Letter from Parliament - Jim Dobbin MP

Jim Dobbin - Heywood & Middleton MP

Parliament is now in recess which means I change my place of work from London to Heywood until October. It gives me time to work across my constituency and meet individuals, groups and organisations that otherwise I would struggle to fit into a normal Parliamentary week. I already have a busy schedule arranged.

I have to return to London in September and again in early October for two European Select Committee meetings that are required to deal with business going through the European Parliament.

We will be having a short family break sometime in September. The press of course have already enquired about my work pattern during this time and I have told them it is business as usual.

My constituency office will be staffed, my surgeries will continue and I shall try to be as accessible as possible.

The job does not stop during a recess, there are still problems by the day to tackle and constituency casework is increasing. My office has processed over 2000 individual pieces of casework on behalf of constituents since October 2008.

People in my constituency will remember how a generation of young people were left behind in the 80s and 90s scarring families and communities. We must never repeat the failed policies of the past.

When the Tories failed to support young people and would do the same again as they are opposing the Government’s financial help to get people back into work quickly. Then the Tories were accused of abandoning a generation. In fact, they have abandoned several generations.

That is why I support the Government’s £5 billion investment to help people back to work quickly. The money will guarantee work or training to every 18-24 year old and the Government’s job fund of £1billion, targeted to make sure every young person is not abandoned on the dole, should mean 1000s of jobs across the country (also opposed by the Tories).

We cannot afford not to make this investment which will put in place new jobs, more apprenticeships and more training and learning opportunities. Therefore it is important that when this money is released, local businesses, charities and community groups will be encouraged to play their part in giving young people a chance.

It is now more important than ever that the Government, charities and voluntary sector organisations in partnership with the Business Community tackle the growing problem of young people who may feel they are abandoned.

The announcement this week that OFWAT have ruled that water charges in this region will reduce by 5% or £17 is some good news for consumers. This should allow United Utilities to continue their programme of improvement across the North West.

The Prime Minister invited North West MPs to No 10 Downing St recently where he spoke for 10 minutes and then each of us in turn were given time to question him or make some points. He appeared relaxed despite the problems he is having to deal with at the moment. These opportunities are useful and offer a chance for some frank discussion.

I took part in some publicity with Pete Waterman the music mogul and Claire Young BBC Apprentice star who were in Parliament supporting volunteers. Pete of course is familiar with Heywood and is very supportive of East Lancs Railway. Volunteers play an absolutely pivotal role in the delivery of public services and deserve all the support we can give.

Back in the constituency on the 16th July I attended a lovely Mass celebrated by the Bishop Brain of Salford Diocese when he blessed new facilities at St Vincent’s RC Primary.

On the same day I visited Remploy E cycle who have moved on to the Heywood Distribution Park where they will be cleaning up and refurbishing computer parts and equipment. I was really impressed with the work and training programmes and the extremely worthwhile contribution made by Remploy’s employees.

On Saturday 18th I had two surgeries, one in Norden and one in Castleton. In the evening I attended a music performance by Rochdale Music Service Choirs and Band at St Aidan’s Church, Castleton in aid of a new church roof. They gave their usual stunning performance and it is a joy to see so many young talented performers giving time and effort to raise money for worthwhile causes. The Music Service recognised the long service of Chris Raynor who has been a stalwart volunteer at all their events both here and abroad for many years. There is no doubt he will be missed.

Midfest on Sunday 19th went ahead despite the torrential downpour. The Round Table and Rotary in Middleton have to b e congratulated for their sterling efforts to make the day a success.

I had to chair two select committee meetings in Parliament on the 21st in the absence of the chairman. This is always a challenge.

On 22cnd July I led two deputations from the constituency to Departmental Ministers. One was between Ian Lucas the Minister at Department of Business, Innovation and Skills and Graham Whiteman of Aerotech Design and Michael Pedley of Sheetmetal Businesses to discuss opportunities in the Aerotech Industry in Middleton.

The second meeting was with Kevin Brennan, the Minister for Further Education to discuss the future capital spend for Hopwood Hall College. I shall report on both of these meetings at a future date.

Can I finish by welcoming Fr Robin Colpman and Fr Raymond Danbonna to St Joseph’s RC Church Heywood. Fr Robin will be acting as chaplain to Fairfield Hospital. It is good to see Fr Raymond here at last following his visa problem.