The outdated rule governing succession to the throne was, on Friday, overturned, following a vote by the 16 Commonwealth countries.

The change will now mean that a younger son will no longer become monarch instead of his elder sister, just because he is male.

Lynne Featherstone MP, who has been campaigning on this issue for over three years, said:

“This is so important in terms of equalities. Women should have equal rights to men in every aspect of life, including our Monarchy.

“I’m delighted that the unacceptable discrimination, whereby a son would be preferred over his sister simply because of his gender, will now finally come to an end thanks to strong action by the Government.”

To help elderly residents in Hornsey and Wood Green stay warm this winter, Lynne Featherstone is calling on pensioners to make sure that they take advantage of the Government’s cold weather benefits.

Lynne is calling on pensioners to see if they are eligible for the Warm Homes Discount, a Liberal Democrat initiative to take £120 off electricity bills for less well-off pensioners for the next four years. To be eligible for this automatic benefit, elderly residents in Hornsey and Wood Green need to make sure that they are on the right benefits. If a pensioner or their partner receives only the Guarantee Credit element of the pension credit they will be eligible for the discount.

Pensioners can check if they are on the right benefit by calling the pension credit helpline on 0800 99 1234.

All pensioners over the age of 60 also get the winter fuel allowance, between £200-300 per household. Low income households, and residents who are on some income related benefits will also be entitled to cold weather payments of £25 per week during cold snaps, an increase from £8.50 per week under Labour.

Lynne Featherstone MP comments:

“With winter fast approaching, it’s so important that elderly residents here in Haringey get the support they need to stay warm in the cold period.

“And I know how tough it can be to manage a tight budget with high electricity prices. That’s why the government is introducing the Warm Homes Discount, to help deal with higher winter bills for those most in need.

“It’s really important that you get this £120 pound discount off your bill if you are eligible. Please call the pension credit helpline to find out, so you don’t miss out. And please stay warm this winter!”

To see how a housing estate in Crouch End has been transformed into high quality new homes, Lynne Featherstone MP last week visited Saxon Chase on Dickenson Road.

The original homes were purchased by housing association L&Q in 1987 and leased to Haringey Council to provide accommodation for their residents. With the end of the lease approaching and the homes nearing the end of their lifespan, the decision was made to seek planning approval to redevelop the site.

The new plans, which were completed towards the end of 2009, offer a mix of high quality homes for people on a range of incomes. This includes homes for outright sale, shared ownership and rent. Residents have benefited from improvements in building and design standards, energy efficiency, security and landscaping following previous issues with anti social behaviour, fly tipping and squatting.

A key theme of the development was the level of consultation between L&Q and the returning residents. A steering group of returning residents was involved from the outset and was given the chance to have input on fundamental design decisions. Even the name of the scheme was chosen by residents to reflect the area’s historical links with Saxon activity.

Lynne Featherstone MP comments:

“Housing is one of the biggest issues that local people raise with me, anything from the state of social housing and antisocial behaviour to having waited years for housing.

“That’s why it’s especially heart-warming to see this shining new example of what can be done with good design and by having local residents on board.

“I have spoken to many Saxon Close residents here today, and they are all proud of their new homes; they care about them and look after them. And who wouldn’t?   These flats are amazing. Really inspiring stuff!”

L&Q Chief Executive David Montague described the development as:

“A perfect example of the benefits of partnership working. By using a collaborative approach with Haringey Council, our contractor and the Returning Residents Group, we have been able to successfully deliver high quality homes that fully meet the needs of the residents. It was great to be able to discuss this with Ms Featherstone today and how housing associations can play a big part in delivering more much needed affordable homes in the future.”

Despite Haringey council’s drastic cuts, Highgate Children’s Centre continues to provide an outstanding service to local parents and children. Liberal Democrats Lynne Featherstone MP and Highgate Cllr Rachel Allison dropped in at Wednesday’s parent and toddler session to see what changes have been made.

Haringey’s initial decision to slash funding and close the centre was modified at a special committee hearing forced by local Liberal Democrats. However, funding is now in place for just three days, and supplemented by small charges of £2-£3 per session for parents.

The upside is that the Centre is now open for community use two days a week. So far the space has been used by various local organisations such as residents’ associations. Highgate Primary head teacher William Dean is actively exploring other possibilities, such as hosting the older people’s luncheon club which is no longer held at Jackson’s Lane since funding was cut earlier this year.

Lynne Featherstone MP comments:

“I’m so proud of the family centre, of Highgate Primary head teacher William Dean and centre manager Kate Imerson for continuing this invaluable service despite the tough financial situation.

“Thanks to my Liberal Democrat colleagues on the Council, the staff at Highgate Primary and local residents, the decision to cut their funding completely was reversed at the council’s watchdog committee and the small sum of money promised by the council this year has meant they can keep up their admirable work.”

Highgate Councillor Rachel Allison adds:

“Being a new parent can be very isolating, and places like Highgate Primary Family Centre are absolutely invaluable.

“The Highgate Primary Family Centre has set the benchmark for other Children’s Centres. To be able to continue to offer services despite the cuts and expand into community use is fantastic news for everyone in Highgate. I look forward to seeing their amazing work go from strength to strength – long may this continue!”