Are you eligible for the flu jab?

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It’s that time of year again. No, not Christmas (yet!) –  I’m talking about flu season.

It might not be the most attractive topic for an MP to address, but I believe it is incredibly important that people are made aware of the free vaccine available from the NHS. Almost everyone can benefit from the jab, and so it’s well worth taking two minutes to sign up for it.

Whilst flu is just an irritant for some people, it can have very serious consequences for the elderly, the young, and those with underlying medical conditions. In particular, the Department of Health recommends the vaccine for:

  • Everyone over the age of 65, as well as two and three year olds.
  • All pregnant women.
  • Everyone living in a residential home, or working in care.
  • Everyone under 65 who has a heart condition, chest problems, kidney disease, poor immunity, diabetes, liver disease, a neurological condition or spleen issues.

New steps have been taken to encourage the vaccine for children as they tend to be more susceptible, and can pass on the illness to their siblings and friends very easily. A safe and effective nasal spray has been developed, which will be available to children over 2. This is a much quicker method of administration, and will hopefully avoid any tears!

It is worth bearing in mind that there are some people who shouldn’t have the jab – Certain types of vaccine are unavailable to those who have had a previous allergic reaction to a flu injection, those allergic to hens’ eggs, and people with certain immunodeficiencies. If you are unsure, consult your GP.

There are some common side effects, and like any other vaccine it can’t protect against 100% of influenza infections. However, for the vast majority of people involved, this year’s immunization drive will protect against up to four strains of the virus until late 2014.

The vaccine is a very effective way to avoid suffering from the flu this winter, and so I urge as many people as possible to go to their GP as soon as possible.

More information can be found at http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccinations/Pages/flu-influenza-vaccine.aspx

Labour’s half-price Christmas parking plan doesn’t go far enough

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Lynne Featherstone MP at a ticket machine on Muswell Hill Broadway.Haringey Liberal Democrats have been calling for 4 days of free parking at Christmas on local high streets, shopping areas and council car parks. The Labour council have rejected those calls and are instead only offering half-price parking on 7 days in the run up to Christmas but only if you use a mobile phone to pay.

The opposition say that the Christmas parking proposals put forward by Labour do not go far enough and that there should be free parking for 4 days in the run up to Christmas at local shopping areas for everyone not just for people who use mobile phones to pay.

The Lib Dems have called for the free parking in the run-up to Christmas to help local traders who are struggling and to encourage residents to do their Christmas shopping locally. The Liberal Democrats have previously campaigned for 30 minutes of free parking on local high streets and launched a petition calling for the measure which has been signed by hundreds of people.

Last year the Lib Dems also submitted a motion to a council meeting calling for free parking in the run up to Christmas to be followed by 30 minutes of free parking on the borough’s high streets all year round. The idea was rejected by Labour councillors. Haringey’s Labour politicians are still refusing to budge on the question of lowering parking charges permanently.

Cllr Richard Wilson, Liberal Democrat Leader of the Opposition, comments:

“Whilst any reduction in parking charges at Christmas is to be welcomed, the proposal put forward by Labour does not go far enough. We suggested free parking for 4 days in the run-up to Christmas but the council have instead gone for a few days of half-price parking for people who decide to pay by mobile. What about everyone else?

“Many other councils across the country give shoppers free parking on local high streets for several days in the weeks running up to Christmas, why can’t Haringey do the same?

“Local small businesses and traders need all the help they can get to keep our high streets distinctive and thriving. We think that Labour can and must do more to support our local high streets.

“I encourage residents to do as much Christmas shopping as they can locally and to support our campaign for 30 minutes of free parking on local high streets.”

Local Lib Dem MP, Lynne Featherstone, comments:

“Half price parking on weekends in December is better than nothing – but doesn’t go far enough to help local trader and shoppers. £1.50 an hour is still more than it costs to park in a superstore car park, for instance.

“The local Lib Dem call for four days of completely free parking would have made much more sense – it would have really incentivised shoppers and given our local high street traders a much needed boost.

“The Haringey Lib Dems and I will continue to support our traders through our campaign for 30 minutes free parking, and cheaper high street parking more generally.”

Still looking for an apprenticeship?

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My Lib Dem colleagues and I have always fought for better opportunities for everyone, and this extends to the world of work. Apprenticeships are an excellent route to employment, and are hugely beneficial to both the apprentice and the company they work for.

Earlier this year I held an apprenticeships fair, where a number of young people signed up to programmes run by organisations such as Barclays and the Tottenham Hotspur foundation.

The employers who attended the event have taken on some of Haringey’s talented youngsters, and in turn the apprentices are getting paid to learn, and gaining useful experience and contacts in an industry.

Since the Lib Dems entered Government is 2010, the number of people starting apprenticeships in London has increased by over 130%, and youth unemployment in Hornsey and Wood Green has fallen by a third.

Apprenticeships are giving people the experience they need to get on in life, and they are a key part to building the stronger society and fairer economy that the UK’s citizens deserve.

Apprentices are available in a range of fields, and local examples include vacancies for apprentice tilers, apprentice Care Assistant at the North Mid, and an internet marketing consultant job.

These are all great opportunities, and I wish anyone applying the very best of luck – I hope you enjoy learning whilst you earn!

Here are some other links to help people looking for apprenticeships:

Special report reveals new child abuse case in Haringey

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ChildrensServicesOver the weekend the Independent ran a special report into Haringey Children’s services – including news that the Council has launched yet another Serious Case Review. Here is the comment I sent to the local media:

“It is just awful to hear that Haringey Council has launched another serious case review, after failing to protect yet another local child.

“This comes just one month after the Child T scandal, and two weeks after my call for an independent review of Childrens Services was rejected by Haringey Council’s Chief Executive.

“I was leader of the opposition at the Council during the Victoria Climbié tragedy, and I remember Haringey Labour and Council officers saying that lessons will be learnt. Since then, they have said the same things over and over again – yet these shocking cases keep appearing.

“That is why I am so angry. That is why we need an independent investigation. No more children should pay the price for Haringey Council’s failure and inability to change.”

Buildings, not bonuses

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Here’s my latest Ham and High Column, also available on Lib Dem Voice.

Social housing in Haringey is in high demand. There are currently over 10,000 individuals and families stuck on the waiting list – and many will not have the chance to bid for a property in the foreseeable future.

In the meantime, people are often in cramped conditions in the private sector, or waiting in low quality ‘temporary’ accommodation. This has a detrimental effect on both the children and adults in these situations.

And once families are given social housing in Haringey, it’s not always plain sailing. Every week, my office receives dozens of letters and emails from residents, distressed by the state of their homes.

My constituents have suffered leaks, boiler breakdowns and damp – and often they are left for months without receiving proper repairs.

This is unacceptable; and we’re in the midst of a social housing crisis in Haringey. Anyone with common sense will know that more homes need to be built, and that Haringey Council need to improve their services to current tenants.

But our local Council aren’t known for their common sense.

Labour-run Haringey Council haven’t built any new homes in 25 years. And 25 years ago, they built 7. Finances may be tight now – but what on earth were they doing during the Blair and Brown years, when they had more money than they knew what to do with?

Instead of investing in new housing stock – they wasted their money and let the waiting list grow longer and longer.

And the culture of waste at Haringey Council continues, despite the tough economic times.

News recently broke that staff at Homes for Haringey – Haringey Council’s Housing department – claimed over £3.7million in bonuses in the last two years (2011-13).

It’s frankly sickening that this was allowed to happen, especially at the same time as they cancelled Decent Homes repair work on hundreds of local houses due to a ‘lack of money.’

To put this in context – £3.7 million could have gone towards refurbishing 300 local homes. That’s the size of the entire Sandlings estate. Instead, Haringey Labour allowed it to be spent on undeserved bonuses, and then had the audacity to blame Government cuts for the cancelled repairs.

The Coalition Government are aware of the problems faced by boroughs like Haringey. The Government have recently provided Haringey Council with extra funding, so that repair work can still go ahead in some areas where they had been cancelled.

And now, when Council tenants wish to buy their homes, local Councils must reinvest the money in social housing (rather than wasting it elsewhere), to ensure we have a rolling supply of housing.

The Coalition’s new Help to Buy scheme is also giving assistance to first time buyers, particularly those buying new build properties. This is stimulating building of new homes whilst also easing pressure on the private rental sector.

These measures are going some way to righting the wrongs of previous Governments, and easing the housing crisis. I will be keeping a close eye on the situation in Haringey and fighting for extra help and investment wherever possible.

Lib Dems submit 2000 residents’ view on a 20mph speed limit to Haringey Council

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Lynne Featherstone MP with a 20mph sign on a street in HornseyLynne Featherstone MP and the Haringey Liberal Democrats yesterday submitted responses to Haringey Council’s consultation on a borough wide 20mph speed limit.

During the consultation, the local Liberal Democrats and the MP for Hornsey and Wood Green surveyed over 2000 residents, to ascertain residents’ views on the proposals.

Based on the results of the survey, the local MP and Liberal Democrats backed a borough wide 20mph zone – but only on residential roads and, where appropriate, town centres. They also recommended that the scheme should be enforced by signs, rather than speed humps.

The Liberal Democrat MP and local Lib Dem group have campaigned for residents to have their say on the introduction of a borough wide 20mph limit since 2010.

The launch of the consultation represents a u-turn by the Labour-run Council, who previously refused to consult on a 20mph limit – rejecting the proposal outright in October 2012.

Cllr Jim Jenks, Haringey Liberal Democrat Environment spokesperson, said:

“We have been campaigning for a borough wide 20mph zone since 2010. Our survey clearly shows the majority of local people back that policy.

“Having previously rejected the idea, I hope the Labour-run council will finally listen to us and to residents and implement a borough wide 20mph zone on residential roads.”

Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“The Haringey Lib Dems and I campaigned for so long to get a consultation – and it’s great that residents have now had the chance to have their say.

“Over 2000 people responded to our survey, and we have passed these on to the Council and stated our support for the majority view.

“Thank you to everyone who took part. I will be keeping residents informed, particularly when the Council makes the final decision on a 20mph speed limit in our borough.”

Support for community Christmas lunches

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Are you a local group who plan to organise Christmas lunches for members of our community?

Waitrose in Muswell Hill have said they will support local Christmas lunch events, which are run for the benefit of people who would otherwise be on their own.

A recent survey has shown that 750,000 people in the UK over 65 either always or often feel lonely, and Christmas can be a particularly difficult time. With their business partners, Waitrose is aiming to reduce this number of people feeling isolated during the festive season.

The deadline for applications is 15th November, and Waitrose are looking to support any community group or individual involved. This will include help from Waitrose employees, who will be paid their full time salary for any time they take off to volunteer.

I think this is an excellent scheme. It is so important to remember that, whilst we may be surrounded by loved ones at Christmas, there are many people less fortunate. As such, if you are planning a community Christmas lunch, or know someone that is, please do apply for support from Waitrose.

To do so, please contact the Muswell Hill branch manager, Jay Radia, using the following details:

Waitrose, 390 Muswell Hill Broadway, N10 1DJ

Telephone: 0800 188 884

Lib Dems call for free Christmas parking on local high streets

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Lynne Featherstone MP at a ticket machine on Muswell Hill Broadway.Haringey Liberal Democrats and Lynne Featherstone MP have called for 4 days of free parking at Christmas on local high streets, at shopping areas and council car parks.

The Lib Dems have called for the free parking in the run-up to Christmas to help local traders who are struggling and to encourage residents to do their Christmas shopping locally.

The Liberal Democrats have previously campaigned for 30 minutes of free parking on local high streets and launched a petition calling for the measure which has been signed by hundreds of people.

Last year the Lib Dems also submitted a motion to a council meeting calling for free parking in the run up to Christmas to be followed by 30 minutes of free parking on the borough’s high streets all year round. The idea was rejected by Labour councillors.

Haringey’s Labour politicians are still refusing to budge on the question of lowering parking charges permanently.

Cllr Richard Wilson, Liberal Democrat Leader of the Opposition, comments:

“Local small businesses and traders need all the help they can get to keep our high streets distinctive and thriving.

“Haringey Liberal Democrats are calling for free parking at Christmas to help local traders and boost our local shopping areas. We think that Labour can and must do more to support our local high streets.

“I encourage residents to do as much Christmas shopping as they can locally and to support our campaign for 30 minutes of free parking on local high streets.”

Local Lib Dem MP, Lynne Featherstone, comments:

“This year the Haringey Lib Dems and I have worked hard to support and promote independent shops. We ran the independent shops competition and fete, and have collected thousands of signatures to support our campaign for 30 minutes free parking, so people can pop into their favourite high street stores without worrying about parking charges.

“Contrast this with our local Labour Council – who have raised High Street parking charges to a whopping £3 an hour. Retailers have told me that this is stifling their businesses – but the Council will not listen.

“Now, we’re calling on Haringey Council to allow free parking on our local high streets for just four days in the run up to Christmas, to encourage people to buy presents in our local independent stores. It really is the least they could do.”

Lynne Featherstone MP to hold Public Meeting on Hornsey High Street future

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Lynne Featherstone MP outside Hornsey DepotLynne Featherstone MP will hold a public meeting to give local residents and stakeholders the chance to discuss the proposed development on the old Depot site on Hornsey High Street.

The site has been derelict since 1998 – as Labour-run Haringey Council continually failed to strike a deal with a developer. Now, an application has gone in, which seeks to demolish the existing structures to make way for a Sainsburys supermarket, a car park, over 400 flats and a gym.

The MP for Hornsey and Wood Green and the local Liberal Democrats have criticised the Council for not providing residents with enough information about the application.

The local MP is therefore inviting community figures and local people with expertise to attend her event, so that they can provide information and opinions for local residents. Representatives from developer St James and Sainsburys will also attend to answer any further questions.

The public meeting will be held on Friday the 15th November, 6:30pm, at Griegs City Academy (entrance via Hillfield Avenue.)

Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“I would very much like to see something happen to the derelict depot land – but any development must be beneficial to the local area, and full details of the plans must be made available to local people.

“That’s why I am holding this meeting, and inviting local residents associations, business owners, representatives from the developers and the Council, and of course the general public.

“I think it’s about time we sat down, listened to local business owners and community groups, and had a proper debate about the future of our high street and the potential impact of this development.

“I look forward to seeing local residents at the meeting.”

Lynne Featherstone MP welcomes emergency repairs at New River Village

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Lynne Featherstone MP and a local resident make demands to the Circle 33 Managing Director outside the New River Village Colorado apartments. Lynne Featherstone MP has welcomed the emergency works undertaken and planned by Circle 33 at the Colorado Apartments at New River Village.

The Liberal Democrat MP called on Circle 33 to make the repairs, following a number of complaints from local residents about poor living conditions, acute damp, and the corridors being in a state of disrepair.

Along with Hornsey Liberal Democrat campaigner Dawn Barnes, the local MP started a petition, recorded a video and demanded a meeting with the Managing Director of the Housing Organisation.

After the meeting, Circle 33 agreed to run a specialist site investigation. On Friday, they informed the MP for Hornsey and Wood Green that:

  • emergency works have been completed to address specific risks around water ingress and damage;
  • the sealing of the building to prevent further water ingress will start in November 2013, along with work to dry out the building;
  • repair of properties damaged by water and damp will begin in early 2014.

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“It should never have taken this long, but I am glad that Circle 33 has finally started to undertake these vital repairs.

“Thank you to all the residents who signed the petition and helped us up the pressure on Circle 33 to make repairs. Together, we have pushed them into action.

“This is not over, though. We will continue to keep an eye on the situation, and we will not rest until residents in Colorado block are happy with their living conditions.”