Archive for January, 2013
Thursday, January 17th, 2013
Christopher Pincher, MP for Tamworth, has welcomed new plans to set up a Traineeship Programme for young people.
The new programme, announced by Skills Minister, Matthew Hancock MP, will provide young people aged 16 to 24 with a tailor-made package of support that will give them the confidence, skills and experience to compete in the labour market with more experienced adults. The Government have published a discussion paper inviting views on the policy.
Mr Pincher said, “This is great news for young people trying to get a foot on the work ladder. Conservatives in Government are making sure our young people have the skills they need to compete and succeed in work.
“1,080 of people in Tamworth started apprenticeships last year. This traineeship programme will help more young people like them compete successfully and get jobs.
“I hosted a Jobs Fair in November which received excellent support from local employers across our town and beyond. This traineeship programme will give our young people the skills they need to compete in the skills race, and ensure employers have a skilled pool of young people to employ.”
Wednesday, January 16th, 2013
Plans to simplify the state pension system with the creation of the ‘Single Tier’ pension have been announced this week.
The reform will create a simple flat-rate pension set above the means test (currently £142.70) and based on 35 years of National Insurance contributions.
The new system will ensure for the first time that women are fully recognised for any years spent at home raising a family. The introduction of the Single Tier will also benefit low-earners and the self-employed.
The new single tier pension will replace Labour’s complex state pension system of add-ons and means testing. Instead, the Single Tier will provide certainty to people about what they will get from the state and provide a better platform for them to save for their retirement.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Iain Duncan Smith said, “This reform is good news for women who for too long have been effectively punished by the current system. The Single Tier will mean that more women can get a full state pension in their own right, and stop this shameful situation where they are let down by the system when it comes to retirement because they have taken time out to care for their family.”
Tuesday, January 15th, 2013
St Editha’s Church in Tamworth was packed today with family, friends, colleagues and residents there to honour the former Mayor of Tamworth, Cllr Brian Beale, who sadly passed away on Boxing Day.
Prior to the start of the service, both current and former politicians, from across the political divide, formed a guard of honour outside the entrance of the church and when Cllr Beale’s family had entered St Editha’s, the current Mayor of Tamworth, Cllr Tina Clements, headed the procession inside.
Rev Alan Barrett led the congregation in the service of remembrance, which included hymns chosen by Cllr Beale’s family. The service also included fitting tributes for Cllr Beale from his family and Cllr Tina Clements.
Cllr Brian Beale was laid to rest yesterday, Monday 14 January, in Stratford-upon-Avon at a private service for his family and close friends.
Tuesday, January 15th, 2013
Tamworth’s MP, Christopher Pincher, has submitted a written question to the Secretary of State for Education on design and technology.
Mr Pincher wrote to ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will take steps to ensure future teaching of design and technology in schools has a focus on manufacturing emphasis.”
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Education and Childcare, Elizabeth Truss MP, replied, “Design and technology is a compulsory National Curriculum subject in schools up to key stage 3. Its “resistant materials” and “systems and control” components are mandatory and young people choose a third component, either textiles or food.
“The first two components enable young people to learn about manufacturing in the context of applying electrical, electronic, mechanical, microprocessor and computer control systems. On 11 June 2012, the Secretary of State for Education, my right hon. Friend Michael Gove, announced that design and technology would continue to be compulsory in the new National Curriculum.
“We are currently considering the content of the revised National Curriculum Programme of Study for design and technology and will consult on a draft shortly.”
Friday, January 11th, 2013
Staffordshire’s Conservative Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC), Matthew Ellis, has welcomed plans announced by the Secretary of State for Justice, Chris Grayling MP.
The plans for prisoners serving shorter sentences to receive compulsory rehabilitation supports the work in Staffordshire that has been ongoing over the last two months since the PCC was appointed.
Prisoners serving less than 12 months currently only undergo voluntary rehabilitation, otherwise they are released without supervision with £46 in their pocket.
Matthew Ellis said, “Too many communities which have local problems find that when certain individuals have been convicted and imprisoned the problems reduce or even cease but the problems start again after release and the ‘cycle’ of criminality often starts again until the next time.
“Re-offending levels are too high and, whilst Staffordshire has one of the lowest re-offending rates in the country, I believe we can still do better. The positive work that’s already being done in the county on integrated offender management will give us an excellent starting point.
“The majority of imprisoned Staffordshire offenders get short-term sentences. Making them do compulsory rehabilitation, subjecting them to better supervision and giving them some structure to their lives can help us cut crime and make communities even safer.
“I have ambitious plans to transform criminal justice services in our county. I want to join up services, pool budgets and set joint priorities. My three-year vision is for Staffordshire to have the most integrated criminal justice system in the country – better serving victims and protecting communities.
“I’m passionate about, and committed to, public service delivered through a joined-up ‘Team Staffordshire’ approach and I want people across the county and City of Stoke-on-Trent to see the positive difference that the role of Police and Crime Commissioner will make in delivering this.”
Thursday, January 10th, 2013
David Cameron has intervened personally to ensure redundant employees from the collapsed car hire giant, Drive Assist, get the help they need to get back into work.
Following his meeting with Tamworth’s MP, Christopher Pincher, just before Christmas, the Prime Minister wrote to Work & Pensions Minister Mark Hoban asking him to ensure a coordinated response from all the agencies offering support to those that have lost their jobs.
Mr Cameron said, “This is clearly very difficult news for employees at Drive Assist who have been made redundant, as well as their families in the run-up to Christmas…to ensure a co-ordinated response, I think it would also be beneficial for Chris to meet with you in your Ministerial capacity at the Department of Work & Pensions.”
Subsequent to that letter, Mr Pincher has now spoken with both Secretary of State Iain Duncan Smith and Mark Hoban. Mr Hoban has asked for a detailed brief of any issues Job Centre Plus, training agencies and local authorities have in dealing with the Drive Assist challenge so he can offer any extra support necessary.
Last night Mr Pincher said, “I am very pleased that the Prime Minister and other ministers have recognised the impact the collapse of Drive Assist has had on many people in our community and have responded to my call for support. From what I have heard and seen from the professional administrators, the financial problems into which the Drive Assist Company got itself mean the firm really is not salvageable as a going concern. That is why we must do all we can to ensure those people affected get a “Rolls Royce” service to help them get back into work. It is good news that the Prime Minister and his colleagues are on the case.”
Mr Pincher will be speaking again to the administrators, Job Centre Plus and Tamworth Borough Council shortly.
Following the initial letter in December, The Prime Minister has again spoken on Drive Assist. Mr Cameron said, “I was extremely sorry to hear of the collapse of Drive Assist UK in Tamworth and for all the people affected by these redundancies.
“I am encouraged to hear that local MP, Chris Pincher, is working with those involved to ensure the best possible help is provided and I know Jobcentre Plus is working to ensure those affected have access to all the support and information they need to look for alternative work and access the benefits they are entitled to.
“I have also asked Ministers at the Department of Work & Pensions to meet with Chris so that he can brief them further on the situation.”
Thursday, January 10th, 2013
Tamworth MP, Christopher Pincher, has welcomed £360,759 of funding for Staffordshire County Council to help keep the poorest people in the local area warm this winter.
This investment comes from the Government’s “Warm Homes Healthy People” fund, which invited local authorities to bid for money from the Department of Health to reduce deaths over the winter months.
This money will help fund:
- Energy efficiency projects to the most vulnerable people
- Providing residents with better advice
- Ensuring better public awareness of cold weather
- Providing staff and volunteers with fuel poverty/cold weather awareness training.
Mr Pincher said, “Tamworth residents will be pleased to know the Government is putting over a third of a million pounds behind efforts to help keep the most vulnerable members of our community warm this winter.
”Along with discounts to energy bills, boosting cold weather payments, protecting winter fuel payments and getting customers the lowest tariffs, this action shows how serious Conservatives in government are about helping people with the cost of coping with the cold.
“This is one of my major concerns at Westminster and I will do all I can to keep the cost of energy, and measures to help reduce it, in the spotlight.”
Thursday, January 10th, 2013
The Government has recently announced more support for small businesses and disabled entrepreneurs to pay for specialised equipment and to cover the other costs facing disabled people in work.
Businesses with more than 49 employees will no longer pay towards the extra costs faced by disabled people in work – saving businesses up to £2,300 for every employee who uses the Access to Work fund.
Disabled jobseekers who want to set up their own business using the New Enterprise Allowance will now be eligible for Access to Work funding from day one of claiming Jobseekers Allowance.
Christopher Pincher said, “Under this Government, the number of disabled people in work has steadily increased. There are now 123,000 more disabled people in work than before the election.
“This is fantastic progress, but we need to do more. That is why this announcement is so important. We are breaking down the barriers facing disabled people who want to work”.
Thursday, January 10th, 2013
As 2013 dawns, Tamworth’s surrounding villages in Lichfield District are on track to get the superfast broadband it needs to help deliver jobs and boost growth after the EU gave the roll out of high speed broadband across rural areas the green light.
After several months of delay in Europe, Government pressure has resulted in the EU approving the UK’s £530 million investment in rural broadband. This means Staffordshire County Council can now focus on delivering its new broadband infrastructure project, with £7.4million being made available by the Government – a project that will have huge benefit over the coming years for both communities and businesses.
Commenting, local MP Christopher Pincher said, “This decision is great news for Staffordshire. Britain is in a global race and we cannot allow rural areas like Clifton Campville, Thorpe Constantine and areas close to Wigginton to get left behind because of poor internet infrastructure. Staffordshire will now get the infrastructure to match its aspiration, providing local people and local businesses with the tools they need to get on and prosper.
“It also demonstrates how much Conservatives in the Government want to support the rural economy. We are working hard to make sure rural areas are not left behind as the Coalition strains every sinew to help create growth, jobs and future prosperity.”
Wednesday, January 9th, 2013
Conservative Controlled Staffordshire County Council has pledged to reduce borrowing and cut interest payments by funding new projects with its own cash.
To make sure that less taxpayers’ money is spent servicing loans; the County Council will use its reserves and cash flows to fund spending wherever possible. In 2011/12, Staffordshire County Council was able to save £2million by using cash in this way.
A report setting out how the County Councils investment and borrowing plans for the year ahead will be presented to Cabinet next week.
The Treasury Management, Annual Investment and Minimum Revenue Provision Strategies 2013/14 proposes that, where possible, the Council will use its own cash instead of borrowing money, whilst retaining the flexibility to take out loans if necessary.
Cllr Ian Parry, Cabinet Member for Education, Finance and Transformation on the County Council, said, “We continue to maintain a sensible approach to managing Staffordshire taxpayers’ money in these difficult times. We are investing carefully and saving money by using cash instead of borrowing to make sure we get the best possible value for money for our residents.
“We maintained careful investments throughout the last financial year and are committed to building on this achievement despite a difficult financial situation nationally.
“At Staffordshire we pride ourselves for our efficient financial management, which means the money we have saved can be used to improve services for local people.”
Ian Parry will present the report to Cabinet for approval on Wednesday 16 January 2012.
