Archive for August 2nd, 2010
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.
