Adrian Sanders

Sanders Fights for Better Epilepsy Services

Torbay MP Adrian Sanders has been pressing Ministers to improve care for those suffering from Epilepsy.

The calls for improvements are being led by charity Epilepsy Action, which has published its 'Time to Change' report showing severe problems in services and the lack of implementation of NICE guidelines.

In particular the research found that over 80% of care trusts do not know how many children in their areas have epilepsy, well over half do not employ a specialist epilepsy nurse and over 90% do not meet their 2 week target to assess suspected cases of epilepsy.

There are approximately 1,000 sufferers of epilepsy in Torbay and while the Care Trust has recently appointed a specialist epilepsy nurse, this has been at a lower employment grade than most other Trusts.

Adrian is calling for the appointment of a National Clinical Director for  Epilepsy to provide leadership to resolve problems as well as better monitoring of Care Trusts' services for epilepsy.

Health minister Ann Keen recently said in the House of Commons that "services continue to fall short of the standards that people with epilepsy have a right to expect." She did not, however, agree to appoint a clinical director and has left the review of NICE guidelines and their implementation to the Care Quality Commission, which has started work today.

Adrian said: "Epilepsy has become a hidden problem, ignored by some sectors of the NHS. The lack of adherence to NICE guidelines is causing serious problems for the quality of life for those with epilepsy and the Government must start taking a lead to banish the current postcode lottery and raise the quality of care." 

How to Save Energy and Money

In light of rising energy bills, Torbay MP Adrian Sanders has been finding ways to save money for his constituents.

There was good news as Energy Minister Joan Ruddock tentatively promised to look at extending the Warm Front scheme, which provides grants for improvements such as efficient boilers and cavity wall insulation. At present only those on means tested benefits are eligible but Adrian has been pressing for all low and middle income homes to be able to access funding.

The Energy Saving Trust has also been highlighting its impartial advice service, which could save residents hundreds of pounds a year on energy bills.

The Trust matches householders to grants, gives advice on how to increase the sustainability of the home and most importantly how to save money.

The Trust's free advice line is on 0800 512 012 and further details can be found at: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

Adrian commented: "Many people come to me with concerns over the environmental impact of the way we live and now with the recession, I am inundated with those needing just that little bit of help to make ends meet. Improving the environment and saving on energy costs are not mutually exclusive and the Government is slowly coming round to the arguments many of us have been making for the stimulus out of the recession to be a green stimulus."

"Most importantly, there are practical steps available to people now and the more awareness there is of the grants and advice out there, the more money people can save in these tough times." 

Sanders Calls for Carers' Card

Adrian Sanders, Torbay MP has called on the Government to intoduce a Universal Carers Card to allow carers to attend events and activities, at which the disabled person for whom they care requires assistance, free of charge.

A number of companies already offer a carers card scheme specific to their organisation, such as The National Trust and the Cinema Exhibitors Association. This, however, requires a carer to apply for a large number of different schemes to qualify for free entry and is overly complicated.

Many disabled people do not currently have access to a wide range of services, especially leisure activities, due to an excessive financial burden of having to pay for entrance fees and tickets for two people rather than one.

Adrian commented: "A Universal Carers Card would be of huge benefit to many people. At present, access to some services and activities for disabled people is restricted due to the prohibitive cost of also having to pay for their carer."

"A Universal Carers Card would help reduce this discrimination and create a greater quality of life for many disabled people and their carers."

Tenants Need Better Recession Protection

Adrian Sanders MP has responded to figures showing rising repossessions by calling for greater protection for tenants in buy-to-let properties.

The Council of Mortgage Lenders has predicted that 75,000 repossessions will take place in the next year and with a high number of residents in Torbay living in private rented properties, action is needed to prevent a homelessness crisis and a significant burden on local social housing.

With Government support for owner-occupiers with mortgages finally growing, Adrian is now calling for similar support to be extended to private tenants.

At the moment tenants can find themselves summarily evicted if their landlord defaults on a mortgage and have no say in court cases.

Adrian is joining bodies Shelter, the Citizens Advice Bureau, Crisis and the Chartered Institute of Housing in calling for amendments to legislation to give judges the right to delay buy-to-let repossessions to allow tenants a reasonable time to find alternative accommodation.

So far the Communities and Local Government Department has committed to look at measures, but the focus so far is on 'influencing lender behaviour.'

Adrian said: "There is already a severe shortage of the right sort of housing in Torbay and the recession will undoubtedly make things worse. So far the Government has not concentrated on the rented sector and it needs to do so fast."

"With the high level of private renting in the Bay, these figures unfortunately show that there will be dozens of these cases in the next year alone. Each one is a family losing a home and anything the Government can do to reduce the damage done must be considered."

London 2012 Should Be Fairtrade Olympics

Adrian Sanders MP has called for the 2012 Olympics to be a "Fairtrade Olympics."

Together with 41 other MPs, Adrian has signed a motion calling on the Olympics organisers to make as many products as possible used and sold at the Olympics 'fair trade.'

The Fairtrade movement helps producers in the developing world by guaranteeing that goods are ethically produced and that fair prices are paid to farmers and workers. The Liberal Democrats and campaign groups like Tearfund are calling on the Government to make greater use of fair trade produce, using the 2012 games to champion this and ensure Britain is leading the way in ethically sound international development.

Adrian said: "Fair Trade is important and the 2012 Games is a perfect opportunity for the Government to show its commitment to ethical trade and production. Ensuring fair trade abroad ensures higher quality products for UK consumers and enables the spread of democracy and higher spending trading partners; it makes economic sense not just for developing producers but also for the British economy."

What Should the Chancellor Include in the Budget?

Torbay MP Adrian Sanders is asking residents for their views on what should be in this year's budget, due to be announced on April 22nd.

Adrian will be raising these concerns with the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the run up to the announcement and also in response to the budget.

The announcement is likely to include measures to tackle the recession and Adrian is seeking views on what the Government's approach should be to stimulate the economy. This could include an income tax cut, investment in infrastructure such as new railways or broadband lines, a cut in business rates or something more radical.

Adrian commented: "This will be the most important Budget of this Labour Government. With so many measures failing or failing to be implemented so far, there is a desperate need for a solution that does not break the bank for future generations."

"My priority is to press for more support for small businesses and those on low and middle incomes. The VAT cut has seemingly faltered and that money could have been better spent in a business rate cut, a cut in the basic rate of income tax or a council tax freeze. The priority has to be getting people spending again, which will save businesses and jobs; the best way to do this is putting money into the pockets of the pubic."

Residents wishing to make their views known can contact Adrian at [email protected] or by writing to House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA. 

WSPA applauds EU support for animal welfare

A global animal welfare campaign backed by 230 UK MPs and Defra in an Early Day Motion last year, has received a major boost from the European Union (EU), with all 27 member states voting unanimously to actively support the campaign.

The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) applauds the EU for being the first regional forum to formally pledge its support for the Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW) and thanks all 230 British MPs who have backed the campaign to date, for their invaluable support in the UK.

WSPA said: "The World Society for the protection of Animals (WSPA) would like to thank [Adrian] for signing last year's EDM (no: 1467) for a Universial Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW)."

The EU's unanimous support support is a vital breakthrough for the WSPA-led campaign to achieve global recognition for animal welfare. The campaign is also supported by the British Veterinary Association and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and has been endorsed by the UK Government and others from around the world.

Global recognition by the UN of animal welfare would not only protect animals and reduce unnecessary suffering, but also better the develpment of a country, whether reducing poverty and hunger, improving human health, preparing for and recovering from natural disasters, or helping the environment.

John Gray, WSPA UK Regional Director said: "With this announcement, the EU has acknowledged the strong links that animal welfare has with other established global development issues such as climate change, food security, human health and poverty reduction."

The EU Agricultural and Fisheries Council, made up of all EU Ministers of Agriculture, issues a Council Conclusion which states that it:

• Deems it important to achieve world-wide acceptance of animal welfare as an issue of common concern and importance;
• Encourages the Commission to continue, as announced in its Action Plan on the Protection and Welfare of Animals, 'to support and initiate further international initiatives to raise awareness and create a greater consensus on animal welfare.'
• Invites the Member States and the Commission, within their respective competencies, to support, in principle, the UDAW initiative in the relevant international fora.

This will help WSPA and its partners to discuss the benefits of good animal welfare - for animals, people and the environment - thereby encouraging partnership with UN member states from all regions of the UN and finally take the Declaration to the floor of the UN General Assembly.

Adrian said: "The EU's unanimous support is a fantastic breakthrough for the campaign led by the World Society for the Protection of Animals to achieve global recognition for animal welfare. I have publicly backed this campaign and I urge the people of Torbay to do the same. Please sign the petition at www.animalsmatter.org as every signature counts towards getting the UN to formally acknowledge this important initiative." 

Adrian at Number 10

Adrian Sanders MP outside Number 10 petitioning the Prime Minister on tourism.

"Wish You Were Here Gordon"

Torbay MP Adrian Sanders is in Downing Street today asking the Government to do more to promote domestic tourism to seaside resorts like Torbay.

Adrian will be campaigning with other Lib Dem MPs to highlight the tourist industry during tourism week.

Adrian said: "While we always need to diversify the economy in Torbay, tourism will still play a central role. With local campaigns to attract tourists now in full swing, we now really need extra support from central Government."

"With the banking industry being supported to the hilt, it is time industries that have a focus outside of Britain's big cities also have some help. Visit Britain's funding has consistently been cut. The devolved administrations in Wales and Scotland have moved to support their marketing activities abroad but the same has not happened in England."

"With the falling value of the pound and people looking for cheaper holidays, tourism can be a way out of recession for seaside resorts as British and foreign tourists seek better deals. The Government must not miss this opportunity to bolster one of the UK's biggest industries and help coastal communities that are being hit hard by recession."

Green Funding Opportunities for the Community

Torbay MP Adrian Sanders has welcomed the announcement that money is available from the EDF Energy Green Fund for local non-profit making and charitable organisations for renewable energy installations.

Grants of up to £30,000 will be made to cover the cost of renewable energy sources such as wind turbines, solar panels and ground source heat pumps.

This funding is available to a wide variety of organisations such as schools and colleges, village halls, museums and churches.

The next funding round closes at the end of August 2009. Full details of the scheme, including application forms and eligibility criteria, are available at: www.edfenergy.com/greenfund

Adrian commented: "It is really positive that some energy companies are increasingly engaging with green technology."

"The EDF Energy Green Fund offers an excellent opportunity for local community organisations to invest in renewable energy sources which should help to keep their bills low as well as having an environmental benefit for all of us."