Letter from Parliament - Jim Dobbin MP

Jim Dobbin MP

I begin this article by highlighting the massive and constructive contribution of the voluntary or third sector organisations.

I represent this sector on behalf of my Trade Union UNITE in discussions about the third sector issues with the Government Minister responsible.

The sector is the responsibility of the Cabinet Office and the Secretary of State, Liam Byrne.

It encompasses a wide range of organisations, undertaking different types of activities but sharing a common desire to make a positive difference to society. It includes voluntary and community organisations, charities, social enterprises, co-operatives and mutuals large and small.

The aims of these groups are generally to enable campaigning and empowerment particularly for those at risk of social exclusion. They offer strengths within communities, drawing together people from different sections of society, they can transform public services, through improved delivery and innovation and they also enable enterprise growth and development.

The need to support the work of the voluntary sector is recognised in Government. However I am not suggesting for a moment that the sector should replace the State or Local Government’s role. It would be impossible for a multitude of smallish groups to take on that major local government role.

I am aware of the work that goes on across the borough and within my constituency by individual and voluntary groups. The many activities that take place within our community centres are examples of participation in the community that are of tremendous value. These contributions need recognition.

I encourage young people to consider getting involved in volunteering. It’s good experience of life.

In my last article I described the immense level of investment that has happened since 1997 across my constituency.

I paid a surprise visit to Heywood Pensioners’ committee meeting last week. Doris Dixon and her committee are a pro-active group.

I am very conscious of the growing needs of retired people and their need for support.

It gave me the opportunity to reassure them that the actions of the Government to support the banking sector had to be swift and decisive because no action would have put at risk homes, earnings and the standard of living.

As well as the support for families, pensioners received £60 extra Christmas bonus. The basic pension rose by £4.55 per week, pension credit rose to £130 per week and over 80s received a one off increase in Winter Fuel Allowance of up to £400. The Government acted to support vulnerable people at a time of difficulty. Doing nothing was not an option.

I shall have paid a second visit to the pensioners’ meeting earlier this week to listen to a briefing on Health Service delivery from the new Phoenix Centre to be opened soon. The Phoenix Centre is a central part of the government’s intention to provide as many health services at local community level as possible. These centres are sprouting up across the constituency and will be of benefit to the public.

Over the past two weeks I have visited four care homes, Springfield Close and Barnet Court in Heywood and Moss Row and Ashbourne House in Norden, just to meet the residents socially. All the residents were in good form and we enjoyed a good chat.

On Friday I joined the Pakistan Community outside the Town Hall for the flag raising ceremony to celebrate Pakistan Independence Day.

Later I met Steve Bloomer, Director of the Housing Renewal Investment Programme for Langley for an updated briefing.
After my surgery in Norden and then my Castleton surgery on 15 July, I spent a day at the Heywood Cricket Match which I sponsor each year in recognition of the support given to young cricketers by the local club. It was a pleasant and relaxing afternoon.

I spent the rest of the week catching up with a backlog of casework.

Millfield Care Home’s Summer Fair is always a great attraction. It is always well supported and somehow manages always to ensure fine weather. One of the residents I met was the widow of Harold Lees who was a former Labour councillor for Heywood. She was obviously contented and happy. Former Councillor Alan Taylor has also moved there.

Then it was a dash down to Middleton for the Moorclose Junction and Baytree Tenants’ and Residents’ Association fun day at St Gabriel’s C of E School. Jim Ross the Chairman and his committee had pulled out all the stops for this first event. Rochdale Borough Housing was there in support. The weather was brilliant and the local people were out in force for a superb day of fun and games and organised entertainment.

I then drove up to Whitworth for my grandsons’ birthday party with family and friends. I enjoyed the BBQ but did not venture onto the bouncy castle.

Can I end by congratulating the young people from local schools who did well in the A level exams. Congratulations too to the teachers who have helped them achieve and to the parents who encourage them.

Leaving school to start a new job or continue in education is a big step and a time to take on responsibility. There won’t be people telling you what to do all the time so it’s up to each individual to do what is right and take responsibility for their actions.