. Lois Rose, spokesperson for the Forum remarked, "It has been a very successful event with a good attendance of MPs. We have to get the message across that although we are mostly self-supporting, sometimes we need a little help from our friends – remember, we are volunteers."
25/03/08

Phil Hope visits Thorpe Kilworth Limited

Thorpe Kilworth who employ 90 people at their site on the Earlstree Industrial Estate moved to Corby in May 2007 from Leicestershire. They design, manufacture and install bespoke educational furniture for schools, universities and colleges across the country and are continuously investing in the skills of their staff.
Neil Logue their Managing Dircetor is also the founder of a charity called 'Education for All' whose patron is the Archbishop of York. Education for All is a not-for-profit social enterprise that works with other charities and non-Government organisations overseas to redistribute suitable furniture and other learning resources to partner schools on the African continent and other developing countries.
Phil Hope says:
"I am delighted to be visiting a new employer in Corby who is committed to taking their social and environmental responsibilities very seriously; including many important ethical practices in their business.
The link with the charity Education for All brings benefits to both our environment and many schools in the developing world".

Education for All (Efa) Trust objectives are to advance education and minimise waste in the UK and overseas by; providing clearance services for new school initiatives in the UK where furniture and fittings are removed, recycling materials for energy production or other industrial uses, through Environment Agency certified routes and redistributing suitable furniture to schools in the developing world.
In 2007 Efa can boast that they have equipped 62 schools in Africa and 4 in Palestine as well as diverting 418 tonnes from land fill.
25/03/08

New Bosses for Bailiffs

Phil has welcomed an announcement of plans to protect householders from 'Cowboy Bailiffs'.

Following the consultation on the 'Regulation of Enforcement Agents' the government has now recommended that bailiffs in England and Wales should be regulated by a single body the 'Security Industry Authority'. This will raise levels of professionalism within the industry setting one standard. Training with one set of qualifications will instil greater confidence from the public.
Phil said:
"I welcome the news that bailiffs are to be properly regulated by the 'Security Industry Authority' which is a strong independent body.
It is generally accepted that debts must be recovered. However, it is unacceptable for families to be harassed in their own homes by unscrupulous bailiffs coming down with a far too heavy hand.
As MP Corby and East Northants I have dealt with several cases of house holders being intimidated by over zealous debt collectors; it is good to know that the government has come up with a solution to the problem".
The Government has now recommended that bailiffs in England and Wales should be regulated by one body, the Security Industry Authority (SIA).
The regulatory structure for enforcement agents in England and Wales is currently very fragmented. Whilst there are some elements within the industry that are quite strictly regulated, there are others that are only subject to informal regulation through trade associations, and others that appear to be subject to no regulation at all.
The Government issued a consultation on the "Regulation of Enforcement Agents", which set out options for future regulation. The results showed widespread agreement on the need for a statutory body to regulate the bailiff profession. It would deliver better value for money, set one standard for the industry and one set of training competencies leading to set qualifications.
During the passage of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 in the House of Commons an assurance was given that the power to apply to use reasonable force to enter domestic premises to enforce a civil debt will not be brought into effect until the enforcement industry is regulated by the Security Industry Authority.
18/03/08

Youth Taskforce Action Plan

Phil Hope has welcomed an announcement from the Government intensifying its drive to tackle antisocial behaviour by publishing the
Youth Taskforce Action Plan.
The Action Plan sets out an approach based around tough enforcement to tackle problems, non negotiable help to tackle the causes of problems and early intervention and prevention.
The Youth Taskforce Action Plan expands on the successful work of the Respect Taskforce by focusing on early intervention and prevention alongside tough enforcement.
Phil said:
"I welcome the new Youth Task Force Action Plan announced today. Taking action early to stop unruly behaviour from developing is a sensible step to make in continuing to reduce youth crime and anti-social behaviour.
Measures like these will work toward nipping less serious problems in the bud, making sure that young people improve their behaviour before it is too late.
We know that the setting up of Safe Community Teams and the introduction of PCSOs have made real progress in Corby and East Northamptonshire in reducing anti-social behaviour, which has resulted in a very positive impact on the local community".
The announcement included a commitment to spend £218.5 million on tough enforcement where behaviour is unacceptable or illegal, non-negotiable support to address the underlying causes of poor behaviour and better prevention to tackle problems before they become serious and entrenched, and to prevent problems arising in the first place.
We have come a long way in tackling anti-social behaviour and introduced tough measures to stop it. Local services have made good use of these powers. For example since 2003 there have been over 25,000 ABCs, over 1,000 parenting orders. In total almost 10,000 ASBOs have been issued.
Recent surveys show that the approach is working. Public perceptions of anti-social behaviour as a problem have fallen. The British Crime Survey shows that between 2003 and 2006 the number of people perceiving anti-social behaviour as a problem locally fell from 21% to 18%.

The Youth Taskforce Action Plan

The Youth Taskforce Action Plan sets out a number of commitments to deliver its objective of tackling antisocial behaviour and its causes:

20 Intensive Intervention Projects
52 Challenge and Support Projects – fresh emphasis on the use of Individual Support Orders and early intervention
Help for Local Authorities to deliver targeted youth support reforms
Ensure antisocial behaviour is tackled through effective use of enforcement powers
Evaluate the effectiveness of support measures alongside antisocial behaviour orders
Expand the network of Family Intervention Projects
Up to £60m to roll out Parenting Early Intervention Pathfinders
Increase young people's participation in positive activities
New ways to help local communities and young people resolve tensions
Help local areas and partners promote interaction between young people and other sections of society
Run a national award scheme to recognise and celebrate those young people who successfully turn round their lives and make a significant contribution to communities

Intensive Intervention Projects for young people are based on the successful Family Intervention Projects. Twenty pioneering schemes will be established over the next three years aimed specifically at young people. The projects will work with around 1,000 of the most challenging young people each year.

Young people will have to agree to a contract and will receive an assertive and persistent key worker who will work with them to make sure they get the help they need to tackle the causes of their bad behaviour.

The support is non negotiable – if young people don't take the help, or refuse to mend their ways they will face the consequences – for example an Anti-Social Behaviour Order to stop bad behaviour and an Individual Support Order to compel them to co-operate with support. These are court orders with criminal records and sanctions for those who breach them.

Parenting Early Intervention Pathfinders will also be expanded across the country. The pathfinders will provide support such as parenting classes to parents who are struggling to manage their children's behaviour.

Over 4,000 parenting contracts and 1,000 parenting orders have been issued since 2003 but we want to see even more use of them.
18/03/08

New Support for future 'Billy Elliot'

£5.5 million boost to 'Dance' in Schools.
It has been announced that 'Dance', one of the fastest growing subjects for GCSE and A level students in England, is to receive a £5.5 million boost from the Government.
Dance is second only to football as the most popular activity of school children, and the number of students taking GCSE dance has increased by 125 per cent from 7,003 in 2001 to 15,750 in 2005. Today's announcement follows a review of youth dance by Royal Opera House Chief Executive Tony Hall, also published today.
Tony Hall's Review recognises the importance of dance for young people and his recommendations are to see more young people given the opportunity to take part both in school and out. The new funding is about creating opportunity and high quality experiences for young people, reaching those who may never have thought about dancing or who have wanted to but perhaps didn't know where to go for more information on dance clubs and courses.
Phil Hope said:
"I welcome the announcement of this £5.5 million funding from the government to promote 'Dance' in schools. Dance is the second most popular physical activity enjoyed by young people,a strongly reflected in Corby, this funding will encourage more children to take it up and allow those already involved in dance to improve their skills, resulting in a positive impact on children's health, creativity and life experiences.
The government is dedicated to giving our children the best possible educational opportunities and to improving their physical wellbeing. This funding in dance will fulfil both of these important commitments; it will help young people to learn to dance for fun and fitness."

The £5.5million funding will come through the Departments for Culture, Media and Sport and Children, Schools and Families and Arts Council England. The initiative will include for the first time in dance, an organisation, Youth Dance England (YDE) which is charged and funded to develop a national youth dance strategy across both school and youth dance sectors; a pilot of dance co-ordinators in schools supporting the provision of dance – both as an art form and within school sport; six new Centres of Advanced Training (CATs) between now and 2011, training and supporting around 1,500 more young people inspired to take dance to the next level and new leadership from a joint DCMS/DCSF Dance Review Programme Board.
17/03/08

Firm plans for Health Care in Corby, 7 Days a Week, 8am – 8 pm

hospital corridor
Phil has welcomed the announcement from Northamptonshire Teaching PCT of plans for several new building projects, including a Multi-Million pound primary care centre in Corby.
Proposals for the new facility which aims to be up and running by December this year include; a GP practice, a pharmacy, a minor injuries unit, walk in facilities for non-registered patients and centres for Health and Life Style advice. There will also be training facilities for NHS staff.
The proposed site of the centre is yet to be decided as the plans are still in their early stages, the services provided will be finalised after consultation with the public.
Phil said:
"I welcome plans for a new primary health care centre in Corby, the proposed opening hours of 8 to 8, 7 days a week will make health care more accessible
to Corby residents.
"Including facilites for health and lifestyle advice will continue to encourage a pro-active preventative approach to wellbeing which is crucial to improving community health in Corby."
13/03/08

Masters for the Masters

Phil Hope welcomes the Schools Secretary's plans to take teaching to the top.
classroom Labour's Schools Secretary Ed Balls has announced plans to take our teaching workforce to the top. Speaking at the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) Annual Conference Ed Balls announced ambitious plans to; introduce a new Masters qualification specially designed for teachers called the Masters in Teaching and Learning (MTL), a new Transition to Teaching programme backed by top businesses which could recruit hundreds of extra teachers a year with valuable science, technology and engineering experience gained from industry; and an extension of the National Leaders of Education scheme, where strong Heads help other schools.
Phil said:
"I welcome this new advanced qualification in teaching which will build on skills already in place, bringing best practice from our most experienced professionals to their less experienced colleagues, bringing an enhanced standing to teachers in our communities.
"Recruiting graduates from within industry will definitely bring more hands on, real life teaching to our class rooms, inspiring the next generation of scientists and technologists who will be essential to our future success.
Sharing the skills of our best Heads to help other schools has already proved successful, continuing to encourage 'The Best Helping the Rest' can only take us further."
The Masters in Teaching and Learning is planned to over time be open to all teachers, it is expected that every teacher should complete it over the course of their career. The programme will begin by being rolled out to teachers in the first five years of their careers to build on their initial teacher training.
More experienced teachers will be trained and act as in-school coaches to teachers on the programme. This might be recognised as part of their own Masters programme.
The new qualification will be available to some of the new entrants starting their initial teacher training in September – and to other new entrants as soon as possible afterwards.
Ed Balls said:
"To compete with other countries we need a world class workforce with great teachers and a premium on great teaching that inspires their pupils every day. Our aim is that every teacher over time should have the new Masters in Teaching and Learning. It will raise the status of teachers and ensure that they get the recognition that they deserve."
The innovative programme Transition to Teaching joined by top businesses like BT, IBM, Lockheed Martin UK and Astra Zeneca will encourage graduates with skills including science, technology, engineering and maths to take up second careers as teachers and offer business know-how and practical experience to students.
National Leaders in Education is an excellent example of how leading professionals can reach outside their own institutions, pairing up a supporting school with one that needs support, and driving up standards in both. It is planned to extend the support from 120 schools to 500 schools over the next five years.
12/03/08

Steel in the Memories

Steel in the memories mosaic
Phil Hope unveils Mosaics reflecting the history of Corby Youth.

On Friday the 18th of March at The Connaughty Centre, Cottingham Road, Corby, Phil Hope MP unveiled eight mosaics that have been created by young people in Corby, working with artist Carole Miles.
He also received a booklet about the young peoples progress through the project documenting their concerns, investigations and choices.
Eight groups of young people have researched aspects of the lives of their peers in each of the eight decades since steel came to Corby. Each group has produced a mosaic reflecting their research.
Research was carried out in many different ways including talking to many people about the hopes and dreams of their teenage years and a flight to Glasgow to delve into the history of many of the people they interviewed.`

Phil Hope said:
"This project was a wonderful opportunity for a large group of young people to broaden their understanding of the history of Corby. They learned many new skills and enjoyed exciting new experiences including a flight to Glasgow.
I would like to applaud the Heritage Lottery Fund and Corby Borough Council who stepped forward and helped fund the scheme. I really enjoyed my part in the project when I was interviewed by a panel about my memories of Corby and my aspirations as a teenager. Projects like this are important as they engage young people, develop their talents and give them the confidence to know that they are able to make a contribution to society as they progress through their adult lives."
The young people were given the opportunity to work with a professional artist developing their creativity in various mediums. Working towards an Accredited Qualification Award Certificate and being given the chance to use this project towards gaining a Millennium Volunteer Award.
18/03/08

'Have Your Say' as part of the government's 'Crime and Communities Review'

Phil Hope is asking local people to take part in a questionnaire inviting views from the public.
Phil Hope MP said:
"I am asking members of the public to share their ideas on tackling crime in their communities as part of the 'Crime and Communities Review'.
"Nobody knows more about the needs of an area than the people who live there. Through the 'Have Your Say' questionnaire people have the chance to shape the Review's final recommendations to cut crime and make neighbourhoods feel safer."
The Crime and Communities review is a cross-government exercise looking at how local communities, the police, local criminal justice agencies and other local partners can best work together to reduce crime, raise community confidence, improve information to local people and lower the fear of crime. The review also is looking at what makes people get involved in tackling problems in their community.
A key part of the review is to gather together evidence – and the voices, experiences and opinions of the public and other interested groups and representatives are key to this.
As part of this evidence gathering, the review team has put together a Have Your Say questionnaire which covers some of the key questions of the review.
Anyone who wants to feed in their views can do so on a Have Your Say form, available at www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/crime, or by writing to: FREEPOST, PO Box 1748, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 4XR.
10/03/08

National Minimum Wage to increase to £5.73

coins Phil has welcomed news that the National Minimum Wage is set to Increase.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced the adult National Minimum Wage (NMW) rate will in October rise from £5.52 to £5.73.
The rate for 18-21 year olds will also increase from £4.60 to £4.77, while the 16-17 year old rate will rise from £3.40 to £3.53.
Nearly one million low paid employees, two thirds of them women, will benefit from the increase.
Phil Hope said:
"I welcome this announcement from Gordon Brown. Setting a National Minimum Wage is one of the government's most important achievements, put in place to ensure that workers are treated fairly and families are helped out of poverty.
"This latest increase ensures that keeping the National Minimum Wage in line with inflation, together with the Working and Child Tax Credits; families with low incomes don't slip back below the poverty line."
The Labour Government has also boosted funding for enforcement of the NMW and is planning tough new penalties for rogue employers who underpay staff as part of the Employment Bill, now before the Parliament.
Ten years after the Minimum Wage Act was passed in 1998, Labour's National Minimum Wage legislation has made a huge difference in making work pay and helping families out of poverty in Britain.
There are 3.4 million more jobs than in 1997 and 600,000 children have been lifted out of poverty.
Around 1.0 million workers have benefited from the minimum wage each year since its introduction.
Together with the Working and Child Tax Credits, the national minimum wage will currently guarantee that every family with one child and one person in full-time work will receive a minimum income of £276 per week from October 2007, up from £182 in April 1999.
05/03/08

Sure Start – National Evaluation Report

Phil Hope welcomes the positive results of the National Evaluation report on Sure Start and Children's Centres
At the first National Conference for Children's Centre Leaders held on the 4th of March, The Sure Start- National Evaluation Report was presented together with a pledge from Ed Balls MP Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families to reinforce the Sure Start work out in communities with a package of additional measures.
Sure Start is a flagship Labour achievement and is at the heart of our mission to give every child the best possible start in life. The independent evaluation report shows it has a positive impact on the lives of children and families.
Sure Start Local Programmes (SSLPs) were set up between 1999 and 2003 in the most disadvantaged areas of the country. From 2003 onwards the Government began to introduce a universal programme of Sure Start Children's Centres, and by 2006 all SSLPs became children's centres.
According to the independent evaluation report, children behave better and are more independent if they live in areas with Sure Start Children's Centres. Other findings show that parents have more positive parenting skills and provide a better home learning environment for their children, helping prepare children to do well at school and make the most of their talents.
The successes of the Children's Centres were pioneered in Corby at the Pen Green Children's Centre in Pen Green Lane. Corby now also has a second Children's centre in the Kingswood Community Centre. Two more are planned at Wood Newton School and Exeter School. In East Northamptonshire there are two under construction at Manor School Raunds and Irthlingborough Junior School.
Phil Hope MP said:
"It is great news that this independent report Shows that the Government's investment in Children's Centres is proving to be beneficial for our communities.
More Positive parenting is helping to improve young Children's behaviour, preparing them for school and ensuring that they have the best possible start in life."

The core offer includes early learning and childcare, parenting advice, health services and help finding work or training.
Ed Balls acknowledged that there was more to do and pledged a package of measures to take the Sure Start work out into communities where it is needed most. The package includes:
An additional two outreach workers at each centre in the 1500 most disadvantaged areas, as part of the overall funding for children's centres announced in August 2007. The outreach workers will provide effective home visiting and other support that can make a real difference to families who cannot or choose not to access services, providing important information and access to services such as childcare and family support.
A review of practice on outreach work to clarify what makes good outreach work, with further training and development material and activities later this year.
£7m funding over the next 3 years to allow 5,000 practitioners to take up new training opportunities.
New guidance to help centres work with black and minority ethnic families. Ed Balls said:
"Our new department and the Children's Plan put families at the heart of everything we do – and Sure Start centres are the best way for us to help all families early on. Parents bring up children not the Government – and this research shows that Sure Start centres can help parents give their children the best start in life.
"I want to make sure all families can benefit – which is why we are putting in place a package of measures, backed up with funding and new outreach workers to reach out to the most disadvantaged families."
10/03/08