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Michael Foster’s Parliamentary Bulletin

Hello all – it’s once again time for my monthly update on what’s been happening in Westminster and around the constituency.

The solstice has just passed and summer finally seems to be in full swing. Hastings and Rye really come into their own in summer and you really remember why we choose to live in such a great part of the UK. I hope you are all making the most of it while it lasts!

Anyway on to the month’s roundup.

The NHS: Looking Good at 60

The NHS was born on the 5^th of July 1948 after the Labour Government of Clement Attlee passed the National Health Service Act. It was created out of a post war desire for change and the growing consensus that greater financial resources should be directed towards fostering a more caring and inclusive society. A service based on need – not ability to pay.

This Saturday marks her 60th birthday – something we can all celebrate.

Michael with Health Secretary Alan Johnson 

And that is exactly what I will be doing: anyone who is 60 this week (and anyone else who is around for that matter) is invited to join me at the Conquest Hospital reception area at 12 noon to share a piece of cake and a glass of bubbly.  I look forward to meeting as many “NHS Babies” as is possible and toasting 60 years of caring for the health of our nation.

From being on its knees in the mid 90s the NHS is now in better shape with more staff and new hospitals. 

There are over 80,000 more nurses and 38,000 more doctors than in 1997 and the NHS is now performing more than one million extra operations a year.  Virtually no-one now waits more than 6 months for their operation, compared with waits of up to 2 years under the Tories.

On 5 July we should also take time to say thank you to the wonderful staff who look after us when we need care and attention. They are the NHS.

Back in 1997 the NHS was facing a mid-life crisis but thanks to a trebling of investment and the hard work of NHS staff since then we’ve achieved rather more than a face life.

To learn more about the NHS and take part in the ‘Ask Alan’ web interview (a chance to put questions to the Health Secretary Alan Johnson) click here.

42 Days

As you will know the Government won this months vote on extending pre-charge detention for terrorist suspects.

I have prepared a much longer briefing note on this issue which you can download from my website by clicking here.

In 100% in favour of the extension. Unfortunately we live in a world where a tiny minority of individuals are hell bent on destroying our way of life and we must protect ourselves. Terrorists present a unique risk and uniquely complicated investigations -  In 2001, when the police investigated the last IRA case, they had to analyse the contents of one computer and a handful of floppy discs.  The suspects used their own names and their activities were confined to the Republic of Ireland and the UK.  In 2004 when the police and security services investigated Dhiren Barat, the key conspirator in an Al Qaeda operation in this country, it led to the seizure of 270 computers, 2,000 computer discs and over 8,000 exhibits.  There were seven co-conspirators and during the investigation the police carried out enquiries in the USA, Malaysia, The Philippines, Indonesia, France, Spain and Sweden.

The realities have changed and we must be willing to adapt as well. Our civil liberties are hard won and should not be lightly curtailed and that is why such incredibly extensive safeguards have been put in place to ensure the 42 day limit is only used when absolutely necessary – to go over 28 days the move must have the support of the Police, Home Secretary, the Director of Public Prosecutions and be subject to a vote in Parliament.

I know this is a controversial decision but having seen the evidence I am convinced it is the right move for Britain. For more information on the 42 day limit, current law, safeguards and to see how the UK compares with other countries I urge you to look at the briefing.

Energy Price Pain

Energy prices have increased significantly in recent months and it is those on the lowest incomes that are feeling the pain the most.

I am concerned that many who have escaped from fuel poverty in recent years are now faced with a new challenge. In response I have produced an information sheet which offers some helpful contact details for people who are struggling with their energy bills – download a copy by clicking here. I recently sent this to over 600 local pensioners.

Again I have produced a longer briefing note giving further detail on energy prices – click here for a copy.

Since 1997 energy bills in total have increased by about £6.00 a week for the average household but most of that increase has been in the last two years. 

However, there is help available for those who need it the most. The Government has arranged for pensioners on Pensioner Credit, others on Income Support and those who spend more than 10% of their income on fuel bills to be eligible for a social tariff which, in the case of local company EDF, gives a 15% discount on your bill.

As well as social tariffs there are a range of grants and other social assistance schemes available. Anyone with concerns about their fuel costs should ring the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99, a one-stop-shop for energy advice. They also have a website – http://www.homeheathelpline.org/.

We are also doing more to increase direct support for vulnerable groups. In the last budget Winter Fuel Payments were increased to £250.00 for all pensioners, save for those over 80 who now receive £400.00.  Many people on low incomes and pensioners also qualify for grants for home insulation and other energy saving measures.  More details can be obtained by calling Warmfront on freephone 0800 316 2805 or online at http://www.warmfront.co.uk/.

Carers

Just recently with the Usdaw trade union to welcome the new Carers Strategy which proclaims that carers will be supported so that they are not forced into financial hardship by their caring role.

The new strategy, which includes £150m funding for more respite care and short breaks for carers, was of particular interest to me as I have recently tabled a Parliamentary Motion, now signed by over 100 MPs, calling for an increase in the Carers Allowance and extending it to people who earn up to £250 a week, rather than the current earnings limit of £95 a week. You can see the motion, and the signatories, by clicking here.

At the launch event I was delighted to meet with some of the millions of hard-working carers who do such vital work and show tremendous dedication.  I will give them as much help as I can and will continue working with Ministers to ensure carers receive more financial assistance and are supported in paid work or education.

A little something for free

I thought I would pass on something I learnt this month – did you know that if you can endure a 20 second advert you can access Directory Enquiries for free? Ring 0800 100 100 and it will cost you nothing to get your number. I think it’s worth it.

Well that just about concludes my round up for this month. You can always keep right up to date on my goings on at http://www.michaelfoster.org.uk/. Currently there are stories on the issues outlined above and a whole lot more including Bluster Bomb Ban, Swimming for over 60s and a piece on a recent Entrepreneurs Reception held at Number 10.

If you want further information do not hesitate to contact me at mp@1066.net. If you know of anyone who would like to receive my news round up just ask them to email me with “MPFree” in the subject line.  

With very best wishes  

Michael Foster DL MP