Thursday, August 5th, 2010
Christopher Pincher, the MP for Tamworth, together with the town’s mayor and mayoress, Councillor Lee Bates and Mrs Deborah Bates, jointly opened the Tamworth Baptist Church fete last Saturday. The event, held at the Baptist church in Cadogan Road, Dosthill, was attended by over 60 congregation members and local residents who braved the constant threat of rain to buy books, bric- a-brac and some very well baked cakes. For the children there was face painting, “splat the rat” and “Grandpa Magic’s” conjuring. A very expert balloon bender was also on hand making hats for the children. He insisted on making hats for the mayor and MP – the results of which can be seen in the attached photo!
Councillor Bates said:
“I am very pleased to be able to open this fete and support the local church and community. Tamworth is a big family of people and events like this are really very important. I am also very proud of my new hat!”
Christopher Pincher said:
“Friends and neighbours coming together to support help each other is a great example of community spirit. I also took the opportunity to pick up some books from the book stall for my summer reading. I am not sure the balloon hat really suits me – and I wonder if the blue and yellow balloons were chosen because they are coalition colours? But congratulations to the organisers.”
The Baptist church is running events all this week. For more information call 01827 283747.
Monday, August 2nd, 2010
Christopher Pincher, the MP for Tamworth, has quizzed the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change about the state of fuel poverty in the town. Fuel poverty is defined as having to spend more than 10% of income to adequately heat a house.
In answer to Mr. Pincher’s parliamentary question, Chris Huhne responded by informing Mr. Pincher that in 2006 a staggering 4,000 households in Tamworth were classed as being in fuel poverty.
Christopher Pincher said, “This is a huge amount of people in fuel poverty, nearly one in ten households have to spend far too much of their income to heat their home, and these people are usually the most vulnerable. I have spoken to EAGA, which helps people to insulate their homes, to learn more about fuel poverty and what EAGA are doing to help to resolve the problems. We clearly need to focus on eliminating fuel poverty in our country although it is not as simple as just home insulation.”
“If any one feels that they have difficulty paying their fuel bills or even if they think they are paying too much for heating, I advise them to callHome Heat Helpline before the winter returns. They offer free and practical advice which often helps people save money on their bills. They also provide information on schemes that provide grants on insulation. Do not leave it until the snow comes – get in touch whilst the sun is shining.”
Home Heat Helpline can be reached on 0800 33 66 99.
Monday, August 2nd, 2010
Tamworth’s Member of Parliament, Christopher Pincher, has added his voice to concerns raised by Staffordshire County Council about the appointment of a full time Chief Executive. The post will carry a salary of £85,000 per year but will be abolished no later than 2012 as part of the government’s police service reforms.
In the House of Commons Mr. Pincher questioned Home Secretary Theresa May about the appointment. He said:
“Last week, Staffordshire police authority announced the appointment of its first full-time chief executive, with a salary of £85,000. Does my right hon. Friend [Theresa May] agree that the people of Staffordshire would rather have more influence over policing priorities than see the appointment of another unelected, unaccountable and expensive bureaucrat?”
Theresa May responded:
“The whole point of the structure that we are proposing is that, after May 2012, there will be directly elected police and crime commissioners who will set the budget and the strategic plan for the police, and ensure that the decisions being taken are in line with the interests of the people and with fighting crime.”
Afterwards Mr. Pincher said:
“I will be writing to the Chairman of the Police Authority asking him to justify this appointment. It does not appear to be a sensible use of scarce public money at a time when police cells are being closed to save money.”
“I will want to know why the current arrangements cannot be continued until the Police Force changes are introduced in 2012”.
County Council Leader Philip Atkins has also questioned the wisdom of the appointment following a vote of nearly all County Councillors asking the Authority to justify its actions.
Monday, July 26th, 2010
Fazeley Park restaurant on Atherstone Street beat off stiff competition from the Ivory Tusk to clinch the nomination as Tamworth’s entry to the 2010 “Tiffin Cup”. The two Fazeley eateries were neck and neck with over 100 nominations each until a final flood of nominations sealed victory for Fazeley Park (formerly known as Fazeley Park Contemporary).
Member of Parliament, Christopher Pincher, joined the proprietor, Sukur Miah, to congratulate him and his team on their success. Mr. Pincher ran the competition to find the best South Asian restaurant in Tamworth. The winner, nominated by local people, will now go forward to the national award competition. The Fazeley Park has been open for business for over eight years and has built up a regular and loyal clientele.
Mr. Pincher said:
“Congratulations to Fazeley Park for winning the most nominations to go forward to the “play off” stage of the Tiffin Cup. I am pleased so many restaurants from around the town got so many nominations. It will help raise our town’s profile for good, modern cuisine.”
“I would like to say well done to all the restaurants involved, particularly the Ivory Tusk for running Fazeley Park so close, and better luck next year.”
The “Tiffin Cup” competition is open to all South Asian restaurants in the constituency. The restaurant that receives the most public votes is entered by the local MP to do battle against others across the country. Once the best nominees are shortlisted, the top tier of restaurants participates in a cook-off event judged by MPs and guest celebrities with the proceeds going to charity. As well as giving Tamworth the chance to win the coveted crown of best South Asian restaurant in England and Wales, the 2010 competition raises funds for “World Vision” which helps children suffering from poverty.
Recent winners include:
A victory for a Tamworth restaurant would be a first for the West Midlands.
Tuesday, July 6th, 2010
Tamworth’s Conservative MP, Christopher Pincher, has asked the Education Secretary Michael Gove to look at plans laid by the former Labour County Council to scrap all Tamworth’s sixth forms in favour of a single sixth form centre.
In questions to the Secretary of State in the House of Commons, Mr. Pincher said:
“I am grateful for the Secretary of State’s statement and for his telling me that both Wilnecote and Belgrave high schools in Tamworth are applying for academy status. Does he agree that we should meet to discuss the former Labour county council’s decision arbitrarily to abolish sixth forms and give them over to one single sixth form? Can we discuss how to unpick that situation?”
Michael Gove (Secretary of State, Education) responded:
“I know that my hon. Friend is very concerned about the way in which sixth form allocation has been secured in his constituency. He has already made representations on that. My Department will consider and discuss with him further exactly what we can do to help.”
Following the encounter Mr. Pincher said:
“I am pleased that this issue will be looked at again as many parents and teachers have raised concerns about a single sixth form with me – and I made the same points myself to Labour last year. I will keep parents and teachers informed.”
Concerning the announcement that Building Schools for the Future spending plans have been suspended Mr. Pincher said:
“It is very disappointing that the BSF programme will not go ahead. Tamworth’s schools have faced years of under investment leaving local children at a disadvantage. But we should be in no doubt – the cause of this cut is Labour’s massive mis-management of our economy leaving us all with the biggest debt in modern history. The money just is not there to pay for it at the moment.”
“What is more, the BSF scheme has been characterised by overspends, delays, botched construction projects and needless bureaucracy. If it was not such a nightmare, the programme might have already been agreed.”
“I will now work with the new County Council to see what can be done, particularly with respect to capital allocations, to help our local schools get the best deal.”
Tuesday, July 6th, 2010
Tamworth’s Member of Parliament, Christopher Pincher, has said he is “very concerned” at proposals announced by the Ministry of Justice to close Tamworth combined Magistrates’ and County Courts in Spinning School Lane. The proposals are part of the Department’s plans to rationalise the thousands of buildings in the court estate across the country saving around £15million per year as well as a maintenance backlog costing £22million.
Mr. Pincher said:
“I appreciate that, given the huge financial hole the country has been left in, we need to make savings across government departments. But I am very concerned that the loss of both our Magistrates’ and County Courts will affect local law enforcement. If police officers have to travel further to give evidence, it means they may not be able to spend as much time as they would like in the town. “
“Specifically concerning the County Court, there are a number of people who need to attend hearings on, for example evictions, who may not have the money to pay for a trip to a court in Stafford. Also, this move may be bad for local business who will find it even harder to recover small debts if cases cannot be heard in a local court.”
“We need to ensure we have local courts in the right places given our population, workload and communication links. I will consult with the local police and magistrates’ service as soon s possible to find out their views and I will seek a meeting with the Secretary of State to discuss his proposals.”
The consultation process run by the Ministry of Justice can be viewed by going to their website athttp://www.justice.gov.uk/consultations/consultations.htm.
Tuesday, June 29th, 2010
Conservative neighbours, Christopher Pincher, MP for Tamworth and Dan Byles, representing North Warwickshire & Bedworth, have both been elected to the Energy & Climate Change Select Committee, one of the most important in Westminster. Select Committees scrutinise government legislation and have the power to question ministers and senior civil servants.
And as part of the changes made to parliamentary procedure, members of select committees are now directly elected by fellow MPs rather than being appointed by party whips. This innovation will make the committees much more independent of the government and give their members real clout. Being elected to two of just four committee places available to Conservative MPs is a big vote of confidence for Mr. Pincher and Mr. Byles. The two new boys are delighted to have won their colleagues’ confidence so early in their political careers. Neither has lost much time in making his mark.
Commenting on the news of their election Christopher Pincher said:
“Dan and I are friends and neighbours so am sure we will work well together. Our energy needs over the next twenty years is going to be a crucial issue for government as we grapple with demand over supply to keep the lights switched on. Imported energy is likely to reach 50% of our total need in the next fifteen years which will be a problem if we cannot guarantee a safe supply at a reasonable price. Energy security and energy efficiency must be a priority for this government.”
Dan Byles said:
“It is a real privilege to have been elected to serve on the Energy & Climate Change Select Committee.
“I feel very strongly that we need reduce our dependence on imported energy, much of which comes from some of the world’s most unstable regions.
“I believe we need a diversified energy base which includes nuclear power, a greater use of liquefied natural gas, and we need more research into the use of dependable and predictable renewable sources such as tidal power. Carbon capture and ‘clean coal’ technologies also have the potential to allow us to make use of our large domestic coal reserves.”
“And the UK has dangerously low levels of gas storage compared with other European countries, something which the last government did precious little to address.”
“I intend to hold the Department for Energy & Climate Change firmly to account for how it deals with these serious strategic issues.”
The Energy & Climate Change Select Committee will hold its first meeting in July.
Tuesday, June 29th, 2010
Tamworth, Drayton Bassett & Hints’ new MP, Christopher Pincher, has welcomed a decision by Transport Secretary, Philip Hammond, to review the High Speed 2 proposals released by the last government in March 2010 which will include a review of the recommended route between London and the West Midlands and an assessment of options for the wider network. The current proposals tabled by Lord Adonis, the Labour former Transport Secretary, could see the link built straight through Drayton Bassett and the Hints Valley and on towards Lichfield. Mr. Hammond has asked Sir Brian Briscoe, Chairman of HS2, to report back to him next month.
Mr. Pincher said:
“I am very pleased that Philip Hammond has decided to look at the route proposed by the last government which, if built, will do great damage to communities in Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford.”
“There is still a lot more work to do. I plan to talk to ministers about the affect the “Adonis route” will have on local people in the next three weeks. But the news that Philip Hammond has asked for a review shows the “Adonis route” proposal is not set in stone and that consultation will be meaningful. I think everyone agrees that high speed rail services will be good for our national economy – but the route proposed on 11th March is not right for communities in our area. So the campaign continues.”
For further information on the Secretary of State’s letter to Sir Brian Briscoe go to http://www.hs2.org.uk/publications?pageid=1
Thursday, June 24th, 2010
Tamworth MP, Christopher Pincher spoke yesterday at Prime Minister’s Question Time asking David Cameron to recognise the huge unemployment increase in the constituency during the recession.
To watch the remarks, you can view here: http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Main/Player.aspx?meetingId=6372&st=12:13:45
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010
Tamworth’s MP, Christopher Pincher, has described the budget announced by Chancellor George Osborne on Tuesday as “tough but fair” in dealing decisively with the record deficit left behind by Labour.
Mr Pincher said:
“Labour left behind one of the largest budget deficits in Europe. Thanks to their incompetence and negligence, we are now borrowing one pound for every four we spend. That means our national debt is increasing by £3billion every week. We cannot continue such a borrowing binge. If we do not act to tackle it, then in a few years we will be paying £70billion in interest payments alone – that is more than we spend on our schools or on our defences.”
“I am glad that the Chancellor has sought to protect the less well off from being punished by Labour’s legacy. Ordinary families and pensioners in Tamworth will see their take home pay rise as their tax thresholds increase whilst their outgoings will be held down by the freeze in council tax. What is more, re-linking pensions to earnings as we promised will make pensioners better off.”
“The VAT increase is not going to be easy. But we need to be clear – this was not something the government wanted to do; it was something Labour’s awful legacy made unavoidable. I hope we can get the VAT figure down as soon as possible.”
“I am pleased the Chancellor was able to help small businesses by announcements on Corporation Tax and Employers’ National Insurance. We need to help small businesses in Tamworth which are the engines of growth and the creators of jobs and prosperity.”
“We need to focus hard now on helping businesses and people get back on their feet. We need to get Britain working, and that is what I think this budget will help to achieve.”
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