News Releases
If you would like to be kept up to date with the latest news from Alan Whitehead's office, please email
news@alan-whitehead.org.uk
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2007
December 20: Alan slams £100,000 Council spend on political letters
Southampton City Council’s Cabinet authorised thousands of pounds of potentially illegal spending to advertise local Conservative party policy, it has been revealed.
December 18: Financial Assistance Scheme extended to 90%
The Department for Work and Pensions has announced an increase in support for employees whose occupational pensions wound up before the introduction of the Pensions Protection Fund.
- Read the official statement from the DWP
- Read in today's Echo about how this affects Southampton APW workers
December 13: Getting the city moving
Read Alan's latest In My View on congestion, public transport and the importance of the Local Transport Bill now going through Parliament.
December 12: Local government cash boost means there is no excuse for Tory cuts
The increase in funding for Southampton in the Local Government Settlement was one of the most generous in Hampshire and above the amount the City Council said it needed to meet running costs. It will add to the mounting pressure on the Conservative-controlled Council to abandon its controversial budget proposals, which include cuts to libraries, swimming pools, playing fields and bus services.
December 12: The Planning Bill-Making it easier to be green
Alan Whitehead spoke yesterday in the House of Commons on the need for the planning system to be reformed to help householders install renewable energy devices, such as solar panels or small wind turbines on their homes, with minimal local authority interference. More information
Alan in the Commons earlier in the year
December 11: School building programme under threat
Two of Southampton’s 14 secondary schools may no longer be rebuilt or refurbished if Conservative spending plans unveiled last week go ahead.
December 10: Keeping warm in the winter
Alan is part of the Warm Homes campaign to ensure more people know about the help that is available for heating bills over the winter.
December 6: Winter Newsletter published
Alan's Winter Newsletter has been published and is currently being distributed around Southampton Test.
The report includes a special report on green measures in the 2007 Queen's Speech, including the Climate Change Bill. You can now also read the report online by clicking on the image on the left.
December 4: Speed signs around schools
The Council's plans for advisory, '20 is plenty' signs must not become a substitute for legally enforceable speed limits around schools.
Alan at Millbrook school
November 30 : Alan's Wembly Stadium Speech on Waste
You can now read a summary of Alan's recent speech at Wembly stadium.
November 28: Alan to speak at Global Warming Lecture
Alan will be speaking at a public lecture by Sir John Houghton entitled "Global Warming: A Global Challenge" on Thursday 29th November. The lecture is being held at Central Hall, St.Mary's Street, Southampton SO14 1NF. Admission is free.
November 19: Alan raises questions on Post Office Review
Alan has made two submissions as part of the Post Office Network's Area Plan for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The Plan proposes closing 4 branches in Southampton Test, two of which are in the most deprived part of the city. The Plan also proposes keeping the Aldermoor Branch shut, in contradiction to assurances received by Alan earlier this year that the Network was looking to re-open the branch.
- Read a summary of Alan's submission regarding the Aldermoor Post Office
- Read a summary of Alan's submission regarding the Hampshire Plan in general
November 18: Monthly Activity Report
Alan's activity report for November is up early this month, due to him being out of the country on a Justice Committee trip this week.
November 11: Green Queen's Speech?
Alan's speech in Parliament analysing the Queen's Speech is now online. Alan gave particularly praise to the green measures, such as the long-awaited Climate Change Bill, that will be legislated on in this session.
Read a summary of Alan's comments
November 8: Waste is 'a resource in the wrong place'
On Monday Alan gave the keynote address to the South East England Development Agency 'Waste Summit.' In the speech Alan called for radical new steps to move Britain away from dumping waste in landfill and instead using biodegradable waste as a fuel source.
November 5: How to reform Council Tax
You can now watch a recent interview with Alan on the politics show on possible reforms to Council Tax.
October 29: Massive rail improvements for the docks
New government funding means that large-scale containers will, in the future, be transported to and from Southampton docks by rail rather than by road. The new funding will be a massive boost to port economy and to the local environment.
More information on the announcement.
October 26: Monthly activity report
Alan's activity report for October is now online.
October 26: Monthly activity report + child trust fund statistics
- Alan's activity report for October is now online. Read the October report
- Almost 4000 children in Alan's constituency, and well over 8000 children in Southampton overall, have now received £250 from the government as a start to their Child Trust Fund. Full report
October 23: Threat to 6000+ of city's disabled population
Over 6000 people in Southampton would lose their disability benefits under proposals recently announced by the Conservatives.
Read Alan's question to the Prime Minister on incapacity benefit
Read a summary of how the Conservative's plans would affect people living in Southampton
October 12: Brief interviews and statements
- Read an interview with Alan published by vnunet.com about the Climate Change Bill and its implications for the IT sector.
- See the statement Alan signed on Justice for Columbia
October 11: Alan meets with Meals on Wheels staff
As part of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of Meals on Wheels, last week Alan took a trip with Meals on Wheels staff as they delivered meals to people across Southampton.
October 9: Debate on unfair energy charges
Alan yesterday secured a debate in Parliament about the unfair energy charges levied on people who use prepay meters to pay for their electricity or gas.
Customers who use prepay meters pay more for the same energy, but are more likely to be living in or near fuel poverty.
Read the full Hansard transcript
October 5: All quiet at the docks?
Alan has just secured an agreement from Associated British Ports to reduce the noise coming from the docks near Saxon Road. More
October 4: Monthly Activity Report
A summary of Alan's work over the last month is now available.
September 22nd: Alan @ Labour Conference
A summary of what Alan will be working on at Labour Conference is now available online. More
For conference week, this website will be on hiatus.
September 21: Video interview with Southampton Christian Network
Alan was recently interviewed by the Southampton Christian Network. You can now watch the interview online. More
September 20: Environment events x3
Alan will be attending 3 different events related to the local environment in and around Southampton on Thursday 20th September.
- In the morning Alan will be visiting the Lower Test Nature Reserve to assess the potential impact of rising sea levels on the local habitat. More
- In the afternoon Alan will be attending the Environment Day at the Ropewalk Community Garden. More
- Alan will also be fielding questions on environmental issues around the world Unity Radio 101 between 3-4pm. More
September 18: Council's targets for affordable housing will fail ordinary families
Alan Whitehead has criticised the Conservative Council’s draft proposals for new housing developments in Southampton. The Conservatives want only the bare minimum of all new housing developments to be required to be affordable to first time buyers and renters.
Read about Alan's other housing campaigns
August 29: Waste fees cut for charity shops
Over 40 councils have stopped overcharing charities for waste disposal thanks to representations from Alan Whitehead in his role as co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Waste Group.
Read the full story in Third Sector magazine
August 3rd: Verdict on the Draft Climate Change Bill
Alan's committee set up to assess the Draft Climate Change Bill has today recommended a number of ways in which the Bill could be strengthened. The overall assessment from the committee was very positive, as the Bill truly is a groundbreaking way to deal with carbon emissions.
Read a summary of the reccomendations and Alan's comments
July 24: New skills centre for temporary workers
On Friday Alan opened a new skills centre for temporary workers in the construction industry. The goal of the centre is to allow temporary workers to build up their skills and get into permanent employment.
July 23: Monthly Activity Report
Read Alan's monthly activity report for July 2007, including reports on:
- New policy direction from the government.
- Alan's new position running Labour's manifesto group on local government.
- Analysis of the results of the Southampton City Council's schools review.
July 16: 'Legal Aid Deserts' in Rural Hampshire?
Last week Dr Whitehead spoke in Parliament on the government's proposals to introduce best-value tendering into the provision of legal aid. He said:
"...the danger is that we might end up effectively destroying the very service of which I, as a Labour Member and supporter of this Government, have been so proud—a service introduced over many years to ensure that people receive the proper assistance in accessing justice."
Read a summary of Alan's speech
July 13: Summer newsletter published
Alan's summer newsletter has been published and is currently being distributed across Southampton Test. The newsletter has a 'housing' theme this year, focusing on Alan's campaigns on family homes, HMOs and rights for renters. You can now read a pdf of the report online.
Download Adobe Acrobat (pdf reader)
July 11: Southampton in top 3 for sustainable growth
- An IPPR study ranked Southampton third in the Country for sustainable growth and its ability to build opportunity. More
- Read about the Sustainable Energy Awards held last night
July 6: Big success for Big Ask event
Over 160 turned up yesterday to quiz Alan on the issues raised in a special showing of An Inconvenient Truth at the Harbour Lights Cinema.
Photos of the event are now online.
July 3rd: Tory Council has missed a golden opportunity over new schools
John Denham MP and Alan Whitehead MP have issued a joint statement expressing regret that the Tory-controlled council has decided to snub employers and ignore local parents and children and award the contracts for running two new schools to Oasis Educational Trust.
June 27: Pressure grows for action on doorstep lending
Alan Whitehead has put new pressure on the Competition Commission to act on their promises to crack down on rip-off doorstep lenders.
Read the press release from the National Housing Federation
Coming up: Ask Alan some inconvenient questions...
On Thursday 5th July Alan will be doing a Q&A session on climate change at a special screening of An Inconvenient Truth.
The film is showing 6.30-8pm and Alan's Q&A will be from 8-9pm.
Go to the Harbour Lights cinema website to book tickets
June 22: PRASEG wins the 'green oscar'
The All-Party Parliamentary Renewable and Sustainable Energy Group (PRASEG), which is chaired by Alan Whitehead, last night won a top award at the Renewable Energy Awards.
June 14: City unemployment halved since 1997; new family housing article published
- New labour market statistics show that the number of people claiming job seeker's allowance in Southampton Test has gone down by 52%.
- Read Alan's article on his HMO Bill, published today in the Daily Echo.
June 12: New housing section on the website
Because the the increased interest generated by Alan's Bill on family housing, a new section on the website has been created for all of Dr Whitehead's campaigns relating to housing issues. You will now be able to access all of Alan's campaigns by going to www.alan-whitehead.org.uk/housing
The housing section includes Alan's campaigns on:
- Family Housing & HMOs
- Tenancy Deposit Protection
- The energy meter rip-off
- The campaign to build more social homes
- The campaign to regulate doorstep lenders
- Making sure renters are registered to vote
- A selection of Alan's articles on housing policy
Go to the Housing section of the website
June 8: Stitched up at Oaklands
Alan Whitehead visited Oaklands last week as part of a Red Cross campaign to improve the teaching of first aid in schools.
June 6: Speech in Parliament on HMOs and sustainable communities
"...the issue is not about driving students out of cities, closing down HMOs or trying to develop some version of happyville-on-sea as an alternative to the reality of life in cities and towns. It is about how the necessary housing types and arrangements can co-exist and contribute positively, rather than negatively as is often the case at present..."
June 4: Monthly Activity Report published
Alan Whitehead's monthly report on his work in Southampton and in Parliament in May is now available on the website.
Read Alan Whitehead's activity report for May 2007
Read previous activity reports
May 25: Freedom of Information exemptions are 'totally wrong'
Alan Whitehead has signed an EDM saying it would be totally wrong to exempt the House of Commons from the scope of the Freedom of Information Act. More
May 25: New laws to protect bio-diversity
Read Alan's latest comments on why we urgently need a new Marine Bill.
May 24: Whitehead backs Southampton Education Trust
Alan Whitehead has officially backed the bid of Southampton Education Trust to run a new school in the west of the city. The Trust is the only bid to combine the experience and resources of Southampton's employers, colleges and universities. More
May 23: A Bill to Protect Family Housing
Yesterday in Parliament Alan Whitehead introduced a Bill to protect family housing from conversion into HMOs. The Bill would give local authorities greater control over the spread of HMOs in a particular area and ensure that HMO landlords are accountable to the local community.
- Read the press release summarising the Bill
- Read Alan's speech in Parliament
- Read Alan's policy document: Bringing Houses in Multiple Occupancy into Planning Law
- Read the full Bill
May 18:
May 16: We need less restrictions on community transport
Alan Whitehead is lobbying the government to ease restrictions on community transport schemes (like minibuses servicing disabled groups or pensioners). More
May 9: Campaign to end energy rip off gains pace
Over 150 MPs have signed Alan Whitehead's EDM calling on energy companies to end unfair pricing practices which result in the poorest customers paying more for their energy.
April 24: Housing in Southampton
Better regulation for Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) will both improve tenants' rights and help to defend affordable housing for first time buyers.
- Read about Alan Whitehead's work on housing in Southampton
- Read Alan Whitehead's activity report for April
April 23: It's time to re-regulate the buses
Over the last few months over 600 people have contacted Alan Whitehead about what they would like to see in the Transport Bill, due to be published later this year.
Read about how your views on local bus services are informing the debate.
April 23: Planning, conservation and combating climate change with the Marine Bill
Read a summary of Alan Whitehead's speech on the Marine Bill, where he talks about proper conservation and planning regulations for the Solent and offshore wind and wave power.
April 19: Appointed to Climate Change Bill committee
Alan Whitehead has been appointed to the committee that will scrutinise and amend the Climate Change Bill.
Find out more about the Bill and Alan's work on climate change.
April 19: Improvements to Coxford youth arena completed
New government-funded improvements to the Olive Road games arena have now been completed. More
March 30: Protect your deposit
If you are about to move into rented accomodation, you should be aware of new laws that will protect the deposit you pay to your landlord.
Find out about the launch of Tenancy Deposit Protection
March 21: "Greener Future" Budget- key points
Alan Whitehead has welcomed Gordon Brown's budget statement, particularly the emphasis on support for families and for making Britain a greener, low carbon economy.
Read the key budget points and Alan Whitehead's views
Read the key budget points and Alan Whitehead's statement
March 20: Monthly Activity Report published
Alan Whitehead's activity report for March 2007 is now available.
March 15: Response from Ministers over Trident
Alan Whitehead abstained on last night's Trident vote. His own amendment, published here yesterday, was never voted on. Ministers have written a response to Alan's amendment, which you can now read online.
Read more about the Trident debate
March 14: Trident amendment from Whitehead and Denham
Alan Whitehead and John Denham are tabling an amendment to today's vote on Trident. The amendment amendment proposes we maintain a minimum nuclear deterrent and offers a compromise between upgrading Trident and unilateral disarmament.
March 9: Shipman case highlights shortfall in coroner services
Coroners occupy a peculiar position in the legal system, somewhere between the courts, local government and central government. Alan Whitehead is proposing ways in which the administration of this vital service could be improved. More
March 9: Plan of Action for Fairtrade Fortnight
Alan Whitehead will be speaking on "What can the government do to help fair trade?" on Saturday 10th March at the Above Bar Conference Centre at Solent University. Please come along!
Get a preview of Alan's speech
March 8: More action on green fuel is needed
Alan Whitehead yesterday urged the government to look seriously at how they will meet the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) of 5% of fuel from green sources by 2008.
March 6: Voter registration in rented accomodation is too low
If you live in rented accomodation, you are less likely to be registered to vote than a home-owner. Alan Whitehead is pressing the Electoral Commission to make sure everyone gets to exercise their rights on polling day.
February 28: End unfair energy rates for poorest customers
Alan Whitehead is leading a cross-party coalition of MPs in a campaign to end energy pricing practises that put a disproportionate burden on the poorest customers.
February 27: Joint statement on energy efficiency
Alan Whitehead was one of a number of MPs and organisations to sign up to a joint statement on energy efficiency which outlined 11 clear and achievable steps to make Britain more energy efficient and reduce our carbon emissions.
Read the press release on the joint statement
Read the full statement declaration
February 27: Call for inquiry into Isle of Wight ferry charges
A petition has been set up by Isle of Wight commuters calling on the Competition Commission to investigate the cost of travelling to and from the island.
Read Alan Whitehead's statement on the campaign
February 22: Climate change is 'the biggest threat' to our future
49% of people in Southampton Test agree that climate change represents ‘the biggest threat to our way of life,’ according to a new survey published today by Alan Whitehead.
Photo courtesy of www.defra.gov.uk
February 15: Don't pull the plug on Oaklands Pool
The future of Oaklands Pool still remains uncertain in the wake of the Tory-Lib Dem budget pact. More
UPDATE: You can now give your views about Oaklands Pool by filling in Alan Whitehead's online survey
February 13: Campaign for care workers
Read comments from Alan Whitehead on the campaign against the City Council's proposals to cut care workers' pay. More
February 12: 9th Annual Report published
Alan Whitehead today publishes his 9th Annual Report to constituents in Southampton Test.
Note: to read the report online, you will need to have Adobe Acrobat reader installed. You can download the reader here
February 8: The future of Local Government
In a speech to the Local Government Association, Alan Whitehead today argued for a greater devolution of powers to local government, particularly to cities like Southampton. More
February 7: Pressing the Prime Minister about a green Supergrid
Offshore windfarms across Europe could be connected via a 'supergrid' that would be a massive boost for Britain's renewable energy industry. At Prime Minster's Questions today, Alan Whitehead pressed the Prime Minister about his discussions with the German Chancellor about the development of the grid.
February 5: New article on Child Trust Funds
Read Alan Whitehead's latest article, published in the Southern Daily Echo, encouraging take-up of Child Trust Funds. More
January 30: Access for all at a saved sports ground
There is strong community support for buying the former Civil Service sports ground, but a new survey published by Alan Whitehead today also shows concerns about access to the sports ground that still need to be dealth with.
January 25 : Political Climate Change in the USA
Read Alan Whitehead's question about the USA and climate change at Prime Minister's Questions yesterday.
Read his earlier question on fuel poverty and pre-pay electricity meters
January 24: New money for social enterprise & community safety
A Southampton business is one of 25 social enterprises to be awarded a total of £6 million from the government to improve healthcare in the city. More
Read about Southampton becoming a Respect Action Zone
January 22: Victory in Coxford Parking campaign
A two year campaign by Alan Whitehead to reduce the parking congestion in Coxford has achieved a big extension to the Coxford Residents' Parking Scheme. Coxford roads have for years been adversely pressured from the overflow of cars from the General Hospital.
Find out more about the campaign
January 16: Child Trust Fund Week
Every British child born on or after 1st September 2002 is eligible for a Child Trust Fund account. The account, which starts off with a £250 voucher from the government, is owned by the child but cannot be touched until their 18th birthday. For Child Trust Fund Week, find out more about takeup of the trusts in Southampton.
January 11: Rewards for recycling
Find out more about Alan Whitehead's proposal to give councils the power to introduce variable rewards for recycling.
Read Alan's interview with the Southern Daily Echo
Read Alan's speech in the Commons
January 3: 25/5 Challenge and Monthly Activity Report for December 2006
Dr Whitehead has published his first annual monitor of his progress on meeting the 25/5 challenge to cut his personal carbon emissions by 25%. Read the press release .
Read about Dr Whitehead 's work in December 2006 by clicking here.
Read previous monthly activity reports here.