Subject: News

Bulletin from Greg Hands M.P. #342 Date: Friday, 20 July 2012 10:09:20 United Kingdom Time From: To: Greg Hands M.P. [email protected]

In this edition:
Greg Hands M.P.s Diary Website of the Week: Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Hands praises Government go ahead for Fulham Boys School Hands: Social care revolution will help families in Chelsea and Fulham Ministers will intervene to stop Charing Cross closure if key tests are not met Second Trial to relax Heathrow rules begins residents must have their say Olympic Torch coming to Chelsea and Fulham Town Ward by-election result in Fulham Dog owners urged to clean up in K&C Fulham parents appeal to community to raise funds for a school playground Hands in the papers: Muhafazakar Partili Trkiyenin Dostlar Grubu Yaz Resepsiyonu Verdi How to contact Greg Hands M.P.

Issue 342 Friday 20th July 2012

Since the last edition, Greg:

Welcomed the news that the Fulham Boys School has been given the go-ahead by Michael Gove, the Secretary of State, to set itself up as a Free School. Greg has been heavily involved in the parent-led project from the start. For more news, see below. Met representatives of the Central London Healthcare Trust to discuss their work and plans for foundation status. Attended and addressed a joint reception of the Conservative Friends of Poland and the Conservative Friends of Turkey, in Covent Garden. Greg spoke of the UKs strong links with both countries, and through the Conservative Party. Met councillors from the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea to discuss the plan by NHS bureaucrats to close A&E services at either Charing Cross or Chelsea & Westminster Hospital. Campaigned on the street for successful Conservative Council candidate Andrew Brown, who is now Councillor Andrew Brown, representing Town Ward. For the result, see below. Welcomed the Governor of the State of Florida, Rick Scott, to the House of Commons, and led him on a tour of Parliament. Met representatives of the Central London Community Healthcare, which provides out of hospital community health services to residents of Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham. Met a large group of Fulham residents fighting Thames Waters proposals for the Thames Tideway Tunnel (or Super Sewer) to discuss the next stages in the campaign to save Fulham from blight. Attended a reception in the House of Commons to mark the tenth anniversary of the innovative Teach First scheme, which seeks to bring people into the teaching profession. Had a full schedule of activity as a Government Whip in and around the chamber of the House of Commons, including ministerial meetings and organising votes and standing committees. Conducted a surgery for local Chelsea and Fulham residents at Fulham Methodist Church. Gregs surgeries are generally held weekly at either Fulham Methodist Church, Fulham Broadway, or Peter Jones, Sloane Square. To make an appointment, email [email protected] or telephone 020 7219 5448.

Website of the Week:

www.rbkc.gov.uk

The website of the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.

Hands praises Government go ahead for Fulham Boys School

Greg Hands M.P. has congratulated Fulham Boys School following the approval of its application to open a free Church of England secondary school for boys by the Department for Education. Fulham Boys School aims to open in September 2013, with its first intake of 120 year 7 boys. A site has yet to be confirmed, but negotiations will now progress as a priority, along with its plans to recruit a head teacher. The announcement is the result of many years of campaigning by Fulham parents and the Governments creation of free schools, which are rapidly expanding in number. The proposed admissions policy will give priority to Church of England families for 50% of the places, if oversubscribed, with the other 50% open to families from all faiths and none. There was more good news for local parents in the other approvals granted, with a new primary school attached to the West London Free School also set to open in September 2013. Praising the decisions, Greg Hands M.P. said: I am absolutely delighted to see the Fulham Boys School get approval. This is a project that Ive been supporting right from the start. It hasnt always been easy, but all those involved have been triumphantly rewarded for their hard work. Well done to them, well done to the Government for approving it, well done to the West London Free School too, and roll on the openings next year. Fulham Boys School Chair, Alex Wade, said: This is fantastic news for Fulham parents. Theres currently a big gap locally at secondary level for boys, and were delighted that the Department has bought into our vision for an outstanding education, specifically designed to raise local aspirations and bring out the best in boys. FBS director and Fulham parent, Jonny Ambrose, said: We owe huge thanks to everyone who supported us in getting to this stage our local MP, our local council, our local churches but above all, all the Fulham parents who have been fantastic in buying into our vision. For further information, or interview requests, please contact: Jonny Ambrose, 07941 157 211 / www.fulhamboysschool.org

Hands: Social care revolution will help families in Chelsea and Fulham
Greg Hands M.P. has welcomed the Governments proposals to transform social care, which were published last week. The current system is variable, with different services and standards in different parts of the country, and it can place huge financial obligations upon families. When the new measures are introduced: Nobody will have to sell their home in their lifetime to pay for social care. 200 million will be invested to create specialised housing for the elderly. Patients will be given access to personal health budgets to improve choice and entitlements to care. More care workers will be trained to ensure all elderly people are treated with the care and dignity they deserve. Although deferred payments for social care are available in some parts of the country, recent figures show that this applies to only 5.3 per cent of those paying for social care in Kensington and Chelsea and just 2.3 per cent in Hammersmith and Fulham. From 2015, everyone will be able defer the costs of their residential care. Commenting, Greg Hands M.P. said: Almost every family is aware of the costs of care in old age. Once these changes are implemented, we will no longer see local people being forced to sell their homes to pay for residential care. Its the biggest overhaul of the social care system in more than 60 years and it will make a huge difference to vulnerable patients here in Chelsea and Fulham.

Ministers will intervene to stop Charing Cross closure if key tests are not met
The Government has explained how it will judge the controversial plans by the local NHS to close the A&E departments at Charing Cross hospital and three other sites. The plans, which many fear would swamp the A&E at Chelsea & Westminster, have been produced by soon-to-be-axed bureaucrats at NHS NW London. Ministers were responding to the concerns raised in the House of Commons by MPs on both sides about the dangerous travel times and poor service it could produce. When asked specifically about Charing Cross hospital, the Health Minister, Simon Burns, confirmed that it was still a matter for the local NHS at this stage: the local NHS has determined locally what it believes is the best reconfiguration of services. That is going out to public consultation and so far no decisions have been taken because the consultation process has only just started. It will last for 14 weeks and then the results of that consultation will be considered. The Secretary of State, Andrew Lansley, then explained the criteria by which the Government will judge any final proposals: the plans being looked at in north-west London are entirely the same ones considered under a Labour Government before the election. I will insist that the plans are subjected to the four tests I have described. If they meet those four tests, they can go ahead; if not, they will not. The four Lansley tests were first set out in 2010. Closures, or reconfigurations, of local services must be consistent with the following criteria:

1. There must be clarity about the clinical evidence base

underpinning the proposals.

2. They must have the support of the GP commissioners involved. 3. They must genuinely promote choice for their patients. 4. The process must have genuinely engaged the public, patients
and local authorities. The consultation is being pushed through by NHS NW London in one of its last acts before it is replaced next year by GP commissioning. Although the new commissioning groups have been involved, it is far from clear that local GPs support the changes. Commenting, Greg Hands M.P. said: Im pleased Ministers have confirmed that these proposals are not Government policy, and will be subject to rigorous scrutiny if NHS North West London press ahead. The challenge now is for as many local people as possible to register their opposition. We also need GPs and medics to speak out on behalf of their patients. Sign the petition, fill out the consultation, and ask your GP to do the same. Together, we can save Charing Cross and stop Chelsea & Westminster from being swamped. Click here to sign H&F Councils petition to save Charing Cross Hospital. Click here to take part in the NHS consultation closes 8 October 2012. Click here to download a postcard to send to your doctor.

Second Trial to relax Heathrow rules begins residents must have their say
West London residents living under the Heathrow flight path face more aircraft noise as a second trial of new runway rules started this week. Under certain circumstances the airport's operator, BAA, will be allowed to use both runways simultaneously as part of the second phase of its Operational Freedoms trial. Historically the airport has used a runway alternation system which means using one runway for arrivals and the other for departures. Their use is switched halfway through the day at 3pm to give residents a predictable period of relief from aircraft noise. At certain times BAA is already allowed to use both runways simultaneously for arrivals, mainly to clear backlogs of flights. However, under the current trials which started on July 1 and last until March 2013 the threshold for triggering dual use of the runways will be lowered. Both runways will be used when planes face a 10-minute wait to land or take off or if there is more widespread disruption to the airports flight schedules, for example due to bad weather. From November until the end of the trial, the new freedoms will also include the ability for more flights to land between 5.30am-6.00am in return for fewer flights between 4.30am-5:00am. Cllr Victoria Brocklebank-Fowler, H&F Council Cabinet Member for Transport and Technical Services, says: Incessant aircraft noise is something that many residents living under the Heathrow flight path fear. If these trials eat into the predictable period of respite from this noise it could seriously affected the quality of life for thousands of west London residents. I would encourage anyone who is disturbed by these changes to the flights over us to log a complaint directly with BAA. BAA says the trials will allow it to explore how the runways can be used more efficiently and claims there will be no increase in flights in or out of Heathrow with the cap remaining at 480,000 aircraft movements a year. The first phase of the Operational Freedoms trial ran from 1 November 2011 until 29 February 2012. BAAs report into the phase one trials showed a significant increase in complaints from west London residents about noise although bizarrely BAA has claimed it is unclear whether these complaints were as a direct result of the trial. Tim Hardy, BAAs Airside Director, said: With Heathrow operating at full capacity, we need to look at ways to strengthen resilience, which will bring benefits to the local community through fewer late-running flights, to passengers by providing a more punctual service, and to the environment by reducing aircraft stacking and emissions. The Civil Aviation Authority will oversee the tests and Cambridge University has been appointed to independently audit the trial. For more information, or to log a complaint, visit www.heathrowairport.com/noise or call 0800 344 844 or email [email protected].

Olympic Torch coming to Chelsea and Fulham

The Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Cllr Christopher Buckmaster, will welcome the Olympic torch to the borough after it crosses Chelsea Bridge on Thursday 26 July. Cllr Buckmaster will be accompanied by the Mayoress, Mrs Anne Hobson, Baroness Hanham and a group of Chelsea Pensioners, some of the borough's most recognisable and venerable residents who live in the nearby Royal Hospital Chelsea. The torch is expected to arrive in the borough, via Chelsea Bridge, at approximately 1.20pm before moving up Chelsea Bridge Road towards the Royal Hospital Chelsea. The Mayor said: "I will be delighted to welcome the Olympic torch to the borough on behalf of the residents of Kensington and Chelsea. The torch is creating a great deal of excitement as it makes its way around the country and I am sure that it will receive a marvellous welcome as it passes through the borough. "From the moment it is greeted by our Chelsea Pensioners all associated with the torch will know they are in a very special borough and this will be confirmed when the torch enters Holland Park later in the day to the sounds of some magnificent singing courtesy of Opera Holland Park and a community choir."

Town Ward by-election result in Fulham

Andrew Robert BROWN - Conservative Party Candidate - 768 Ben COLEMAN - The Labour Party Candidate - 416 Andrew ELSTON - UK Independence Party (UKIP) - 39 Paul KENNEDY - Liberal Democrat Focus Team - 331 Andrew Robert Brown is duly elected to serve as councillor for Town ward. Greg Hands M.P. said I used to represent Town Ward myself on the Council, and I know that Andrew Brown will do an excellent job representing the residents of central Fulham, either side of the Fulham Road. It was also good to see the Conservatives hold the seat, with a resounding 50% vote share.

Dog owners urged to clean up in K&C

A campaign urging dog owners to clean up after their pets was launched on Thursday 4 July by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Council officers handed out dog pooh bags and spoke to dog owners reminding them to dispose of their dogs' mess responsibly. It is not enough to simply bag the mess and leave it on the highway - it should then be placed in bins or owners can bag it and take it home with them. More than 50 bright coloured markers were left for 48 hours in Cathcart Road, The Boltons and Westfield Park to highlight the amount of dog mess left. New signs have gone up across the borough, with the key message `Good dog owners clean up. Bad dog owners don't! Bag it and bin it' Dog fouling is an issue that causes residents concern. Not only is it unpleasant, and messy but it carries harmful bacteria that can cause infections and toxocariasis, which can lead to blindness. Failure to clean up dog waste carries an 80 fine and a maximum penalty of 2,500 if the case goes to court and results in a conviction. Councillor Nick Paget-Brown, Deputy Leader of the Council, who attended the launch event and spoke to residents about the campaign and how the Council is tackling the problem through targeted enforcement work, said: "Dog owners and walkers should not be leaving their dogs' waste for others to deal with, it is antisocial and unpleasant. "Highlighting the problem with bright markers will hopefully bring home the message. There is no dog pooh fairy; it is up to owners and dog walkers to clean up after their dogs and not to leave bags on the pavement which is unpleasant for everyone."

Fulham parents appeal to community to raise funds for a school playground

Parents from St Johns Walham Green Primary School are appealing to the Fulham community to help raise the final sum of money required to build a desperately needed new playground. Last year the Church of England School consulted pupils and parents about ways to improve the schools dull, concrete play space. Children at the Filmer Road site unanimously wished for an adventure area to be able to climb and a quiet corner to relax. Parent Lynette Cowen from the schools Parents, Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA) said: The children have been dreaming about a playground that is safe and fun place to play, learn, explore and stretch their bodies and minds outside. We need your support to make it happen and turn that playground dream a reality for our children and community. After reviewing a number of proposals JC Gardens Designs, who specialise in building wooden playgrounds, has been commissioned to start transforming the schools outdoor space. Over the summer holidays the playground will be revamped with a quiet "theatre" area which the teachers envisage using for performances and lessons that will benefit from a non-traditional classroom setting. During the lunch and play breaks the zone will be a quiet place for children to unwind and be creative. The second area is a wooden climbing frame. This area will provide the children with an active area that is challenging, stimulating, and physical environment. Each are will play a vital role in stretching the childrens minds, bodies and imaginations. Over the past two years the PTFA has worked very hard hosting cake sales, quiz nights, silent auctions, summer fairs, barn dances and recycling projects to raise 15,000 towards the project. A grant of 1,695 has been received and the school has agreed to contribute 20,000. However, there is a shortfall of 9,914 needed to meet the final sum. Parents and children are doing everything possible to raise the remaining money from donating manpower to the build, holding a Mufti day at school, cake sales and parents sponsoring bricks and planks in the playground. Lynette Cowen continued: We have a number of sponsorship opportunities available for local businesses and people or they can donate manpower to help us get the job done. All parents and teachers have worked very hard to get us this far and now were appealing to our local community to help get to the finish line. Local businesses and people willing to contribute can help in the following ways and have their companies or names engraved on a playground plaque. Sponsor an adventure tower: 5,000 - 300 Sponsor an adventure ladder: 250 Sponsor an adventure rope: 100 Sponsor a tree: 150 Sponsor a stage plank: 100 Sponsor a brick: 50 Parent Nicky Giles added: The support you lend to our new playground is not only counted in pounds but in what it means to the children and school community. That is truly priceless, both now and in our future. After all fun and exciting opportunities to play are at the heart of a happy, healthy and enjoyable childhood. To make a donation for the St John's Primary School Playground fund you can pay by cash or cheque made out to Friends of St John's and send it to St John's Primary School, Filmer Road, London SW6 6AS. For more information or photos please contact Lynette Cowen on 07970853747.

Hands in the papers:

Muhafazakar Partili Trkiyenin Dostlar Grubu Yaz Resepsiyonu Verdi

From: www.haberimport.com (Turkish language) 13th July 2012 Muhafazakar Partili Trkiyenin Dostlar Grubu (Consevative Friends of Turkey-CFT) ve Polonya Dostlar Grubunun (CFP) ortaklaa dzenledii yaz resepsiyonu, Londra Covent Gardendaki Sofra Restoranda gerekletirildi. Muhafazakar Partili Trkiyenin Dostlar Grubu (Consevative Friends of Turkey-CFT) ve Polonya Dostlar Grubunun (CFP) ortaklaa dzenledii yaz resepsiyonu, Londra Covent Gardendaki Sofra Restoranda gerekletirildi. Trkiye ve Muhafazakar Parti ilikilerine yardmc olmay hedefleyen bir kurulu olan CFT, bu etkileimi gerekletirmek iin siyasi kurumlar, akademisyenler, dernekler de dahil olmak zere, geni bir yelpazede almalarn srdryor. Yaplan faaliyetler arasnda Trkiye ve ngilterenin stratejik ilikisi zerine oturumlar, ngilteredeki Trk toplumu arasnda Muhafazakar Parti almalarnn tantm ve daha iyi anlalmas iin eitli organizasyonlar da yer alyor. Bu amalarla getiimiz gnlerde dzenlenen yaz resepsiyonuna medya, siyaset ve i dnyasndan nemli isimler katld. CFTnin kurucu yelerinden Parlamento yesi Greg Hands, Onur etin, milletvekili Richard Harrington ve CFP kurucu bakan Teresa Potocka da resepsiyona katlan nemli isimler arasndayd. Greg Hands yapt konumada partiye olan destein ve aznlk olan toplum kesimlerinin siyasete katlmnn nemi hakknda konutu. Hands, Trkiye ve Polonyaya yapt gezilere deinerek, Londradaki aznlk gruplara el uzatmann nemini vurgulad. Konumada baz istatistik bilgilere de yer veren vekil, ngilterede yaayan Polonyal saysnn ngilterenin yzde 1'ini oluturduunun belirterek en byk ikinci yabanc topluluk olan Polonyallarn, Muhafazakar Parti icin kazanlmas gereken nemli bir kesimi oluturduunu syledi. Londradaki Trk toplumunun da partiler iin byk nem tadn vurgulayan Greg Hands, bu ilikinin nemini getiimiz gnlerde Muhafazakar Parti Avrupa Bakan David Lidingtonn Trkiye ngiltere ilikileri daha iyi olmamt szlerini vurgulayarak yineledi. Muhafakar Parti Grup Bakan Vekili Hands, konumasn Muhafazakar Partinin aznlk gruplara ulamaya alrken neler yaptklarn anlatarak sonlandrd. CHAN

5 ways to contact Greg Hands M.P.:

By Phone: By email: By post: In person: 020 7219 5448 [email protected] Greg Hands M.P. House of Commons London SW1A 0AA Click here for details of how to book an appointment at Greg Hands M.P.s weekly surgery

www.greghands.com

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