9,400 Salford pensioners will miss out on cold weather payments
January 13th, 20109,400 Salford pensioners will miss out on Cold Weather Payments triggered by the recent weather, according to Liberal Democrat analysis of Government figures.
Cold Weather Payments of £25 a week are paid to people on low incomes who receive a qualifying benefit, such as Pension Credit, which goes unclaimed by as many as 1.7m pensioners nationally. Figures released by the government show that almost 9,400 people who qualify in Salford, Worsley and Eccles have not claimed their Cold Weather Payments.
Commenting, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for Salford & Eccles, Norman Owen said:
“It is a scandal that thousands of Salford pensioners on the breadline are missing out on these payments, worth an estimated £235,000 locally.
“Fuel prices are at an all time high, making Cold Weather Payments all the more important to people already struggling on a poverty pension.
“Labour has failed pensioners by creating a complicated system that makes it difficult for them to get the help they desperately need.
“The Government should be making every effort to identify pensioners who are missing out and get them this extra cash.”
NORMAN OWEN PUTS FAIRNESS AT THE HEART OF THE LIBERAL DEMOCRAT CAMPAIGN
January 11th, 2010The Liberal Democrats have announced they will fight the General Election on four key principles, designed to make Britain a fairer place.
PPC for Salford & Eccles, Norman Owen, has today set out his campaign priorities: fair taxes; a fair start for every child; fair, clean and local politics and a fair, green economy with jobs that last.
Councillor Owen said:
“People in Salford & Eccles have been let down by their politicians and are rightly frustrated. I am going into the election with a clear direction and a manifesto that is short, direct and to the point.
“We will introduce fairer taxes by closing loopholes for the richest, introducing a tax on mansions and tax cuts of £700 for everyone else.
“If your child is at school in Salford, we can promise investment to help reduce class sizes, improve discipline and develop one-to-one tuition.
“We would also give you the right to sack your MP. The Liberal Democrats are the only party committed to real change of our political system, flushing out big money and corrupt donors and reducing the number of MPs by 150.
“And we will rebuild the economy in every part of Britain in a way that promotes green technology and creates lasting jobs. We will put an end to casino banking, bring back competition and support local entrepreneurs to make sure Salford businesses can find the money they need to grow.
“The coming months are a crucial time for politics and I will be using them to focus on these four priorities and delivering real change for Salford.”
In his speech this morning (MON), Leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg said:
“David Cameron and Gordon Brown are playing the politics of the airbrush and the focus group.
“One doesn’t know what he believes. The other doesn’t know what to do with the power he clings to so desperately.
“I believe the country wants something different. The Liberal Democrats are different. We offer credibility where it’s needed. And hope for our common future.”
NEW TAXI RULES TO BE INTRODUCED AFTER TAXI DRIVERS LOSE JUDICIAL REVIEW
December 22nd, 2009On Friday 18th December, Hackey (black cab) taxi drivers with support from Unite, Britains biggest trade union, sought a Judicial Review to overturn Salford Council’s decision to implement new rules for taxi drivers across the city. The Judge, Mr Justice Parker, in handing down his judgement, refused permission for Judicial Review proceedings and awarded costs to Salford City Council. It is understood the Council’s costs amount to £16,000 and the taxi trade’s costs could exceed £50,000.
The new taxi rules, which will come into force immediately, allow for a removal of the current limits on the number of hackney cab licences the council can issue as well as other new rules which include refusing to licence any taxi which does not meet the council’s stringent emissions standards. This potentially means all vehicles over 7 years old cannot be licensed for use as a taxi.
Councillor Owen said:
“The decision is deeply disappointing. The taxi trade has been landed with huge legal costs, when all they really wanted was more meaningful consultation with the council. They have been forced down this road by the Council’s unwillingness to listen and it is disappointing that Mr Justice Parker did not realise that.”
Councillor Owen added:
“The council has ignored repeated pleas from the taxi trade and pressed on with the implementation of these new draconian rules, many of which are unnecessary and will cause financial hardship for taxi drivers and operators at a time when the country is deep in a recession. I’m sure the net effect of these rules will be the loss of jobs in Salford for which the council will be directly responsible.”
Councillor Owen continued:
“This decision also affects the private hire trade and some taxi drivers and operators feel that they have been ill advised by their legal counsel, but I believe the taxi trade, as a whole, has received a raw deal from Salford City Council. I have supported the taxi trade throughout this battle and while the outcome is obviously not what we wanted, it has been a worthwhile fight. I will continue to support the taxi trade and fight for a fairer system on their behalf.”
SALFORD & ECCLES LIBERAL DEMOCRAT PPC NORMAN OWEN MEETS NICK CLEGG
December 19th, 2009On Thursday 17th December 2009, the Liberal Democrat’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Salford & Eccles, Councillor Norman Owen, talked with Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg following a very successful Town Hall meeting in Rochdale.
Councillor Owen said:
“It was very welcome to see so many people taking an active interest in politics. There was a good mix of people at the meeting from across Lancashire and Greater Manchester, including members of the Liberal Democrats and the general public as well as some members of opposing parties. The social composition of the area was also very well represented and Nick was eager to hear questions from all perspectives.”
Councillor Owen added:
“During the meeting, Nick demonstrated his passion for positive change in our country. He answered a wide range of questions covering health, education, environmental issues and the country’s financial problems. His answers demonstrated that The Liberal Democrats are the only viable choice given Gordon Brown’s failing government and a Conservative party that would lead us deeper into recession.”
Councillor Owen went on to say:
“I was particularly impressed with the way that Nick handled persistent questions from BNP members, who had clearly come along to try and hijack the evening. Nick was exceptionally strong when asked difficult questions over the ongoing conflicts in Iraq & Afghanistan, pointing out that The Liberal Democrats were the only party to oppose the invasion of Iraq.”
Councillor Owen continued:
“Following the Town Hall meeting, I was pleased to be able to chat with Nick about our plans for next year’s general election in Salford & Eccles. It was gratifying to receive firm support from the leader of our party.”
LOCAL CAMPAIGNER SELECTED AS CANDIDATE FOR SWINTON SOUTH
December 18th, 2009Salford Liberal Democrats have selected local campaigner, Paul Gregory, to stand as the candidate for Swinton South ward in next year’s council election. Paul was educated locally, attending Moorside Primary School, Moorside High School and Pendleton College before attending Cardiff University where he earned a degree in journalism. Paul lives in Swinton South with his fiancée.
Paul said:
“I am delighted to be selected to represent the Liberal Democrats for my local area at next year’s elections. I joined the party when Paddy Ashdown was leader and have been campaigning for the local team for some time. It is particularly rewarding to have the opportunity to serve my local community.”
Councillor Norman Owen congratulates local campaigner Paul Gregory on his selection.
Paul is a website developer, helping businesses across Greater Manchester make the most of the internet. He works for the family business, based in Pendlebury. His interest in computers began in the 80s when his father ran a computer and games shop in Swinton.
Commenting on the selection, Councillor Norman Owen said:
“I’m really pleased Paul has been selected to represent the Liberal Democrats at next year’s local election. Paul has worked hard for the local party for many years.”
Councillor Owen added:
“Paul has a long established association with the ward and has lived in Swinton all his life. He will make an excellent councillor for Swinton South.”
Good news for students
December 18th, 2009I’m writing to let you know some good news about the Liberal Democrat manifesto – good news for students and for everyone who wants a fairer Britain. This week the Party’s federal policy committee agreed a way to deliver one of our most important policies, the scrapping of unfair tuition fees. We’ve developed a plan to phase out tuition fees over the course of the next six years, to ensure this vital policy is affordable even at this time of economic crisis.
Labour and the Conservatives refuse to address the issue of fees and there is a real danger that both of them would lift the cap on fees which could mean even more debt for students when they leave university. We think that is wrong and our policy will prevent it happening.
It’s simply wrong to penalise people who want to make the best of themselves by saddling them with enormous mortgage-style debts from the day they graduate – especially when we know the root of the current economic crisis was too much debt. And it’s clear that people from disadvantaged backgrounds are far more likely to be put off going to university if it costs them tens of thousands of pounds. In a fair society, university admissions should be based on your grades and intelligence, not the wealth of your parents. You should decide whether going to university makes sense for you – and you shouldn’t have to make the decision based on your bank balance.
We were right to oppose tuition fees from day one, and have been right to continue to oppose any lifting of the cap on the limit of fees. The government has been obsessed with artificial targets for how many people should go to university, while putting barriers in their way in the shape of fees. Our priority is making degrees affordable, and that means scrapping these unfair fees, including for those who study part-time. This is vital, because it tends to be older or poorer students who can’t afford a full-time degree, but under current rules they have to pay up-front, while everyone else is allowed to defer their payments.
Of course, at a time of economic crisis, when the government has got the public finances into a mess, it is extremely important to be responsible about making a big financial commitment like this. Students want to be treated like grown ups; they know money doesn’t grow on trees and that big spending committments like this are only affordable over time. That’s why we have agreed together to lay out a financially responsible timetable to scrap fees, step by step, over the six years after the General Election.
Final year tuition fees will be the first to go. Too many people drop out, often put off by the huge costs. We’ll make it easier to stay on, because no student will pay any fees to complete their degree. In 2011, we’ll get help to part-time students, regulating the fees they pay (a vital step towards abolishing them). In 2012, part-time students will be able to access the same loans as full-time students. In 2013, we’ll extend free tuition to second year students. In 2014, we’ll extend that same free tuition to part time students. And in 2015, as the public finances are recovering, we will be able to afford to abolish all remaining fees.
Labour’s recession has made it more difficult to find the money to fund our priorities. That’s why we are right to adapt our plans for big spending commitments and why it is right that our General Election manifesto will focus this time on a smaller number of key commitments. But our message to students is clear: we remain the only party that believes fees are unfair, and the only party with a plan to get rid of them for good.
Salford Advertiser Leader’s column 27th December 2009
December 17th, 2009By the time this column goes to press, another year will have almost passed us by. It astonishes me that Hazel Blears as well as failed Labour councillors are still seeking re-election in 2010. Next year the Salford Liberal Democrats will be pushing as one to oust these failed politicians and will be pursuing our goal to break Labour’s control of the city council.
A couple of weeks ago I was delighted to be joined by my youngest daughter at the launch of Salford’s controversial ice rink. There was a brilliant display of ice dancing and we look forward to visiting the ice rink again soon to skate. However, it would have been nice to see more councillors at the opening. After the questionable financial decision by the Labour Council to operate the ice rink at a loss for the third year running, the least they could do would be to personally support it! I only hope that this year will be a greater success than previous years so that at least it will not lose as much money for the city, or better yet, make a profit!
I was also very proud to be present for the homecoming of the fusiliers from Afghanistan. I had the chance to speak with officers and soldiers and could not admire them more or be more grateful for the contribution they make to our country. They have been away from their families for quite some time so it is wonderful that they will be together for Christmas. Other families with relatives serving are not so lucky and whether you support the Afghanistan war or not it is important to remember and support our troops and their families.
On a lighter note, the Women’s Centre at the top of Langworthy Road recently invited me to act as auctioneer for a fundraising event. The evening was very successful and I am glad to be involved so directly in the community. I even auctioned my tie for the organisation, although I have no idea what motivated the buyer!
I have really had to do some soul searching over the recent dismissal of Jill Baker, former Director of Children’s Services. Undoubtedly, she has played a role and must at least be partly responsible for the shortcomings of her department. But why has this individual been singled out? It would seem that Jill Baker has every right to feel that she has been made a scapegoat. Reading the Salford Advertiser website comments and letters pages it seems that many members of the public believe that Councillors John Warmisham and John Merry should be the ones walking over the various failings of Children’s Services. Perhaps the song ‘I’m walking backwards for Christmas’ is about right – it would certainly free this city of two walking political disasters!
In his column last week, Councillor Merry wrote about The Langworthy Hotel, which has been under threat of demolition and he claims to have reviewed the decision. Why wasn’t he already aware of these plans? At last week’s Seedley & Langworthy Forum meeting, residents made it clear that, if an alternative is available, they do not want to see the Hotel demolished. Needless to say that no-one has much faith in Councillor Merry to actually reverse the decision, or indeed take any further action to ensure the survival of this landmark site. The Liberal Democrats will continue to work with the community and look into possible options for the building.
Councillor Merry also called, in his column, for the Lib Dems to forego the proposed 1% pay increase in councillor allowances. It seems that Mr. Merry has trouble reading – perhaps he needs glasses? For the avoidance of doubt and for Councillor Merry’s edification, I will repeat my last column: “Everyone [in the Lib Dem group] agreed that in the present climate it would be wrong to accept even a small increase while many families in Salford have lost their income or taken a pay freeze.” Was this in any way unclear?
On a final note, as this will be my last column before Christmas, I’d like to take the opportunity to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
SWINTON SOUTH COUNCILLOR JOE O’NEILL RESIGNS FROM THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS
December 13th, 2009In the Manchester Evening News, 12th December 2009, Swinton South Councillor Joe O’Neill has announced his resignation from The Liberal Democrat Party and his intention to stand as an independent candidate in the new constituency of Salford & Eccles at next year’s general election.
Councillor Owen said:
“Liberal Democrat candidates have to meet stringent criteria in order to stand in parliamentary elections. The Salford Liberal Democrats were eager to field a local candidate in the Worsley & Eccles South constituency at next year’s parliamentary election and Joe was our preferred choice. Unfortunately he has not completed the necessary steps to become qualified and approved by the national party so we are unable to select him to fight the seat on behalf of The Liberal Democrats. Consequently he has made the decision to stand as an independent candidate.”
Councillor Owen added:
“In the past Joe has been an excellent councillor for Swinton South. He has worked hard for local residents and we are sorry that he has taken the decision to leave the party. We’d like to thank him for his contribution to Swinton South, Salford Council and the Liberal Democrats and wish him well for the future.”
Councillor Owen went on to say:
“There is a strong Liberal Democrat vote in Swinton South . We will not let our voters down and we intend to put forward a strong local candidate for the ward in next year’s council elections.”
Councillor Owen continued:
“Salford & Eccles is still a two-horse race between me, a strong Liberal Democrat candidate with a proven track record, and Labour’s cheque waving home flipper, Hazel Blears. The addition of a second independent candidate at next year’s election will do nothing more than erode Labour’s majority further. Joe’s decision will not materially impact on my own campaign.”
Salford Advertiser Leader’s column 26th November 2009
November 26th, 2009Last week, I was dismayed to see the meeting of full council turned into a sorry spectacle by Salford Labour. Some time ago I asked my fellow Liberal Democrats if they wanted to forego the proposed 1% annual pay increase in councillors allowances. Everyone agreed that in the present climate it would be wrong to accept even a small increase while many families in Salford have lost their income or taken a pay freeze. It is therefore particularly galling to come under attack from Councillor Merry. Councillor Joe O’Neill was particularly incensed at these ridiculous tactics as he had already stated that if he was forced to take the 1% pay rise, he would give it to charity rather than benefit from it himself. The time available in council would be better spent concentrating on more important matters rather than pathetic attempts at political point-scoring. But then again, when this Labour council get it wrong, it is usually in a big way!
As per usual Labour has attempted to deflect their failings and shift blame over the St. Georges school onto opposition parties. The facts have been well documented by this publication and after a strong campaign organised by the parents, teachers and pupils of St Georges the schools adjudicator has determined that it would be foolish to close a successful and oversubscribed school. Astonishingly, the decision seems to have really thrown the Labour group off-guard and they have decided to devote £140,000 of taxpayer’s money to set up a schools “commission” to investigate the future of Salford’s schools. This is a clear attempt to hide their failure to consider any alternatives and shows a lack of inspiration or original ideas. The Liberal Democrats believe that instead of signing off more of the council’s tight budget on yet more consultants, the Lead Member for Children’s Services should sign his resignation letter immediately to make way for others with more creative thinking. It is clear that Labour is facing election defeat. The message from the Lib Dem group is that you have failed St. Georges and failed our city’s children.
Elsewhere, I was delighted to be invited to Salford University’s debating society, where the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, Peter Fahy, was the guest speaker. We debated the conflicting requirements of security and liberty. Obviously, surveillance of groups that threaten our home security is important but we also have to measure, as was mightily contested, that any actions taken do not endanger the freedom of honest citizens. Following the disturbing news that residents of Chimney Pot Park are continuing to suffer from burglaries, the relevance of the Salford University debate was brought home to me. While it’s gratifying to note that the number of burglaries city-wide is falling, the figures are still too high. There is ongoing debate however; CCTV married with improved lighting is a proven and effective weapon and Salford Lib Dem councillors have been arguing for more CCTV installations to combat problems affecting local residents and traders, including Bolton Road in Irlams O’th Height where there have been some instances of violent crime. The lack of CCTV as a deterrent has resulted in the closure of banks and shops on the Height.
Finally, I would like to thank Labour MP Hazel Blears for highlighting the sterling efforts of the Police and PCSOs who have worked tirelessly to rid our streets of the illegal off-road motorbikes that have plagued Salford, but she failed to mention the involvement of Liberal Democrat councillors and campaigners in Claremont, Langworthy and Weaste & Seedley who were instrumental in pushing for tougher action, who have assisted the police with their enquiries and who were present at the crushing in Buile Hill Park. Hazel has been conspicuous by her absence.
Councillor Norman Owen
Leader, Salford Liberal Democrats
Salford Advertiser Leader’s column 5th November 2009
November 5th, 2009Some readers may have seen in the press this week an article about a whistleblower within Salford’s Children’s Services. While I am concerned that the changes taking place are within the service are improvements in name only, and are changes for change sake, I think this also highlights the issue of whistleblowing.
Whistleblowing as a practice, as well as safe-guarding and meeting legal and professional ethics has got to be debated because it is the individual on the frontline that has the greatest understanding of how changes impact on service delivery. How do we encourage and empower staff to come forward and how can regulators make a difference in enabling whistleblowing as a means to improving and safe-guarding services?
On another serious issue, I found that I have been repeatedly asked about the monthly column that this publication has given to each of the three sitting MPs for Salford, Eccles and Worsley. Many people have expressed concerns to me that the presence of the column affects the political leaning of the Advertiser and there is a great deal of concern over the timing of this new feature. The three sitting MPs have been representing our constituencies for as much as 12 years. Why now? Why not 12 years ago?
In addition, with a general election so close, why were other possible Parliamentary contenders not informed beforehand? Regardless of the reasoning behind this new feature, it has an impact on the build up to the election and advising interested parties before the feature appeared would have been a matter of common courtesy. It irritates me that we are giving these failed Labour politicians a stage to back-peddle where they have failed miserably in the past. I’m not just talking about expenses either: it is about the failure to promote the opinions of the residents of this city over so many issues, including Iraq.
This week I had the pleasure of being involved in a discussion at the Salford University Debating Society. The guest speaker was the former Bishop of Rochester Michael Nazir-Ali, who delivered his view of faith in a plural society. It was an interesting evening and I was glad to have the chance to engage with students from Salford University and some of the people attending and participating did not fight shy of being vocal which led to some lively debate.
Unfortunately, I also attended two funerals last week, the first which was of the late Marie Wakefield. When I first met this lady some years ago I found her to possess a wonderful sense of humour and wit. She will be sadly missed and I would like to express condolences on behalf of the Salford Lib Dems. The second was on Friday morning where I attended the service of Frank Corfield at Agecroft Cemetary. Frank was well known throughout the British Legion and for his organisation of the Salford cenotaph remembrance parades. He will be sadly missed at this years parade and service this coming Sunday.
Finally on Friday 30th October I attended the crushing of off-road motorbikes at Buile Hill Park in conjunction with the motorcycle nuisance campaign. This campaign has the support of all the Lib Dem Councillors from Weaste & Seedley, Swinton South, Claremont and Langworthy Wards where off-road and illegal quad-bikes and mopeds are an ongoing nuisance and danger to local residents. It was good to witness actual practical action being taken. Despite the situation being difficult for them, the police and PCSOs are quite successful in dealing with this problem.
Councillor Norman Owen.
Leader, Salford Liberal Democrats.