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Cllr Colleen Atkins	002-2008 Tories Turn Their Back on Black Tom Residents Thursday 17 January 2007. Beds on Sunday Exclusive Labour Councillors have reacted with anger to a Tory proposal which could jeopardize a solution to 20-year parking problems in the Black Tom area of Bedford. At Tuesday evening’s (15 January) Parking Board meeting members considered the results of the latest phase of the public consultation. The results of the public survey showed that residents supported introducing a Residents’ Parking Scheme for Beaconsfield Street, Clarendon Street, Palmerston Street and Park Road West. Despite the proposal also being supported by all ward councillors, Tory members of the Parking Board called for a deferment for a minimum of 6 months.
Speaking after the meeting Cllr Colleen Atkins (Labour, Harpur) said: “I am shocked and amazed that after a 20 year wait we have been scuppered at the eleventh hour by Tory posturing. This is so disappointing. Despite supposed cross-party support for this long awaited solution to the parking problems in Black Tom, the Tories on the Parking Board have turned their backs on the residents of my ward. It beggar’s belief that the Tories have the gall to scupper this important scheme at this late stage. The reasons the Tories gave appear to focus on the costs associated with the introduction of the scheme - yet we all knew from the start there would be costs. The Tories are being heartless hypocrites using the excuse that the scheme would only cover four streets yet they had previously given their full support to having a Residents’ Only Parking scheme for a single road, namely Ellis Road in Brickhill.   From the outset everyone knew this pilot scheme would involve a small number of streets. I am concerned that the process so far has already cost the taxpayer. The cost of undertaking two public consultations plus substantial officer time which included attending residents' surgeries, producing leaflets and attending meetings could be lost down the drain if this scheme fails to come to fruition. I am sure the taxpayers of the Borough will be interested to know that the Tories have wasted this money. It would appear that the Tories no longer support schemes that will alleviate the parking issues we face in many parts of the Borough. I think it's outrageous that the expectations of residents have been raised during the long and arduous process. Why consult when you have no intention of doing something? It is outrageous and disingenuous for it to have been taken so far and then say "no".” ENDS For further information contact Cllr Atkins T.01234 355773 or the Labour Group Office T.01234 221795 Notes to the Editor: The Black Tom Action Group issued a report into the parking problems in the area in 1988. BTAG disbanded but Labour Harpur councillors Colleen Atkins & Ian Nicholls took on the mantle in recent years. The Bedford Joint Parking Board has undertaken a targeted consultation with residents in recent months to gauge support for a Residents Parking Scheme (RPS). Respondents from Beaconsfield Street, Clarendon Street, Palmerston Street and Park Road West have come out in support of a RPS. (Back to the Top)
Cllr Dave Lewis	001-2008 Time To “Take a Bite Out of Your Entitlement” Wednesday 16 January 2008. Local Press & Media The Borough Council Labour Group has today launched a campaign to ensure that residents are claiming all of their entitlements. The campaign is focussed not only on benefits such as income support and council tax benefit but also grants that are available for housing improvements and charity-giving organisations. As part of the campaign the Labour Group has produced an introductory guide called ‘Take a Bite Out of Your Entitlement’. This guide outlines personal benefits, housing grants and charitable bodies which people within the Borough can potentially put claims in for.
Commenting on the campaign and guide, Labour group Leader, Cllr Dave Lewis (Kempston East) said: “The Labour Group has been at the forefront of supporting social inclusion and tackling poverty within Bedford Borough for many years. This campaign continues that tradition. As we publicised recently [see Press Release 021-2007] when it comes to council tax benefit only 7 in 10 eligible claimants take up what they are entitled to. Nationally this amounts to billions of pounds. In Bedford this equates to 1,000s of people not claiming millions of pounds.  One of the reasons given for not claiming is the complexities of the benefits system. This guide seeks to help counter this hurdle.” Cllr Lewis continued: “This booklet outlines the benefits and grants that people can potentially access. Not only job seekers allowances and council tax benefit but also grants which can improve the energy efficiency of people’s homes. We have also included details of the various charitable bodies operating within the Borough many of whom can offer financial, or support in kind, for people in hardship.” Concluding Cllr Lewis said: “I will asking the Borough Council to ensure that elected councillors have full training on this area to ensure that we can offer proper support to our residents.” Copies of the guide can be obtained from the Labour Group Office or accessed via the Borough Group’s website. ENDS For further information or a photo op please contact Cllr Dave Lewis T.07746 981899 or the Labour Group Office T.01234 221795. Notes to the editor: For a copy of the Borough Group’s Benefit Take Up press release [021-2007] please contact the Labour Group Office. The Borough Group’s website can be accessed at: http://www.bedfordlabour.org.uk/ (Back to the Top)
Cllr Colleen Atkins	28-2007 Keep Warm, Keep Well Wednesday 31 October 2007. Local Press & Media. Labour Councillor Colleen Atkins (Harpur) has today urged people to prepare for winter as new campaign, Keep Warm Keep Well, was launched by the Department of Health. The campaign targets the most vulnerable to winter cold - older people, those on low incomes and disabled people – and offers practical advice on how to stay warm and healthy during the colder months. The campaign highlights the financial support for heating available through the Warm Front Scheme and Winter Fuel payments. In our area it is estimated that 6.0% of the over 65s are living in homes without central heating. Despite this figure being better than the national average (9.8%) this still equates to 1,324 people. However in the last year alone 374 Warm Front grants were taken up. Warm Front makes homes warmer, healthier and more energy-efficient. The Warm Front Grant provides a package of insulation and heating improvements up to the value of £2,700 (or £4,000 if oil central heating is recommended).
Cllr Atkins, said: “It is vital to look after yourself and stay warm and well during the cold winter months. Cold homes have a significant impact on people’s health and wellbeing.  There are millions of pounds of grants available for help with insulation, heating systems, and fuel payments to help older people, those on low incomes and disabled people.  I urge residents of the Borough to plan ahead and find out what help is available and what measures they can adopt to ensure they are protected against the winter.”  Nationally it is estimated that every 45 seconds a home receives a new heating system as a result of the Warm Front Scheme and over 11,625,453 winter fuel payments were made, amounting to a total value of £1,776,849,550, in 2005/06 alone. Since the start of the Warm Front scheme nearly 1.5million households have been helped. In Bedford this equates to thousands of homes being improved and millions of pounds in heating payments. Cold homes have a significant impact on people’s health and wellbeing.  There is a direct link between cold weather and heart and respiratory problems, serious illness, discomfort and depression.  Yet those most susceptible to ill health during the winter are often those whom are living in housing the least prepared for the cold. A free ‘Keep Warm Keep Well’ winter guide is available, with copies distributed from local GP surgeries and local pharmacies. Tips include, having a hot drink before bed and regular hot meals, setting your thermostat at around 21ºC (70ºF) for the rooms you use in the day and keeping active during the day.   NOTES Keep Warm Keep Well is a cross government campaign involving the Department of Health, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), The Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform. For more information on how to keep warm and well this winter, visit www.direct.gov.uk/keepwarmkeepwell You can download a copy of the Keep Warm Keep Well guide from this site.  Alternative versions (large print, audio and a version for those with learning difficulties), as well as other language versions, are also available online. A copy of the booklet can also be obtained from Citizens Advice Bureaux Helplines for advice and information about grants and financial support to help you keep warm and well this winter: ·      Warm Front Scheme 0800 072 0151 ·      Winter fuel payment – for people aged 60 call 08459 15 15 15 (or textphone 0845 601 5613) or visit www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/pensioncredit ·      Home Heat Helpline 0800 33 66 99 (mini com 0800 027 2122) Since the start of Warm Front scheme in 2000, 1,447,943 households have had improvements, with 253,000 in the year to 31 March 2007 alone. Measures include loft insulations, cavity wall insulation, draught-proofing, central heating and replacement boilers. Data source: Percentage of persons aged 65 and over with no central heating, census data 2001. (Back to the Top)
Cllr Sue Oliver Cllr Colleen Atkins	Women of the World Unite! Monday 22 October. Local Press & Media. Labour women councilors, Sue Oliver & Colleen Atkins have called for more women to come forward as candidates for local council elections. This year marks the centenary of Women’s entitlement to stand anywhere as local councillors. In 1907 the “Qualification of Women” Act clarified women (ratepayers) were able to be elected to Borough and County Councils. It followed years of uncertainty and confusion, which included challenges in the courts when women first tried to stand for the LCC, women losing their influence on education matters when free-standing boards were absorbed into councils, and losing their places on Urban District Councils when towns grew and sought borough status. Although women had been able to be elected to various ad-hoc boards since the 1870s, and could be members on the new urban and rural district councils from 1894, 1907 gave them the right to stand anywhere, and to become mayors. The first elections following the passing of the Act took place on 1 November 1907. Cllr Oliver said: “This centenary offers a great opportunity to celebrate all that the many women councillors and mayors have done for Bedford. We have played a central and equal role in the running of our town. However, currently only 14 of 54 seats on the Borough Council are held by women, in 1975 the ratio was 10 from 56 so progress could be said to be painfully slow. We need to change this imbalance.”
Cllr Atkins added: “We need more women to come forward as candidates. The new Bedford Borough unitary council will be up and running in 2009 and will probably have elections in May of that year. This will be an ideal opportunity for more women to come forward and shape our town’s future.” Cllrs Atkins & Oliver have organised an event on Friday 2 November (4:30-6:00pm). The gathering will take place in the Mayor’s Parlour, Town Hall, Bedford. Invites have gone out to all current and past women Borough councillors. Notes: At the time of the last national survey around 29% of local councillors were women. The first women councillors on Bedford Borough were Mary Milligan and Mary Selene Stewart both of whom were elected for St. Peter’s Ward in 1918. Amy Walmsley was elected in 1922 as the first women to sit on Bedford County Council for Bedford No. 6 ward. Miss Walmsley was at the time Principal of Bedford Froebel Training College which eventually became part of Bedford College of HE. The first women mayor of Bedford Borough was Winifred Fowler who came into office in 1971. North Bedfordshire District Council came into being on 1 April 1974 when the former Bedford Borough, Bedford Rural District Council and Kempston Town Council were combined. The first elections to the new council returned 56 councillors, 10 of whom were women. Its first mayor was Nora Polhill who took office in 1977. Local Government Votes: A Potted History The 1835 Municipal Corporations Act introduced a male ratepayer franchise for those occupying a wide range of properties. This replaced a previously more restricted set of fancy and historical franchises, which had often included votes for the "freemen" of the municipality. A few of these beneficiaries had been women, who were then disfranchised by the 1835 legislation. In 1869 an amendment to what became the Municipal Franchise Act gave women ratepayers in Boroughs the vote. Unfortunately, this was narrowed by a 1872 Court decision to cover unmarried women only. Nevertheless, the 1870 Elementary Education Act with the breakthrough led by Elizabeth Garrett was followed by legislation in the late 1880s and throughout the 1890s which began to bring women's voting rights in line with men's under new Local Government structures effecting County, Rural and District Councils It was not, however, all a matter of slow but steady advance for women's rights. In 1889 for instance, Margaret Sandhurst had her election to the new London County Council overturned by the Courts. Yet Jane Cobden survived as her case wasn't taken to Court by the man whom she defeated. He supported votes for women. The 1907 Qualification of Women Act clarified the situation and women, with certain property qualifications and over the age of 30 were allowed to stand for local councils. Although women had been able to be elected to various ad-hoc boards since the 1870s, and could be members on the new urban and rural district councils from 1894, 1907 gave them the right to stand anywhere, and to become mayors. In 1918 the rules governing local and parliamentary elections were simplified.  All men aged 21 or over who were normally resident in the constituency were able to vote; all women aged 30 or over who were local government voters, or were the wives of local government voters, were given the parliamentary franchise for the first time.  All women aged 21 or over were finally enfranchised in 1928.  The qualification age for men and women was lowered to 18 in 1969. (Back to the Top)
Cllr Colleen Atkins	28-2007 Keep Warm, Keep Well Wednesday 31 October 2007. Local Press & Media. Labour Councillor Colleen Atkins (Harpur) has today urged people to prepare for winter as new campaign, Keep Warm Keep Well, was launched by the Department of Health. The campaign targets the most vulnerable to winter cold - older people, those on low incomes and disabled people – and offers practical advice on how to stay warm and healthy during the colder months. The campaign highlights the financial support for heating available through the Warm Front Scheme and Winter Fuel payments. In our area it is estimated that 6.0% of the over 65s are living in homes without central heating. Despite this figure being better than the national average (9.8%) this still equates to 1,324 people. However in the last year alone 374 Warm Front grants were taken up. Warm Front makes homes warmer, healthier and more energy-efficient. The Warm Front Grant provides a package of insulation and heating improvements up to the value of £2,700 (or £4,000 if oil central heating is recommended).
Cllr Atkins, said: “It is vital to look after yourself and stay warm and well during the cold winter months. Cold homes have a significant impact on people’s health and wellbeing.  There are millions of pounds of grants available for help with insulation, heating systems, and fuel payments to help older people, those on low incomes and disabled people.  I urge residents of the Borough to plan ahead and find out what help is available and what measures they can adopt to ensure they are protected against the winter.”  Nationally it is estimated that every 45 seconds a home receives a new heating system as a result of the Warm Front Scheme and over 11,625,453 winter fuel payments were made, amounting to a total value of £1,776,849,550, in 2005/06 alone. Since the start of the Warm Front scheme nearly 1.5million households have been helped. In Bedford this equates to thousands of homes being improved and millions of pounds in heating payments. Cold homes have a significant impact on people’s health and wellbeing.  There is a direct link between cold weather and heart and respiratory problems, serious illness, discomfort and depression.  Yet those most susceptible to ill health during the winter are often those whom are living in housing the least prepared for the cold. A free ‘Keep Warm Keep Well’ winter guide is available, with copies distributed from local GP surgeries and local pharmacies. Tips include, having a hot drink before bed and regular hot meals, setting your thermostat at around 21ºC (70ºF) for the rooms you use in the day and keeping active during the day.   NOTES Keep Warm Keep Well is a cross government campaign involving the Department of Health, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), The Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform. For more information on how to keep warm and well this winter, visit www.direct.gov.uk/keepwarmkeepwell You can download a copy of the Keep Warm Keep Well guide from this site.  Alternative versions (large print, audio and a version for those with learning difficulties), as well as other language versions, are also available online. A copy of the booklet can also be obtained from Citizens Advice Bureaux Helplines for advice and information about grants and financial support to help you keep warm and well this winter: ·      Warm Front Scheme 0800 072 0151 ·      Winter fuel payment – for people aged 60 call 08459 15 15 15 (or textphone 0845 601 5613) or visit www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/pensioncredit ·      Home Heat Helpline 0800 33 66 99 (mini com 0800 027 2122) Since the start of Warm Front scheme in 2000, 1,447,943 households have had improvements, with 253,000 in the year to 31 March 2007 alone. Measures include loft insulations, cavity wall insulation, draught-proofing, central heating and replacement boilers. Data source: Percentage of persons aged 65 and over with no central heating, census data 2001. (Back to the Top)
Cllr Ian Nicholls	026-2007 CHECKING YOUR FIRE CAN SAVE LIVES Wednesday 17 October 2007. Every year about 20 people die from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning caused by gas appliances and flues, which have not been properly installed or maintained. This week is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week which seeks to warn people about the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. As the cold weather approaches, Labour Cllr Ian Nicholls (Harpur) is urging landlords and homeowners to ensure that their gas appliances are safe to use. Cllr Nicholls said: “In my ward there are numerous flats and student accommodation, landlords have a duty to check that appliances are working correctly. If residents have any concern they should report it immediately. Gas appliances need enough air to operate safely.  If they are not installed properly or are not adequately maintained by a competent CORGI-registered installer, CO fumes could be released.”
Cllr Nicholls continued: “The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning can be significantly reduced by following a few simple steps. In addition to getting appliances checked, it is also important to ensure they are used correctly. Gas appliances need a continual supply of fresh air to ensure complete and safe combustion. CO is produced when there is not sufficient air for complete burning of the fuel.” Signs to watch out for include: yellow or orange flames (except for fuel-effect fires which display this colour flame); soot or stains around the appliance; and a pilot light that frequently blows out. Audible approved CO detectors are strongly recommended, although these must not be used as a substitute for regular gas safety checks and servicing by a CORGI-registered installer. Symptoms of CO poisoning can include tiredness, drowsiness, headaches and breathlessness. If these symptoms are present urgent medical advice should be sought. Notes Every year about 20 people die from CO poisoning associated with domestic gas appliances, due mainly to these appliances not having been properly installed or maintained. 2. HSE and Local Authorities enforce the Gas Safety Installation Regulations place responsibilities on a wide range of people including those installing, servicing, maintaining or repairing gas appliances and other gas fittings; as well as suppliers and users of gas systems/appliances. Statutory obligations are placed on landlords to maintain gas appliances that they own. Further information on gas safety and the risks to health is available from a number of sources. HSE’s Gas Safety Advice line is available on 0800 300 363. For health issues and symptoms: NHS Direct (England and Wales) 08454647 or (Scotland) 0800 224488, or www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk To find a Corgi-registered gas installer visit Corgi’s website at: www.corgi-gas-safety.com or call 0870 401 2300. For suspected gas leaks, contact the National Gas Emergency Service: 0800 111 999. Gas companies offer certain vulnerable groups a free annual safety check of gas appliances: contact Energy Watch 0845 906 0708/ www.energywatch.org.uk/  or individual gas supplier. (Back to the Top)
Cllr Colleen Atkins	025-2007 NEVER MIND THE WEATHER, TURN THAT TAP OFF! Tuesday 25 September 2007. Local press & Media Labour Environment Spokesperson, Cllr Colleen Atkins (Harpur) today called for more action to tackle leaks and wastage of water in Bedford Borough. Cllr Atkins said: “Despite our somewhat wetter than normal Summer we should remember that water is our most vital natural resource and we need to do all we can to preserve it. I believe we can all do out bit in the home such as turning taps off when you are brushing your teeth, boiling only what is needed, or using cooled cooking water on our gardens.”
Looking at the wider picture Cllr Atkins said: “However, we also need to take action when we see water leaks in the street. We should contact Anglian Water immediately if we see a leak on the street, millions of gallons of water is wasted in this way every year. Recent estimates show that in this area 100 litres are lost in this way, for each and every property every day - that's the equivalent of pouring more than 1200 pint cartons of milk down the sink a week! That amount of water wastage is mind-boggling and shows the importance of saving water and reporting leaks" In addition to contact Anglian Water, Bedford’s residents can also report faults to the Bedford Borough Labour Party website. Notes 1. Water saving tips include:          i.            Check for home for leaks, hidden water leaks can be wasting water without you even being aware of it. A good way to check for leaks is, if your property is metered, then read your water meter and do not use any water for a couple of hours and go back to check that the meter reads exactly the same. If it does not, there is a leak.        ii.            Turn off tap while cleaning your teeth, shaving or washing your face. You can waste can up to 9 litres a minute by just letting the water pour down the sink.       iii.            Take a short shower rather than a bath could save you up to 400 litres a week. If you do have baths, just half fill them.       iv.            Fix any dripping tap, you can waste 90 litres a week which will cost a lot more than what might just be the price of a new washer.         v.            Don't overfill the kettle when making a cup of tea. Only fill and boil what you need, this will save you money on your energy costs too.       vi.            Only use the washing machine and the dishwasher when you can put on a full load. It wastes both water and energy to run only a half full machine.      vii.            Keep cool water in the fridge so that you do not need to run water down the sink to have a cold drink.    viii.            Fit water saving device in your cistern to save when flushing, this can save you 3 litres a flush.      ix.            Think before throwing used water down the drain, eg water in a pan after cooking, this could be reused for watering plants around the house when cooled down, or in the garden. 2. Anglian Water Leakline can be contacted at: 0800 771 881. Alternatively you can contact water@bedfordlabour.org.uk (Back to the Top)
Cllr Dave Lewis	024-2007   Guide For Greener Councils Given the Thumbs Up Thursday 20 September 2007. Local Press and Media Labour Group Leader, Cllr Dave Lewis was welcomed the publication of a comprehensive report aimed at improving how local authorities tackle climate change. The 'Energy Measures Report’ is a cross-departmental report containing information for councils to: * improve energy efficiency; * increase the levels of microgeneration and other low carbon technologies; * reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and, * reduce the number of households living in fuel poverty.
Cllr Lewis said: "The Labour Group at Bedford Borough Council is committed to fighting climate change, increasing energy efficiency and reducing fuel poverty. We have recently published our Sustainability Manifesto which is being considered by the Mayor. We welcome the Borough Council’s recent signing of the Nottingham Declaration, an idea which was originally proposed by Labour councillors. This report by the government can be seen as a compendium of best practice bringing together the various measures which local authorities can undertake to fight climate change. This is to be welcomed. Cllr Lewis continued: This Council can make a difference and we should seek to utilize the best practice that is highlighted. For example ensuring we are using energy as efficiently as possible within our building stock, pushing developers towards zero carbon standard for new homes, making certain all homes within Bedford meet the Decent Homes Standard and eradicating fuel poverty for our citizens. We should also look seriously at PV [Photo voltaic] cells and CHPs [Combined Heat & Power] for council facilities. Energy produced in these ways can be used for our buildings but also any excess can be feed into the national grid.” The government’s report is structured into a series of online modules giving details of the steps which councils can take in a number of key areas. These include community leadership, planning, housing, transport, energy advice, and the environment. The best practice ranges from suggestions for staff training, case studies and information on specialist bodies that can offer further support. The Planning Module for example confirms that climate change is at the centre of what Government expects from good planning. It underlines the important role of positive planning in helping shape places with lower carbon emissions and resilient to the climate change now accepted as inevitable. The Energy Advice module notes how effective energy advice can help change behaviour which can lead to more efficient use of energy in all sectors. This is the first time the report has been published and the Government welcomes active feedback on its contents and usefulness. Notes 1. The report is available from the internet only at: http://www.berr.gov.uk/energy/environment/measures/page41270.html 2. For a copy of the Labour Group’s Sustainability Manifesto contact the Labour Group Office T.01234 221795 or see: www.bedfordlabour.org.uk 3. As well as the main report, a set of summaries have been produced which provide a brief overview of the key drivers for action. These are available for the following types of local authority: * English unitary authorities and London borough councils * English county councils * English district councils * English town and parish councils * Welsh county and county borough councils * Welsh town and community councils 4. The report follows a requirement under the Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Act 2006 for the Government to publish an energy measures report on the steps which would help local authorities tackle climate change and fuel poverty, in recognition of the important role which local authorities can play in this area. Local authorities have to have regard to this report in exercising any of their functions. (Back to the Top)
Cllr Colleen Atkins	023-2007 NATIONAL BUS PASS EXTENDS THE TICKET TO RIDE Wednesday 19 September 2007. Local Press & Media Labour Group Transport Spokesperson, Colleen Atkins (Harpur) today welcomed the announcement by Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly of the new concessionary scheme that will give older and disabled people free off-peak bus travel across England from 1st April, 2008. Currently, people aged 60 and over and eligible disabled people are entitled to free off-peak bus travel within their own local authority area. But from April 2008 the Government will invest up to an extra £250m each year to extend the scheme to include off-peak local bus travel anywhere in England. The new passes will also incorporate ITSO 'smartcard' technology to boost the roll out of ‘smart ticketing’. This will help minimise fraud and ensure that the number of journeys made by pass-holders are accurately recorded for reimbursement purposes between local authorities and bus operators. In areas where buses are not yet fitted with smartcard readers the cards can still be shown to the driver as a traditional 'flash' card upon boarding.
Cllr Atkins said: “This is an excellent development, Labour has long pressed for a national scheme and from next April Bedford’s pensioners will be able to travel anyway in England to visit friends, family members or just to visit different parts of the country. I hope this will allow bus usage to grow which will only have a positive impact on climate change and our environment. The proposal to use smartcard technology from the outset will speed up boarding, cut fraud and open up the possibility of using the same pass to access a range of other local services such as libraries and leisure facilities." Cllr Atkins added: “The next step is for a concessionary scheme for our youngsters who are still in full-time education. The Council’s Executive last week agreed to pursue my idea for Bedford to act as a pilot for a scheme covering our 16-18 year olds. I will continue to push this with Minister and our local MPs.” NOTES Currently, people aged 60 and over and eligible disabled people in England are entitled to free off-peak bus travel within the local authority area in which they live. This full waiver of the fare, replacing the previous half fare entitlement, was introduced by the Government in April 2006.The concession applies between 9.30am and 11pm on weekdays, and all day weekends and bank holidays. Some existing local concessionary travel schemes in England include travel into neighbouring local authorities, but provision varies across the country and could be discontinued at any time. The Concessionary Bus Travel Act 2007 makes it a statutory entitlement, for the first time, for eligible people to travel outside their local authority area, anywhere in England, for free, by local bus from 1 April 2008. The existing timings remain unchanged. Local authorities are currently able to issue concessionary passes to their own design. These vary across England with some authorities already issuing ITSO smartcards with strong fraud prevention characteristics. At the other extreme some current passes have no photos and no expiry date. Because bus drivers across England next year will have to recognise the entitlement of any eligible pass holder, irrespective of which authority issued the pass, from 1 April 2008 all passes will have to conform to a specification set out in regulations. These will set out the physical design, including a new requirement that all passes must have photos and expiry dates, and also ensure that all passes are ITSO smartcards. For a sample smartcard please see the DfT website: http://www.gnn.gov.uk/environment/fullDetail.asp?ReleaseID=315509&NewsAreaID=2&NavigatedFromDepartment=False. In Bedford, as part of the new arrangements, eligible people are required to hold a smartcard which incorporates their photograph. On behalf of Bedford Borough Council, an external company, Orion, have been contacting existing pass holders to enable the smartcard to be produced for them. Smartcards have a number of advantages over traditional paper-based passes. When used on smart readers, they are highly resistant to fraudulent replication. They can also help to speed up boarding, helping to reduce bus journey times. And in addition to use as concessionary travel passes, smartcards could be used for commercial ticketing on other transport services and additional services at local authorities' discretion, such as allowing access to leisure or library services. ITSO is a national smartcard specification developed by industry and the Government. Using ITSO helps to ensure wide compatibility as the ITSO specification is protected by Crown Copyright and available to a wide range of users. ITSO-based smartcards are already being used for concessionary bus travel throughout Scotland and in some parts of England, and are being introduced on some parts of the rail network. For more information about ITSO visit www.itso.org.uk. Concessionary travel is a devolved policy area. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland already operate their own schemes. The Concessionary Bus Travel Act 2007 includes a power to allow, via regulations in the future, for mutual recognition of concessionary bus passes across the UK, and the Government had initial discussions with the devolved administrations about the inclusion of this power last year. The measures in the Concessionary Bus Travel Act do not apply to coach services. The existing, separate scheme for concessionary half-fares on scheduled coach services introduced in May 2003 will continue unchanged. (Back to the Top)
Cllr Dave Lewis	022-2007 Time to Act Sustainably Tuesday 11 September 2007	Labour Sustainability Manifesto 2007
The Labour Group on Bedford Borough Council has today launched its Sustainability Manifesto aimed at making Bedford a beacon of sustainability. The document, which will be presented to the Council’s Executive Sustainability Committee [Monday 17 September], contains a number of proposals that the Council can act on to deliver this aim. Suggestions include: -         Measuring the Council’s carbon footprint to set a benchmark from which future energy use savings can be made; -         Stop picking up litter for a day – to emphasise what the Council does to keep its streets clean; -         Introduce more sustainable methods of business travel, including car-sharing; -         Develop a ‘Bedford Copse Programme’ to plant more native species of trees and vegetation; -         Instigate a Choose2Reuse campaign to reuse furniture and other household goods; -         Deliver energy saving light bulbs to all housing association properties -         Develop a network of community champions for sustainability; -         Lobby local supermarkets to reduce waste and excessive packaging; -         Introducing a ‘Bedford Pledge Card’ highlighting simple measures everyone can take part in. Labour Group Leader, Cllr Dave Lewis, commenting on the manifesto launch said: “Climate change is a fact. All parties have recognised this and have stated they want to do something about it. This Council has had a Sustainability Committee for a year. The measures it has introduced are welcome but more can be done. This is why the Labour Group has produced this manifesto. Our manifesto highlights the simple steps that we can all do to make a difference. For example ensuring that your car tyres are pumped up properly will reduce CO2 emissions, buying local food from local outlets can reduce air miles, and saying no to excessive packaging and plastic bags.” Cllr Lewis continued: “The Council can also make a difference but first we need to understand our impact on the environment, to do this we must measure our carbon footprint and undertake an honest audit of our ‘greenness’. We should also look seriously at PV [Photo voltaic] cells and CHPs [Combined Heat & Power] for council facilities. Energy produced in these ways can be used for our buildings but also any excess can be feed into the national grid.” In conclusion Cllr Lewis said: “This document is not the end but the start of the dialogue. We want all parties to follow this lead, we need to share ideas and best practice in this field. I would encourage all residents serious about climate change to get involved in the debate.” (Back to the Top)
Cllr Dave Lewis	021-2007 Thousands Missing Out on Council Tax Benefit Monday 10 September 2007
A recommendation that Council Tax benefit needs to be changed to an automatic rebate had been strongly supported by Labour Group Leader, Cllr Dave Lewis. The Local Government Select Committee made the proposal in a recent report. With thousands of people estimated to be missing out on their entitlement, Cllr Lewis has also called on Bedford Borough Council to do more to increase the take up of the benefit. Cllr Lewis said: “Figures show that the take up of council tax benefit is less than 70% of all those eligible, whilst it is also estimated that the majority of those not claiming could be entitled to more than £10 per week. Nationally it is estimated that nearly 3 million people are not claiming a massive total of £1.8 billion annually. In Bedford Borough this equates to 1,000s of people not claiming 10,000s of pounds. Part of the problem would appear to be the complexity of claiming and the resistance to a means-tested benefit. We need to get around these problems; I would favour an automatic entitlement as was proposed by the Lyons review earlier this year. However in the short-term I would urge people to put a claim in. The Council is organising an Advice Fair on 3 October, which is welcome, but I will also be calling on the Council to do more to ensure our citizens get what they are due.” The Select Committee also highlighted the barriers to claiming which include lack of awareness of entitlement, the complexity of claiming and the perceived stigma associated with mean-tested benefits. Figures show that overall take up is greater among council tenants and younger age groups whereas owner-occupiers and older people have a greater tendency not to claim. The report went on to stress the key role local authorities can play in increasing take-up. A ‘Benefit Express’ system introduced by Halton Borough Council  where officers have visited people’s homes and processed claims on-line, was highlighted. Kirkless Council meanwhile introduced a small financial incentive to encourage pensioners to have a benefit check. Notes The Communities & Local Government Select Committee published ‘Local Government Finance: Council Tax Benefit’ on 7 August. The DWP estimated figures for council tax benefit take-up are as follows: overall take-up between 62 and 68%; owner-occupiers 36 to 41%, private sector tenants 78 to 86%, social housing tenants 87 to 93%; 44% of non-recipients are entitled to £10 per week or less; eligible pensioners have the lowest take-up at 53 to 58%; eligible couples with children have a take-up rate of 62 to 69%; lone parents 87 to 95%; and working-age people without children 71 to 82%. The Lyons Report (March 2007) called for Council Tax Benefit to be made an automatic rebate this was supported by the Select Committee. For details of Halton Borough Council’s ‘Benefit Express’ system see: http://www2.halton.gov.uk/content/socialcareandhealth/socialbenefits/benefitsexpress For details of Kirklees Council’s financial incentives see: http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/answers/council-tax/65plus.shtml (Back to the Top)
Cllr Colleen Atkins	020-2007 Keep warm this Winter: Claim Your Winter Fuel Payment Friday 24 August 2007
Labour Councillor, Colleen Atkins (Harpur), has today urged older people to get their applications for Winter Fuel Payments in now to ensure they receive help heating their home before Christmas. As the supposed summer months fly by, Cllr Atkins wants to make sure those who have not previously received a Winter Fuel Payment apply as soon as possible and claim the money they are entitled to. New applications received by 23rd September will get their £200 payment in time for Christmas. Cllr Atkins said: “Nationally over eight million households will benefit from the £200 Winter Fuel Payment this winter, with those containing someone aged over 80 receiving £300. In Bedford the figure equates to approximately 26,000 people. This year’s British summer has given us all an advance taste of the winter months. I want to make sure everyone who is eligible applies for the help they deserve. If you have not received a Winter Fuel Payment in the past, you need to apply in order to claim your first payment. The sooner you claim – the sooner we can get you the money to heat your home.” This year, automatic payments will be paid to over 11 million people aged 60 and over with nearly 26,000 within the Bedford Borough area. People should not need to apply for the Winter Fuel Payment if they have received it previously, or are already claiming State Pension or another social security benefit (other than Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Child Benefit). Those who haven’t received a Winter Fuel Payment before, or who are not in receipt of a relevant social security benefit in the qualifying week will need to make a claim. The deadline for all claims for Winter Fuel Payment in 2007/8 is 30th March 2008. Cllr Atkins added: “The Winter Fuel Payment is one of a number of initiatives the Labour government has introduced to help older people and underlines our commitment to tackling fuel poverty. No one should have to worry about how to heat their homes during the winter.” Notes 1.       Anyone aged 60 or over on or before 23 September 2007 may qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment of £200 per household. Households with someone aged 80 or over could get a payment of £300. The Winter Fuel Payments do not count as qualifying income for means-tested benefits. 2.       Eligible people who will receive their Winter Fuel Payment automatically include: -          those who received a payment last year and whose circumstances have not changed. -          those who have never received a Winter Fuel Payment before but will receive a State Pension or other social security benefit (but not Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Child Benefit) in the qualifying week 17-23 September 2007. 3.       Those people who are newly eligible and who need to claim, and have not already received a claim form, can get one by visiting the Winter Fuel Payment website – www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/winterfuel, by calling the helpline on 08459 15 15 15 (0845 601 5613 for textphone users). 4.       For those who need to claim and wish to receive their Winter Fuel Payment before Christmas, we must receive their correctly completed claim form by 22 September 2006. The final deadline for the receipt of claims for this winter is 30 March 2008. 5.   As at February 2007 there were 26,265 people claming the State Pension in the Bedford Borough area. (Back to the Top)
Cllr Ian Nicholls	019-2007 Re-localised business rates would kickstart local economy Wednesday 22 August 2007
Re-localising business rates would enable Bedford to invigorate its economy claims Labour Group Deputy Leader Ian Nicholls. A report by the Communities & Local Government select committee has called for local authorities to be given powers to levy a supplementary rate on businesses. However Cllr Nicholls has called for the powers to go further: “In Bedford we have introduced a successful town centre BID [Business Improvement District] which levies an additional rate of 2%. This extra money has allowed our town centre to move forward; we need to broaden this achievement.  The Borough should also be able to reduce local business rates to support our local economy. What we need now is the total return of business rates to local control, with an inflation guarantee. This would be the best way to raise funds for local projects, kickstart the local economy and give councillors more power to do what local people want. It would bolster economic growth and promote local economic development. A national system does not promote relations between councils and local businesses, which at times don't even realise that what they pay goes to the government rather than the local councils.” Notes The Communities & Local Government Committee published ‘Local Government Finance: Supplementary Business Rate’ on 7 August. The reports main recommendations were as follows: “…to enable local authorities, including upper and second-tier authorities in two-tier areas, to levy a supplementary business rate to increase or decrease the business rate paid by local businesses. While the majority of decision-making on the precise nature and purposes of individual levies should be left to the discretion of local communities, the Government should set basic parameters to define the operation of supplementary business rates and confine the purposes to which any revenue generated might be applied.” The Bedford BID came into operation on 1 April 2005 and levies a 2% rate, this raises in excess of £400,000 per annum Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR), or Business Rates, are collected by local authorities from local businesses, schools and other non-domestic premises. The rates are pooled by central government and redistributed to local authorities as part of the annual formula grant settlement The rateable value of Bedford Borough is currently estimated at £144.4M; the Borough Council receives £11.9M from government in the form of NNDR. The Lyons report called for powers to enable local levies to be raised, see The Lyons Enquiry March 2007. (Back to the Top)
Cllr Mohammad Yasin	018-2007 Time To Clean Up Queen’s Park Tuesday 21 August 2007
Labour Councillor Mohammad Yasin (Queen’s Park) has called on residents and Bedford Borough Council to work together to combat excessive amounts of fly-tipping in Queen’s Park. Cllr Yasin made the call after the latest figures showed that more than a quarter of all ‘on-the-spot’ removals by Council vehicles were from the Queen’s Park area and nearly 10% of all public notifications arose from the ward. Commenting on the figures Cllr Yasin said: “Despite repeated successful clean-up days, as highlighted in the Times & Citizen [17 August], and repeated clearances by the Council the number of fly tips is still far too great in Queen’s Park. The installation of alley gates in some places has made a difference but more can be done. Previously we have had CCTV at the Bell Inn which helped reduce the number of incidents. I think re-introducing a CCTV facility could help in our fight against this illegal behaviour. We could also look at having a bulky items amnesty so large items could be disposed of responsibly, rather than as happens sometimes, dumped in our streets. It also needs people to take individual responsibility and to report anyone they see illegally dumping rubbish to the Council’s Environmental Hotline [0800 121 8888]. Only by the community working together can we stop this scourge on our ward.” ENDS For further information contact the Labour Group Office T.01234 221795 or Cllr Yasin T.07971 835864 Notes During the period April 2006 – March 2007 the Borough Council removed 2,102 fly tips of which 557 (26.5%) were in Queen’s Park In the same period the public reported 645 incidents of which 58 (8.99%) were in Queen’s Park The Times & Citizen [17 August 2007] highlighted a recent community clean up organised by the Borough Council focused around the new gurdwara. (Back to the Top)
Cllr Chris Black	017-2007 Get Your Free Bulbs Thursday 12 July 2007
Labour councillors have called on the Borough Council to distribute free energy saving light bulbs to all households in the Borough. The request was made at last evening’s Sustainability Committee by Cllr Chris Black (Labour, Cauldwell). Speaking after the meeting Cllr Black said: “Schemes run in many areas such as Wycombe, Derby and South Tyneside which provide free energy saving bulbs for social housing tenants or people in receipt of benefits. There are also a number of ad hoc schemes running in the Bedford area, however my call was for a co-ordinated approach with all households being provided with a free energy saving bulb. I have asked the Mayor to look at setting up a scheme, as this will highlight a small change in behaviour that we can all do to improve our own energy efficiency and energy consumption.” Notes Cllr Black made his request at the Executive Sustainability Committee on 11 July, his question read as follows: “The benefits of using low energy light bulb have been clearly recognised and there is a report later which highlights the use of such lighting in Riverside House. There are national schemes such as Energy Efficiency Commitment (EEC) which place a responsibility on energy suppliers to reduce carbon emissions through innovative programmes. I think there is an opportunity for this Council to provide low energy bulbs for households in Bedford Borough perhaps using the EEC. Can I suggest that this Committee examines the feasibility of doing this? Many local authorities already operate schemes offering free energy saving bulbs to residents, see for example: http://www.wycombe.gov.uk/sitePages.asp?step=4&contentID=1808&categoryID=3533 http://www.derby.gov.uk/PressReleases/pressreleases/multi-plugs.htm http://www.arun.gov.uk/cgi-bin/buildpage.pl?mysql=3795 http://www.southtyneside.info/newsandevents/press.asp?mode=1&pk_press_release=3769 http://www.allerdale.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/council-news/news-releases.aspx?prid=721 (Back to the Top)

Patrick Hall MP, Member of Parliament for Bedford & Kempston, website: www.patrickhallmp.org.uk

Promoted by Lara Parker, on behalf of Bedford and Kempston Labour Party, all of Broadway House, 4-6 The Broadway, Bedford, MK40 2TE