Letter from Parliament

Jim Dobbin MP

Can I congratulate Rochdale Council on its achievement in creating the most chaos in traffic improvement that I have ever experienced. The easiest and most direct routes for most drivers have been transformed into the most complicated and longest ways to get to any destination.  A constituent of mine wanted to travel by taxi from Middleton via Castleton to Bury Road via Roch Valley Way and ended up going via the town centre, Spotland Road, Sandy Lane to Bury Road where he lives.  The inflated cost was £17 instead of £8.  It’s easier to play snakes and ladders than follow a logical route in Rochdale at the moment.  Well done Rochdale Council.

I write this in advance of this week’s Council budget meeting.  The Lib Dem Council Leader has admitted that they have had a good settlement from the Government.  It surprises me therefore that they intend to increase the council tax by 3.8% and make cuts in waste management services, adult care services and the voluntary sector.  Our neighbouring authorities are I understand proposing much lower increases in council Tax.  Again, well done the Rochdale Lib Dem Council.  On top of that there is their public support for congestion charging on families throughout the borough including the Pennines, Heywood and Middleton.

The decision in the end to nationalise Northern rock was the best solution.  Had the government decided to abandon the bank it would have had catastrophic implications for the economy.  Had they not tried to find a private buyer they would have been criticised by the same people who have criticised nationalisation.  The charge of dithering is misplaced.  An acceptable solution needed careful consideration to protect taxpayers’ money.  The Prime Minister and the Chancellor have acted in a considered and reasonable way to reach their decision in the best interests of the public.  It is a temporary solution and we will eventually see the bank returned to the private sector control.  For the moment it will be managed by the Bank of England and the Financial Services Authority under the close scrutiny of the Chancellor.

The recent rise in gun violence in Middleton particularly in the Alkrington area is extremely worrying.  I have arranged a meeting with police to see how and where I can support them in their efforts to get CCTV coverage for the area.  Alkrington at the moment is a target for anti-social behaviour and criminal activities.  It has to stamped out immediately.  The courts have the powers to impose stiffer sentences and should do so.

Fair Trade helps support millions in the developing world.  Our shopping habits can make a difference to the world’s poorest people, so I’m calling on people in my constituency to buy Fair Trade products during the Fair Trade fortnight, 25 February to 9 March. Once you’ve tried them you will realise the quality and value for money and hopefully continue to support Fair Trade throughout the year.

Unemployment in the UK has continued to fall with 175,000 more people in work in the last 3 months. The number of people in employment now stands at a record high with almost 29.4 million in work.  The number seeking job seekers allowance has fallen below 800,000 for the first time since 1975. These figures represent the lowest claimant count for 32 years.

On Friday 22 February I stayed in Westminster to support the Temporary and Agency Workers Private Members Bill.  The Tory Party will continue to oppose the bill.  Andrew Miller MP whose bill this is, requested at least 100 MPs to stay on Friday to ensure a second reading.  It received a majority of 130 and therefore will move into committee.  The Government has offered to set up a commission to review existing legislation.  In my view agency workers need protection and should have the same rights as permanent workers.  I shall continue to support the bill which has the support of the trade union movement.  Employment conditions of agency workers affect those in permanent employment.  This is an important Bill and needs a principled stance.

I have just finished a select committee evidence session on community cohesion as part of a migration statistics review.

On Friday evening I arrive home just in time to attend the Middleton Cricket Club’s sponsorship evening.  I sponsor a match in Middleton on 15 June against Heywood.  I shall also be sponsoring Norden and Heywood games.  All three clubs contribute to the local community and encourage young people to take part in sports.  I ended the evening with a short visit to South Middleton Quiz night in the Old Boar’s Head.  A nice way to end the day. 

I caught up with some casework on Saturday and returned to London on Sunday after distributing cards to my constituents after three Sunday Masses at St Vincent’s as part of the awareness campaign on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, a bill I shall be opposing.