Local News by Jo Swinson MP (Jan 2009)
Christmas spending hit, but not festive cheer
The credit crunch has hit local people in their pockets as they prepare for Christmas. An e-consultation I carried out recently found that across East Dunbartonshire, 41% of people said they would be spending less than usual on Christmas. The good news is that according to research published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, the secret to a happy Christmas is not how much we spend. The things that make us happier at Christmas tend to be spending time with friends and family, eating and drinking well and for some, engaging in religious activities. More details on the e-consultation
Safer routes to school
Making sure children are safe walking to and from school is an absolute must. After joining parents and pupils on their morning walk to Lenzie Moss Primary earlier in the year, I have been taking this issue further by asking parents about their safety concerns at the school gate. Encouraging children to take exercise by walking to school is important, but whether around speeding traffic, narrow pavements or other issues, it is clear that parents have strong concerns about the safety of their children’s routes to school. This is an issue I take very seriously and I will continue to engage with the local community to identify the problems and find solutions. Take part in Jo Swinson’s Safe Routes to School survey.
Fuel poverty helpline
For residents concerned about their energy bills this winter, a new freephone helpline should be the first port of call. The Home Heat Helpline, on 0800 336699, has been set up by the Energy Retail Association, representing Britain’s domestic energy retailers. It is designed to providing vulnerable energy customers with help to find their most suitable energy tariff, advice on flexible payment options and information on grants for free home insulation. While I recommend the helpline for people with energy worries, I also want to see energy companies taking a much more responsible approach to cutting their tariffs as wholesale prices drop (as they have done 28% since August). www.homeheathelpline.org.uk.
Helping local businesses
East Dunbartonshire Council could help local businesses by cutting the time it takes to pay bills to small and medium suppliers. I have written to East Dunbartonshire Council to urge that they follow the lead of Islington Council in London, which has reduced its target payment times to locally-based small and medium businesses supplying goods and services to 10 days. With local businesses finding credit hard to come by, paying bills promptly and ensuring a dependable cash flow would provide some relief to those businesses feeling the strain in this difficult economic period.
Christmas card competition
I was delighted to present prizes to the winners of my Christmas card competition recently. Turnbull High pupil Paul Rodriguez received a £20 book token as winner in the Christmas card design competition. The Christmas poetry competition prize was shared, with Laura Murrie of Lairdsland Primary and Beth Cairns of Killermont Primary both receiving £20 book tokens. Paul’s design features on the front of the card, while Laura and Beth’s poems are printed inside. The finished card, which looks tremendous, has been sent to hundreds of groups and individuals across East Dunbartonshire.
CONTACT DETAILS
Jo Swinson MP 0141 762 2209 swinsonj@parliament.uk 4 Springfield House, Emerson Road, Bishopbriggs, G64 1QE
