Phil welcomes latest Crime Figures
Corby Parent Support Service
Corby Borough Council's Parent Support Service offers support to parents and carers of children and young people whose behaviour has become a cause for concern.
The aim of the service is to help parents to understand and better manage the behaviour of their children through individual discussion, support, parenting courses and support groups. Parents have found that the activities have enhanced their relationship with their children and provided them with a variety of ways to help keep them safe from harm and negative influences.
Phil Hope MP said:
"Sometimes bringing up a child isn't always easy and you can feel very alone. Corby Borough Council has a Parent Support Officer who can help if you find that your child's behaviour is get out of hand. You can telephone Helen Worrall on 01536 275860 ex 20 or 07827 820635 who will come and visit you to discuss your particular issues or problems. She will then help you find practical ways of solving the problem.
"As a parent you have a lasting influence on your child's future, so if you do need help I would urge you to contact Helen. With her support you can make sure that your son or daughter has the best possible chance of a happy and fulfilled life."
Helen P. Worrall - Parent Support Officer,
Tel. O1536 275860 ex.20
27/08/09
'Outdoor Experience' in Irthlingborough
Phil Hope joined young children and their Mums at the Crow Hill recreation centre Irthlingborough for a morning of outdoor play.
The 'Outdoor Experience' is an extension of Irthlingborough Children's Centre's normal play activity held at Crow Hill every Wednesday. During the holidays the Children's Centre tries to engage with older children, the older siblings of its normal 0-5 age range. The group meets regardless of the weather making sure children get plenty of fresh air and exercise.
The aim of the group is to involve parents and carers in their children's play using play which allows children to develop their imagination, problem solving and communication skills. The group also tries to help build up social networks; Mums can make friends and support each other bringing the whole community together.
Forty four children have been signed up by their parents and many older children have joined the Multi Skills football group 'Little Stars'.
Phil Hope said:
"Irthlingborough Children's Centre has now been open for a year and I'm pleased that it is extending its services right out into the community. I met lots of Mums and children who are really enjoying the chance to get out and meet new friends while engaging their little ones in constructive play.
"It has now been proved that the work of Children's Centres has
a lasting positive impact giving children the best possible start. Children
behave better are more confident and better prepared for when they start
school."
26/08/09
Boost for Corby Town Centre
Phil Hope MP welcomed an announcement form Communities Secretary John Denham today that Corby is one of 57 towns to benefit from special extra funding to help town centres through the recession.
Phil Hope MP said:
"Corby Town Centre is thriving; owners Land Securities have told me that trade is up, visitors numbers are up and the average spend is increasing. In the last few weeks we have seen a new hairdressers and a laser dome come to the Town Centre and I can confirm that a deal to lease the Woolworths site has just been agreed. So it is great news that the Government is supporting that success with a £52,000 boost to make sure that our Town Centre remains vibrant through the financial downturn.
"The money will be spent by Corby Borough Council on ways to transform empty shops - such as turning them into learning centres or show rooms for local artist".
£3 million has been given to 57 councils (£52,632 for each council) to reduce the negative impact that empty and boarded up shops are having on the high street - empty shops can create an impact on consumer and business confidence.
The Government is determined to help ensure town centres remain vibrant places and the funding today underpins 'Real Help Now', supporting communities through recession.
This funding is for councils to determine where and what will be most effective in their areas to boost town centres and shopping streets. The effect of un-boarding a shop can be dramatic, and £1K –- £2K could enable a boarded-up shop window to be used to display artwork by local people or information on the local area; a few thousand pounds could enable a vacant shop to be used by a community group while a commercial tenant was found, or to put on a summer festival, or to try out a street market.
This is part of a package of support to help the high street and businesses. The Government has already changed the planning rules to make it easier to use vacant shops for other purposes. Last month, Housing and Planning Minister John Healey put measures in place to make it easier for businesses to apply for planning permission.
The Government launched a new practical guide in April to help high
streets combat the recession. http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/1201277
14/08/09
Phil Hope welcomes extra investment into dental practices
Phil Hope welcomes the news that the NHS will be investing £25 million into dental practices across Northamptonshire.
This money will mean a new NHS practice in
West Steet, Oundle and investment into established NHS practices in
The £25m scheme will also extend opening times to include early evenings and Saturday mornings and help dentist provide more information and advice to their patients. Phil Hope MP said:
"I am delighted with the recent announcement that the NHS is investing a further £25m into dental practices across Northamptonshire. This is great news for my constituents who will get even better access to NHS dentists.
Having more NHS dental practices with greater flexibility in opening
times is brilliant news for patients. This will mean it is easier to fit
appointments into our busy lifestyles."
13/08/09
Free online service helps first-time parents
Phil Hope MP welcomes a new interactive website to help parents and carers keep their babies healthy, happy and safe which has been rolled out nationally by the Department of Health. NHS Baby LifeCheck is designed to provide information and advice to mums, dads and carers of babies aged five to eight months.
Baby LifeCheck guides parents and carers through a set of simple multiple choice questions, then offers advice and reassurance on making the best decisions for their child. It covers topics including: development, talking and playing, feeding, healthy teeth, safety, sleep routine, immunisations and being a parent.
Created in consultation with parents, NHS Baby LifeCheck recognises that being the mum or dad of a young baby can sometimes be a challenge. It offers top tips, helpful videos and details of organisations which can support people across a range of issues –- from weaning worries to feeling down or lonely.
Phil Hope MP said:
"Anyone who has been a parent knows that the first-time round can
very scary. That why I am welcoming this new on-line Baby LifeCheck service.
Not only dose it offer lots of helpful reliable tips but it is accessible
all the time –- even in the small hours of the morning. I know that
is when most new parents feel most concerned, need reassurance and might
not want to pick up the phone to ask a family member or friend for help.
You can just use this link www.babylifecheck.co.uk/."
Health Minister Ann Keen said:
"NHS Baby LifeCheck is a reliable source of non-judgemental, online information for parents and carers. It provides reassurance and advice about their baby's health development, happiness and safety. It's an easy way for parents to find out if they are doing the best thing for their child, whilst also supporting them to set goals or find further help to make improvements for themselves and their baby."
"NHS Baby LifeCheck is a reliable source of non-judgemental, online information for parents and carers. It provides reassurance and advice about their baby's health development, happiness and safety."
First-time mum, Dina Yacob, who has used NHS Baby LifeCheck said:
"I completed the NHS Baby LifeCheck for my seven month old son. It really reassured me that I am doing the right things for my baby. It also reminds you to get on with some things - for example introducing a cup instead of a bottle for drinks - which I knew I would have to do, but had forgotten in the rush of everything else."
Nicola Stenning, a health visitor said:
"NHS Baby LifeCheck has been tested with parents to ensure it provides them with tailored information while giving reassurance. Becoming a parent for the first time can come with the worry of whether you are doing it right; this free service will help parents to find out. NHS Baby LifeCheck will be a useful source of information and guidance for parents of babies between five to eight months, at a time when they receive less frequent visits from health professionals."
Baby LifeCheck is freely available to parents and carers from any
computer with internet access. Baby LifeCheck is one of three NHS
LifeCheck services. NHS Teen LifeCheck, aimed at 12-15 year olds was launched
nationally in June 2009 and NHS Mid-life LifeCheck, aimed at 45-60 year
olds, which should go live at the end of the year.
13/08/09
Thanks from Phil Hope following the provisional Key Stage 2 test results for 11 year olds
Phil Hope MP said:
"I want to thank teachers and teaching assistants, parents and
pupils in Corby and
"We won't know the results for individual primary schools in the
"The figures show that over the last decade the governments investment has meant more teachers and teaching assistants have seen a huge increase in the number of children across Northamptonshire getting to the expected level by the end of primary school - up from just 66% in 1998 to 81% today.
"We must redouble our efforts to make sure every child is making
progress and can fulfil their true potential. That' s why the government
is now rolling out one-to-one and small group tuition for children who
are falling behind, which will make a huge difference to thousands of
children in the coming years."
13/08/09
Phil's East Northamptonshire Parliamentary Report Summer '09
Phil Hope's East
Northamptonshire Parliamentary Report (pdf 2MB) for summer '09 is
up and ready to read.
11/08/09
A National Care Service
As your local MP and Minister of State for Care Services I am asking for your views about the government's vision for creating a National Care Service.
Tell me what you think
There are difficult choices to be made about how we fund a National Care Service. We want the funding to be fair, simple and affordable. We have proposed three options and I would like to know your views about which you think is best.
The options are outlined and the survey form invites you to tell me which you prefer and give comments about a National Care Service.
This is a once in a generation opportunity to shape the future of care
together. I look forward to hearing from you.
09/08/09
£60 million to kick-start housing developments in Corby
Phil Hope is celebrating the recent news that Corby has been awarded £60 million to kickstart house building.
Phil Hope worked closely with Corby Borough Council and North Northants Development Company to ensure the funding was secured. The areas that will benefit from the investment are Priors Hall, Little Stanion, Little Stanion Farm, Stanion, Kingswood and phase five of Oakley Vale.
Corby's funding represents the largest allocation of cash to any town from the Government £1bn kickstart scheme which aims to help housing developments across the country get underway.
Phil Hope said:
"This announcement is wonderful news for the continued regeneration
of Corby. In these difficult economic times the Government has once again
stepped up to the challenge and is providing the necessary support to
keep the people of corby working and on track for future prosperity.
30/07/09
'Fairness & Respect' Steering Group clamps down on unscrupulous employment agencies
The 'Fairness & Respect' Steering Group is ratcheting up the pressure
further on unscrupulous employment agencies in Corby.
At the last Steering Group meeting on Friday 17th July, Corby Citizen Advice Bureau presented the group with allegations against three employment agencies. These complaints include a number of serious breaches of the pledge.
The Steering Group has decided to take quick and decisive action against these agencies. The two employment agencies that have not signed the pledge have been reported to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
A full investigation is already underway into the agency that is a signatory. The persons who have made the allegations are being re-interviewed and all the information/evidence will be presented to the agency. The agency will have an opportunity to present their case.
It was also brought to the attention of the Steering Group that a company who has signed the pledge is using an employment agency that is not a signatory. A letter has been sent to the company to inform them that this contravenes the pledge.
Phil Hope said:
"Keeping pressure on unscrupulous agencies in Corby is vital, the
work the Steering Group is undertaking sends a clear message; if you're
not treating temporary workers with fairness and respect you're not welcome
in Corby .
"Everyone in Corby has a role to play in making sure only good
employment agencies operate in our town. So if they haven't signed up
to the pledge don't use them. If you hear of any worker mistreatment or
are experiencing any problems with an agency please contact Corby Citizen
Advice Bureau on 01536 265501"
30/07/09
Corby's new £20million
pool opened with a splash
Phil Hope was delighted to be at the official opening of the new £20 million International 50m Swimming Pool.
Olympic Swimmer Mark Foster officially opened the pool by being the first person to take to the pool for a timed swim. He posted a time of 22.92 seconds for 50m. So the challenge has been set for Corby residents to try and beat his time!
The event was also attended by Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Ben Bradshaw. The Corby Steel Spirit Cheerleaders performed at the opening ceremony, while Corby Swimming Club, Corby Snorkellers and ASA Luton and Bedford Diving academy all took to the water.
The facilities at the new pool are second to none. The 50 metre pool can be dived into three sections and the floor can be adjusted to change the depth. There is also a 10 m diving board, a water flume and a pirate ship.
Phil Hope said:
"I am delighted that here in Corby we now have one of the top venues
for swimming in the whole of the East Midlands . That is going to make
a huge difference. The excitement is huge and we have the quality Corby
deserves.”
"It is a jewel in the sporting crown, not just for Corby and the
East Midlands but England as a whole."
29/07/09
Join Phil Hope in his Big Care Debate
Phil Hope MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire and Minister for Care Services was recently invited to take part in a consultation with Age Concern about the National Care Service Green Paper.
The green paper proposes a radical reform of care. More people are living longer - life expectancy is going up and advances in medical science mean that people with disabilities are living longer. This is worth celebrating but does mean there is a need for radically changing the way care is provided and paid for.
Phil was joined by 30 constituents and they discussed the proposals for reform. People were extremely supportive of a new system which will be fairer, simpler and more affordable.
The consultation was a great success and Phil received many warm and positive comments about how people would like to see the system funded and implemented.
If you would like to learn more about the National Care Service Green paper please visit www.careandsupport.direct.gov.uk or get in contact with Phil's constituency office.
Phil Hope said:
"This Green Paper is a huge opportunity to have a fundamental debate
about our care and support system right across my constituency and our
country. We have not had a debate like this since the creation of the
National Health Service 60 years ago.
"I want you to join the big care debate so please get in contact
with me and let me know your opinion - together we can create a care service
which is fairer simpler and more affordable."
28/07/09
Apprentice of the Year Awards
Phil Hope attended the Apprentice of the Year Awards and congratulated
Mark Jefferson of Rockingham Cars who won the overall prize.
The awards are designed to recognise and celebrate the achievements
of apprentices and the key role they play in the workplace. The National
Apprentices Service received over 1000 entries representing companies
and individuals from all over
Mark won one of only three awards available that night and was rightfully delighted to receive the national accolade. Phil was extremely pleased to be there to celebrate and congratulate Mark on his great achievement personally.
If you are interested in following in Mark's footsteps and would like to learn more about becoming or employing an apprentice why not visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk/.
Phil Hope said:
"I was so pleased to be at the Apprentice of the Year Awards and
be able to congratulate Mark personally on his win. Mark is clearly an
exceptional young man, winning through with a positive approach to work
and a real commitment to his engineering training. I would like to thank
Rockingham Cars for giving him the opportunity to excel in on the job
training and learn the skills which will set him up for a great future
career."
28/07/09
Celebrating a year of 'Fairness & Respect' in Corby
The 'Fairness & Respect' pledge is celebrating its first year. The pledge has had a positive effect on many temporary workers who regularly use employment agencies in Corby .
The local community have really got behind the pledge with 16 employment agencies, 16 local companies and 9 local organisation including Trade Unions, political bodies, local councils and community groups signing up and showing great commitment.
Over the course of the first year there have been many achievements; the official launch event, the distribution of 6000 leaflets which has been translated into several different languages and the creation of a complaints procedure which has resolved and redressed many individual cases.
The Steering Group are now looking forward to raising the profile of the rights of temporary workers ensuring that everyone at work gets treated with fairness and respect.
Phil Hope said:
"I am delighted that the 'Fairness & Respect' campaign has had such a big impact in its first year. This has lead to more temporary workers being aware of their rights and who to report mistreatment to.
"I must reiterate that if you are looking for temporary
work please only use agencies that are committed to treating you with
Fairness and Respect. If you are experiencing any difficulties with employment
agencies get in contact with the Corby Citizen Advice Bureau on 01536
265501"
28/07/09
Cutting bills and helping the environment
A huge expansion of wind power, home insulation and 'smart' electricity
meters are among measures being planned by the Government.
Phil Hope MP has given his support for the Government's Energy White Paper,
which was released on Wednesday.
"I welcome moves to help us cut emissions - it is our responsibility as a country to do our bit.
"But what is vital is that these moves are not just good for the environment. More fairness for bill payers and more jobs in green industries are vital. I am pleased that there will be more help for people to make their homes greener and save money. And the boost for green industry is good news for jobs in Corby and East Northamptonshire.
Ed Miliband said:
"I want to thank Phil Hope MP for all the campaigning he has done
pushing the government to take action on climate change.
"Our Transition Plan pushes the pace of change. We're providing new ways of helping people be smarter with the energy they use and enabling UK firms to grow by leading the world in advanced green technologies. We will protect people on low incomes and reduce our dependency on fossil fuels imported from unstable parts of the world.
"I want the UK to be the first major developed country to convert
to low carbon living, and the first to reap the benefits. With less than
150 days left until global climate talks in Copenhagen, and with the challenges
of coming out of recession, our Transition Plan will build a better, cleaner,
greener UK."
15/07/09
MP's Hero Award
At the last performance of the Shape Dance group organised by Mrs May
Cardwell Phil Hope MP presented her with a special 'MP's Hero Award'.
Phil Hope said:
"I nominated May as my MP's Hero because of the fantastic contribution
she has made to the Corby community over the last 39 years. May's dance
classes and annual shows have kept thousands of young people active, taught
them the value of team work and inspired self confidence in them all.
"I want to congratulate May for her work and thank her making dance classes fun and accessible to all children no matter their ability. I have personal experience of her energy and enthusiasm when she taught me a tap routine last Christmas which has led to some of her pupils going on to become professional dancers."
Mrs Cardwell has been teaching dance to children and young people between
the ages of 4 and 21 for 39 years. Thousands of children have learned
tap, ballet and modern dance in her fun and exciting classes.
450 pupils have attended her classes weekly in various venues around Corby
joining together each Christmas and Summer for annual shows.
14/07/09
MP calls for speed reductions
Phil Hope has written to Northamptonshire County Council voicing his support for residents of Irthlingborough's Campaign to reduce speed limits and increase safety measurers on the A6 between Irthlingborough and Finedon and the Finedon Road in Irthlingborough.
Phil Hope MP said:
"Both the A6 and Finedon Road are main routes to and from three schools
in Irthlingborough so lots of young people have to cross these en route.
I think the residents are justifiably very anxious for the safety of their
children and I have no hesitation in supporting their call for reduced
speed limits and the use of speed cameras."
"I have written to Katherine Kerswell asking her to give sympathetic
consideration to these or other measures that would effectively reduce
traffic speed at the two locations helping to avoid any further potentially
tragic accidents."
14/07/09
Phil Hope welcomes Government's plans to outlaw trade union blacklisting
The Government has launched a consultation on new regulations that will make it unlawful for trade union members to be denied employment through secret blacklists.
The consultation document puts forward regulations which prohibit the compilation, dissemination and use of trade union blacklists. This follows the Information Commissioner having reported in March this year that 40 construction companies had subscribed to a database used to vet construction workers, which has now been closed under data protection law.
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said;
"Blacklisting someone because they are a member of a trade union
is totally unacceptable. I am determined to act quickly to stamp out this
despicable practice. Today's proposals outline how we will deliver this".
Pat McFadden, Minister of State for Business, Innovation and Skills
added;
"We intend to introduce these regulations, amended in the light of
the comments we receive, at the earliest opportunity. Ending blacklisting
will be another important step taken by this Government to ensure a fair
deal at work"
Phil Hope MP said :
"There are hundreds of Trades Union members in Corby and East Northamptonshire
individuals regularly helping their fellow employees and contributing
to the success of the organisations which employ them. The idea that some
unscrupulous employers are systemically breaking the law by discriminating
against trade union members and activists is appalling and I welcome that
fact that the Government is acting to end the practice once and for all"
The main proposals announced today are:
- to make it unlawful for organisations to refuse employment or sack individuals as a result of appearing on a blacklist;
- to make it unlawful for employment agencies to refuse to provide a service on the basis of appearing on a blacklist; and
- to enable individuals or unions to pursue compensation or solicit action against those who compile, distribute or use blacklists.
This consultation will run for a shorter period than normal, for six
weeks, to enable legislation to be brought forward as soon as possible.
Ministers plan to seek Parliamentary approval for the regulations in the
autumn and implement them urgently as soon as it can thereafter.
13/07/09
Phil Hope visits CRP Print & Packaging
L - R: Phil Hope, Peter Sangster Executive Chairman, Alex Wilson, Eddie Fellows Managing Director and Chris Buckenham Finance Director
Phil toured the premises of CRP Print & Packaging in Corby to see their brand new £0.75 million Die Cutter machine and met the Chairman, Managing Director and Financial Director to discuss the challenges the business is facing.
Phil said:
"I enjoyed my visit to CRP which is one of Corby's most forward thinking
businesses. I am pleased that this thriving company is ensuring their
future prosperity and that of the Corby community by making a huge investment
in new machinery.
"I talked to Peter Sangster their Chairman about the challenges
they are facing, including access to finance, support from business advisors
and training. I will be taking their case forward to the Department of
Business, Innovation and Skills to make sure that they are given the best
support by the government to safeguard jobs in Corby."
Phil Hope with Alex Wilson –- Die Cutting Charge Hand- standing next to the new Bobst 1600 Die Cutter
Peter J Sangster Executive Chairman said:
" It was particularly helpful to have discussions with Phil Hope
during his visit to view our latest £750,000 investment in the Bobst
1600 Die Cutter. As Minister for the East Midlands he was able to give
us specific help and advice in managing the very difficult economic challenges
facing medium size manufacturing companies such as CRP. He was also very
supportive of the 80% material recycling success of our industry."
10/07/09
Enter the Dragon
Phil Hope entered the Dragon's lair recently to present the winners of
the Corby 'Business Dragons' competition with their prizes.
Over 80 6th form students were invited to join in a week long enterprise project which was based on the popular BBC hit TV series, Dragons Den. It involved teams of sixth form students from The Kingswood School, Corby Business Academy and Lodge Park Technology College all bidding to be young entrepreneurs, pitching and selling their business ideas to 'Dragons' made up of local business people.
At the 'launch' of the project on 29th June 09 the young competitors listened to a number of guest speakers, advising them on presentation, teambuilding and confidence building techniques. Organiser Julie Thompson from Northamptonshire EBLO, introduced students to the skills required to equip them for the project and they were asked to consider finance, staffing, planning, marketing, the law, competition and profitability. The teams had just two days to work on their ideas aided by various local and national businesses, before taking part in a semi-final. Finalists were then given an additional 'Friendly Dragon' session before making their pitches to a panel of Dragons made up of local business people.
Phil Hope MP said:
"It was fantastic to meet the next generation of young business people
at the Corby Business Dragons final. The experience of taking part will
be invaluable to all the competitors, introducing them to so many new
skills which will set them in good stead for their future careers.
"I am delighted that so many accomplished and ambitious young people took part. I want to congratulate them all on their creative ideas and thank EBLO and all the Business Dragons for giving their expertise and time toward making the project such a success."
Three categories were awarded prizes, Best Innovation, Best Presentation and Best Overall.
Students from The Kingswood School won Best Overall with a product called
FireSight, a miniature smoke alarm that clips to the person's clothing
or can be worn as a pendant, which vibrates to alert a deaf/blind person
of danger. Another idea from The Kingswood School which caught the Dragons'
attention and picked up Best Presentation was Digitrac, a system which
allows people to enter their house without having to find their keys,
a new concept of door handle using finger print recognition, while students
from Corby Business Academy scooped the prize for Best Innovation with
their Sleepy Bean, a funky all-in-one camping comfort idea.
10/07/09
First specialist dementia advisors start work
Phil Hope MP who is Minister for Care Services has announced new support for people with dementia and their families.
Twenty Two demonstrator sites around the country will have advisors to act as guides to help people with dementia and their families navigate the care support system throughout their illness. They will help to provide easy access, support and advice.
An additional 18 sites will test different kinds of support networks for families and carers. They will try out different ways of providing local practical and emotional support for people with dementia and their carers and give them the opportunity to take to take an active role in developing local services. Some of the services that will be piloted include dementia cafes – places where people with dementia and their carers can meet up – and a simple social networking site which will allow people with dementia to network with others.
Phil Hope MP said:
"This is the beginning of real change to transform the lives of people
with dementia. I have met people with dementia and Alzheimer in Corby
and East Northamptonshire and know that they are under a huge strain.
I want everyone to be able to have a dementia advisor there for them when
they need help.
"This project will test different support methods so we can see what families respond to best. After that, I want to see dementia advisors starting to take up posts in every area. They will be crucial in making sure –people with dementia and their families get the help and the support they need."
Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of the Alzheimer's Society said:
"Today marks the beginning of an exciting period of transformation
in dementia care as we begin to see the promises of the National dementia
Strategy put into action. Demonstrator sites will explore the best ways
of reaching out and supporting people living with dementia. The Alzheimer's
Society is pleased to be a part of such positive projects that have the
potential to change the lives of thousands of people."
The Dementia Strategy can be found at www.dh.gov.uk/dementia.
The new Dementia information Portal will be at www.dementia.dh.gov
from July 22nd.
10/07/09
Danesholme Infants take up Politics
Phil Hope visited Danesholme Infants School on Friday the 3rd of July
to talk to the children about his role as their MP and how the children
of Corby have a voice that is valued.
The children are taking part in THE BIG READ to keep up the pressure
on global leaders to end the world education crisis. They presented Mr
Hope with 'Big Read' doors which have their own personal messages to the
Prime Minister on them reminding him that education is really important
and that every child deserves free primary education.
Phil Hope said:
"I was delighted to meet the children at Daneholme Infants School
and pleased that they are learning about how their voices can be heard
and how fortunate they are to be able to go to school everyday. I will
be taking their messages back to 10 Downing Street for them so that the
Prime Minister will know about their concerns.
"There are 70 million children around the world who are still missing out on school because of poverty so we all have to keep up the pressure on global leaders to reach their target of quality primary education for every child."
For more information about 'THE BIG READ' www.sendmyfriend.org
08/07/09
New Affordable Homes for Irthlingborough
Phil Hope spoke at the official opening of Western Court the new affordable
homes in Victoria Street, Irthlingborough on Friday the 3rd of July.
Twenty three two-bedroom flats have been built by Jephson Homes Housing Association for letting at affordable rents. The first families have already moved in. The site is on the former motorcycle boot factory and the flats incorporate architectural details from the factory as a reminder of the sites history.
The site has already set a national record set for the quantity of solar roofing on any one development, potentially saving families hundreds of pounds in electricity bills.
Phil Hope MP said:
"The £1 million grant from the Homes& Communities Agency
has given us a well designed new development for Irthlingborough that
ticks all the boxes. It is providing 23 much needed affordable homes,
on a town centre site using sustainable technology and its construction
will bring educational activities and environmental works to the town
through funds provided by Jephson Homes.
"Sustainability is now extremely important so I want to congratulate the developer, East Northamptonshire Council and the designers on completing this great new scheme with the environment in mind, it is fantastic that families will already be saving money on their energy costs."
The redevelopment cost in excess of £2.5million with just over £1million of this provided by the Homes and Communities Agency, formerly known as the Housing Corporation. As part of the project, Jephson contributed £86,000 to East Northamptonshire District Council which will be used to fund educational activities, environmental works and open spaces in the town. Jephson's contractors, Galliford Try, demolished the old factory building and the flats were designed to incorporate architectural details from the factory as a reminder of the site's history. During work, a national record was set for the quantity of solar roofing used on any one development, saving families hundreds of pounds in electricity bills.
New residents David and Rita Chown allowed guests to tour their apartment to see the quality of the development.
Mr Chown said:
"We moved in at Easter and have really settled in well. The quality
of the apartments is excellent and we are very happy here."
02/07/09
The Government delivers a better, stronger deal for Britain's consumers
The Government today launched its Consumer White Paper: A Better Deal for Consumers, which sets out the real help the Government are providing now to people facing difficulties with debt and their finances. It also includes longer term measures to boost consumer confidence - including the creation of a Consumer Advocate to champion consumer interests with new powers to protect consumers.
Minister for Consumer Affairs Kevin Brennan MP said:
"Today we are setting out our strategy to give people the protection
they need to shop with confidence in the marketplace, through the economic
downturn and beyond.
"We're announcing a package of measures including a new self-help toolkit for those in difficulty with their debts alongside measures to protect people from unscrupulous debt-collection agencies, the creation of a new Consumer Advocate with new powers to demand redress for consumers and a review into credit cards, credit repayments and high cost credit, a ban on unsolicited credit card cheques and a new focus on tackling e-crime, as people increasingly turn to the internet to do their shopping."
Phil Hope MP said:
"This is great news for the people of Corby and East Northamptonshire
and shows that the Government is backing the British public when it comes
to consumer rights.
"We've all experienced being ripped off at some time in our lives - experiences where so often the perpetrator goes unpunished and the consumer uncompensated - it's excellent news that now the Government's creation of a Consumer Advocate means there's a new, powerful independent voice with legal powers on the side oft the public in those situations.
It's also important that those people trapped in debt have support to
find a way back to a healthy financial situation. The Government's today
unveiling a support package to give people a helping hand alongside a
review into expensive credit. "
02/07/09
