Key Issues

Environment and Recycling

I am a committed environmentalist, serving on the National Executive of SERA, an organisation which promotes sustainable environmental policies within government and the Labour Party.

Climate change is finally becoming recognised internationally as the greatest long-term threat facing the world. The government has displayed leadership both at home and abroad, with a proven record of action. But so much more needs to be done if we are to tackle this problem head on as it becomes increasingly urgent.

Under our Labour Government, recycling in England is at record levels. Here in Cambridge, along with two thirds of households across England, we now have doorstep recycling collection. Yet where as 27% of all household waste in the UK is recycled, in Austria the figure stands at 60%. Clearly we have a long way to go.

Before the 2005 election I argued within Labour for a stronger move to green taxation. We now have the evidence from the Stern report that the cost of doing nothing will be far greater than acting now, and I believe that Gordon Brown will use this to put pressure on the international community to respond.

Climate Change

Climate change is the greatest environmental challenge facing the world today. Rising global temperatures are bringing changes in weather patterns, rising sea levels and increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The effects are being felt here in the UK and internationally there may be severe problems for people in regions that are particularly vulnerable to change. The government is acting now to adapt to climate change and to reduce the risk by reducing our contribution to the causes.

With Labour, the UK has been one of the major players in supporting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions - having been a key architect of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997. The UK has introduced measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, encourage renewable energy sources, and taken part in the world's first economy wide greenhouse gas trading scheme. It is estimated that the UK can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 23% by 2010, well exceeding the Kyoto target of 12.5%.

As a Government we are working with our EU partners to take further action. With a Labour government, the UK will push hard for greater certainty on European plans for implementation of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme beyond 2012. The scheme remains the most important mechanism for stimulating international investment in low carbon technology. We should also seek agreement for much more ambitious collaboration with emerging economies.

Defra has launched a campaign on tackling climate change. The Act On CO2 campaign, which began on 9 July 2007, includes TV, press and online advertising. The advertising aims to introduce the concept of a personal carbon footprint, and to encourage behaviour change to help reduce personal carbon emissions. As part of the campaign the government has developed the Act On CO2 calculator to help people calculate their carbon footprint and find lots of ways to make it smaller. To find out yours visit DiretGov.

Climate Change Bill

The Government's blueprint for tackling climate change was published on 13 March 2007. I strongly welcome such strong radical action, which puts Britain at the forefront of international action to tackle climate change - the first country to adopt mandatory binding reduction targets.

Key points of the draft bill include:

- A series of clear targets for reducing carbon dioxide emissions - including making the UK's targets for a 60% reduction by 2050 and a 26-32% reduction by 2020 legally binding.

- A new system of legally binding five year "carbon budgets", set at least 15 years ahead, to provide clarity on the UK's pathway towards its key targets and increase the certainty that businesses and individuals need to invest in low-carbon technologies.

- A new statutory body, the Committee on Climate Change, to provide independent expert advice and guidance to Government on achieving its targets and staying within its carbon budgets.

- New powers to enable the Government to more easily implement policies to cut emissions.

- A new system of annual open and transparent reporting to Parliament. The Committee on Climate Change will provide an independent progress report to which the Government must respond. This will ensure the Government is held to account every year on its progress towards each five-year carbon budget and the 2020 and 2050 targets.

- A requirement for Government to report at least every five years on current and predicted impacts of climate change and on its proposals and policy for adapting to climate change.

Air traffic pollution

Many people have told me they would like to see a tax on aircraft emissions. The Government recognises that a global exemption of aviation kerosene from fuel tax is an anomaly. Unfortunately, many member states of The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) oppose any change to the current policy.

The UK Government is pressing for the development and implementation of an emissions trading scheme both within the European Union and through the ICAO. I believe that this will be the best way to ensure that we balance environmental sustainability against the increasing demand for travel.

At the National Policy Forum in July 2004, I helped to secure a pledge to push ahead on addressing the issue of aircraft emissions that damage the environment. The Government is trying to strike a balance between the economic, environmental and social impacts of aviation. Rising prosperity continues to boost demand for travel, and I believe that increased airport capacity is necessary, but with stringent environmental conditions. Aviation is critical to the UK's prosperity - air travel is important for business and for continued economic success in the increasingly global economy. The UK Government published The Future of Air Transport and the core message in this framework was that aviation must be sustainable.

Reducing CO2 emissions

Since 1997, Labour has taken a series of measures to reduce emissions. Our 2000 Climate Change Programme has already helped put us on track to meet our Kyoto greenhouse gas reduction commitment. Whilst the UK is projected to meet our Kyoto protocol target, we must do more to meet the challenging domestic targets we have set.

The Government published the Waste Strategy for England 2007 on 24 May 2007. This sets out our vision for sustainable waste management. The overall impact is expected to be an annual net reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions from waste management of at least 9.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year compared to 2006 (equivalent to annual use of around 3 million cars).

The Government is constantly promoting initiatives to reduce individual's car use. These can include workplace travel plans, car clubs and car sharing schemes and teleworking. The UK aims to move beyond its Kyoto target towards its goal of reducing emissions of carbon dioxide by 20 per cent below 1990 levels by 2010, and to put itself on a path to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 60 per cent by 2050.

Alternative fuels

The Government is keen to promote the use of biofuels. Biofuels represent an important potential route for achieving the goal of zero carbon transport as well as creating new opportunities for agriculture in the UK and globally. Biofuels can deliver greenhouse gas emission reductions of at least 55% compared to conventional fuels.

The Government is promoting the use of biofuels through the existing 20p/litre cut in duty for biodiesel. There are also regional support grants available for capital investment in production parts.

The Government has published a "Drive cheaper, drive cleaner" leaflet that gives information on cleaner cars and fuels and how this can save money through reductions in car tax etc. The leaflet is available by calling 0870 1226 236 or on the Department for Transport website.

Flooding and Coastal Erosion

The floods of summer 2007 have shown the scale of the new challenges we face. DEFRA is working on a new cross-Government Strategy for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management, 'Making space for water'. This will look at:

- giving the Environment Agency a strategic overview of all forms of flooding and coastal erosion.

- identifying the most effective way to tackle the several causes of urban flooding.

- ways to help people adapt to changing risk of flooding and coastal erosion;

- feasibility of a pilot grant scheme to make individual properties more flood resistant and resilient where publicly funded improvement projects may be impractical;

- working with natural processes and developing approaches to flooding and erosion, which achieve many objectives at once, such as improved nature conservation.

DEFRA gives authorities guidance on the appraisal of flood management schemes, flood warning and emergency planning. The Government has encouraged authorities around the coast to consider a range of solutions and to adopt those which are most appropriate in each case - for example, concrete walls, beach management or sustainable coastal defences. The Government is confident that we will be able to engineer solutions to the increasing volume of water on the coastlines.

The Environment Agency is investing over £200 million in flood warning systems in England over a ten year period up to 2012-13.

Are you at risk of flooding? Find out here, as well as how to prepare for flooding and current flood warnings in force. Phone 0845 988 1188 for the same information by phone.

Renewable Energy

The Government has set incremental targets to increase the amount of electricity that is generated from renewable sources. The Government supports renewable energy sources through the Renewables Obligation - a requirement on electricity suppliers to supply 10% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2010, with an aspirational target to increase this to 20% by 2020.

The Energy Act (2004) set up provision for Renewable Energy Zones to be licensed beyond the 12 mile limit, which will apply to wind, wave and tidal energy projects. Capital grants are available towards emerging technologies and community grants are available for renewable projects to encourage communities to work together to devise renewable schemes. The Government is committed to helping to provide secure, diverse, sustainable and competitive energy supplies, and is assisting the UK renewables industry greatly. The Government expects that the Renewables Obligation coupled with radical energy efficiency improvements, will help the UK to meet its obligations on climate change.

Less packaging on food

The EC Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste came into force in 1994. This directive aims to harmonise the management of packaging waste by introducing recovery and recycling targets for packaging waste. There are measures in place to prevent the production of packaging waste, and measures that aim to promote the fundamental principles of reusing packaging where possible. In the UK we also have Packaging Regulations (1998) in place, and Packaging Waste Recovery Notes (PRNs) provide evidence to show which businesses have met the recovery and recycling requirements of the Regulations. The Government has been working hard to extract more packaging from the household stream, and is discussing with local authorities establishing additional collection capacity for this purpose.

Recycling of plastic

The Government is taking action to support the recycling of plastics. The Government fully supports the 'bag for life' and 'green points' schemes in larger supermarket chains, and is looking at ways to help increase the re-use and recycling of plastic bags.

WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) was set up by Government to tackle the market barriers to increased recycling. One of WRAP's priorities is marketing existing recycled plastic products and removing discriminatory standards. This is linked to the development of 'buy recycled' policies and a research and development programme to develop plastics recycling technology and support composite product development. WRAP are also working on how best to address the lack of plastics sorting/processing in the UK and are supporting the development of processing plant, which should result in an additional 20,000 tonnes of plastic bottles being diverted from the waste stream every year. You can find out more about what WRAP is doing by visiting their website.

The Government has taken a keen interest in the issue of biodegradable plastic and has met with representatives of the plastics industry in this regard. The Government accepts that biodegradable plastic has a place in the market, it also supports the development of biodegradable plastics from non-fossil fuel sources.

Encouraging recycling

The Government launch of the 'Recycle Now' campaign in September 2004 encouraged people to recycle more of their waste, by showing what can be recycled and where the recycling facilities are located in the UK. The key message in the campaign is that recycling has endless possibilities, and stresses how more recycling will help preserve resources for future generations and reduce environmental harm. Current UK recycling of paper, glass, plastics, aluminium and steel is estimated to save more than 18 million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year through avoided primary material production (equivalent to annual use of 5 million cars or 14% of UK transport sector emissions).

In the Waste Strategy Review 2007, it was stated that all authorities would have to set out government requirements including the need to provide kerbside recycling facilities for at least five waste streams excluding garden waste and consider the impact on lower income families. Here in Cambridge we need to make sure as many people as possible get the chance to recycle. Service can be very patchy with some people having no green bins and black or blue boxes. Please let me know what is happening in your area - we need to increase our recycling - and getting the City Council to sort this out would really help.

Plastic Bag Tax

This is an initially attractive policy, but as detailed investigation by the Scottish Parliament showed, there can be unintended outcomes. It will be discussed again by the Labour Party, and while there are no current plans to introduce this, the Government keeps all taxation under review. The Government supports and encourages reusable carrier bags such as the 'bag for life' and 'green points' schemes in some supermarkets. The Government is also taking a keen interest in the issue of biodegradable plastic bags and has met with representatives of the plastics industry. We support the development of biodegradable plastic from non-fossil sources. Government, WRAP, the plastics industry and UK retailers of all sizes and in all sectors are now building on the earlier work and working on an ambitious move to achieve a 25% reduction in the environmental impact of free carrier bags (both plastic and paper) by the end of 2008. This reduction equates to 3.25 billion fewer bags being used and will save 58,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent a year, equivalent to taking 18,000 cars off the road annually.

Reduce amount of waste going to landfill

A landfill tax has been in place since 1996, administered by HM Customs and Excise and collected from landfill site operators. Landfill tax is a key part of the Labour Government's Waste Strategy, and is increased every year to encourage the development of alternative waste management strategies. Landfill operators can claim up to 90% tax credit against donations they make to environmental projects, subject to these credits not exceeding 20% of their annual landfill tax bill. A greater focus on waste prevention will be recognised through a new target to reduce the amount of household waste not re-used, recycled or composted from over 22.2 million tones in 2000 by 29% to 15.8 million tonnes in 2010 with an aspiration to reduce it to 12.2 million tonnes in 2020 - a reduction of 45%. This is equivalent to a fall of 50% per person (from 450 kg per person in 2000 to 225 kg in 2020). There have been additional greenhouse gas emissions reductions as a result of an increase in diversion of waste from landfill of around 25 million tonnes of waste per annum. As announced in the Budget, there will be an increase in the landfill tax escalator. It will go up by £8 a year from next year until at least 2010-11 (it is currently £24, by 2010 it will be £48).

Long-Term Energy Needs

The topic of energy has moved up the political agenda as more people recognise the importance of a secure but sustainable energy supply. Security is vital because as we move towards becoming a net importer of gas and oil we are increasingly reliant on importing supplies for our energy needs. And sustainability is equally important if we are to address the growing threat of climate change.

At the moment we have a balanced energy generation mix with around 19% coming from nuclear, 33% from coal, 40% from gas and 4% from renewable. The decommissioning of the current nuclear plants means by 2020 only around 7% of our electricity might come from nuclear. In addition strict new EU directives on emissions mean that coal generation which accounts for 33% of our generation might reduce to around 16% by 2020.

The government announced an Energy Review in December 2005, which reported back in July 2006. The review was set up to ensure that we can meet the targets set out in the 2003 Energy White Paper, namely; cutting carbon dioxide emissions, maintaining reliable energy supplies, promoting competitive energy markets at home and abroad and ensuring every home is adequately and affordably heated.

The review considered all options, including emerging technologies, renewables, decentralised energy and the issue of developing of a new generation of nuclear power stations, as well as the role of transport, energy efficiency and the energy market.

Labour is making a huge effort to boost energy from renewable sources. In the East of England alone, we aim to achieve 14% from renewables by 2010. Personally I would far rather that we put investment into renewables than into nuclear and at the same time look harder at ways of saving energy and developing cleaner coal technologies.

Stern Review

I welcomed the Stern review on the economic impact of climate change. I believe this was a key moment. Gordon Brown is the major player, and he has used a similar approach before to pave the way for significant policy developments. In the last Parliament he asked Derek Wanless to do the groundwork on what was needed for the future of the NHS. In the same way, this report will lay the foundation for action in this Parliament.

Nuclear Power Debate

I am not opposed to nuclear power in principle, but I am yet to be convinced that the waste can be disposed of safely, or that new stations can be built without considerable public subsidy. It also seems unlikely that new stations could be commissioned quickly enough to tackle the energy gap that we might face in the very critical next ten years. If money is to be spent, I would far rather it is invested in renewables, micro-generation, and energy-saving which seem to me the most reliable ways to tackle climate change. I strongly welcome the support given to these alternatives in the Government's recent Energy review.

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Education

Education is central to Labour's mission to deliver social justice and equality of opportunity. We are committed to extending high quality education, personalised to each and fair to all. We believe there should be no cap on achievement and no limit to aspiration.

Early Years

Labour is undertaking a revolution in early years education and care - with a guarantee of a free part-time nursery place for every three and four-year-old. You can see the excellent work of SureStart at the Fields Early Years Centre and in Kings Hedges. There are also plans to build a Surestart centre in East Chesterton.

On the 2nd August 2007, the Government underlined its determination to improve life for disadvantaged children in England, with a cash injection of more than £4bn to children's centres, early years education and childcare.

The money will go towards:

- Providing a SureStart Children's Centre in every community by 2010.

- Outreach work to reach the most disadvantaged families.

- Training and support for the early years workforce.

- Ensuring there are sufficient childcare places in each Local Authority.

- Ensuring every nursery and children’s centre has a graduate to lead children’s learning and development.

Our Schools

A good education is the key to better life chances - a route out of poverty and into better opportunities. Over recent years, schools and colleges have made impressive strides. 2005 saw the best ever primary school, Key Stage 3, GCSE and A level results and the highest ever success rates in further education and work-based learning. Inspection tells us that this generation of teachers, lecturers and tutors is the best we have ever had.

The new Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) can build on the successes in education and children's services that we have seen over the last decade and will also focus on the significant challenges that remain. These include - raising standards so that more children and young people reach expected levels, lifting more children out of poverty and re-engaging disaffected young people. The new structure will also allow us to respond to new challenges that will affect children and families: demographic and socio-economic change; developing technology; and increasing global competition.

The 14-19 reforms will give all young people the opportunity to choose a mix of learning which motivates, interests and challenges them, and which gives them the knowledge, skills and attitude they need to succeed in education, work, and life. Every young person has potential and the job of our education system is to develop that potential, so that all young people have opportunities through effort and application to qualify themselves for further learning and work. There are more teachers in schools than at any point in the last 20 years - 36,400 more since 1997 with 287,100 support staff. Every secondary school will be rebuilt or refurbished over the next 10 to 15 years. Already over 250,000 people are benefiting from Labour's Education Maintenance Allowance. The earn-as-you-learn allowances offer a financial incentive to help combat the culture of 'dropping out' of education at 16.

60% of young people in Cambridge gained five or more GCSEs at grade A* to C last year.

The Conservatives have offered no coherent policy for our schools. Under David Cameron's leadership the Conservative Party pledged to abandon its traditional support for grammar schools. However, he quickly bowed to party pressure and performed a U-turn by stating that he would support all existing grammar schools. He has since gone on to state that he would allow new grammar schools to be built in exceptional circumstances.

Further and Higher Education

John Denham, The Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills announced in the House of Commons on the 5th July 2007 that "to compete and prosper in this world, to respond to the needs of leading global and national businesses, we must enable many thousands more people to study and graduate each year. To become a world leader in skills, as Lord Leitch recommended, we must aim for at least 40% of adults to have higher-level qualifications by 2020".

John Denham proposed four major changes to our system of student support.

The government will increase substantially the number of students entitled to maintenance grants. These changes will take effect for students from England entering higher education in 2008. Able, young people from low-income homes should aim for university, confident of the financial support they will receive. From the 2008/09 academic year, a 16 year old who qualifies for an Educational Maintenance Award will be guaranteed a minimum level of maintenance support at university. This 16 year old will be guaranteed at least five years of maintenance support for their studies - through school, college and university. The guarantee will support aspirations for higher education. It will provide certainty about the financial support to fulfill their potential.

From September 2008, full grants will be available to new students from families with incomes of up to £25,000, compared to £17,500 in the current academic year. The government estimates that 50,000 more students each year will receive full grants once the system is fully up and running. With the addition of £310 bursaries from higher education institutions, these students will be guaranteed £3,145 a year.

Students whose families have household incomes of up to £60,000 a year will in future benefit from eligibility for a grant. More than 100,000 extra students at any one time will be entitled to a partial grant once these proposals are fully implemented.

For a student from a household on £25,000 a year earnings, this will mean an extra £1,100 a year in maintenance grant. For a family on £50,000 a year with two children at university, it will mean that each student receives a grant of £560 a year. Just over half of students who entered Higher Education in 2006 received a maintenance grant. From 2008, two thirds will do so.

- A third of students will get a full grant, compared to 29% now;

- A further third will get a partial grant, compared to 22% now.

Over 250,000 students will gain from our proposals once fully implemented. Of these 35,000 will gain more than a £1000 a year and a further 125,000 by more than £500. To fund this improvement and the other measures, John Denham announced that the government will be investing over £400m a year when the system is fully in place. This is a major increase in support to students.

The government also wants to offer graduates more choice over the repayment of their loans. Students starting in 2008 will have this option once they complete their degree. When graduates face significant new outgoings in their lives - such as buying their first home or starting a family - they will have the option of taking a break from their loan repayments. They will be able to take a break of one year, or two, or longer - for up to five years. This would help graduates make flexible choices over their finances at key points in their lives and careers. The salary starting point at which students begin to repay their loans is £15,000. This applies to all students, including those who have already begun to pay back their loans. Any debts outstanding after 25 years would be written off.

Over the next three years, these reforms will help us meet growing aspirations for higher education. The proportion of 18 to 30 year olds going on to higher learning will continue to rise. And universities will receive the same level of funding for teaching each student, in real terms - so that excellence in teaching and learning can be maintained.

Skills and Vocational Training

On 5 December 2006, Lord Leitch published 'Prosperity for all in the Global Economy: World Class Skills'. The report examines the UK's long-term skills needs. It sets out ambitious goals for 2020 which, if achieved, would make the UK a world leader in skills. The objectives by 2020 include:

- 95 per cent of adults to achieve the basic skills of functional literacy and numeracy, an increase from levels of 85 per cent literacy and 79 per cent numeracy in 2005;

- exceeding 90 per cent of adults qualified to at least Level 2, an increase from 69 per cent in 2005; and a commitment to go further and achieve 95 per cent as soon as possible;

- shifting the balance of intermediate skills from Level 2 to Level 3 and Improving the esteem, quantity and quality of intermediate skills. This means 1.9 million additional Level 3 attainments over the period and boosting the number of Apprentices to 500,000 a year.

- exceeding 40 per cent of adults qualified to Level 4 and above, up from 29 per cent in 2005, with a commitment to continue progression.

The Young Apprenticeship (YA) programme is an opportunity for 14-16 year olds to combine the practical application of skills and knowledge in a vocational context with the pursuit of qualifications that relate to particular occupational sectors. It is a valuable addition to the range of vocational options at Key Stage 4 (KS4). It is well suited to the needs of motivated and bright 14-16 year olds pupils to pursue industry specific vocational programmes outside of school, in partnership with employers and involving extended work placements and contributes to a more personalised approach to teaching and learning. A total of 3,000 students have started the two-year Young Apprenticeship programme since it began in September 2004.

There are a range of Young Apprenticeships available including in Art and Design, Business Administration, Engineering, Health and Social Care, the Motor Industry, Sports Management, Leadership and Coaching; Performing Arts; Hospitality; and Textiles. Construction; Food and Drink Manufacturing; Hairdressing; Retail; Science and the Electricity Industry.

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Pensioners

The Labour Government has done a great deal to help pensioners, through winter fuel payments, free TV licences, free prescriptions and discounted driving licences. It's important to ensure that pensioners in Cambridge claim the entitlements that are available to them especially through the Pension Credit that the Labour Government introduced but the Lib Dems and the Tories voted against. The Labour Government is committed to ensuring that every pensioner has a decent and secure income in retirement. I have produced a leaflet 'A Guide to Financial Support for Pensioners in Cambridge' (view pdf leaflet).

Pension Credit

The Pension Credit is an entitlement for people aged 60 and over that was introduced in October 2003. It ensures that everyone aged 60 or over receives an income of at least £119.05 per week if you are single, or £181.70 per week for couples. It also makes certain that pensioners over 65 with small second pensions or modest savings will be rewarded. This could be as much as £19.05 if you are single, or £25.26 for couples. To check whether you are eligible for Pension Credit, ring the application line on freephone 0800 991234. Lines are open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm Saturday.

Winter Fuel Payments

The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment to help older people pay their heating bills. If you are aged 60 to 79 and you are entitled to receive a Winter Fuel Payment, you will get either £100 or £200, depending on your circumstances in the qualifying week (17-23 September 2007). If you are aged 80 or over and you are entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment, you will get an extra £50 or £100, so you could get up to £300, depending on your circumstances in the qualifying week. For couples, the benefit is shared within the household. You do not pay tax on Winter Fuel Payments.

For more information about Winter Fuel Payments call 08459 15 15 15. Lines are open from 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Free Off Peak Bus Travel

Residents of Cambridge, who are aged 60 or over, are entitled to free travel on buses within the Cambridge area after 9.30am weekdays, all weekends and public holidays.

Free TV Licences

The Government will pay for your television licence if you are aged 75 or over. For more information call the TV Licensing information helpline on 0870 241 6468.

Free Prescriptions and Eye Tests

If you are 60 or over, you can get free NHS prescriptions and eye tests. If you're also receiving Pension Credit, you may get vouchers towards the cost of your glasses or contact lenses. For more information, pick up the leaflet 'HC11 Are you entitled to help with health costs?' at your local post office.

Discount Driving Licences

If you're aged 70 or over, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has abolished the fee for a three year driving licence and you can now renew your licence for free. The DVLA will send you a renewal form when your old licence is about to expire. For more information, call the DVLA on 0870 240 0009. The line is open from 8am to 8.30pm, Monday to Friday, and until 5.30pm on Saturdays.

War Disablement Pension

You may qualify if you have been injured or disabled during a time of war, or as a result of your service in the Armed Forces. To find out more, call the War Pensions Agency Freeline on 0800 169 2277.

Free Passports for Veterans

In recognition of sacrifices made by World War Two veterans and civilians, every British citizen born on or before September 2nd 1929 will no longer have to pay for a UK passport. This is to honour those who served to secure our nation's liberty and democracy. For more information, call the Passport Advice Line 0870 521 0410.

Heating help

Check if you are eligible for a Warm Front grant - to help install heating and insulation in your home. Call 0800 316 6014 for more information. British Gas also have a number of fuel poverty measures, including a winter rebate for vulnerable customers. Call 0845 602 2008 for more information.

Pension Reform

The Labour Government is committed to helping people provide for security in retirement. Decisions taken by this Government regarding pensions will take decades to mature, and in order to move forward with confidence, regular upheavals must be avoided and a consensus reached. Labour has boosted pension rights for around 20 million low and moderate earners, carers and disabled people, most of them women, through Second State Pensions. The Pension Protection Fund, established by Labour, will mean that pensions will be paid even where employers fails to meet their promises.

I welcomed the Government's Pensions White Paper, and the subsequent Pensions Act (2007) which aims to modernise the pensions system for the 21st century in order to increase personal savings and reduce the growing dependence of pensioners on means-testing.

Key points from the Bill are:

- The state pension age for men and women will rise gradually: from 65 to 66 from 2024; to 67 from 2034; and to 68 from 2044.

- No-one aged over 47 today will be affected by this change.

- the link between the state pension and average earnings will be restored.

- A new system of personal pension savings accounts will be introduced in 2012 and all companies will have to offer auto-enrolment in the scheme to their workers unless they have a more generous occupational pension scheme which already enrols workers automatically. Companies will have to make a compulsory contribution of 3% of salary to the scheme, with employees paying 4% and the government 1%. The money will be invested on behalf of employees in a variety of savings vehicles.

Help for women and carers

- The number of years of national insurance contributions needed to qualify for a full state pension will be reduced to 30 years for both men and women (it is currently 39 for women and 44 for men).

- Further measures will be introduced to enable people caring for children or the disabled to build up an entitlement to a state pension without having to make a minimum level of national insurance contributions.

- These changes will mean that 70% of women will be eligible for a full basic state pension by 2010, as opposed to 30% now.

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Labour's Economic Record

I remember the days when people said you couldn't trust Labour on the economy. But today the Labour Government has built a strong and stable economy. Employment is up. There are almost two million extra jobs since 1997 and there are over 100,000 extra businesses since 1997. Britain is enjoying historically low levels of inflation and interest rates. I believe this has happened because of the tough, long-term decisions we took such as giving independence to the Bank of England; I am proud that under this government, Britain - alone among the major industrialised economies - has avoided recession, and had the longest period of continuous growth since records began.

Labour is building a fairer tax and benefit system, which encourages and rewards work, guarantees decent family incomes, encourages saving and investment, and tackles poverty. Our reforms are based on the principle of help for all, but most help for those who need it most. We are also committed to reforming the tax system over time to encourage people to change their behaviour to reduce environmental damage.

Our goal is to deliver world-class public services through sustained investment and reform. The Comprehensive Spending Review will provide an opportunity for a fundamental review of the balance and pattern of public expenditure, identifying what further steps are needed to meet the challenges of the decade ahead - challenges such as demographic change, globalisation, global insecurity, and climate and environmental change.

Employment levels reach a record high

Current employment levels are currently at a record high according to official figures. Labour's Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Peter Hain recently announced a fall in unemployment and another fall in the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance.

The figures show that:

- Employment is 29.08 million - up 93,000 on the quarter and 180,000 on the year (2007).

- Unemployment is down 35,000 on the quarter.

- The number on Jobseeker's Allowance is down 91,100 on the year (2007) and down 13,800 in June to 864,100.

- The number on incapacity benefits is 2.67 million, down 38 thousand in the year to November 2006, its lowest level in over 7 years.

- The number on lone parent benefits is 776 thousand, down 3 thousand on the year.

- Vacancies are 641,000 thousand up 52,500 on the year, and redundancies are low at 123,000.

Peter Hain said "The Government's policies, including the creation of the New Deal, mean we have one of the most proactive approaches in the world to getting people off benefits and back into work."

"These figures show that we are getting results: employment is at an all time high, unemployment is down and the numbers on the main out-of-work benefits are falling for the first time in a generation."

"What is more, the improvements have been greatest for the groups that started off in the worst position."

Labour has also launched a ground-breaking new "jobs pledge" aimed at finding job opportunities for a quarter of million people currently on benefit. Peter Hain vowed the government would re-ignite the jobs crusade that Labour's New Deal began in 1997, as part of a Green Paper on the next steps to full employment.

Building on the Local Employment Partnerships, major employers like Sainsburys, Asda and SERCO, in both the public and private sectors, have given a commitment to offer guaranteed job interviews for people who have been on benefit and who are ready and prepared to work.

The reforms will see Britain move into a new era with new support matched by new responsibilities. There are 2.6 million more people in work than in 1997. This government has laid the foundations for the eradication of child poverty; it builds on the progress we have made in extending the right to work for all, and in reaching out to the hardest to help, it aims to offer true social mobility and social justice for every individual.

Levels of unemployment here in Cambridge are very low at just 1.5%.

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Housing

Decent housing matters. At the 2004 Party Conference I was put under huge personal pressure by John Prescott to back down when arguing for fair funding for council housing. Because I knew I had the support of members who had elected me, I stood firm. It was the right thing to do - it has kept the debate alive, and the hope that solutions can be found for the future of council housing in Cambridge.

Affordable Housing

We need to maximise the supply of affordable homes in Cambridge. One of the greatest contributors to unfairness in Cambridge is the lack of social housing for rent, and of homes for sale, at prices working people can afford. Cambridge has some of the highest average property prices, and the gap between house prices and average wages continues to grow. Labour supports growth to increase the supply of social housing for rent and for sale at affordable prices and for which viable transport infrastructure can be provided.

Cambridge is vulnerable to predatory developers who are able to hoard land until they choose to develop it, and then 'sell to let' at inflated prices. Their primary concern is profit, rather than council priorities or the well-being of the Cambridge community. For example: The Belvedere development on Hills Road, includes a home marketed at £1.5 million. This was given planning permission by the Lib Dem city council despite making no contribution to meeting social housing need in the area.

I support the City Council's current policy to 'maximise the supply of social housing', but:

- Lib Dem councillors have failed to require 100% social housing on its own land at Clay Farm, or to debate this issue in public.

- Only 16.2% of homes built in the Cambridge sub-region since 1999 have been social housing.

- Completion rates of social housing are still only half of what they need to be if Cambridge is to house those who want to both live and work here.

Private Tenants

I am very aware of the problems that private tenants face, especially with regards to deposits being unreasonably held by landlords.

The Government identified that there used to be three main problems facing private tenants: disputed and unreasonable claims for damage and cleaning to properties; landlords using deposits as part of their working capital and small claims court processes being lengthy and not producing the desired result. For this reason, Since 6 April 2007, all deposits (for rent up to £25,000 per annum) taken by landlords for Assured Shorthold Tenancies in England and Wales are now protected by a tenancy deposit protection scheme. Tenants should ask their landlord about the details of the scheme when signing a new tenancy agreement.

First Time Buyers

The fact that more than half of Britain's working population cannot afford to buy a home underlines the difficulties faced by first-time buyers trying to get on the property ladder. According to the BBC, the average house costs £216,285 and the average salary is £25,000. In 2005, Labour announced a First Time Buyers Initiative to help over 15,000 first time buyers who could not own or part own a home without extra help. Surplus public sector land is used for the homes, and the price the buyer pays meets the building costs.

It is possible for first time buyers to get onto the property ladder and there are actually some advantages to being a first time buyer:

- interest rates are at their lowest for more than 30 years.

- first time buyers are more appealing to sellers because they are not in a chain (that is they are not part of a long list of people all dependent on each sale in a chain going through on time).

- first time buyers are much sought after by mortgage lenders.

The First Time Buyers Initiative builds on the Government's Key Worker Scheme, which provides housing assistance through new build schemes and equity loans to key workers such as doctors, nurses and teachers.

Social Housing

Nationally, Labour has tripled funding for council housing to £2.5 billion since 1997. The Labour Government is also committed to increasing the annual supply of new social homes by 50% by 2008, and giving local authorities the ability to start building homes again and bring empty homes back into use.

The Government introduced a scheme, branded as HomeBuy, to help people get a foot on the property ladder. This includes the new expanded Open Market HomeBuy, launched by the Government on 2nd October 2006.

There are three parts to the HomeBuy scheme:

- New Build HomeBuy, where you share ownership of your home with a housing association;

- Open Market HomeBuy, where you part-buy a property and get a loan from the Government for the rest; and

- Social HomeBuy, where housing association and local authority tenants are helped to buy their current home.

Contact your local HomeBuy agents to find out if you might be eligible.

The Labour Government is still committed to making all social housing 'decent' by 2010. A decent home is one that is wind and weather tight, warm and has modern facilities. The Government recognises that many councils do not have the resources to bring their housing stock up to the decent homes standard, so there are various options to help local authorities obtain additional financial investment.

Tackling Homelessness

National statistics, published in March 2007, show that the Government's strategy to prevent homelessness is working. These success stories are a result of effective partnerships with local authorities and the voluntary sector in tackling the root causes of homelessness. Rough sleeping is at a record low and we have ended the scandal of families living in bed and breakfast hotels for long periods. The next steps are to get more people into settled homes and out of temporary accommodation. 92 per cent of families with children living in temporary accommodation are in good quality self contained homes, with their own kitchen, bathroom, and living space, but they do not have the security and opportunities a settled home brings.

The Government's homelessness strategy 'Sustainable Communities: settled homes; changing lives' aims to halve the number of households living in temporary accommodation by 2010. We will achieve this by investing in more social housing, as well as increasing funding to prevent homelessness and building more homes across the board.

The Government is increasing the supply of new social homes by 50 per cent by 2008, providing 75,000 new social homes over the next three years. It is allocating more than £80 million to local authorities over the next two years to invest in further prevention schemes which have demonstrated considerable success. The latest National Statistics show a 27 per cent reduction in the number of households becoming homeless compared with the same period last year. This is the lowest number of new cases of homelessness at this time of year since 1985, and the latest in an overall downward trend in acceptances since the beginning of 2004. In additon, the number of households in temporary accommodation has also fallen below 100,000 for the first time since 2004.

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International Relations

While I have not agreed with everything the government has done, for example on the issue of Iraq, in the field of international development we have had some good successes. The way in which the Labour Government put global poverty at the top of the agenda when they hosted the G8 summit made me proud of our government.

I remain very concerned about the current military situation in Iraq. UK forces continue to operate in Iraq as part of the multinational force whose mandate is endorsed by UNSCR 1546. The force is contributing to maintaining security and stability in Iraq supporting the Iraqi Government in its role. The multinational force is also engaged in helping to build the capability of the Iraqi security forces, so they can take responsibility for the security of their own country. I welcome the phased withdrawal of British troops from combat zones and the recent movement from Basra Palace.

I do not feel that it is right for the British Government to be closely associated with a right wing Republican administration. There are many noticeable policy areas where we diverge significantly from the US - Kyoto, trade tariffs and international development

Tackling global poverty

Labour believes that it is wrong that somebody's chances in life depend not on their talents or ambitions, but on where they are born. That is why, in government, we have made it a priority, at home and abroad, to work for the eradication of poverty.

- Labour has more than doubled the aid budget since 1997.

- The UK is leading the way on debt relief. We have written off up to 100% of bilateral debt owed to the UK.

- We established the Africa Commission and have increased bilateral aid to Africa to £1 billion in 2005/6.

- We are making fair trade a top priority.

- We used our leadership of the G8 and EU in 2005 to focus on Africa and led agreement on concrete achievements.

Asylum and immigration

Britain has a proud tradition of offering a safe haven to those genuinely fleeing persecution. People sometimes wonder where my unusual surname came from - my father was born in Vienna but his family left when the Nazis invaded and he came to England where he met my mother whose family hailed from Shepreth.

Offering asylum is a moral duty. But we must ensure that clearly unfounded cases are refused quickly otherwise people will lose faith in the system.

Labour:

- Removes far more failed asylum seekers than the Conservatives did.

- Stops as many illegal immigrants as possible getting to the UK in the first place. Lorries are now being checked for illegal immigrants at ports; there are UK immigration officers checking Eurostar trains at Paris and Brussels; we've spent millions of pounds on fencing and other security which has stopped immigrants using the channel tunnel to enter Britain.

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Health

In 1948, Atlee's Labour government created the National Health Service, laying the foundations of the Welfare State. Today, Gordon Brown's Labour government is investing in and reforming the NHS for a world-class health service fit for the needs of a world-class Britain.

The NHS we inherited in 1997 was on its knees, lacking beds, staff, buildings and equipment. IT systems were archaic and hospitals were crippled by horrendous waiting lists. Years of chronic under investment had taken its toll. Today we are creating a better, faster and more convenient service fit for the 21st century, fair to all and personal to each.

There is still much to do but our programme of record investment and radical reform is bringing about real improvements. By 2008 no one anywhere will have to wait for more than 3 months for treatment. In Europe health funding is in decline and in America vast swathes of people cannot afford health protection. It is Britain which is extending quality and coverage and still free at the point of use. In an age where populations are getting older and purse strings getting tighter, 50 years on, Brown is leading the NHS to sustainability into the next 50.

Better hospitals

- Cancer deaths have fallen by 12 per cent and deaths from heart disease are down by 27 per cent since 1997.

- Hospital waiting lists in England down more than a third (35 per cent) from their peak in 1998 to the smallest since 1987.

- Making it routine for patients to choose the hospital at which they receive their treatment.

- Labour has put in place the biggest ever hospital building programme - 100 new hospitals by 2010.

- Patient satisfaction levels are high - surveys show high patient satisfaction with hospital, ambulance, mental health and primary care services.

- Labour is investing more money in the NHS than ever before. By 2008, total UK health spending will be 9.4 per cent of national income, well above the current EU average of 8 per cent.

Addenbrooke's Foundation Trust

Addenbrooke's is a good local hospital. It's a Foundation Trust, of which I'm a member. Through my work at UNISON I have a clear understanding of health policy nationally. I believe foundation status must be used to develop Addenbrooke's as a public service, not a business, and the Trust must work co-operatively with the wider health community, so I'd urge everyone to join the Trust at www.addenbrookes.org.uk/foundation/index.html.

NHS Dentist

Many people contact me about registering with an NHS dentist. If you have computer access you can find your nearest NHS dentist by typing in your postcode at: www.nhs.uk/England/Dentists/NearestSearch.aspx or you can phone NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

I have recently registered with a Cambridge NHS dentist and I found it simple and trouble-free.

Smoking Ban

I was extremely pleased by the 2007 Smoking ban introduced, despite concerns that Lib Dem MP David Howarth wanted an exemption for private clubs. Cambridge will be a healthier, safer city for everyone as a result of the Smoking Ban.

I will give my total support to ensuring all local restaurants and bars comply with the Labour's smoke-free legislation, and know that their customers want clean air too.

Other countries have successfully introduced smoking bans and finally so have we. People's health in these nations has improved and in Ireland the expected fall in sales has not materialised, in fact sales have increased by more than 5%. People have the right to both live and work without coming into contact with harmful substances and I feel this must take precedence over the smoker's right to light up in public, especially when bearing in mind the billions of pounds this will save the NHS.

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Transport

Good transport links for people and goods are vital for a competitive economy and community welfare. Our priority is to provide a safe and reliable transport network. Our transport system is improving - after decades of underinvestment the equivalent of £260 million of public money is being spent every week to improve our transport network.

Labour is making transport fairer for those who need it most - we've made off peak bus travel free for older and disabled people and new Nationwide Bus Passes allow concessionary bus pass holders to travel free of charge on off-peak local bus services throughout England, including London, from 1 April 2008.

Rail investment is now well over twice the amount being spent in the last decade of Tory government - improving performance for customers. Furthermore, Gordon Brown's new government has just confirmed investment for the future by pledging more than £10bn over 7 years.

Congestion Charging

House prices in Cambridge have risen dramatically in recent years, forcing many people out of the city. The subsequent daily influx of workers into Cambridge massively increases congestion. The historic centre simply cannot support such a dramatic increase, as there just isn't space for expanding road capacity.

The Tory controlled county council has recently put forward proposals for a congestion charge covering the entire city area. I am pleased that the Labour government provided the funding for detailed investigations into a scheme, but I am very disappointed that the county council failed to consult with the public before coming up with their detailed proposals. On a controversial and important scheme like this, you have to take people with you - Labour councils like Manchester have approached the issue very differently. The scheme proposed by the council has a number of significant failings. The council needs to go back to the drawing board, talk openly with local residents and businesses to develop a traffic management scheme that could win broader approval. I would not support the scheme as it stands.

Better Public Transport

The Labour Government is committed to developing a modern, efficient and sustainable transport system. Our transport network has suffered from decades of chronic under-investment. The Government is determined to build a clean, efficient and reliable transport system fit for the 21st century; one in which this country can be proud. This is undoubtedly a formidable challenge.

With a growing, upwardly mobile population travelling more and further, demand for sustainable transport is increasing. The challenge is to move people and goods without damaging our environment. I believe we must reduce traffic growth and improve access to local services so there is less need to drive. We must radically improve the transport network so that walking, cycling, buses and trains become genuine alternatives to taking the car. This should be governed by the basic principle that the polluter pays, with greener alternatives available to all, not just those who can afford it.

Buses

The Government knows more must be done to improve bus services across the country. The Transport Department's innovative Urban and Rural Bus Challenges enable mainstream bus operators to respond flexibly to customer demand. Many people's livelihood depends on buses, and the Government is trying to urge bus operators and councils to work closer together through Quality Partnerships to provide a better standard of service. I am dedicated to fighting for improved bus services in Cambridge and will take every customer complaint directly to the Stagecoach management.

The Labour government will continue to invest in public services, with innovative schemes such as 'Kickstart', which has made funding available for buses in Cambridge to run every 10 minutes.

Railways

At a time when the railways are carrying more people than in the last 40 years, it's essential we work with Network Rail and other train companies towards a common goal - a safer and more efficient service for all passengers.

Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly released the 'Delivering a Sustainable Railway' White Paper in July 2007 in what is described as "the most ambitious strategy for growth on the railways in over 50 years". We will spend more than £10bn to cope with a 20% passenger rise by 2014.

The Green paper outlined improvements to Cambridge rail services. First Capital Connect are contractually committed to lengthen trains on their routes and the government has announced plans for a substantial programme of train-lengthening in the coming years. This vital improvements will enhance services for over crowded commuters.

All of this investment will lead to a 70% increase in rail capacity by 2015.

Road Safety

The UK has an excellent road safety record, with casualties on our roads slowly but steadily declining as a result of numerous measures taken over the last decade. However, the Government is aware that there is more progress to be made and that the number of deaths and injuries to children will always be too high as long as they occur.

Plans being considered include more stringent criteria for passing driving tests and curbs on late night teen driving.

Cycling

Cycling is an easy and quick way to get around.

As we need ever greater efforts to combat green house emissions, using your bike to get from A to B is a healthy and green way to travel.

As a keen cyclist myself, I am acutely aware of the need to improve safety for the thousands of cyclists in Cambridge through a much improved and more extensive cycle path network. Cambridge has the potential to be a model cycling city and I continue to press local and national Government on this issue.

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Anti Social Behaviour and crime

Under Labour crime has fallen, with overall violent crime down by 31% since 1997, but too often when I am out and about in Cambridge people tell me about the problems of low level crime and antisocial behaviour such as public drinking, noisy neighbours and graffiti. I am working to encourage Government legislation to be put to further use in Cambridge to tackle anti social behaviour, street drinking and neighbourhood disturbance.

Anti-social behaviour

The Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003 was introduced by the Labour Government to give police new powers to deal with unacceptable behaviour that damages communities. I have been encouraging the Police and the City Council to make more extensive use of their new powers. Supportive Interventions: Anti Social Behaviour Orders, Acceptable Behaviour Contracts, Dispersal Orders with robust enforcement can be used to help local agencies and the police improve their responses to anti social behaviour. Demotion Orders and Closure Orders can be used against tenants who are abusing their tenancy and behaving in an unacceptable manner.

In January 2006 then Prime Minister Tony Blair published the "Respect" Action Plan, as part of the government's on-going drive against anti-social behaviour. The Respect Action Plan details how the government will encourage respect in communities, including stamping out anti-social behaviour, by:

- supporting or challenging anti-social households.

- tackling truancy and anti-social behaviour in schools.

- providing activities for younger people.

- strengthening local communities.

- stronger measures to tackle anti-social behavour.

More police

The number of police officers in Cambridge has risen over the past few years. In addition, there are 210 voluntary Special Constables who also provide support. Parkside have reassured me that there are likely to be four to six officers on duty at any time in the city centre, with a further ten to twelve covering the remainder of the city. These officers have a range of responsibilities, from responding to urgent calls to working towards police targets to reduce burglary and anti social behaviour.

Police Community Support Officers, the latest addition in the government's fight against crime, work to reassure the public and to tackle the menace of anti-social behaviour. PCSOs spend much of their time on patrol in communities and you should approach them with any questions or worries you have about anti-social behaviour or crime in your area.

Keeping young people occupied

When Labour came to power in 1997, we pledged to be tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime. I believe that Labour has achieved a great deal on both, but I would like to see increasing emphasis put on the long-term underlying causes.

Labour councillors have organised several consultations in Cambridge to discuss the problem of anti social behaviour caused by nuisance neighbours and gangs of young people on the streets. This seems to be a particular problem in Coleridge, Cherry Hinton and King's Hedges. There has been recognition of the need to engage with young people in the community, and not to exclude them. It is unlikely that the provision of additional facilities alone for young people would solve the immediate problems, but I want to work with residents to decide how best to provide additional facilities to help both those who are causing the problems, and those who already contribute positively to the community.

The Government renewed its commitment to tackling this issue as the new Department for Children, Schools and Families headed by Ed Balls will focus on lifting more children out of poverty, re-engaging disaffected young people and raising standards. The core of this strategy will be implementing the new 'Reaching Out' action plan on social exclusion (2006).

In addition, the Government has announced its Ten Year Plan for Young People which has emphasised the need for structured positive activities for young people and particularly the need to ensure that young people gain the social and emotional skills that such experiences can provide.

DPPOs

I support Labour's campaign for the Council to introduce a Designated Public Places Order (DPPO), which would help to stop public drinking and anti social behaviour in the Mill Road area of Cambridge

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Local Issues

Residents often write to local councillors about problems with street cleaning, blocked drains and street lighting. I hope the information below is of some help to you. I suggest that it is also often worth you taking up specific environmental problems in your area directly with the council's 'Streetscene team' by ringing them on 01223 458282. If you don't receive a sympathetic response from them or local rangers, contact me again with full details or ring a local Labour Councillor.

Street Cleaning

The City Council spends around £1m every year on street cleaning but most of it appears to be spent on the city centre, neglecting the residential areas where most of us actually live. There are also operational weaknesses in the City Council's approach, in that some residential streets receive more attention than others. The provision of litter bins is also totally sporadic - and as you know, 'litter breeds more litter'. Why not try ringing the 'Streetscene team' on 01223 458282.

Blocked drains

Blocked drains are becoming an increasing and unpleasant problem, and the situation is not helped by the erratic weather we experience in the UK. The problem is made worse because in certain areas, the City Council fails to clear drains regularly, or because they have not engineered drainage sufficiently to prevent the run off from drains reaching people's homes.

The Lib Dem-run City Council needs to do much more to ensure that this issue is dealt with properly and urgently, including investing in both preventive engineering and effective maintenance. I will be raising the overall issue with council officers. I suggest that it is also worth you taking up any specific problems concerning drainage in your area directly with the Environmental Services department on 01223 457890.

If the issue is not satisfactorily resolved by the Council, please contact me again with full details or ring a local Labour Councillor.

Pavement obstructions

Obstructions on the pavement whether from bins, overhanging trees or bikes can be a problem. I have huge sympathy for all pedestrians particularly those on our narrower streets, and older people or people with prams who can face an obstacle course as they attempt to walk along streets in the city.

I was pleased when after pressure from Labour councillors the city council launched a campaign to get bins off the streets on non-collection days. But the Lib Dem City Council needs to do much more in ensuring that this issue is dealt with properly.

I suggest that it is also worth you taking up any specific problems in your area directly with council officers or their local 'Rangers' by ringing them via the city switchboard on 01223 457000. If you do not receive a satisfactory response from them or local rangers, please contact me again with full details or ring a local Labour Councillor. I am sure that together we can persuade the Council to find solutions and eliminate major misuse of precious pavement space.

Blue and Black Boxes Don't Have Lids

Cambridge blue and black recycling boxes don't have lids. I know there was a lot of discussion when they were first introduced as to whether they should have lids. In the end it was decided that lids would be expensive and they would probably be vandalised and left out littering streets. However I do appreciate that it is a problem when paper, for example, get soggy. I crush my plastic bottles so they don't blow around.

Street lighting

I am very concerned about street lighting in the city, as poorly lit areas can encourage crime, and make residents feel insecure about safety in their neighbourhood. Labour has been working closely with the police and several local groups including students on this issue. The City Council focuses its attention mainly on the city centre neglecting the need in many areas of town where most of us actually live.

Parking

Parking is a massive problem in Cambridge, as many households here have two cars. But there is plenty more that the community and Council can do. Some streets need to work to achieve a consensus view on planned local improvements e.g. soft/hard landscaping to prevent people parking on soft verges or pavements, and new designs for some areas/verges to allow parking but avoid obstructions/damage to pavements/verges.

I want the Council to address this. Urgent action is required, or the parking problems will get worse. I will be raising the overall issue with council officers. Make sure that the council's parking and transport team also knows your specific local concern by ringing the Council's Head of Parking Services on 01223 458500. If you don't receive a positive response, contact me again or ring a Labour Councillor. I am sure we can persuade the Council to do much more about improving and controlling parking.

Dangerous Dogs

I have recently been contacted by a number of local residents concerned about dangerous dogs.

I have held meetings with residents and the local PCSOs and contacted the council and the RSPCA.

The law makes provision for the Police and the Council, to take action to deal with dangerous dogs. A dog can be regarded as dangerous, or potentially dangerous, if it bites a person or if a person has a genuine apprehension that it might be about to bite them.

If you have a problem with dogs locally you should make contact with the police or the dog warden.

Calls about specific incidents should be referred to the Police for investigation, particularly when it is alleged that a person has been bitten or attacked. Call Cambridgeshire Police on 08454 564 564.

Calls for more general advice about the behaviour of a dog should be referred to the Dog Warden on 01223 457000.

The Dog Warden may undertake any or all of the following actions:

- Oral advice, either over the telephone or at a home visit

- Liaison with the Police about an incident

- Informal advice to the owner of a dog which has been the subject of a call to the service

- Confirmation of advice given, by letter

- Joint operations with other agencies, eg Police, RSPCA

- Monitoring and open surveillance of public open spaces and areas where a dog or dogs may be found

Last updated July 07