MPFree

Michael Foster’s Parliamentary Bulletin

October 2009

Parliament is now back in full swing after the summer recess and my Ministerial duties, along with all the ongoing constituency work, are keeping me very busy. There’s no time allowed for settling in and it’s all systems go at 26 Whitehall (where the Ministers in the Government Equalities Office are based) with constant meetings, briefings and debates to attend. However, the constituency is as busy as ever and I want to start by highlighting some interesting figures.

Unemployment Falls in Hastings and Rye

Newly published data from the Office of National Statistics shows unemployment in Hastings and Rye fell in September. In September 2009 there 3,144 unemployed claimants in Hastings & Rye, 9 fewer than in August. This represents a rate of 7.2% of the economically active population.

It’s great to see the number of claimants has fallen over the last month. It may only be a small number but it could be a sign the worst of the recession is over and that the fiscal stimulus policies are working. However, we cannot become complacent, this cannot be seen as an excuse for spending cuts and I shall continue to fight for investment in Hastings & Rye.

Facebook Foster

As you may well know Facebook is all the rage at the moment and I now have my own support group. It’s called ‘Michael Foster 2010’ and already has over 300 members. You can view photos and videos, as well as interact with like minded people in the constituency through the Discussion Board and the group’s Wall.

Social networking sites like Facebook are at the forefront of a new communications revolution. When I was elected I promised that I would strive to be as accessible to local residents as possible. I hold regular surgeries and keep in touch through this newsletter and an annual report. But as Facebook is part of so many people's lives in the constituency it’s a good way to communicate and will complement my existing website www.michaelfoster.org.uk. Please feel free to join up - just go to www.facebook.com and search for: Michael Foster 2010

Age discrimination in NHS must end

All too often older people and their loved ones relay harrowing experiences of being discriminated against in the health and care sector. That’s why I was delighted with the findings of a recent review which recommends that the ban on age discrimination should be brought into force in health and social care at the same time as all other services by 2012.

With the number of people over 85 set to double in the next 20 years, it is vital that all services such as care homes and hospitals put dignity at the heart of their treatment of, and support for, older people.

Horizons Adult Education Centre ‘Bank’ Brilliant Results

Horizons Adult Community Learning Project recently celebrated record GCSE and NVQ with a visit from Barclays Bank who have supported their endeavours with a donation of £100,000.

When Barclays closed some of their Hastings operations I got them to agree to provide financial support for local good causes. SEEDA then matched the funding with an extra £100,000. That extra funding has enabled Horizons to set up a special Trust which will hopefully help them keep up their good work for years to come.

16 learners successfully took GCSE English with 81% achieving A-C grades.  33 learners took Maths GCSE with 45% achieving A-C.  100% A-C grades for Science GCSE results. 14  NVQ 2 Childcare adults also achieved 100% success.

It makes a real difference to people who for many reasons may have missed out on further education but who want to get back into learning and just need encouragement and help to do so. Horizons is a great example of what can be gained from investing in people. Spending money in the short term can give them the skills to prosper for years to come.

As Sonia Plato, manager of Horizons, said “Strong results mean better employment opportunities and encouragement for others to start learning.  We have been inundated with adults wanting to gain skills and qualifications who are encouraged by the success of others”. I can’t think of a stronger recommendation.

Making Child Protection a Top Priority

I have added my name to the NSPCC’s campaign calling for child protection to be a priority in the wake of a series of tragic child abuse deaths. The campaign calls for vital child protection reforms alongside continued funding of Childline and the NSPCC Helpline. 

Following the tragic death of Baby Peter, we must ensure that vital child protection reforms take place. In this difficult economic climate protecting children must remain our priority if we are to prevent more children suffering to support those who have already been abused. We must also do more to recruit and support social workers. They’ve had a hard time in the media recently but most of them do a good job under a lot of pressure and we need to do more to support them in their work.

Children in Hastings & Rye and elsewhere must have access to safe confidential space in order to speak out about abuse and get help. ChildLine gives children this opportunity; we must ensure that government funding for the service is maintained beyond the current cut-off date in 2011.

If you know anyone who may find this bulletin of interest please feel free to pass it on. Well that brings this month’s round up to an end but as ever if you want to keep up to date on what I’m doing to Hastings and Rye just stop by my website www.michaelfoster.org.uk or get in touch with me by emailing mp@1066.net or calling 01424 460070.

Best wishes,

Michael Foster, MP