News Archive Nov - Dec 2008
Phil Hope opens first GP health centre in the East Midlands
New centre in Corby will see patients 8am-8pm, seven days a week
The first fully operational new GP health centre in the East Midlands was officially opened in Corby by Phil Hope. The Lakeside Plus centre is the first of four new GP health centres set to open across Northamptonshire providing local people with additional GP services tailored to their needs.
The centre, will see patients from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, are part of a Government programme to increase access to family doctor services.
Any member of the public will be able to use the additional services provided by the Lakeside Plus centre, while staying registered with their local family doctor. Patients can also choose to register at the Lakeside Plus centre if they wish to do so and will receive the same high quality services they would receive at any GP practice. As
well as increasing access to GP services the Lakeside Plus centre will provide patients with greater choice, have a strong focus on promoting health and on reducing health inequalities, particularly for hard-to-reach groups.
Phil Hope MP said:
"I am delighted to be opening the Lakeside Plus GP health centre in Corby today, which will undoubtedly make a huge difference in improving access to healthcare for local people.
"Patients tell me that they want to be able to see a GP at times convenient to them, so this centre will offer them the greater choice and flexibility they want. Any member of the public will be able to see a doctor or nurse between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week, 365 days a year, while still remaining registered with their own GP.
"Across Northamptonshire 85% of existing practices are now offering extra appointments in evenings, early mornings or weekends. This is a great achievement, thanks to the hard work of GPs and their staff. New GP health centres like this one in Corby will complement existing practices and help to improve the health of local communities."
Phil Hope toured the Lakeside Plus surgery meeting staff and patients. The health centre will provide Corby with the additional health services it needs to meet the rising demands of its fast growing population. It will also offer a range of innovative services tailored to meet the health needs of local people including a nurse-led minor illness service, screening for health problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and sexually transmitted diseases, sexual health services, health and well-being clinics, and an out of hours weekend service.
17/12/08
Phil Hope met members of the Corby Alzheimer's Society
Phil Hope MP met members of the Corby Alzheimer's Society on Friday the 12th of December at Corby Volunteers Bureau to hear about their experiences and to discuss the National Dementia Strategy.
Phil Hope MP said:
"I greatly valued the opportunity provided by the Alzheimer's Society to meet my constituents in Corby and East Northamptonshire who are either dementia sufferers themselves or carers of someone who has dementia.
"Those who attended spoke very movingly about their experiences and identified specific areas for improvement in the local health and social care services for dementia patients and their carers. They made it very clear how important it will be for the new National Dementia Strategy to be published early next year to raise greater awareness of dementia among the public and health professionals.
"I will be writing to the Northamptonshire Primary Care Trust and Northamptonshire County Council to draw these concerns to their attention and to highlight the priority given to dementia services within the new NHS National Operating Framework published by the government this month."
The Alzheimer's Society is a membership organisation working to improve the lives of people affected by dementia. Many of the 25,000 members have personal experience of dementia, as carers, health professionals or are people with dementia themselves.
There are 700,000 people with dementia in the UK with numbers set to rise to one million by 2025.
17/12/08
New £25 million school building for Kingswood School
Phil Hope visited The Kingswood School on Friday the 12th of December to cut the first sod of the new £25 million school building
Phil Hope MP said:
"I am delighted that Corby continues to benefit from the governments massive investment in education. We know that education is the key to unlocking the potential of every individual, higher academic achievement, better occupational skills and wider personal development are vital to giving every child the best possible start to their adult life.
"Building a new school will show the students of Kingswood that they are valued giving them the confidence to aspire to bigger and better things in their future lives."
The Kingswood School opened as a grammar school for the town in 1965. Initially it accommodated a mere 150 students.
The new building which should be ready in less than two years will bring the facilities into the 21st century providing open space and modern design. The school aims to keep the unique Kingswood atmosphere and ethos which has taken over forty years to develop.
17/12/08
Christmas cracker for Corby and East Northamptonshire
New year cash boost for 23,480 local people
Phil Hope MP has welcomed a new cash boost for 23,480 local people as part of the Government's financial help for 15 million people.
Following the coldest start to winter in thirty years, the Government this week formally ordered a special one-off payment of £60 to pensioners, carers, disabled people and those in receipt of bereavement benefits.
Phil Hope MP said:
"This is Christmas cracker for 23,480 in Corby and East Northamptonshire. I'm pleased that the Government has realised that our most vulnerable need help and its right that they've invested this extra cash.
"The Christmas bonus will be a real winter warmer for all who get it."
This help is in addition to the extra £4bn which will be spent on pensioners next year, announced by the Chancellor in the pre-budget report. This means the biggest increase in the State Pension since 2001, bringing it from £90 to £95 a week, and the biggest increase in Pension Credit since it was introduced, so that no pensioner need live on less than £130 a week from April 2009.
Speaking after a special debate in the House of Commons, James Purnell, Labour's Secretary of State for Work and Pensions said:
"We know that older people in are facing tough times and that's why we are making this real help available. I am pleased to confirm that this year we will spend approximately £900 million on the additional Christmas bonus payments."Phil Hope MP has always been a champion for local people and I've been pleased to work with him in highlighting the real help that Labour is offering."
Labour's Pensions Minister Rosie Winterton MP said:
"This is real help going to 23,480 people in your area, including 18,430 pensioners and 570children.
"I hope that this cash, alongside extra Winter Fuel Payments and Cold Weather Payments, means that no one need worry about turning up the heat this winter."
16/12/08
Credit card companies agree to play fair
Credit card companies have agreed with the government a new set of 'fair principles' that will put an end to overnight hikes in credit card charges and give much needed breathing space to borrowers struggling to repay their debts.
A fortnight ago, the Government gave credit card companies a deadline of two weeks to report back with a statement of fair principles, warning that he would ask the Office for Fair Trading to investigate if strong commitments to fairer treatment were not agreed.
Phil Hope MP said:
"I am pleased by the commitments card companies have made in response to the Government's tough calls for action.
"These unfair overnight hikes we have seen need to stop, so it is vital that we nipped in the bud the bad practices that were causing real hardship for borrowers.
"These commitments will help local families manage their finances and cope with repaying their debts during this difficult economic time."
The new statement of principles will bring about three main changes for borrowers.
They set out how lenders will deal with cases we have been seeing of people having their interest rate significantly increased – sometimes by 10% or more, and at short notice. On this, lenders have today agreed that borrowers will always be offered an alternative if a lender seeks to increase their rate. All customers will be given the option of closing their account and paying off their debts at the existing rate of interest.
Second, they've agreed to give people at least 30 days notice of an increase in their individual rate and to limit how often they will they increase it. This will make sure people have time to shop around for a better deal and plan ahead for changes to their family budgets.
And thirdly, for struggling borrowers, industry has agreed that they will not increase rates for customers who've failed to make their minimum payments for two months or more, or if the borrower has sought help from a debt advice agency.
These commitments come on top of the agreement reached at the Minister's Credit Card summit last fortnight that the industry will give a breathing space of up to 60 days to borrowers in difficulty. That means they won't chase a debt where somebody is trying to get back on their feet and to agree a repayment plan with the help of a not-for-profit debt advice agency.
Those borrowers who have already experienced hikes should complain to their card provider if they felt their rate increase was unfair. If they are unhappy with the handling of their complaint, borrowers can take their case to the Financial Services Ombudsman Service. If the interest rate has been increased without justification, the Ombudsman can require the lender to compensate the borrower.
The Government will ask the OFT to monitor industry's progress on implementing these principles into the New Year.
15/12/08
Members of Help the Aged call for end to discrimination
Members of Help the Aged visited Phil Hope MP to present him with a petition calling for age discrimination legislation to be brought in as a matter of urgency.
Over the past year, thousands of people of all ages have joined Help the Aged in calling on the Government to make ageism illegal outside the workplace.
Phil Hope said:
"I fully support Labour's proposal to ban age discrimination and to include the power to do so in the Government Equality Bill now going through Parliament.
We will need to fully research and plan how to get right this important new protection for older people particularly to ensure the best outcomes in our health and social care services."
10/12/08
Phil Hope welcomes action to tackle alcohol fuelled crime in Corby
Corby will be given a share of a new national Home Office £1.5 million fund.
This money is available to priority areas which have the highest levels of alcohol related crime and disorder and public concern about drunk and rowdy behaviour. This money will be used to tackle underage sales, confiscate alcohol from under 18s and to carry out tougher alcohol enforcement work.
Phil Hope said
"When I'm out and about in Corby people tell me that they are fed up with the anti-social behaviour caused by drinking. So I welcome this action.
"I support looking at how alcohol is sold in Corby and whether we should stop ‘all you can drink' promotions. If a particular shop or nightspot is causing problems they should be stopped from breaking the rules with tough action. I also support Government moves to make it easier for local people to register concerns about irresponsible and illegal alcohol sales at problem shops that sell to underage drinkers.
"Those that cause problems for others must face the consequences of their actions. The decent, law-abiding majority in Corby deserve respect and the chance to get on with their lives."
Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said:
"This money provides a timely boost to law enforcement as we approach the festive period.
"In many areas police and local authorities are effectively using the range of tools and powers we have provided to tackle alcohol related crime and disorder. We have backed that with £3 million in every part of England and Wales and an additional £1.5 million for our priority areas.
"I fully expect this will boost the drive against alcohol related crime and disorder, and help reduce alcohol related problems in Corby."
Last week the Labour Government announced it will introduce a mandatory code of conduct for alcohol retailers. Early next year the Government will consult on what should be a compulsory condition of having a licence to sell alcohol including:
- banning offers like 'all you can drink for £10';
- outlawing pubs and bars offering promotions to certain groups, such as women only;
- requiring that consumers are able to see unit content of all alcohol when they buy it; and
- requiring bars and pubs to have the minimum sized glasses available for customers who want them.
12/12/08
Corby Council makes a splash!
Phil Hope welcomes Labour Corby Councils commitment to free swimming for the over 60s and under 16s.
Phil welcomed Corby Council's successful bid for a slice of the £140 million allocated for local councils to offer free swimming for over 60s and under 16s.
Phil Hope MP said:
"I am so pleased that Corby Council will be able to offer free swimming to people over 60 and under 16. This will mean that the youngest and oldest members of the community will be able to make full use of the wonderful new swimming pool which will be opening soon in Corby. I am so proud that the council will be able to offer free swimming to these age groups as it's increasingly important to remove any barriers there are to keeping fit.
"Corby Council, by rising to this challenge, has demonstrated they take the health of their community seriously, and are investing in the future by driving up sports participation. We all know that regular exercise is good for you, and we also know that whether you are young or old swimming is something people can do together as a family that is fun and also good for your health."
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Andy Burnham said:
"This initiative has made it possible for millions of people in the UK to swim for free. I'm very pleased that nearly 60 percent of local authorities have signed up to get both the under 16s and the over 60s in the pool, showing a real commitment to driving forward sports participation in their areas.
"The Government has invested £140 million in the free swimming scheme because we're confident it will be embraced by people up and down the country. This is a key part of our plans to leave a lasting legacy from London 2012 and we want to this scheme to bring about a real cultural shift. There has never been a better time to hit the pool."
Phil Hope tells new parents about the Child Trust Fund
Phil visited Kingswood Children's Centre on Monday the 8th of December to raise awareness to new parents of Child Trust Funds.
Child Trust Fund (CTF) is a savings and investment account for children. New born babies receive a £250 voucher to start their account. The account belongs to the child and can't be touched until they turn 18, so that children have some money behind them to start their adult life.
Phil Hope MP wants to encourage parents to open a CTF account for their child and use with it once it is opened; starting to save for the child's future by adding gifts to the account; and urging grandparents and other relatives to make contributions too. The Government also wants to see the Child Trust Fund used as a way of educating children about finance and saving in schools.
Phil Hope MP said:
"The Child Trust Fund is a great way of saving for a new baby's future. All new parents will have received a £250 voucher to get an account started. The Government will add an extra £250 for families on lower incomes, and there will be further top-ups when children reach the age of 7.
"Many parents in Corby and East Northamptonshire have already opened an account for their child, but I want to encourage all new parents to open an account and get friends, family, grandparents and the whole family involved."
Parents can visit www.childtrustfund.gov.uk for more information."
05/12/08
Phil Hope visits Corby postmen and women to thank them for their first class effort
Phil Hope visited Royal Mail's Corby delivery office on Monday 8th December to see for himself how postmen and women in the area get Christmas sorted.
The MP took a tour of the delivery office to see how they deal with the mountains of festive mail. He also chatted to the hardworking staff who make sure they deliver a first class Christmas for Corby residents.
Mr Hope made an early start in order to meet Alan Chamberlain, Delivery Office Manager, and some of the 85 postmen and women, who are responsible for ensuring that Corby massive Christmas mailbag is delivered to over 27,500 addresses at Royal Mail's busiest time of year.
Phil Hope said:
"I am delighted to be visiting the postal workers at the Corby delivery office to see how all the extra deliveries at this time of year. I am pleased to have the chance to give a big thank you on behalf of everyone in the area the for all their hard work during the festive season and throughout the year."
08/12/08
Corby is the best place to be
Oxford Economics, Oxford University's business consultancy has rated Corby the British town best placed to ride out the credit crunch. Corby is protected from the economic storm being blown in from abroad, by its strong logistics and distribution sector and manufacturing base; and its lack of reliance on the financial services sector.
Both the Financial Times and The Guardian have published articles this week focusing on the town's special status. Bob Sherwood of the Financial Times writing about the new railway service says "St Pancras in little over an hour" and Tim Dowling of The Guardian in his article 'The bright side: Corby's getting a new swimming pool' says; "If you live there already, stay put".
Phil Hope MP said:
"It was good to see Corby has been identified as the town in the UK best placed to weather the economic storm. This hasn't happened by chance. In 1997 we decided to create a new vision for Corby – of growth and regeneration to be planned and delivered by a unique regeneration company. That choice and that leadership with the active support of the government and local partners has made Corby the envy of others in the region."
03/12/08
Phil Hope MP announces BERR free employment advice for businesses
Phil Hope MP said:
"The Department of Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform is offering free employment advice for businesses who; need assistance in the current challenging economic climate.
I know that every pound counts for businesses and so I want to encourage local business people to visit the Business Link website which has helpful practical employment advice and tools that can save them time and money on a whole range of employment issues."
Guidance and helpful online tools cover issues such as:
- Working time regulations
- Flexible working
- Managing redundancy
- Pay
- Pensions
- Creating Terms and Conditions
Fair rules for Corby and East Northamptonshire
The Prime Minister has set out the Government's 'fair rules' agenda, outlining a wide range of policy initiatives designed to support strong communities.
Phil Hope welcomes the new measures and said:
"You tell me all the time when in my surgeries or on the doorstep that people who work hard and play by the rules should be rewarded. And those that don't must face the consequences of their actions. I welcome the measures announced by Gordon Brown.
"People in Corby and East Northamptonshire want to know that there are clear rules in place which are seen to be fair, enforced and making a difference. Fair rules are about making sure that if you can't or won't contribute to this society, you don't get rewarded. Fair rules mean that if you can work, you must work.
"We are all facing tough times, and the Government is providing real help. But we all have a role to play to help the local community come through the economic downturn stronger than before. That means everyone must pull together, look out for their neighbours, and play fair. No-one should be allowed to play the system or break the rules: no excuses, no exceptions."
For full details, visit the government website.
Phil Hope welcomes news of £138 million to help reduce landfill waste
Phil Hope has welcomed news that plans to improve local waste management facilities in the Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes area were given a boost, with the award of £138 million Private Finance Initiative (PFI) credits.
Northamptonshire County Council and Milton Keynes Council will be working together to deliver this project, making an important contribution to the UK's landfill directive targets.
Phil Hope MP said:
"This is a good news story for Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes, the PFI credits of £138 million will enable the area to deliver a 25 year waste management infrastructure diverting 200,000 tonnes of biodegradable waste from landfill each year.
"It is vital that we all work together to reduce waste, this will create a real incentive for authorities, industry and businesses to work to reduce waste and our impact on the environment."
By 2020, about 200,000 tonnes of biodegradable waste could be diverted from landfill each year thanks to this funding. Potential net carbon savings, compared to the current arrangements, could reach 83,300 tonnes.
The partnership is aiming for a long-term minimum recycling/composting rate of 55 per cent by 2020 – 5 per cent above the national target.
02/12/08
Phil Hope sends a message
Phil Hope MP launched the Corby and Kettering Group of Amnesty International's 2008 Greeting Card Campaign on the 6th of December at the Festival Hall Corby.
Phil Hope said:
"I'm honoured to be marking the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by launching the Corby and Kettering Group of Amnesty International's 'Greeting Card Campaign'.
"I will be sending a card with a message of support to someone who is in danger or is imprisoned unjustly. It is a simple way of offering hope and encouragement at this time of year. I want to urge everyone to take part by sending a greetings card to one of the people on Amnesty International's List. A card from you can influence their captors helping to keep them safe."
The annual campaign brings people across the world in touch with each other in a simple way – sending a card with a friendly message of solidarity to someone who is in danger or unjustly imprisoned. These are prisoners of conscience, people under sentence of death, human rights defenders under threat because of their work, and others at risk.
The campaign which runs from the 1st of November to January 31st, offers hope to people who receive the cards. For more information visit the Amnesty International website.
05/12/08
Phil Hope MP welcomes Real Help for people facing redundancy.
The Secretary of State has announced additional support for people facing redundancy; a new Rapid Response Service is now available to take urgent action to help local people at risk of loosing their jobs.
Welcoming the news Phil Hope MP said:
"The economic problems that started in the US banks are being felt here in Corby and East Northamptonshire and I welcome the announcement of a new Rapid Response Service to give help to local people.
"Whenever someone loses their job it is a personal tragedy, now everyone who finds themselves out of work will get personal support from Jobcentre Plus who will be working with local businesses, the development agency and Tresham college to help people get the skills and training they need to get back to work as quickly as possible.
"When a company gets in trouble and lots of people face losing their jobs it can be devastating for a local community. Now when Jobcentre Plus is notified of more than 20 redundancies the Rapid Response Service will step in with support. I urge employers to get in touch with Job Centre Plus at www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk employers to get this help."
02/12/08
"Back-to-work Budget boost will help Corby and East Northamptonshire"
Phil Hope welcomed the announcement today of 6,000 new frontline staff for Job Centres across the UK, as part of a £1.3bn package of measures announced by the Government today to help people get back to work.
Labour's Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell MP set out real help for job seekers, including:
- Employing an additional 6,000 staff in customer facing roles within the JobCentre Plus network
- The suspension of the 25 JobCentre Plus closures currently planned across the country
- More cash for Flexible New Deal contracts with the voluntary and private sector
- Doubling the money for the 'Rapid Response Service' that intervenes in areas where redundancies are announced
Phil Hope said:
"This money can make a real difference in our community. I know that times are tough and that people are worried about losing their job. That's why it's exactly right that the government has promised to get more staff onto the front line.
"In our area, we already have 1027 staff in Northamptonshire and Leicestershire committed to helping people find work, but I welcome the news that there will be more staff across the country, getting on with providing real help for people looking for a job."
James Purnell MP, Labour's Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said:
"Over the last nine months, we have been preparing JobCentre Plus to handle the rise in job seekers that we are seeing today, but we are ready to do more to help people in Corby and East Northamptonshire back into work. This new money announced means that over the next year we can provide real help for people facing unemployment at every stage.
"For those who are facing redundancies, for those who have just lost their jobs and, for those who are most distant from the labour market, we will increase resources available to provide real help in these tough times.
"Because we have learnt the mistakes of the downturns in the 80s and 90s, this Labour Government will take real action to provide help for people to get back to work quickly."
27/11/08
Phil Hope MP goes on Big Lottery Fund tour.
Phil Hope joined Peter Wanless the Chief Executive of The Big Lottery Fund to tour two of Corby's Big Lottery Fund winning projects.
They dropped in on 'Accommodation Concern' at Corby Community and Voluntary Services who provide an independent housing advice and support service to people. They were awarded £259,438 of Big Lottery Funding in April 2008.
Corby VCS also houses two other Big Lottery Funded projects – Corby Volunteer Outreach Service which takes a bus out to rural areas recruiting volunteers and Corby Community Partnership who has recently employed two new community diversity officers. The project targets socially excluded or isolated communities and encourage them to attend a range of social events, drop-in sessions, community events and facilitated sessions.
They also visited Woodnewton: A Learning Community which houses the Primary School and future Children's Centre. The Learn Community was awarded £1000 in June 2008 to create a site that will promote fun and play incorporating a wildflower and weed meadow, a sensory garden and a fruit and vegetable area.
Phil Hope MP said:
"I am delighted that the Big Lottery Funding has given the Corby Community a real boost of £259,483, improving the lives of people in most need. 'Accommodation Concern' is particularly important at the moment when more people are having issues relating to housing.
"The children at Woodnewton Learning Community have already seen lots of building and development in and around the school, this garden project is the icing on the cake giving the children an innovative and fun way learn."
25/11/08
Phil Hope's swimming campaign continues
Phil Hope marked his campaign to bring free swimming to people over 60 and young people under 16 by collecting signatures on his petition outside Thrapston Pool on Friday the 28th of November.
Phil said:
"Although the official deadline to 'Opt In' to the programme of free swimming for the over 60's and under 16's is now passed authorities can still think again. I want to urge East Northamptonshire District Council to reconsider their decision and to 'Opt In' and join the hundreds of authorities who have embraced this chance to improve the health of their communities.
"I believe that it is unfair for East Northamptonshire Council to deny people the opportunity to enjoy free swimming. If you would like to support my campaign to bring free swimming to all residents of East Northamptonshire who are under 16 and over 60 please log your support on my web site or telephone my office on 01536 443325 for a petition form."
26/11/08
Nov 2008
Phil Hope launches Studfall Primary School into the future.
Phil visited Studfall Primary School on Friday to open their new state of the art ICT Suite and launch the schools new web-site.
The ICT suite is part of a £200,000 extension which also includes; a new community room with baby changing facilities and disabled toilets, a teachers' work room and private office.
Phil Hope MP said:
"I am delighted to be opening this wonderful new technology suite which is bringing Studfall Primary School right up into the 21st century. The brand new £200,000 facility will make the young students feel valued and proud, encouraging them to work hard and make the best use of modern technology to learn new essential skills and widen their horizons.
"Starting up a new web-site with an on-line newspaper will teach them the practical applications of their new computer systems.
"I am glad that the school plans to make the best use of the technology suite by sharing its benefits with the parents and other members of the local community by starting computer course so that the older generation are able to keep up with their children."
The ICT suite design for multi-use it is furnished with special high tech desk computers which can be easily folded away to form a flat desk top. There are enough computers for every child to have their own when they are using the technology centre.
The school plans to offer parents and other members of the local community the opportunity to come into the school to take computer courses.
The school web-site will host a weekly school newspage called 'Studfall Spirit'.
27/11/08
Phil Hope welcomes real help through tough times
Phil welcomed the Pre-Budget Report as real help for people and businesses through tough times.
The 2008 PBR set out action to help families and businesses through the tough times caused by the global credit crunch by helping people, and putting money into the economy now so we come out of this sooner and stronger and; once the economy is growing again, tackling the public finance problems caused by the credit crunch, in a way that is fair to all.
Phil said:
"Given the worldwide forces hitting the UK economy nationally and locally, I welcome the Chancellor's budget proposals today – which means real help homeowners, to protect jobs and businesses.
"I especially welcome the special payment to all pensioners in Corby and East Northamptonshire of £60 on top of the Christmas bonus of £10. Families of disabled children will also receive this extra cash boost.
"All families in will benefit from the increase in Child Benefit which will start straight after Christmas."
Locally this means:
- 4,160 pensioners in Corby and East Northamptonshire constituency benefit from a rise in the Pension Credit – up to £130, over and above the rise you would normally see (and rising to £198.45 for couples).
- 11,600 families will benefit from a rise in the Child Tax Credit – the £25 increase in the Child Element is being brought forward from (total of £75 above indexation April to April)
- 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.
- The annual Christmas Bonus of £10 will be increased to £60 – a one-off seasonal payment going to 15 million people including 12.5m pensioners and recipients of Incapacity Benefit, Disability Living Allowance, Carer's Allowance and Bereavement Benefit.
- And 19,380 local people in Corby and East Northamptonshire will be receiving their Winter Fuel Payments at the moment – as announced at Budget 2008, an extra £100 on top of the regular £300 payment for over-80s households, and an extra £50 on top of the regular £200 payment for over-60s households.
25/11/08
Phil meets child with diabetes about inequalities in school support
Phil Hope met Matthew Brown aged 16 and Jake Blowfield aged 8, at a Diabetes UK lobby of Parliament on Tuesday 18 November. Matthew and Jake talked to Phil about inequalities in support for pupils with diabetes at schools in England.
Around 100 parliamentarians attended the leading health charity's event, where they heard from 200 children and young people with diabetes about their experiences at school. Whilst some children receive excellent support to manage their diabetes at school, others are not so lucky. Some are denied access to snacks during lessons, kept out of class unnecessarily and banned from going on school trips.
Diabetes is a serious condition that, if not managed effectively, can lead to long-term complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and amputation. Short-term complications of the condition include hypoglycaemic episodes, known as 'hypos', can lead to unconsciousness and hospitalisation if left untreated. However, effective diabetes management from the time of diagnosis can reduce the risk of these complications. This is why giving children the right support to control their condition from an early age is vital to protect their short- and long-term health.
Phil Hope said: "There are an estimated 2,000 children diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes every year in the UK. It is vital that they are appropriately supported to manage their diabetes at school to protect their health, quality of life and education.
"The Government needs to ensure that pressure comes from the top down to implement existing legislation so local authorities, primary care trusts and schools can work together to have effective policies in place to support children with diabetes – and actually adhere to them. Inspections and monitoring will play a vital part in this. It is appalling that some children with diabetes are not getting the support they need to live a full school life."
To coincide with World Diabetes Day on Friday 14 November, Diabetes UK released Making all Children Matter, a report that looks at the current situation for children with diabetes in schools in England and what needs to be done to ensure they get the same opportunities as every other child. A copy of the report can be downloaded at www.diabetes.org.uk/makingallchildrenmatter.
25/11/08
Phil Hope MP welcomed a drop in anti-social behaviour in North Northamptonshire
Phil Hope has welcomed new figures from Northamptonshire Police showing a decrease in anti-social behaviour of 24% in Corby and 11% in East Northamptonshire over the period April – September 2008 versus the same period in 2007.
Phil Hope MP said:
"I welcome the news from Northamptonshire Police that there has been a marked decrease in anti-social behaviour across my constituency. I think this is proof of the success of the Safer Community Teams who have dedicated officers in each community working with neighbourhood wardens. Anyone concerned about anti-social behaviour can get hold of a copy of my anti-social behaviour handbook by telephoning my constituency office on 01536 443325.
"We still need to bear down on the incidence of Domestic Burglaries and Vehicle Crime which have increased this year after several years of a continuous drop. These crimes are more often committed by a small number of prolific offenders so I am pleased that the police have reported a 30% increase in arrests with 50 more offenders being brought to justice this year."
24/11/08
Northamptonshire Chamber signs Fairness & Respect Pledge for agency workers
Paul Griffiths, Chief Executive of Northamptonshire Chamber, has signed a pledge which aims to bring Fairness and Respect to agency workers in Corby.
Phil Hope has been working with key local partners from across the community to make sure that every recruitment agency in Corby signs up to a 10-point good-practice pledge to treat their temporary workers with fairness and respect. He also wants local companies to sign a similar pledge stating they will only use agencies who agree to these minimum standards.
Phil said: "I am delighted that Paul Griffiths has endorsed our pledge to bring Fairness and Respect to agency workers.
"The pledge asks for employers to give equal recognition and value to temporary workers creating fairness for agency workers and maintaining flexibility for employers, which is vital to ensure that we have a sustainable economy, a higher skilled workforce and a stronger more cohesive community."
21/11/08
Phil Hope welcomes 'It's your call' minimum wage campaign
Phil Hope MP this week welcomed the Labour Government's new campaign to boost awareness of the national minimum wage (NMW) and help expose cases of underpayment in Corby and East Northamptonshire. Last year's nationwide campaign distributed hundreds of thousands of leaflets and spoke directly to over 87,000 people about their employment rights.
The 'IT'S YOUR CALL' campaign unit is travelling to 28 towns and cities across the UK for the next eight weeks providing free help and information to members of the public. You can also call the FREE NMW hotline on: 0845 6000 678
The aim of the campaign is to reach people directly to tell them of their rights to the minimum wage, to help them calculate whether they are receiving the minimum wage and enable them to report underpayment. The unit and hotline is staffed by fully trained advisers able to answer questions from workers and employers about the NMW and advise them on what to do if they have a complaint or a more complex query.
It's estimated that 1 million people in the UK currently benefit from the national minimum wage, introduced by the Labour Government in 1998. In October this year the minimum wage rates were increased to £5.73 for people aged 22 and over, £4.77 for 18- 21 year olds and £3.53 for 16-17 year olds.
Phil Hope MP welcomed the launch of the campaign saying:
"The Minimum Wage is one of the greatest gains for people at work over the past decade. The 'It's your call' campaign will help provide those most at risk of underpayment in Corby and East Northamptonshire with the advice and support they need to make sure they are getting the minimum wage and to report it if they are not."
"The campaign unit is a great awareness raiser, but there's also lots of advice online about ensuring you're receiving the correct wage or call the NMW hotline on freephone 0845 6000 678 for advice and enquiries"
Launching the campaign, Minister for Employment Relations, Pat McFadden said:
"Every worker should earn a fair wage for a fair day's work. We want to make sure workers know their rights and employers know their responsibilities.
"This years rise in the NMW benefited over 1 million British workers and the national minimum wage remains one of the most important rights introduced by this Government."
Royal Assent for the Employment Act has paved the way for new penalties to come into force in April, as part of government's crackdown on those who try to exploit workers.
Lord Mandelson, Minister of State for Business said today:
"Of course, most businesses treat staff fairly, but the small number who cheat their workers are flouting the law and undercutting honest competitors.
"Our changes will make sure everyone caught not paying their workers properly faces a stiff penalty – we are determined to ensure workers are paid fairly."
The changes introduce unlimited fines for non-compliance for the most serious cases, removing the maximum penalty limit of £5,000.
21/11/08
Phil Hope MP says "This is your last chance"
Phil Hope is calling on East Northamptonshire District Council to reconsider their decision not to take up the opportunity to provide free swimming for over 60s and under 16s. He has learned from the Department of Sport that although the official deadline has passed authorities still have time to opt in.
Phil Hope MP said:
"I want to urge East Northamptonshire District Council to reconsider their decision and to 'Opt In' to the programme of free swimming for the over 60s and under 16s. I have been told by the Department of Culture, Sport and Media that although the official deadline is now passed authorities can still think again and join the hundreds of authorities who have embraced this chance to improve the health of their communities."
"85% of councils have decided to apply for the subsidy being offered by the government showing their commitment to improving the health of people in their areas, if East Northamptonshire District Council doesn't take this up children, young people and older people in my constituency will lose out."
21/11/08
Phil Hope welcomes announcement acceptance of bid for new university campus in North Northamptonshire
The government has already committed £100m of capital investment between 2003 and the end of this Current Spending Review on new university centres or campuses.
In March this year the government announced a commitment to open or commit to opening a further 20 university centres over a period of six years. Towns around England were asked to express their interest.
Phil Hope together with NNDC and Tresham Institute to put forward a proposal for aUniversity to serve North Northamptonshire. Phil has raised awareness of the need for a higher education campus serving North Northamptonshire at the highest levels of government. He has also launched a campaign to support the bid and to make his constituents aware of the enormous benefits to the local community a university would bring.
Today the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills John Denham announced that at the end of the consultation 27 initial expressions of interest have been received including a joint application from Corby and Kettering.
Phil Hope MP said:
"A new university campus would bring a wealth of opportunities to people locally. It would create jobs, help local businesses, and help people get the top level training they want without them having to move away from home to get it. Today is just the first step. There will be stiff competition, which is why I'm committed to working with the council, Tresham college, NNDC and local businesses to make our bid win for the people of North Northamptonshire".
"Local people are really showing their support for bringing a university to Corby. Last Friday more than 400 people added their names to my petition when I visited ASDA in Corby we now have nearly 2,000 signatures of people calling for the government to accept our bid."
John Denham, Labour's universities minister said
"We have been overwhelmed by the support for our new university challenge. More and more people want to study without leaving home, and more businesses want to reap the commercial benefits that come from being able to collaborate with a university. Labour wants to extend opportunities to benefit from higher education up and down the country."
20/11/08
Making sure workers are paid fairly
The Government is to end tips counting towards payment of the National Minimum Wage. New powers come in to take action against rogue employers who underpay staff.
The Government has said that it intends to change the current minimum wage rules on tipping so that in the future, tips will be added to the Minimum Wage.
A consultation starts this week to listen to views on exactly how this will work on the ground.
Phil Hope said:
"This is a matter of fairness and common sense. When you go to a restaurant or to have a hair cut and leave a tip, you expect it to go to the staff on top of their pay, not to be put through the payroll to make up the Minimum Wage.
"This will benefit workers throughout Corby and East Northamptonshire people we all rely on, but who sometimes don't have the strongest voice."
As part of a crackdown on those who try to exploit workers, tough new penalties for employers who underpay their staff have been made law coming into force in April. There could be unlimited fines for the most serious cases rather than the current maximum limit of £5,000. It will also mean a fairer way of dealing with national minimum wage arrears, calculated so workers do not lose out.
Phil Hope said:
"When families are struggling with rising fuel, energy and food prices it is more important than ever to have the National Minimum Wage. Every worker should earn a fair wage for a fair day's work - there is no excuse not to pay up. I supported and voted for the Employment Act because I wanted to see tougher action on rogue employers who con their staff.
"Rogue employers need to be exposed. If you think a rogue employer is not paying up then get in touch with me on 01536 443325 or call the national minimum wage helpline on 0845 6000 678. And don't worry, you don't have to give your name or details to them if you don't want to. "
19/11/08
Phil Hope MP meets our future politicians.
Back Row L to R
Ali Hughes, Anne Mirkovic,Jess Salmon, Ryan McPherson, Katie Barker, Shanics Olton
Front Row L to R
Carrie Griffiths, Jessica Torrance, Jade Whelan, Robyn MacLellan
Phil Hope visited The Kingswood School in Corby to meet their Year 12 students who have just started an 'A' Level course in Government and Politics.
Phil talked to the students about his roles as a constituency MP, Minister of State for Care Services and Minister for the East Midlands. He explained to them about how his commitment to social justice had led him into politics.
The students then had time to direct question to him about local and national issues and how he stays in contact with his constituents. Following the visit Phil Hope has arranged for the group to visit Westminster to see government in action.
Phil Hope said:
"I really enjoyed my visit to meet the 'A' level Government and Politics students, they have only just started their course so it gave me a unique opportunity to explain to them what being a constituency MP and a Government Minister really means.
"I was pleased to have the time to discuss local and national issues with some of my young constituents. We are always hearing in the press that young people aren't interested in politics and that politicians find it hard to engage their interest, meeting these students proved to me that that isn't always the case.
David Llewellyn, The Kingswood School Government and Politics Teacher said:
"Phil Hope MP's visit on Friday was a great success and the students really got an insight into the various roles that Phil holds. The students all stressed how much they enjoyed the experience – even though a few were too shy to speak."
Ali Hughes student said:
"I was keen to find out from Phil Hope about the most pressing issues in Corby at the moment."
Chelsea McClintock said:
"I wasn't just interested in the daily routine of our local MP, but how he remains in contact with his constituents when a great deal of his time is spent at Westminster."
17/11/08
Phil Hope MP meets young people with diabetes during their visit to lobby parliament
Diabetes UK is leading a lobby of parliament today with their new report Making All Children Matter, Support for Children with Diabetes in Schools which was published last week. Phil will be meeting Matt Brown 16 of Ringstead and Jake Blowfield 8 of Titchmarsh to hear about their experiences of living with diabetes. The report contains recommendations about supporting children and young people with diabetes and managing their diabetes at school.
Phil Hope MP said:
" I am aware of concerns that the support received at school by pupils with medical conditions varies considerably across the country and I am urging the Department of Children, Schools and Families to work with the Department of Health on the Children and Young People with Diabetes Implementation Support Group to understand why this is the case.
"Matt and Jake will be telling me about their own experiences today. It 's a chance for me to learn about the issues that children with diabetes have to deal with everyday, which I will then pass on to the Children's and Young People with Diabetes Implementation Group, chaired by the National Clinical Director for Children, Dr. Sheila Shribman. This will help them support the NHS and local authorities in making improvements, so that all children with diabetes can participate fully in school life."
17/11/08
Phil Hope MP says "Take up a college course and get a good return on investment"
As part of Colleges week, research released today shows that that people who invest time to gain a college qualification can expect to see a 10 per cent return on their investment in the long term. This is more than most ISA accounts and shows the value of learning new skills.
Phil Hope MP said:
"Taking up a college course is a great way to get on in work and in life. Labour has increased the investment in further education by 50% in the last 10 years; and our investment has paid off. At Tresham college, there are a wide range of courses on offer. During college week, people should think about whether a course could help them improve their skills."
Skills Secretary John Denham said:
"Colleges are not just a foundation of the country's economy, but also an investment in the nation's future. The government will invest £4.7 billion in further education and training this year and it's vital that we understand not just the role they play in unlocking an individual's talent, but also how pivotal they are in building strong communities – economically and socially."
12/11/08
Phil Hope celebrates Diwali
Phil joined the Corby Asian community and their friends to celebrate the Hindu festival of Diwali on Saturday the 8th of November at the Church of the Epiphany.
Diwali or 'Festival of Light' is a major Hindu festival also celebrated by Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists. The event in Corby which Phil has now supported for many years is becoming more and more popular. During the event candles are lit to signify the victory of good over evil.
This year following the lighting of candles the Diwali celebration will focus on multiculturalism within the young people of Corby who will be putting on a cultural show of Indian Dance.
Phil Hope said:
"I join the Corby Asian Community in their Diwali festival every year and always have a wonderful time catching up with people and making new friends.
I am delighted to give my support to the event which encourages diversity within our town bringing all sorts of people of all ages together, and I want to thank the organisers for all the time, effort and enthusiasm they put into making it happen."
08/11/08
Phil Hope MP launches Corby Reads!
Phil Hope MP launched the new Corby Reads initiative at the Holiday Inn Hotel, Corby.
The new initiative hopes to make reading enjoyable to everyone. The project led by Corby Learning Partnership aims to create opportunities for reading to become fun for parents and children.
Phil Hope MP said:
"I welcome this new initiative to Corby led by Corby Learning Partnership and urge all schools and local organisation to take full advantage of the opportunities that will be opened up by engaging with the programme.
"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. 'Corby Reads' plans to bring the same enthusiasm for reading to the whole family ensuring that the will to read is nurtured and flourishes.
"I talk to parents who are concerned that they don't see their children reading books; this is a new era for learning and reading isn't just about books any more and this programme will make use of all sorts of media to engage the children and their parents and fuel their interest."
05/11/08
Phil Hope MP campaigns in ASDA
Phil visited the ASDA Store in Pheonix Parkway Corby and collected 427 signatures on his petition to bring a University Campus to Corby.
Phil Hope says:
"Good education and skilled jobs are the two most important ways to secure a prosperous future for Corby. I want to urge everyone in Corby and the local area to support my campaign to bring a University to North Northamptonshire with a campus in Corby. I will be in the ASDA Store at Phoenix Parkway tomorrow to meet local people and collect their signatures on my petition which I will present to the Government asking them to make sure that one of the proposed new Universities will be here.
"Bringing a University Campus to Corby built as part of the new Tresham Institute has never been so important, it will unlock the talent of our local people and ensuring our success through the creation of jobs and new skills, and continuing to the drive regeneration."
14/11/08
Government cracks down on Corby Employment agencies
Thirteen employment agencies in Corby have been issued with warnings for failing to comply with the law.
The warnings follow an investigation in Northamptonshire by the Government's Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate. Investigators found that 13 agencies in Corby were breaking employment regulations. The worst practices identified included:
workers not being paid for work they had done
employees being threatened with fines for absence
charging employees for services they hadn't received
Employment Minister Pat McFadden said:"The Government has doubled the number of Employment Agency Standards inspectors so that they can get out on the ground in places like Corby and ensure workers are not denied the decent rights that Parliament has legislated for."
"Follow up investigations will take place in Corby to make sure that the agencies concerned have changed their ways. Agencies that continue to flout the law could be prosecuted, hit hard with fines or even banned from operating for up to 10 years."
The Employment Agency Standards team acted in Corby following reports of improper activity in agencies supplying staff such as drivers and industrial manual workers.
Phil Hope MP said:
"I have been campaigning for ten years to bring fairness and respect to agency workers, I am therefore delighted to see the government has taken direct action by tightened up on malpractice by doubling the number of inspectors. I am disappointed that so many agencies in Corby have been found to be failing to comply with the law but also pleased that they have been exposed.
"This kind of abuse is not only unacceptable in the way it affects agency workers, but it also affects others in the workplace by undermining conditions of work and thereby undermines the strength and stability of the local economy as a whole."
"I do all I can to encourage good practice from local employment agencies and employers who use temporary workers. Many local agencies have now signed my 'Fairness and Respect Pledge' I want local companies and workers to only use those agencies who have signed the pledge and are committed to treating their temporary workers with fairness and respect."
People can report employment agencies they suspect of breaking the law by contacting the Employment Agency Standards inspectorate on 0845 955 5105 or emailing eas@berr.gsi.gov.uk.
11/11/08
Phil Hope MP welcomes £100m cash boost to help people who lose their jobs
As the UK stands up to the challenges of the global economic climate James Purnell and John Denham have joined forces to announce a massive cash injection of £100m over the next three years to give much needed help to people who lose their jobs.
The extra cash will be available for people who are currently facing redundancy and those looking for work to help them retrain and develop their skills so that they can quickly move back into sustainable employment, either in their existing sector or a brand new one.
The additional money will come from the European Social Fund and funding from DIUS.
This money will enable people to choose exactly what they need from a range of approved training providers. It's about making sure everyone gets the personal support they need to give them that crucial edge in getting their next job. The money will be used to pay for anything from new skills or qualifications to get people ready for work, to on-the-job training in an entirely different field.
The money will be carefully targeted to help, for example, people from sectors experiencing significant job losses and people who need support to move back to work.
Phil Hope MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire said:
"The prime minister has said he'll do whatever is necessary to help the country through these difficult economic times. This extra cash will give a helping hand back into work for those people locally who might be affected by the turbulence. So I welcome this step."
Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell said:
"At a time like this we need to everything in our power to help people who lose their job. These are uncertain times and the clear message I want to send to people is that there is help is out there if the worst happens and they find themselves unemployed.
"I am delighted that John and I are able to come together and target this extra £100million to people when they most need our help so that they are in the best position possible to get back into work as soon as they can."Skills Secretary John Denham said:
"People who lose their jobs need support to get back into work including the chance to improve their skills where necessary. That is why James and I have decided the £100 million available is best spent in this way.
"This extra funding will help the Learning and Skills Council, with local colleges and training providers, to work closely with Jobcentre Plus to make sure those people affected get access to the services they need as quickly as possible."
03/11/08
The first fully operational new GP health centre in the East Midlands was officially opened in Corby by Phil Hope 
Phil Hope MP met members of the Corby Alzheimer's Society to hear about their experiences and to discuss the National Dementia Strategy. 
Phil Hope visited The Kingswood School on Friday the 12th of December to cut the first sod of the new £25 million school building. 
Members of Help the Aged visited Phil Hope MP to present him with a petition calling for age discrimination legislation to be brought in 
Phil Hope welcomes Labour Corby Councils commitment to free swimming for the over 60's and under 16's 
Phil visited Kingswood Children's Centre on Monday the 8th of December to raise awareness to new parents of Child Trust Funds. 
Phil Hope visited Royal Mail's Corby delivery office on Monday 8th December to see for himself how postmen and women in the area get Christmas sorted. 
Oxford Economics, Oxford University's business consultancy has rated Corby the British town best placed to ride out the credit crunch. 
Phil Hope launched the Corby and Kettering Group of Amnesty International's 2008 Greeting Card Campaign 
Phil Hope joined Peter Wanless the Chief Executive of The Big Lottery Fund to tour two of Corby's Big Lottery Fund winning projects. 
Phil Hope marked his campaign to bring free swimming to people over 60 and young people under 16 by collecting signatures outside Thrapston Pool 
Phil visited Studfall Primary School to open their new state of the art ICT Suite and launch the schools new web-site. 
Phil Hope met Matthew Brown aged 16 and Jake Blowfield aged 8, at a Diabetes UK lobby of Parliament. . 
Phil Hope MP this week welcomed the Labour Government's new campaign to boost awareness of the national minimum wage 
Phil Hope welcomes announcement acceptance of bid for new university campus in North Northamptonshire. 
Phil Hope visited The Kingswood School in Corby to meet their Year 12 students who have just started and 'A' Level course in Government and Politics. 
Phil joined the Corby Asian community and their friends to celebrate the Hindu festival of Diwali. 
Phil Hope MP launched the new Corby Reads initiative at the Holiday Inn Hotel, Corby. 
Phil visited the ASDA Store in Pheonix Parkway Corby and collected 427 signatures on his petition to bring a University Campus to Corby.