Letter from Parliament - Jim Dobbin

Jim Dobbin MP

The announcement of the Post Office closure programme used by the Liberal Democrats reeked of political opportunism. I can tell you that it caused upset amongst the Post Office proprietors who felt unnecessarily threatened.

I understand Council officers are still consulting on a local deal. They should dump the sad offer from their Lib Dem political masters, which consists of around £6000 per year per branch for three years. An honest offer would be nearer £200,000 plus overheads in total. The Post Office negotiators have made it clear, and I quote, that:

“Post Office Ltd needs to ensure amongst other factors that all relevant costs are covered. A commitment is required for several years and there must be no damaging impact on the remaining network in the area."

The model proposed by Essex County Council could be used as an example that could be deployed with Local Authorities. I challenge the Rochdale Lib Dems to stop kidding the people and propose a realistic offer that would be acceptable. In the meantime the Government is continuing to subsidise the Post Office network to the tune of £1.7million additional money to keep as many branches as possible viable.

I was just thinking that it is ten years since Labour voted to bring in the National Minimum Wage. Looking back I think this is one of Labour’s proudest achievements in government. We built on this by increasing the minimum wage and bringing in better safeguards at work like paid holidays and the right to request flexible working for parents and carers.

When families are struggling, as some are at the moment, with rising fuel, energy and food prices it is more important than ever that there is a basic flow of decency underpinning the labour market. The Tories and the Lib Dems opposed the minimum wage saying it would cost 2 million jobs but instead 2-3 million jobs have actually been created. Nearly 1 million low paid workers, two thirds of them women, have benefited from the National Minimum Wage. Contrast that with the Tory years when 3 million people were unemployed.

I know this story contains a lot of numbers and statistics but remember behind every statistic is a human being whose life has changed for the better through having the opportunity to work and get on in life.

When I am out and about in the constituency people tell me they are concerned about crime and antisocial behaviour. They also warn about young people getting involved in crime both as victims and criminals. Young people themselves are just as worried as the older generation. I am on the side of the law abiding majority who play by the rules and want to live in a safe community. I do believe CCTV is a powerful tool and helps put criminals in jail where they belong. The Tories appear to be coming out against the use of CCTV.

On youth crime there will be street based teams of youth workers to stop young people getting involved in anti-social behaviour. The introduction of police neighbourhood teams is beginning to have some success. The future Policing policy is out for consultation by MPs at the moment. The aim is to reduce needless bureaucracy. I’ll be calling for unnecessary red tape to be cut.

I try when possible to visit my pensioners’ groups and I had a question and answer session with the Heywood group on 30 July. Pensioners have long memories and you can’t mislead them but I always enjoy the challenge. Doris Dixon certainly has them well organised and I assure you they are always up to speed with local and national issues.

I also joined them at the Pensioners’ Rally organised by the National Pensioners’ Convention and the T.U.C. in Albert Square. I joined Tony Lloyd MP Chairman of the Parliamentary Labour Party and MP for Manchester Central in addressing them in Albert Square and afterwards at a buffet in Manchester Town Hall.

On Saturday 27 August I was present at the opening of the Mela at Bowlee. There were some great performances including one from the Middleton Pop Stars Academy who always give great value - a really talented hardworking group. Langley Skylight Cheerleaders also entertained the crowds of onlookers. Mohammed Sarwar and his team deserve congratulations for organising this community cultural event that certainly demonstrates community diversity and cohesion.

I joined around 80 young people at Hopwood Hall College as part of a youth day to encourage young people to enjoy socialising together.

Tom Byrne, Community Safety Officer, was on hand to look after us during this successful event that finished with a dinner and disco. It seemed to have gone with a swing.

I have just heard about the sudden, sad death of Malcolm Collinge from a heart attack. Malcolm was very active in Middleton life and a leading member of Middleton Transport Initiative and the local heritage group. He was a good friend to me and will be sorely missed.

I will be paying a quick visit to London this week to see my new grandson Daniel James who was born on the 10 August. He is our seventh grandson so we are richly blessed.