Subject: News

Bulletin from Greg Hands M.P. #334 Date: Friday, 27 April 2012 16:59:04 United Kingdom Time From: To: Greg Hands M.P. news@greghands.com

In this edition:
Greg Hands M.P.s Diary Website of the Week: www.notkenagain.com Hands in the papers: Boris Johnson orders rethink over Thames supersewer Hands: 17,000 gain from the biggest State Pension rise in history Gun offences halved in H&F, as overall crime falls again Free one-to-one personal coaching sessions in Chelsea Library Diamond Jubilee events in Hammersmith & Fulham TfL pinpoints Olympic tube "hotspots" this Summer Community advertisement: Bishop Creighton House How to contact Greg Hands M.P.

Issue 334 Friday 27th April 2012

Since the last edition, Greg:

Welcomed the stunning news that London Mayor Boris Johnson has called for a re-think on the Super Sewer, which would devastate south Fulham and have a sizeable impact on the whole constituency. For more, see below. Campaigned for the re-election of London Mayor, Boris Johnson, door-to-door in Chelsea & Fulham. Joined local activists to leaflet commuters with Back Boris 2012 materials at Parsons Green tube station. Visited the Royal Brompton Hospital, Chelsea, for discussions on future projects at the UKs largest specialist heart and lung hospital. Visited the Chelsea offices of wealth management company SCM Private, to hear of their views for making investment products both cheaper and more transparent. Was interviewed by the editor of Roman in UK, the newspaper of the Romanian community in the UK. The interview will be published (in Romanian) next month. Was delighted to be invited to become President of the Friends of Czech Historic Buildings and Gardens, which raises funds to preserve cultural monuments in Bohemia and Moravia. Had a full schedule of activity as a Government Whip in and around the chamber of the House of Commons, including ministerial meetings and organising votes and standing committees. Held a weekly surgery for Chelsea and Fulham residents at Fulham Town Hall. Gregs surgeries are held generally every Monday at either Fulham Town Hall or at Peter Jones, Sloane Square. To ask for an appointment, email mail@greghands.com or call 020 7219 5448.

Website of the Week:

www.notkenagain.com
The site that every Londoner should read... but Ken Livingstone hopes you never will.

Hands in the papers:

Boris Johnson orders rethink over Thames supersewer

Evening Standard Friday 27th April 2012 The future of the Thames supersewer was in doubt today after Boris Johnson announced plans for a full consultation over the project. Mr Johnson said he is concerned over the rising cost of the scheme as well as the disruption to Londoners living along the route. His latest intervention in the row will be seen as a last-minute attempt to secure Tory votes in boroughs along the Thames before next weeks City Hall election. Insiders today said that, depending on the result of his consultation, Mr Johnson could end up pressuring the Government and Thames Water to return to the drawing board despite years of work on the 4.1billion project. His Labour rival Ken Livingstone today accused the Mayor of a clear electioneering ploy and said he was putting his interests before the interests of ordinary Londoners. Thames Water wants to replace Londons inadequate Victorian sewer network with a large new tunnel, with construction due to begin in 2016. The 20mile underground pipe, would trace the curves of the river and be punctuated at ground level by ventilation columns at about 20 sites. There have been complaints that the large columns could spoil famous views across the capital, including those of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Mr Johnson today told the Standard: It is vital that we clean up the Thames and I am committed to support measures that achieve this. But I am increasingly concerned over the rising cost that it will impose on Londoners, already hard hit by the current economic climate, and also the severe disruption for many people in some parts of London. We need greater clarity on whether this is indeed the best scheme that could be devised. Opponents of announcement. the scheme today welcomed the Mayors

Stephen Greenhalgh, leader of Hammersmith & Fulham council, said: We are delighted Boris has called for this additional consultation. The supersewer is a costly white elephant that will blight our riverside and disrupt the lives of millions of Londoners for years. Greg Hands, MP for Chelsea and Fulham, said: I strongly agree with Boris that we need to have a proper re-assessment of the supersewer. In February, I led a delegation of Fulham residents to see the Mayor, and they told him the devastation this project would bring, and it is a common sense approach to now assess whether the full 4.1 billion project is necessary and affordable. A spokesman for Mr Livingstone said: Despite personally signing off the proposed London supersewer sites earlier this month, Tory Boris Johnson has now cynically demanded a review of sites. This is a clear electioneering ploy by the Tory Mayor. A Thames Water spokesman said: We will remain accountable to the Mayor, Ofwat, Defra and most importantly, our customers, on the cost of the scheme. The Economist magazine today backed Boris Johnson, saying he deserves a second term. It said he had been a good mayor rather than a great one but on the big issues, his instincts are right.

Hands: 17,000 gain from the biggest State Pension rise in history
Greg Hands M.P. has welcomed the biggest ever cash rise in the Basic State Pension, which came into effect this month. The Governments new triple lock guarantee on the Basic State Pension ensures it rises every year with inflation, earnings or 2.5 per cent whichever is the highest. This month, it has risen by 5.30 a week, some 275 a year. As a result of the triple lock, pensioners will be an average of 15,000 better off over the course of their retirement. It follows the Governments decision to protect benefits for pensioners, including winter fuel payments, free prescriptions and eye tests, free bus travel and free TV licences for older the over 75s. This occurring despite the record budget deficit and debt inherited from Labour. Commenting, Greg Hands said: Thanks to the Conservatives in government, seventeen thousand pensioners in Chelsea and Fulham are getting the largest ever increase in the state pension. For 13 years, Labour promised to restore the link between earnings and the State Pension, but did nothing. This resulted in older people getting paltry pension increases as little as 75 pence one year. But the Conservatives in government have guaranteed that pensions will always rise by the highest measure, whether thats inflation, earnings or 2.5 per cent.

Gun offences halved in H&F, as overall crime falls again

Gun offences have halved and overall crime is down in Hammersmith & Fulham for the sixth year out of seven, according to the latest Met Police figures. There were 38 gun related crimes in the borough in the 12 months up to March 31, 2012 a 55% fall compared to the previous years 85 crimes. The report reveals that there were 37 business robberies in 2011/12 compared to 72 in 2010/11 a fall of 49%. Overall the official statistics show there were 23,426 crimes committed in Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) in the twelve months to March 31, 2012 which is 3.1 per cent down on the previous year. The decrease follows a blip year when there was a modest increase in crime locally following successive years of hefty falls. This years impressive decrease, which was achieved despite the August 2011 riots that affected large parts of the capital, means that in total there have been 13,198 fewer crimes since 2006. Chief Superintendent Lucy D'Orsi, who has been H&F Police Borough Commander for just over a year, praised the work of her officers and highlighted H&F Councils funding of 44 extra beat bobbies. I am committed to ensuring that my officers provide a visible presence on the streets of Hammersmith and Fulham and am pleased to note the recent fall in crime in the last year. We are working together with the council to tackle crime in innovative ways and since my arrival last year my team having been making the borough a safer place. The Mets stats show that residential burglary is down 13 per cent from 1,880 offences in 2010/11 to 1,630 in 2011/12. The number of rapes and other sexual offences fell by 28% and 14% respectively and there were 184 fewer domestic crimes a 16% fall. H&F Council has a strong track record of working with closely with the police and is spending 1.6million a year to pay for three enhanced town centre squads of beat bobbies meaning the borough has 44 more police officers than it would do otherwise. Cllr Greg Smith, H&F Cabinet Member for Residents Services, says, The fact that gun crime is down 55% is a major vote of confidence in our zero-tolerance stance. More burglars, thieves and violent criminals are now behind bars thanks to our close joint working with the police and the extra officers that we provide. The blip year of 2010/11 where the police recorded a modest increase in crime is now a thing of the past and the long term trend of hefty year-on-year falls is back. We are giving the local police the extra tools to do the job in the form of 44 extra warranted officers and we expect them to continue delivering exceptional results. H&F has recently been in the news for a number of high-profile crimefighting initiatives including a council-funded mobile ad van targeting the boroughs most wanted criminals and sting houses which ensnare burglars with covert cameras. The enhanced Shepherds Bush Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT) also won the prestigious SNT of the Year accolade, as awarded by Met Police chief Bernard Hogan-Howe last month. To read more about crime and anti-social behaviour visit www.lbhf.gov.uk/crime or, if you have information that may be helpful to the police contact them by dialling: 101; emailing: hammersmithandfulham.police@met.police.uk; or tweeting: @MPSHammFul.

Free one-to-one personal coaching sessions in Chelsea Library

Career coaching can help identify the job that's right for you. To help there are free sessions available on Thursdays between 2.30pm and 6.30pm, at Chelsea Library. The sessions help show what you have to offer and how to make the most of your skills. They also help identify your weaknesses and what can be done to address them. There is a chance to examine your CV with someone who can point out gaps and help prioritise your next move. Although free, booking is essential. Call 020 7361 3010 for your free one-to-one-one coaching session or call in and book at the Reference Section at Chelsea Library.

Diamond Jubilee events in Hammersmith & Fulham

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth IIs succession to the throne and, to celebrate the occasion, residents in Hammersmith & Fulham will be able to enjoy events organised by the council. Celebrations for the Queens Diamond Jubilee take place all year, with the main focus on the extended bank holiday weekend of June 2-5, when millions of people up and down the country will be holding street parties and attending organised celebratory events. Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) Council is putting on celebratory events in Furnivall Gardens in Hammersmith, and Bishops Park in Fulham, on Sunday, June 3, 2012. On Sunday, June 3, the Royal Family will join a 1000-strong flotilla of boats in a royal pageant that will travel from Chelsea at 3pm up the Thames to Tower Bridge. The full route however is over 13 miles long, including the mustering, which begins at Hammersmith, and the dispersal areas, which finally end at Greenwich Royal Naval College. Furnivall Gardens will be the centre of attention for Hammersmith residents who want to view the pageant on a big screen, and witness the gathering of the various boats. There will be a vintage funfair, food stalls, Fulham Brass Band, and other entertainment. Bishops Park will also be holding a similar big celebration with entertainment and a big screen. Hammersmith BID will be hosting a large screen in Lyric Square for the Royal Pageant. On June 4, a beacon will be placed on top of Hammersmith Town Hall and lit in conjunction with thousands of other beacons throughout the country, to celebrate the jubilee. There are now just three weeks left for residents to apply for a street party, with the deadline for complete applications needed by May 4. The council has made it easier than ever for people to organise their festivities by cutting the amount of red tape they once had to trawl through to plan a community event. Cllr Harry Phibbs, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, says: Last years parties were an incredible sight and everyone had a fantastic time. This year, we are hoping that even more parties will be held, exceeding the 34 for the royal wedding. "We have stripped away all the drudgery and hours of completing tiresome bureaucratic forms that used to be necessary when organising a small event, and instead local people have more flexibility and time to concentrate on the fun side of these parties after all, enjoying yourself is the most important thing about having a party! To apply for to hold a small local event, such as a street party, visit www.lbhf.gov.uk/streetparties or contact 020 8753 2480. For a list of all confirmed events taking place in the borough for the Queens Jubilee, visit: www.lbhf.gov.uk/diamondjubilee. More details will be available in the coming weeks.

TfL pinpoints Olympic tube "hotspots" this Summer

Transport for London (TfL) has published the very latest information on when and where the Tube network will be at is busiest during this summer's London 2012 Games. In the borough, Earl's Court Tube station will be exceptionally busy throughout the Games due to the Olympic volleyball events being held at the Earls Court exhibition centre. The station will be particularly busy during the changeover periods between the three daily events from Saturday 28 July to Sunday 12 August. West Brompton, Olympia, South Kensington and Knightsbridge stations will all be busier than usual and exceptionally busy on some or all days of the Olympic period. The information on the `hotspots' came as those who live, work and travel in the capital were urged to plan and explore their alternative travel options at www.getaheadofthegames.com. Up to three million additional journeys are expected to be made in London alone on the busiest days of the Games, as London transforms into a giant cultural and sporting venue. As a result, transport networks will be very busy. For the first time, `hotspot' information has been made available for national rail stations. In addition detailed station descriptions have been produced for all the previously announced `hotspot' and key stations (53 additional Tube and DLR and five more London Overground stations in all), showing the impact at day-by-day, halfhour intervals. Councillor Warwick Lightfoot, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's Lead Member for 2012, said: "It is very important that people who live and work in the borough plan for the disruption that will occur. I would urge the public to check out the Get Ahead of the Games website." London's Transport Commissioner, Peter Hendy CBE, said: "London is going to operate very differently this summer, with the capital transforming into a giant Games-time cultural and sporting venue. As the competition and events programme moves around we need to manage demand on the transport network, which will be very busy and at certain times and certain places will be much busier than usual. "All of us who live, work or travel in London need to check www.getaheadofthegames.com to see if the Tube, train or DLR stations we regularly use will be affected by the impact of the Games, and start making plans to avoid `hotspot' stations at the times they are expected to be in high demand."

Community advertisement: Bishop Creighton House

Bishop Creighton House has been a power for the good in Hammersmith & Fulham for over one hundred years. I have known and appreciated its work since my first days in Fulham. The Charity is now moving forward to working with the local Triborough arrangement and throughout West London spreading their expertise and experience to a wider area and thus helping more people. By becoming a Trustee you can serve the people in West London in a practical and positive way. Charity Trustees in Hammersmith & Fulham Bishop Creighton House (BCH) in Lillie Road has provided a range of community services and support for local residents in Hammersmith & Fulham since it was set up in memory of the then Bishop of London in 1908. We still play an active role in the community - our current activities range from mentoring and employment advice for the young disabled to practical home support, community clubs and groups for older and disadvantaged people. BCH is looking for new Trustees who could bring some of the following to refresh the board at a time of positive change for the organization; business and commercial expertise, experience of charities, the public sector, legal or finance knowledge. The new Trustees will help to give direction to the organisation and play a key role in shaping the future strategy of BCH. For further details, please contact the Director, Rory Gillert on 020 7385 9689 or rgillert@creightonhouse.org.

5 ways to contact Greg Hands M.P.:

By Phone: By email: By post: In person: 020 7219 5448 mail@greghands.com Greg Hands M.P. House of Commons London SW1A 0AA Click here for details of how to book an appointment at Greg Hands M.P.s weekly surgery

www.greghands.com

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