Practical steps, employing common sense principles
"We believe that ensuring every child has an excellent education is the principal role the state can play in making opportunity more equal."
1. Immediate action driving urgent improvement
Improve discipline and behaviour in schools, shifting the balance of power in the classroom back in favour of the teacher.
Get every child who is capable of doing so reading by the age of six, so that every minute in the classroom thereafter is productive.
Reform the testing regime in primary schools to reduce bureaucracy and focus on every pupil’s real needs.
Deliver more teaching by ability which stretches the strongest and nurtures the weakest. Reform the schools inspection procedure to ensure there is tougher, more effective and more searching scrutiny of under-performance.
Champion excellence in the comprehensive sector by evangelising for the best professional practice in the state system, and more generously rewarding those who deliver for the poorest.
2. The supply-side revolution
Provide over 220,000 new school places. That would meet the demand from every parent who lost their appeal for their first choice school in our most deprived boroughs.
Allow educational charities, philanthropists, livery companies, existing school federations, not for profit trusts, co operatives and groups of parents to set up new schools in the state sector and access equivalent public funding to existing state schools.
Ensure funding for deprivation goes direct to the pupils most in need rather than being diverted by bureaucracies.
Divert more resources to pupils who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring they get the earliest possible opportunity to choose the best schools and enjoy the best teaching. Make it easier to establish the extended schooling (from summer schools through Saturday schooling to homework clubs and breakfast clubs) which drives up achievement, especially among the poorest.
Remove those obstacles in terms of centralised bureaucracy, local authority restrictions and planning rules – which prevent new schools being established. Allow smaller schools and more intimate learning environments to be established to respond to parental demands.
Tuesday, 20 November 2007
Education, Let Teachers Teach How They Know Best
Raising the bar, closing the gap.
David Cameron has today promised 220,000 extra school places as part of Conservative plans to raise school standards and make opportunity more equal.
Speaking at the launch of 'Raising the bar, closing the gap', the Conservative Green Paper on education, David said, "It's time for a revolution in the supply of education in this country."
Michael Gove, the Shadow Children's Secretary, set out plans to tackle educational under-achievement in the immediate term through policies such as more teaching by ability and giving teachers more power.
And he laid out plans to increase the number of good school places through a long-term programme that:
- Allows educational charities, co-operatives and parents to set up new schools
- Diverts more resources to pupils who come from disadvantaged backgrounds
- Removes obstacles which prevent new schools being established
David Cameron has today promised 220,000 extra school places as part of Conservative plans to raise school standards and make opportunity more equal.
Speaking at the launch of 'Raising the bar, closing the gap', the Conservative Green Paper on education, David said, "It's time for a revolution in the supply of education in this country."
Michael Gove, the Shadow Children's Secretary, set out plans to tackle educational under-achievement in the immediate term through policies such as more teaching by ability and giving teachers more power.
And he laid out plans to increase the number of good school places through a long-term programme that:
- Allows educational charities, co-operatives and parents to set up new schools
- Diverts more resources to pupils who come from disadvantaged backgrounds
- Removes obstacles which prevent new schools being established
Six Months Of Non-Delivery
Despite the Conservative Party securing the largest number of Councillors in May 2007, the Liberal Democrats took control of Maidstone Borough Council by forming a coalition with Labour and the Independents.
Hell bent on taking control rather than acting in the best interests of our Borough, this coalition of mismatched ideas, priorities and people has led to virtual paralysis in the delivery of services to the people of Maidstone. The LibDems point to their decision to introduce a new recycling service as their single major achievement but at what cost and what about other important council services?
Since May, major frontline services have been cut, others are threatened and they have been unable to guarantee that our Council Tax will not rise significantly next year to pay for their mismanagement of council services.
The Conservative Group has reviewed progress of the Lib Dem coalition since May and believes it is right for our Borough to be made aware of their failures:
Park and Ride GONE
PCSO’s funding threatened by LibDems
NO grip on planning
Lack of clarity and ambiguity over concessionary fares as Labour propose to centralise the process
NO PLAN for 07/08 municipal year
Ruling group CANCELS Council meetings claiming that there is no business to be transacted!
BIN SNOOPERS to monitor your waste
Maidstone Conservative Group’s conclusion is that:
Pensioners will suffer from the closure of the Park and Ride in South Ward and the South of Maidstone; they will be hardest hit from a cut in concessionary fares and we will see an increased fear of crime because of the potential threat to PCSOs.
For a group desperate to cling to power in a coalition which brought together a group of people whose only interest was power, the result has been inertia. The people of Maidstone are suffering from their lack of leadership, lack of direction, lack of vision and lack of budgetary control.
Hell bent on taking control rather than acting in the best interests of our Borough, this coalition of mismatched ideas, priorities and people has led to virtual paralysis in the delivery of services to the people of Maidstone. The LibDems point to their decision to introduce a new recycling service as their single major achievement but at what cost and what about other important council services?
Since May, major frontline services have been cut, others are threatened and they have been unable to guarantee that our Council Tax will not rise significantly next year to pay for their mismanagement of council services.
The Conservative Group has reviewed progress of the Lib Dem coalition since May and believes it is right for our Borough to be made aware of their failures:
Park and Ride GONE
PCSO’s funding threatened by LibDems
NO grip on planning
Lack of clarity and ambiguity over concessionary fares as Labour propose to centralise the process
NO PLAN for 07/08 municipal year
Ruling group CANCELS Council meetings claiming that there is no business to be transacted!
BIN SNOOPERS to monitor your waste
Maidstone Conservative Group’s conclusion is that:
Pensioners will suffer from the closure of the Park and Ride in South Ward and the South of Maidstone; they will be hardest hit from a cut in concessionary fares and we will see an increased fear of crime because of the potential threat to PCSOs.
For a group desperate to cling to power in a coalition which brought together a group of people whose only interest was power, the result has been inertia. The people of Maidstone are suffering from their lack of leadership, lack of direction, lack of vision and lack of budgetary control.
Wednesday, 14 November 2007
Lord West security advisor performs hand brake turn.
The junior minister Lord West brought into the government by Brown as security advisor has been force to perform a hand brake turn to avoid a head on collision with his new master Comrade Brown. Not something that Lord West would have been used to doing in a battle ship.
One moment Lord West was not in favour of extending detention without charge and then after a few minutes with Brown he had changed his mind. Who is advising who on security?
One moment Lord West was not in favour of extending detention without charge and then after a few minutes with Brown he had changed his mind. Who is advising who on security?
Monday, 12 November 2007
Broom sweeping through MTW Trust Board.
At the Hospital Rally tonight, interim Chief Executive for the Trust announced that three Non-executive Directors have resigned today, with two others not seeking reappointment at the end of the month.
Though not before time, at least now this paves the way for a representative board to be established.
Though not before time, at least now this paves the way for a representative board to be established.
Maidstone is Resolved
After a minutes silence for the victims of C.diff, the very well attended rally on Maidstone Hospital services voted unanimously for the following resolutions;
1. Fit for Purpose
Our NHS trusts to provide highest hygiene standards, nursing and management to ensure patient safety to cover all services in a Maidstone General District Hospital, which must now regain public confidence.
2. Watchdog
This rally supports a KCC proposal to set up a Maidstone area ‘Health Watch’ – an independent route for registering concerns about Maidstone health services.
3. Dissolve Trust
Maidstone and Tunbridge Well NHS Trust to be dissolved and a more appropriate trust area formed with fair Maidstone representation on the board, top management and among clinical directors.
4. A&E
Full A&E to be retained at Maidstone hospital including all emergency surgery (apart from specialised trauma). Chronic pain unit to return immediately.
5. Maternity
Proposals to remove maternity unit, paediatrics and Special Care baby Unit from Maidstone Hospital to be abandoned. Gynaecology to be repatriated.
6. Stroke Unit.
Reinstatement of promise – a specialised Maidstone stroke unit.
1. Fit for Purpose
Our NHS trusts to provide highest hygiene standards, nursing and management to ensure patient safety to cover all services in a Maidstone General District Hospital, which must now regain public confidence.
2. Watchdog
This rally supports a KCC proposal to set up a Maidstone area ‘Health Watch’ – an independent route for registering concerns about Maidstone health services.
3. Dissolve Trust
Maidstone and Tunbridge Well NHS Trust to be dissolved and a more appropriate trust area formed with fair Maidstone representation on the board, top management and among clinical directors.
4. A&E
Full A&E to be retained at Maidstone hospital including all emergency surgery (apart from specialised trauma). Chronic pain unit to return immediately.
5. Maternity
Proposals to remove maternity unit, paediatrics and Special Care baby Unit from Maidstone Hospital to be abandoned. Gynaecology to be repatriated.
6. Stroke Unit.
Reinstatement of promise – a specialised Maidstone stroke unit.
Sunday, 11 November 2007
Remembrance Day
The Kohima Epitaph
“When you go home tell them of us and say,
for your tomorrow we gave our today”
“When you go home tell them of us and say,
for your tomorrow we gave our today”
Constitutional Renewal Bill(draft)
This Bill is actually quite promising;
This draft bill is suggesting Parliament should have some form of say on whether the Country should go to war, this should of course actually be a vote, we shall have to wait and see just what the final Bill says, This is currently described as a consultation.
The next significant point is that there should be a statutory mechanism by which treaties can be brought before Parliament, All in favour of this one as well, pity it will not go as far as referenda!
“To rebalance power between Parliament and Government, and give Parliament more ability to hold Government to account;” This is some Brown/ Labour posturing seeking to differential Comrade Brown from Ex-President Blair.
“To reinvigorate our democracy, with people proud to participate in decision-making at every level; and to clarify the role of Government, both central and local.” The simplest way to do this would be to call an election that would reinvigorate our democracy.
Further details on this bill can be viewed on http://www.commonsleader.gov.uk/output/Page2171.asp
This draft bill is suggesting Parliament should have some form of say on whether the Country should go to war, this should of course actually be a vote, we shall have to wait and see just what the final Bill says, This is currently described as a consultation.
The next significant point is that there should be a statutory mechanism by which treaties can be brought before Parliament, All in favour of this one as well, pity it will not go as far as referenda!
“To rebalance power between Parliament and Government, and give Parliament more ability to hold Government to account;” This is some Brown/ Labour posturing seeking to differential Comrade Brown from Ex-President Blair.
“To reinvigorate our democracy, with people proud to participate in decision-making at every level; and to clarify the role of Government, both central and local.” The simplest way to do this would be to call an election that would reinvigorate our democracy.
Further details on this bill can be viewed on http://www.commonsleader.gov.uk/output/Page2171.asp
Friday, 9 November 2007
£5.6bn estimated cost for ID cards
Birmingham Post: The introduction of identity cards and biometric passports will cost more than £5.6 billion over the next 10 years, according to a Government estimate.
Under the Identity Card Act, all foreign nationals in the UK are required to carry biometric ID cards from 2008, and all UK passport applicants will be issued with them from 2010.
The Home Office's Identity and Passport Service (IPS) acknowledged that, as with any cost estimates covering a 10-year forward period, there are "uncertainties" over the eventual cost of the scheme.
Mark Wallace, of the Taxpayers' Alliance campaign for lower taxes, said: "Biometric ID cards and the national database that will go with them are a vastly expensive project. Even the quite conservative Home Office predictions see the taxpayer bearing a heavy burden for the scheme, assuming there are no problems.
"In practice, we know that Government computer projects almost always come in hugely over budget, years after deadlines and regularly suffer severe technical problems. The financial threat to the taxpayer posed by ID cards is just as concerning as the civil liberties implications."
tpa.typepad.com/media/2007/11/birmingham-po-1.html
Under the Identity Card Act, all foreign nationals in the UK are required to carry biometric ID cards from 2008, and all UK passport applicants will be issued with them from 2010.
The Home Office's Identity and Passport Service (IPS) acknowledged that, as with any cost estimates covering a 10-year forward period, there are "uncertainties" over the eventual cost of the scheme.
Mark Wallace, of the Taxpayers' Alliance campaign for lower taxes, said: "Biometric ID cards and the national database that will go with them are a vastly expensive project. Even the quite conservative Home Office predictions see the taxpayer bearing a heavy burden for the scheme, assuming there are no problems.
"In practice, we know that Government computer projects almost always come in hugely over budget, years after deadlines and regularly suffer severe technical problems. The financial threat to the taxpayer posed by ID cards is just as concerning as the civil liberties implications."
tpa.typepad.com/media/2007/11/birmingham-po-1.html
Thursday, 8 November 2007
Queen's Speech, Brown's plans, good if you want to build an off shore wind farm perhaps
He is the full list of Bills in the Queen's speech, unless I am missing something there is little actually new or visionary here, but then with Brown at the helm what can we expect? Brown the Borrower strikes again, Brown the Taxer, a number of Brown the Developer Bill's and Brown the Confused over Pensions, was it not he who raided the countries pension schemes, erh yes of course, so it was! And then there is Brown the Educator who has no idea what to do with the disaffected youth the Labour Party has created during its reign. Here is a clue, its called aspiration.
Apprenticeships (draft) Bill
Applying in England, this bill is likely to give 16 to 18-year-olds an entitlement to an apprenticeship, in an effort to reduce the number of young people not in education, training or employment.
Channel Tunnel Rail Link Bill
Sets out provisions which clarify the legal and regulatory position of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, ahead of a restructuring of the company which built the link. Applies to whole UK.
Child Maintenance and Other Payments Bill
This bill, applying to England, Wales and Scotland, will set up the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission to replace the Child Support Agency. The government says it will have tougher powers to force absent parents to pay for their children. It will also set up a scheme to pay a lump sum to people suffering from the asbestos-related disease mesothelioma, who are not yet eligible for compensation. Applies to England, Scotland and Wales.
Children and Young Persons Bill
Gives councils powers to organise children's care in different ways and ensure children do not move schools in Years 10 and 11, except in exceptional circumstances. Says young people should not be "forced out of care before they are ready" and calls for higher standards for those children placed in care. Applies to England and Wales.
Citizenship and Immigration (draft) Bill
Will "take forward any recommendations" from the review of citizenship by former Attorney General Lord Goldsmith.
Climate Change Bill
This bill creates a legal framework to reduce the UK's carbon dioxide emissions up to 2050 and beyond. It will propose statutory targets to reduce UK carbon dioxide emissions by at least 60% by 2050 and between 26 and 32% by 2020 - as compared with 1990's emissions. Provides for pilot schemes by councils to cut household waste. Much of the bill applies to the whole UK.
Constitutional Renewal (draft) Bill
Promises to "rebalance power" between Parliament and the government and give MPs more clout to hold the government to account. Subject to more consultation, the bill will propose giving Parliament powers to ratify treaties and decide whether troops should be deployed. It will also incorporate the findings of the ongoing consultation on judicial appointments and the handling of protests in Parliament Square. Most of the bill applies to the whole UK.
Counter-Terrorism Bill
Would enable post-charge questioning of terrorist suspects and the drawing of "adverse inferences" from refusals to say something which is later relied on in court. The bill would ensure the police and intelligence services can make full use of DNA and convicted terrorists provide police with personal information when they are released from prison. Convicted terrorists would be banned from travelling overseas. Applies to whole UK.
Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill
Includes jailing non-dangerous criminals who breach the terms of their release for 28 days only - rather than automatically serving out the rest of their sentence. The bill will also introduce Violent Offenders Orders, which are post-sentence restrictions on violent offenders, and a new immigration status for people convicted of terrorism or serious offences. It would ban the possession of "extreme" pornographic images available on the internet and not covered by the Obscene Publications Act. The government also says it would amend the law on self-defence to ensure people who act with "reasonable force" to protect themselves, others and their property are "fully protected" under the law. It largely relates to England and Wales, although some provisions will extend to Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Crossrail Bill
Gives necessary powers to build Crossrail, a railway stretching east to west across London. Carried over from the previous parliamentary session - having been introduced in February 2005.
Cultural Property (Armed Conflicts) (draft) Bill
Would allow the UK to ratify the 1954 Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property, providing a series of protections for cultural artefacts during wars.
Dormant Bank and Building Society Accounts Bill
Allows the government to use money held in bank and building society accounts which have not been used for 15 years to provide more youth facilities. Applies to the whole UK.
EC Finance Bill
This bill will amend the European Communities Act 1972 - to change the way the UK finances the annual EC budget. It allows the UK to make payments direct from the government's own bank account - the Consolidated Fund.
Education and Skills Bill
Gives the power to England and Wales for all 16 to 18-year-olds to be required to stay in some form of education or training by 2015. Also places a duty on employers to release young people for the equivalent of one day's training a week, while parents and local authorities have a duty to make sure young people participate.
Employment Bill
Promises clearer and stronger enforcement of employment law and to bring in measures to resolve disputes more quickly. Applies to England, Scotland and Wales.
Energy Bill
This bill aims to provide greater incentives for renewable energy generation and to make it easier for private firms to invest in offshore gas supply infrastructure, in "carbon capture" research and provisions on nuclear waste and decommissioning financing. Applies to whole UK.
EU Reform Treaty Bill
Would bring into UK law the EU Reform Treaty, which is due to be signed by EU heads of government in December.
Health and Social Care Bill
Would establish the Care Quality Commission to inspect and intervene in failing hospitals. This combines the functions of the existing Healthcare Commission, the Commission for Social Care Inspection and the Mental Health Act Commission. The bill would also bolster professional regulation.
Heritage Protection Draft Bill
Proposes a "unified" heritage protection system, removing "unhelpful distinctions" between schemes such as listing and scheduling. Applies to England and Wales with some parts applying to Northern Ireland.
Housing and Regeneration Bill
This merges the Housing Corporation, which distributes funds to housing associations to build new social housing, and English Partnerships, which plans housing projects in new growth areas.
It will also implement the recommendations of the Cave Review of Social Housing Regulation and respond to the implications of the recent ECHR ruling on gypsies and travellers. Applies to England and Wales.
Human Tissues and Embryos Bill
Would ensure the creation and use of all human embryos outside the body is regulated. The bill also proposes a ban on selecting the sex of babies for non-medical reasons and would recognise same-sex couples as legal parents of children conceived through the use of donated sperm, eggs or embryos. Applies to the whole UK, although there are some provisions involving the changes to legal parenthood in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Local Transport Bill
Would give local authorities "greater freedom and choice" to set their transport policies, including more "freedom and flexibility" to set up local road-pricing schemes. Applies to England and Wales, with some provisions extending to Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Marine (draft) Bill
Proposes a new system of planning for marine and offshore developments. Proposed for whole of UK.
Marine Navigation and Port Safety (draft) Bill
Proposes giving lighthouse authorities more powers to operate a modern service and clarifies the existing framework for port safety. Applies to the whole UK.
National Insurance Contributions Bill
Would harmonise the upper earnings limit (UEL) for national insurance contributions with the higher rate income tax threshold. The UEL will rise in phases, to match the higher rate income tax threshold by April 2009. The measure would extend across the UK.
Pensions Bill
Would mean eligible workers are automatically enrolled into a pension scheme, with a minimum employer contribution introduced. Applies to England, Scotland and Wales.
Planning Reform Bill
Calls for the establishment of a new separate planning system for major infrastructure projects and simplifying the planning system for minor home improvements. In many cases formal planning permission will no longer be required. Applies to England.
Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Bill
Aims to "reduce unnecessary burdens" placed on business by local authority regulations. Applies to whole UK.
Sale of Student Loans Bill
This bill, applying to England and Wales, covers the proposal to sell the student loan book, announced by Gordon Brown in the 2007 Budget, which is expected to raise £6bn over three years.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7080446.stm
Tuesday, 30 October 2007
Labour Immigration Shambles
1.5 million foreign-born workers have come to work in Britain in the past 10 years.
52% - or 1.1 million - of new jobs created had gone to migrants.
When 10 further nations, including eight former communist states, joined the EU in 2004, the UK adopted an "open door" policy – which simply allowed unfettered access to labour markets here, while failing to make any attempt to accurately count migration.
As a result when the government predicted 15,000 migrant workers would arrive each year. Instead 600,000 arrived in two years.
Speaking after the Government had to correct its own figures twice in a week, Shadow Home Secretary David Davis said: "It is not good enough for the home secretary to apologise.
"The government should be open about telling the truth before they are pressurised into it.
"Immigration policy has been out of control for a decade and, if you can't count migration, you certainly can't control it."
The UK population is projected to increase by 4.4 million by 2016. This increase is equivalent to an average annual rate of growth of 0.7 per cent.If past trends continue, the population will continue to grow, reaching 71 million by 2031.
sources http://www.statistics.gov.uk/ http://news.bbc.co.uk
Monday, 29 October 2007
Community Policing at Risk
Not content with the cut to funding for 2 Police Community Support Offices (PCSO’s), a decision strongly apposed in a vote by the Conservatives, Cllr FitzGerald Cabinet member for Community Services has now announced that the administration is proposing to pull MBC's contribution to the funding for 3 more PCSO’s in the hope that Kent Police will pick up the full cost.
These Officers operate in Tovil, Shepway and Parkwood, once again the residents of the South of Maidstone will be having to take the hits.
How likely is it that Kent Police will be able to find the funds for full funding in one round? All of this in the context of supposedly partnership working between MBC and Kent Police.
From my experience in South Ward, the PCSO has in the comparatively short time in post made a real and tangible difference. I will be strongly apposing any loss to community policing and invite the residents of South Ward and indeed the South of Maidstone to write to the Leader of the Council to express their concerns.
It would seem that the administrations priorities and concerns lie elsewhere than community safety and community policing.
These Officers operate in Tovil, Shepway and Parkwood, once again the residents of the South of Maidstone will be having to take the hits.
How likely is it that Kent Police will be able to find the funds for full funding in one round? All of this in the context of supposedly partnership working between MBC and Kent Police.
From my experience in South Ward, the PCSO has in the comparatively short time in post made a real and tangible difference. I will be strongly apposing any loss to community policing and invite the residents of South Ward and indeed the South of Maidstone to write to the Leader of the Council to express their concerns.
It would seem that the administrations priorities and concerns lie elsewhere than community safety and community policing.
Tuesday, 23 October 2007
Local Government Association call for supermarkets to do more to help comsumers boost recycling rates.
“Supermarkets must take urgent action to reduce excessive packaging or Britain will fail to meet its recycling targets, council leaders warned today.The call came as new research published by the Local Government Association revealed up to 40 per cent of a regular household shopping basket cannot be recycled.
The LGA commissioned British Market Research Bureau (BMRB) Social Research to buy a range of common food items from eight retailers. Analysis of the purchases found that local retailers and market traders produced less packaging and that more of it could be recycled with the larger supermarkets lagging behind.
BMRB Social Research found five per cent of the total weight of shopping baskets was made up of packaging. The most environmentally friendly retailers have low levels of packaging a high proportion of which is recyclable. The supermarket with the heaviest packaging was Lidl's (799.5g), while the contents of the Marks & Spencer basket had the lowest level of packaging that could be recycled (60 per cent). Asda was the best performing supermarket, with packaging weighing 714g 70 per cent of which was recyclable. But the market was the best overall, with packaging weighing 710.5g, 79 per cent recyclable.
Recycling rates in Britain are increasing as more people do their bit to protect the environment. Councils are also extending and improving their recycling services in a bid to reduce the amount of waste thrown into landfill sites. The LGA has warned these efforts to meet EU recycling targets will not succeed unless supermarkets do more to reduce excessive packaging.”
This report is clearly very welcome. More and more consumers are doing their bit but if everything we purchase is unnecessarily and overly packaged the task is an up hill one, and of course who will get to pay for it in the end, the council tax payer.
http://www.lga.gov.uk/PressRelease.asp?id=SX1293-A7849461
The LGA commissioned British Market Research Bureau (BMRB) Social Research to buy a range of common food items from eight retailers. Analysis of the purchases found that local retailers and market traders produced less packaging and that more of it could be recycled with the larger supermarkets lagging behind.
BMRB Social Research found five per cent of the total weight of shopping baskets was made up of packaging. The most environmentally friendly retailers have low levels of packaging a high proportion of which is recyclable. The supermarket with the heaviest packaging was Lidl's (799.5g), while the contents of the Marks & Spencer basket had the lowest level of packaging that could be recycled (60 per cent). Asda was the best performing supermarket, with packaging weighing 714g 70 per cent of which was recyclable. But the market was the best overall, with packaging weighing 710.5g, 79 per cent recyclable.
Recycling rates in Britain are increasing as more people do their bit to protect the environment. Councils are also extending and improving their recycling services in a bid to reduce the amount of waste thrown into landfill sites. The LGA has warned these efforts to meet EU recycling targets will not succeed unless supermarkets do more to reduce excessive packaging.”
This report is clearly very welcome. More and more consumers are doing their bit but if everything we purchase is unnecessarily and overly packaged the task is an up hill one, and of course who will get to pay for it in the end, the council tax payer.
http://www.lga.gov.uk/PressRelease.asp?id=SX1293-A7849461
Friday, 19 October 2007
Brown sets course to push through EU constitution/ Treaty
"The Prime Minister briefed his Cabinet colleagues on Tuesday to expect another protracted tussle on the latest treaty, starting in the new year and continuing well into the spring, The Times has learnt.
He told them that months of detailed examination will dampen Eurosceptics’ opposition while demonstrating that the document is too complex to be decided by referendum. "
Thursday, 18 October 2007
Joined up Healthcare
Click on the link to see a short video of myself at the Conservative Party conference where I am calling for a pledge for joined up healthcare. Unfortunately the end is cut off.
Not a day goes by that the need for coordinated healthcare and true cooperation between all health agencies, local governemnt, social services and the voluntary sector becomes ever more urgent.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuGiKBYq4AU
Not a day goes by that the need for coordinated healthcare and true cooperation between all health agencies, local governemnt, social services and the voluntary sector becomes ever more urgent.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuGiKBYq4AU
Wide Spread Infection Control Failures
The Healthcare commission has released the 2006/07 annual health check ratings for every NHS Trust.
Across the country 44 out of 172 acute and specialist trusts (the hospital trusts) did not comply with at least one in three core standards relating to infection control.
We must insist on a zero tolerance of health care acquired infections, only then will the systemic culture of acceptance of such infection begin to be tackled.
Across the country 44 out of 172 acute and specialist trusts (the hospital trusts) did not comply with at least one in three core standards relating to infection control.
We must insist on a zero tolerance of health care acquired infections, only then will the systemic culture of acceptance of such infection begin to be tackled.
Tuesday, 16 October 2007
Ann Widdecombe MP in Parliament 15th Oct, on the MTW Trust
Ann Widdecombe MP: "May I draw the Secretary of State’s attention to the debate in the House on 23 January 2007? After listing a catalogue of neglect and disaster at Maidstone hospital, I said:
“One of my constituents telephoned his brother to say that he was in Maidstone hospital with C. difficile, sitting in his own diarrhoea, and that he wished he was dead.”
I asked the then Secretary of State:
“Can anyone believe that when that is the standard of nursing, it has nothing to do with the spread of infection?"
That was 10 months ago.
May I draw the Secretary of State’s attention to something that I identified at the time, but has not mentioned in his responses so far? It is the crucial role of ward sister. Ward sister, unlike management, matron or the director of nursing, is there all day. She used to fulfil the role of boss: “Nurse, why is that drip empty?”; “Nurse, why is this man in his own diarrhoea?” If she still fulfilled that role— [Interruption.]
Mr. Speaker: Order. I hear the hon. Member for North Durham (Mr. Jones) saying from a sedentary position, “It is a speech.” We are considering a serious matter, which is why I have allowed an urgent question. Let the right hon. Lady speak because I understand that she has lost constituents.
Miss Widdecombe: I am very grateful, Mr. Speaker. I apologise for the length of the question, but we are considering my Trust and I am concerned about what is going on. Does the Secretary of State accept that, if ward sister fulfilled her former role, many of the difficulties might have been avoided? Does he agree that there are three main reasons for her not fulfilling that role? First, short-staffing means that she is nursing when she should be bossing and supervising. Secondly, she has become too much a commissioner of bandages and blankets rather than active on the wards. Thirdly, she spends too much time filling in forms—whether that is related to targets or anything else is not the point; she spends too much time on officialdom. Does the right hon. Gentleman accept that I was right to say 10 months ago that if we get the role of ward sister right we will make a huge impact on the situation?
Alan Johnson, Secretary of State for Health: I do agree with that. If the role of the ward sister or matron is got right, we will go a long way towards tackling the problems. The right hon. Lady made important points, and I have no argument with the amount of time that she took to make them. She should be congratulated on raising the issue in January. Of course, as she will accept, the Healthcare Commission was in the midst of its investigation then.
I also agree with the right hon. Lady that the standard of nursing had everything to do with the problem, as the Royal College of Nursing and others have pointed out. We made an announcement a couple of weeks ago. I do not say this with the benefit of hindsight in relation to what happened at Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone. The right hon. Lady made the point that the matron and ward sister should have direct control not only over the cleaning arrangements and the contracts agreed for the hospital, but over the making of a report, at least quarterly, to the NHS trust board. The views of the ward sister and matron could not be filtered through various layers of management because the report, on these and other specific issues, would go directly to the trust board. That was the gist of our announcement.
I am afraid that I do not entirely agree with another point made by the right hon. Lady, because I think it detracts from her point about the standard of nursing at the particular hospital and her graphic account of patients being told “Go in the bed”. That is the term that was used. The right hon. Lady and others will surely accept that that is not the standard of nursing that we find in our hospitals across the country; it is absolutely exceptional.
The excuse cannot be given that the management of the trust did not receive the right support. The right hon. Lady spoke of a staff shortage, but there are now about 85,000 more nurses in our hospitals than there were 10 years ago, and 280,000 more care assistants and the like. As she will accept, there is no excuse for the dreadful things that happened in that hospital.
I accept that there are issues that we need to tackle in relation to ward sisters and matrons. We should give them more power and make them much more assertive, and remove any bureaucracy that they feel is a hindrance to their role. As I said in my statement, I am perfectly willing to shoulder that responsibility. My point is that nothing must detract from the failure that occurred in those three hospitals, and nothing must excuse the appalling standard of nursing that was in operation."
“One of my constituents telephoned his brother to say that he was in Maidstone hospital with C. difficile, sitting in his own diarrhoea, and that he wished he was dead.”
I asked the then Secretary of State:
“Can anyone believe that when that is the standard of nursing, it has nothing to do with the spread of infection?"
That was 10 months ago.
May I draw the Secretary of State’s attention to something that I identified at the time, but has not mentioned in his responses so far? It is the crucial role of ward sister. Ward sister, unlike management, matron or the director of nursing, is there all day. She used to fulfil the role of boss: “Nurse, why is that drip empty?”; “Nurse, why is this man in his own diarrhoea?” If she still fulfilled that role— [Interruption.]
Mr. Speaker: Order. I hear the hon. Member for North Durham (Mr. Jones) saying from a sedentary position, “It is a speech.” We are considering a serious matter, which is why I have allowed an urgent question. Let the right hon. Lady speak because I understand that she has lost constituents.
Miss Widdecombe: I am very grateful, Mr. Speaker. I apologise for the length of the question, but we are considering my Trust and I am concerned about what is going on. Does the Secretary of State accept that, if ward sister fulfilled her former role, many of the difficulties might have been avoided? Does he agree that there are three main reasons for her not fulfilling that role? First, short-staffing means that she is nursing when she should be bossing and supervising. Secondly, she has become too much a commissioner of bandages and blankets rather than active on the wards. Thirdly, she spends too much time filling in forms—whether that is related to targets or anything else is not the point; she spends too much time on officialdom. Does the right hon. Gentleman accept that I was right to say 10 months ago that if we get the role of ward sister right we will make a huge impact on the situation?
Alan Johnson, Secretary of State for Health: I do agree with that. If the role of the ward sister or matron is got right, we will go a long way towards tackling the problems. The right hon. Lady made important points, and I have no argument with the amount of time that she took to make them. She should be congratulated on raising the issue in January. Of course, as she will accept, the Healthcare Commission was in the midst of its investigation then.
I also agree with the right hon. Lady that the standard of nursing had everything to do with the problem, as the Royal College of Nursing and others have pointed out. We made an announcement a couple of weeks ago. I do not say this with the benefit of hindsight in relation to what happened at Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone. The right hon. Lady made the point that the matron and ward sister should have direct control not only over the cleaning arrangements and the contracts agreed for the hospital, but over the making of a report, at least quarterly, to the NHS trust board. The views of the ward sister and matron could not be filtered through various layers of management because the report, on these and other specific issues, would go directly to the trust board. That was the gist of our announcement.
I am afraid that I do not entirely agree with another point made by the right hon. Lady, because I think it detracts from her point about the standard of nursing at the particular hospital and her graphic account of patients being told “Go in the bed”. That is the term that was used. The right hon. Lady and others will surely accept that that is not the standard of nursing that we find in our hospitals across the country; it is absolutely exceptional.
The excuse cannot be given that the management of the trust did not receive the right support. The right hon. Lady spoke of a staff shortage, but there are now about 85,000 more nurses in our hospitals than there were 10 years ago, and 280,000 more care assistants and the like. As she will accept, there is no excuse for the dreadful things that happened in that hospital.
I accept that there are issues that we need to tackle in relation to ward sisters and matrons. We should give them more power and make them much more assertive, and remove any bureaucracy that they feel is a hindrance to their role. As I said in my statement, I am perfectly willing to shoulder that responsibility. My point is that nothing must detract from the failure that occurred in those three hospitals, and nothing must excuse the appalling standard of nursing that was in operation."
Ex-chair of MTW speaks
The disgraced ex-chair of MTW trust spoke on the BBC news tonight 16th Oct.
For those of you who did not see his appalling display, in essence Mr Lee sort to shift blame to any other than himself. Did he not realise that as the Chair of the Board of the Trust he was at the top of the organisation and therefore responsible.
The Ex- Chair of the Board appears not to understand his responsibilities. Who is to blame for this, well perhaps those that appointed him, The Appointments Commission?
The Healthcare Commission have been slow to report. Why was this?
The more that we begin to understand, the more the failures appear to be systemic.
I have spoken on every platform available to me to argue for a new future of cooperation across all health agencies, local and district authorities, social care and the voluntary sector.
Until this happens our health and social care will not perform as we should, could and actually do expect.
For those of you who did not see his appalling display, in essence Mr Lee sort to shift blame to any other than himself. Did he not realise that as the Chair of the Board of the Trust he was at the top of the organisation and therefore responsible.
The Ex- Chair of the Board appears not to understand his responsibilities. Who is to blame for this, well perhaps those that appointed him, The Appointments Commission?
The Healthcare Commission have been slow to report. Why was this?
The more that we begin to understand, the more the failures appear to be systemic.
I have spoken on every platform available to me to argue for a new future of cooperation across all health agencies, local and district authorities, social care and the voluntary sector.
Until this happens our health and social care will not perform as we should, could and actually do expect.
Monday, 15 October 2007
Chair of MTW NHS Trust Resigns
James Lee, the Chair of MTW NHS Trust has resigned. His resignation was anouced in Parliament by Health Secretary Alan Johnson though speaking later in the day on BBC Kent radio Mr Lee said that he had not wanted to go.
Friday, 12 October 2007
Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust Board must go NOW
Health Secretary Alan Johnson has failed to act decisively. Or act, other than to seek to shift the blame over the impact of targets that the government has pursued so relentlessly despite a plethora of argument about their destructive nature.
Hoops ‘a’ jumping, hoops hoops hoops.
Ok. Johnson has acted to try to stop Gibb’s pay off (pending legal advice, possibly £400,000) but what practical real action has he taken. Well none! The Board are still in place, at least as this post is published.
Some Quotes from the Healthcare Commissions report
"Until recently, the board considered the annual report on control of infection solely as a retrospective document rather than a prospective plan for the coming year where the board could influence and agree priorities.
Additionally, the impact of financial pressures was to reduce further already low numbers of nurses and to put a cap on the use of nurses from agencies and nursing banks. There was unrelenting pressure to reduce the number of beds. Thus, both trusts had very high occupancy levels, could not manage with fewer beds, and so had to open ‘escalation’ beds, often at short notice and in unsuitable environments, without proper support services and equipment in place and, by definition, without permanent staff. The effect of all this was to compromise seriously the control of infection and the quality of clinical care.
We are concerned that where trusts are struggling with a number of problems that consume senior managers’ time, and are under severe pressure to meet targets relating to finance and access, concern for infection control may be undermined.
C. difficile figures were reported to infection control committee meetings, held every three months, but were generally three or four months out of date. The information was part of the pack that subsequently went to the clinical governance and risk committee, the trust management board and the trust board. There was no evidence of action in response to the figures. The data also formed part of the annual infection control report.
Between April 2004 and September 2006 the trust reported to the Healthcare Commission that it had 1,176 patients with
C. difficile infection
At least 345 people died in hospital between April 2004 and September 2006 following an admission to the trust in which they developed C. difficile infection."
The MTW Trust BOARD must go.
There will be much more to publish soon!
Hoops ‘a’ jumping, hoops hoops hoops.
Ok. Johnson has acted to try to stop Gibb’s pay off (pending legal advice, possibly £400,000) but what practical real action has he taken. Well none! The Board are still in place, at least as this post is published.
Some Quotes from the Healthcare Commissions report
"Until recently, the board considered the annual report on control of infection solely as a retrospective document rather than a prospective plan for the coming year where the board could influence and agree priorities.
Additionally, the impact of financial pressures was to reduce further already low numbers of nurses and to put a cap on the use of nurses from agencies and nursing banks. There was unrelenting pressure to reduce the number of beds. Thus, both trusts had very high occupancy levels, could not manage with fewer beds, and so had to open ‘escalation’ beds, often at short notice and in unsuitable environments, without proper support services and equipment in place and, by definition, without permanent staff. The effect of all this was to compromise seriously the control of infection and the quality of clinical care.
We are concerned that where trusts are struggling with a number of problems that consume senior managers’ time, and are under severe pressure to meet targets relating to finance and access, concern for infection control may be undermined.
C. difficile figures were reported to infection control committee meetings, held every three months, but were generally three or four months out of date. The information was part of the pack that subsequently went to the clinical governance and risk committee, the trust management board and the trust board. There was no evidence of action in response to the figures. The data also formed part of the annual infection control report.
Between April 2004 and September 2006 the trust reported to the Healthcare Commission that it had 1,176 patients with
C. difficile infection
At least 345 people died in hospital between April 2004 and September 2006 following an admission to the trust in which they developed C. difficile infection."
The MTW Trust BOARD must go.
There will be much more to publish soon!
Thursday, 11 October 2007
Maidstone Hospital Reconfiguration
The Independent Review Panel (IRP) had the first round of consultations today starting with 4 members of the Maidstone Borough Council External Overview and Scrutiny Committees, of which I was one.
The members argued stridently against the proposals and the manner of the consultation process. Obviously there is more to be reported once the review has completed its evidence gathering process.
The members argued stridently against the proposals and the manner of the consultation process. Obviously there is more to be reported once the review has completed its evidence gathering process.
Healthcare Commissions Report is Beyond Shocking
The full report can be viewed at the following link
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/11_10_07maidstone_and_tunbridge_wells_investigation_report_oct_2007.pdf
The emotions that the report evokes do not warrant a quick 'blog' response, only the resolve that action is absolutely necessary.
Our thoughts can only be with all those whose have suffered and those who have lost their lives because of this.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/11_10_07maidstone_and_tunbridge_wells_investigation_report_oct_2007.pdf
The emotions that the report evokes do not warrant a quick 'blog' response, only the resolve that action is absolutely necessary.
Our thoughts can only be with all those whose have suffered and those who have lost their lives because of this.
Wednesday, 10 October 2007
"Government has failed on flood defence spending"
Stephen Haddrill, the Director General of the Association of British Insurers has hit out against the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) on flood defence spending.
"The insurance industry is helping tens of thousands of people affected by flooding this summer, but the Government has now failed to play its part. Millions of homeowners and businesses around the country have been let down by the Government’s failure to commit sufficient money to new and improved flood defences.
“Government spending for the next three years (£2.1Bn) is less than we were asking for, even before the floods during this summer. It does not begin to address the major issues, including drainage, which were highlighted by this summers floods. The Government will have to increase spending substantially as needs are identified by the Pitt review team."
The insurance industry has supported householders caught by flooding on the understanding that the Government would improve defences. Will the Chancellor Alistair Darling’s spending announcement leave householders in flood risk areas now at risk of not getting insurance?
Flood risk maps can be viewed on line by The Environment Agency.
Click on the link below and zoom in to the Maidstone Weald area.
http://maps.environment-agency.gov.uk/wiyby/mapController
"The insurance industry is helping tens of thousands of people affected by flooding this summer, but the Government has now failed to play its part. Millions of homeowners and businesses around the country have been let down by the Government’s failure to commit sufficient money to new and improved flood defences.
“Government spending for the next three years (£2.1Bn) is less than we were asking for, even before the floods during this summer. It does not begin to address the major issues, including drainage, which were highlighted by this summers floods. The Government will have to increase spending substantially as needs are identified by the Pitt review team."
The insurance industry has supported householders caught by flooding on the understanding that the Government would improve defences. Will the Chancellor Alistair Darling’s spending announcement leave householders in flood risk areas now at risk of not getting insurance?
Flood risk maps can be viewed on line by The Environment Agency.
Click on the link below and zoom in to the Maidstone Weald area.
http://maps.environment-agency.gov.uk/wiyby/mapController
Save our Post Offices
Not only do our local sub-Post Offices provide essential and convenient services for many, Post Offices play a vital role in maintaining a sense of community, thereby contributing to the identity of our local areas. Across Maidstone there are 3 ear marked for closure with a further 3 in the surrounding villages.
South Park, 192 Loose Road, Maidstone ME15 7UF
Hardy Street, 84-86 Hardy Street Maidstone ME14 2SJ
Station Road, Station Road, Staplehurst, TN12 0QH
Benenden Chest Hospital, Goddards Green Road, Cranbrook TN17 4AX
Hawkhurst, High Street, Hawkhurst, TN18 4AA
Gills Green, Station Garage, Gills Green, Hawkhurst TN18 5EP
Full details about the Area Proposal for Kent can be accessed online by visiting: http://www.postoffice.co.uk/portal/po/content1?catId=57600693&mediaId=57600697
I urge everybody to send expressions of concern directly to the Royal Mail by Freepost or email to
Gary Herbert
Network Development Manager
C/o National Consultation Team
FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM
Email: consultation@postoffice.co.uk
Customer Helpline: 08457 22 33 44
While you are at it please sign the Kent County Council’s online petition, accessible at http://www.kent.gov.uk/static/surveys/postoffice02/
South Park, 192 Loose Road, Maidstone ME15 7UF
Hardy Street, 84-86 Hardy Street Maidstone ME14 2SJ
Station Road, Station Road, Staplehurst, TN12 0QH
Benenden Chest Hospital, Goddards Green Road, Cranbrook TN17 4AX
Hawkhurst, High Street, Hawkhurst, TN18 4AA
Gills Green, Station Garage, Gills Green, Hawkhurst TN18 5EP
Full details about the Area Proposal for Kent can be accessed online by visiting: http://www.postoffice.co.uk/portal/po/content1?catId=57600693&mediaId=57600697
I urge everybody to send expressions of concern directly to the Royal Mail by Freepost or email to
Gary Herbert
Network Development Manager
C/o National Consultation Team
FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM
Email: consultation@postoffice.co.uk
Customer Helpline: 08457 22 33 44
While you are at it please sign the Kent County Council’s online petition, accessible at http://www.kent.gov.uk/static/surveys/postoffice02/
Monday, 8 October 2007
Gibb’s Off
The troubled Chief Executive of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, Rose Gibb has left her post as of last Friday 5th Oct.
Full details are not yet clear and many rumours abound.
As Chief Executive Rose Gibb was responsible for the hugely unpopular reconfiguration plans for the two hospitals which would see a down grading of Maidstone Hospital A&E services. Her plans had also included the loss of children’s and maternity services.
During her time she presided over the tragic long running out break of C. diff diarrhoea infection, where many elderly lost their lives. The Healthcare Commission were called in to investigate and their report is expected this week to be highly critical.
Full details are not yet clear and many rumours abound.
As Chief Executive Rose Gibb was responsible for the hugely unpopular reconfiguration plans for the two hospitals which would see a down grading of Maidstone Hospital A&E services. Her plans had also included the loss of children’s and maternity services.
During her time she presided over the tragic long running out break of C. diff diarrhoea infection, where many elderly lost their lives. The Healthcare Commission were called in to investigate and their report is expected this week to be highly critical.
Saturday, 6 October 2007
Maidstone Hospital
Well I Never,
The word on the ground is that the LONG awaited Healthcare Commission report into the Trusts management of the tragic deaths due to Clostridium difficile (often called C. Diff) will be published during the next week.
The report is expecting to be DAMNING.
And so it should be.
The word on the ground is that the LONG awaited Healthcare Commission report into the Trusts management of the tragic deaths due to Clostridium difficile (often called C. Diff) will be published during the next week.
The report is expecting to be DAMNING.
And so it should be.
Browned off with Brown
Well, he is obviously Browned Off with himself.
Well, having briefed the world that he was going to call an election, Fuscous has changed his little Taxing Mind.
This is not good NEWS as now the DULL TAX WASTING man of politics has a few more years to tax us all and waste every single penny.
Good oh
LibDem's Spend Your Money with out knowing the actual COST
Shame on Them, the LibDem's will just pass on the cost to you, Council Tax Payers.
At the Town Hall on Wed 26th Sept the LibDem run council supported by Independent councillors committed the Council Tax payer to a deficit funding strategy to pay for the recycling.
The papers presented services cuts such as to Community Policing and hiking up charges such as parking fees, with more potential black holes than an episode of Star Trek, a financial Bermuda Triangle of fudge, so much so that even if their boat does come in, the course now set will result in above inflation tax rises.
Reserves are to be raided and the deficit passed onto the council tax payer. How much will the rise be? Well let me tell you this, no one who voted for the funding strategy would be able to tell you just what the bottom line will finally be.
This was a shocking display of arrogant financial imprudence. Of course those who will suffer the most over this are those on fixed incomes and those who have to rely on their pension. However, we will all suffer from these year on year above inflation rises. Heaven help us if we ever get the threatened Council Tax Band re-evaluations.
At the Town Hall on Wed 26th Sept the LibDem run council supported by Independent councillors committed the Council Tax payer to a deficit funding strategy to pay for the recycling.
The papers presented services cuts such as to Community Policing and hiking up charges such as parking fees, with more potential black holes than an episode of Star Trek, a financial Bermuda Triangle of fudge, so much so that even if their boat does come in, the course now set will result in above inflation tax rises.
Reserves are to be raided and the deficit passed onto the council tax payer. How much will the rise be? Well let me tell you this, no one who voted for the funding strategy would be able to tell you just what the bottom line will finally be.
This was a shocking display of arrogant financial imprudence. Of course those who will suffer the most over this are those on fixed incomes and those who have to rely on their pension. However, we will all suffer from these year on year above inflation rises. Heaven help us if we ever get the threatened Council Tax Band re-evaluations.
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