Lynne Featherstone MP welcomes 15 hours free childcare for poorest toddlers in Haringey

Posted on 12th Apr 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP has today welcomed news that 882 of the poorest toddlers in Haringey will benefit from 15 hours free childcare a week from this September, thanks to a Coalition Government investment of £3,011 per child.

This is in addition to the £100m investment for additional nursery places announced by Liberal Democrat Leader and Deputy Prime Minster, Nick Clegg, last year.

The Liberal Democrat MP for Hornsey and Wood Green today urged parents in Haringey to find out if their two-year-old is eligible.

Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“We are delivering on a Liberal Democrat commitment to additional early years’ education – providing 15 hours of free childcare a week to around 130,000 two-year-olds from lower income backgrounds across England.

“Studies show that investment in early years’ education makes a significant difference to a child’s life chances and will help children reach their full potential.

“I want to make sure that no child in Haringey misses out so I’d encourage all parents to find out if their toddler is eligible, by contacting either their local nursery provider or Haringey Council.”

Lynne Featherstone MP welcomes £550,050 for school sports in Haringey

Posted on 11th Apr 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

The Coalition Government has announced a £555,050 boost for school sports in Haringey from September. Every state primary school in Haringey will receive funding for sports in 2013/14 and 2014/15.

The funding is the equivalent of around two days a week of a primary teacher’s time to provide more sport for their pupils. A typical primary school with 250 pupils will receive £9,250 per year.

Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“This money means children in Haringey will be able to take part in more sport at their primary schools.

“Sport can help children to build confidence, understand teamwork and, above all, keep healthy.

“Liberal Democrats are determined to make sure we take advantage of the enthusiasm we saw during the Olympics last year. The best legacy of the Games would be more children taking part in sport and learning how to live a healthy lifestyle.”

Lynne Featherstone MP calls on Council to fine rubbish contractors

Posted on 11th Apr 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP has today contacted the Chief Executive of Haringey Council, and asked whether he would consider fining waste contractors Veolia for poor performance and breach of their service terms.

The Liberal Democrat MP’s intervention comes after further complaints from residents about poor service, two years after Veolia were given the contract by the Council.

In a recent news report, one resident complained that her rubbish had not been collected for eight weeks. Another had to endure having bins left blocking her front drive for more than 9 months.

The MP for Hornsey and Wood Green has received hundreds of similar complaints over the last two years from her constituents.

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“The complaints I receive range from unpredictable and patchy collections, difficulties with getting the correct bins, mess being left behind after collections and a poor follow up service when complaints are made.

“Many residents have very serious complaints. Disabled residents have been unable to get out of their driveways, and some residents have had to deal with rat infestations. Enough is enough.

“Before the hot weather kicks in again, I am calling on the Labour-run Council to take action and hold their contractor, Veolia, to account for poor performance.

“I’m sure this would ultimately lead to an improvement in standards and better service for my constituents.”

Haringey Council admits responsibility for destruction of community artwork

Posted on 5th Apr 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP has today condemned Haringey Council, after they admitted that missing artwork in Muswell Hill was washed away by one of their contractors. The portraits had mysteriously vanished earlier this week.

The public portrait display was of local traders, who are speaking out in support of local trade as part of a global art project called Inside Out.

The artist, Matt Humphrey, had wanted to ‘give a face’ to the plight that independent local traders, shopkeepers and creatives are currently facing.

The pictures had attracted a lot of attention, from local press and local residents alike. However, they have now disappeared for good, after being washed away by the Council.

The Lib Dem MP for Hornsey and Wood Green had written directly to the Council two days ago demanding an explanation, as soon as the removal of the art was brought to her attention.

Muswell Hill Liberal Democrat Councillor Gail Engert commneted:

“If officers had simply picked up the phone to the Muswell Hill Councillors, we could have explained the significance of the art to them.

“This would have avoided this incredibly embarrassing situation for the Council, and saved the delightful community portraits.”

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“It is a travesty that Haringey Council removed this artwork. They were fantastic portraits of local traders – inspiring a great sense of community cohesion and originality.

“You would think that after the Banksy saga, the Council would have learnt that people simply do not like high quality street art being removed from their area.

“I cannot believe that common sense didn’t kick in at any point before the pictures were washed away. And shockingly, they did not even attempt to contact the artist before they removed them.

“This is unfortunately just typical of Labour-run Haringey Council – no common sense and no connection with the local community. Residents deserve better.”

Lib Dems formally criticise Mayor's decision on police stations

Posted on 4th Apr 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

The Lib Dem opposition in Haringey have slammed the decision by the Mayor to close the front counter in Muswell Hill and reduce opening hours at Hornsey and Wood Green police stations.

Lib Dem councillor and crime spokesperson, Martin Newton has written to the Deputy Mayor of London objecting to the decision and calling on him to change his mind.

The Lib Dems have argued that having a contact point in Muswell Hill Library instead of the police counter is unacceptable because it will only be open for a short time and will be based in Muswell Hill Library. The library does not have disabled access so will not be usable for disabled people who would be forced to travel across the borough to report a crime.

Haringey Lib Dems have been campaigning for a local base for the Safer Neighbourhood Team on, or near, Muswell Hill Broadway with an accessible front counter for the public to report crimes.

Local Lib Dem MP, Lynne Featherstone, is also fighting the decision and has stated her opposition to the closure of Muswell Hill volunteer counter and the reduction of opening hours at Hornsey and Wood Green stations.

Martin Newton, Lib Dem crime spokesperson and councillor for Fortis Green, Muswell Hill, comments:

“This decision by the Mayor is unacceptable. We need to keep a front counter and safer neighbourhood police base in the Muswell Hill area and to keep Hornsey and Wood Green open twenty-four hours a day.

“The contact point in Muswell Hill Library, open three hours a week is completely unsuitable and will not have disabled access.

“We will continue the fight to keep a police presence in Muswell Hill and keep Hornsey and Wood Green police stations open twenty-four hours.

“I have written to the Deputy Mayor calling on him to change his mind, protect our twenty-four police stations and keep a proper police base in Muswell Hill. I hope he sees sense and listens to us and the pleas of local residents.”

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“I am deeply disappointed with the Mayor’s crime plan for Haringey, which leaves the whole of the west of the borough without any nearby police station open twenty-four hours.

“In the past, I was promised that the Muswell Hill counter would never close without a suitable replacement service. The current alternative presented by the Mayor is certainly not suitable, and I will continue to campaign for an equal or better replacement in the Muswell Hill area. I will also continue to oppose the downgrading of front counters in Wood Green and Hornsey Police Stations.

“I encourage residents with views on the plans to also make themselves heard by contacting the Mayor directly.”

Read the full letter here.

Lynne Featherstone MP investigates disappearance of portraits in Muswell Hill

Posted on 3rd Apr 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Before

After

Lynne Featherstone MP has today written to Haringey Council, requesting information regarding the disappearance of portrait paintings in Muswell Hill. The Liberal Democrat MP for Hornsey and Wood Green was alerted to the disappearance via twitter.

The public portrait display was of local traders, who are speaking out in support of local trade as part of a global art project called Inside Out.

The artist, Matt Humphrey, had wanted to ‘give a face’ to the plight that independent local traders, shopkeepers and creatives are currently facing.

The pictures had attracted a lot of attention, from local press and local residents alike. However, they now have been washed away.

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“Just a few weeks ago I met the artist and saw the portraits of local traders. They were wonderful and it is so sad that they have been lost.

“First, our Turnpike Lane Banksy mysteriously disappeared, and now these wonderful portraits have been washed away.

“More needs to be done to protect high quality public art. It adds vibrancy and originality to our streets and can encourage visitors, which is good news for local businesses.

“The building owners did not remove the art, so I have now contacted Haringey Council to try to find out what has happened.”

Lynne Featherstone MP supports the Big Energy Switch

Posted on 3rd Apr 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone, Liberal Democrat MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, has this week urged local residents to sign up for a scheme that could save them money on energy bills.

The ‘Big London Energy Switch’ is offering residents across London the possibility of paying less for gas and electricity by switching suppliers. If successful, the scheme could see thousands of households across the capital simultaneously change their energy provider, in return for a lower fixed term tariff.

Residents can register for the scheme for free. Energy companies will then compete to offer the lowest price possible to supply those residents. Residents will be informed of the results – and then they can decide whether to switch or not.

In Haringey, a £275,000 Coalition Government grant will also fund a project called 40:20 Home Energy Check-Up. As part of the project, Green Deal Assessors will visit residents’ homes and recommend energy efficiency improvements.

The Coalition Government has also awarded Haringey £153,900 from its Warm Homes Healthy People fund, paying for extra staff to visit 200 older people and contact a further 400 during the winter weather.

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“Whilst we cannot change the weather, the Lib Dems in Government have awarded £46 million to projects across the country to help reduce fuel poverty, boost energy efficiency and encourage switching to cheaper providers.

“I hope that Haringey residents will take advantage of the Big Switch initiative and register before the 8^th April. I have emailed over 8000 constituents already to inform them of the offer.

“Other areas have already done this. On average households who took part saved up to £200. You can find out more information and register on the website.”

Lynne Featherstone MP reacts to final Police and Crime Plan for Haringey

Posted on 25th Mar 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP has today expressed her disappointment as the final Police and Crime Plan for Haringey was revealed by the London Mayor’s office.

The Plan will see both Wood Green and Hornsey front counters downgraded from 24 hour counters to standard front counters (open during the daytime only.) Muswell Hill front counter, which is currently staffed by volunteers, will be closed.

Tottenham police station will now be the only station in the Borough with a 24hr front counter.

The Liberal Democrat MP for Hornsey and Wood Green and the Haringey Liberal Democrats had been campaigning against the Conservative Mayor of London’s plans.

They wrote directly to the Conservative Deputy Mayor of London for Policing, Stephen Greenhalgh, objecting to the proposals to close Muswell Hill police station and to reduce the opening hours at other stations.

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“We conducted a survey and the response was overwhelmingly against a reduction in front counter services. We were very clear in our campaigning that opening hours at our local station should not be reduced; and that a front counter should be retained in the Muswell Hill area.

“That’s why the final plan released today is a great disappointment. It will now be harder for residents to report crimes at a front counter.

“We will certainly carry on campaigning to ensure that a replacement contact point is created in Muswell Hill.”

Lynne Featherstone MP takes part in Wood Green Hunger Banquet

Posted on 21st Mar 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP last week took part in the Wood Green Hunger Banquet, organised by Oxfam volunteer Katrina Gajevska.

The event is part of the ‘Enough Food for All – If’ campaign – which aims to visualise the unfair distribution of food around the world.

The MP for Hornsey and Wood Green opened the banquet by speaking about the role of UK aid in combating hunger.

The Liberal Democrat MP – who is also a minister in the Department of International Development – spoke further about her recent visits to Ethiopia and South Sudan, where she witnessed the effects of uneven distribution of food and hunger.

The attendees then ate different meals, depending on whether they had drawn a rich, middle or poor ticket. The rich received the best meal, the poor ate only a modest portion of rice, and the middle-class got a slightly better menu.

Food for the banquet was donated by the following local businesses: Jai Shri Krishna from Turnpike Lane; Qui from Crouch End; Zer from Crouch End; Dolly’s Delightfuls; Bakes Cakes and Treats from Turnpike Lane; BG Foodtwist from The Harringay Market.

After the event, Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“I’d like to thank Katrina for organising this fantastic local event, which was a great way of illustrating some of the issues faced by the world’s poorest. It was a pleasure to take part and speak at the event.

“I was very happy yesterday when the Chancellor reaffirmed our commitment to spend 0.7% of GDP on overseas aid – so we can continue to help the world’s poorest and contribute to ending hunger in the developing world.”

Lib Dems secure £700 tax cut for 86,500 people in Haringey

Posted on 20th Mar 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Today’s Budget announced that the Income Tax Personal Allowance will be raised to £10,000 in April 2014 – one year sooner than had been expected.

This means 86,500 ordinary working people in Haringey will get a further Income Tax cut, bringing the total tax cut to £700 a year since Liberal Democrats joined the Coalition Government.

In Haringey, this welcome news also means that 7,520 low-earners will have been lifted out of paying Income Tax thanks to Liberal Democrats in the Coalition Government.

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

“Liberal Democrats are working for a stronger economy and a fairer society, so that everyone can get on in life. That’s why we are cutting taxes for ordinary working people.

“Liberal Democrats want fairer taxes, which is why we made raising the tax-free allowance our number one priority at the General Election – so important that we put it on the front page of our manifesto.

“When times are tough, with rising bills and wages not keeping pace with inflation, we want to give people real, practical help.

“Cutting Income Tax will not deal with all of those problems, but it will help. And I hope it will make a big difference to every family in Haringey, and this country.”