Reporting Back - February 2011
Annette Brook MP, Mid Dorset and North Poole Constituency
Currently, the 'hottest topic' being raised by constituents is the proposal by the Government to sell or lease the land owned by the Forestry Commission. This has proved to be so controversial that I think it is possible that the Government will withdraw its proposals. However, there is a consultation process and if this is an issue which you feel strongly about I would urge you to submit your views. The Secretary of State has said over and over again that this is a genuine consultation and people's views will be taken into account. The public consultation was launched at the end of January and will last for 12 weeks. It can be accessed via www.defra.gov.uk and www.forestry.gov.uk/england-pfe-consultation. If you would like a paper copy please ring my office on 01202 693555. If the Government does not withdraw the proposals then there will be a vote in the Public Bodies Bill when it comes to the House of Commons. I will certainly be prepared to vote against the sale of this forestry land.
The proposed reforms of the Health Service are also very controversial. I voted for the second reading of the Bill to facilitate further debate and scrutiny at committee and report stage. I do think that there are some good proposals within the Bill particularly in bringing health and social care services together but I am worried about the speed of the reforms and the timing. There is no doubt that many questions are being raised by a large number of professionals operating in this field.
Proposed changes in disability allowances are causing stress and worry for many disabled people. I hope there will be a rethink on scrapping entirely the mobility component of DLA for all people in residential homes and schools. There has been a consultation on DLA in general and any changes will be introduced in 2013 for new claimants and existing claimants will be moved on to the new system after that date.
Currently, I am in Parliament not knowing when I shall be returning home. As you will be aware Bill on voting reform has had a long and stormy time in the Lords. Yesterday, in the Commons we voted on the Lords amendments, rejecting most of them. The Lords now have to consider their reaction to these votes and can decide to disagree. In which case the amendments come back to the Commons and they will be rejected again and then go back to the Lords – this is called ping ponging. The outcome is that I may be back in Broadstone on Thursday, Friday or whenever the Lords decide they will agree with the Commons! However, I now think that we will have a referendum on the alternative vote on May 5th, on local election day.
The articles of Annette Brooke are archived below:
2011 - January, February, February (updated), April, May, June
2010 - February, July, September, October, November, December
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