Labour parliamentary candidate congratulates Rowen on appointment

Date published: 16 August 2007

Political rivalries were set aside this week as Simon Danczuk, Rochdale’s Labour Parliamentary Candidate, congratulated Paul Rowen MP on his appointment as Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Disabled People.

Mr Danczuk said: "I obviously congratulate Paul Rowen on his appointment as Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Disabled People. I am very pleased for him and hope that his new position will give him some kudos and influence on issues that affect disabled people nationally."

"I also hope he will use some of that influence a bit closer to home and try to persuade his Liberal Democrat colleagues running Rochdale Council to change their minds about two issues that adversely affect disabled people in Rochdale. This is the Council charging disabled people to park in the town centre while councillors pay nothing to park. And the second is the cut backs in Home Care Services which hurt many very vulnerable disabled people in Rochdale. If Paul is serious about his new role, then I fully expect him to tackle these two issues head on and to get his Liberal Democrat Council to have a change of heart."

Mr Danczuk continued: "Many people in Rochdale have contacted me about these matters and there is genuine concern about what Paul’s Liberal Democrat Council colleagues are doing to disabled people. People cannot understand why his Liberal Democrat Council is wasting money on things like fancy bottled spring water for Town Hall meetings and gimmicks like creating well paid jobs for so-called "People’s Champions", when at the same time they are hurting disabled people. I call on Paul to use his influence locally to help disabled people by getting his Council colleagues to overturn the parking charges for disabled drivers and then re-examine the Home Care Services budget cuts."

Responding, Paul Rowen said: "I thank the Labour Candidate for his comments and of course shall be working hard to identify issues where the disabled are not being dealt a fair card.  I would like to point out though that disabled charges were brought in by the previous Labour-led Coalition who also instigated the changes in the Home Care service. 

"That said, it doesn't mean that I will not look at these issues in conjunction with my colleagues on the Council.

"I do feel that there is a bit of michief making going on here and I am saddended that issues involving the disabled is being used in this crass manner. 

"I am very proud to be championing the issues of the disabled both locally and in Parliament."