Unemployment in Hornsey and Wood Green falls again!

Posted on 16th Oct 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP has today welcomed news that unemployment in her constituency has fallen again.

In Hornsey and Wood Green, unemployment is currently at a low of 4%, meaning there are now 869 less people claiming Job Seekers Allowance than when Labour left the Government in 2010.

Youth unemployment in the constituency has also plummeted – down from 7.8% in May 2010 to 4.7% now.

This comes alongside news that, nationally, the number of people in work reached a record high of 29.87 million in the quarter, up 155,000.

Creating jobs is a Liberal Democrat priority. Since 2010, the Liberal Democrats in Government have helped businesses create over 1 million private sector jobs, and have helped create 1.2 million apprenticeships. There are now more apprentices than ever before and 86% more than under Labour.

Locally, Liberal Democrat MP Lynne Featherstone has helped create new apprenticeships, by organising an event for local young people to meet companies offering apprenticeships.

Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“Work is so important to individuals and families. It pays the bills, gives us purpose and fulfilment, and provides security for our long term futures.

“This fall in the number of people claiming JSA is a welcome sign – particularly in Hornsey and Wood Green! This drop, combined with the rise in the total number of people in employment, shows that our economy is recovering and people are returning to work.

“In Government and locally the Lib Dems will keep working hard to reduce unemployment, which in turn will help build a stronger economy and create a fairer society – enabling everyone to get on in life.”

Lynne Featherstone MP calls for independent investigation into Haringey Children’s Services

Posted on 15th Oct 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP has today renewed her call for an independent investigation into Haringey Children’s Services, following news that Haringey Council has again failed to protect vulnerable children.

Haringey Council have previously been embroiled in scandals over their failure to protect both Victoria Climbe and Baby P.

After both cases, the Council’s Labour leadership gave assurances that lessons had been learned. However, the report into the more recent case of Child T evidenced serious failures of management and professional practice within social care services, similar to those in the Baby P case.

In a letter to Haringey Council’s Chief Executive, the Liberal Democrat MP slammed the ‘culture of defensiveness’ at Haringey Council, which she believes causes an ‘inability to properly accept responsibility for errors and to learn from them.’

The letter – co signed by Haringey Liberal Democrat Education Spokesperson Cllr Katherine Reece – also said that an independent investigation, including a review of the role of the safeguarding children board, was the ‘only way to secure an honest assessment of the Department and the changes that need to be made.’

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“It is just appalling that Haringey Council have become embroiled in another child abuse scandal. The local Lib Dems, local residents and I have long been calling on the Labour leadership to address the manifest failings of Children’s Services – but our calls have simply been ignored.

“What makes me even more upset and angry, is that Haringey’s Labour leadership have repeatedly told us that lessons had been learnt, and that Children’s Services had turned a corner. But this was evidently not true – and now another child has paid the price.

“Cllr Katherine Reece and I have renewed our call for an urgent, independent investigation. It cannot come quickly enough.”

MP urges residents to have their say on Hornsey High Street future

Posted on 15th Oct 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone and local Liberal Democrat Councillors have encouraged residents to take part in their Hornsey Depot survey, following a planning application for the site by developers St James.’

The old Depot on Hornsey High Street has been unoccupied and derelict since 1998 – as Haringey Council continually failed to strike a deal with a developer.

The developers plan to demolish the existing structures to make way for a supermarket, car park, over 400 flats and a gym.

Before the application was submitted, the local Liberal Democrats made representations to the developers and secured amendments to their proposals. For instance, they reduced the height of a 10-storey block of flats in response to Liberal Democrat, local residents’ and traders’ concerns.

Concerns have also been expressed regarding the impact upon local traffic and the quality of the plans themselves.

Residents have until October 20^th 2013 to respond.

Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“I believe that as many local residents as possible should get to have their say on the future of Hornsey Depot, and they can do so via our survey. We will present the survey results to the Council as part of our official response to the planning application.

“I’m happy that after all these years, an application has finally been made. But, we must ensure that what they propose is right for Hornsey. For instance, it is vital that this development is community focussed and that the housing is good quality. We do not want any negative impact on our local area.

“So, if you have any concerns about the development, the developer, or the general impact on Hornsey, now is the time to get your voice heard!”

Lynne Featherstone MP backs local Credit Union

Posted on 7th Oct 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

The Haringey Liberal Democrats and Lynne Featherstone MP have urged local residents to support and join the London Capital Credit Union – in response to news that Muswell Hill Broadway will soon feature a payday loan shop.

Joined by Helen Baron (Chair of the Credit Union board) and Don Kehoe (Secretary of the Credit Union board) the local Lib Dems and the MP handed out flyers about the Credit Union on Muswell Hill Broadway.

The Credit Union can supply quick loans to members without high rates, whilst also providing an ethical investment option for people who are looking to save money.

They are seen as a safe alternative to payday loan companies – which charge exorbitant rates on loans.

The Coalition Government has recently invested £38m to support and expand credit unions and the Financial Conduct Authority has just announced proposals to clamp down on pay day lenders.

Local Lib Dem councillor, Martin Newton, comments:

“Despite our and residents’ protests, a payday loan company will soon be opening up shop in Muswell Hill. I urge anyone who is facing a hard time paying their bills or who needs a loan, to use the Credit Union and avoid the massive interest rates charged by payday lenders.

“For those who are looking for an ethical investment the Credit Union is ideal, by saving with them you could help a local family to pay their bills or get their washing machine fixed without having to resort to going to a payday lender.”

Credit Union Manager, Martin Groombridge, comments:

“We will continue to campaign against the payday loan companies because they are driving people into unmanageable debt. It’s time that people sought more ethical providers for their savings accounts or their borrowing. We hope that these campaign events will make more and more people aware that the Credit Union offers a real practical ethical alternative in the financial services sector.”

Liberal Democrat MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, Lynne Featherstone, comments:

“Credit Unions are ethical money lenders and a safe alternative to payday loan companies. It is fantastic to have a Credit Union operating in Haringey, and I am happy to help promote them – particularly on a street where a new payday loan shop will soon appear.”

Lynne Featherstone MP campaigns to clean up Russell Park

Posted on 1st Oct 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP on Friday met with local campaigners, Friends of Russell Park, and residents to discuss the upkeep of Russell Park in Wood Green.

In previous months, complaints have been made about the state of the park. Residents have been concerned about unsafe play equipment, dog fighting, antisocial behaviour and weeds.

Along with local campaigners Craig Brown, Roberto Robles and Colin Heinink, the Liberal Democrat MP launched a petition, calling on Haringey Council to take urgent action and clean up Russell Park, including fixing the damaged playground areas.

On the visit, the MP for Hornsey and Wood Green spoke about the steps she was taking to push the Council into action, and noted down the residents’ further concerns.

Following the visit, Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“Russell Park is a lovely green space and community asset. There are play areas, a community centre and plenty of open grass.

“Unfortunately, though, the Labour-run Council has not been looking after the park properly. Swings have been chewed by dogs, the play areas are not locked at night, and weeds are overgrown in many areas.

“There are some fantastic local residents and friends of Russell Park, who work tirelessly to try and keep the park in order, but they need help.

“That’s why the local Liberal Democrats and I launched a petition, calling on the Council to take action. I hope as many residents as possible sign it!”

Lynne Featherstone joins the world’s biggest coffee morning!

Posted on 30th Sep 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP on Friday visited local businesses as part of cancer charity Macmillan’s biggest fundraising event: the world’s biggest coffee morning.

Macmillan runs the coffee morning event annually. They ask businesses, community groups and individuals to hold a coffee morning, where donations can be made. In 2012 115,000 people signed up to the coffee morning, raising a record £15 million.

The MP for Hornsey and Wood Green enjoyed coffee and cake at Barclays in Wood Green and then visited Coffee Republic, who had kindly provided Barclays with the food to raise money with.

The Liberal Democrat MP spoke to the shop staff and representatives from Macmillan, including Director of External Affairs Hilary Cross, about Macmillan’s work and aims for the coming year.

Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“It was a pleasure to participate in such a fantastic event. It was great to see local businesses taking part in the coffee morning – so thank you to Barclays for hosting it and to Coffee Republic for so kindly providing all the food.

“There were plenty of other coffee mornings in and around Haringey, too. I hope Haringey has made a significant contribution to Macmillan’s fundraising efforts.

“Everyone knows someone who is affected by cancer – and it’s comforting to know that charities like Macmillan are working hard to raise money and support those in need.”

Local rail services saved!

Posted on 26th Sep 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Following a yearlong local Liberal Democrat campaign, the Department for Transport (DfT) today announced that there will be no service reductions at any local stations, including Hornsey and Harringay.

The good news was also confirmed by Transport Minister Simon Burns MP in a meeting earlier today with Hornsey and Wood Green MP Lynne Featherstone – who went to the DfT to make one last plea for no loss of local services.

Lynne Featherstone MP and the Haringey Lib Dems launched the successful campaign last year, in response to the announcement of a new Thameslink rail franchise.

Services at Hornsey and Harringay were threatened with reductions, as newer, longer trains would not have been able to stop at the shorter platforms.

While the newer trains will still be in operation, the DfT has specified to franchise bidders that current services to Harringay and Hornsey must be maintained alongside the newer services.

The DfT also confirmed that, under the new franchise, evening and weekend services would now run into Moorgate as well as Kings Cross, and that Hornsey and Harringay stations will now be permanently staffed.

Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“This is fantastic news for everyone who uses Hornsey and Harringay stations. Service levels will be at least kept at current levels, and may even increase!

“Thank you to everyone who filled in our survey and took part in the campaign. A whopping 98% of you agreed with our campaign to oppose loss of services, and we made sure the DfT heard your voices by sending them the results.

“The combination of people power and the Lib Dems in Haringey has paid off again!

“The local Lib Dems and I will now turn our attention to the franchise bidders – and make sure that their bids provide us with the best services possible.”

Lynne Featherstone MP welcomes free school meals announcement

Posted on 24th Sep 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg has announced that every child in infant school in England will receive free school meals.

From September 2014, all infant school pupils (including 9,426 in Haringey) will benefit from a free hot and healthy meal at lunchtime.

This will save families around £400 a year per child, while helping to raise school standards and cut the attainment gap.

The announcement follows an independent review which found that, in pilots where all children had been given a free school dinner, students were academically months ahead of their peers elsewhere.

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone MP said

“Free meals did already exist for children from poorer backgrounds – but research showed that many were not claimed because parents were not aware of the option, or unwilling to admit they qualified.

“Making all infant school children eligible will remove this stigma – for parents and children.

“In addition, it will ensure that all children are receiving a nutritious, healthy and filling lunch, which is proven to have a positive impact on performance at school.

“The measure saves parents money, too. During the course of a year, the average family spends £400 on lunch for each child. Now, they will not have to spend this – which means that parents of the 9,426 eligible children in Haringey will collectively be £3.7million better off!

“The Liberal Democrats are committed to creating a fairer society by giving everyone an equal chance to succeed and get on in life – and this policy is a step in the right direction.”

£500 million funding boost set to benefit local hospitals

Posted on 23rd Sep 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP has today welcomed news that two local hospitals will receive a share of £500 million extra funding from the Coalition Government.

The London North Middlesex and Whittington hospitals are set to receive £3.8 million and £2.96 million respectively, to support their A&E services over the coming winter.

The money could go towards employing more consultants in order to increase A&E capacity; improving community and primary care services to prevent A&E admissions; and integrating health and social care teams to prevent re-admittance to A&E.

The extra money, which has been welcomed by NHS England and the Foundation Trust Network, will also be available next year.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat MP for Hornsey and Wood Green Lynne Featherstone said:

“Some hospitals are having to cope with more and more people in A&E, and admissions are set to increase further as winter draws closer.

“So I’m very glad to see the Coalition Government is acting now to make sure that the extra funding goes to the hospitals which need it most, and to ensure that patients receive a great, safe service even with the added pressures the cold weather brings.

“I will be contacting the two local Hospitals – the Whittington and North Mid – and finding out what they plan to spend the money on.”

Local MP increases pressure on Circle 33 over New River Village shame

Posted on 20th Sep 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP today met with the Managing Director of Circle 33, to relay the concerns of residents living in the blocks managed by the organisation in New River Village.

The Liberal Democrat MP demanded the meeting following complaints from residents about poor living conditions. Residents in the block are suffering with extreme damp, while the communal areas such as the corridors are in a state of disrepair.

According to residents, sewage regularly floods the lift and the bin store is left in a state – attracting vermin.

After the meeting, the MP for Hornsey and Wood Green accompanied the Managing Director on a site visit, so he could see the problems and discuss them with residents.

On behalf of Circle 33, he said that a specialist site investigation had begun, with a report expected within five weeks. He stated that Circle 33 would take the necessary action following this report.

Local campaigner Dawn Barnes said:

“I have been out collecting petition signatures from residents who are fed up with these poor living conditions.

“It’s great that Lynne Featherstone presented the petition to Circle 33 today, and that they made commitments to sorting out the problems. We’ll keep on pushing them until the situation improves, and will be keeping residents updated every step of the way.”

Lynne Featherstone commented:

“It is just shocking that the situation has gone on so long without Circle 33 taking action. Only after our letters, videos and petitioning have they started taking this seriously.

“We now await the results of the site investigation and will take it from there. We will not rest until these residents get decent living conditions – via improvements to the building, or permanent moves to other suitable properties.”

You can see the video here.