Ian Swales questions Minister over hostel proposals in Redcar

Proposals for hostels for people on bail or on remand in Redcar may not be the given the go-ahead under the new coalition government according to Communities Minister, Andrew Stunnell, who in response to concerns raised by local MP, Ian Swales, confirmed that the new government would allow local communities to control plans in their own area.

Speaking on Tuesday in a Westminster Hall debate on coastal towns, Mr Swales expressed his concern that residents and local authorities in Redcar were powerless to stop Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) from being established because of the planning laws put in place by the previous Government.

In his reply, Mr Stunnell confirmed the new coalition government’s commitment to devolve the planning framework to local authorities, so that they can establish their local plans and the have the freedom to take those decisions.

Commenting Mr Swales said:

“There is a pending planning hearing in Redcar and Cleveland about HMOs-which will involve two developments of secure accommodation in the heart of our resort.

“There will be large financial returns for the people involved, but even though local residents don’t want those hostels in that place, the local authority has little power to do anything about it because of the planning laws put in place by the previous Labour government.”  

“It may be too late to stop these HMOs from being established this time, but I’m delighted that as a result of the actions taken by this coalition government, from now on local authorities and residents will be given the freedom to make those decisions in the interests of their own community.”

Ian Swales calls on Government to introduce Robin Hood Tax

MP, Ian Swales, who has called for the introduction of a financial transaction tax.

Mr Swales has tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons calling on the government to introduce a ‘Robin Hood’ tax, which would take an average of 0.05% from speculative banking transactions that could potentially raising hundreds of billions of pounds every year to tackle poverty and climate change.

Commenting Mr Swales said:

“Given that the banks had such a large role in causing the economic crisis it’s only fair that they should help pay to fix it.

“The bank levy announced by the Chancellor in the recent budget was a welcome first step, but there is still a lot of scope to explore further bank taxes, specifically the introduction of a Financial Activities tax on excess profits and remunerations.

“A ‘Robin Hood’ tax has the power to raise hundreds of billions every year and could give a vital boost to the NHS, our schools, and the fight against child poverty in the – as well as tackling poverty and climate change around the world.”

1. Early Day Motion tabled by Ian Swales MP entitled Robin Hood Tax

That this House supports the Robin Hood tax campaign which calls for the introduction of a financial transaction tax; notes that by taking an average of 0.05 per cent. from speculative banking transactions, hundreds of billions of pounds could be raised every year to tackle poverty and climate change, at home and abroad; believes that banks, which had a large role in causing the economic crisis, should do more than just pay back the bailouts or insure against future crises; further believes that a Robin Hood tax would be an effective and popular response, with a recent poll finding that 80 per cent. of respondents supported the introduction of a Robin Hood tax; commends the work of all those organisations backing this campaign who have mobilised their supporters to increase the pressure for such change; believes that this tax is an idea that has come of age; and urges the Government to do all possible to ensure that the Robin Hood tax becomes a reality.

Ian Swales elected to Public Accounts Committee and vows to ensure “value for money” for Redcar constituency taxpayers

Newly elected MP for Redcar, Ian Swales, has today been elected as the Liberal Democrat representative to the prestigious Public Accounts Committee; a team of MPs responsible for ensuring the Government delivers value-for-money for taxpayers.

Mr Swales’ appointment comes just two months after he was elected to the House of Commons and is recognition of the experience and expertise he can bring to the role having worked for many years as an accountant. The Committee is responsible for overseeing government expenditures to ensure they are effective and honest and is seen as a crucial mechanism for ensuring transparency and accountability in government financial operations.

Commenting Mr Swales said:

“I’m delighted to have been chosen by my Liberal Democrat colleagues to serve on the Public Accounts Committee, particularly as I’m still relatively new to being an MP.

“The role of the PAC will be even more crucial given the current economic climate. It’s vital that the Committee holds the Government to account to ensure we don’t see a repeat of the scorched earth spending policies of the previous Labour government.

“Serving on the PAC will allow me to see first hand exactly how local taxpayers’ are having their money spent to ensure that every penny they give in tax is spent in an honest and effective manner.”

Ian Swales calls on George Osborne to introduce legislation against “punishing” bank charges

Banks should be prevented from imposing “punishing” overdraft charges onto customers according to Redcar MP, Ian Swales, who has called on the new coalition Government to step in and prevent banks from issuing excessive charges

Mr Swales has warned against excessive overdraft fees, which he believes can tip vulnerable customers already walking a financial tightrope into debt and has tabled a written question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon George Osborne MP, to ask him to introduce legislation to bring an end to unfair bank charges.

Commenting Mr Swales said:  

“Some UK banks only exist because they have been bailed out by British taxpayers, yet financial service companies are still ripping people off.

“It simply isn’t right that someone on a low income should pay £25 or more to their bank just because they’re overdrawn by a pound or two. Punishing overdraft fees like these only serve to push vulnerable customers further into debt.

“I hope George Osborne agrees that legislation is absolutely necessary if we’re serious about scrapping unfair bank charges once and for all.”

IAN SWALES DISAPPOINTED AT BSF DECISION

News that the Building Schools for the Future programme has been frozen has been greeted with disappointment by Redcar MP Ian Swales.

He said “I am well aware that the Labour government left this country in a desperate financial state. It’s inevitable that all plans without funding in place will have to be reviewed.

“However, This is not the end of capital investment in schools. I know much preparation has been done for BSF in Redcar and Cleveland and how important many of the projects are. I will be speaking to Schools Minister Sarah Teather to press for the funding that we need as soon as it can be made available.”

Ian Swales welcomes “much needed” funding for Teesside hospices

News that a £40million grant for hospices will be reinstated by the new coalition Government has been welcomed by Redcar MP Ian Swales as providing “much needed financial support” to local hospices Zoe’s Place and Teesside Hospice.

The £40m capital scheme for hospices was announced as part of the End of Life Care Strategy but was later recalled by the previous Labour Government as part of its review of spending commitments made since 1 January.  Liberal Democrat Health Minister, Paul Burstow confirmed the grant on 17 June and has written to all hospices affected, including Zoe’s Place and Teesside Hospice to confirm their grants.

Zoë's Place in Normanby offers palliative and respite care for babies/infants from birth to five years old who have life limiting or terminal illnesses, special and complex needs to varying degrees. Teesside Hospice Care Foundation was formed in 1982 as a response to the shortfall in specialised care for those suffering from a life limiting illness in the Tees Valley and North Yorkshire region. Both hospices will now be eligible for funding under the grant provided by the coalition Government.

Commenting Mr Swales said:

“Hospices’ good work extends far beyond their buildings. Although only a comparatively small number of people actually die in a hospice, a great many more benefit from their services and expertise in other ways, such as through day therapy or hospice-at-home.

“We’re fortunate in Teesside to have two world class hospices in the Teesside Hospice and Zoe’s Place in Normanby, one of the few dedicated children’s hospices in the UK.

“I’m delighted that the coalition Government recognises the outstanding service provided by Teesside Hospice and Zoe’s Place and has acted to reinstate the grants cancelled by the last Labour Government. I’m certain that these grants will provide much needed financial support to these fantastic organisations. “

Treasury to consider Tees Valley as location for Green Investment Bank

Tees Valley is in the running to become the new administrative centre for the Government’s proposed ‘Green Investment Bank’ after Redcar MP, Ian Swales, put forward the case for Teesside in a letter to Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt. Hon George Osborne.

In his letter to the Chancellor, Mr Swales stressed the need for increased Government support to help the North East recover from the economic crisis and deal with the continuing high levels of unemployment.

Under the coalition Government’s proposals, the bank will be used to provide investment for ‘green’ projects such as upgrading ports to make them suitable for off-shore wind turbines.

In response to Mr Swales’ letter, Treasury Minister Justine Greening MP, confirmed that the Treasury were “open–minded to all options” for the location of the administrative centre, “including the Tees Valley”.

Commenting Mr Swales said:

“I’m delighted that Treasury Minister, Justine Greening, has agreed to consider Teesside as the administrative centre for the new Green Investment Bank, which if successful would provide a much needed injection of highly skilled jobs to the area.

 “Teesside has been badly neglected by the previous Government, which is why it is vital that it receives support to help rejuvenate the area.

“Choosing Teesside as the site for the Green Investment Bank would not only create jobs now, but would also provide the North East with stable, long term employment for many years to come.”

Liberal Democrats create £1bn fund for communities hit by cuts - Ian Swales

Liberal Democrat Leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has launched a £1bn Regional Growth Fund to help communities that may be particularly affected by public spending cuts.

Liberal Democrat Ian Swales MP for Redcar has today described the move as a vital step in protecting jobs and promoting growth in the North East.

Commenting, Ian said:

“The reckless Labour government left the country nearly bankrupt, with an unprecedented challenge ahead.

“The Coalition Government has had to make incredibly difficult choices, but the Liberal Democrats are helping ensure that no community gets left behind.

“We can now deliver a more focussed approach in the North East and provide more business support, encourage entrepreneurs and protect jobs.”

Speaking in Bradford after the first regional Coalition Cabinet meeting, Nick Clegg said:

“The Regional Growth Fund will create the conditions for growth and enterprise by stimulating investment and creating sustainable private sector jobs.

“Alongside our commitment to waive some employment taxes for new businesses starting up in targeted regions of the country, this fund can make a real difference to companies during difficult times.”

EXHIBITION SHOWCASES REGENERATION PLANS

Residents of Coatham and Redcar are being encouraged to check out exciting plans for a £37m revival of part of Redcar – and have their say on how their community should be improved.

Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council is holding a public exhibition next week on the proposals for the new swimming pool and leisure centre for Redcar and consultation session on its plans to improve the Coatham area.

The authority’s cabinet has given its backing to proposals to build a new swimming pool and leisure centre, ‘myplace’ young people’s arts and media centre, multi-storey car park, library, civic and community facilities.

The new scheme for a Civic Centre in Redcar replaces plans for new leisure facilities and 357 new homes, which were abandoned earlier this year after the Supreme Court ruled that part of the land earmarked for development is a village green.

The Council will host an exhibition at Redcar Library from Monday, June 28, to Friday, July 2, from 10am to 4pm each day.

Visitors will be able to ask questions and see the plans for themselves, ahead of work beginning next spring, subject to the necessary planning approval being gained.

The week will also provide residents and traders in the area with the chance to air their views on initial environmental improvements that are planned and suggest ideas about what they would like to see in the area.

The Council is eager to hear about any improvements that local people feel would benefit the area – and visitors to the library will have the chance to give their comments.

Redcar's new Leisure Centre to be sited between Kirkleatham Street and Ridley Street

A Multi-million pound regeneration scheme for Redcar has been given the go ahead today by Redcar and Cleveland Council.

 

The Council’s Cabinet held a special meeting to discuss options to invest in and develop the town and have agreed to:

 

· the creation of a ‘myplace’ arts and media centre for young people

 

. a leisure centre and swimming pool developed between Kirkleatham Street and Ridley Street

 

· a new library and civic and community facilities

 

· a multi-storey car park.

 

The total cost of the scheme, which will be developed in two phases, is projected to be £36.9 m, providing significant investment and job opportunities to the area.

 

The leisure centre facility will include a six lane, 25 metre swimming pool, leisure and children’s pool, eight court sports hall, junior gym and fitness suite and performance and dance areas.

Coatham Links future under spotlight

Fresh options for the multi-million pound Coatham Links regeneration scheme are to be considered tomorrow.

 

Initial proposals to bring new leisure facilities and hundreds of homes to the area were abandoned earlier this year after the Supreme Court ruled that part of the land earmarked for development at Coatham should be registered as a village green.

 

But Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council’s cabinet will meet on Friday, June 4, to assess two options designed to enhance the area, providing first-class swimming and leisure facilities.

 

One option for a £22.7m scheme would see a new leisure centre and swimming pool developed on the existing Coatham Links site, while the creation of the £5m ‘myplace’ arts and media centre for young people would go ahead as already planned.

 

The second proposition would involve building ‘myplace’ on the Coatham site, with a leisure centre and swimming pool developed between Kirkleatham Street and Ridley Street.

 

A second phase for the latter project would also include a new civic and community suite being established, with the entire scheme costing £36.9m.

 

The leisure centre aspect of both options would lead to a facility offering a six-lane, 25-metre swimming pool, leisure and children’s pools, eight-court sports hall, junior gym and fitness suite, performance and dance areas.

 

Subject to approval being gained, work on either option could begin in Spring 2011.

 

The Council will also continue to seek alternative sites that could accommodate up to 350 new homes across the Borough, to satisfy demand for housing in Redcar.

 

Ian Swales announces next surgery date

Ian Swales MP will be holding surgeries on Saturday 5th June. Redcar constituents are invited to speak with Ian regarding issues or concerns by joining him at Redcar Library, Coatham Road, 9.30am-10.30am or at the newly-opened South Bank Library, Low Grange Health Village, Normanby Road, 11am-11.30am.

Anyone wishing to attend either surgery can book an appointment by calling Ian on 01642 292847.

Labour's so-called "open and transparent" Council places restrictions on petitions

Redcar & Cleveland's Labour controlled Council today altered the petitions scheme for the Council, limiting them only to residents of the Borough and attaching minimum numbers of signatures before they can be debated by the Council.

Petitions to be debated by the Council is now set at "1500, but reduced to 500 where the petition related to a local issue, affecting no more than two electoral wards within the authority"

Petitions requiring attendance by a senior council officer to answer questions at an overview and scrutiny committee meeting is now set at "750, but reduced to 100 where the petition related to a local issue, affecting no more than two electoral wards within the authority."

Petitions and signatures will only be accepted from residents of the Borough.

A Conservative amendment also restricted the time that petition organisers have to present their petition to five minutes.

Lib Dem members opposed the changes arguing that there should be no restrictions.

There could be many reasons why visitors or residents from outside the Borough may want the Council to consider a petition. It should not be beyond the wit of Councillors to assess the relevance or merits of a petition regardless of how many signatures or who sent it in. Previously a petition signed by only three people was considered equally with one signed by thousands.

The Labour Councillors keep going on about being open and transparent but in reality they are selective and choosy.

Ian Swales welcomes tax freeze for PD Ports

Ian Swales MP has welcomed the coalition agreement to freeze the controversial backdate tax rates on port operators.

This week, David Laws and George Osborne announced the decision to freeze the backdated tax rates.

Under the Labour government, the Valuation Office Agency, believing it had been under-taxing port companies for some time, altered the tax system and backdated the new taxes to April 2005, giving firms up to eight years to repay millions of pounds.

Now, the new Liberal Democrat – Conservative coalition government has decided to freeze these rate demands. Ian Swales said, “I am delighted that the government has recognised that this backdating of taxes needs to be looked at. This is good news for PD Ports at Teesport.”

Ian Swales shows support for local schools

Within a fortnight of becoming Redcar’s new Member of Parliament, Ian Swales paid visits to Eston Park and St. Peter’s schools in Eston and South Bank. Both schools have been scheduled for closure and visiting the schools was high on the new MP’s list of priorities.

Ian Swales said, “I felt that it was important to meet with staff and find out more about the situation. I’ve had contact from staff, pupils and parents about the issue and I visited the schools to understand fully the concerns I am hearing

“I intend to find out the details of what will be happening to the previously agreed Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme, under which these closures were taking place, and discuss with the council what any changes to BSF means for the future of these schools.”

New MP fights for Corus

In his first couple of weeks as Redcar MP, Ian Swales has been working tirelessly on the issue of the mothballed TCP plant at Corus. He has met Corus and Tata management, Middlesbrough mayor Ray Mallon and union officials. He has also had discussions with representatives of potential buyers of the steel making assets and others who are interested in investing in potential surplus land.

He is now heading to Thailand with a delegation of union officials to meet SSI, who are interested in the steel-making assets. Ian said, “Corus is obviously the number one issue for local people. Our community urgently needs jobs and resolving the future of Corus is vital in moving forward.

“I hope we will start to see more people employed on the huge Corus site and reverse the decline that has been going on for decades.”

Ian Swales announces his position on tuition fees

Questions have been raised over whether and how the coalition government will influence Liberal Democrat MPs’ stances on the issue of higher education funding.

The coalition agreement has seen both the Conservative Party and the Liberal Democrats give ground on certain policies and issues to make compromises in order to form a stable government capable of solving the nation’s debt crisis.

The Liberal Democrat manifesto proposed phasing out tuition fees and many Liberal Democrat MPs – including Redcar’s Ian Swales – have signed the National Union of Students pledge to “vote against any increase in fees in the next parliament and to pressure the government to introduce a fairer alternative.

Ian Swales said, “I am heartened by the provisions set out in the full coalition agreement. The government will await Lord Browne’s final report, and has stated that it will judge its proposals against the need to address a number of issues, including the need to: ‘increase social mobility’; ‘take into account the impact on student debt’; and ‘attract a higher proportion of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“If these issues are addressed properly, the coalition government will have acted in the student interest.”

Ian Swales welcomes major Lib Dem policies in Queen’s Speech

Newly elected Lib Dem MP for Redcar constituency, Ian Swales, has welcomed today’s Queen's Speech saying that many important Liberal Democrat policies will be implemented by the coalition Government in the next 18 months.

Mr Swales said:

“I am very pleased that so many Liberal Democrat priorities that I have campaigned on during the election campaign will now be put in place to make our country fairer.

“Policies like a fairer and simpler tax system, restoring the link between earnings and pensions, restoring freedom and civil liberties by scrapping ID cards and passing a Great Repeal Bill that we have long argued for, will now be put in practice.

“We all know that our public finances are in a very bad state and spending cuts will be inevitable. However, I will be making the case in Westminster that this area needs a helping hand after more than a decade of Labour neglect and failure. I will now concentrate on providing a strong voice for Redcar constituency and Teesside as a whole in Westminster.”

• Making the tax and benefits system fairer and simpler, including a significant increase in the personal allowance and an ambition to increase it to £10,000
• Restoring the earnings link to pensions
• Greater freedoms for teachers over the curriculum
• Measures to improve energy efficiency in homes and businesses
• Support for low carbon energy production
• Financial services regulation to learn the lessons of the financial crisis
• Fixed term parliaments of five years
• A referendum on the Alternative Vote
• The right to sack MPs guilty of serious misconduct
• Reform of party funding
• Moving towards a wholly or partly elected House of Lords, elected by proportional representation
• A Bill to restore freedoms and civil liberties, through the abolition of Identity Cards and repeal of unnecessary laws
• Giving greater powers to councils and giving neighbourhoods and communities more control over planning and housing decisions
• Ending child detention
• Fair compensation for Equitable Life victims
• Enabling the creation of a national high speed rail network
• The modernisation of the Royal Mail
• Flexible working and promotion of equal pay
• Strengthening the voices of patients and the role of doctors in the NHS
• A commission on long-term reform of social care
• Cutting Quangos and government bureaucracy
• Implementing the recommendations of the Calman Commission
• A referendum on further powers for the Welsh Assembly

A full list of Bills and other items from the Queen’s Speech is available here.

Marske Post Office may be saved

 Ian Swales with local residents unhappy about the potential closure.

The planned closure of Marske Post Office has been postponed, as a potential new owner has been found.

Ian Swales, MP for Redcar, is reported to be delighted that the post office may be saved.

He said, “I have spoken to the person interested in taking over and given advice about running the business and sources of funds. There’s still a way to go, but I am very hopeful that the post office operation will continue. I will help in any way I can.

“I want to thank the hundreds of local residents who have signed the Liberal Democrat petition over the last few weeks. The big response shows the strength of feeling from local residents.

“Post offices are a vital part of local communities and I am pressing the new Government to adopt policies to reinvigorate the network.”

£30m seafront revamp goes on display

An exhibition taking the wraps off £30m plans to regenerate the iconic Redcar seafront will be launched to the public this weekend.

The exciting proposals are designed to create 60 new jobs, support businesses and attract fresh investment to the area.

The ambitious project includes the creation of strengthened flood defences, a spectacular new promenade, 80ft viewing tower and ‘The Hub’ - a showpiece base designed to allow the area’s creative industries sector to thrive.

And Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council is hoping that residents, traders and visitors will take the chance to see the plans when the scheme goes on public display.

The community exhibition will be staged at the new Mayfair Hub, at 18 Esplanade – between Redcar Rock Shop and Chips ‘R’ Russ - from Saturday, May 22 to Friday, June 4, from 10am to 4pm each day.

Display panels illustrating the plans and a scale model of the proposals will be available for viewing, while council officers and architects will be on hand to answer any questions.

Visitors will also be able to complete questionnaires, with their responses helping to shape the planning process for the developments.

A planning application is expected to be submitted in the summer and, if approval is granted, work could begin in the autumn.