Out in force for peaceful demo against Bedroom Tax

With Cllr Peter Smith, Sam Murphy and Lisa Nandy MP
 in Wigan Town Centre

Labour Party councillors, MPs and trade unionists in Wigan took to the streets of the town centre on Saturday, 16th March to protest about the introduction of the ‘bedroom tax’.

It was one of over 50 demonstrations taking place as part of a national ‘day of action’ with similar events in nearby Ashton in Makerfield, Bolton, Manchester and Warrington.

The bedroom tax will hit over 4,700 households in the Wigan Borough who are set to lose between £14 and £25 per week. The scale of the impact of the bedroom tax across the UK which will be introduced next month is staggering;

• Two thirds of the households hit are home to someone who is disabled
• 220,000 families with children will be hit by the tax - one third of the households hit are families with children
• 140,000 working households on the lowest incomes will lose out
• Divorced parents whose kids come to stay are being affected. Grandparents will pay more.
• The DWP admit that there are not enough smaller properties for families to move to, yet the bedroom tax will still hit households that don’t have the option to move

Outside the Gerard Centre, Ashton in Makerfield

David Cameron’s Bedroom Tax tells you all you need to know about him and his government. The government is hitting households with the bedroom tax despite admitting there aren’t enough smaller properties for tenants to move to.

Instead, the government expects families to pay extra rather than move house. This won’t solve under occupancy, but it will hit working people and some of the most vulnerable in our society. And at exactly the same time as the bedroom tax comes into effect he is giving thousands of millionaires a tax cut of £100,000 a year.

This isn’t about tough choices, it’s about the wrong choices.

Leader of Wigan Council, Cllr Peter Smith said, “The Bedroom Tax is a grossly unfair burden placed on over 4,700 Council tenants and many more in the private sector. It is designed for London’s needs so it is totally irrelevant to Wigan’s housing problems. The craziest part is that by forcing people into the more expensive private sector, it won’t save the government any money. It could only have been designed by a cabinet of millionaires living in mansions and totally out of touch with ordinary people.”

The Government have maintained that the policy will save money but cutting housing benefit to under-occupying tenants when there is no alternative accommodation will burden social landlords like Wigan & Leigh Housing with rising rent arrears and risks making people homeless. I maintain that this is wrong and risks costing the council taxpayer more. It also risks pushing people into expensive private rented accommodation, causing the housing benefit bill to rise.

Cllr Nigel Ash in Ashton in Makerfield

A leaked letter from Eric Pickles’ Private Secretary to David Cameron’s office at No 10 revealed that the government’s housing benefit reforms could see 40,000 people homeless.

Lisa Nandy MP said, “The fact that thousands of people joined peaceful demonstrations in Wigan and across the country this weekend shows just how wrong this Government has got it."

"Their announcement on armed forces and foster families unravelled within minutes as it was revealed that they aren’t bringing forward one extra penny for the victims.

“The government announced they would exempt foster carers and some armed forces families, but there will be no extra money for councils to cover the costs.

“David Cameron’s Bedroom Tax has descended into total chaos and we will not rest until Ministers think again, admit they have got this wrong and drop this hated tax for good.”

Debtbusters Campaign launched across Borough

A new campaign backed by the Borough’s MPs, Unify Credit Union Ltd, Citizens Advice and Wigan and Leigh Cooperative Party was launched on Saturday, 2nd March in Leigh, Ashton and Wigan town centres.

Over 500 people signed the Debtbusters petition at the event launches attended by Andy Burnham MP, Lisa Nandy MP and myself. The Ashton launch was supported by Busker, John Davies.

Wigan and Leigh Debtbusters is set to raise awareness of the detriment caused by payday lenders and others and that affordable loans, free help and advice is available through the Borough’s Credit Unions and Citizens Advice Bureau.

The campaign launch comes against a background of growing statistics that demonstrate the impact of debt on UK households. The Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR) sets out how Household debt is set to rise by 36.3% and by 2015 UK households will have amassed over two trillion pounds worth of debt.

39% of people are concerned about the amount of debt they owe and 43% think their personal financial situation will worsen in the next six months. A staggering 45% of people now say they frequently struggle to make it to payday, up by 8% since Christmas 2010.

In November 2011, 16% of individuals had become ‘zombie debtors’ – only able to service the interest of their debt and not reduce it, whilst 27% had no savings at all.

One in three (32%) of those who took out a ‘payday loan’ couldn’t pay it off, so had to get another one (so called ‘rollovers’).

The high-cost credit sector, made up of payday lenders, home credit providers and hire purchase agreements, is growing rapidly and increasingly causing many of its customers to get into severe
debt problems.

Campaigners have welcomed the news that a cap on the cost of credit is set to be introduced but they warn that this is only the ‘tip of the iceberg’ and that regulation of the industry is required.

Labour and Cooperative Councillor for Astley-Mosley Common Jo Platt is set to raise the issue at this week’s full council. Cllr Jo Platt said, “Residents of the Borough are calling for action against legal loan sharks. Over the past couple of years they have proliferated in our area and the tough financial times means more and more people are turning to them and the extortionate loans which they offer."

“This motion sends a message that Wigan Council is serious about supporting our residents who are facing financial hardship. We support the introduction of a limit to cap the amount these companies can charge for loans, and we are committing to doing what we can locally to support responsible lending and discourage the loan sharks.”

Andy Burnham MP said, “A toxic mix of the rising cost of living, unemployment and wage freezes mean many Leigh households are struggling and a lack of regulation of this market by the Government means these legal loan sharks are exploiting this to push many families further into debt."

“With one in three payday loans taken out to pay off other payday loans it is clear these high cost credit products are problematic.”

I have spent my working life fighting the impact of irresponsible lending and was pleased that my campaigning in Parliament led to the announcement by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) that they will introduce a ‘power to suspend’ payday lenders who are causing harm to borrowers.

For many people payday loans can be a sensible option and with proper financial planning can offer a product that meets their needs. However, there are far too many cases of payday lenders acting in a manner which is wholly inappropriate and loads debt onto people with no consideration of the customer’s needs – rollovers being the obvious example of this reckless behaviour.

There is an alternative and our local credit unions, like Unify and Welcome offer low cost affordable loans. Likewise my advice to anybody worried about debt is don’t suffer in silence. Wigan & Leigh Citizens Advice offer free and impartial advice to people in debt.

You can download the Debtbusters petition here.

Apply for Bomber Command Clasp & Arctic Convoy Medal

I have today called on former aircrew of Bomber Command and the Arctic Convoys to contact my office now that the application process has opened to veterans of both campaigns.

This week, the Government announced that all the details have been confirmed for the Arctic Star and the Bomber Command Clasp and the application process has now opened. This follows Sir John Holmes’ independent medal review and the announcement by the Prime Minister, on 19 December 2012.

Her Majesty the Queen has approved designs for the new awards. The design for the Arctic Star is based on the other World War Two Stars and the Bomber Command Clasp, to be worn on the ribbon of the 1939 to 1945 Star, follows the design of the Battle of Britain Clasp.

Production of the new Arctic Star and Bomber Command clasp has now commenced and could result in up to a quarter of a million veterans, and the families of those who have sadly died, applying to receive the new awards in recognition of their unique contribution protecting Britain during World War II. Priority in issuing the awards will be given to veterans and widows who could receive their awards in a few weeks. Other next of kin may also apply now but will have to wait slightly longer to receive their award.

All those who served our country in Bomber Command and on the Arctic Convoys deserve our thanks and respect. That’s why I am today inviting applications through my office from veterans of these two campaigns.

I am also pleased to support the very welcome announcement that the families of those no longer alive will also be able to apply for these awards.

The eligibility criteria can be viewed here. Applications forms are available by calling the constituency office on 01942 824029 or by email.

Fraud in Wigan low but continue to be vigilant

Wigan consumers have experienced relatively low levels of fraud during 2012 according to figures unveiled today by CIFAS and myself.

Adjusted for population, the figures reveal that the Borough was ranked 239th for fraud (where #1 is the worst) in 2012, improved from 215th in 2011. Wigan is ranked 212th for the level of victims of identity fraud (220th in 2011) and is ranked 316th for the level of victims of facility takeover fraud (225th in 2011).

CIFAS is the UK’s fraud prevention service and not-for-profit membership association. Its members work in the banking, credit, asset finance, retail credit and insurance sectors as well as the public sector including the UK Border Agency. It has 25 years experience of identifying and preventing fraud. Their National Fraud Database is the single largest repository of confirmed data fraud in the UK.

In 2011, the National Fraud Authority's Annual Fraud Indicator put the loss to the UK economy from fraud at £73 billion. This level of loss impacts on every part of society, including the most vulnerable. It represents money that individuals, businesses and Government can ill afford to lose ending up in fraudsters’ pockets.

In the North West, Greater Manchester recorded the highest level of fraud with 24.9 frauds identified per thousand people. Of these, 50% were misuse of facility fraud. This type of fraud is common in cities, university towns and commonly involves bank accounts, such as paying in an altered cheque.

In welcoming the relative low levels of fraud committed in the Wigan Borough, I am warning the public to be vigilant and to ensure they protect their personal data. It is a sad fact that anyone can be a victim of fraud and with the advent of the internet and the changes it has brought often means that victimisation is more random.
You can reduce the risk of your details falling into criminal hands by keeping your personal details to yourself. They are a valuable item to a fraudster. CIFAS provide some really useful tips to help people avoid being the next victim of fraudsters.

Simon Fell from CIFAS said, "Your personal details are incredibly valuable and you should treat them as such. You wouldn't leave a laptop lying around, or jewellery out in the open, and you should treat your identity the same way."

"Fraudsters will painstakingly piece together your identity from documents you throw away but don't shred, information you put up on social networking sites, and data which is already in the public domain about you. They'll go to that effort because once they have enough information they can pretend to be you and start applying for credit or buying items in your name."

"The Wigan Borough may have a relatively low level of fraud compared to the rest of the UK, but anyone can be a victim. Stay safe and look after your identity."

More Than Words

A pioneering Community Interest Company (CIC) welcomed me to its Platt Bridge home this week.

More than Words Advocacy CIC gives people with learning disabilities a means of expressing themselves through the Self Advocacy Board Project and have their say about life in our borough. The project is supported by Wigan Council and the findings are reported back to the Learning Disability Partnership Board to influence future planning. The group uses art, drama, dance, games and poetry to explain and express the views of others –  particularly those with more complex needs.

According to Mencap less than 1 in 5 people with a learning disability work compared with 1 in 2 disabled people generally, but at least 65% of people with a learning disability want to work.


Of those people with a learning disability that do work, most only work part time and are low paid. More than Words provides an environment where people can express themselves and build confidence and judging by today’s visit they are succeeding and I wish them well for the future.

More than Words, Sue Seager said, “We were delighted our local MP Yvonne, took time out to visit the project and has committed to raising people’s issues in the course of her work. More Than Words offers a range of Services for children, young people and Adults with Learning Disabilities. Our dramatherapy ethos is to use whatever works best to support people to communicate and take control in their lives. ”

To find out more about More Than Words call Sue on 01942 735426 or email.

Huge Victory for Financial Education Campaign

I have welcomed a “huge victory” for the campaign for compulsory financial education in schools, following the publication of the new draft National Curriculum for England.  The new curriculum will see personal finance taught in both mathematics and in citizenship education for 11 to 16 year olds, making financial capability a statutory part of the curriculum for the first time.

In December 2011 a cross party group of MPs published a report calling for financial education to be included in the national curriculum, to equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to manage their money and make informed financial decisions. 

The campaign has also been supported by national charity pfeg (Personal Finance Education Group), MoneySavingExpert.com’s Martin Lewis and tens of thousands of teachers and parents across the country.

In an ever increasingly complex financial world it is important that young people are fully equipped to make informed financial decisions. I welcome this huge victory in the provision of personal finance in schools.

But this welcome decision should be part of a wider package of reforms, to include ensuring that people do not get into debt with payday lenders, do not go to fee-charging debt management agencies when free advice is available but do have access to early advice to help them when they realise that they are getting into debt.

The new programme of study for citizenship education specifically includes:

• Key Stage 3 (age 11-14) – the functions and uses of money, the importance of personal budgeting, money management and a range of financial products and services
• Key Stage 4 (ages 14-16) – wages, taxes, credit, debt, financial risk and a range of more sophisticated financial products and services

In addition, the new curriculum places a ‘renewed emphasis’ on mathematics, including financial mathematics.

Wigan & Leigh Stroke Support Group

I joined Andy Burnham MP on Friday, 1st February in visiting a vibrant local support group to meet people who have suffered from Stroke.

At the invitation of the Chair of Wigan & Leigh Stroke Support Group, Sue Lewis, Andy and Yvonne met with group members to talk about the work of the group.

The visit coincided with a donation of £150.00 from ASDA’s Windermere Rd branch and the Atherleigh Way superstore in Leigh. ASDA’s Kathleen Fallon and Cathy Jones presented the cheque on behalf of ASDA after it was nominated by customers for the ‘Chosen by You’ Charity.

The Wigan and Leigh Stroke Support Group was originally started by the Stroke Association. Since July 2011 it has become a Stroke Association Voluntary Group, receiving support from Wigan Council and the Manchester Community Fund as well as the group’s own fundraising initiatives.

Sue Lewis, Chair of Wigan & Leigh Stroke Support Group said, “The majority of the group’s volunteers are stroke survivors themselves. We aim to provide a friendly, sociable and supportive atmosphere at meetings which are held at the Abram Community Centre every other Friday from 12.30pm until 2.30pm.

“If you or a family member has been affected by Stroke we will be more than happy to welcome you at our meetings.”

Wigan & Leigh Stroke Support Group is a wonderful example of how local people come together to support those most in need and I am very proud of the hard work that Sue and her volunteers have put in to support stroke victims through their recovery.

The Group receive continued support from Stroke Association Information Advice and Support Coordinators Elaine Pye and Jim Brown on 01942 862429 and Communication Support  Coordinator Rachel Cheetham on 01942 775826.

In Ashton, Leigh and Wigan 600 people have a stroke every year and more than 5,500 people in the area are living with a disability after a stroke. High blood pressure is the single biggest cause of strokes and affects almost a quarter of the population in Ashton, Leigh and Wigan.

A stroke is a brain attack which occurs because of a clot or a bleed in the brain, causing brain cells to die. Although it is one of the UK’s biggest killers and leading causes of disability, far too many people don’t understand it or ever think it will happen to them. We rely on your support to change lives and help us to change how people think about stroke.

The Stroke Association is a charity that believes in life after stroke, and is leading a community of people to change the world for those affected by stroke. It works directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, as well as with health and social care professionals. It campaigns to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can and also funds research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke.

Andy Burnham said, “Stroke changes lives. It can and does have a huge effect on the person and their family. That’s why I am always moved by the bravery and enthusiasm of Stroke victims and the dedication shown by volunteers.

"I know that the group are currently looking for volunteer drivers to bring some of their members to the group and I hope that local people with a few hours to spare can assist the group in this way, by contacting Sue Lewis on 01942 514647 for more information about volunteering or joining the group."

For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit the website.

Be Loud Be Clear and let's beat Bowel Cancer

I committed to working with patients and the local NHS to ensure high quality and safe care is secured for all bowel cancer patients in the Makerfield constituency.

At the recent Be Loud Be Clear Parliamentary Reception, Yvonne Fovargue MP heard from both bowel cancer patients and the charity Beating Bowel Cancer about the importance of a good experience for all patients.

I’m happy to sign this pledge and support the principles in any way I can. I shall be working with the local NHS to ensure they are providing the ‘gold standard’ when it comes to treating bowel cancer patients.

Mark Flannagan, Chief Executive of Beating Bowel Cancer told me that they strongly believe that patient experience should be an integral part of the NHS and it is vital that better care is secured for all bowel cancer patients.

Beating Bowel Cancer know of many cases where patients simply aren’t getting the level of care they need. The launch of the Service Pledge will be a measure of how hospitals should be providing a good experience to the bowel cancer patients they treat.

To find out more about bowel cancer and to read the full Service Pledge, please visit the charity’s website 

About bowel cancer 

• Bowel Cancer is the UK’s second biggest cancer killer claiming a life every 30 minutes
• Over 41,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year in the UK
• The majority of people diagnosed with the disease are over the age of 50
• Bowel cancer is more treatable if spotted and diagnosed early
• Over 93 per cent of people diagnosed with bowel cancer at an early stage survive for at least five years compared with less than 7% of those diagnosed at a late stage.

The Truth beneath the Hood

I was delighted to meet with young members of Ashton Youth Action on their recent trip to visit Parliament. They told me about a video they had produced and I wanted to share this with people.

Young people are far too often painted in a negative way, but as this video demonstrates young people make an invaluable contribution to the local community in Ashton.

Women set to lose out in Pension Reform

House of Commons Library research released by Labour reveals the true cost of last week’s pensions reforms to over 2,100 women in the Wigan Borough who are set to lose out.

Women born in 1952 and 1953 will not be eligible for the single tier pension since they are due to retire in 2017, before the state pension reforms come into effect. Men born during the same period, however, will qualify.

The news comes after the Government claimed that "we have to be absolutely transparent [about who will lose]” yet they failed to make clear the full consequences of the planned reforms.

The unravelling of this latest Pensions announcement is the second time this government has been caught trying to hide the full impact of its changes for pensioners following the Granny Tax.

Ministers have been caught red-handed hiding the truth on pension reforms. This government’s pension changes have hit hardworking women in our Borough time and again and these reforms are no different. Over 2,100 women will be nearly £2,000 worse off compared to men, but instead of being honest with the women that will lose out this government tried to bury the truth.

Once again Ministers have been caught with their hands in pensioners’ pockets – it’s about time this government had the decency to be honest about who will lose out under their plans.

Women born between April 1952 and July 1953 will retire before 2017 and will not be eligible for the single tier pension. For example, a woman born in October 1952 will retire at age 63 in 2015. This means that she will draw the basic weekly pension of £107.45 (in today’s prices) when she retires.

However, men born in the same period are due to retire in 2017, and so will be eligible for the new single-tier rate.

House of Commons Library research shows that 430,000 women born between April 1952 and July 1953 could lose out in this way. This could mean that women draw a state pension income of around £1,900 a year (£36.55 a week) less than a man of the same age. The exact difference will depend on the number of contributions each woman has made, and whether she receives means-tested benefits or not.

Fix It UK Ltd

I joined Lisa Nandy MP today at a ground breaking vocational training scheme operating in Wigan.

Fix It UK Ltd is a Charitable Trust operating from Spring View. Now in its 10th year, it has developed a holistic and practical approach to learning, by offering a specialist training facility in the repair and maintenance of motor vehicles.

During this period, over 1000 young people have been through its doors and have been helped into employment or further training.

We called in at the invitation of the Chair, Cllr Keith Cunliffe to see for ourselves the work being undertaken at the Rosebridge Industrial Estate site; to talk to some of the young people about their progress and also pick up tips on the importance of car maintenance, particularly during the cold winter weather snap!

We were given a tour of the facility by Fix It UK Ltd’s, Ian Tomlinson and Chair, Cllr Keith Cunliffe.

Fix It recognise that all young people have skills and qualities and that not all wish to pursue an academic route. The courses provided are designed to enable students to learn in a safe and secure environment, in small class sizes, thereby providing a high quality learning experience.

Fix-it  works closely with 14-19 year olds to deliver vocational motor vehicle studies. All programmes are designed for students who may have faced difficulties in traditional pathways to work such as;

• Have shown a negative behaviour pattern such as poor attainment, attendance and/or behaviour.
• Have a flair for vocational or practical subjects.
• Are academically gifted but have become de-motivated.
• Require positive role models.
• Have difficulty mixing or working with others.
• Respond to a less formal approach to teaching
• Looked after children
• Have been identified as having learning needs (including emotional and behavioural difficulties)

Fix It UK Ltd are also celebrating and putting to good use the proceeds of a £84,000 grant from the BBC Children In Need Appeal. At a time of uncertainty for many charities as a result of the economic downturn the grant secures the future of the charity for the next 3 years.

This is fantastic project working with our young people. It is vital that we continue to support the opportunities provided by Fix It Uk Ltd and the grant from Children in Need secures the immediate future and will help yet more youngsters to develop their skills and receive quality vocational training.

Equipping youngsters with practical skills and knowledge is not just an investment for today but provides a pathway into work and the benefits that this brings to individuals and wider society in the future.

Welfare Benefit Uprating Bill

The text of my speech in Parliament this week on this shameful Tory Bill follows below.

'The proposal is to limit the increase in working-age benefits to 1% for the next three years, which is an effective cut. Let us make no mistake: for anyone who relies on benefits for all or part of their income, this will be a “poverty-producing policy”. Those are not my words, but the words of the Child Poverty Action Group. Working families are finding it hard to get by financially after two years of freezes in child benefit and working tax credit, and cuts to child care tax credit, housing benefit and support for new parents. It is no wonder that the CPAG is warning that the number of children living in absolute poverty will rise.

Let us look at what the proposal means for a full-time worker on the minimum wage. In a response to my hon. Friend the Member for Stockport (Ann Coffey), the Treasury confirmed that the working tax credit lost in 2013-14 by people who are working full time on the minimum wage, due to the Government’s freezes and the increase in the earnings taper, will be £475 for a single person with no children and £660 for a couple with one child. Contrary to the assertions made in Parliament, the amount of working tax credit lost by families with one earner on the minimum wage will be greater than their saving of £420 in 2013-14 from the increase in the personal tax allowance.

Many of my constituents work in low-paid retail work. I am grateful to the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers for the survey of its members, who all report how difficult it is to manage with the rising cost of food, fuel and other everyday items. Many report that they have turned off the heating at certain times in the month. Tracey said that although both she and her partner work, after paying for the rent, gas and electric, they often find it so hard to manage that they go without food so that their children can eat.

That situation is confirmed by the Oasis food bank in my constituency, which has recently begun to operate. Although I support its good work and pay tribute to it, I deplore the fact that such organisations are needed in the 21st century. The food bank tells me that many working people come to it as they simply cannot make their money stretch to the end of the month, and we know that more people are turning to payday lenders simply to get money to spend on essentials, not on luxuries any more. It is no wonder those payday lenders are circling the estates.

The people affected have not made a lifestyle choice. They are working people such as the one who came to my surgery who gets up at 5 o’clock to do two cleaning jobs. It is not a lifestyle choice for those who are out of work, either. It is a situation that they find themselves in, like the young man who worked at Comet and lost his job, and is now competing with seven others for every job in my constituency. He was almost in tears at having to claim benefits, and I can relate to that: I claimed benefits myself for a few months in the mid-’80s when I was left with a young daughter, and it has left an indelible mark on me. I know what it feels like to go and sign on—it hurts, it really does.

Those in work who are struggling to make ends meet and those out of work who are desperate to find it are the people who are bearing the brunt of the Government’s failed economic policies, not the high earners and millionaires who are getting a tax cut of £107,000 this April. It is not fair, and it is not right, and I am proud to vote against the Bill and defend the 8,100 people in my constituency who are claiming working tax credits.'

I won't support a Strivers Tax while Millionaires pocket £3 Billion tax cut

George Osborne has claimed to be cracking down on the benefits culture that rewards skivers and shirkers but it is hard-working families in Wigan who are amongst those being hit hardest.

Despite the Chancellor’s bold claim, the truth is that 60% of the people affected by the government’s changes to tax credits and benefits are actually working people. 

And statistics show that one-earner working families could lose out by as much as £534 per year. The people that are losing out here aren’t skivers; they’re strivers. It’s hard-working people, trying to do the right thing, who are paying the price for the Tories’ economic failures. I think working families in Wigan who are feeling the pinch will be angry to see their tax credits and benefits cut by up to £534 a year.

When the Welfare Uprating Bill is published, I will look at it carefully but if the government intends to go ahead with an unfair hit on middle and lower income working families whilst giving millionaires a £3 billion top rate tax cut I will oppose it.

Striving working families shouldn’t have to pay the price for his economic failure. However they try to spin it they can’t hide the truth - they're cutting taxes for millionaires whilst millions are struggling to make ends meet.

We need a proper plan for jobs and a plan to get welfare spending down that’s fair to working people in Wigan.

Rock the House 2013

I am calling on local musicians and small venues in Makerfield to enter Rock the House 2013, Parliament’s biggest competition which celebrates up-and-coming British artists and the live music venues that support them.

Applications opened on November 30th 2012, and will close on March 1st 2013.

The competition is open to all music lovers who fall into the following categories: solo artist, band, under 19 solo artist, under 19 band, and best small live music venue.

Rock the House is a great opportunity for aspiring artists of any age looking to find a way into the industry. I am excited to listen to the tracks that local musicians can come up with, and hope to receive as many submissions as possible.

Mike Weatherley MP, founder of Rock the House said, “This competition is the perfect opportunity for talented artists to promote their music, and win some life-changing prizes in the process - from guitars and amps, to slots at gigs and festivals. It will also put MPs in touch with musicians and small venues in their constituencies. We’ve discovered some great talent in the past, and can’t wait to see who we find this year!”

Brian May, Queen guitarist said, “It is a great honour to back Rock the House. The UK is a hotbed of musical talent from all genres, and if the British music industry is going to grow and thrive then musicians need to be able to make a living from selling their product."

“This competition gives all musicians, from all backgrounds the chance to get out there and make live music – one of the things Brits do best.”

I will nominate my favourite from each category, after which a judging panel made of international music industry experts will chose the finalists. The finalists will compete in a live battle of the bands, and the winner of each category will then perform live on the balcony of the House of Commons on the evening of the 26th of June 2013.

Rock the House was founded by Mike Weatherley MP to raise awareness of intellectual property theft and live music issues in Parliament.  In 2011, the competition was part of a campaign which successfully persuaded the Government that venues with a capacity of 200 people will no longer need a license for live music.

The launch party on Monday 26th November saw the first ever amplified gig in the State Speaker’s Room with British rock band the Young Guns, Rob Damiani from Don Brocoand Bernie Marsden from Whitesnake attending the launch.

Flood Relief for homes in Platt Bridge



Learning about the scheme design with UU engineers

I visited the site of a £700,000 investment in flood relief to see how work is progressing on a sewer scheme in Platt Bridge on a cold and wet Friday morning (14th Dec).

I was given a tour of the construction work by United Utilities engineers at the Liverpool Road site.
   
The water company is laying a huge new sewer through the open land at Amberswood to store more water during heavy rain and take the pressure off the main sewer in Liverpool Road.


A section of the new sewer piping
(1.5m in diameter)
 which will store excess rainwater during heavy rainfall

   




United Utilities project coordinator Gareth Jones told me that this scheme is about bringing peace of mind to local families who have had to put up with the misery of sewer flooding. he confirmed that work is progressing well and that this was a good example of how United Utilities were investing the money from customers' water bills to improve services in local communities.  

Work began at the beginning of November and I visited during phase II of the works which is the biggest part of the construction process with the laying of approx 60m of 1.5m diameter sewer pipes to store rainwater following prolonged rainfall.

The tour demonstrated the size of the works that United Utilities are undertaking and because this particular scheme is gravity fed, then there is no need for complex electrical or engineering solutions, which means that once complete ongoing maintenance is kept to a minimum providing value for money.

The Makerfield constituency has suffered the misery of flooding too often in the past decade so I warmly welcome schemes of this type which will take the blight of homes in this area.

Tory Britain shame on Housing and Rough Sleeping

The latest figures from the Department for Communities and Local Government show that rough sleeping in the North West has risen by a shocking 49% and the Tories have an equally poor record on statutory homelessness which is up by almost a third since they came to power in 2010.

These failures are a consequence of their disastrous economic policies - in its bid to cut the deficit too far and too fast, the government slashed the budget for building new affordable homes by 60%. They have also cut local council budgets by 28% nationally, putting real strain on many rough sleeping support programmes across the country.

It is an absolute tragedy that in the weeks before Christmas so many people will be sleeping rough. But it is no accident; they are paying the price for David Cameron’s failed economic and housing policies.

House building is down, homelessness is up, we have a mortgage market where people can’t get mortgages and rents are unaffordable for too many in the private rented sector.

And the most heartbreaking consequences of the Government’s failure on housing is the rise in homelessness and rough sleeping.

What we need is a One Nation approach to the economy and housing, including genuinely bringing forward infrastructure investment, a temporary VAT cut and a plan to fund a real increase in social homes and a jobs guarantee for young people. The government might then be better placed to tackle the biggest housing crisis in a generation and be able to help all those sleeping rough out in the cold this Christmas.

Spirit of Christmas alive and well in Ashton in Makerfield

Nobody in Ashton in Makerfield should have to go without food this Christmas thanks to the incredible generosity of local church goers in the town.

A Food bank scheme launched in September is gearing up for the festive period, providing food and drink to hard-up families who would otherwise have to go hungry.

The church going community's donations has exceeded expectations and I joined Andrew Bullen (Oasis Community Food Bank Co-ordinator) today to publicise the food bank’s presence in the town.  

The non-perishable items, which vary from cereal, coffee, tea to tinned fruit/soups and pasta sauces, will be distributed from the Food bank’s stall (provided free by Wigan Council) located on Ashton Market to anyone in dire need of help.

Supported by local churches of various denominations has allowed the food bank to operate every Friday morning. Together with the food donations from the recent Harvest Festivals, Andrew Bullen expects donations to cover the festive period.

The Food bank is open to residents who live in the Ashton, North Ashton, Garswood, Bryn and Golborne areas of the Borough.

Recipients are referred to the food bank by partner organisations that have identified them as being in crisis such as;

• Job Centre Plus
• Wigan Independent Advisory Centre (WIAC)
• Wigan & Leigh Citizens Advice Bureau
• Ashton Clinic
• Police
• Local GPs

It is not intended that recipients will become permanently dependent upon the scheme; each entitled to a maximum of three parcels while their present emergency situation is addressed.

It's a sad reflection on the state of our economy that food banks are needed in 21st century Britain and for many people this Christmas will be a difficult time.

I was delighted to meet with volunteers to hear more about their important work helping families in need.  Christmas is a time for families to come together and celebrate, but the reality is that many people are suffering as the poor economic outlook continues to bite.

Andrew Bullen, Oasis Food Bank Co-ordinator said, “We are extremely grateful to Yvonne for the support she gave to us in getting the Food bank off the ground and for the further help, advice and donations she has given that have played a part in our success."

“And of course without the wonderful weekly donations that continue to be provided by the local church members, none of this would have been possible.”

Chance to be Chancellor

I am supporting ‘Chance to be Chancellor’ and am calling on all young people across Wigan to take part.

Organised by educational charity Citizenship Foundation in partnership with Aviva, Chance to be Chancellor is a part of 'Paying for It', an educational programme that provides a free range of resources to develop economic awareness amongst young people.

Chance to be Chancellor is open to all 14-18 year olds and the initiative challenges participants to grapple with issues that face the Chancellor ahead of the official Budget in mid-March 2013. Students are required to learn about, and share their opinions on, a selection of possible policies detailed on the Chance to be Chancellor website.

 

Students can also enter a national competition by creating a short video (max 90 seconds) arguing their choices with a chance to win an iPad. All entries will be collated to produce the ‘Youth Budget’, a report launched in anticipation of the official budget to give the voters of the future a platform for their views on important economic issues.

Chance to be Chancellor is a fantastic way of bringing the current economic challenges into schools in Wigan. It’s also a great opportunity for students to have their say on what they think should be included in Budget 2013.

 

I encourage as many students as possible to get involved and submit their ideas on how to tackle the current economic challenges; a particularly difficult challenge in the current climate.  I wish all entrants the best of luck.

Chance to be Chancellor 2013 runs until Friday 15 February 2013.

The Christmas spirit marks the inaugural Makerfield Veterans’ Luncheon



Pic with me from l-r: Mr John Hurst, The Mayor - Cllr Myra Whiteside,
Cllr Clive Morgan,  Mr Lawrence Powers & Mr Mel Lee



On Saturday, 8th December I hosted my inaugural Christmas Veterans’ Luncheon at St Matthews Parish Hall, Highfield  and was joined by over 170 veterans from across the Makerfield Constituency.

I was also delighted to welcome special guests to the luncheon including the Mayor of Wigan, Cllr Myra Whiteside and her consort, Mr John Hurst as well as Sir Ian McCartney and Lady Ann McCartney.

Councillors from across the political spectrum representing wards in Makerfield were also present.

Cllr Clive Morgan,  a former Welsh Guard and veteran of the 1982 Falklands War, was the MC for the day. The Vicar of St Matthews Parish, Revd Bob Pearson was on hand to open the event with prayers followed by the Exhortation led by Mr Mel Lee (Royal British Legion) and Mr Lawrence Powers (Burma Star Assoc).

Tucking into award winning pies kindly provided by event sponsor Pooles Pies guests were also entertained by the music of Mr Tony Bostock, including a medley of wartime anthems and music hall favourites for everyone to sing along to.

At the event, and on behalf of the whole community across the Makerfield constituency, I wanted to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contribution made by the men and women present both at home and abroad. It was also fitting that as we approach Christmas, we celebrate the role that veterans continue to play in community life.

Neil Court-Johnston, Chief Executive of Pooles Pies said, “Pooles is delighted to be able to support the Christmas Veterans’ Luncheon with our award winning pies. We are proud to support the men and women who have served their country and our community.  We extend best wishes for the festive season and a peaceful and prosperous New Year."

A special school assembly for Christmas Card Competition Winner

Today, I proudly announced the winners of my 2012 Christmas Card Design Competition at Hope Special School, Kelvin Grove, Marus Bridge.

Joining me at the presentation was Headteacher, Mr Peter Dahlstrom, pupils, teachers and parents.

Now in its third year, the competition attracted entries from across the constituency with all of the designs being carefully judged by me.

The winning design will be sent to a number of distinguished people in the political world, including both the Prime-Minister, David Cameron and the Leader of the Opposition -  Ed Miliband. The card will also be sent to individuals across the public and private sector in the Wigan Borough including the Borough’s first citizen and Mayor of Wigan, Cllr Myra Whiteside.

It was an absolute pleasure to present Kacy, Maisey and Libby with their prizes. It was a great design and they have clearly hit the right note, so I’m sure people will enjoy receiving the card in the run up to Christmas.

I know everybody at Hope Special School will be very proud of them and I am too.



With Caitlin, Olivia and Daniel



We had a fantastic response from local schools. The children clearly put a lot of effort into their art-work so it made my job of picking the winner extremely difficult. But I’d like to thank all of the children and their teachers for taking part.

Yvonne also handed out prizes to three runners up whose designs all feature on the back of the card. Mr Peter Dahlstrom said, “I am delighted for Kacy, Libby and Maisey. It is a proud moment for Hope School that we have won such a prestigious competition.”

Christmas Card Competition Winners 2012



The winning design



Winning Entry

Kacy Entwhistle, Maisey Gallagher and Libby Jarret
Early Years
Hope Special School

Runners Up

Olivia Harrald
St Wilfrid’s RC Primary
Ashton in Makerfield

Caitlin Molyneux-Winrow
Hindley Green Community Primary

Daniel Carr
St Oswalds RC Primary
Ashton in Makerfield



Mainstream Lenders must respond to mounting credit card debt crisis

In the two years since my election to Parliament, readers of this site will know that I have campaigned extensively on debt related issues - and later today, (Tuesday, 27th November) I will introduce a 10 minute rule motion that once a borrower has paid out interest equivalent to three times the amount borrowed, all further payments should go to reducing the principle.

I want the 10 minute rule motion to highlight the role played by credit cards in getting people into chronic debt, where they can only afford to pay interest with no realistic prospect of reducing the principal.

At a time when the media spotlight has fallen on the high interest rates charged by payday lenders, I maintain that mainstream credit card companies are not immune from responsible lending as the numbers of people in debt continue to rise.

Research commissioned by Step Change suggest that there are at least 3 million households presently in financial difficulty and a further 3 million at risk. They further suggest that credit cards play a significant part in their predicament.

Credit cards, though undeniably often useful and convenient, are a major cause of agony for many people, particularly those struggling with everyday finances. The number of people seeking help with credit card debt has risen sharply in recent years, but the recession has seen it rise even further.

Whereas people may have once used credit cards for luxury or exceptional purchases, many are now using them simply to make ends meet and –  what is more – committing to further credit card borrowing when one card is ‘maxed out’, in order to ‘plug the gap’ in household finances. Indeed, multiple credit card debt is becoming a feature of life in the 21st Century and figures disproportionately in cases of the most intractable debt problems. 

The result of using one credit card to pay off another is a viscous cycle of increasing debt, as interest and other charges are added to the initial capital sum. This can lead to a real sense of hopelessness and despair as the balance hardly reduces over time.

The important thing is to reduce the speed of the pay down.  And my Bill will achieve that. It may still take time for the magic ‘three times’ threshold to be reached but at least borrowers will be able to see, for the first time, light at the end of the tunnel.

Autism Challenge for local schools

I am supporting a nationwide charity challenge to help raise awareness of issues affecting pupils with autism and am calling on all local schools to take part.

The Anderson Schools Challenge is a joint campaign between The National Autistic Society (NAS) and the Anderson Foundation, which asks schools to complete 50 fun and easy tasks in celebration of the NAS’ 50th Birthday.

The tasks, which range from fitting 50 items into a Smarties tube to holding an autism-awareness assembly, can be undertaken by 50 individual pupils or a whole class, unless any pupils fancy taking on all 50. The money raised will help the NAS to provide much-needed services and support for people affected by autism across the UK.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them. It is a spectrum condition, which means that, while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways. Some people with autism are able to live relatively independent lives but others may have accompanying learning disabilities and need a lifetime of specialist support. People with autism may also experience over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours.

I’m delighted to be supporting the Anderson Schools Challenge and am calling on all local primary schools to do their bit and help raise awareness of autism. School can be a real struggle for many children with the condition, but better understanding among teachers, school staff and other pupils can make a real difference. This is a fun and easy way to improve awareness of autism and raise vital funds for the NAS, so that it can continue to support individuals and families across the UK.

Local Schools can sign up for the challenge here.            

Budding social entrepreneurs given tips on how to grow

More than 50 social enterprises in Wigan have come together to learn the best way of growing their businesses.

A special event was held on Wednesday (14th November) to give enterprises looking to expand practical advice and tips on how to develop. Organised by Wigan Social Enterprise Sector Network, I was part of a panel who participated in a “Question Time” event, answering questions from budding entrepreneurs. Subjects covered included funding, partnerships, social impact measurement and ways to engage with customers in the public sector.

The theme of the event, organised as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week and held at the DW Stadium, was to pass on practical help and support needed by start-ups and individuals who are considering taking the plunge.

Gillian Bishop, corporate director at Wigan Council said, “Social enterprises play an important role in the economy of Wigan Borough. This event was an excellent example of what can be done to help promote their development and growth. It’s clear there’s a lot of encouraging work taking place across the borough and Wigan Council is keen to offer support where it can.”

This is an exciting time to be a social entrepreneur with a Bill to strengthen the sector making good parliamentary progress. If enacted, it would signal a further expansion of the role of social enterprises in public sector markets. Currently the government spends more than £236bn procuring goods and services –  making sure it does so with social value in mind could be enough to radically alter the economy ensuring that growth serves people and local communities.

Wigan Social Enterprise Network hosts bimonthly meetings. For more information contact Sylvia Pearson here.                                         

Wigan Social Enterprise Sector Network is part of the Wigan Borough Network of Networks. It is led by the School for Social Entrepreneurs North West and empowers, represents and supports its members and coordinated activities primarily for social enterprises across the borough. A whole spectrum of sector representation attends the network to promote a real partnership approach to business.

The “Question Time” panel members also included:

• Charlotte Young, National Chair of School for Social Entrepreneurs
• Paul Corcoran, Managing Director Agent Marketing & Chair of SSE North West
• William Greenwood, North West Region Head of Service Development for NHS Direct
• Liz Brooks-Allen, Director, The Connectives
• Andy Darron, Executive Director of Groundwork Lancashire West and Wigan

Christmas Veterans Luncheon

I have today announced details of the inaugural Christmas Luncheon for the veteran community in Makerfield.

I will be hosting the luncheon on Saturday, 8th December 2012 commencing at 12noon at St Matthews Parish Hall, Billinge Rd, Highfield, Wigan WN3 6BL.

As we approach the festive season this will be an opportunity to pay tribute to our veteran community and to thank them for the sacrifices that they have made in order to make our country and the world a safer place to live.

It will also be a chance to celebrate the contribution that veterans continue to make to the life of communities across the constituency.

If you are a veteran and reside in the Makerfield constituency then please confirm your attendance by calling my constituency office on 01942 824029 or by email no later than Friday, 30th November.

The UK's first zero-energy business park open for business in Hindley Green

Armstrong Point, the brainchild of local property owners Dave and Mike Armstrong are calling on the small business sector to ‘seize the opportunity’ provided by their latest development, the UK’s First Zero- Energy Cost Business Park, located on Swan Lane, Hindley Green.

I joined Leigh MP, Andy Burnham in a joint visit today.

The former derelict building which was previously occupied by Britvic Soft Drinks has now been transformed into a new, vibrant, Business Park, offering all tenants zero-energy Bills. This was part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Armstrong Properties (NW) Ltd have developed and completed 6 Industrial Units with 5 units already taken. At present there are no other industrial developments in the UK harnessing as many Low and Zero Carbon (LZC) technologies.

The Armstrong Father and Son Team hail the park as the ‘best value business park in the North West’ and occupiers and developers understand how such LZC technologies combined can lower energy bills for tenants and cut their CO2 emissions. The technologies used will raise the standards in industrial developments that other developers will need to embrace and replicate. Such technologies include, wind turbine, photovoltaic panels, solar hot water heating, transpired solar collector heating and cooling systems, air source heat pumps, heat recovery ventilation and energy efficient control systems.

Dave Armstrong is also the managing director of Carbon Consultancy Company, the energy consultants who provided their knowledge and expertise in low and zero carbon and sustainable development.

Dave Armstrong said, “We are very pleased to welcome Andy and Yvonne to our Hindley Green base, to showcase our development which offers the latest renewable energy technologies affording tenants the first zero-energy cost business park in the UK.”

“We are delighted by the interest the park has generated across the UK, even in these difficult economic times and with only 3 units remaining we hope that interested businesses will seize the opportunity that Armstrong Point offers.”

Don't forget the Flu Jab this Winter!

I attended the Westminster Flu Day, a flu vaccine clinic held in the House of Commons, to highlight and encourage constituents to get this season’s flu vaccine in line with Government recommendations.

Last year, 74% of people over 65 years and 53% in the at risk groups were vaccinated against flu in the Makerfield constituency compared with the national averages of 74% for the over 65s and 51.6% for those ‘at risk’.

The seasonal flu vaccination is important to help protect those people who are more susceptible to serious complications or even death from flu. I would encourage all those that are over the age of 65 or are in one of the ‘at risk’ groups to visit their surgeries and get vaccinated.

The NHS has a very successful seasonal flu programme. The uptake rate for flu vaccines in those aged 65 and over reached 74% in 2011/12, which is just below the WHO target of 75%. The Department of Health, however, wants to improve the uptake rates for those people under 65 years of age with clinical conditions which put them more at risk from the effects of flu. This currently stands at 51.6%, and the Department hopes to increase it to 70%. Uptake among pregnant women in 2011/12 was only 27.4%. 

According to the influenza immunisation program 2012/13, influenza vaccination should be offered to:

• All those aged 65 and over
• All those aged over 6 months in the following clinical ‘at-risk’ groups:
• Chronic respiratory disease and asthma that requires continuous or repeated use of inhaled or systemic steroids or with previous exacerbations requiring hospital admission
• Chronic heart disease
• Chronic renal disease
• Chronic liver disease
• Chronic neurological disease
• Diabetes
• Pregnant women
• Those living in long-stay residential and nursing homes or other long-stay facilities
• Those who are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill. Vaccination should be given at the GP’s discretion.
• Healthcare workers in the NHS are being encouraged to take up vaccination, especially those employees directly involved in patient care.

Stop cuts to Criminal Injuries Compensation

Pic with David Williams of Usdaw

I have called on the Government to confirm that they will not go ahead with plans to slash compensation for 90% of injured victims of crime.

The Minister for Justice withdrew proposals to drastically cut the budget of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme following criticism from MPs on all sides at a Committee meeting on 10 September.

However, the Government have since stated that they are still “committed to reforming the criminal injuries compensation scheme to put it on a sustainable financial footing” (Government jargon for cutting the budget) and have re-tabled the changes to the Scheme to be put to Parliament by 22 October.  This would mean that, if passed, the cuts would affect any claim made after 5 November.

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is the only means by which many victims who are seriously injured by a criminal can gain any compensation to help them through the difficult time and to make up for wages they may have lost.

The Scheme also helps the dependant children of murder and manslaughter victims.

The proposals which the Government are trying to carry would:

• Abolish all compensation for almost half of victims deemed to have suffered injuries such as a broken hand, facial scarring, multiple broken ribs, or a dislocated jaw.
• Cut compensation awards by up to 60% for more serious injuries such as permanent brain injury, fractured joints, or a punctured lung.
• Cut compensation for loss of earnings to the level of Statutory Sick Pay – £85 a week - and impose conditions that would make it ‘practically unattainable’.
• Impose the same cuts and conditions on compensation for the loss of a parent’s earnings by the child dependants of murder and manslaughter victims.
• Prevent victims of dog attacks from receiving any compensation under the scheme, no matter how seriously they were injured.

The Tory-led Government’s plans to cut financial support for the innocent victims of crime, shows how out of touch this Government is.  It is hard to believe that the Government are still determined to cut the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme after MPs from both sides criticised the cuts and the effect they would have on the injured victims of crime and on the children of murder victims.

I have therefore signed an Early Day Motion calling on the Government to drop these cruel plans immediately and to do more to help the innocent victims of crime.

John Hannett, General Secretary of Usdaw said, “Usdaw members who are unfortunate enough to suffer a criminal attack that leaves them injured rely on Criminal Injuries Compensation.  They often lose wages when they cannot work due to their injuries.  Innocent victims of crime should not have to suffer twice – once in an attack, and also financially."

“It is just not fair to ask injured victims of crime to bear the brunt of austerity.  Usdaw and our members are very grateful for Yvonne’s support in the campaign against these unjust proposals.”

Power to suspend welcomed

I am delighted that the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has today announced that it is consulting on how it proposes to use a new power, which will allow it to suspend consumer credit licences with immediate effect.

Regular readers of my site will know that this is an issue on which I have campaigned for many years.

The industry is currently operating in a manner that can and does penalise vulnerable consumers. Voluntary regulation has failed miserably and the new power to suspend gives the OFT the power to crack down on the irresponsible actions of an industry making huge profits on the back of vulnerable and low income borrowers.