My Garston - Local News Magazine for Garston, Herts

Claire Ward MP

May 09

The measure of a good society is how we treat our most vulnerable, particularly our elderly people. I think that pensioners have gained a lot over the last few years although I know that the current recession has meant that the income that many rely on from the interest on savings has fallen significantly. So I was pleased to see the measures announced in the budget last month that will help some of my older constituents. An additional payment of £100 to households with someone aged over 80 to be paid when they get their winter fuel allowance. For those aged over 60 the additional payment will be £50. Alongside that the government has increased the numbers of people who will be able to claim the Pension Credit by increasing the savings and capital limits from £6000 to £10,000. As a society our responsibility to our elderly is not just about meeting their financial needs. It is also about providing support at a time when life has often become more difficult. Last month I visited the Help the Aged drop in centre in Watford. People come from all over the town and Abbots Langley to have lunch and socialise. When I visited the group were celebrating St.George’s Day with flags and a truly English roast beef dinner. They also had a visit from children at Parkgate School, a regular arrangement to bridge the gap between the generations. It was such a wonderful atmosphere that it reminded me how important these facilities are and how much councils and government need to continue to support these activities. These days many families are spread around the country and few are fortunate enough to have grandparents on hand to help. Many of those children may not have grandparents nearby and this link gives them the chance to talk to older people and listen to the amazing stories that many of them have to tell. I would like to see more of these arrangements that can bring the generations together so that there can be more respect between them and more understanding. On the subject of providing something more for our pensioners, I am really sorry to see the strange situation that has arisen across my constituency where some of those aged over 60 can get free swimming and others can’t. The government has given money for local councils to introduce free swimming for those aged over 60 and under 16. It’s a great way to get people fit and is very popular. In fact 80% of all councils have taken up the scheme. If you live in Three Rivers district you will be able to benefit from their decision to adopt the scheme. You will also be able to benefit from the agreement made with Watford Borough Council when the swimming pools were rebuilt in Watford and swim there for free too. But sadly if you are a resident of Watford you won’t be able to benefit as the Council has decided not to participate in the scheme. This is not about party politics as both councils are run by the same party. So if you live in Watford near to the swimming pool, you have to pay but someone from Rickmansworth can swim for free. Is this fair? If the local councils can work together on the rebuilding of the swimming pools to create a deal for residents, then surely they can get together to make this scheme work too.

Apr 09

Some months ago Watford was on the short list as a possible venue for holding the G20 summit. Whilst it would have been prestigious and put our town on the international map, I am not quite so sure that thousands of anarchists, anti capitalists and others would have been quite so welcome if they took out their anger and frustration on Watford high street. So with hindsight, it probably was more sensible to hold it in London but at least we were in the running. As the great political leaders of the world arrived in the city earlier this month, it was with a huge expectation that by working together we can combat the recession that has taken a global grip. As I write this column we are still awaiting an update on the various meetings of the leaders. I am hopeful that those 20 men and women will seize the chance to work together for the benefit of all those on this planet and not to act in a way that not only protects their own people but does so at the cost of others.

One of the issues that has featured high on the list for discussion around the G20 has been climate change. We all know that the world is getting warmer and that the affects upon our planet are devastating. We know too that we have to be conscious of the fuel reserves that remain and the way in which we use them. That is why many companies and countries are looking at alternative sources of fuel such as wind, solar, geothermal (that’s heat from the ground) and even greater use of nuclear. I recently had the chance to visit a project in Berlin with Total who are based in Watford to look at the hydrogen fuel cell projects being developed. These prototype cars are fuelled by a rather complicated process (for us non scientists) which converts water into hydrogen which then fuels an electric motor. The partners in the project which include car manufacturers, fuel companies and the German government are hopeful that this will be a successful project and one more way in which we can help to reduce carbon emissions and make a contribution to the fight against climate change.

These are the big projects but we can also try to do things at a local or personal level. I have recently organised coffee mornings for constituents that are based on providing information and support on how to be fuel efficient. There are huge benefits in our own home from such action – it makes them warmer, saves money and doesn’t waste our limited fuel resources. There are a number of schemes which can help with better insulation for homes, especially if the occupants are pensioners. I am shortly due to hold an event with British Gas whose representatives will be able to pass on fuel efficiency ideas as well as helping people sort out their individual account problems. The G20 is about governments working together to get the best from the people and the resources on this planet. At our own personal level, we can play our part too.

Mar 09

I never imagined when I became an MP nor when I joined the Government Whips office that I would hold the rather archaic but fascinating position of Vice Chamberlain to Her Majesty’s Household. I was appointed by the Prime Minister last October and it has certainly been an eye opener. The position has changed over the centuries as in the days of Henry VIII it used to be a much more ‘hands on’ role in managing the Royal Household. These days it is a political appointment and one that helps to keep communications open between Parliament and our Head of State. One of my tasks is to write to the Queen every day when Parliament is in session to tell her what we have been doing. Of course, she could read it in the papers but she seems to like a little more of a review of the day’s business and some of the ‘behind the scenes’ comment . One of the other tasks is to occasionally take documents for the Queen to sign and for me to report back to the House of Commons. I had an audience last month and it was a wonderful opportunity to see the Queen in less formal surroundings as she signed the papers with the famous corgis running around our feet. As this was my first time to get the Queen to sign the message in response to the State Opening of Parliament, it was a reminder that she has seen so many Prime Ministers and Vice Chamberlains over the years that she is completely at ease and able to direct us on the process. What an amazing woman!

On the theme of amazing women, this month recognises the role of women in so many walks of life as it is International Women’s Day on March 8th. There will be those who ask ‘what about International Men’s Day?’ but of course the existence of a strong women’s movement to promote equality and women’s rights has existed for many years because historically there has been a real need and sadly in some areas there still is. As always I shall be attending the church service held by Watford women to celebrate the role that women play in their families, workplaces and communities. When I look around our various community organisations, there are so many women helping to keep the show on the road, juggling family responsibilities too.

I know as a working mother how difficult it can be at times. At my last advice surgery, waiting constituents had a little insight into my own problems as I had to bring the children along to surgery to wait for my husband to collect them as he had been caught in traffic coming from work. This juggling of roles is common place for most working mums and as the recession hits harder more women will take on work to help meet family finances. For many women, myself included, the support of a good husband or partner has been a great help. But of course that is not always possible or for some desirable. So let’s celebrate the role of women in our world and know that greater equality and access to the world of work will benefit not just women but our society as a whole.

Feb 09

Some say that the hothouse of the House of Commons is immune from the problems faced outside of Westminster. When the snow came earlier this month it certainly did not discriminate between my two places of work – Watford and Westminster. Not a single bus was on the road in London and the Tea room for MPs in the House of Commons failed to open. Apparently when the bombs fell on the House of Commons and Westminster during world war 2, the tea room and the buses carried on. It’s amazing that our city and large parts of our country grinds to a halt when we have snow. Please local councils – can we have more salt and grit! Indeed in Watford, as I battled through to get the kids to nursery there was a sense that these events are sent to try us, but with true Blighty spirit, I managed to attend most of my weekly events.

The most poignant was certainly the military funeral held in central Watford of Captain Tom Sawyer who died in Afghanistan. The public may not always share the view of where politicians deploy our armed services but one thing I know we can agree on is that these are brave young men and women who put their lives on the line for Queen and country.

Being the local MP can bring such highs and lows that no day is ever the same. In the last few weeks I have met with local residents campaigning to save bus services such as the 318 and also had the chance to meet the Palestinian Ambassador who came to Watford to talk about the suffering in Gaza and the need for peace. Local train users have also been lobbying very hard on the new train timetable as it seems that many have been stuck on platforms trying to squeeze on to trains with too few carriages heading into London. I have met with London Midland and I am hoping that we might be able to persuade them to look again at these services.

From trains to planes, Heathrow has featured highly for some Watford people too. The decision to support a third runway has caused a few people to write to me. I think it is a good economic decision that will bring new jobs to our area and encourage more businesses in the future to look at Watford. Secondly, if we don’t increase capacity, supply will increase elsewhere in Europe which means that we could actually lose jobs at Heathrow. Finally, I think we are far enough away from the real noise and will not be significantly affected by a third runway. I know it will be controversial but this is a decision for the country as a whole and I think it’s the right one. If you don’t agree let me know. I am happy to hear from you.

I hope in future House Notes I can let you know a bit more about my work as an MP and what issues are most worrying local people. If you have a different worry – let me know. Your issue may be the high or the low of my day!

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