Since the election the most common question people have asked is what it’s like being in Coalition? I’ve yet to work out a simple, one line answer.
I can say it is more satisfactory to be on the inside influencing decisions than on the outside criticising them, and some of the people now leading Government departments are long standing friends or colleagues of mine.
I can also say that it is very different sitting on the Government side of the House and that consequently there are more three-line whips than there were in opposition.
Other changes are more to do with being a longer serving MP giving me more opportunities to speak in debates, serve on committees and take on responsibilities – for example, I was elected Vice-Chairman of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association just before the recess.
The surprise is that Government isn’t anything like I imagined it would be, and that is entirely down to the magnitude of the financial difficulty our country is facing that we must now tackle.
We can do this following the principles of fairness and protecting the vulnerable laid down in the Coalition agreement and our programme for Government. But when suggestions are made that contradict these aims, I voice my concerns. I really don’t understand those who think you should stay quiet. After all if more members of the previous Government had dissented we wouldn’t be in the mess we are now in.
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Now the Council has decided to engage in proper consultation over the future of Beacon Cove I hope people will get involved. When you involve people in sharing decisions that need to be taken you get better ideas and arguably more successful outcomes.
If only the Council had consulted more before contracting with May Gurney, or as part of the contract, over the need for more recycling and how to implement a new system with support for those who now fear difficulties. We will hear many complaints over the next few weeks that will all stem from people having had change imposed upon them without their engagement.
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Following my protests at suggestions that people could be evicted from social housing if their incomes rose – a ridiculous idea given housing benefit subsidy is automatically cut in such circumstances, and most tenants move of their own volition in any case - the Government has had to issue a statement saying: “We are committed to protecting the security of tenure and rights of those currently in social housing.” Quite right, now let’s get on with helping the record 1.8 million households on social housing lists that doubled under Labour by providing more secure tenancies at affordable rents.
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Next surgeries:
Tuesday, 31st August, 5 pm to 6:30 pm, Preston Baptist Church Hall, Old Torquay Road, Preston, Paignton.
Friday 10th September 5 pm to 6.30 pm, St Martins Church Hall, Barton Hill Road, Barton, Torquay.
No appointment necessary.
Advice line 200036. www.adriansanders.org or www.myspace.com/adriansandersmp
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