Barnsley is a better place because of Allen McKay - a tribute by Michael Dugher MP and Cllr Robin Franklin

Allen McKay 5th February 1927 – 2nd May 2013

Michael and Cllr Robin Franklin have written a tribute to Allen McKay. Click here to read the tribute.

 

Michael encourages people to support Barnsley's local markets, as 'Love Your Local Market' fortnight begins

16 May 2013

As reported in today's Barnsley Chronicle, Michael is encouraging people to get out and support their local markets and high streets during ‘Love Your Local Market’ fortnight.

As a regular visitor to Hoyland and Wombwell markets I understand how important they are to support and what a shame it would be to see them disappearing from our streets.

Part of making sure that we keep a vibrant local market and high street is to have the support of the local community, but there is also a lot that the Government could do to help struggling retailers. 

Consumer confidence has been badly hit by the government’s VAT hike and the squeeze on family incomes.  It is no surprise that retail sales have remained sluggish. The Government should enact a temporary VAT cut and give local people a real say over the future of their high street.

You can support your local market at Hoyland every Tuesday and Saturday, 8:30am – 3:00pm and Wombwell on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, also 8:30am – 3:00pm.

Click here to find out more about ‘Love Your Local Market’ fortnight.

 

Michael calls for a Compulsory Jobs Guarantee to tackle long-term unemployment in Barnsley

17 May 2013

As reported in the Barnsley Chronicle today, Michael has called on the Government to take action and introduce Labour’s Compulsory Jobs Guarantee to tackle long-term unemployment in Barnsley.

Although figures released this week show a slight decrease in the overall figures of those claiming Job Seekers Allowance in Barnsley East, nationally we know unemployment is rising. In Barnsley East long-term unemployment has increased 17% in the last year and long term youth unemployment in Barnsley Local Authority has increased by 28%.

Commenting on the new unemployment statistics, Michael Dugher MP said:

“It is incredibly concerning that long term unemployment is up 17% on the year, and long-term youth unemployment is up 28%.  It is clear that this Government’s policies are not working for the people of Barnsley.

“The Coalition Government needs to take urgent action to tackle this. A Jobs Bill should be introduced to bring in Labour's Compulsory Jobs Guarantee to get anyone out of work for more than two years back into a job; a job people must take or lose their benefits. Failure to address this will risk condemning a whole generation to joblessness.

“While the people of Barnsley are out of work for longer, all Tory MPs can do is bicker amongst themselves about Europe. They are letting the people of Barnsley down.”

 

Michael helps bring Yorkshire Pride to the Palace of Westminster

16 May 2013

Michael welcomed Dave Hughes and David Broadhead from the Barnsley based Acorn Brewery to Westminster this week, after arranging to have the Barnsley based brewery’s very own Yorkshire Pride served in Westminster’s Strangers’ Bar for the next couple of weeks.

Michael was able to jump behind the bar and serve up some Yorkshire Pride to the two brewers and other MPs, including Dan Jarvis, MP for Barnsley Central, who was able to meet up with them and show his support.

Acorn Brewery celebrate their tenth anniversary of brewing this month, this a great way to celebrate this achievement and a great opportunity to showcase some of the great produce made in Barnsley.

 

LabourList: ‘What school Cameron went to doesn’t matter to me – but what school you went to clearly does matter to David Cameron’

13 May 2013

Michael has written a blog post for LabourList about the reports that David Cameron’s only black working-class adviser has been pushed out of 10 Downing Street following the promotion of Old Etonians.

To read the blog, click here: ‘What school Cameron went to doesn’t matter to me – but what school you went to clearly does matter to David Cameron’

 

Top adviser to the Prime Minister caught boasting about the advantages of a recession

12 May 2013

As reported in The Observer today, the prime minister's adviser on enterprise has told the cabinet that the economic downturn is an excellent time for new businesses to boost profits and grow because Labour is cheap.

Responding, Michael said:

"This is yet more evidence of just how desperately out of touch David Cameron's Government has become.

"On a weekend when it was revealed that private school fees are apparently the only thing keeping David Cameron's clique up at night, now one of the Prime Minister's top advisers is caught boasting about the advantages of a recession.

"Whilst millions of hard-pressed families are feeling the squeeze and the Government gives out tax cuts for millionaires, Cameron's adviser seems to celebrate low wages for many in a recession.

"Once again the true face of Cameron's Government has been exposed".

UPDATE: politicis.co.uk has followed up on the story: “The upsides of recession: Young in trouble for focusing on silver lining”

 

Sunday Mirror: Nick Clegg could be forced out as Lib Dem leader before 2015 election as party forecast to win just 24 seats

13 May 2013

The Sunday Mirror is reporting today that senior Lib Dems are concerned after the party's drubbing in the local elections earlier this month.

In one local council, Cambridge, there was a 13.5 per cent swing from the Lib Dems to Labour.

That followed last November's 16.8 per cent swing from the Lib Dems to Labour in the Manchester Central by-election.

Michael, quoted in the article, said:

“Looking at recent results, Lib Dem MPs will be toppling like dominoes at the next election.

"And with Clegg's broken promises and his determination to prop up Cameron and his millionaire tax cuts, it's no wonder Lib Dems in Sheffield are worried."

 

Blog post: “As the number of food banks continue to rise, it’s time the Government faced up to the impact its policies are having in places like Barnsley”   

11 May 2013

Last week, Michael visited the Gateway Church Food Bank in Barnsley.  Following the visit, Michael has written a blog about the growing problem of food poverty. 

To read the blog, click here. 

 

Michael visits Gateway Church Food Bank in Barnsley

10 May 2013

As reported in the Barnsley Chronicle today, Michael visited the Gateway Church Food Bank in Barnsley last week to see all the great work that volunteers are doing.

With the economy flatlining and living standards being squeezed, more and more people are using food banks just to get by.  Last year, almost 350,000 turned up to food banks for help, almost triple the number who received food aid in the previous year and 100,000 more than anticipated.

Gateway Church Food Bank has been open for 11 weeks and has had 145 vouchers presented, feeding 365 people in crisis for three days, 39 of these vouchers were 2nd and 3rd visits.

(During the visit, Michael met (photo - left to right) Pastor Mark Reasbeck and two food bank co-ordinators, Janet and Steph.)

To find out more about the Gateway Church Food Bank, how to donate and the great work they do, you can visit their website here - http://gatewaybarnsley.org/foodbank/.

Commenting after the visit, Michael said:

“The UK is the seventh richest country in the world, but under this Tory-led Government many are seeing the rising cost of living, changes to benefits, unemployment and underemployment squeeze their household budgets so much that they are unable to afford to meet their basic needs.

“The number of people that Gateway Church Food Bank has helped in such a short time is concerning.  Without the excellent work of the volunteers at Gateway Church Food Bank and the kindness of the Barnsley community who donate to the food bank, these people would have had nowhere else to turn.

“The number of those turning to food banks has increased by a shocking 747% since the last full year of the previous Labour Government.  David Cameron and George Osborne have to take notice of the damage their policies are having and change course to provide jobs and growth for Barnsley.”

 

Michael presents Arctic Star service medal to veteran Ken Burkinshaw

10 May 2013

As reported in the Barnsley Chronicle, Michael met with veteran Ken Burkinshaw last week to present him with the Arctic Star service medal in recognition for his dedicated service between 1940-1957 where he reached the rank of Chief Petty Officer.

Ken, who lives in Hoyland in Barnsley and is President of the Hoyland and District branch of the Royal British Legion, served aboard HMS Sheffield when he was only 16 and completed nine trips to Russia in minus 35-40 degree conditions to deliver supplies.

Michael, also a member of the RBL, has been campaigning for veterans who braved the perilous conditions in the Arctic during the Second World War to be properly recognised and the Government finally announced last year that they would be award the Arctic Star.

Commenting after the meeting, Michael said:

"I am delighted to have presented the Arctic Star to one of Barnsley's veterans. It is throughly well deserved and this recognition is scandalously overdue. Everyone in Barnsley is so proud and pleased that Ken's service and sacrifice has finally been honoured."

 

Michael criticises the Government for cutting nurses and putting patients’ lives at risk as new figures reveal the A&E unit at Barnsley Hospital is struggling

10 May 2013

As reported in the Barnsley Chronicle, the South Yorkshire Times and the Sheffield Star, Michael has criticised the Government for cutting nurses and putting patients’ lives at risk as new figures show that the Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust A&E unit is struggling and has consistently missed its waiting time targets over the last six months.

Staffing shortages across the NHS have left A&E departments over-stretched and under severe pressure.

Yorkshire has lost 1,224 nurses since May 2010 and data published by the new NHS England body shows that the target of 95 per cent of patients being seen within four hours has been missed by the A&E unit at Barnsley Hospital in 24 of the last 26 weeks, with a total of 3,535 people having to wait more than four hours before being seen.

In October 2012, 96 per cent of people were being seen within four hours at the A&E unit at Barnsley Hospital.  This has now dropped to just 89 per cent.    

Commenting, Michael Dugher MP said:

“What's happening at the A&E unit at Barnsley Hospital is a real worry.     

"David Cameron promised the NHS would be safe on his watch, but instead his Government has haemorrhaged thousands of nurses and did nothing whilst A&Es struggled through the winter.

“Yorkshire has lost 1,224 nurses over the last three years and it’s patients who are suffering as the missed targets at Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust demonstrate. 

"Patients should not be subjected to poor care because of the Government’s failings.  

“Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust must raise its game and Ministers need to come up with an urgent plan to bring all A&Es up to the required standard and ensure there are enough staff on the ground across the NHS to provide the safe care we need.”

 

Politics Home blog: “Rather than follow Farage, fix the economy”

07 May 2013

Michael has written an article for PoliticsHome following the local elections last week.  Click here to read the article. 

 

Michael attends Grimethorpe Revival book launch

07 May 2013

Michael attended the book launch on Friday of Grimethorpe Revival, by Mel Dyke.

The book is about Grimethrope and a “creative counter movement in a coalfield community during the bleak days of the 1990s pit closures”. 

Michael contributed to the book, writing an article about the trauma that the miners’ strike and the subsequent pit closure programme had on areas like Edlington in the mid-eighties, where Michael grew up, and Grimethorpe later in the early 1990s.

To find out more about the book, or to order a copy, you can click here. 

 

Michael visits Dearnevale Care Home in Grimethorpe

04 May 2013

Michael visited the Dearnevale Care Home in Grimethorpe on Friday to see the superb level of care offered to its residents.

The home provides care and support for people with complex physical disabilities resulting from trauma. It is made up of four units, each with ten beds.  The home is completely full and they expect their waiting list to increase.   

Manager, Jill Westwood, explained that 141 employees, mainly from the local area, provide specialist care to people from as far afield as Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.  They pride themselves on creating a homely atmosphere.

Commenting after his visit, Michael said:

"I would like to thank Mick Tillotson for helping to facilitate the visit.  It was great to see the amazing work that all the staff do at the home.  Their dedication and quality of care was really inspiring."

 

Michael calls on the Health Secretary to order an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the temporary suspension of surgery at Leeds

03 May 2013

As reported in the Barnsley Chronicle today, Michael has written to the Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, calling on him to order an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the temporary suspension of surgery at the children’s heart unit in Leeds.

Michael has said that there appears to be serious questions, which have yet to be unanswered, regarding the decision to suspend surgery.  And there are also issues surrounding the timing of the move - coming just one day after a High Court decision to quash the Joint Committee of Primary Care Trusts’ decision to close the Leeds unit permanently.

Professor Sir Bruce Keogh decided to suspend surgery at the hospital's child cardiac unit after he was given incomplete and unverified mortality data by Professor Sir roger Boyle.  However,
the unit has been reopened and it has been confirmed that the Leeds unit was safe all along and is safe still.  Professor Sir Roger Boyle has since been removed from playing any further part in the 'Safe and Sustainable' review of heart services due to the perception of bias against Leeds General Infirmary.

In his letter to the Health Secretary, Michael said:

“There remains a major concern about the use of mortality data that had not been verified. The use of the data was immediately criticised by various organisations, including, most significantly, representatives of the Central Cardiac Audit Database.  This was the actual source of the data and they have said publically that the Leeds unit’s mortality rates are within accepted ranges.  In addition, analysis from NICOR (the National Institute for Cardiovascular Outcomes Research) has revealed no statistically significant issues in terms of mortality at any of the units in England and Wales, including Leeds General Infirmary.

“It took a High Court judge to expose the fact that the 'Safe and Sustainable' process was unfair and unlawful.  This latest episode highlights the importance of bringing this whole situation to a swift conclusion. 

“Many children in Barnsley and across the region are reliant on the Leeds unit for urgent and on-going care so what is needed now is clarity for the worried parents of very sick children that the future of the Leeds unit is safe.”

 

Michael on the BBC Daily Politics show

29 April 2013

Michael was on the Daily Politics show today to talk about the upcoming local elections in England and Wales.

Click here to watch the full programme on iPlayer.

 

Sunday Mirror: “UKIP leader Nigel Farage facing calls to kick out racists”

29 April 2013

The Sunday Mirror has reported on the details that have emerged of some of the controversial candidates the UKIP party is fielding in Thursday’s council elections.

This follows revelations that a number of UKIP candidates have appeared on a membership list of the far-right British National Party.

Michael, quoted in the article, has called on Mr Farage to ensure any racists in his party were kicked out of the party.  He said:

“There is absolutely no place for racism in our politics. UKIP should be taking action and kicking out racist candidates.”

“UKIP look increasingly like a rabble and their policies to cut the NHS and other local services, while giving big tax cuts to the wealthiest, should worry people too.”

 

Michael speaks out against Bedroom Tax at rally in Barnsley

27 April 2013

Michael addressed a rally in Barnsley today, which was organised to protest against the Government’s Bedroom Tax.

Michael has been a leading critic of the Bedroom Tax, which came into effect on 1 April 2013. The Government’s new policy means that tenants in social housing will have their Housing Benefit reduced by 14 per cent if they have one spare bedroom, and 25 per cent if they have two or more spare bedrooms.

It is set to hit over three thousand households across Barnsley for under-occupying their homes even though the majority will not be offered any suitable smaller properties.

 

Michael attends Workers’ Memorial Day event in Barnsley

27 April 2013

Michael attended a Workers’ Memorial Day event in Barnsley today.

The event, which was held at The Cenotaph outside Barnsley Town Hall, was part of the international day of remembrance and action for people killed, disabled or injured by their work.

The Mayor of Barnsley, Cllr Dorothy Higginbottom, the Police and Crime Commissioner for South Yorkshire, Shaun Wright, and Dan Jarvis MP also attended the event.

Click here to find out more about Workers’ Memorial Day.

 

Daily Mail: “Let them eat leftovers: Minister who lectured families on food waste plays Lord of the Manor handing bread to the poor through a window”

29 April 2013

The Daily Mail has reported that Britain’s wealthiest MP, Richard Benyon, hands loaves of bread to local villagers through the window of his mansion house.

The tradition emerged after the MP lectured poor families for wasting food. The environment minister claimed too many people do not store fruit and vegetables correctly and could cut their shopping bills if they read food labels properly.

Michael, quoted in the Daily Mail, as well as the Independent and ITV news, said:

“This Tory minister’s answer to rising poverty is basically, 'Let them eat leftovers’. It’s another crass, patronising and out-of-touch lecture from a minister.”

 

Ahead of the Bedroom Tax rally this Saturday, Michael demands assurances from Barnsley Council and Berneslai Homes that they will do everything possible to avoid evictions

26 April 2013

Michael has demanded assurances from Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council (BMBC) and Berneslai Homes that they will do everything possible to avoid eviction following the introduction of the Government’s Bedroom Tax.   

Michael raised the issue this week during crunch talks with the Chief Executive of Berneslai Homes, Helen Jagger, and the Leader of Barnsley council, Stephen Houghton. 

Michael has been a leading critic of the Bedroom Tax and has been campaigning against it for months.  As reported in the Barnsley Chronicle and the Sheffield Star, Michael will be speaking at the rally organised in Barnsley on Saturday 27 April against the Government’s Bedroom Tax.    

Last week, Michael revealed that there are only 125 unoccupied one and two-bedroom council properties available in Barnsley at the moment, which means the vast majority of households affected by the Bedroom Tax will not be able to downsize to a smaller property.     

Berneslai Homes has confirmed to Michael that it will pursue the amounts outstanding as rent arrears for tenants who do not  pay the bedroom tax, but that comprehensive advice and assistance will be given to people and each case will be dealt with on its merits. 

The Bedroom Tax, which came into effect on 1 April 2013, means that tenants in social housing will have their Housing Benefit reduced by 14 per cent if they have one spare bedroom, and 25 per cent if they have two or more spare bedrooms.

Commenting, Michael said:

“I have spoken to Berneslai Homes and Barnsley council - they must do all they can to avoid evictions following the introduction of the Bedroom Tax.   

“The Government’s Bedroom Tax is clearly unfair as it penalises over three thousand households across Barnsley for under-occupying their homes even though the majority will not be offered any suitable smaller properties.

“Berneslai Homes has confirmed that they will pursue the amounts outstanding as rent arrears for tenants who do not pay the Bedroom Tax, but they have also assured me that they will give comprehensive advice and assistance to people and treat each case on its merits. 

“I will be speaking out against the Bedroom Tax at the rally in Barnsley on Saturday and I will also be keeping up the campaign in Westminster.  The Government needs to admit that it has got this horribly wrong and think again.”

 

Michael calls on the Government not to scrap the ASBO as new figures reveal the extent of the anti-social behaviour problem in Barnsley

26 April 2013

As reported in the Barnsley Chronicle today, Michael has urged the Government not to scrap the ASBO and called for faster action to help tackle anti-social behaviour in Barnsley. 

A detailed breakdown obtained by Freedom of Information Requests and research by statisticians from the House of Commons Library has revealed new figures, which show in the Barnsley local authority area, there were 12,719 anti-social behaviour incidents recorded by the police in 2012.

This means on average there were 55 anti-social behaviour incidents per 1,000 people in Barnsley in 2012.

The figures also paint a revealing picture of the scale of the anti-social behaviour problem at a police force wide area, with the South Yorkshire Police force recording 88,252 incidents of anti-social behaviour in 2012, which means on average there were 65.7 incidents of anti-social behaviour per 1,000 people.  This is the second highest rate in the country, only after incidents per thousand recorded by the Greater Manchester Police.

Commenting, Michael Dugher MP said:

“Anti-social behaviour is a serious problem. Last year, 12,719 anti-social behaviour incidents in Barnsley were recorded by the police.  But the Government is turning the clock back with their plans to scrap the ASBO and replace it with a weaker power which carries no criminal sanction for a breach.  The Government’s community trigger, which demands a response if a person has complained three times just isn’t good enough.

“The Government’s official crime survey has revealed that more than eight out of ten people believe anti social behaviour has risen in England and Wales in the last 12 months and nearly a third said that they had personally been a victim of yobbish behaviour or had witnessed an event in the last 12 months.

“People in Barnsley have the right to expect action right away and help to tackle an issue which is a huge worry.”

 

Michael votes for motion calling on the Government to drop its plans to abolish the Agricultural Wages Board

24 April 2013

Michael has voted today on a motion calling on the Government to drop its plans to abolish the Agricultural Wages Board (AWB).

The AWB was set up in 1948 to provide a fair wage and skills structure for agricultural workers.  It protects pay and conditions for 152,000 farm workers in England and Wales and it used as a benchmark for others employed in the food industry.   Over 42,000 casual workers could see a drop in wages as soon as they finish their next job once the AWB is gone.  And the remaining 110,000 could see their wages eroded over time.

In Michael’s Barnsley East constituency, 70 agricultural workers will be affected by the changes. 

The text of the motion Michael voted on today was:

ABOLITION OF THE AGRICULTURAL WAGES BOARD
That this House notes that the Agricultural Wages Board (AWB) was set up in 1948 to provide a fair wage and skills structure for agricultural workers; recognises that it is used as a benchmark for other employment in the food industry and that it was the only wages council not to be scrapped in the 1980s; further notes that around a quarter of agricultural workers live in tied accommodation and that casual seasonal workers may move around the country; regrets that the Welsh Government’s wish to retain the AWB has been ignored by the Government; condemns the Government for its abolition of the AWB, which took place after just four weeks consultation and will take £260 million out of the rural economy over the next 10 years, lead to a race to the bottom on wages in rural areas, reduce living standards and impoverish rural workers, exacerbating social deprivation and harming social inclusion; further regrets that hon. Members could not debate that issue as part of the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill; and calls on the Government to drop its plans to abolish the AWB.

Overall, the abolition of the AWB will take £260 million out of the rural economy over 10 years in lost sick pay and holiday entitlement according to Defra’s impact assessment.  This will take money out of village shops and high streets, hurting small businesses. 

The Government’s plans will also make it harder for small farms that will now have to negotiate pay and conditions themselves, creating more red tape.

During the last Tory Government, Mrs Thatcher tried to get rid of the AWB at the time when she abolished the Wages Councils, but she was forced to change her mind. This is a cut that even Mrs Thatcher did not dare go ahead with.

Commenting, Michael Dugher MP said:

“The Government should be helping rural families deal with rising living costs, not engaging in a race to the bottom in pay and conditions.

“The abolition of the AWB will save virtually nothing and it just demonstrates the Government’s failure to protect people who work in agriculture. 

“With the Government’s plans to abolish the AWB, there will be no minimum wage for children under 16 who drive tractors at weekends and in school holidays.  Seasonal workers will also lose the cap on the amount their employers can charge them for tied accommodation. 

“If incomes fall, rural workers may become entitled to tax credits, housing benefit and council tax benefit.  This will just add to the welfare bill and increase the deficit.  Scrapping the AWB will be bad both for rural growth and for national deficit reduction.  The Government needs to think again.”

 

Hoyland Common Primary School visit Parliament

22 April 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Children from Hoyland Common Primary School visited the Palace of Westminster today to learn more about the work and role of Parliament. After a tour of the Palace, the class had time to meet Michael to discuss what it’s like working in Parliament.

 

Michael visits Northern College in Barnsley to talk to students

22 April 2013

Michael visited the Northern College for Residential Adult Education on Friday to talk to a number of students currently studying Politics.

The Northern College is a residential college dedicated to the education and training of people without formal qualifications and who are seeking to return to learning.  It also offers training for those who are active in community and voluntary groups.

The college has a national reputation for excellence and has been judged Outstanding by OfSTED.  Students come from many different backgrounds, with people of all ages - from 19 to 90 - often with families and dependants. 

To find out more about the college, you can visit their website at: www.northern.ac.uk

Commenting after his visit, Michael said:

“It was great to visit Northern College, talk to students and to see the outstanding learning environment that the college provides. 

 “The college offers a high level of support and provides excellent opportunities for people who have been unemployed for long periods, or who have been struggling to get by with low paid jobs, to better their lives by securing the qualifications and skills they need to succeed.   

“With long-term unemployment still rising, I think the type of education and support that Northern College provides is needed now more than ever.”   

 

Michael meets with the Wombwell Tenants and Residents Association to listen to their concerns

22 April 2013

Michael met with the Wombwell Tenants and Residents Association on Friday to listen to their concerns regarding a number of local issues, such as mobility scooter regulation, welfare reform and the bedroom tax.

The community group is made up of local people acting in a voluntary capacity to promote and defend the interests of tenants and  residents in Wombwell. 

To find out more about the group, you can visit: http://www.berneslaihomes.co.uk/get-involved/tenants-and-residents-associations-taras/wombwell-tara/

 

Barnsley MPs meet with Culture Minister to discuss funding for Brass Bands

19 April 2013

As reported in the Barnsley Chronicle and the Sheffield Telegraph today, Michael Dugher MP, Dan Jarvis MP and John Healey MP met with the Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, Ed Vaizey, on Monday 15 April to discuss funding for brass bands in the UK.  

Michael Dugher, Dan Jarvis and John Healey initially asked for the meeting following reports that the world famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band could be forced to stop playing due to a lack of funding.  This highlighted the wider financial pressures facing many brass bands across the UK.

At the meeting, the Barnsley MPs called on the Minister to help ensure that brass bands are accessing the various Arts Council funding streams available.  Mr Vaizey acknowledged that more needs to be done and said he will write to the MPs to outline clearly which funding programmes are suitable for brass bands to apply.  He also agreed to facilitate arranging a meeting with the Arts Council. 

For many years there has been an unfair distribution of funding between different musical art forms and this has particularly affected brass bands.  In 2011/12, the Arts Council allocated funding totalling £26million to the Royal Opera House in London and the English National Ballet received £6.4million.  Jazz Services Ltd, an organisation that represents Jazz bands, also received £433,723.  In comparison, the organisation responsible for supporting 458 brass band groups nationwide, the British Federation of Brass Bands (now Brass Bands England), only received £23,000.   

In a statement following the meeting, Michael Dugher MP, Dan Jarvis MP and John Healey MP said:

“The meeting with Mr Vaizey was very useful.  The situation facing Grimethrope Colliery Brass Band is mirrored across the country and we welcome the Minister’s acknowledgement that more needs to be done to make sure brass bands are accessing the available Arts Council funding programmes.

“A key part of this is to increase awareness of the funding that is potentially available for brass brands throughout the UK and to provide guidance during the application process.  Mr Vaizey said he would write to us to outline clearly which funding programmes are suitable for brass bands and he also agreed to facilitate arranging a meeting with the Arts Council as soon as possible.

“Brass bands are not only a vital part of the UK’s heritage, they are also still enjoyed by thousands of people around the country week in, week out.   Brass bands have been missing out on grants for far too long due to the unfair distribution of funding and it’s time this came to an end. 

“Our first meeting with the Minister was productive, but there is still a long way to go and we will be keeping up the pressure in the weeks ahead.”

 

Michael calls for defibrillators to be installed in all schools and public buildings across Barnsley

18 April 2013

As reported in the Barnsley Chronicle today, Michael has called for defibrillators to be installed in all schools and other public buildings across Barnsley.  He has said that many lives could be saved every year if Britain follows the lead of other countries and requires the installation of defibrillators in schools and busy public places.

On average, twelve young people die every week in the UK from sudden cardiac arrest.  Research shows that use of a defibrillator within five minutes of collapse provides the best possible chance of survival, with chances decreasing by 14 per cent every minute that passes without defibrillation.

Experts believe that many more lives can be saved with better education in emergency first aid and wider availability of defibrillators.  It is in the first few seconds after collapse that lives can be saved - before paramedics are able to get to the scene.

Michael is campaigning for the Government to set a minimum mandatory requirement on the location of defibrillators in public places such as train stations, shopping centres and schools and has called for an open public register of defibrillators so people can quickly locate the nearest one using modern technology.

Commenting, Michael said:

“Too many lives are being lost that could be saved if only communities were better equipped to provide an emergency response.  I am calling on the Government to install defibrillators in all schools and other public buildings across Barnsley.

“I believe that a new law on defibrillators should be backed by better education on how to use them.  Just as we require fire extinguishers to be on hand, it's time for Parliament to act and set a minimum requirement on the location of defibrillators. 

“The campaign is growing and an e-petition initiated by the Oliver King Foundation has attracted over 100,000 signatures.  Oliver King passed away two years ago after suffering a cardiac arrest during a school swimming lesson.  He was just 12 years old.

“It is clear that wider access to defibrillators and staff training would help save lives.  Fabrice Muamba's remarkable story shows us all what can be achieved if the right support is immediately on hand.”

 

Michael calls for urgent action to tackle long-term youth unemployment as figures show yet another increase in Barnsley

17 April 2013

Michael has called for the urgent introduction of a “Real Jobs Guarantee” to tackle the growing problem of long-term unemployment in Barnsley. 

The latest unemployment figures, released today, show that the number of 18 to 24 year olds in Barnsley who have been unemployed for more than twelve months has risen yet again.  It now stands at 530, up from just 155 two years ago.

Michael has welcomed the slight fall in the total number of people claiming Jobs Seeker’s Allowance (JSA) in Barnsley, which now stands at 7,860.  However, overall the figure has increased by 12.8 per cent over the last two years. 

In Michael’s Barnsley East constituency, the total number of people claiming JSA for more than 12 months is now 960, up from 485 a year ago.

Commenting on the new unemployment statistics, Michael said:

“It is welcome news that the number of people claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance has fallen slightly across Barnsley, but alarm bells should be ringing for Ministers.  Overall, unemployment is much higher than two years ago and long-term youth unemployment in Barnsley has risen yet again, demonstrating how the Government’s beleaguered Work Programme is failing to make a difference. 

“In Barnsley, the number of 18 to 24 year olds who have been unemployed for more than twelve months has increased by a massive 241 per cent in the last two years.  The Government urgently needs to introduce a “Real Jobs Guarantee” scheme for young people, which would tackle the problem of long-term youth unemployment by providing a six-month paid placement, preferably in the private sector, for all 18-24 year olds who have been unemployed for more than twelve months. 

“The scheme, which would require young people to take up the offered position or face possible benefit sanctions, would help 530 18-24 year olds in Barnsley alone. Ministers need to get a grip before a generation is left scarred by their failure.

“Nationally, seventy thousand more people are now on the dole than last month and youth unemployment rose by 20,000.  Things are getting worse, not better, and in addition to failing to get people back to work, the Government is also hitting those in work who are struggling to make ends meet.  Families are £891 worse off because of tax and benefit changes and pay packets are now £1,700 smaller than at the last election.  It’s time for a fresh approach and for the Government to take decisive action to get Britain working again.”

 

Michael attends Holocaust Memorial Day Trust event in Parliament

16 April 2013

Michael attended a Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT) event today in Parliament. 

HMDT is a charity which promotes and supports Holocaust Memorial Day and encourages people across the UK to play their part in learning the lessons from the past. 

At the event, Michael met with the Sharon Artley, the Trust’s Champion for Yorkshire. 
Click here to find out more about the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust.

 

‘Conservatives in photo fakery row’

15 April 2013

The Daily Mirror has discovered that a Conservative website has been using pictures of young models to promote its recruitment campaign for the next general election instead of real Tory activists.

Michael, quoted in the article, said: 

“Once again the Conservatives are taking people for fools.

"After the infamous airbrushed posters of David Cameron, this is just the latest example that proves that their desperate attempt to look young, diverse and in touch with modern Britain is a complete deception and a sham.”

The story has also been picked up by the Daily Mail: “Grant Shapps under fire over website 'sham'”

LabourList: ‘Thatcher’s legacy in the coalfields was devastation – and the bitterness is still felt today’

14 April 2013

Michael and Dan Jarvis have written a joint blog post for LabourList about Thatcher’s legacy in places like Barnsley.

Click here to read the blog: ‘Thatcher’s legacy in the coalfields was devastation – and the bitterness is still felt today’

 

Michael reveals that Barnsley Council will not be able to offer smaller housing to 97 per cent of households affected by the Bedroom Tax in Barnsley

12 April 2013

As reported in the Barnsley Chronicle today, Michael has revealed that Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council (BMBC) will only be able to help just over three per cent of the 3,664 households affected by the Bedroom Tax across the whole of the borough.

New figures, recently released by Barnsley Council, show that there are currently only 125 unoccupied one and two-bedroom council properties available in Barnsley. 

The Bedroom Tax, which came into effect on 1 April 2013, means that tenants in social housing will have their Housing Benefit reduced by 14 per cent if they have one spare bedroom, and 25 per cent if they have two or more spare bedrooms.

Commenting, Michael said:

“These new figures show very clearly that the Government’s Bedroom Tax will penalise over three thousand households across Barnsley for under-occupying their homes even though they will not be offered any suitable smaller properties. 

“This means that many families already struggling to get by could be pushed further into debt and, in some cases, made to move to smaller, but more expensive private rented housing.  This will lead to an increase in their housing benefit payments and perversely a further strain on the housing benefit budget.  

“The reality is the Bedroom Tax is not only unfair, it is also the wrong policy to solve the problem.  And how can it be right that the Government has decided to cut the top rate of income tax for the richest people in the country, with 13,000 millionaires set to receive an average tax cut worth £100,000, at the same time as introducing these unfair changes?

“The Government should admit that it has got this horribly wrong and think again.”

 

Statement from Michael Dugher MP responding to the death of Margaret Thatcher and the subsequent decision to recall Parliament

10 April 2013

Responding to the death of Margaret Thatcher this week and the subsequent decision to recall Parliament for a special session today, Michael Dugher MP said:

“My opposition to many of Margaret Thatcher’s policies is well known - indeed Margaret Thatcher is the reason I went into Labour politics.

"I grew up in a pit village in South Yorkshire in the 1980s, only a few miles from the constituency that I am now privileged to represent in Parliament.  Margaret Thatcher's legacy throughout the coalfield areas was one of complete devastation.  This is something that I and many other people in Barnsley will never be able to forget.  Nor will we ever be able to forgive her for what her government did to our communities.   And recovering from this legacy still remains our greatest challenge today.

“But I have always believed in 'respect for Office', even if those holding that Office are your political opponents. Parliament has been recalled by the Speaker so I will attend the House of Commons today."

 

The Daily Mirror: ‘Nick Clegg on holiday in 20-bed luxury mansion as bedroom tax kicks in for poor families’

06 April 2013

The Daily Mirror is reporting that the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, has gone on holiday to stay in his parent’s luxurious 20-room chalet in an exclusive ski resort while poor families are clobbered by the introduction of the bedroom tax and new benefit cuts. 

Michael, quoted in the Mirror article as well as the Huffington Post and ITV News, said:

“While hundreds of thousands are hit by the bedroom tax, Nick Clegg will be putting his feet up in his 20-room mansion.

"Sounds like Clegg has a lot of ‘spare rooms to subsidise’.”

Blog post: 'The Government should never be forgiven for this week: Ordinary working families and the disabled left worse off as millionaires receive a tax cut'

03 April 2013

Michael has written a new blog post about the tax and benefit changes being introduced this week.

To read the full blog, click here: ‘The Government should never be forgiven for this week: Ordinary working families and the disabled left worse off as millionaires receive a tax cut’

 

 

Michael warns that changes giving local authorities responsibility for public health care will be a massive challenge for Barnsley

02 April 2013 

As reported in the Barnsley Chronicle, Michael has submitted a response to Barnsley council’s consultation on its new Health and Wellbeing Strategy. 

From April 2013, local authorities in England will have a new duty to improve the health of the people in their areas.  This means that Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council will inherit responsibility, and funding, for a range of public health services previously provided by the NHS.

In anticipation of these changes, the Health and Wellbeing Board in Barnsley has been set up to improve the health and wellbeing of Barnsley residents and communities, and to reduce health inequalities within the borough.  In February, the board launched a consultation on a draft Health and Wellbeing Strategy for Barnsley.

Commenting, Michael said:

“There is no doubt that taking on these new responsibilities for public health will be a massive challenge for Barnsley.  But the draft strategy document demonstrates that BMBC is taking the new responsibilities extremely seriously and that it has every intention of working hard to improve the health and wellbeing of local residents. 

“I agree with the priorities that the council has outlined, but I think more details are now required on how these will be delivered.  I also believe that there are some additional areas that the council should emphasise in its strategy document, such as teenage pregnancy and the sexual health of young people, tackling the growing problem of obesity and encouraging exercise.”

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Click here to read Michael’s submission to the consultation.

 

 

Michael writes a letter to constituent Phyllis Wheately to mark her 100th Birthday

02 April 2013

As reported in the Barnsley Chronicle last week, Michael has written a letter to his constituent Phyllis Wheately, who recently turned 100. 

Phyllis lives at the Autumn House care home in Worsbrough Dale and according to staff she likes to play bowling games on the Nintendo Wii, bingo and other activities. 

When the Barnsley Chronicle asked her about the secret to a long and happy life, she joked: “I’m not telling you!”  

 

The number of people claiming JSA in Barnsley has risen above 8,000 – the first time since 1996

29 March 2013 

As reported in the Barnsley Chronicle, the latest unemployment figures show that the total number of people claiming Jobs Seekers’ Allowance (JSA) in Barnsley jumped to 8,040 in February – a 14 per cent increase over the last two years and the first time it has risen above 8,000 since 1996.  

Figures for youth unemployment are up again and long-term youth unemployment also remain high.  The number of 18-24 year olds claiming JSA in Barnsley is now 2,560 - up from 2,485 in January 2013.  And the number of 18-24 year olds claiming JSA for more than 12 months in Barnsley is now 520 – a massive increase of 205 per cent increase over the last two years.

In Michael’s Barnsley East constituency, the total number of people claiming JSA for more than 12 months is now 960, up from 695 a year ago.

Across South Yorkshire, the number of people claiming JSA for more than 12 months is now 13,405, a rise of 36 per cent in the last year. (Feb 2011: 7,055; Feb 2012: 9,890; Feb 2013: 13,405).

Commenting on the new unemployment statistics, Michael said:

“The total number of people claiming Jobs Seekers’ Allowance (JSA) in Barnsley has jumped to 8,040 – an increase of 14 per cent over the last two years and the first time it has risen above 8,000 since 1996.  

“Figures for youth unemployment are up yet again and long-term youth unemployment also remains too high.  Long-term youth unemployment is a major problem. When you’ve been unemployed for more than a year it has a hugely detrimental effect on your future chances of getting a job.  You lose that routine of getting up in the mornings and there is lots of evidence it massively impacts upon your self-confidence, and even your health. 

“Half way through the Parliament, Britain is still being scarred by rising unemployment and it is our next generation that is paying the brutal price.  The Government’s welfare to work programmes are clearly not working and it is time for Ministers to get a grip before a generation is left scarred by their failure.

“There are many things that Ministers could do to help. For example, they should introduce a “Compulsory Jobs Guarantee” for anyone out of work for more than two years. This would help hundreds of people in Barnsley and nearly 14,000 across Yorkshire. Those who can work would be required to take up jobs, given training and time to job search - or they would lose their benefits. We simply cannot afford to let people languish on the dole for years on end.”

 

New hope for Leeds heart unit campaigners

28 March 2013

As reported in the Barnsley Chronicle and the South Yorkshire Times, campaigners, including Dearne parents who are trying to keep the Leeds children’s heart surgery unit open, have won another reprieve in their hard-fought battle.

Commenting, Michael said: “I know from talking to families in Barnsley how important the Children’s Heart Unit at Leeds is. It is time now for the Government to end the uncertainty".

 

 

High Court quashes the findings of Safe and Sustainable Review into the future of children’s heart services in Leeds

27 March 2013

Today Mrs Justice Davies, at a hearing at the High Court, has quashed the findings of Safe and Sustainable Review into the future of children’s heart services that determined that the heart unit in Leeds – the only children’s heart unit in Yorkshire – should be closed. It is not yet clear if this will mean that the entire Review will need to be re-run or just some element of it.

Previously, on 7 March, the Court ruled in favour of the Leeds Save our Surgery campaign that the Joint Committee of PCT’s consultation in its review of children’s heart services process was “unfair and unlawful”.

This legal case is separate to the full investigation by the Independent Reconfiguration Panel of the process of the Safe and Sustainable review into children’s congenital heart services ordered by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt last November.

The final decision over the future of the Review will rest with Jeremy Hunt. But, the IPR and the Health Secretary will have to take into consideration the ruling of the Judge in this matter. Indeed, the IPR was due to report to Hunt at the end of March, this has been extended to no later than 30 April to allow the panel to consider the implications of this ruling.

Michael has been one of the leading campaigners to keep children’s heart services in Yorkshire. 

Commenting on the Judge’s decision, Michael said:

“I am delighted with the judge’s decision. The Leeds Children’s Heart Unit is accessible to nearly 14 million people within 2 hours travel time, including 5.5 million people in Yorkshire & the Humber.  If the Unit closes, more than 650 families who are helped by specialists in Leeds each year would have to travel to other centres between 60 -100 miles away incurring an unnecessary extra financial burden at an already difficult time in their family life.

“I know from talking to families in Barnsley how important the Children’s Heart Unit at Leeds is.  It is time now for the Government to end the uncertainty.  This is now on desk of the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.  He must the right thing and commit to safeguarding the future of the children’s heart services in Yorkshire”.

To read Michael's full review, click here.

 

The Sunday Mirror: ‘George Osborne in Budget giveaway to Tory donors in the City’

25 March 2013

The Sunday Mirror reported yesterday that the Government’s decision to scrap the ‘stamp duty reserve tax’ levied on asset management funds will mean that hedge fund ‘bigwigs’ will save £145million a year.

Quoted in the article, Michael, the Vice-Chair of the Labour Party, said:

“We know the Tories are funded by bankers and speculators.  Now, it seems their priority is to give a tax give away to their friends.

“And all of this at a time when the Government is giving millionaires a tax cut, whilst squeezing millions of ordinary families on low and middle incomes”.

Hedge fund bosses have given the Tory party at least £15 million - either individually or through their companies.  And many of the donors have also attended lavish dinners at Number 10 with David Cameron, the Chancellor and other top Cabinet Ministers.

To read the full Sunday Mirror article, click here: ‘George Osborne in Budget giveaway to Tory donors in the City’

 

Michael meets constituent at SET for Britain science exhibition in Parliament

25 March 2013

Last week, Michael met constituent Grace Stevenson from Wombwell in Parliament at a SET for Britain science event. 

SET for Britain aims to promote the work of early career research scientists.  Grace, who is based at Sheffield University, is carrying out specialist research and development in the orthopaedics sector, including work on prosthetic hips. 

You can find out more information about Grace and her work here: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/materials/staff/research/research-associates/ktp/stevensong

 

Michael reveals that nearly 2000 households are set to be hit by the Bedroom Tax in Barnsley East

22 March 2013

As reported in the Barnsley Chronicle today, Michael has revealed National Housing Federation figures which show that 1836 households in Barnsley East are set to lose on average £728 per year due to the Government’s ‘Bedroom Tax’. 

The Government’s new rules state that housing benefit and universal credit claimants deemed to have one unused bedroom in their council or housing association home will lose 14 per cent of their housing benefit. 

Those with two or more  unused bedrooms will lose 25 per cent.

The Bedroom Tax will affect some 660,000 households nationally, two thirds of which are home to someone with a disability.

This change, due to come into effect on the 6 April 2013, comes at the same time as the Government is planning on giving a tax cut worth £100,000 to 13,000 millionnaires.

 

Commenting on the new figures, Michael said:

“This isn’t about tough choices, it’s about the wrong choices.

“The Government’s planned Bedroom Tax will hammer thousands of families in Barnsley already struggling to make ends meet, and could actually risk costing local tax-payers a fortune in higher private rents and covering the cost of driving people out of their homes.

“Two thirds of the households hit are home to someone with a disability, and the families of soldiers and foster parents will also be hit.

"Yet at the same time the Government is planning on giving millionaires a massive tax cut.  How can that be right?

“Britain needs real welfare reform that is fair and that works, not this chaos. 

"The Government should admit that it has got this horribly wrong and think again – before it is too late for so many families in Barnsley.”

 

 

 

 

 

Michael nominates the Elachi Restaurant for the Tiffin Cup 2013

20 March 2013

Michael has nominated the Elachi curry restaurant in Hoyland, Barnsley, for the Tiffin Cup 2013.

The Tiffin Cup is an annual British competition to find the best South Asian restaurant in the UK.

Nominees are put forward by their local MP and one restaurant from every region is then shortlisted and invited to participate in the Grand Final cook-off event held in the House of Commons.

The final cook-off is judged by MPs and guest celebrities with the proceeds going to the charity, World Vision.

 

A Budget with just more of the same failing policies

20 March 2013

Michael has criticised the Budget today, calling it just more of the same from a downgraded Chancellor.

Since George Osborne’s Spending Review in 2010, the UK economy has grown by just 0.7 per cent compared to the 5.3 per cent forecast at the time.  Only three other G20 countries have grown more slowly than the UK in that period.  

Growth will also be lower than previously forecast this year and next year and borrowing is set to be £245 billion more than planned.  

Yet despite this failure, there was no change on anything important today and the Chancellor has decided to go ahead with a tax cut for millionaires in just two weeks time.

Commenting on the Budget today, Michael said:

“What we needed today was a change of direction and bold action to kickstart our flatlining economy and to help families on middle and low incomes.  Instead, all we got was more of the same failing policies.  

“Since 2010, we have seen total failure on the economy.  Growth is down, borrowing is up and the Government’s promise to balance the books by 2015 will not be met.  On top of this, the national debt will now not start falling until 2017/18.

“David Cameron and George Osborne's economic plan has completely failed and it is families, businesses and pensioners who are paying the price.   Real wages are set to fall by 2.4 per cent over the Parliament with people set to be worse off in 2015 than when this government came to office.

“Unemployment is also rising.  Figures just out today show that the total number of people claiming Jobs Seekers’ Allowance in Barnsley jumped to 8,040 in February – a 14 per cent increase over the last two years and the first time it has risen above 8,000 since 1996.  

“The Budget was just more of the same from a downgraded Chancellor.  As Ed Miliband said today, Britain deserves better”.

 

Huffington Post: Book Review of 'Commons People: MPs Are Human Too'

19 March 2013 

Michael has posted a book review blog today of the new book 'Commons People: MPs Are Human Too', written by Tony Russell. 

Click here to read the review. 

 

 

 

BBC Radio Sheffield: The Rony Robinson show

19 March 2013

Michael was interviewed on the Rony Robinson’s BBC Radio Sheffield radio show yesterday ahead of the launch of the new book ‘Commons People: MPs Are Human Too’, by Tony Russell. 

To listen to the interview, click here and scroll to 19:30.

 

Huffington Post: “It's Not Just the Economy, It's the Inequality, Stupid”

18 March 2013 

Michael has written an article for the Huffington Post about his recent visit to India with Save the Children.

To read the article, click here:

"It's Not Just the Economy, It's the Inequality, Stupid”

 

Barnsley Chronicle: Victory in fight to keep heart unit for children

15 March 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Barnsley Chronicle has reported today on the news that the campaign to keep the children’s heart surgery unit in Leeds from closing has won a significant legal challenge. 

Last week, the High Court in London ruled that the consultation over changes to children’s heart surgery was “unfair and unlawful”.

Michael, quoted in the Barnsley Chronicle article, said:

“The decision in the High Court is an important victory for all of us who have been campaigning so hard and for so long to keep children’s heart services in Yorkshire. 

“This is now on the disk of the Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt.  It’s time the government finally did the right thing and listened to all those families, including many in Barnsley, who desperately rely on the heart unit at Leeds. 

“I will be keeping the pressure up.”

 

Michael performs at Macmillan’s Palace of Varieties charity event  

15 March 2013

Michael performed an acoustic set as part of Macmillan Cancer Support's Palace of Varieties gig on Wednesday.

The annual event, which has members from both Houses perform, helps raise money for the fantastic work Macmillan do to support people with cancer.

 

“Things are so bad for Cameron that he is reduced to gagging his own backbench MPs on Twitter”

14 March 2013

The Daily Mail, BBC News and The Express have reported that David Cameron has told Tory MPs that there are too many tweets about his leadership.  In a meeting this week, backbench Tory MPs were apparently ordered by the party’s hierarchy to stop attacking the Prime Minister on Twitter.

Responding, Michael said: "Things are so bad for Cameron that he is reduced to gagging his own backbench MPs on Twitter because he is fearful they will tell it how it is.

"This is a weak and increasingly out of touch prime minister desperately trying to stop his divided party imploding."

 

Barnsley’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy survey – what’s your view?

11 March 2013

Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council is currently consulting on a strategy to improve the health of Barnsley residents.  Local authorities have been compelled to take on the role of public health promotion as a result of the Health and Social Care Act, which was passed last year.  From April, Barnsley Council will be responsible for measures to tackle such things as obesity, smoking, health screening and vaccinations.

This represents a huge challenge.  To take this forward, the Council have been working on a Health and Wellbeing Strategy and are currently seeking opinions as to whether they have got the priorities right and if they are focusing in on the public health issues that really matter to local residents.

Michael will be responding to the consultation and would welcome opinions and comments from constituents to include as evidence.  What do you think prevents you or members of your family from being healthier or leading healthier lifestyles?  What do you think is the most pressing health need of your local community?   Is it access to sports facilities, lack of information about food and nutrition or perhaps concerns about health inequalities within the borough. 

To send Michael your comments, please e-mail him at michael.dugher.mp@parliament.uk.

You can view the council’s strategy here – https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/news-and-events/news/2013/february/health-and-wellbeing-strategy-survey.

 

Michael backs BIADS campaign to open permanent centre in Barnsley

11 March 2013

Michael has backed a campaign by the Barnsley Independent Alzheimer’s and Dementia Society (BIADS) to raise £45,000 in order to open its own permanent centre in Barnsley.  The new centre would provide services and activities for some 3000 people in Barnsley who suffer from Alzheimer’s and Dementia. 

The campaign is calling for people to ‘Buy a Brick’ of the new centre by donating £15 to the charity. The charity currently operates across two sites and says that centralising its operations would help it to provide more services to local people and their carers.  The new centre would also mean patients and carers could drop in any time if they wanted help, advice or someone to talk to.

BIADS, which was founded in 2010, now has over 500 members and 100 volunteers.

Commenting on the launch of the campaign, Michael said:

“I am so pleased that BIADS plans to open a dedicated centre to offer more services to local people.  Alzheimer’s and Dementia can have a terrible impact on families, which is why the help and support that BIADS offer is so important.  I wish BIADS every success in securing the new centre, which will help them to continue their fantastic work in the community.”

To 'Buy a Brick', or to find out more about the campaign, you can email biads@btconnect.com or visit the BIADS website at www.biads.org.uk.

 

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