Marriage Bill set for Landmark vote in Parliament

Posted on 5th Feb 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP has today expressed great happiness as the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill is set to receive its second reading in Parliament.

The Liberal Democrat MP has been at the forefront of the process to secure equal marriage since it was first confirmed as Liberal Democrat policy in 2010, having brought the policy to the Home Office and initiated the Government consultation process in March 2012, in her former role as Equalities Minister.

The MP for Hornsey and Wood Green has been awarded ‘Politician of the Year’ for her efforts by Attitude Magazine in October 2012.

The Bill has cross party support and is widely expected to be voted through to its next parliamentary stage by MPs later this evening. Polls also show a majority of people to be in favour of the legislation.

The Bill will enable same sex couples in England and Wales to marry in both civil ceremonies, and religious ceremonies where a religious institution has formally consented to undertake it. The Bill will also allow existing civil partnerships to be converted into marriages, if the couple so wishes.

Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“I am absolutely ecstatic that we are now set to realise this historic reform, towards which I have worked passionately for many years.

“Marriage is fundamentally about expressing love and commitment, and as a Government I believe it is our duty to help everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, to realise that expression.

“Equal marriage is an established Liberal Democrat policy, and I am exceptionally proud to have helped implement it as a Liberal Democrat Minister.”

On awarding Lynne Featherstone MP ‘Politician of the Year’ in 2012, Attitude Magazine said:

“Lynne Featherstone has been the face of the coalition’s pledge to introduce equal marriage reforms.

“The MP for Hornsey and Wood Green has been vociferous in her support for the LGBT community, and the government’s promise to deliver same-sex civil marriage rights.”

Adrian Trett, chair of LGBT+ Liberal Democrats, said:

“I hope Tuesday will be a watershed day for equality, where a process will start which will end in the recognition of all loving marriages being equal whatever the genders of the couple. This will be an immense step forward for the journey of inclusion and equality.”

Government gives Haringey Schools extra £202,000 to help pupils catch up

Posted on 4th Feb 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP has welcomed news that Haringey will receive £202,000 extra for the Borough’s secondary schools.

The money is specifically targeted to help Year 7 pupils who didn’t reach the expected level in literacy and maths when they finished primary school, so they can catch up with their classmates who did.

Schools will receive the equivalent of £500 per pupil, and will have freedom to decide how best to use the catch-up premium. Examples could include:

Small-group tuition supported by new classroom materials and resources, which could take place at lunchtimes or after school;
Holiday support to deliver intensive catch-up over a short period.
Additional services and materials to add to those provided by the school, such as tutor services or proven computer-based learning or online support.

This money comes on top of the £8.8million in Pupil Premium and £7.3 million in Fairer Funding received by Haringey Council from the Coalition Government.

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

“No pupil should be left behind in our schools, to ensure that everyone has a fair chance to get on in life. To achieve this it is hugely important that every child has a strong grasp of maths and a good reading ability when they start at secondary school.

“Catch-up classes and personal tuition are targeted at those who need a helping hand, so their chances of success are increased rather than letting them fall behind further.

“By putting fairness back at the centre of our schools system, Liberal Democrats are ensuring that everyone can get on in life. It will allow children to flourish and will help us build a stronger economy.”

Lynne Featherstone MP welcomes the Green Deal

Posted on 4th Feb 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP last week welcomed the Green Deal, the Coalition Government’s new initiative to transform Britain’s homes.

The Deal, which went live yesterday, gives people the opportunity to transform their homes and businesses by paying for energy efficient improvements – such as insulation and new heating systems – with the savings on their energy bills.

As part of the Green Deal programme, Haringey Council has received £275,000 from the Department of Energy and Climate Change to help improve energy efficiency in homes across the Borough.

Forty five different types of improvements will now be available under the Green Deal, helping people warm up their homes and pay for some or all of the improvements over time through their electricity bill.

Households in England and Wales who use the Green Deal to make energy saving home improvements will now also qualify for hundreds of pounds of cashback from the Green Deal Cashback Scheme. The more work households decide to have done, the more cash they could receive and packages could be worth over £1,000.

Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com, said:

“Green Deal has the potential to help consumers afford energy against a backdrop of escalating fuel bills. Our surveys tell us that many people simply do not know how to make their homes more energy efficient. They also need assurance about the quality of any work done, and help with funding.

“Green Deal ensures that accredited professionals to do the work, backed by strong consumer protection. It also provides the financing, so will enable hard pressed consumers to go ahead with confidence, providing much needed protection against rising bills.”

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said:

“The UK green sector is a success story – it is the sixth largest in the world and has a crucial part to play in building a strong economy. The Green Deal will support thousands of jobs – not just over the next few years, but in the long-term.”

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

“Green Deal will help thousands of homes stay warm for less. Those people will benefit from energy saving improvements – and their energy bills will fall. I encourage all my constituents to look into their options and make the most of this great deal.

“The deal puts consumer in charge – and you can improve the look and feel of your home, make it cosier and at the same time save energy – what’s not to like?”

Independent shops – we love 'em!

Posted on 3rd Feb 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

We really love our independent shops in Hornsey & Wood Green. So now I’ve launched a competition to find which one we love the best.

This is part of my mission to support the many independent retailers we are lucky enough to have here. It runs alongside our Liberal Democrat campaign to introduce 30 minutes of free parking to Haringey’s high streets.

Constituents can nominate and vote for their favourite independent retailer in three categories: best customer service, the most attractive shop front and the overall best independent shop.

Many shops have already agreed to actively participate and are already giving voting forms to their customers and are putting up posters.

We are going to have a special event in the summer to announce the winners. And one voter will also receive a £100 voucher to spend in their favourite independent shop.

You can nominate and vote via the forms available in the shops or online here.

Whittington! Call this off and go back to square one.

Posted on 2nd Feb 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Not much shocks me after so many years in politics. But the revelation at a Board meeting that the Whittington intended to sell off a third of its site, reduce wards and staff was a bolt from the blue. Given that we all – the local MPs from Islington and Haringey – meet with the CEO regularly and nothing of this sell off had ever been mentioned – what on earth was the Whittington thinking?

Look at the recent past. It’s only three years since we took to the streets to march, petition and fight the proposed Labour closure of the A& E. We won. Thank goodness. Of all the stupid paper ideas that Trusts dream up – this was one of the worst because it would not have worked and would have meant that local people lost an absolutely vital service. Under the pressure of the General Election and huge efforts by local people and politicians – the Labour government backed off and the A&E was saved. And subsequently the hospital worked with the people – and went through a lot of effort to make sure that what they were doing was supported by local people. Phew – we thought.

I had hoped that a lesson had been learned – but here we are again. No public consultation, no staff consultation, no working groups, no nothing. (Well since the furore this week the CEO has just now sent a letter out finally to staff to say they will be talking to them – too little too late – understatement). You would think they would be working with all of us every step of the way this time about any changes that they were planning for the future of this much needed and very successful hospital. Not a bit of it.

Not only that – both when I had an urgent phone call with the CEO and at the emergency meeting of all the local MPs and the CEO last week – we got a very profound apology for not having mentioned any of this to anyone – but no real understanding of the enormity of all of this at all. And now, I understand that the CEO is quoted in the papers as saying no one had asked her. To have so little understanding of the nature of the impact of proposed changes on her local community is unconscionable.

In brief, the proposal is to sell off a third of the site (buildings which do not have clinical services), cap births, reduce wards and staff and put more services into the community. This, we are told, will ‘improve services’. Well – we are wary and mistrustful from our past experiences that ‘improve services’ means ‘lose services’. To get over our mistrust the Whittington should have been working with the local community, local Council and local politicians every step of the way. We all want the Whittington to not only survive but be a vibrant and successful hospital going forward.

I am not against all change. Maybe this is a solution that the Board believe will ensure the Whittington’s future. But it doesn’t look like it and it doesn’t feel like it. Because, just like last time, it is the concoction of managers behind closed doors.

It may very well be that the ‘old’ buildings have extortionate maintenance costs. It may also well be that this isn’t about the deficit or savings (as the CEO kept repeating at the meeting ‘this has categorically nothing to do with the deficit or the savings plan’) for which they are on target. Every NHS hospital in the country has a savings plan.

This is all about becoming a Foundation Trust (a policy brought in under Labour). It is a decision by the Whittington and the Whittington alone. This ‘strategy’ that is proposing sell off etc is part of the process of applying for Foundation Trust status. The hospital has to submit a viable plan for the future.

St Ann’s hospital, in David Lammy MP’s Tottenham patch has also got old buildings and needs to modernise etc – but at least there they have worked with David and me every step of the way – so far!

This is a mess-up of gargantuan proportions. And the pity is – we all want the Whittington to thrive and survive – and we could all have worked together to make any necessary changes for future proofing. Now – no one trusts the plan. No one believes this will deliver better services.

Now the only way out is for the Whittington to go back to square one, work with all interested parties on a future plan, consult with local people and then, when we are all happy, move forward to a secure and better future.

That is why working with Cllr Dave Winskill (LibDem health spokesperson) and his LibDem Council colleagues – we are calling for a proper public consultation and all new services to be in place before any sell off.

Please sign the petition here.

Lynne Featherstone MP launches independent shops competition in Hornsey and Wood Green

Posted on 1st Feb 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP has today launched a competition to find the best independent shops in Hornsey and Wood Green.

The competition is part of the Liberal Democrat MP’s efforts to support the many independent retailers in her constituency, alongside her campaign to introduce 30 minutes of free parking to Haringey’s high streets.

Constituents will be able to nominate and vote for the independent retailers in Hornsey and Wood Green with the best customer service, the most attractive shop front, and for the best overall independent shop. Many shops have agreed to actively participate and give voting forms to their customers.

Winners will be announced at a local event in the summer. One voter will also receive a £100 voucher to spend in their favourite independent shop.

Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“It is so important that we help the independent businesses which make such a vital contribution to life in our local area.

“We should be proud of the vibrancy of our high streets in Hornsey and Wood Green. This is a fantastic opportunity to support and reward the best of our local independent retailers.

“I am determined to take a stand to support our high streets, and I am very excited to find out which shops are most valued by residents.”

VOTE HERE!

MP launches petition against loss of services at Whittington

Posted on 30th Jan 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Haringey Liberal Democrats and Lynne Featherstone MP have launched a petition calling on Whittington chiefs to ensure that no hospital services are lost – and no land sold off – without equal or better local replacement services being put in place.

The plans to sell off land and relocate six hospital buildings were confirmed at a meeting of the hospital’s Board and announced shortly after.

The MP and Haringey Lib Dems immediately raised their concerns about the plans. Lynne Featherstone MP had an urgent telephone conversation with Chief Executive Yi Mien Koh, and yesterday met with other MPs and Whittington Board members.

Alongside calling for guarantees that no services will be lost without equal or better local replacement services in place, Lynne Featherstone MP and the Haringey Lib Dems are also calling for a proper public consultation on the Board’s proposed changes.

You can sign the petition here: http://eepurl.com/uEMk9

Cllr David Winskill, Lib Dem Health Spokesperson, comments:

“Residents will rightly be concerned that we could see a repeat of what happened at Chase Farm, where services were lost with no replacement.

“The Whittington should consult local people before any changes are made or any buildings sold-off. They must also ensure that replacement services will be in place first before they can even consider selling the buildings, it can’t be an after-thought.”

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

“I actively oppose any land sell off or loss of hospital service without an equal or better replacement being provided to local residents.

“The Haringey Lib Dems and I have launched this petition to ensure that residents’ views are taken into account, and so the Board know the strength of feeling on this issue.

“I encourage anyone who wants to ensure no services are lost to sign the petition, and encourage their friends, family and neighbours to do the same”

Lynne Featherstone MP concerned as allotment fees set to double

Posted on 29th Jan 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Liberal Democrat MP Lynne Featherstone has today expressed concern over Haringey Council’s proposal to increase allotment fees in the Borough.

The Hornsey and Wood Green MP recently contacted Haringey Council on the matter on behalf of a number of constituents. In a response dated 9^th January, a Council official confirmed that a proposal to increase allotment fees by 100% from 2013/14 was being considered.

This proposed rise has been criticised by the Haringey Allotments Forum, and comes on top of a recent 40% increase in allotment fees.

The final decision on allotment fees will be made at the full Haringey Council meeting on the 25^th February.

Paul Hamilton, Haringey Allotments Forum representative, said:

“The Haringey Allotments Forum is very concerned about plans to increase allotment fees by 100%. This will generate a £60,000 annual surplus, of which only £30,000 might be reinvested in the allotment’s service in 2013/14.

“The Forum strongly opposes the proposal to increase allotments fees above the rate of inflation to make a profit out of allotments, and we have written to the Council to this effect. I am glad that Lynne Featherstone MP has stepped in and shown support for our submission.”

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“Allotments are vital community resource – preserving green space, benefiting the environment and encouraging healthy eating. Under no circumstances should they be used solely as a revenue generator.

“Haringey Council should be encouraging residents to use allotments, and making them accessible to everyone. It’s hard to see how doubling fees will achieve this.

“If the proposal is pushed through by the Labour Council, I call on them to ensure that the money is reinvested in the allotments, and that allotment holders have a say on what the money is spent on.”

Lynne Featherstone MP reacts to shock Whittington News

Posted on 28th Jan 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP has expressed concern over the recent Whittington Health Trust Board decision to sell six of their estate’s buildings, including units for women’s health and NHS staff accommodation.

Maternity services will also be affected, with the hospital planning to cap births to 4000 a year.

The ‘estate strategy’ – which outlines the plans for rationalisation – was agreed on the 23^rd January by the Whittington Health Trust Board. The strategy is based on a five-year plan, which will see the services relocate to existing space in the south of the hospital.

Following the shock announcement, the Liberal Democrat MP arranged an urgent call with Whittington Chief Executive Yi Mien Koh. The Hornsey and Wood Green MP has since been sent a copy of the estate strategy.

Councillor David Winskill, Haringey Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Health, said:

“There has been a huge failure of communication between the Whittington Board and the public. This news has come as a shock to everyone, and without a proper advance briefing and consultation, we are fearing the worst.

“At Chase Farm, residents were promised alternative services to support closures – yet they still haven’t materialised. This cannot be allowed to happen at the Whittington – alternative, and improved, services must be in place before any closures or land sell-offs.”

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“I want to be clear and state that I actively oppose any loss of services currently provided at the Whittington without an equal or better replacement being provided to local residents.

“After speaking with the Chief Executive on Friday and seeing the estate strategy, it is evident that the Board are planning to improve services through an estate rationalisation.

“I of course welcome an improvement in services – but nothing must go before new services are in place. I will be watching very closely to ensure that this happens, and that residents always have access to the treatment they need.”

Lynne Featherstone MP angered by Council’s poor response to cold weather

Posted on 25th Jan 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP has today criticised Labour-run Haringey Council for their poor response to the recent cold weather. The Liberal Democrat MP has received dozens of complaints from constituents, who have expressed concern about the lack of gritting on their roads and pavements.

The charity ‘Living Streets’ this week released figures indicating that over half of Londoners have fallen over on an icy pavement, with 21% sustaining an injury as a result.

59% of people in London thought that their Council could do more to keep pavements clear of snow and ice.

Living streets have a website where people can remind their Council to keep pavements safe. The MP for Hornsey and Wood Green has been contacting the Council – on behalf of numerous constituents – to report hazardous areas.

Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“The cold spell was forecasted, so there is simply no excuse for Haringey Council not to have been ready. Instead of doing a proper job, the Council left many pavements in an incredibly hazardous state – endangering pedestrians and trapping many elderly and vulnerable people indoors.

“I sent an email to my constituents informing them of the location of their grit bins. Unfortunately, many of these were empty.

“This incompetence is what we have come to expect from the Labour Council. Residents really do deserve better.

“Although the cold spell is coming to an end, I hope the Council will look into what went wrong and do better next time.”

Living Streets’ Director of Policy and Communications, Phillipa Hunt, commented:

“Londoners clearly feel their local councils aren’t doing enough to keep pedestrians safe. This is a reminder to councils that keeping pavements ice free and safe is every bit as important as gritting roads. People, especially those who are older and vulnerable, need to access their local shops and services and local authorities have a duty to ensure footpaths are as safe as possible.

“We urge councils to sign up to our winter plan for ice-free pavements including giving key walking routes the same priority as roads, supplying grit and encouraging the public to help clear pavements and redeploying council staff that are unable to do their usual jobs in the icy weather.”