March 22^nd 2006

LOCAL MP PRAISES BUDGET AS GOOD NEWS FOR BRIDGEND

Madeleine Moon MP for Bridgend has today welcomed the Budget unveiled by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown MP, as ‘the right decisions for the future success of local communities, Wales and Britain as a whole’.

Mrs Moon stated that the policies set out by Gordon Brown will help her Constituency of Bridgend face the challenges and take the opportunities of the future.

“ I welcome the extra £45 million for the Welsh Assembly Government which shows that the Government is making the right decisions for the future: to build on our platform of economic stability while still being able to give more help to families with children and making more resources available for investment in public services.

“The extra resources to bring forward recruitment of Police Community Support Officers for every neighbourhood is very good news and will benefit communities within the constituency greatly, building on the effective policing we already have in Bridgend.

‘Unemployment in Bridgend has already dropped by 27.1% since 1997 and I am pleased that the Chancellor has introduced further measures to help local working families. Particularly welcome is the increase in child tax credit and child benefit to help parents with the costs of bringing up their families, building on the support that 6,200 families and 10,100 children in the constituency are already receiving.

‘Further payments into Child Trust Fund accounts at age 7 will be £250 for all children with Child Trust Fund Accounts, with £500 for children from lower-income families.

‘Investing in science and enterprise and helping people into jobs and giving them the opportunity to gain new skills, is the best way for the people of Bridgend to get the most out of the opportunities of the global economy.’

13 January 2006

WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS

ON THE ELECTORAL DATABASE PLANS

Madeleine Moon MP is urging electors to give their views on the proposals for a secure, central record of electors. A paper is being published for consultation by the Department of Constitutional Affairs,

Madeleine Moon MP commented:

 “I would welcome the views of local people on whether electors as well as officials should have access to the co-ordinated online record of electors and whether the scheme should cover the whole of the UK from the start or be rolled out.”

“At the General Election we had a debacle where voters were on the Council electoral register but not on the list at the Polling Station and therefore could not vote.  There was also considerable confusion over who had requested a postal or proxy vote. Some people who had registered as postal voters did not receive them and postal votes given to voters who had not requested them.”

“This is an issue that concerns every elector and I advise people to make your views known. A more secure electoral voting system is necessary to assure voters of participating with confidence in the electoral process. ”

The consultation paper can be seen at: www.dca.gov.uk/elections/index.htm and the response deadline is 7 March 2006

12 January 2006

CHANGE ONE THING campaign

The CHANGE ONE THING campaign launched this week by Boots is being supported by Madeleine Moon MP. This campaign aims to encourage people to change something about their lifestyle and improve their health.

For most people the start of a New Year begins with a resolution, which research has shown are soon broken because people aim too high, don’t prepare properly and don’t have support.  Change one thing allows people to focus on only one thing, and on the one thing people most want to change such as to Stop Smoking; Lose Weight; Eat Well; Get fit; or De-stress.

Mrs Moon says “In the office we are taking this campaign very seriously and looking at what changes we can all make to improve our health.  We have installed a water cooler so that we can cut down on fizzy drinks, coffee & tea. Back in Westminster walking from my office to attend debates I have starting wearing a pedometer to track my steps, I aim to walk more and improve my fitness.”

The CHANGE ONE THING programme helps people identify their key issues, and as part of the campaign, Boots have a series of leaflets available on the things that people most want to change. Motivation and support is vital to succeed in your lifestyle change and Boots have also developed an interactive website – www.boots.com/changeonething.com

Mrs Moon added “Starting a New Year making a commitment to change something about your lifestyle and improve your health is especially beneficial after the indulgence of the Christmas holiday.”

26 January 2006

The British Gas

‘Here to HELP’ programme 

Madeleine Moon MP supports British Gas who have designed fuel poverty programmes to enable vulnerable constituents, the elderly, disabled and lone parent families, to have the ability to heat their homes to a comfortable level.

Mrs Moon said :

 “British Gas have provided contact details for these programmes, which are offering simple practical help. Helping people maximise income through benefit health checks and also ensuring homes are fully insulated. If the weather forecasters are to be believed this could be a cold winter and these contacts could be invaluable”.

‘Here to HELP’ – British Gas is working with 6 charity partners on this sceme which offers free insulation, a benefits assessment and other free products and services from their charity partners, dependent on circumstances. Contact Telephone Number: 0845 605 2535

British Gas Energy Trust – the trust offers help to customers who are having difficulties with their energy bills and also, in cases of extreme hardship, for other utility costs such as water or telephone bills.

Contact Telephone Number: 01733 421 050 ( information)

                 01733 421 060 ( applications) 

Priority Service – this is a Home Energy Care Service. The service includes annual safety checks and the provision of specially designed appliance controls and adaptors for older people, people with disabilities and those who are chronically sick.

Contact Telephone Number: 0845 955 5404

20 January 2006

‘Railway Access for the Disabled must be Re-considered’ – says Madeleine Moon MP

Bridgend MP Madeleine Moon has asked the Secretary of State for Transport to review current arrangements at Bridgend Railway Station relating to platform access for disabled members of her Constituency.

Following representations from Constituents, Mrs Moon was alarmed to hear  that in order to catch a train on the London platform, those that are disabled cannot simply arrive at the station on the day of travel but have to arrange access across the railway line.

Mrs Moon said;

“They have to plan their journey at least 24 hours in advance so that they can access the platform without going over horrendous sets of steps. The railway station insists that it must be given a minimum of 24 hours’ notice to open a side gate to give people access to the London and Cardiff bound platform.

“This clearly does not allow people to get a train to these Cities for a spot of shopping or other leisure activity or even to go to London to see their Member of Parliament spontaneously, something which every other person in the area is able to do, this should be the prerogative of every person not the disadvantage of a section of our society.”

In response to Mrs Moon’s question, Derek Twigg MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport gave his assurances that it was something he would personally look into.

 In addition, Mr Twigg stated that the Department for Transport has recently announced the £370 million access for all fund to make access to the railway better for disabled people and those with prams and that the Department will make an announcement in the near future about the stations that will be part of the first stage of the programme.

“I look forward to this announcement and to hearing from Mr Twigg regarding the issue and hope that Bridgend will be listed as one of the stations involved in the programme.” Mrs Moon said.

13th December 2005 

Aberavon and Bridgend MPs Express Concern over Opencast Extension

Hywel Francis MP and Madeleine Moon MP have added their voices to concerns expressed by Protecting and Conserving Together (PACT) at the planned extension of an open cast mine which will impact on both Constituencies.

Hywel Francis MP said;

“The extension of the open cast sought by Celtic Energy will destroy an ancient woodland at Coed Hafod Heulog and have a grave impact on local people’s lives.”

Madeleine Moon MP added;

“I have asked the Environment Agency to investigate the proposed diversion of Afan Cynffig as part of the mining extension proposal. I have also tabled parliamentary questions on the subject.”

Both MPs are especially concerned at the lack of funds ring fenced by the Mine’s owners to carry out restoration work at the site, should the planning application be refused.

10 January 2006

MADELEINE MOON MP AND HUW IRRANCA-DAVIES MP are continuing their ‘JUST LISTENING’ Project in  Bridgend & Ogmore Areas. The first meeting at Archbishop McGrath Catholic School in December 2005 was attended by pupils from the local Comprehensive Schools. This seminar was extremely lively and very successful, with all pupils voicing their opinions and ideas, and we thank everyone who took part.

The next three seminars are scheduled to be held on the 20 January and 21 January 2006.  These will be focusing on Women and Families, Residents of New Communities and Carers.

Groups of constituents have been invited, numbers of which are being kept deliberately small to allow everyone to have their say.  These constituents will join Madeleine Moon MP and Huw Irranca-Davies MP in an informal discussion focusing on some big questions about the way in which government engages with people.

This government is a “listening government” and this project will help make sure that views of Bridgend and Ogmore are heard at Westminster more loudly than ever. The results of all these countrywide discussions will feed into a major report by the Fabian Society to be published in Spring 2006. 

08 December 2005 

Making Life Easier for Pensioners

Local MP Madeleine Moon has welcomed news that from this week, Pensioners can call one number to claim Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit using one simple phone call.

Pension Credit targets extra money to those who need it the most - the poorest Pensioners and those with modest savings for their retirement.

One of the Government’s biggest priorities has been to tackle pensioner poverty and since 1997, has lifted 2 million pensioners out of absolute poverty.

“If a person calls to claim Pension Credit they will be helped to claim Housing and Council Tax Benefit at the same time, which means that Pension Credit customers will only have to provide their financial information once. This is something I am sure many of my constituents will welcome greatly.”

“From now on, Pensioners will be sent the pre completed three page Council Tax form to check, sign and return to the Local Authority. This means that people will no longer have to fill in a twenty – six page form from scratch making the application process much easier. “ Mrs Moon added. 

The income and savings information supplied for the Pension Credit application will be used for their additional benefit claims including Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit.

In addition customers may be entitled to a rebate on what they have already paid as their claim can be backdated for up to twelve months.

Pension Credit Application Line: 0800 99 1234

08 December 2005

‘Crackdown on alcohol misuse good news for Bridgend’ 

A hard hitting new alcohol misuse campaign has been welcomed by Madeleine Moon MP for Bridgend. The joint campaign between the Home Office and the Association of Chief Police Officers aims to tackle alcohol related disorder resulting from binge drinking in our town centres on weekend evenings.

Police and Trading Standards will target drunken louts causing violence and disorder and also those who break the law by selling alcohol to under 18s both on and off license premises. The Licensing Act comes into force on the 24^th of November and provides officers with tough new powers to tackle disorder and close premises.

Madeleine Moon MP said:

“This crackdown should make Bridgend a safer place. The issue of binge drinking and alcohol related violence is an issue that many of my constituents feel very strongly about.

“The majority of us enjoy a night out and don’t want it ruined by drunken individuals causing disorder. Taking firm action against those who refuse to take responsibility for themselves allows the rest of us to enjoy drinking responsibly.

“These new powers will tackle underage alcohol sales, deter binge drinkers and fine those people who refuse to behave properly. It will be easier to deal with pubs and clubs in Bridgend that cause problems, and even close down persistent offenders.

“These new powers are good news for Bridgend, making it a safer place to live and to socialise.”

Home Secretary, Charles Clarke, added:

“The Government is determined to crack down firmly on those who get drunk and cause misery to others – everyone has the right to enjoy a pleasant drink free from fear or intimidation.

“There already exist a wide range of powers from fixed penalty notices to orders to close pubs and nightclubs instantly for up to 24 hours. The licensing Act will give the Police even more power to close down problem bars and increase penalties for premises that sell to underage drinkers.

“The message is clear – go out, have a good time and enjoy a drink. But if you are intent on causing trouble, be certain that you will receive at least a hefty fine and possibly a custodial sentence.”

Thursday, 08 December 2005

‘A dark day for the area’

Bridgend MP Madeleine Moon has expressed her great dismay at the loss of 500 South Wales defence repair jobs at DARA St Athan. Following the announcement in the Commons yesterday by Defence Minister Adam Ingram, Mrs Moon stated that it was indeed;

“A dark day for many families along the whole stretch of the M4 corridor including those in my constituency.”

Mrs Moon went on to say:

“Many of those families’ men folk will be incoherent with frustration and anger, given that the workforce at DARA have met every possible hurdle and every target thrown at them to cut costs, to increase efficiency, to meet time scales and to prove efficient and effective.”

Mrs Moon asked the Minister to acknowledge that the decision was in no fault of the quality of workmanship of the dedicated people in that workforce.

“Given that there is such a pool of expertise and skilled workers within the area, I very much hope that new industry will be drawn to and invest very quickly in the area in order that this expertise will not be lost.” Mrs Moon said.