Charlotte MacKenzie

Archive for 2010

People in Cornwall worse off with Con Dem cuts

In news on June 22, 2010 at 1:01 pm

The Coalition Government announced it’s first budget today.

The budget included plans to:

  • freeze pay for Cornwall’s four out of ten workers employed in the public sector;
  • cut housing benefits which helped many people in Cornwall keep their homes during the recession;
  • cut funding for child benefits, Sure Start, and the disability living allowance;
  • review transport and other investment plans which are important for Cornwall’s economy in the Autumn.

Labour spokesperson Charlotte MacKenzie said:

“This budget is bad news for people in Cornwall.

“Many people here will be worse off as a result of today’s announcements. Many local workers now face pay freezes alongside bigger bills. It will increase the threat of homelessness for families on lower incomes. It cuts support for families with children and for Sure Start, and plans to cut funding for the Disability Living Allowance. There is a commitment to review spending on transport and other projects in the Autumn, and there was no specific commitment to any of the plans for investment in Cornwall’s transport infrastructure.

“It isn’t surprising that a Tory Chancellor would make these cuts. But many people here have previously supported the Liberal Democrats because they believed they could stop the Tories. Today, top Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg and Danny Alexander sat on side with the Tories while they savaged the household incomes of many Cornish families and those on lower incomes.”

To join Labour call 08705 900 200 or follow the link below.

Falmouth Labour runs Tories close in Council byelection

In news on May 29, 2010 at 3:34 pm

The Falmouth Penwerris byelection saw Labour take 38 per cent of the votes cast.

At Cornwall Council elections last year, the County and District Penwerris seats – which had previously been held by both Labour and the Liberal Democrats – were one of four Independent wins in Falmouth.

On Thursday 27 May, Labour’s Kim Moreton received 304 votes – the same number with which the Cornwall Council seat was won by Independent Councillor Grenville Chappel in 2009. Although the Falmouth Town Council byelection seat was narrowly won by the Conservative candidate with 324 votes, Labour’s voteshare represents a substantial swing back to Labour, and shows the Party is fighting back successfully to rebuild our strength in Falmouth.

Thank you for voting for me

In news on May 7, 2010 at 9:24 pm

Charlotte MacKenzie today thanked everyone who voted Labour in Truro and Falmouth.

Speaking after the result had been declared, Charlotte MacKenzie said:

“I want to thank everyone who voted for me and voted Labour here.

“The general election turnout and result in this constituency shows many more people voting Labour than at last year’s local elections, when some people who were rightly dismayed by the MPs’ expenses scandal chose to stay home.

“Many people who lent their support to the Liberal Democrats because they believed that was the best way to ‘stop the Tories’ at this general election feel utterly betrayed by the fact that Nick Clegg is now in talks about possibly supporting the Tories to form a government in this hung Parliament.

“How people vote is a matter for them. My personal approach has always been to encourage people to vote for what they believe in.”

Bigotgate in reverse?

In news on May 6, 2010 at 10:20 am

The Falmouth Packet has corrected an inaccurate report on a public debate in Falmouth this week.

They misreported broadcast comments on immigration by Labour’s general election candidate for Truro and Falmouth Charlotte MacKenzie.

The comments were made during the recording of a BBC Radio Cornwall debate which was broadcast and can be listened to again online here.

Charlotte MacKenzie said in response to a question on EU immigration that it is a two-way street and single Labour market.

The invited audience drawn from across the Truro and Falmouth constituency applauded Charlotte MacKenzie’s further comments that asylum seekers need protection.

Speaking today Charlotte MacKenzie said: “Falmouth has been a cosmopolitan seaport welcoming people from Europe and beyond for centuries. As a candidate I won’t pander to prejudice and made this clear during the BBC broadcast. I am glad that the Falmouth Packet have published this retraction.”

More about Charlotte’s campaign

In news on May 6, 2010 at 10:19 am

Truro and Falmouth – vote Labour

Charlotte’s website

Charlotte’s blog

Charlotte MacKenzie TV

Follow Charlotte on Twitter

Find Charlotte on facebook – politician’s page and profile

 

Recent news:

BBC Radio Cornwall – listen to the Truro and Falmouth debate

West Briton – listen to the Truro and Falmouth podcast

Voting for Cornwall’s economy

Housing and earnings in Cornwall – candidate debate

Cornwall’s NHS – candidate debate

Charlotte’s candidate column – Falmouth edition

Labour launches manifesto

Cornwall’s environment – candidate debate

Cornwall Council – first candidate debate

Vote for what you believe in

In news on May 5, 2010 at 11:41 pm

The Daily Mirror 2010 guide to voting tactically to keep the Tories out confirms

Labour supporters – vote Labour here

Charlotte’s promises to you:

an honest, fair, hardworking, local MP who lives hereI will only claim for the direct costs of doing the job. I will publish my diary and expenses in full. I will not take on a second job.

protecting Cornwall’s NHSNew NHS treatment guarantees for patients. Get results from cancer tests within one week of seeing your GP. Mums can choose where to give birth.

fair funding for elderly careLabour will introduce a new National Care Service like the NHS. Free of the fear that people must sell their homes and spend family savings to pay for the care they need.

more local jobs

Labour’s investment will help start up new industries for Cornwall – in the creative, digital, marine, maritime, and renewable sectors.

local homes your family can affordMy job as an MP will partly be to help ensure Cornwall Council listens to you and delivers more local homes that your family can afford. Labour is investing in low cost housing, and helping first-time buyers by raising the stamp duty threshold to £250,000, and

we will keep mortgage interest rates low.

more new schools and better children’s servicesThis year the Labour Government allocated £69 Million of a possible total £500 Million for Cornwall’s schools for the future. The Labour Government intervened to make sure Cornwall Council improves local children’s services.

fair system of student fundingAccess to university must be based on ability, not wealth – I will put local students first when considering any proposed changes to university funding, and vote against any increase in top up fees.

 

 

The choice in this constituency

At every general election since the second world war when Falmouth was in the same constituency as Truro, Labour won the seat.

In this constituency today there is a three way fight between the main Parties. It is only fair for voters to expect openness from the candidates, particularly in the wake of the MPs’ expenses scandal.

After your MP is elected, whether or not they choose transparency, they will be under public scrutiny.

The well-established website They Work for You which keeps track of how MPs vote on key issues has invited candidates to answer national and local questions to help people decide how to place their vote. At the time of posting this, the Tory and Green candidates in Truro and Falmouth have not done so. Why not?

Public trust in politicians is a huge issue at this election. But only Charlotte MacKenzie for Labour and the Tory candidate in this constituency have so far made and published a voluntary declaration of interests. This isn’t a legal requirement for candidates, but it is for MPs.

Surely those wanting to be elected must recognise voters will make up their own minds if they fail to publish this information using the common format.

, , , ,

The choice in Truro and Falmouth

In news on May 4, 2010 at 2:01 pm

In this constituency there is a three way fight between the main Parties. It is only fair for voters to expect openness from the candidates, particularly in the wake of the MPs’ expenses scandal.

After your MP is elected, whether or not they choose transparency, they will be under public scrutiny.

The well-established website They Work for You which keeps track of how MPs vote on key issues has invited candidates to answer national and local questions to help people decide how to place their vote. At the time of posting this, the Tory and Green candidates in Truro and Falmouth have not done so. Why not?

Public trust in politicians is a huge issue at this election. But only Charlotte MacKenzie for Labour and the Tory candidate in this constituency have so far made and published a voluntary declaration of interests. This isn’t a legal requirement for candidates, but it is for MPs.

Surely those wanting to be elected must recognise voters will make up their own minds if they fail to publish this information using the common format.

More about Charlotte’s campaign

In news on May 3, 2010 at 11:01 am

Truro and Falmouth – vote Labour

Charlotte’s website

Charlotte’s blog

Charlotte MacKenzie TV

Follow Charlotte on Twitter

Find Charlotte on facebook – politician’s page and profile

 

Recent news:

BBC Radio Cornwall – listen to the Truro and Falmouth debate

West Briton – listen to the Truro and Falmouth podcast

Voting for Cornwall’s economy

Housing and earnings in Cornwall – candidate debate

Cornwall’s NHS – candidate debate

Charlotte’s candidate column – Falmouth edition

Labour launches manifesto

Cornwall’s environment – candidate debate

Cornwall Council – first candidate debate

Charlotte supports youth manifesto

In news on April 29, 2010 at 6:22 pm

Labour’s candidate for Truro and Falmouth Charlotte MacKenzie has added her support to a youth manifesto giving politicians five policies that are important to young people.

The youth-led British Youth Council has created a General Election Manifesto ‘Our Parliament, Our Vision’ that outlines five actions Parliament must take to improve the lives of young people in the UK:

  • Support a National Youth Transport card that offers 16 to 25 year olds a third off public transport fares.
  • Reduce the voting age for parliamentary and other public elections to 16 years.
  • Create an equal National Minimum Wage for everyone aged 16 and over.
  • Keep the promise to end child poverty by 2020.
  • Invest in comprehensive mental health services for young people.

Charlotte MacKenzie shares the British Youth Council that it is crucial to engage young people and listen to their opinions during this election.

Charlotte MacKenzie said of the BYC Manifesto:

“I am delighted to add my support to the British Youth Council’s General Election Manifesto. In particular I support young people calling for help with transport costs because this is also a priority for Cornwall Youth Forum and would help local students and workers up to the age of 25 too. Over-60s have free travel passes and young people are the other main users of public transport.

“It’s really important for young people to have a voice in this election, speak out and use their votes if they are registered”.

BYC Chair Alex Delaney, who is leading the ‘Our Parliament, Our Vision’ campaign says:

“We believe it’s our Parliament too. Our vision should inform and influence what it does. All of the five calls for action in this Manifesto address real issues that affect them today. Teenagers are struggling to meet travel costs to get to places of education, training or work; young workers are being paid unequal wages just because of their age; four million children are living in poverty; the needs of young people with mental health problems are not being met; young people are not heard in our democracy.”

Charlotte welcomes jobs news

In news on April 21, 2010 at 2:14 pm

Figures published today show that unemployment has started to fall in Cornwall, with about 500 more people working in March compared to February.

In Truro and Falmouth constituency the number of people in work has increased by 100 – about one in seventeen of those who were looking for work in February.

Charlotte MacKenzie said:
“This is good news and shows that Cornwall’s economy is starting to recover from the recession. Although there is always a seasonal element to work in Cornwall, at the very least it means people who are now back at work are not facing long-term joblessness. I hope that this upturn will be consolidated over the next few months.”

, ,

Labour’s Manifesto 2010

In news on April 12, 2010 at 8:51 pm

, ,

Labour can win Truro and Falmouth

In news on April 12, 2010 at 6:29 pm

Charlotte’s campaign in Falmouth got underway this weekend in the spring sunshine.

Charlotte MacKenzie said:

“We are talking to voters everyday in this new three way constituency.

“I hope people will vote, and vote for what you believe in.

“Everyone is tired of cynical old politics, like the Liberal Democrats here trying to steal Labour’s support. Labour can win here on a swing like that which made Julia Goldsworthy MP in 2005.

“Everyone who wants to keep the Tories out is best off voting Labour – Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has said he will work with the Tories in a hung Parliament.”

To volunteer to help Charlotte’s campaign team, contact Charlotte.

Charlotte’s supporters were joined by Treasury Minister Lord Paul Myners.

Photo: Jayne Kirkham, Maureen Bailey, Michael Harland, Charlotte MacKenzie, Lord Paul Myners, Kim Moreton.

, , ,

Labour offers Cornwall Council new homes deal

In news on March 28, 2010 at 11:14 pm

Charlotte MacKenzie today welcomed Labour’s shake up of funding for
council homes.

Housing Minister John Healey MP announced Labour will give Councils
new freedoms to fund and run their local housing stock. Cornwall
Council already has some Labour Government funding to build new
Council homes. The new system will release at least 10 per cent more
money to build new council homes.

Tenants – like those in Carrick Housing – whose homes have been
upgraded through the decent homes programme will have guaranteed
future funding to maintain high standards backed by a new national
regulator, the Tenant Services Authority.

Charlotte MacKenzie said:

“These proposals are exactly what Cornwall Council needs to make the
most of its existing housing stock and to invest in more new homes to
meet local housing need. I hope Cornwall Council will respond
positively to the opportunity to start working in this way from next
year, it will help speed up delivery of new homes for local people in
housing need; and keep the revenue from Council housing stock in
Cornwall.”

Sarah Webb, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Housing said:
“We are delighted at the Government’s clear commitment to new council
house building and are also very pleased that our work to help shape a
new self-financing future for councils has been taken on board.”

The plans mean dismantling the old ’Housing Revenue Account’ system
which has long been criticised by local government. Established
initially in the 1930s, the HRA system was reinforced by Margaret
Thatcher in the 1980s as a way of discouraging authorities from
building new council housing.

Under the new system, councils will keep all rent collected as well as
all receipts from sales of housing or land. Not a single penny will go
elsewhere. Councils will have to accept a share of an additional £3.65
billion debt, but none would take on debt that was not sustainable in
the long term.

The consultation document, Council Housing: A real future seeks the
views of councils on implementing the new system. Responses are
required by 6 July 2010. More information and the consultation
document can be found at:

http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/decenthomes/councilhousingfinance/

The new system would be implemented voluntarily where Councils agree
from 2011-12, and addresses concerns raised by local government about
the current HRA system. The need to reform the HRA has cross-party
support.

However, other housing plans under consideration by the Tories could
make council tenancies less secure.

, , ,

Labour’s Charlotte MacKenzie welcomes budget

In news on March 28, 2010 at 11:11 pm

Charlotte MacKenzie, Labour’s prospective MP for Truro and Falmouth, today welcomed the Chancellor’s budget statement.

Charlotte MacKenzie said: “This Budget secures the recovery – rather than putting it at risk.

“It builds a future based on growth and jobs – rather than leaving people to a decade of austerity.

“It sets out a clear plan to halve the deficit while protecting frontline services. The Conservatives refuse to match our pledge and continue to conceal their plan.

“We will make these choices in a fair way – standing up for the many, not the few.

“I particularly welcome the help for first time buyers which means nine out of ten people buying a home for the first time won’t pay any stamp duty.”

Charlotte MacKenzie challenged local Conservatives to come clean about their party’s plans: “The Tories must say how they would meet the challenge that we have set in this Budget.

“How much would the Tories cut from spending in 2010/11? They won’t say.

“How quickly would the Tories halve the deficit? They won’t say.

“By how much would the Tories reduce the structural deficit? They won’t say.

“We’ve set out our plan. It is time for Tory candidate Sarah Newton to come clean.”

, , , ,

Labour supports pubs at the heart of Cornwall’s communities

In news on March 20, 2010 at 4:02 pm

Pubs minister John Healey MP today announced 12 business support measures to help community pubs.

Charlotte MacKenzie, Labour’s prospective MP for Truro and Falmouth, said:
“Cornwall’s pubs can be the heart of their local community, and the steps announced today are designed to help keep them open. A fund of £3.3 Million pounds is being provided to support community ownership of up to 50 pubs through the Plunkett Foundation. And the demolition of pubs is to be controlled to allow for community intervention.”

The Campaign for Real Ale CAMRA has lent it’s support to the Labour Government’s action, saying:
“This is a great day for people who care about the future of our community pubs. This inspired action plan could offer a lifeline to thousands of pubs and help communities stave off pub closures which threaten their quality of life and community well-being. I am delighted that John Healey has listened to CAMRA’s calls to help stop pubs being demolished unnecessarily, to ban the anti-competitive practice of placing restrictive covenants on pubs to stop their future use as pubs, and for the industry to self-reform the beer tie to allow pub tenants a free of tie option and to take a guest ale.”

, ,

“Be the boss” – new business start-up scheme will help Cornwall’s veterans

In news on March 20, 2010 at 3:57 pm

Labour’s prospective MP for Truro and Falmouth, Charlotte MacKenzie, has welcomed a new scheme to provide ex-service personnel with loans and grants to help them start up their own business.

The Labour Government has announced the “Be the Boss” enterprise scheme which will be delivered by the Royal British Legion throughout the UK.

Charlotte MacKenzie said:

“Veterans in Cornwall who have bravely served their country deserve help to get a business going. This scheme will take business ideas off the drawing board and made into reality.

“I would urge veterans who might be thinking of setting up a business to get in touch with the Royal British Legion to see what support they can access.

“I know from visiting Truro Citizen’s Advice Bureau and the Royal British Legion money and benefits advice service that additional support can make all the difference to ex-service personnel in Cornwall.”

Business Minister Lord Drayson said:

“In my time at Defence, I’ve been inspired by the talent, capability and can-do attitude of the armed forces. Those are exactly the qualities you need in business too, but ex-service personnel are under-represented when it comes to start ups and self-employment.

“This scheme puts that right, helping former servicemen and women to be their own boss and go on contributing to our society.”

Veterans Minister Kevan Jones said:

“So many members of the Armed Forces have the skills and discipline to make a success of their own business. This scheme will provide them with the tools – and confidence – to develop sound business plans, as well as funding start-up costs. It is another example of our commitment to the men and women who have served our country.”

ENDS

Notes for Editors
· The “Be the Boss” scheme will be delivered by the Royal British Legion and will be open to registrations of interest from April 1 2010 throughout the UK.

· All those leaving the Services since the commencement of operations in Afghanistan (October 2001), as well as reservists who have seen active service since that date, will be eligible for this scheme.

· Ex-service personnel, who have been discharged since 7 October 2001, will be able to apply for a loan of up to £30,000 and grants of up to £7,500 through the scheme.

· For further information or to register for support please visit www.civvystreet.org , email betheboss@civvystreet.org or contact the ‘Be the Boss’ dedicated free phone helpline 0800 678 5787.

, ,

Labour welcomes jobs news

In news on March 20, 2010 at 3:54 pm

Labour’s prospective MP Charlotte MacKenzie today welcomed news that unemployment is starting to fall.

The figures published today for February 2010 show that, in Truro and Falmouth constituency, unemployment continues to be below the UK average.

Charlotte MacKenzie said:

“It is great news that jobs figures nationally are on the upturn. Despite the recent recession, the number of people working in Carrick continues to be encouraging, because unemployment is below the UK average. As local people remember, this is the opposite of the jobs position when Labour was elected in 1997.

“There is always a significant seasonal element to employment in Cornwall. The local figures show that the number of people looking for work has not increased this month. We are not yet seeing a local fall in the number of people seeking work, but normally there is an upturn here after Easter because of seasonal working.

“The jobs success story in Cornwall has been the 90 per cent decrease in youth unemployment from 1997 levels thanks to Labour’s new deal. Labour’s jobs action during the recession focuses on preventing a return to long-term youth unemployment. I support that action because it is working, and I will continue to watch local figures closely to ensure there is no return to high levels of long-term unemployment for young people in Cornwall.”

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Yvette Cooper, said: 

“The fall in unemployment for the third month in a row is very welcome, but we should remain cautious. We’re not out of the woods yet and we are still determined to do more to support jobs and help the unemployed this year. 
 
“The figures show the investment in jobs, education and training places is making a real difference. Half a million fewer people are out of work than anticipated at the time of last year’s budget – saving over £10bn as a result. 
 
“However, now is not the time to cut back on support for jobs as the Tories propose. We know things will be difficult for some time, and unemployment in the eighties and nineties rose for years after the recessions finished. That is why we plan to increase help to get people back into jobs this year, not cut it back, so we can support the jobs of the future.” 

Minster for Employment Jim Knight, said:

“While it’s good news that the number of young people claiming unemployment benefit has fallen for the fourth month in a row, there is no let up in our investment to ensure every young jobseeker gets the chance to find work and make a future for themselves. 
 
“I am delighted to announce a further 7,000 Future Jobs Fund jobs for young people as part of Government’s unprecedented guarantee that 18-24 year olds who are unemployed for six months will get a job, a work placement or a training opportunity. We are determined to give them the chance to develop skills and get that all important foot on the career ladder.”

, ,

Labour calls for fresh approach to waste management

In news on March 15, 2010 at 8:20 am

Labour’s prospective MP Charlotte MacKenzie today said that environmental issues are of prime importance to some people in Truro and Falmouth, and called for a fresh approach to Cornwall’s waste management.

Charlotte MacKenzie said:

“Many people think Cornwall Council has got it’s waste strategy wrong. In 2005 local elections, my local Party called for more consultation before the Council issued a 30 year contract for Cornwall’s waste services. The incoming Liberal Democrat Council instead ploughed on with plans which included incineration as their preferred option, and contracted with SITA.

“The unitary authority brought together waste collection (previously a District responsibility) and waste disposal (previously a County responsibility). Despite the existing contracts, this should be an opportunity to develop a new waste strategy that works much better for local communities and Cornwall’s environment. Many people are disappointed that instead the Tory-dominated Council decided to continue the existing contract with SITA.

“In Truro and Falmouth constituency there is no household amenity site for 40,000 households. There are plans to provide a site like this on the outskirts of Falmouth, and I hope that calls for this much needed facility in Truro will also be listened to and provided at a suitable convenient location. The fact is that four out of ten households in this constituency don’t make use of the kerbside recycling collections. There needs to be much more positive support persuading people to start recycling through the existing collections services paid for by council tax, or a fresh approach that leads people to recycle more.

“The SITA planning appeal hearing opens on Tuesday 16 March. Truro and Falmouth Labour Party made local views known through the earlier consultations by calling for a decentralised waste strategy which reduced the need for transportation. This would mean lower carbon emissions; more re-use and recycling; and using newer, greener technologies at several locations across Cornwall to generate energy from waste.

“Cornwall Council say they are developing a ‘green Cornwall’ strategy. They are taking steps to meet reduction targets for the Council’s own carbon emissions and backing some more sustainable transport initiatives. But it isn’t clear that simply disposing of Council owned buildings with higher emissions, or failing to rethink Cornwall’s centralised waste plan, will lead to the lower carbon Cornwall many people want to see.”

, ,

Standing up for Cornwall’s children

In news on March 11, 2010 at 9:00 am

Labour’s Charlotte MacKenzie today lent her support to two campaigns to move children’s services to the top of the political agenda.

Charlotte said:

“In Cornwall, we know that the investment in new children’s centres – which I warmly welcome – hasn’t always been matched by the effective co-ordination needed to make children’s services fail-safe. I am glad that the Ofsted inspection brought the urgent need for improvement to light before the communication gaps in Cornwall caused a preventable child tragedy. Leadership is vital and following the resignation of Cllr Sally Bain I hope Cornwall Council moves quickly to appoint a new portfolio holder in this area.

“I know how difficult it is for people working in front line children’s services – support for front line staff is vital and the Ofsted report also highlighted staffing needs.

“I am supporting two national campaigns for children.

“Everyone in Cornwall who is concerned about the problems in local children’s services will welcome the NSPCC’s child protection campaign.

“People have been raising specific issues with me about caring for children with disabilities in Cornwall. The Every Disabled Child Matters campaign is highlighting this important issue and support services are also influenced by local decision making.”

You can find out more at http://charlottemackenzie.com

For more information see National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) and http://www.ncb.org.uk/edcm/home.aspx

, , ,

Charlotte demands answer on Ashcroft funding in Truro and Falmouth

In news on March 8, 2010 at 8:03 pm
Charlotte MacKenzie has written to the local Tory PPC demanding answers on funding from Lord Ashcroft:
     “I am writing to follow up some of your comments at the recent Falmouth School hustings; these were about what I can only describe as your party’s Deputy Chairman Lord Ashcroft’s bankrolling of political campaigns.
     The facts have been widely reported. In 1999, when Conservative leader at the time William Hague first recommended Lord Ashcroft for a Peerage, he was rejected. It was only in 2000, after he promised to return to live in Britain and pay tax here, that the House of Lords allowed him to become a member. It has now emerged that this is a promise he never kept. Instead of paying tens of millions of pounds in tax – money that might have helped to fund Cornish schools and hospitals – Lord Ashcroft chose to spend the money on Conservative political campaigns instead. 
     I have three simple questions for you in relation to Lord Ashcroft: 
1. Do you think it is right that Lord Ashcroft should have been allowed by your party’s leaders to conceal the truth about his status for 10 years?
2. Will you repay any money that has come from Lord Ashcroft or one of his companies directly or indirectly via Tory central office?
3. Will you rule out taking any donations from Lord Ashcroft or his companies in future?  
I won’t allow a fair future for people in Cornwall to be bought off by a billionaire from Belize. People here have a right to know how many £s from Lord Ashcroft’s donations have been spent on your Conservative campaigns contacting people in Truro and Falmouth constituency. At the Falmouth School public event you said you would be privileged if you were elected, and I agree. 
     Next time people in Truro and Falmouth receive one of your letters or leaflets, they have a right to feel and recognise that your expensive Tory campaigns may have come at the cost of a new school or new health care facilities for people in Cornwall. The Conservative Party also want to cut Sure Start, cut the Child Tax Credit, and scrap the Child Trust Fund for millions of UK families.  While at the same time giving the richest people in Britain a huge £200,000 tax break.
     Given the importance of this matter I am copying this letter to local media.
     I would not want this letter to compromise our friendly and direct recognition as the two main Party candidates here since 2007. The coming general election will be a choice between a Labour and Tory government, and we have one shared belief in common: Cornwall needs representation of the Party in Government.
 
Yours sincerely
Charlotte”

, ,

The hunting act 2004 – five years old today

In news on February 19, 2010 at 10:12 am

Five years ago, on 18 February 2004, the Labour Government’s Hunting Act became law, ending the cruelty and suffering of hunting with dogs.

Labour’s prospective MP for Truro and Falmouth Charlotte MacKenzie said:

“In this rural constituency, I hear both sides of the arguments for and against the Hunting Act. But the majority of people who have contacted me on this issue are asking me to confirm that I will vote against any proposed repeal that would allow the cruelty of hunting with dogs to return.

“The fifth anniversary of this hard won Labour law is a day of celebration for those who support animal protection, and believe it is an ethical as well as environmental cause. Rather than trying to turn the clock back on hunting with dogs, those seeking a sustainable future for rural communities, as I do, need to look to the future.

“It would not be a good use of parliamentary time to bring forward a proposed repeal of the Hunting Act. It shows just how out of touch the Tories are with the issues that matter most to people, including those in rural communities:  jobs, the economy, health services, schools, housing, and transport.

“But if a proposed repeal of the Hunting Act were brought forward, I will vote to continue the ban on this cruelty, and I have also pledged to support a wider range of animal protection measures by ‘voting cruelty free’.”

, ,

Cornwall’s Tories : community asset strippers

In news on February 3, 2010 at 9:47 pm

Charlotte MacKenzie today condemned more property moves by Cornwall Council which disregard community aspirations. The issue came to a head as the Council markets two former schools in the constituency:

(1) Devoran Old School. On Monday evening over 100 people attended a meeting called by Devoran Action Group. This group has been working to develop plans for the community to take over the village centre building and develop it as a community centre with a nursery, after school clubs, village shop, and other employment units. The Council backed this scheme by applying for it to be one of two possible community asset transfer pilots and access government funding. The outcome of this bid is not yet known, but those at the meeting on Monday evening want it to go ahead. However, while the Council is waiting for the outcome of the bid they have put the property on the open market, and say that – if Devoran Action Group cannot come up with a competitive bid and available funds by 11 February (next Thursday) – they will accept one of the other bids they have so far received.

(2) Old Richard Lander School site. This site was placed back on the market on 23 January 2010. It is one of very few brownfield sites in Truro, and one which local residents accept could be used for new social and affordable homes. The draft Truro and Threemilestone Action Plan – which has been through public consultation – ear-marked the site for housing development including 50 per cent affordable housing as it is currently public sector land. But the Council has now ignored it’s own plan and advertised the land as suitable for development as a ‘district’ retail centre, with limited housing, of which only 35 per cent would now be expected to be affordable.

Charlotte said:

“If Devoran old school was re-used as a community centre it could put the heart back into the local communities of Devoran, Point, and Penpol. 

“I know that people in the Truro ward that I represent as a councillor will be very upset at the prospect of more intensive retail development near what is known locally as the ‘Sainsburys roundabout’; and at the fact that this development could mean fewer social and affordable homes being delivered on what many people see as the most suitable and available local site.

“In January the Council agreed a draft document on community engagement. These two decisions show that document isn’t worth the paper it is written on. In both cases, the Council is well aware of what local people would prefer to see happen and they have chosen to disregard our views.”

, , , , ,

The Tory pledge to Cornwall: cuts, cuts, cuts

In news on January 26, 2010 at 11:23 am

Cornwall Council leader Alec Robertson this morning confirmed yesterday’s Cabinet decision to agree to cut the Council budget and services by 20 per cent. With a warning that 1,000 jobs may go, he refused to be drawn on possible specific cuts.

It was inevitable that last year’s Council reorganisation would lead to streamlining of backroom administration in areas like IT and finance. There have already been some job losses as a direct result. Now the Council says it is looking to contract out some of this administration.

Labour’s prospective MP Charlotte MacKenzie said: “The Council’s Tory dominated leadership must now tell people in Cornwall which one in five of our schools, firestations, one stop shops, libraries, community and voluntary sector funding, and other services they intend to cut.

“The Council’s three year funding settlement from central government – which supports most local services – increased by more than 4 per cent this year, well above inflation.”

Independent reports previously concluded that the former Liberal Democrat administration lacked effective political leadership in it’s handling of issues such as proposed cuts to local fire services.

Charlotte MacKenzie added: “Now the new Tory dominated leadership seems to be following the Liberal Democrats’ poor example. Everyone who works for the Council and relies on their services now fears what these plans will mean for them.

“By refusing to take up the invitation to work as part of the new Council’s leadership, the Liberal Democrat group has placed itself in the position where they can only do what they sometimes seem to enjoy most: complain loudly, be ignored, and then blame somebody else.”

, , , , , ,

Charlotte challenges Tory on priorities

In news on January 18, 2010 at 2:08 pm

Labour’s prospective MP for Truro and Falmouth, Charlotte MacKenzie, today challenged the local Tory candidate to make known her real views on local priorities. ConservativeHome today published the top priorities of Tory candidates.

Charlotte MacKenzie said:

“This is a coward’s charter and it is not what Cornwall needs. The Tory candidates who responded to this survey put Cornwall’s priorities last.

“The issues they ranked as least important include affordable housing, better transport, new schools, protecting the countryside from over-development, and tackling climate change. Most people see these as some of their top priorities for Cornwall. I challenge Sarah Newton to confirm whether she replied to this survey, and if so to publish her response.

“Everyone can ask MPs and candidates for their views on climate change through Ed Miliband’s website .

“This is an own goal for local Tories – it is hypocritical to make promises they lack the clout to deliver, even within their own Party.” 

 

, ,

Cornwall’s Cons – we can’t go on like this

In news on January 18, 2010 at 1:33 pm

The latest press release from Cornwall’s Tories claims of their plans to dispose of 48 office buildings and spend £12 Million plus on remodelling three main offices:

“Capital receipts from property disposals will be re-invested in better services.”

Whereas Local Government Association guidance published in October 2009 confirms the legal position:

“Councils can only use assets sales to finance capital spending.”

This fact was made clear to Cornwall Council’s Cabinet on Wednesday 13 January 2010, and the Tory press release was published after that meeting.

While we are on the subject of Tory bogus claims, the fact that buildings which are no longer Council offices will not contribute to the Council’s carbon emissions may do nothing to reduce Cornwall’s carbon footprint if these buildings continue to be used by others without being retro-fitted.

What has happened to Cornwall’s climate change action plan?

, ,

Labour funds new Cornwall Council homes

In news on January 12, 2010 at 1:48 am

Housing Minister John Healey MP announced on Monday 11 January that Labour is increasing funding for new council homes by £500 Million.

Some of this funding has already been allocated to Cornwall Council to build more council houses including 16 new homes at Tresillian near Truro. Charlotte MacKenzie, Labour’s prospective MP for Truro and Falmouth, said:

“This is great news for Cornwall. This is the largest council house building programme for at least two decades and I am really glad that people in this constituency will benefit. The boost for our area is part of the massive £1.5 Billion housing pledge announced by the Prime Minister last June.

“Everyone deserves a decent home, but house prices and private sector rents make that unaffordable for many people in Cornwall. This funding is a step in the right direction and I will be calling for further funding in future so that we can meet Cornwall’s housing needs.

“Labour’s actions stands in stark contrast to the Tories’ proposals for slashing spending on affordable housing – which would have seen £800m less invested in housing over the past year. The Liberal Democrats are never going to form a government or hold the purse strings to help people in Cornwall.”