Support for our wonderful high streets

Posted on 30th Jan 2014 by Lynne Featherstone

I have always loved living in Haringey – an area that has such an abundance of independent shops and small businesses. As the MP for Hornsey and Wood Green constituency, I am proud to represent such an entrepreneurial and vibrant area.

It’s the traders themselves and customers that make the high streets – but in these tough economic times, the Government should step in too, to help out small businesses and retailers.

So, I am very pleased that the Coalition Government has made significant changes, such as:

Reducing the rates bill of small businesses, shops, and pubs by £1000 for the next two years.
Continuing the doubled small business rates relief for another year.
Introducing a reoccupation relief, which will halve rates for 18 months when a business takes over a long-term empty shop.
Giving local authorities the power to provide additional rate relief for eligible businesses (but not pay day lenders, betting shops or pawnbrokers).

We are also encouraging innovation through the Future High Streets Forum, which will advise the Government on how to continue improving the high street environment.

It is so important that this help is provided – to encourage small businesses, to support retailers, and to keep our high streets diverse and vibrant.

Unfortunately, our local Labour-run Council don’t seem to share this sentiment – they have raised high street parking charges to £3 per hour. Traders say this is harming their businesses and forcing shoppers to go to superstores with cheap or free parking.

The Coalition Government has also launched a consultation about how to address this kind of unnecessary behaviour by local authorities. You can contribute here.

The economy is improving, and 600 new enterprises have opened in our area since 2011. The Lib Dems in Government will keep fighting to ensure that the UK is open for business, and that small businessmen and retailers see the benefits of the economic recovery.

Growing economy – Good news for Haringey!

Posted on 28th Jan 2014 by Lynne Featherstone

Great news – the economy is growing at the fastest rate we’ve seen since 2007 – according to the Office of National Statistics.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) also increased its growth forecast for the UK economy from 1.9% to 2.4%.

The UK has also seen a sharp drop in unemployment, and there are now more people in work than ever before. All good signs that the economy is recovering.

And we’re really leading the way in Hornsey and Wood Green. There are now over 1100 fewer people claiming Job Seekers Allowance than there were in 2010.

Youth unemployment here is now 3.8% – almost halved since 2010.

And finally, the number of registered enterprises in Hornsey and Wood Green is on the up, from 4,855 in 2011 to 5,450 now.

The plan is working – and so are we!

What changes would you like to see in Haringey?

Posted on 27th Jan 2014 by Lynne Featherstone

Here’s my latest Muswell Flyer article – on the changes I want to see in our borough this year. Also available here.

The Christmas festivities are over and I hope everyone had a great time welcoming in the New Year. Alongside my usual resolutions, there is something specific I want to see in 2014.

This year, I want to see a change in how our local services are run and how our council tax money is spent. And with a local election taking place in May – change is a real possibility!

Our borough has so much potential – it is a truly vibrant and diverse area. But, like many Haringey residents who contact me, I am fed up of paying one of the highest rates of Council Tax in London and receiving a poor service in return.

Last year, Haringey Council (which is currently run by Labour) failed to deliver on many key local services.

On housing, the Council allowed £3.7 million to be spent on bonuses for housing staff while cancelling vital and long-overdue repair works for local homes. I receive so many complaints from local residents in social housing about the lack of repairs – and I just cannot believe that millions have been spent on bonuses for failure.

Our local streets are also not up to scratch. A survey I ran last year on rubbish collections turned up over 400 complaints about missed collections, bins in the wrong place, and piles of rotting rubbish.

Another survey revealed hundreds of complaints about potholes and lighting, too – despite the Council promising a ‘pothole blitz’ earlier in the year.

And also – the Labour-run Council is still refusing Lib Dem calls for an independent review into Children’s Services, despite further shocking failures to protect some of the borough’s most vulnerable children.

This is a small summary of the problems we have in Haringey. Labour has had 40 years in charge of Haringey Council, and I think it’s about time that changed.

In contrast to Labour, the local Lib Dems are constantly campaigning for improved local services. They’ve been instrumental in saving our parcel collection points and local train services, alongside pushing the Council into action on numerous issues – forcing them to consult on 20mph roads and to build new homes to ease the housing crisis, for instance.

The local Lib Dems are also committed to continuing the fight against development on Pinkham Way, and to improving the state of our streets. We’ve fought hard for independent shops by campaigning for thirty minutes free parking, and free parking over the entire Christmas period. And, the Lib Dems are committed to supporting our local Credit Union as an alternative to payday loan shops.

For me, the choice is easy. What we need is a Council that listens to residents and works for them. I will be campaigning hard to help the Lib Dems take control of the Council so that we can see real, positive changes to Haringey in 2014. Now, that really would be a happy new year!

A year of local delivery!

Posted on 3rd Jan 2014 by Lynne Featherstone

Here’s my latest Ham and High column, following a great year of working with local residents to protect our services

2013 was a year of people power in Haringey – with thousands of local residents and Liberal Democrats joining forces to protect local services.

At the beginning of the year, the proposed sell off of land at the Whittington Hospital was successfully halted, following a campaign by over 4,500 local residents and the Haringey Liberal Democrats.

Later in the year thousands of Lib Dem petition signers also prevented Royal Mail’s planned closure of Hornsey Sorting Office, and also stopped the threatened loss of local rail services at Hornsey and Harringay stations.

Local High Street traders also made their voices heard, calling for lower High Street parking charges. The Haringey Lib Dems and I backed them, by running a campaign for thirty minutes free parking and holding the Independent Shops Competition to give our best local stores some much deserved publicity.

The North London Waste Authority also finally backtracked on their idea to build a waste plant on the Pinkham Way site, thanks to a great campaign effort by the Pinkham Way Alliance, local residents and the Lib Dems. The NLWA still own the land, though – so we remain vigilant.

Last year was also great for jobs and apprenticeships – with more and more Haringey residents finding work. Since 2010, unemployment is at its lowest level in my constituency (over 1000 less JSA claimants), and youth unemployment has fallen by a third.

The apprenticeship event I ran this year was very popular and successful. I was so impressed with the ambition and drive of the young people who attended – and so were the employers. One Haringey young person was snapped up by an employer just a day after the event!

Looking forward to next year, I hope for more hard work and successes for the Lib Dems and people power. And one date in particular springs to mind – May 22^nd, the next round of local elections.

Last year, Haringey Council (which is currently run by Labour) failed to deliver on many key local services. Our roads are in a state, two thirds of residents are dissatisfied with their rubbish collections, and Childrens Services has been tarnished with more child protection scandals.

And at the same time, the Labour-run Council continues to waste money. £3.7 million in shockingly large bonuses were dished out to repairs staff – while essential repair work to local homes was cancelled. It’s no wonder Haringey Council is the fourth most complained about in the country.

That’s why I want to see a change in how our local services are run and how our Council Tax money is spent.

And after this great year of local delivery and working with residents, I hope it’s the Haringey Liberal Democrats that take control of Haringey Council, so they can work with residents to fix Haringey for good.

Now, that really would be a happy new year!

Housing Help for Haringey

Posted on 21st Nov 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Here’s my latest Muswell Flyer article on housing in Haringey. You can read this article and previous articles online here.

Many years ago, I got a mortgage for my first flat (off the Archway Road) – which enabled me to get a first foot on the property ladder. Social housing for those in need was also relatively easy to come by.

The same certainly cannot be said in Haringey today. Unfortunately, housing here is a huge problem – particularly for those on the Council waiting list, those already in social housing, and young professionals and families struggling to save a deposit for a first home.

The waiting list for social housing has over 10,000 families on it. There are simply too many people in need and not enough houses available.

The reason for this is twofold. Firstly, Margaret Thatcher’s policy of selling off council homes without reinvestment in replacement housing; and secondly, Haringey Council not building any new homes in 25 years.

There are also problems with the quality of social housing. I think social housing should be attractive and built to last – not neglected and run-down. Yet, every week, I am contacted by residents who desperately need repair and maintenance work, and are just not getting it.

There are serious problems with Labour-run Haringey’s housing arm – Homes for Haringey. News recently broke that staff claimed over £3.7million in bonuses in less than two years. This was just shocking – this was public money which could have gone towards refurbishing 300 local homes.

It’s this type of behaviour that the local Lib Dems are fighting against in the local elections next year, as they attempt to take control of Haringey Council from Labour.

In the private rental sector – there are also young people and families unable to save for a deposit to buy their first home due to high rents. And with rents and property prices on the rise, it can be daunting and difficult for first time buyers.

So, with the lack of building, bonus scandals and wastefulness, and rising property prices, people in Haringey are up against it.

But it’s not all bad news.

The Coalition Government has introduced measures to ease the crisis. The new Help to Buy scheme is giving young people the chance to get on the property ladder – by offering them new homes if they have a 5% deposit. The rest of the deposit will be covered by a Government loan.

Council tenants are still able to buy their homes – but now, Councils must reinvest the money in social housing, to ensure we have a rolling stock.

The Lib Dems in Government have also delivered more affordable housing and succeeded in bringing empty homes back into use. We’ve also given Councils extra money towards decent homes work – to improve the quality of social housing.

And we are starting to see some changes. Housing supply is now at its highest since the end of the unsustainable housing boom in 2008, with 334,000 new homes built over the last three years. The number of first-time buyers is also at a five-year high!

Giving residents a say on Hornsey High Street development

Posted on 21st Nov 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

I declare an interest in Hornsey High Street. My constituency office is based there, above the Three Compasses pub! As such, I spend a lot of time on the High Street – popping into the shops and cafes and talking to local residents.

The old Depot site on the High Street (almost opposite the pub) has been a point of contention for many years. Parts of the site have been derelict since 1998 and the land is desperately underused, as Labour-run Haringey Council has continuously failed to strike a suitable deal with a developer.

Now, a new developer is on the scene. St James has put in a planning application to build a Sainsbury’s supermarket, 400 homes, a car park and a gym on the site. A development of this scale will have an impact on our local area, and it’s vital that local residents and shopkeepers get to have their say.

That’s why I called a public meeting, held last Friday, to give residents a platform and a chance to put their views to both Sainsbury’s and one of the project architects. St James and the Labour councillor in charge of planning were invited to attend, but both declined – a shocking decision in my opinion.

Despite this, almost 150 residents attended. It is clearly an application they feel very strongly about, and Sainsbury’s and the architect faced some very tough but valid questions.

There were some serious concerns about the effect of the development on local trade. Thankfully, the plans for a Sainsbury’s cafe have already been withdrawn, but the traders were still concerned that the supermarket alone will pose a threat to their livelihoods.

Residents were also concerned about the increase in traffic, and whether local services such as doctors’ surgeries and schools could accommodate hundreds more adults and children. There are also issues with the height of the development and the views of Alexandra Palace it will block.

I asked a question about the quality of new accommodation. New housing is much needed, but it must be built to last. St James built the New River Village development, and worryingly, I am currently fighting for residents there who are experiencing damp and flooding in their properties.

Based on the strength of feeling at the meeting, I think all of these concerns need to be addressed before the local community will support this development.

The Development Control Forums – which Haringey Council and St James have to attend – are taking place on the 26th and 27th of November at Grieg City Academy. This is the next chance for residents to find out more, voice their opinions and get some answers.

Labour-run Haringey Council will then make the final decision on the application, most likely in January.

The Haringey Liberal Democrats and I have been asking residents for their views already, and will continue to do so. We have recorded the views from the public meeting and will be representing them in our response to the planning application consultation. To add you voice – contact me.

Lynne Featherstone MP hosts packed public meeting on Hornsey High Street

Posted on 19th Nov 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Almost 150 residents attended a packed public meeting on Friday to discuss the future of Hornsey High Street.

The meeting was called by Hornsey and Wood Green MP Lynne Featherstone, after developers St James put in a planning application to build a supermarket, a car park, over 400 flats and a gym on the old Hornsey depot site.

Representatives from Sainsbury’s and the project architects attended to answer questions. Haringey Council (who will make the decision on the application) and developers St James both declined invitations to attend.

Local business owners and residents raised concerns about the effect of the development on local trade, the increase in traffic, the impact on local services such as schools and doctors, and the height of the new buildings.

Liberal Democrat MP Lynne Featherstone commented:

“The large number of people in the meeting is testament to the strength of feeling about this development.

“A number of very serious concerns were raised. I asked a question about the housing. St James built the New River Village development, and worryingly, I am currently fighting for residents there who are experiencing damp and flooding in their properties.

“Based on the strength of feeling at the meeting, I think all of the concerns need to be addressed before the local community can support this development.

“The Haringey Liberal Democrats and I have asked residents for their views already, and will continue to do so. We will represent residents’ views in our response to the planning application consultation.”

Sainsburys & St James to attend Depot public meeting

Posted on 11th Nov 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Good news – I’ve just had confirmation that both Sainsburys and St James will attend the public meeting I have called on the future of Hornsey High Street.

We will be discussing the planning application for the Hornsey Depot site on Hornsey High Street. The developers, St James, plan to demolish the existing structures to make way for a Sainsburys supermarket, a car park, over 400 flats and a gym.

The meeting will take place this Friday (the 15^th) at 6:30pm, at Greig City Academy – entrance via Hillfield Avenue – and is open to all.

Residents will have the chance to put their questions and opinions across.

I’m glad that both the developers and Sainsburys have agreed to attend this meeting and engage further with residents – on top of the work they have already done in this regard.

I look forward to seeing local residents at the meeting.

Still looking for an apprenticeship?

Posted on 5th Nov 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

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:

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

Posted on 1st Nov 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne 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.”