Lynne Featherstone MP backs the fight against breast cancer

Posted on 20th Sep 2012 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone, MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, this week backed the fight against breast cancer, and took part in Breast Cancer Campaign’s award winning fundraiser, wear it pink day.

On Friday 26 October 2012, wear it pink will see supporters from all over the country in schools, colleges and businesses embracing the event’s new theme: superheroes. The theme stems from the charity’s belief that everybody who joins the fight – from people affected by breast cancer, to Breast Cancer Campaign scientists and all wear it pink participants – is a superhero.

Breast Cancer Campaign is asking everyone to put on something pink and donate £2.00. Whether it’s a superhero cape, pink socks or pink pants you wear over your tights, you can help the charity achieve its target of raising £2 million, so they can continue to fund ground-breaking research.

A spokesperson from the Breast Cancer Campaign said:

“Hundreds of thousands of people take part in wear it pink every year. With your help Breast Cancer Campaign can improve survival rates for the one in eight women who experience breast cancer during their lifetime.

“To take part in the UK’s original and best pink day visit wearitpink.co.uk and register to receive your free fundraising pack now.”

Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“Every year in the UK, around 48,000 women and 340 men are diagnosed with breast cancer. This is why we all need to support wear it pink day on 26 October, so that Breast Cancer Campaign can continue to fund research which will one day lead to a cure.

“In the past, I have fought hard to ensure all women in Haringey and North London have access to breast cancer screening. I am happy to support the Breast Cancer Campaign, and encourage my constituents to do the same!”

Lynne Featherstone MP calls on Haringey Council to help local community

Posted on 18th Sep 2012 by Lynne Featherstone

Liberal Democrat MP Lynne Featherstone has today called on Labour-run Haringey Council to make use of the Sustainable Communities Act.

The Act, which was passed in 2007 with cross party support, gives communities and councils the right to come up with proposals and to then submit these to central government. These proposals can be for any government action or assistance that would reverse community decline and protect community assets.

In 2009, a Liberal Democrat motion calling for Haringey Council to ‘opt in’ and use the powers given in the Sustainable Communities Act was passed unanimously. Since then, however, the Labour-run Council have not submitted any proposals

Councils that have used the Act have achieved positive results. In Sheffield, for instance, the then Lib Dem-led Council made a proposal to Central Government, suggesting that the Council be given power to run and plan the post office network on a trial basis. The proposal was adopted. As a result, a post office was saved from closure and a 5% growth in local Post Office revenue and significant savings to the council’s budget was achieved.

In June of this year, the Government made new regulations, which improved the Act’s process and re-established the rights of citizens and councils that use it. Localworks, the organisation promoting the Act, are calling on councils to pass a new motion resolving to use the strengthened Act.

Steve Shaw, National Co-ordinator for Localworks, said:

“The Act could make a huge difference to boroughs such as Haringey. It provides a mechanism through which local residents can have their ideas – about their local communities – passed to central Government. Government then has a duty not merely to consult but to negotiate and try to reach agreement on those ideas, so this process has real teeth.

“If local councils want more power to improve their communities and save money, then this is their chance.

“I thank Lynne Featherstone for calling on Haringey Council to make use of the Act.”

Lynne Featherstone commented:

“It is just typical of Labour-run Haringey to opt in to the Act and then do nothing. They have so far failed to take the opportunity to use the Act and make proposals to central Government.

“I have now written to the Interim Chief Executive to the Council to alert him to this and ask what steps will be taken from now on in this regard.

“I want Haringey residents to be able to have their say and express their ideas about our community. I am, therefore, very happy to call on the Council to use this Act. I hope, for the sake of our community, that they listen!”

Controversial bus stop set to move on trial basis

Posted on 17th Sep 2012 by Lynne Featherstone

The location of the first stop on the W7 and 144 bus routes from Muswell Hill is set to change on a trial basis. The change, which was officially announced last night at a local area forum, follows a four year campaign by local Liberal Democrats.

The stop is located on the steep Muswell Hill. This has caused numerous problems for residents, who have complained about the inaccessibility and safety risks of the current location. The problems prompted Lynne Featherstone, local MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, and local Liberal Democrat Councillors to campaign for the bus stop to be moved.

In 2011, after three years of campaigning, the Liberal Democrat MP received confirmation that the bus stop would be moved to outside Boots on Muswell Hill Broadway. In July of this year, Lynne Featherstone expressed her anger that, despite the confirmation, the bus stop still had not been relocated.

Tfl have now launched an official consultation on the provision of a new, accessible stop. They propose that routes 144 and W7 would serve a new southbound bus stop on the roundabout between Muswell Hill Broadway and Duke’s Avenue. This would be the new first stop and would allow for a wheelchair ramp to be deployed. The consultation also forms part of the Council’s trial.

Sophie Erskine, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Fortis Green, said:

“After years of petitions, meetings and campaigning, I am delighted that an official consultation has been launched. This gives residents a chance to really get their views heard – so I encourage everyone to take part.

“I hope that finally, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and that the stop will be moved permanently.”

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“The location of this bus stop has been a long standing problem for many residents. Despite assurances that the stop would be moved, Labour-run Haringey Council never managed to coordinate this, leaving elderly and disabled users without proper access to the services.

“You can be sure that I will be responding to the consultation, and pushing TFL and the Council to ensure that the move is a permanent one.”

Lynne Featherstone MP stands up for local rail services

Posted on 14th Sep 2012 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone, Liberal Democrat MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, today submitted a response to the Thameslink Consultation. The Local MP stressed the need for any future franchise to ensure that Harringay and Hornsey stations receive the full benefit of increased service levels.

The consultation asks for views on the future of the Thameslink franchise, and will directly affect railway services at Bowes Park, Alexandra Palace, Hornsey, Harringay and Finsbury Park. Due to high public interest, the consultation was extended until today, September 14th.

During the consultation period, the Liberal Democrat MP wrote to thousands of local households, informing them of the consultation. Hornsey and Wood Green MP Lynne Featherstone also conducted a survey, which asked residents their opinions on local rail services.

In her submission, the local MP expressed her support for the submission of the Haringey Liberal Democrat Group. Also included in the submission were the results of the MP’s local survey. The survey asked residents for their opinion on

potential changes to services. Of the 280 respondents, 95.7% expressed support for the local Liberal Democrat’s campaign to oppose service reduction.

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“I am very glad that the Government is making a massive investment into transport here in London, and particularly up to £6billion on the Thameslink service.

“It is important, however, that stations such as Hornsey and Harringay also benefit from investment. In my submission, I am standing up for the many constituents who support the Lib Dem campaign against service reduction.

“Now the consultation has drawn to a close, I will be contacting the bidders and arranging meetings to make sure they are aware of the strength of opinion in Hornsey and Wood Green. I’d like to thank everyone who responded to my survey.”

Inequalities in Haringey’s health funding exposed

Posted on 10th Sep 2012 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone, MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, today launched a campaign to address the historic health funding inequality in Haringey. As a borough, Haringey receives less funding for health services than ‘inner’ London boroughs such as Camden and Islington.

The Liberal Democrat MP met last Friday with the Interim Director of NHS Haringey, CCG Chairs and local GPs to discuss the funding issue. The participants confirmed that the funding inequality was having a severe impact. Haringey patients, for instance, will sometimes not have access to the same services as Islington patients, and experience much longer waiting times.

In March, Lynne Featherstone wrote to the Secretary of State for Health regarding health funding in Haringey. The response confirmed that spending on public health had been lower in Haringey than other boroughs. A further letter from the Minister for Public Health confirmed that the new funding formula was being considered, and the final calculations would be published later this year.

Councillor David Winskill, Liberal Democrat Adult Services spokesman, said:

“Haringey residents face significant health inequalities. It is completely inappropriate for health funding and access to services to be based on a postcode lottery – especially when the funding formula doesn’t recognise Haringey’s real need. A new funding formula which recognises and addresses the current inequalities is urgently needed.

“After 40 years in charge of Haringey Council, the Labour administration has shown no signs of addressing this issue. I am glad that Lynne Featherstone is now taking this up on behalf of Haringey residents.”

Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“I was shocked to hear about the effects of the funding inequality on Haringey patients. It is simply not right that Haringey residents should wait longer for, or not receive the same treatments as residents of Camden or Islington.

“I have written to the new Secretary of State for Health, asking him to meet urgently with a deputation before the new funding formula is decided. I will also be contacting constituents and asking if they want to sign up to support the campaign.

“Local people may know about my campaign for fairer funding for Haringey’s schools. You can expect a similar fight and effort to get fairer health funding for the borough.”

Liberal Democrats outline plans to build 300,000 new homes a year

Posted on 4th Sep 2012 by Lynne Featherstone

At their Autumn Conference next month, the Liberal Democrats will outline plans to tackle the housing crisis, stimulate the economy and generate jobs.

The proposals, outlined in housing policy paper Decent Homes for All, would see up to 300,000 homes being built annually. They would also increase protection for private tenants by promoting longer tenancies and cracking down on rogue landlords.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Simon Hughes MP said:

“Successive governments have failed to address what is now a housing crisis. A shortage of homes has made it impossible for many to get on the housing ladder and has seen rents, especially in big cities, rise to historic and unaffordable highs.

“That’s why Liberal Democrats have outlined our most ambitious ever proposals for building the new homes Britain needs. Building 300,000 new houses a year will ease demand, stimulate the economy and generate jobs. It’s a win-win.

“Everyone is entitled to a decent and affordable roof over their head and Liberal Democrats are committed to delivering it.”

Lynne Featherstone, Liberal Democrat MP for Hornsey and Wood Green welcomed the news:

“Haringey has long faced an acute housing crisis, and has the fourth largest homeless problem in London. Every week, dozens of people who are either homeless, or in fear of becoming homeless, contact my office asking for help.

“Yet again, I am glad to see the Liberal Democrats attempting to clear up the mess of previous Governments. We have already cut taxes for working families. I hope now, starting with this policy paper, we can also go some way to addressing the housing crisis.”

Lynne Featherstone MP welcomes the conclusions of Pinkham Way Examination

Posted on 3rd Sep 2012 by Lynne Featherstone

Liberal Democrat MP Lynne Featherstone has welcomed the conclusion of the North London Waste Plan (NWLP) Examination, which effectively puts a stop to the proposed Pinkham Way development.

The inspector found that the submitted NLWP was not legally compliant, and therefore he could not continue any further with the Examination. The decision was based on the fact that there had not been constructive, active and ongoing engagement during the NLWP’s preparation between the North London Councils (including Haringey) and other affected planning authorities.

The issue arose in June 2011, when the North London Waste Authority submitted plans to Labour-run Haringey Council. Despite strong opposition from residents, Liberal Democrat councillors and the Liberal Democrat MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, the Council did not oppose the NLWP and Pinkham Way development.

The conclusions of the Examination mean that the Council can now either recommend non-adoption of the NLWP and Pinkham Way development, or withdraw the plan and start again from scratch.

Commenting on the examination, Lynne Featherstone said:

“I warmly welcome the conclusions of the Examination. For well over a year now, the Pinkham Way Alliance, together with Liberal Democrat Councillors and myself, have been standing up for residents and campaigning against the Pinkham Way development. It has been a tough fight, especially with the Labour-run Council failing to implement a proper consultation, and their refusal to oppose the North London Waste Plan.

“The Council’s carelessness throughout the application has wasted time and money, and has caused an unnecessary amount of stress and concern among residents.

“I am so very glad that the inspector has recognised the incompetence of the Council, and therefore decided not to continue with this examination. I hope that now, finally, the Council will do the right thing and recommend non-adoption of the plan – as they should have done from first instance last year.”

Miltons wheelie bins: Lynne Featherstone MP steps up the pressure

Posted on 30th Aug 2012 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP has today stepped up the pressure on Haringey Council to address residents’ concerns about the new bins on Milton Road, Milton Avenue and Northwood Road (the Miltons). The Liberal Democrat MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, along with Councillors Rachel Allison and Bob Hare, visited the Miltons in Highgate and met with residents to discuss the current situation.

The residents’ concerns arose when their green boxes were replaced with large wheelie bins by the Council, as part of their switch from weekly to fortnightly collections. The new bins were placed on the pavements, as they were too big to fit into front gardens, porches or drives. Residents were particularly concerned about the impracticality of the scheme, the lack of proportionality in the bin sizes, the visual affect on the Miltons.

Since the bins were replaced earlier in the year, residents have had ongoing correspondence with Council officials. However, the officials have so far been reluctant to remove or replace the wheelie bins with suitable alternatives. The Council did establish a consultation, but this was spurned by residents, who felt that none of the three options given in the consultation were adequate. An official complaint has now been made by one resident.

Lynne Featherstone, MP said:

“It is disgraceful that after months and months of complaints, the Labour-run Council will still not provide Miltons residents with adequate and practical bins. Clearly, one size does not fit all, and different residents have different needs. The Council have said that wheelie bins would only be issued if they could be stored off the street, so why won’t they replace the ones at the Miltons with a workable alternative?

I have now written to the Chief Executive of the Council, demanding action to solve this unacceptable situation.”

Pupil Premium boost for Haringey schools – MP Lynne Featherstone

Posted on 30th Aug 2012 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone, Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Hornsey and Wood Green, is urging local schools to share their experiences with the Pupil Premium funding given to schools by the coalition government.

Lynne Featherstone has written to schools in the area asking how they spent the Pupil Premium funding – calculated as £8.8 million for Haringey schools. She has also asked schools that ran summer schools under a related government scheme what their experiences have been.

Lynne Featherstone commented:

“I have heard from a number of local schools already. The Pupil Premium has been spent on increased pastoral support and in direct efforts to raise boys’ attainment; extra staff have been recruited to work on literacy and numeracy; Alexandra Park School has boosted its hardship fund and set up a youth group. One school in Wood Green plans to take on a careers advisor as part of its package of measures while another high school in the area has invested in providing literacy boosters for children entering the school with lower attainment levels.

“All of this sounds like great news but I want the full picture from all local schools.”

Councillor Katherine Reece, Liberal Democrat spokesperson on education issues in Haringey, added:

“The Pupil Premium is a powerful tool. The funding is linked to the child so people from poorer backgrounds are helped even if they live surrounded by relative affluence. And schools are free to spend the money as they think works best making it doubly flexible. It should make a real difference to local children.”

Lynne Featherstone and Haringey Liberal Democrats plan to publish a report sharing the experiences of local schools with the Pupil Premium later in the autumn.

Community assets update and the worst roads in the country

Posted on 29th Aug 2012 by Lynne Featherstone

The results are in: which roads people think are the worst in Haringey and which community assets people want to see given special protection under new laws.

You may have seen the recent news that according to the Department for Transport, Haringey now officially has the worst roads in England – a shocking statistic, but perhaps not that surprising to anyone who travels by road locally!

Many people have now responded to Lynne’s survey to tell their nomination for the worst road in the area, and the results are in: Coppetts Road, Hornsey Lane and Muswell Hill top the standings.

Lynne has written to Haringey Council with a long list of damaged roads – but do let us know if you have a pothole or cracked road surface in your street.

Lynne and the Haringey Liberal Democrat team have also been campaigning for increased protection for well-loved local ‘community assets,’ like post offices, libraries and parks. New laws mean that local people may have the opportunity to buy well-loved parts of their community, should they ever be sold off. The assets that people want to protect vary greatly from Priory Park and Queens Wood to local libraries and post offices.

We will now fight to get these treasured locations onto the council’s official register – so that they are better protected.