RETHINK PUBLIC CONTRACTS
WHAT have the Empty Homes scandal, the east coast main line, testing of disabled welfare claimants, prisoner tagging, construction contracts, leaking water pipes etc have in common?
They are all contracts let by state agencies to private companies.
The Empty Homes scandal leaves us all worse off.
But if you move contacts
THIS POLITICS IS MAKE-BELIEVE
ON the evening of Wednesday, February 28, elected members and members of the public where invited to a Rossendale Borough Council production of Alice in Wonderland, where we were invited to join Alice on a trip down the rabbit hole into the make-believe world of Labour politics.
The evening opened with a detailed question from Mr Michael Pickup, a member of the public, concerning the progress of Spinning Point 1 and 2.
Unfortunately, it is too long to replicate here and can’t be found on the RBC website as they don’t record questions and answers.
I was invited to ask a question about what planning decisions had been overturned on appeal. The two major ones were the Hamers funeral directors application and the wind farm application, which cost the council tax payer £62,000.
Coun Shipley, leader of the Conservative group asked the leader of the council, Coun Allison Barnes, how the Empty Homes fiasco was allowed to develop under her watch.
Coun Brian Essex asked for a breakdown of up-to-date costs of the Empty Homes fiasco. Answer - there was and he was advised he should look to the future and not dwell on the past.
It is obvious the Labour group have never heard of philosopher George Santayanya who wrote “those who forget the mistakes of the past tend to repeat them”. Coun Peter Steen Greensclough Ward AFTER a hectic few days in Parliament it was a relief to get back home to Rossendale last week to catch up on my surgeries, casework and of course reading the Free Press.
It was encouraging to receive many positive comments to my letter in last week’s paper.
As the Scribbler said last week, ‘The Valley needs a single choir of voices to shout up for it’ and I agree. It’s difficult however to sing along when the leader of the choir loses half her instruments, won’t share her sheet music and then refuses to let anyone else pick the tune.
I will gladly work hand in hand with anyone regardless of their political allegiances to get the best outcome for this Valley; the fact remains however that under the current leadership at Rossendale Borough Council, decisions have been made that have cost the people of this Valley over £5 million and not one person has been held responsible.
l This week sees the fifth Valley Jobs Fair which I organise with the support of Team Rector for Bacup and Stacksteads, David Brae, our Job Centre in Rawtenstall and local colleges.
This year we have almost 40 businesses and training providers attending from Burnley Football Club, The Royal Air Force and Northern Joinery as well as workshops on how to set up your own business.
So if you’re looking for a new job or a change in career come along; doors will be open from 10am until 2pm this Thursday, March 15 at Central Methodist Church in Bacup.
l I’ve launched my Best Shop Competition to support and promote our fantastic independent shops and market stalls across Rossendale. Votes are coming in thick and fast from people supporting their favourite local independent shops. Voting is open until April 13, so make sure to vote for your favourite online at ourbestlocalshop.co. uk.
Tony Holt, from Rossendale-based business Linemark, joined me on a visit to Haslingden High to talk about GCSE options with Year 9. If you’ve watched any Premier League, Champions League or rugby recently, chances are it’s Linemark who will have done the pitch markings and logos. They export their products around the globe and Tony wanted to highlight the importance of studying languages at GCSE and beyond to help local businesses grow and become successful.
It was also a time for celebration at Stubbins Primary last week as the school celebrated its 150th birthday with a special assembly attended by former pupils and teachers from across the years.
It really is a lovely school and I would like to say well done to Mr Danson, all the staff and pupils for putting on such a great show for everyone.
l I also welcomed Year 6 from St Anne’s Edgeside Primary to the Houses of Parliament for an educational visit. I managed to catch up with them at the end of the tour to take part in a question and answer session and it was clear that they’d learnt a lot from their trip.
If any readers would like help in arranging a tour of the Houses of Parliament, please get in touch, I’d be happy to assist.
l I represent around 85,000 people across East Lancashire and although we might not always agree about everything it’s really important for me to stay in touch with local residents and be as accessible as possible.
If you ever need my help or want to let me know about a local issue please get in touch with me either by phoning 01706 215 547 or email me at jake.berry.mp@ parliament.uk and I will do my best to help.