Archive for July, 2013
Thursday, July 18th, 2013
Crimes recorded by police in England and Wales have fallen by 7% in the year ending March 2013, according to the Office for National Statistics.
There were reductions in nearly all the main categories of crime including violence, but sexual offences rose 1%. Separate data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales showed the number of crimes had fallen 9% since a year ago and the Home Office said the number of police officers had fallen to below 130,000 – 4,500 fewer than last year.
The Prime Minister hailed the figures as “good news” at a time of police cuts and thanked the service for its efforts.
Mr Cameron said, “We have asked them to do more with less resources. They have performed, I think, magnificently.”
The Crime Survey, which is based on people’s experience of crime and includes offences, which aren’t reported, now shows offending is at its lowest level since the survey began in 1981. Our correspondent said levels of crime had been falling since the mid 1990s, but there were some indications the decrease may now be slowing.
The Home Office has also released figures on the number of police officers, showing there were 129,584 officers at the end of March – 14,000 fewer than in 2010 and the lowest number of officers since 2002.
Thursday, July 18th, 2013
Conservative controlled Staffordshire County Council’s transport leader has vowed to fight for compensation and mitigation for HS2 communities, following yesterday’s start of consultation on Phase 2.
Mark Winnington, Cabinet Member for Economy and Infrastructure, said the consultation was an important opportunity for people to have their say on the high-speed train link proposals. If HS2 goes ahead, it will drive through 45 miles of Staffordshire countryside, with both routes of the second phase to Manchester and Leeds cutting through the county.
Cllr Winnington said, “HS2 will carve up Staffordshire, with this second phase impacting on more communities and a larger slice of the environment, than the first phase. Since the high speed link was first announced we have been working closely with communities to ensure HS2 Ltd. hears their voice.
“The impact of living in the shadow of this national transport scheme is enormous and HS2 Ltd and the Government have to recognise that if it does go ahead, residents face years of uncertainty, living near a construction site as it is built and eventually a high speed train going past their door.
“That’s why are absolutely committed to fighting for meaningful mitigation and compensation for those affected and will be doing everything in our powers to lessen the impact of this second phase, should it go ahead.”
The consultation on Phase 2 started yesterday, Wednesday 17 July and closes on January 31, 2014. HS2 Ltd Consultation events will take place across communities affected by the scheme including one at Tamworth Assembly Rooms.
The eastern leg, which is proposed to clip parts of Tamworth, would serve stations in the East Midlands, South Yorkshire and Leeds. The line would connect with the London-West Midlands leg to the east of Birmingham, near Junction 4 of the M6, and then follow the M42 corridor north-east towards Derby and Nottingham.
The western leg of the network would serve the proposed stations at Manchester Airport and Manchester Piccadilly stations. The line would connect with the London-West Midlands leg near Lichfield in the West Midlands, before heading north-west past Stafford and on towards Crewe.
Mark continued, “This scheme is being forced on Staffordshire without any tangible economic benefits to the county and, just as we have on Phase One, we will be fighting the corner for our communities every step of the way ensure that if the scheme does go ahead they get meaningful mitigation and generous compensation.”
Further details of the consultation and how to have your say are available on HS2 Ltd’s website.
Wednesday, July 17th, 2013
Figures released today by the Office for National Statistics show unemployment in the UK fell by 57,000 to 2.51 million in the three months to May.
Youth unemployment fell by 20,000 and the number of Jobseeker’s Allowance claimants in June fell by 21,200 to 1.48 million, the first fall below 1.5 million for nearly three years.
Unemployment is now 72,000 lower than a year ago, which Employment Minister Mark Hoban said was “encouraging.”
Mr Hoban said, “The fall in the number of people claiming out-of-work benefits, together with the news that there are currently over half a million vacancies available in the UK economy, show that there are opportunities out there for those who are prepared to work hard, and who aspire to get on in life.”
Friday, July 12th, 2013
Conservative controlled Staffordshire County Council is reminding people to enjoy the heat wave safely and responsibly, and particularly be a good neighbour.
Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Robbie Marshall, said, “Our current spell of warm weather, with brilliant sunshine and high temperatures, may be a welcome change from the usual British summertime we expect but can also bring its own hazards. Elderly people can be particularly affected by drastic changes in temperature. Most vulnerable in extreme heat are people over the age of 75.
“The elderly are at risk of health problems when the weather is very hot as higher temperatures can make heart and breathing problems worse. I urge people to check up on friends, relatives and neighbours, who may be less able to look after themselves.”
To safely enjoy the current good weather conditions everyone should follow some basic common sense good advice, which applies, to all of us when it comes to keeping cool and comfortable and reducing health risks:
- The most important thing is to avoid the sun altogether between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day) if you’re vulnerable to the effects of heat
- Wear loose, cool clothing plus a hat if you do go outdoors and drink cold drinks, such as water and fruit juice, regularly
- Avoid tea, coffee and especially alcohol
- Also, plan ahead to make sure you have enough water and any medications with you if you are travelling and stay tuned to the weather forecast on the radio or TV, or at the Met Office website
- The Public Health England’s heat wave plan 2013 has advice on how to cope during a heat wave. Knowing how to keep cool during long periods of hot weather can help save lives
Friday, July 12th, 2013
One point three million pounds have been saved by Conservative controlled Staffordshire County Council borrowing less over the last financial year as it continues to achieve best value for people and business.
By using cash instead of borrowing, the county council has made savings on the interest it has paid over the last financial year, supporting its aims of it stimulating economic growth, supporting independent living and making Staffordshire safer. In addition it has made careful investments, meaning interest receipts were £0.62million more than the previous year.
Staffordshire County Council’s Deputy Leader who is responsible for finance, Ian Parry said, “Achieving such significant savings and investment returns in challenging financial times is further demonstration of a well-run and efficient county council. It is commendable that through well-thought out decisions, £1.3million has been saved over the last financial year. In addition, careful investments at the beginning of the year resulted in significant returns of almost £1.5million.
“Any saving and investment return we can make is excellent news for Staffordshire taxpayers and will help us to support our essential services.”
Thursday, July 11th, 2013
George Osborne says he will not need to raise taxes to meet deficit reduction targets after the next election.
Speaking in front of the Treasury Committee, the Chancellor said he would be able to cut borrowing through spending cuts alone. He said original plans to cut the deficit with 80% spending cuts and 20% tax rises were only ever “a guide” and he suggested that Labour might choose to raise taxes, should the party win the election in 2015.
Mr Osborne told the Committee, “I am clear that tax increases are not required to achieve further consolidation. It can be achieved with spending reductions. I’m not sure whether Labour would do big tax increases. I suspect they would, but that is for them to explain.
“I’m a low-tax Conservative who believes we could have lower taxes, but I think they should be sustainably lower. I’m not for deficit-financed tax cuts that you end up having to increase taxes later to clear up the mess you have made of the public finances.”
Thursday, July 11th, 2013
Public briefings are set to be held next week to help local residents understand the potential impact of HS2 and what it could mean for Tamworth.
The two meetings, which are being organised by Tamworth’s MP Christopher Pincher and Tamworth Borough Council, will give residents the opportunity to ask questions about the route, see large-scale maps of the current proposals and to record their concerns, which will then be forwarded to the HS2 team.
The first meeting will be held on Tuesday July 16th at Wilnecote High School between 6pm and 8.30pm. The second briefing is set to take place on Wednesday 17th July at St Martin’s Church, Stonydelph, between 6pm and 8.30pm.
Tamworth MP Christopher Pincher, said, It is great news that these community meetings on HS2 Phase II are taking place. This is a good opportunity for local residents to look at large scale maps and ask questions about the route.
“It is important that the local community receive as much information as possible and as early as possible. I was very keen to encourage this meeting and I hope as many people as possible attend the meetings in Wilnecote and Stonydelph.”
Cllr Steve Claymore, Tamworth Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said, “We need to look at the finer detail of HS2 to ensure we are taking into account not just every impact it may have locally, regionally and nationally, but also the direct implications for Tamworth and our residents. The announcement of the second phase is still in its infancy, therefore it is important we find out as much detail as possible and are talking to residents to seek their concerns.”
Following the meeting, Mr Pincher will take any questions raised by the residents away and look into people’s concerns.
Thursday, July 11th, 2013
Cllr John Garner – Mayor of Tamworth 2013/14
The Mayor of Tamworth, Cllr John Garner, has shown his support for young people by choosing to raise money for the Sea Cadets, Air Cadets, Army Cadets and Tamworth Scouts during his year in office and announces a golf day as his first fundraising event.
Each year, the Mayor of Tamworth supports a charity and raises money for it by holding fundraising events throughout the year.
Traditionally the Mayor’s chosen charity raises in the region of £4,000 a year, which can make a huge difference the organisations, which it supports. And this year, Cllr Garner has pledged to build on the ‘inspire a generation’ legacy of last year’s Olympic Games by choosing to support a number of youth organisations in Tamworth.
Cllr Garner said, “Everywhere I went last year during my term as deputy Mayor, I was impressed by the youth organisations which were there. The commitment and positive attitude of the Sea, Air and Army Cadets and the Scouts is a fine example to all the young people of Tamworth of what they can achieve.
“I want to use my Mayoral year to support and promote these wonderful organisations and to raise as much money as I can through various events.”
Cllr Garner’s first fundraising event will be a charity golf day at Drayton Park Golf Club on Tuesday September 17. Entry to the event is £200 for a team of four people and prizes on offer include a meal at the historic Tamworth Town Hall for the winning team and their partners, a £200 golf shop voucher and six bottles of wine.
To enter the event or for more information, contact Lin Street on 01827 709265 or email linda-street@tamworth.gov.uk.
Cllr Garner is also hoping to stage another fundraising golf day at Tamworth Golf Course in March, as well as planning other charity events throughout his year in office.
Thursday, July 11th, 2013
158 new jobs have been created in Tamworth, thanks to a new warehouse operation opening on the old Wincanton site off Bonehill Road.
The brand new hub will provide 158 warehouse positions. And according to Igloo, the company that is carrying out the recruitment, “All you need to qualify is the right attitude, the ability to get to the site for 6am and be able to work rotating shifts between mornings and afternoons. The job includes loading and unloading 20 kg parcels on and off trunk vehicles.”
More information about the jobs can be found on the Universal Job Match website at www.gov.uk/jobsearch.
Igloo has also confirmed it will be providing full training, so people with little experience can apply. Igloo is recruiting on behalf of Hermes, the UK’s largest delivery courier network, which handles more than 160 million collections and deliveries every year. It works with major companies including Next, ASOS, Tesco, John Lewis, New Look, Debenhams and Lakeland.
A number of open days are now being organised for people who are interested in the warehouse jobs at the new site. These events will allow potential employees to find out more information about the roles on offer and how to apply. Anyone who would like to book their place on a presentation day should call the recruitment team on 08456 44 92 44. The dates of these events will be announced shortly.
All the positions are permanent and employees will be guaranteed a minimum of 40 hours per week, with overtime available where required. Rates of pay start at £7 per hour with increases following the qualifying periods.
Councillor Steve Claymore, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said, “This is good news for Tamworth and shows that businesses see our location and infrastructure as key to setting up new businesses.
“In time, this business could be employing 700 people in Tamworth, which is a real boost for the town and our economy. We have supported this initiative from the start through planning and economic development advice. I look forward to this hub opening and providing jobs for Tamworth residents.”
In addition, Igloo is recruiting permanent and temporary drivers. Anyone interested in attending a presentation day should contact the recruitment team on 08456 44 92 44.
Tuesday, July 9th, 2013
Yesterday in the House of Commons Tamworth’s MP, Christopher Pincher, praised the Home Secretary, Theresa May MP, on the deportation of Abu Qatada to Jordan.
Mr Pincher said, “May I add to the bouquets under which my right hon. Friend is being buried and congratulate her and her team on succeeding where her predecessors had failed?
“Is she aware of the report that, contrary to what my hon. Friend John Glen said, the plane back to Jordan was not quite empty because it had aboard it three security guards, a psychologist, a medical examiner, and, inevitably, a lawyer?
“Can my right hon. Friend confirm that the costs of those people will not fall on the British taxpayer? If they do, will she change the rules of taxpayer liability as soon as possible?”
The Home Secretary replied, “It is indeed the case that other individuals were on the plane with Abu Qatada. I am sure that my hon. Friend will appreciate that having reached this stage we wanted to ensure that the deportation did in fact go ahead and went ahead successfully.”
Crimes recorded by police in England and Wales have fallen by 7% in the year ending March 2013, according to the Office for National Statistics.
