Strong Local Voice, Strong Local Choice News Stories (Mike Brooke)

May 16, 2012:
- Annette Brooke MP Welcomes Ministerial Support for Park Homes Legislation
  APPG Vice Chair and Co-Ordinator Annette Brooke MP with Housing Minister Grant Shapps and Mobile Homes APPG Officers Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, today welcomed Housing Minister Grant Shapps at a meeting of the APPG on Mobile Homes. The Minister attended the meeting, chaired by Christopher Chope MP, to discuss the current consultation by the Department for Communities and Local Government on Park Homes. The Minister outlined the consultation and answered questions from MPs and stakeholders. He highlighted that a Private Members Bill on Park Homes would receive Government support if put forward. The Private Members' Ballot takes place tomorrow, and MPs will find out which 20 members will receive Parliamentary time for a bill. Annette said: "Having heard for many years about the anguish of people who have suffered living on a site with a rogue park home owner, it is exciting that the matter is likely to be addressed in the immediate future. I welcome the consultation and the Government support for a Private Members' Bill, and I will be keeping my fingers crossed that one of the lucky 20 MPs takes the legislation forward." Annette has campaigned for years on these issues, along with local park home resident and founder of the Park Home Owners Justice Campaign Sonia McColl. The publication of the consultation is the culmination of organised national rallies, meetings of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Mobile Homes, Parliamentary Questions asked by Annette to various Ministers in the House of Commons, including two to the Prime Minister, and Parliamentary debates. The consultation is open until 28th May 2012 and can be found at http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/housing/mobilehomeowners Published and promoted by Mid Dorset and North Poole Liberal Democrats on behalf of Annette Brooke, 14 York Road, Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8ET Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
May 9, 2012:
- Annette Brooke MP Welcomes Queen's Speech
  Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Annette Brooke has welcomed commitments in the Queens Speech to secure key aspects of Liberal Democrat policy. The Queen's Speech 2012 included many of the long-term reforms Liberal Democrats have been fighting for, such as reform of the banks, a Green Investment Bank and supporting families and children. These reforms will help build a sustainable future for our country. The Coalition Government's plans will offer help and support to families, small businesses and communities, protect the environment, as well as reaffirming our commitment to helping the poorest nations. Speaking today, Annette said: "I welcome the emphasis on economic growth, as getting the economy moving whilst addressing the deficit must be the greatest priority for the Coalition. I was happy to see an emphasis on supporting families, including those which include children with disabilities. I was particularly pleased to see changes to parental leave, statutory protections up until 25 in further education for those with special educational needs and a requirement for local authorities and health services to jointly plan and commission services for children and families included in the package set out. The long overdue introduction of a Grocery Adjudicator in one form or another is really important for the remaining farms in my constituency. As always, the devil is in the detail, and I will carefully monitor the package of legislation that comes forth from today's speech." Published and promoted by Mid Dorset and North Poole Liberal Democrats on behalf of Annette Brooke, 14 York Road, Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8ET Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Apr 18, 2012:
- Annette Brooke MP Comments on New Unemployment Figures for Mid Dorset and North Poole
  New figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) giving unemployment figures for March 2012 have shown that the number of people claiming unemployment benefits in the constituency of Mid Dorset and North Poole has fallen by 4.3% in the last month. 743 people were registered unemployed in March 2012, which represents a rate of 1.9% per cent of the working age population in the constituency. This is compared with 775 people registered as unemployed in February 2012. Following the release of these figures, Annette Brooke commented: "These figures show that Mid Dorset and North Poole has some of the lowest unemployment in the country, but we cannot become complacent about joblessness in our area." "During this economically difficult time, we must ensure that jobs in the local area are protected and that jobseekers and those who are struggling to get back to work receive all the support and help that they need." Published and promoted by Mid Dorset and North Poole Liberal Democrats on behalf of Annette Brooke, 14 York Road, Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8ET Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Apr 16, 2012:
- Annette Brooke MP Welcomes Publication of Government Consultation on Park Homes
  Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, has welcomed the publication today of a consultation by the Department for Communities and Local Government on Park Homes. Annette said: "Having looked through the consultation, I am pleased. There is plenty of scope for people to raise any issues that they feel are not covered adequately. There is clear evidence of listening and recognising the depth and breadth of the problems existing in the industry, and a determination to stamp out the bad and in some cases criminal practices that go on. The consultation covers my number one priority, which is to stop sale blocking. It offers three options, two of which I believe, would significantly improve the current situation. I am also pleased to see that one of my suggestions, for a requirement on site owners to lodge their site rules with the local authority, is included. Other important areas in the consultation focus on giving local authorities a bigger role and increasing penalties against site owners who commit offences. As expected, the fit and proper person rule is not included, but this does look to be a robust package of measures which DCLG thinks will work. The conclusions of the DCLG Select Committee inquiry on Park Homes will be really important but meanwhile, I urge all interested parties to respond to this consultation." Annette has campaigned for years on these issues, along with local park home resident and founder of the Park Home Owners Justice Campaign Sonia McColl. The publication of the consultation is the culmination of organised national rallies, meetings of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Mobile Homes, Parliamentary Questions asked by Annette to various Ministers in the House of Commons, including two to the Prime Minister, and Parliamentary debates. The consultation is open until 28th May 2012 and can be found at http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/housing/mobilehomeowners Published and promoted by Mid Dorset and North Poole Liberal Democrats on behalf of Annette Brooke, 14 York Road, Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8ET Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Apr 5, 2012:
- Annette Brooke MP Highlights Tax cuts for 160,900 People in Dorset
  On 6 April 2012 the Personal Allowance will be raised for the second year in a row, meaning 153,500 people in Dorset will get a £130 Income Tax cut and the number of the lowest paid people who have been lifted out of paying any Income Tax will reach 7,600. Commenting, Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole said: "The tax system had gotten increasingly unfair under successive governments over the last few decades, sucking more and more people into paying Income Tax. "It was patently unfair that when Liberal Democrats came into office, millions of low-paid workers were paying a higher proportion of their income in tax than the richest were. "I'm proud that Liberal Democrats did the right thing and made rebalancing the tax system a priority, putting it on the front page of our manifesto. More than a million people will have been lifted out of paying Income Tax all together and over 20m basic-rate taxpayers have received a £330 tax cut since the Coalition Government came into power. "At the same time, Liberal Democrats are making sure the rich pay their fair share, by closing loopholes, introducing a tycoon tax and cracking down on tax avoidance. As we clean up the economic mess Labour left behind, it is right that the broadest shoulders bear the heaviest burdens." Notes: The Personal Allowance, also known as the Income Tax threshold, will rise to £8,105 on 6 April 2012, up from £6,475 under Labour. In the early 1970s, the Personal Allowance was worth around 28% of average earnings. By 2010 that had dropped to around 20% as wages had outpaced the increase in the Allowance. Published and promoted by Mid Dorset and North Poole Liberal Democrats on behalf of Annette Brooke, 14 York Road, Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8ET Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Mar 27, 2012:
- Annette Brooke MP Welcomes Publication of National Planning Policy Framework
  Annette Brooke has welcomed today's statement to Parliament by Planning Minister Greg Clark. The MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, and Co-Chair of the Liberal Democrat DCLG Policy Committee said: "During the consultation period, I and my colleagues in the Lib Dem Policy Committee wrote a strong response setting out our worries concerning the document. I am pleased to say that it seems as though the Government has taken on board our concerns, and at first sight the document looks much improved. It is reassuring that along with a commitment to sustainable development, the five principles of the UK Sustainable Development Strategy are included in the document. The document now makes clear that all three pillars - economic, social and environmental, will be taken together in a balanced way. I am pleased to see a commitment to develop brownfield sites first, and a much needed transition period, which was something entirely necessary to enable local authorities to work with the new framework. It appears that lots of listening on the part of the Government has taken place. I will be taking time to look more closely at the final document, as the devil could be in the detail. But I am encouraged by what I have seen and heard today, and am proud of the role I and the Lib Dem DCLG Policy Committee have played in the process." Published and promoted by Mid Dorset and North Poole Liberal Democrats on behalf of Annette Brooke, 14 York Road, Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8ET Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Mar 22, 2012:
- Annette Brooke MP-Supporting World Water Day
  Annette at the World Water event last year. Today is World Water Day and to mark it I am putting my support behind international charity WaterAid's Water Works campaign. In Mid Dorset and North Poole a ready supply of safe water is a necessity that we are lucky enough to take for granted. Preventable diseases caused by dirty water and poor sanitation are the biggest killer of children in Africa, and illness and hours spent collecting water from distant sources keep children out of school and prevent adults from earning a living. Safe water and sanitation transform lives, improve health and lifts communities out of poverty. Earlier this month we learnt that the world has met a really important target in the fight to improve water access - the UN's Millennium Development Goal on Water. This is welcome news, showing that aid is working and that we are making steps toward eradicating poverty. However, there is still a long way to go to ensure that everyone has access to safe water. 783 million people are still without even basic water services and progress towards the UN's target for proper sanitation is far too slow - it will currently take around 350 years for everyone in Africa to have access to adequate sanitation. Not having these essential services traps people in a cycle of poverty, so we in the UK and other countries need to concentrate our efforts on bringing water and sanitation to all. This World Water Day, I am proud to support international charity WaterAid's campaign, Water Works. I want to highlight the life changing impact of safe water and sanitation ahead of the vital High Level Meeting on water and sanitation that is happening in Washington DC next month. The UK Government is critical to the success of this meeting and our Secretary of State for International Development, Andrew Mitchell, plans to attend. You too can put your support towards this campaign at www.wateraid.org/waterworks. Published and promoted by Mid Dorset and North Poole Liberal Democrats on behalf of Annette Brooke, 14 York Road, Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8ET Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Mar 21, 2012:
- 141,500 across Dorset to get a tax cut in 2012 Budget - Annette Brooke MP
  As part of the Budget, the Chancellor has announced that from next year, the Income Tax threshold will be raised further, ensuring that no one pays any income tax on the first £9,205 they earn. Across Dorset that means 13,470 people will be lifted out of paying Income Tax all together as well as a £220 tax cut for 128,030. This is on top of tax cuts of £200 last year and a further £130 next month. Commenting, Annette Brooke MP said: "The Chancellor has done the right thing in listening to Liberal Democrat calls for the Income Tax threshold to be raised further. "As a Liberal Democrat, I want to see a fairer tax system where help is provided for those who need it most and where the richest pay their fair share. "Raising the Income Tax threshold to £9,205 will help average working people in Mid Dorset and North Poole who have been struggling with bills and higher cost of living." Commenting further, Liberal Democrat Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander said: "Liberal Democrats have been clear in our priorities for the Budget. We wanted to see a Budget for the millions, not the millionaires. "The Coalition Government inherited an unfair tax system from Labour, who in their 13 years hit ordinary working families hardest by abolishing the 10p tax rate while letting tycoons get away with shameless tax avoidance. "Liberal Democrats in the Coalition Government are doing the right thing to clear up the mess Labour left behind, making sure the wealthiest pay their fair share by clamping down on tax avoidance, introducing a 'tycoon tax' and putting an end to stamp duty dodging by the super rich." "Raising the Income Tax threshold is a key Liberal Democrat commitment that the Coalition Government is implementing. The announcement in the Budget will mean almost 2m people will be taken out of paying Income Tax all together in the UK and give nearly 21m people a £220 tax cut." Published and promoted by Mid Dorset and North Poole Liberal Democrats on behalf of Annette Brooke, 14 York Road, Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8ET Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Mar 13, 2012:
- Annette Brooke MP Urges Residents to Join The Big Switch to Cut Energy Bills
  Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, has backed 'The Big Switch' campaign for energy customers to get a cheaper deal. The Big Switch, launched last month by Which? and 38 Degrees, is a completely new way for people to buy their energy. This will be the first time in the UK that a large number of people will join together as a group to negotiate a deal with energy companies. Annette is urging local people to join the more than 200,000-strong group who have already signed up to The Big Switch, and to use their collective power to cut their energy bills and help shake up the market. Which? has invited all energy companies to take part and will be negotiating with them to secure the cheapest deal. Energy companies will be asked to submit a market leading deal and take part in a reverse auction. Once we've secured a deal, Which? will contact everyone who signed up with a personalised savings estimate. Which? will handle the switching process, making it as quick and easy as possible. People can join The Big Switch until 31 March via www.whichbigswitch.co.uk Annette said: "The Big Switch is a great campaign to help consumers get a better deal. Many vulnerable people in my constituency are crippled by high energy bills, and so I am pleased to support this campaign and encourage people in Mid Dorset and North Poole to get involved in The Big Switch campaign." Published and promoted by Mid Dorset and North Poole Liberal Democrats on behalf of Annette Brooke, 14 York Road, Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8ET Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Mar 12, 2012:
- Annette Brooke MP Stands Shoulder to Shoulder with all who Serve
  Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, has been thanked by The Royal British Legion for taking the time to learn about its welfare support for the whole Armed Forces family. Annette Brooke MP attended an event at the House of Commons organised by The Royal British Legion to highlight their important work. At the event, Annette Brooke MP was told about the Legion's work to improve the welfare of the Armed Forces family in the local area. Tim Purdon the Legion's Southern Regional Manager, said, "It was great to see Annette Brooke, and we really appreciated her making the time to drop in. Many people don't realise that we spend nearly £1.4 million a week on helping both the serving and the ex-Service communities, including their families, so we were delighted to tell her about the range of services we provide. We help everyone from a child of a serving family needing an adventure break to a young entrepreneur needing advice and assistance to be his own boss." Annette Brooke MP said, "I was really pleased to see my local Regional Manager and Legion Welfare staff. The Legion does very important welfare work for some of my most vulnerable constituents in both the serving and ex-Service communities. It is vital that we, as a nation, are there for those serving in current conflicts, and for the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. I was grateful for the opportunity to learn more about how the Legion stands shoulder to shoulder with all who serve. They deserve as much support as we can give them". Published and promoted by Mid Dorset and North Poole Liberal Democrats on behalf of Annette Brooke, 14 York Road, Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8ET Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Annette Brooke MP Calls for Better School Toilets
  Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole is working with children's continence charity Education and Resources for Improving Childhood Continence and the Paediatric Continence Forum on a campaign to establish better standards for school toilets and washing facilities. The Government plans to remove regulation of school toilets and washing facilities in the spring. Pupils' facilities are already held to lower standards than adult employees. This standards gap will now widen, raising serious concerns about children's health. ERIC and the PCF presented Annette with a petition in the form of a giant toilet roll, signed by over 1,000 parents, children and health professionals calling on the Government to rethink their plans. Annette said: "School toilets affect children's physical and psychological health and wellbeing. We must ensure there are adequate facilities available for children, so that children aren't put off using the toilet at school." Director of ERIC, Jenny Perez said, "Bizarrely, teachers' toilet facilities are protected in law but there are no minimum standards-no bog standard-for pupils' toilets. Schools are not even obliged to provide soap or toilet paper. Now the government wants to cut the one regulation there is-the minimum number of toilets per number of pupils." "Inadequate facilities pose an infection risk and can cause children to avoid going to the toilet, which leads to continence problems. Getting the School Premises Regulations right will improve health outcomes for all children including those with continence issues." Notes: (1) A large randomised study of school facilities in the UK carried out in 2003 by the CPHVA and ERIC found that a third of schools did not have soap in their bathrooms, over a third had no toilet paper, over a third had faulty cubicles that were missing locks or seats, and over half had no disabled bathrooms available to students. (2) Results from a survey carried out by ERIC and Netmums in November: 25% of pupils said they avoid going to the toilet because they are dirty 31% of pupils said they had toilets with broken locks 19% of pupils avoid drinking so they don't have to go to the toilet 53% of parents felt their child does not drink enough at school 91% of parents thoughts pupil toilets should be cleaned twice a day or more 91% of parents thought that cleanliness/condition of pupil toilets should be a priority for schools Published and promoted by Mid Dorset and North Poole Liberal Democrats on behalf of Annette Brooke, 14 York Road, Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8ET Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Mar 2, 2012:
- Annette Brooke MP Urges Smokers to 'take the leap' on No Smoking Day
  Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, is encouraging thousands of smokers to 'take the leap' and stop smoking this month on No Smoking Day. This year smokers are being asked carry out the campaign slogan 'take the leap' from February 29 - leap year day - and get ready to quit on No Smoking Day itself - Wednesday 14 March. Annette Brooke MP, posing with a giant version of the light-hearted campaign poster, said: "Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do to boost your health and the money in your pocket. Quitting can be hard, but there is lots of support available and you can do it in the knowledge that you'll be one of thousands of others trying to do the same thing." One in five (21%) UK adults smoke, including 18 per cent of people in the South West. But UK figures show two thirds want to quit. Vishnee Sauntoo, a smoking cessation adviser who now works on the No Smoking Day campaign, said: "Now is the time for smokers to get ready to quit, so stock up on patches and gum, or visiting your GP or stop smoking service for help and advice. "Tell friends and family what you're going to do so they can support you along the way. However you decide to quit, the preparations you make can play a big part in how successful you are when you come to take the leap." No Smoking Day, which recently merged with the British Heart Foundation, is an annual health campaign now in its 29th year. It is responsible for helping more than 750,000 smokers attempt to quit on the day, and for inspiring another two million to seek out information to help them quit in the future. For more information on the benefits of quitting as well as top quit tips, visit www.taketheleap.co.uk ENDS Published and promoted by Mid Dorset and North Poole Liberal Democrats on behalf of Annette Brooke, 14 York Road, Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8ET Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Feb 29, 2012:
- Annette Brooke MP Successfully Presses Government on Litter Picking Summit
  Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole has again pressed the Government to take action on the issue of roadside litter in a Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs written question. Annette asked whether there were plans to hold a summit on roadside litter. The Government response was positive, with Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Richard Benyon MP confirming that a roundtable discussion is going to take place with a number of representatives from the vehicle and environmental sectors. It is hoped that this discussion will give rise to a number of voluntary actions that can be taken by local councils and vehicle sector representatives to combat the problem of roadside litter. This move comes after Annette's question to Caroline Spelman, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in the Commons last month about what more she would do to empower local councils to take effective action against people in vehicles responsible for roadside littering. The question raised audible approval from across the house. Annette commented on the news; 'I am thrilled to hear that this discussion on roadside litter is going to take place. This is an issue of real concern to my constituents and for communities across the country. The selfishness of motorists who blight our landscape in this way is a cause of great anger. I hope that local councils and stakeholders use this opportunity to take action to deal with the problem." Full question and answer: Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she plans to hold a summit on roadside litter. [95927] Richard Benyon: In March, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Meriden (Mrs Spelman), will host a meeting of representatives from the vehicle sector, including hirers, manufacturers, trade associations, retailers and others, to discuss the voluntary actions they can take to help alleviate the problem of littering from vehicles. Published and promoted by Mid Dorset and North Poole Liberal Democrats on behalf of Annette Brooke, 14 York Road, Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8ET Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Feb 27, 2012:
- Annette Brooke MP Takes Concerns over Bus 347/387 to Parliament
  Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, last week questioned the Secretary of State for Transport, Justine Greening MP on the forthcoming discontinuation of local bus service 347/387, which runs through Lytchett Matravers and Bere Regis. Annette raised the issue at Transport Oral Questions on Thursday 23rd February. After only months of operation, it has been announced that the service will cease to function from April 14th 2012. This announcement has caused great concern for villagers who rely on the bus services for transport from rural areas. In particular, vulnerable groups would be affected by this move, as many elderly people use the local bus services to get into town. Annette raised her concerns about the extra expenses that will be incurred to Dorset County Council, which will have to restore the service out of its budget. The Secretary of State for Transport answered that she would ask officials to explore the matter further Annette commented: 'Local bus services are essential for many constituents who live in rural areas of the constituency. I will continue to press Dorset County Council for an alternative solution, but answers must be given as to how a company which has so recently been awarded a contract can simply terminate the service." Full Question and Answer: Annette Brooke: How is it possible for a company to win a competitive tender to provide a bus service but to cease operating it within months, claiming that it is unviable, and causing great concern to those in villages dependent on the service and, presumably, extra expense to Dorset county council given that this service must be restored? What advice can the Secretary of State give? Justine Greening: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for that question. She will be aware that all local bus operators must have an operators' licence, which indicates financial standing at the time that the operator was licensed by a traffic commissioner. Local transport authorities can check with the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency whether operators hold a current licence. I am not aware of any barrier to a local transport authority ensuring, through its procurement process, whether the current financial status of a bus operator is sound, but I shall ask my officials to explore the matter further with the county council. Published and promoted by Mid Dorset and North Poole Liberal Democrats on behalf of Annette Brooke, 14 York Road, Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8ET Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Feb 22, 2012:
- Annette Brooke MP Questions Health Minister on Investments in Social Care
  Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, yesterday asked Paul Burstow, the Minister of State for Care Services about what more the Government can do for people with lower level needs through social care. Annette pressed the Government to ensure that they do more in the short term not only to address the current crisis in funding and ensure that funding is used creatively and efficiently locally, but also to cater for those with lower-level needs through preventive measures and early intervention. The Minister agreed that there is a need to invest in early intervention and prevention. He assured Annette that in addition to the £7.2 billion the Government will invest this Parliament, in January they also announced an extra £120 million for the remainder of the year to support care services. Mr Burstow also confirmed that the Government are funding, jointly with the Local Government Association, work to support councils in delivering improved productivity and sharing best practice to ensure that they deliver improvements to services. Annette said: "I am pleased that the Minister agrees with me that early intervention and prevention are vital for those with lower level needs in social care, and that there are investments being made to improve productivity and services. I welcome the investments the Government are making in social care, and I will continue to press them to ensure that their funding is used efficiently and innovatively in our local area." Full question: T5. [95342] Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset and North Poole) (LD): I appreciate that the Government have allocated additional funding for social care, but what more will and can they do in the short term not only to address the current crisis in funding and ensure that funding is used creatively and efficiently locally, but to cater for those with lower-level needs through preventive measures and early intervention? 21 Feb 2012 : Column 738 The Minister of State, Department of Health (Paul Burstow): My hon. Friend is right about the need to invest in early intervention and prevention. In addition to the £7.2 billion that we will invest this Parliament, this January we announced an extra £120 million for the remainder of the year to support care services. Furthermore, we are funding, jointly with the Local Government Association, work to support councils in delivering improved productivity and sharing best practice to ensure that they deliver improvements to services, and not just cuts. Published and promoted by Mid Dorset and North Poole Liberal Democrats on behalf of Annette Brooke, 14 York Road, Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8ET Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Feb 20, 2012:
- Annette Brooke MP Supports National Wear Red Day
  - National Wear Red Day Friday 24 February 2012- February is National Heart Month and the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, are asking people to join National Wear Red Day on Friday 24 February 2012 and to follow the BEAT code for simple steps to a healthier heart. In National Heart Month, the BHF encourages people across the UK to think about their own hearts and the hearts of those around them. The nation's heart charity also needs people across the UK to get involved with National Wear Red Day, and raise vital funds for the charity's life-saving work. By wearing red like Annette on National Wear Red Day and raising money, you will help the BHF to save lives through pioneering research, patient care, campaigning for change and by providing vital information. It is a common misperception that heart disease is more common in men than women when in fact it kills 1 in 3 women, as well as 1 in 3 men and kills three times more women than breast cancer₁. Funds raised during National Heart Month can support the BHF to help the 2.7 million people in the UK currently living with heart disease. Published and promoted by Mid Dorset and North Poole Liberal Democrats on behalf of Annette Brooke, 14 York Road, Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8ET Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Feb 10, 2012:
- Annette Brooke MP Meets With Former President of Ghana His Excellency John Kufour to discuss Child Nutrition
  Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, was honoured to hold a meeting with His Excellency John Kufour, the former president of Ghana and 2011 World Food Prize Laureate yesterday. The meeting focused on international efforts to improve child nutrition in schools - an issue which Annette, as vice-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Global Education for All, cares deeply about. Also present at the meeting were representatives of the World Bank, The Partnership for Child Development and the poverty charity Results. While the focus of the meeting was child nutrition, a range of international development issues were touched upon. Annette was pleased to offer her experiences and expertise on raising awareness of these issues in Parliament. His Excellency especially enjoyed hearing about Annette's work to promote microfinance as a key development tool and her position as Co-Chair of the Microfinance APPG. His Excellency was visiting Parliament in his capacity as Global Ambassador Against Hunger for the UN World Food Programme. During his two day visit he met with MPs, Peers and Civil Servants and attended a special meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Food and Agriculture for Development. Published and promoted by Mid Dorset and North Poole Liberal Democrats on behalf of Annette Brooke, 14 York Road, Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8ET Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Annette Brooke MP Speaks Up Over Asbestos In Schools
  Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, has once again spoken out on asbestos in schools. Annette made a number of points during an intervention in the chamber of the House of Commons on Tuesday. Specifically she highlighted the two key issues of awareness and training. As part of her intervention Annette spoke about the need to train staff to deal with asbestos in walls and notice boards, which is easily disturbed by everyday activities. She said, "I hope that he will agree that we must go much further to ensure that staff are trained to cover the problems caused by drawing pins in walls." Proper training for staff will help to better manage any asbestos that is already present in a building. Annette also highlighted the need for greater awareness among parents to ensure appropriate asbestos management arrangements are in place. She stated, "does he further agree that if parents have any inkling that the age of the building is such that it might contain asbestos, when they visit the school they should ask where its asbestos management plan is." After leaving the chamber Annette said, "As a former teacher, asbestos in schools is an issue I care deeply about. I was glad that this debate was secured as there is certainly more we can be doing to ensure that asbestos is managed in a safe and sustainable way. We must better train our educational staff and better publicize the dangers asbestos still poses to children across the country." Intervention: Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset and North Poole) (LD): I thank the hon. Gentleman and congratulate him on securing this very important debate. Will he join me in congratulating the Department for Education for making movements on training packages for staff? I hope that he will agree that we must go much further to ensure that staff are trained to cover the problems caused by drawing pins in walls. Does he further agree that if parents have any inkling that the age of the building is such that it might contain asbestos, when they visit the school they should ask where its asbestos management plan is? Published and promoted by Mid Dorset and North Poole Liberal Democrats on behalf of Annette Brooke, 14 York Road, Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8ET Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Feb 2, 2012:
- Annette Brooke MP Presses Government on Local Landlord Accreditation
  Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, has questioned the Government over its support for local landlord accreditation schemes. Annette raised the issue during Department of Communities and Local Government Questions in the House of Commons on Monday. Annette's question came as MPs queried the ministerial team over standards in the private rented sector. Annette asked: "What is the Department's view on local landlord accreditation schemes, and what advice does he give on such schemes to local authorities?" Having had a good experience with a local accreditation scheme run by Poole Borough District Council, Annette sought to highlight the positive impacts these schemes can have in raising standards. In his response, Grant Shapps, the Minister of State for Housing and Local Government, confirmed his support for such schemes. He said, "local accreditation and licensing schemes can be good value for local people." He also highlighted the flexibility of these schemes, noting their ability to meet local needs, and concluded; "it can be fitted in with what the community requires." Question and Answer in Full: Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset and North Poole) (LD): What is the Department's view on local landlord accreditation schemes, and what advice does he give on such schemes to local authorities? Grant Shapps: Local accreditation and licensing schemes can be good value for local people. I attended a local accreditation in Welwyn Hatfield on Thursday evening. The scheme is very good and designed locally to address local problems; in our case, it happens to be a student population. That is the advantage of doing it locally: it can be fitted in with what the community requires. To read the question in full visit: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201212/cmhansrd/cm120130/debtext/120130-0001.htm#12013011000335 Published and promoted by Mid Dorset and North Poole Liberal Democrats on behalf of Annette Brooke, 14 York Road, Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8ET Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Jan 30, 2012:
- ANNETTE BROOKE MP ENTERS BUPA 'GET MOVING' CHALLENGE
  Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, last week took part in the Bupa 'Get Moving' Challenge to raise awareness of the benefits of taking regular exercise and was in with a chance of winning £500 of sports equipment for a local school or sports club. Organised by Bupa in partnership with MEND, the Youth Sport Trust and Diabetes UK, Annette joined other Members of Parliament on the walk, which took in some of London's most famous landmarks. Commenting on the walk, Annette said: "I can't wait to find out if I've won. The walk was fun and made even better with the prospect of winning some equipment for people in my constituency. Fingers crossed. Martin George, Managing Director, Group Development, Bupa, said: "It's great that Members of Parliament are taking part in the Bupa 'Get Moving' Challenge to be in with a chance of winning sports equipment for a local school or sports club. Bupa and our partners [MEND, Youth Sport Trust and Diabetes UK] are committed to helping people to get moving and live healthier lifestyles and walking is an excellent way of achieving this." Published and promoted by Mid Dorset and North Poole Liberal Democrats on behalf of Annette Brooke, 14 York Road, Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8ET Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Mike Brooke

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