Charlotte MacKenzie

Posts Tagged ‘Cornwall’

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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.

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Labour’s Manifesto 2010

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

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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.

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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.”

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“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.

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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.”

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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.”

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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

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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”

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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.”

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