Letter from Parliament – Jim Dobbin MP

Jim Dobbin MP

The joint Rochdale Council and Greater Manchester Police enquiry into the claims of a cover up over Cyril Smith's links with the former Knowl View children’s home has my full support. I also want to make it clear that the QC appointed to head the enquiry is an acclaimed expert on public sector enquiries. This is the correct move in my view and it is important that the enquiry is allowed to investigate and review the facts without being undermined at the outset. Let’s deal with this issue in an open and transparent way. We need then to begin building the town’s reputation as a decent place to live, work and raise children.

At present we are witnessing the spiralling of house prices - they are out of control. I suppose the recent improvement in the economy has raised some people’s aspirations. Unfortunately, what I see from my local office case work is a downturn in the value of wages, a cost of living problem and increased poverty. People are now suffering from the new benefits legislation. I don’t blame the staff who administer in the job centres, or the medical panels deciding on disability benefits. They are, after all, merely implementing the shambolic welfare system introduced by this thoughtless Coalition Government. A government made up of countless multi-millionaires who do not understand the problems of ordinary people.

I voted for the development of a futuristic high speed rail link for the North West. I see this as an opportunity to increase job opportunity and enlarge the economy of the North of the country. I hope, and have said so as a member of the Transport Select Committee, that building begins in both Birmingham and the North West at the same time. This should be a North/South development.

There was a move by some Conservatives to replace May Day with a Saint George’s Day event but May Day should remain in place as an opportunity to celebrate the workforce of this country. On the 5 May, in other words May Day, I took part in the annual celebration event in Jubilee Park, Middleton, before driving down to Westminster to be in the Commons on the Tuesday. We have had a hint of summer recently and it does help to cheer people up.

I visited Carol Roach who runs the Light House Project within Warwick Mill. Warwick Mill is an amazing Grade II listed building situated in the centre of Middleton. It was a joint visit with representatives of a number of churches in Middleton. The entire focus was the creation of a food bank within Warwick Mill. It will be easily accessible to Middleton people. I worry about the increased usage and need for food banks but I do know from my constituency work that they provide support for those on benefits and low wages. It will have my support.