Letter from Parliament - Jim Dobbin MP

Date published: 19 December 2008

12 December was a historic day for transport policy, not only here in Greater Manchester but across the UK. The democratic voice of the people voted against the introduction of the congestion charge. It was a resounding 79% NO to 21% YES across the 10 local authorities.

Let me stress again, we all want to see an improvement to local bus and train services but as I maintained from the start, this scheme was ill conceived and woolly. I was surprised at the naivety of some politicians even thinking that the referendum would support the YES campaign. The ruling Rochdale Lib Dem leadership led their troops into a cul-de-sac initially, going against the proposals and then supporting them, a typical Lib Dem flip flop but on this one they flopped the wrong way.

The only option now is for all ten Councils and all Greater Manchester MPs to work together to ensure the Government continues to support improvement in public transport. This time a realistic set of proposals acceptable to the public and in consultation with the public is the way ahead. Here in Rochdale Borough the result was 17,333 for to 61,686 against on a 50.8% turnout, a remarkable result that should be a lesson to all politicians that you cannot kid the people on important matters. Both sides of the campaign must now bury the hatchet and work together for the common good of Greater Manchester commuters.

I note the concerns of employees adversely affected by the Council’s Pay Review, highlighted last week by Rochdale Online. It is necessary that the review is taking place to bring justice to those that have been underpaid in past years but it is unjust to impose huge pay cuts on others. It is also unhealthy for senior management to be excluded from the review. Surely it must be possible to find a model from other Councils that have gone through the same process in a more sensitive and just way. If this does not happen, not only will staff lose their enthusiasm for the job but the public will suffer reduction in service delivery.

This year has seen a global economic crisis not experienced since the Great Depression. Unlike the massive recessions of the 80s and early 90s when people were left to fend for themselves, this Government realises that help must go to everyone who needs it. To get help with mortgages, debt advice, heating advice or to claim benefits you are entitled to contact Shelter. Citizen’s advice Bureau, RMBC Welfare Rights Services or visit a one stop shop for money advice on www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk

As I write this article, sadly Woolworths have announced a number of redundancies which will also affect a number of support companies within the borough. I intend to contact Lord Mandelson’s department at the earliest opportunity to put pressure on the administrators De Loit Touche to deal urgently over the Christmas period with the redundancy packages for employees who have bills to pay, bank standing orders to meet and need support to get back into work as soon as possible.

On Thursday 4 December I attended Manchester Airport’s Christmas dinner in Manchester. The airport, owned by the 10 Local Authorities of Greater Manchester, has been awarded every honour possible this year as the World’s Best Airport. It continues to go from strength to strength.

I enjoyed visits to St Michael’s, Bamford, Bamford Chapel and Alkrington Primary School for their Christmas Fairs. The cupboard’s now full of jams, pickled onions and other tasty bites I collected. They were all well attended and I hope they all raised money for their good causes. Community spirit is alive and well in our area.

On the same evening I joined a packed crowd at the Gracie Fields’ Theatre for a concert arranged by the rotary club of Rochdale East, featuring Brighouse and Rastrick Band, Rochdale Youth Band and Youth Choirs and compered by Norman Prince. It was a fantastic evening’s entertainment. Congratulations and thanks to President Ian Sandiford and Rochdale East Rotary Club for their hospitality.

On Saturday evening I attended the Rochdale Youth Orchestra’s Christmas Spectacular again in Gracie Field’s Theatre with excellent performances from senior and junior orchestras and from Oulder Hill Voices, with two stunning soloists and confident presenters. Sue Verity deserves our gratitude for all the hard work she and her team put into the RY Orchestra and for the pleasure they provide.

In London last week we visited the Queen at Buckingham Palace for a Parliamentary reception. Her Majesty was in good form and looks in excellent health. The following evening we were at a reception at 10 Downing St hosted by the Prime Minister Gordon Brown. He looked relaxed and moved around the different groups chatting to members and their partners and obviously enjoying himself. He left later that evening to travel to Brussels for a European Council Meeting.

We break up on 18 December for Christmas and I am looking forward to the break. The family including my seven grandsons will be coming to us for Christmas so it will be a full house again.

My wife Pat and I offer all constituents a Happy and Holy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.