Letter from Parliament - Paul Rowen MP

Paul Rowen MP

The impact of the recession continues to dominate discussion both here in Rochdale and in Westminster. Last week, I raised the issue of funding for hospices with the Prime Minister Gordon Brown. With more people feeling the pinch, donations are down and Springhill Hospice, in common with other hospices, has to draw on their reserves to maintain services. The PM agreed to look at ways of providing further help to the hospice movement and I have written to the Health Secretary requesting a meeting.

The numbers of 16 – 19 year olds enrolling at Hopwood Hall College and the lack of companies able to take on apprentices were two issues raised when I met College Principal Derek O'Toole and Chairman Councillor Robert Clegg. I raised the issue of funding for the increased numbers with Work and Pensions Secretary Yvette Cooper and questioned Minister for the North West Phil Woolas about apprenticeships at the first meeting of the North West Grand Committee in Liverpool last Thursday. It is vital in my view that our young people are not left on the dole as happened during the last recession.

Many businesses have recently received their rates revaluation for next year with increases in rateable value of 50%! Councillor Janet Darnborough, who is the Postmaster in Wardle, came to see me about this issue at my surgery. The issue was raised during local government questions and I asked if the government was going to make additional resources available to the Valuation Agency to deal with the large number of appeals. The Minister Barbara Follett has promised to write to me about this issue. I know from talking to many local businesses that they are planning to appeal and it is important that they are dealt with speedily.

On Wednesday, I attended a TUC-organised meeting in Westminster about Pleural Plaques. A bill restoring compensation rights completed its stages in the Commons a couple of weeks ago. I spoke for the Liberal Democrats during its Third Reading. However the Bill is unlikely to become law as there is insufficient time for it to go through the Lords. The TUC were therefore keeping pressure on the government to keep its promise and restore the compensation.

Rochdale, despite losing on Saturday, are still in the promotion positions in the League. Last Saturday, together with Councillor Peter Rush, I was at Spotland for the Accrington Stanley game. Chris Dagnall scored a late consolation and looks to be central to Keith Hill’s push for the promotion that they deserve. I would also like to wish the new Rochdale Hornet’s Head Coach John Stankevitch well and I am pleased to see his ambitious plans that should benefit the young people of the Borough.

Talking of sport, I am delighted that common sense has finally prevailed over the proposed Driving Range at Springfield Park. Sport England’s intervention in this application really made a difference. What the Council needs to do now is forget a Driving Range and work with Link for Life to improve sporting facilities at both Springfield Park and across Rochdale. I have been involved with Springfield Park for over 30 years – this is now an opportunity to look at the needs of all users of the park. I will be working with Councillors William Hobhouse, Andrew Abbott and the Friends Group on moving forward from here.

This Saturday I am attending the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Town Hall. We will all over the next few years have an opportunity to remember those brave soldiers who have died serving our country.