‘Disgraceful’ Haringey Council fails to support vulnerable Haringey residents

Posted on 8th Jul 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP branded Haringey Council ‘a disgrace’ today, after revelations that they failed to distribute money meant to support vulnerable individuals and families.

Every year, local councils are given a pot of money by central Government, for distribution to the most vulnerable residents. They can give these ‘discretionary housing payments’ to individuals or families who are struggling with: rent deposits, rent arrears, reductions in housing benefit, and more.

If the money is not given out to vulnerable residents, however, the authority must return it to the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) at the end of the financial year.

It has just been revealed that Labour-run Haringey Council received over £850,000 in 2012/13 – and returned a whopping £233,000 of it. This follows a trend: In 2011/12, Haringey Council returned 45% of their allocation.

This financial year – the Coalition Government will give Haringey Council almost £2.5 million. The Haringey Liberal Democrats and Lynne Featherstone MP are calling on the Labour administration to make use of this money.

Haringey Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Cllr Katherine Reece, commented:

“The Government has given the Labour-run Council a lot of funding over the last few years to help people struggling with their rent bills but they have failed to hand out much of that cash to local residents. That can’t be right.

“This Government money is there to support people who are struggling and yet the Labour council has failed to pass much of it on to local people who really need the support. It would be a great shame if the Labour council failed to take up all of the £2m the government has offered them this year to support local people.”

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

“It is absolutely disgraceful that Haringey Council have just returned this money to the DWP, rather than using it to help protect our most vulnerable residents.

“The Haringey Labour administration is quick to moan about the changes made by the Coalition Government, but obviously not so quick when it comes to helping out those in need.

“The Lib Dems in Government are providing record amounts of money to Councils to use on discretionary housing payments. I call on Haringey Council to stop wasting this opportunity to help the most vulnerable.”

Lynne Featherstone MP delighted with Hornsey and Wood Green reselection

Posted on 5th Jul 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

A delighted Lynne Featherstone MP was last night reselected as Hornsey and Wood Green’s Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for the 2015 election.

Lynne Featherstone moved into the constituency with her family at age 5, and went to primary school in Highgate. She has represented Hornsey and Wood Green as the Liberal Democrat MP since 2005.

Since then, Lynne Featherstone has increased her majority by fighting and campaigning on key local issues, such as saving the Whittington’s A&E and stopping the Pinkham Way waste plant. Her successful campaign for fairer education funding secured an extra £7.3million a year for Haringey’s schools.

The local MP was called one of the ‘saints’ by the Telegraph following the expenses scandal, and was recently awarded the ‘politician of the year’ award by Attitude magazine.

The MP’s office consistently completes around 400 pieces of casework per week on behalf of local residents, and also regularly exposes the blunders of Labour-run Haringey Council – such as their failure to build any new council homes in the last 25 years.

Lynne Featherstone MP has also made her impact in Government. Roles in both the Home Office and Department for International Development have seen her introduce Equal Marriage and lead the fight to eradicate FGM.

Following the reselection Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“I am simply delighted by the confidence the local Liberal Democrat members have shown in me. It was a fantastic evening, and I’d like to thank the members, the local party, and fellow Lib Dem MP Ed Davey for making such a great speech.

“It was also so special to have my political heroine, Baroness Shirley Williams, in attendance supporting me.

“Hornsey and Wood Green is a wonderful, diverse and vibrant area. It is such an honour to represent and fight for all of the residents here. I want to continue fighting for better services for local people, working together on successful campaigns like fairer funding – which secured a massive £7.3million for our local schools.

“The road to 2015 and beyond starts here!”

Haringey Liberal Democrat Local Party Chair Cara Jenkinson said:

“Lynne Featherstone is a fantastic constituency MP and a formidable campaigner. She works really hard for the people of Hornsey and Wood Green – everyone knows someone who’s been helped by Lynne. It was great that so many people came to the reselection meeting last night to support her.”

Whittington Hospital set to announce a rethink..?

Posted on 3rd Jul 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

News has broken about the Whittington Hospital. At a Camden Council meeting last night, the Hospital’s medical director Dr Greg Battle told councillors that there has been a ‘complete rethink’ of their strategy.

The controversial hospital strategy – announced in January without consultation – would have seen hospital buildings sold and money reinvested in other services. It also included a reduction in hospital staff and beds, as more care is moved into the community.

Understandably this caused great concern. That’s why the Lib Dems and I campaigned for months to get the hospital to listen to residents – and for no loss of services. After presenting our petition signatures, the hospital agreed to engage residents in their plans, take their views on board and amend their strategy accordingly.

Dr Battle’s comments indicate that this has happened – and in that respect, a rethink is welcome – and potentially a great success for the Lib Dems and local residents.

However, I would urge everyone to err on the side of caution at the moment. Dr Battle has pre-empted the hospital’s official announcement – and we do not know the full details yet. I am meeting the board on Friday, and will be sure to get confirmation and assurances then.

I have also contacted the acting Chairman and Chief Executive of the hospital to attempt to get concrete information more quickly.

Watch this space.

Lib Dem success as Hornsey Sorting Office closure is put on hold again

Posted on 2nd Jul 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP has today expressed her happiness, as Royal Mail confirmed that the proposed closure of Hornsey sorting office has once again been put on hold.

Royal Mail had planned to close Hornsey sorting office and move the undelivered parcel collection point to Holloway. The move would have forced local residents to travel miles to collect their undelivered parcels, if they didn’t wish to leave parcels with a neighbour, or pay to have them redelivered.

The proposed changes prompted a quick response from the Liberal Democrat MP, who – along with the Haringey Liberal Democrats – started campaigning against the closures. The Local MP then presented a 3000 signature-strong petition to Royal Mail, demanding that the local parcel collection point remain in place.

Following this, Royal Mail put the plans on hold for 6 months to reconsider, giving the sorting office a reprieve. Today, they informed Lynne Featherstone MP that the plans had been put on hold again, for at least another 6 months.

Cllr Katherine Reece, Haringey Lib Dem Deputy Leader, comments:

“This is great news for people in Hornsey. We have been campaigning hard with the local MP Lynne Featherstone to make sure that Hornsey sorting office stays open and people can collect their parcels locally.

“I hope that this 6 months delay means that Royal Mail will listen to demands by local councillors and people for a local service and that in the long term the Hornsey office will stay open.”

Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“This is a great day for all local residents who use Hornsey Sorting Office to pick up their undelivered parcels and secure mail.

“Once again, the combination of people power and the Liberal Democrats in Haringey has triumphed. A valued local service has been saved for at least another six months – which will include this year’s busy Christmas period!

“Thank you to all the residents who signed the petition and supported the campaign.

“Royal Mail have promised to be back in touch in six months time with any further news – I will of course pass this on to my constituents as and when I get it.”

One Million Jobs

Posted on 2nd Jul 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Here’s my latest column for the Ham and High – also available on Lib Dem Voice

The Liberal Democrats in Government have helped businesses create over one million jobs. Now we are working to create one million more!

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

I was so happy when I got my first job with a small design and advertising company in the West End – and my first pay packet. I remember feeling so grown up as I caught the tube to work along with the rest of the world. That sense of a daily somewhere to be and something to do has always been incredibly important to me – as it is to everyone.

Work is particularly important for young people leaving school or university. I regularly visit schools in the local area – and am always so pleased to see youngsters with such ambition and enthusiasm. We should be doing all we can to give them the best chance to succeed – which will benefit our economy too.

But – it’s not long since youth unemployment was rising fast under Labour, leaving so many young people without the opportunity to get on in life.

That’s why creating more jobs – particularly for young people – during these tough economic times is top of the Lib Dem’s list of priorities.

The million jobs we have helped create span a number of different industries. We’ve supported industries such as manufacturing by investing £5.5bn extra into science, high-tech manufacturing and renewable energy – in turn creating thousands of new jobs. £15.3bn has been invested into creating building jobs, which will improve Britain’s roads, railways and housing.

Our strategy is working. On top of the million more private sector jobs, youth unemployment is down. Here in Hornsey and Wood Green, youth unemployment has fallen by over a quarter from May 2010 to now.

Overall unemployment in the constituency is also down from 5.2% to 4.5%.

That means hundreds more people in this constituency have been employed since the Lib Dems entered the Coalition Government!

There has also been great success with apprenticeships. In Hornsey and Wood Green alone, 530 new apprenticeships have been created – so now there are three times as many apprentices as 2010!

In order to create a million more jobs for a stronger economy, we are turning our attention to these apprenticeships, and looking to continue the great work. In short – we want to double the number of businesses that take on apprentices.

I am planning on holding an event in the constituency, which will attempt to match up potential employers with apprentices, helping more of our local youngsters get in to work.

Everyone can get involved in this. Just visit the campaign website at www.amillionjobs.org to register your support for our national campaign for more apprenticeships, and to find out more information.

Lynne Featherstone MP announces winners of Independent Shops competition

Posted on 1st Jul 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Picture Gallery here!

Lynne Featherstone MP took to the stage on Saturday to announce Brand New Start, Big Green Bookshop and Owen’s Food Store as the winners of the Hornsey and Wood Green Independent Shops competition!

The announcement took place at a summer fete event at Hornsey Town Hall.

Hundreds of residents joined the local MP at Crouch End Broadway, where local independent retailers exhibited and sold their products, and community groups displayed and engaged residents in their activities. There was also a local beer exhibition, games for children, hot food and a live band.

Since the local MP launched the competition in February, over 4000 votes have been cast by local residents across three separate categories: most attractive shop front, best customer service, and best overall independent shop.

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“It was an absolute pleasure to organise and host this wonderful event. Our local independents are so important to Hornsey and Wood Green – keeping our high streets vibrant and diverse and giving us great choice.

“This competition aimed to give publicity and support to our most valued independents during these tough economic times. It is part of our broader campaign to help independent retailers and save our diverse high streets. For instance, The Haringey Lib Dems and I are also running a petition for 30 minutes free parking on our local high streets, to help our local retailers.

“I’d like to thank all of the shops, community groups, volunteers and the band, who participated and exhibited at the event and made it such a great success. And particular congratulations, of course, to the winners: Brand New Start, Big Green Bookshop and Owen’s Food Store!”

Winners and Runners up list:

Most attractive shop front:

1) Brand New Start (Hornsey)

2) Dunns (Crouch End)

3) W. Martyn (Muswell Hill)

Best customer service:

1) Big Green Bookshop (Wood Green)

2) T Jewellery (Crouch End)

3) The Garden Shop (Hornsey)

Best all round independent shop:

1) Owens Food Store (Muswell Hill)

2) Tomfoolery (Fortis Green)

3) Sally Bourne Interiors (Muswell Hill)

Lynne Featherstone MP holds advice surgery at Hornsey Mosque

Posted on 25th Jun 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Local MP Lynne Featherstone, last week visited the Diyanet mosque in Hornsey to talk to members of the congregation about local issues. She was joined by Dr Turhan Ozen, the Liberal Democrat European Parliamentary Election Candidate for London and local campaigner Dawn Barnes.

The Liberal Democrat MP entered the Mosque and met with a woman who teaches English to other female congregation members.

After the congregation had eaten lunch, the local MP gave a short speech, and invited everyone to discuss any local issues or more general concerns with her.

Along with two of her caseworkers, the MP then spoke to dozens of people about local issues, and offered them assistance. They also discussed more general topics such as the current situation in Turkey.

Lynne Featherstone and her team process around 400 pieces of casework on behalf of local residents per week.

Following the surgery, Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“I would like to thank Turhan for organising this event, and thank the congregation for welcoming me to the Mosque. It was a lovely building and great environment in which to speak to my constituents.

“My team and I spoke with dozens of people and gave them advice on their local issues. We will be making numerous representations to the Council and other authorities on their behalf this week.

“This is the second advice surgery I have held at a local Mosque in my constituency – hopefully there will be many more.”

Visit to Marsabit County – Kenya

Posted on 24th Jun 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

I’m in currently in Kenya on an international ministerial visit. Here’s a blog following today’s visit to Marsabit County:

Very little grows in the arid lands of northern Kenya and farmers, their families and livestock face a daily struggle for survival.

In the searing heat of Marsabit County, drought and poverty collide often with horrific consequences – acute malnutrition rates regularly sit above the 15 per cent emergency threshold.

DFID is working constantly to prevent a repeat of the severe food crises that have devastated whole regions of Africa. And on a trip to the region, I saw today how British taxpayers are helping communities in this unforgiving environment protect themselves from disaster.

Livestock owners are able to make a good – and sustainable – living if they are able to get their animals to market. And now they are able to insure their goats, sheep and camels against the lengthy dry season that can decimate the valuable herds.

I met a group of 11 – mainly women – who told me how by paying GBP1 a week to the DFID-supported scheme, they can fund themselves during droughts and are less likely to need emergency aid.

I also sat with beneficiaries of our Hunger Safety Net Programme, which supports 69,000 households with small cash payments.

This enables families to save and pay their own way when times are hard – spending the money on food, healthcare and education for their kids without needing further handouts.

But I’m a realist. We’re not going to end hunger overnight as these programmes take time to help the poorest help themselves. That’s why we still provide emergency care to those in grave need.

I met some of the 65,000 mothers and babies being treated for malnutrition who are also being taught how to prevent it in the future, thanks to support from the UK.

We are also strengthening the health system of the Government of Kenya so they are better placed to prepare for and respond to spikes in demand.

While few plants and crops survive in Northern Kenya’s harsh conditions, the confidence of those in greatest need has grown. Thanks to these relatively small interventions they now have a cushion to protect them when drought and poverty next collide.

Cutting Edge Press – 'good stories well told and with social relevance'

Posted on 22nd Jun 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Went to Cutting Edge Press summer party this week.

This is a publisher with a social conscience – publishing such books as ‘My Beautiful England’ which deals with women coming to England and suffering domestic violence. Not only a good read but a book that will empower women to access support services which can help them.

‘Gorilla Land’ – dealing with the conflict in Congo, child soldiers and the legacy of colonialism and the current impact of the UN peacekeepers and NGOs.

And many more.

Given how closely this relates to my work in International Development – what a pleasure it was to meet the authors, agents and production teams who are part of the Cutting Edge Press’ stable. Martin Hay (CEO and Finance Director) is the driving force behind Cutting Edge Press – and it is his vision and intellect that has made this such a special publishing house.

Supporting our High Streets

Posted on 21st Jun 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Here’s my most recent Muswell Flyer Article on supporting our local high streets

One of the best features of Crouch End, Highgate and Muswell Hill are their unique high streets. Instead of endless chain stores, we have a rich range of diverse independent shops, which add so much character to our local area – and I want to keep it that way!

We are going through tough economic times, and without the support of multinational head offices, many of our independent retailers are struggling.

The Labour-run Council hasn’t helped, either. They’ve raised parking charges on the high streets to a whopping £3 an hour – which puts off potential customers who want to stop and browse. One local resident contacted me and said: “I do not shop on the high streets in Highgate and Muswell Hill because of the ridiculous parking rates.”

A local independent retailer also contacted me and said: “I run 3 shops which have suffered badly from the huge increase in parking charges.”

That’s why the Lib Dems have been campaigning for reduced parking charges and for 30 minutes free parking across the Borough. The campaign has gained a great deal of momentum. The traders had already put together a 5000 strong petition calling for lower charges.

We now have a very large number of signatures in support of 30 minutes free parking. You can add your name here: http://eepurl.com/tvXkH.

Residents have been vocal in their support. Local resident Denis Jones said: ‘I feel that it would help trade in the Broadway. If there was 30 min free parking I would use the shops instead of going to free parking trading estates.’

The ruling Labour Group at Haringey Council remain stubborn. They have refused to change their parking charges to date. It is such a shame that they will not listen to residents and common sense arguments. Local residents and retailers really deserve better.

Nonetheless, the Lib Dems and I will carry on campaigning and pushing the Council to do more to help our local independent shops and high streets.

In other news – I have also been running a competition in my constituency to find the best local independent shops. The voting has now closed, but the results still have to be announced.

This will happen on Saturday 29^th June (from 11am – 3pm) at a summer fete style event on the forecourt of Hornsey Town Hall. There will also be a draw to see which lucky voter will win £100 to spend in the shop they voted for.

A number of our favourite shops and community groups have already agreed to have a stall and exhibit at the event, and there will also be games and face painting for children, snacks, music and picnic space.

This will be a fantastic community event, which will help promote and publicise many of our best independent stores. I hope to see as many of you there as possible!