Subject: News

Bulletin from Greg Hands M.P. #319 Date: Friday, 25 November 2011 16:30:10 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: Thames Waters Super Sewer consultation Hands busts five Thames Water myths Ed Miliband too weak to call off his union paymasters Albert Bridge to reopen Six hundred first time buyers helped into housing in H&F Eel Brook Common proposals announced K&C residents asked to have their say on council performance Hands in the papers: Greg Hands talks of new government role and says he's no Euro hypocrite How to contact Greg Hands M.P.

Issue 319 Friday 25th November 2011

Since the last edition, Greg:

Welcomed the Kensington & Chelsea Borough Police Commander, Chief Superintendant Jason Gwillim, to the House of Commons for an update on policing in the Royal Borough, and for discussions on police reform and the recent London riots. Met local Fulham parents who are trying to set up a new Boys Church of England Secondary School in Fulham (a new Free School, taking advantage of Government reforms). Greg has had frequent meetings with the group over the last year, and is strongly supportive of their proposal. Held talks with DCLG representatives and local residents groups the Fulham Society and the Kings Road Association of Chelsea Residents (KRACR) on the subject of unacceptably large and inconsiderate basement developments in Cheslea & Fulham. The Government is examining the issue closely. Was interviewed by the Fulham & Hammersmith Chronicle and the Kensington & Chelsea Informer about Gregs new role as a Government Minister. Was guest speaker at the Kensington, Chelsea & Fulham Conservative Policy Forum (CPF) at the Conservative office, Chelsea Manor Street. Welcomed representatives of Londons Serbian community to the House of Commons to discuss holding an event in Parliament next year showcasing the community in the Olympic year. Was guest of honour at the London Conservative Future Young Professionals event at ChinaWhite, central London, raising money for the East African famine. Conducted a surgery for local Chelsea and Fulham residents at Fulham Town Hall. Gregs surgeries are generally weekly, and held weekly, at either Fulham Town Hall or Peter Jones, Sloane Square. To make an appointment, email mail@greghands.com or telephone 020 7219 5448.

Website of the Week:

Thames Waters Super Sewer consultation

Click here for the website of Thames Waters Super Sewer consultation. It is vital that ALL local residents respond to the consultation and give the projects proposed Fulham main drive site the thumbs down.

Hands busts five Thames Water myths

MYTH 1 The Super Sewer will stop 39 million tonnes of sewage entering the Thames each year. In fact, the tunnel will only stop 18 million tonnes of discharge the remaining 21 million tonnes are being stopped by work that has already begun. Thames Water also admit that more than 95% of the discharge from CSOs is actually rainwater. MYTH 2 Without the Super Sewer, there will be another big stink. Annual discharge into the river will be halved without the tunnel. The Thames is already cleaner than it has been for 150 years. Even with population growth, which is offset by water efficiency, it will be much cleaner in future without spending over 4 billion. MYTH 3 There are no serious alternatives to the Super Sewer. Five London councils sponsored the Selborne Commission to produce an independent report. It concluded that a shorter tunnel, combined with green infrastructure solutions that are built up incrementally in the medium to long term, would be both compliant with EU directives and less costly and disruptive to Londoners. MYTH 4 This is necessary to stop EU fines. Besides the conclusion of the Selborne Commission, the Environment Agency admits it has had no discussions with the European Commission about whether current action is sufficient to meet the directives. MYTH 5 Your water bill will only rise towards the average. The projected costs have already climbed to an extra 70-80 per customer per year, permanently. Even this projection was issued with a warning that relatively small changes in the cost of capital for the project could have a significant impact on bills. And taxpayers may also be liable for project risk, if there are any tunnelling problems.

Ed Miliband too weak to call off his union paymasters

Ed Miliband has failed once again when challenged to condemn next week's planned strike, which the Government has revealed will cost the economy 500 million. This comes after new figures from the Electoral Commission yesterday showing that Labour have received 86 per cent of their funding from the trade union in the first full year since Ed Miliband was elected by the unions as Labour leader. We have huge respect for the hard-working men and women who keep our vital services running. We depend on them every day and they do a brilliant job. That's why we are angry that union bosses are ordering millions of public sector workers to strike next week - even while talks are under way. Only a quarter of union members backed industrial action. Co-Chairman of the Conservative Party Sayeeda Warsi said: "At a time when we're trying to get the economy back on its feet, it's extraordinary that Ed Miliband is too weak to call off his trade union paymasters from a strike that will cost millions of pounds. "Hard working families and businesses up and down the country will be hit by a strike next week that most union members haven't voted for. "Given the generous offer put on the table by the Government on public sector pensions, Labour and the trade unions should urgently be reconsidering their position. "Time is running out for Ed Miliband to do the right thing for our economy and our country." If you live in Hammersmith & Fulham, you can check whether your childs school will be open here: www.lbhf.gov.uk/strikes Information is due shortly in Kensington & Chelsea, whose website can be found here: www.rbkc.gov.uk

Albert Bridge to reopen

Albert Bridge will be reopening to traffic on Friday 2nd December 2011. Following the most extensive work, funded by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and Transport for London, on the bridge since it was first opened in 1873; it has been returned to its original looks and will once again be an iconic landmark across the Thames. The bridge has had major strengthening and refurbishment work which should ensure it will be able to last well into the century. Commenting, Greg Hands M.P. said: The re-opening of Albert Bridge is good news for me Chelsea and Fulham constituents, many of whom have contacted me this year, exasperated at the delays to the works. I am looking forward to seeing its iconic status restored, and for traffic in the area to be moving more freely again. Councillor Nick Paget-Brown, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport, said: "I think we can be proud of the level of workmanship in the restoration of Albert Bridge. It proved even more challenging than we originally thought as once the work began we discovered much worse corrosion to the iron and steel in the bridge. "The amount of work on the bridge has been truly monumental with over 10,000 bolts, 40,000 litres of paint and 1,000 tonnes of grit used during the restoration. "I hope that residents and all other bridge-users will now be able to appreciate the need for the work we carried out on this unique London bridge, for surely, when lit up the Albert Bridge is one of the most beautiful night time sights in London."

Six hundred first time buyers helped into housing in H&F

An incredible 600 first time buyers have been helped into home ownership by Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) Council in the last four years, according to the latest figures. H&F has the fourth highest house prices in Britain and many people who would like to own a place locally are currently priced out of the market. So in steps the Councils Home Buy team, a one-stop-shop dedicated to getting local residents onto the housing ladder. Since 2007, 452 people have bought a new home through the councils shared ownership schemes. These schemes allow first time buyers on low and middle income earners to part buy and part rent their home. Residents can buy as little as 25 per cent of a new home and build up the percentage they own over time, until they own it outright. 78 people have also been helped onto the housing ladder through discounted market sale (DMS) schemes and that figure is likely to increase further over the coming months. DMS is a low cost home ownership product where a new build property is purchased at a discounted price. The discount is usually around 30 per cent. This is possible because when the development was negotiated with the council, this discount was stipulated to try to help people get onto the property ladder. A series of studio and one-bedroom Manhattan apartments have recently been made available for DMS at the Chelsea Creek development in Fulham. The apartments for first time buyers are fitted with luxurious bathrooms, custom designed European fitted kitchens, state of the art sound systems and exceptional finishes throughout. Bathrooms include heated walls and floors covered with prime natural stone complemented by Hansgrohe and Villeroy and Boch sanitary wear. 82 contracts have already been exchanged in Chelsea Creek with the majority due for completion before June 2012. Commenting Greg Hands M.P. said: H&F Council has done a fantastic job in creating new homes in what is an inner London Borough with very high house prices. Meanwhile, thanks to sensible planning liberalisation, I see disused shops and offices being converted into new residential properties, and all of this is having an impact on the shortage of lower cost homes to buy or rent in Hammersmith & Fulham. Councillor Andrew Johnson, Hammersmith & Fulham Councils Cabinet Member for Housing said: With property prices so high and hard-working residents finding that their disposable income is shrinking it is becoming harder and harder for first time buyers to take that first step onto the housing ladder. The problem is particularly stark for young people who feel they have little prospect of owning their own home. This is why this council is committed to creating a Borough of Opportunity by helping those who aspire to own their own home, but are currently priced out of the market, to be able to fulfil their dream of purchasing a stake in their future. Owning your own home gives you a greater stake in your community and a greater stake in your own future prosperity so I am absolutely delighted that the councils Home Buy team has been able to have such a positive impact on the lives of so many people in this borough. The council has also helped 57 people into home ownership through the Right to Buy scheme which allows council tenants who wish to buy their council property outright receiving a discount on the total value of the property. In addition to Home Buy the council recently announced that is shall be returning to housebuilding for the first time in more than 30 years. The move will mean the council shall be directly providing new affordable homes to buy or rent as part of delivering the Borough of Opportunity. Local people who are priced out of the boroughs housing market will be targeted for the affordable new homes, so that people who were born in the borough can stay here. The move will give the council the ability to develop and manage homes on its own land, and has the potential to create hundreds of high quality, affordable homes, including larger accommodation for families so they can stay in the borough while owning a stake in their own home. To find out more about buying a first time buyer home in Hammersmith & Fulham call H&F Home Buy on 020 8753 6464 or register online at www.lbhf.gov.uk/homebuy.

Eel Brook Common proposals announced

Plans to carry out improvements to Eel Brook Common in Fulham have been announced. Hammersmith & Fulham Council intends to replace fencing, benches and rubbish bins and improve existing pathways. Commenting, Greg Hands M.P. said: As a former local councillor for Eel Brook Common, and now as father of young children using the Common, I am pleased to see the Council come forward with the intention of improving Eel Brook Commons. Over the years, hundreds of local residents have contacted me about the Common, and the Council is asking for their views now. Cllr Greg Smith, cabinet member for residents services, said: This borough has some beautiful parks and open spaces and maintaining and improving them is one of the councils main priorities. I look forward to residents informing us about our proposals for Eel Brook Common. Residents are being invited to provide comments regarding the improvement works prior to November 25th. This can be done by completing our online questionnaire or by contacting the Parks Department via email parks@lbhf.gov.uk, or telephone: 020 8753 4898.

K&C residents asked to have their say on council performance

People who live in Kensington and Chelsea are being asked to join the Councils Residents Panel and have their say about life in the Royal Borough and how the Council is performing. The panel is made up of over 1,000 residents who agree to take part in regular consultations. The Council is launching a website for panel members to use, featuring interactive ways to have your say. This will allow instant feedback from panel members on the issues that matter most to them. Members of the panel have already helped identify ways in which the Council can improve by giving their views on topics including local markets, community safety, parks and the Councils spending priorities. Panel members can take part in quick, snapshot polls, answer online questionnaires or get involved in more in-depth discussions. They can also register an interest in taking part in an online focus group. This all means that panel members will be able to decide how involved they want to be. Many of the activities will be online, but it is also possible to join the panel and have your say in person if you dont have access to a computer. In addition, residents can access the internet for free in the Councils libraries. Letters inviting residents to get involved and join the panel will be sent out in the week of 21st November to 10,000 residents, chosen at random from the electoral register. Councillor Rock Feilding-Mellen, Cabinet Member for Civil Society, said: The Residents Panel is a very important touchstone for the Council. Members have a chance to tell us what they think about our services and our plans and their views really do matter. Its a great way to have your say, or give feedback, about what happens in your area. For more information consult@rbkc.gov.uk. about the Residents Panel email

Hands in the papers:

Greg Hands talks of new government role and says he's no Euro hypocrite
Adam Courtney, Hammersmith & Fulham Chronicle Friday 25th November 2011 Fulham and Chelsea MP Greg Hands recently joined Prime Minister David Cameron's inner sanctum with his appointment as a government whip following a cabinet reshuffle after the resignation of controversial defence secretary Dr Liam Fox. His new role prompted criticism from rival MP Andy Slaughter but, in a wide-ranging chat with reporter Adam Courtney, Mr Hands hit back and explained how his exalted position can only be good for his constituents. The clashes between rival MPs Greg Hands and Andy Slaughter are regularly reported on these pages, their mutual dislike manifesting itself in a fierce battle for political points. From Mr Slaughter's no-show at the emergency parliamentary recall following the riots, to the future of the Olympia tube service and, this week, the size of the Hammersmith and Fulham Council chief executive's pension, the duo rarely miss an opportunity to cross swords in an ongoing spat that seems increasingly personal. It is fair to say they aren't on each other's Christmas card lists. Their most recent tte--tte surrounded Mr Hands' elevation to the role of government whip, a political 'enforcer' who maintains MPs' discipline and can threaten penalties for those who step out of line. The position also requires Mr Hands to be a parliament 'teller', and one of his first tasks was to hand in the votes of those MPs who were against the idea of a referendum to decide Britain's future membership of the European Union. As someone widely regarded as a hard-line Eurosceptic, the acceptance of a role in the pro-European David Cameron's inner circle meant it was unsurprising that some, including Mr Slaughter, took the opportunity to brand him a hypocrite who, because of his new-found power, was now kowtowing to the Prime Minister at the expense of his long-held anti-European beliefs. The Labour MP cited a 2008 campaign to which Mr Hands leant his name regarding a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, a set of measures which gave the European Parliament even more power, as evidence of 'a seismic shift in his opinion', while his ammunition was further fuelled by Mr Hands' ongoing membership of the Cornerstone Group, a right-leaning, traditionally conservative political off-shoot of the Tory Party with just 30 members, which in its manifesto supports a Britain with unitary governance. But Mr Hands is having none of it. He insists he is not, and has never been, against Britain's membership of the EU per se, rather that he disagrees with the extent to which the UK way of life is increasingly steered by directives from Brussels. Describing himself as a 'mainstream Conservative', Mr Hands said: "I have always been someone who wants Britain to be playing an active role in the EU but I think it's in fundamental need of reform. Too much power has been given over and I would like to see that given back to this country. I have never once said I was anti-Europe. Mr Hands denies his membership of the Cornerstone Group is a problem with his Prime Minister, who is dead against a Euro referendum. "David Cameron has been a guest speaker for the group so I wouldn't have thought it was an issue. I am happy to be a member of the group just as I am proud to be part of other groups within the Conservative party." His elevation to whip came after the resignation of Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox, who was forced to stand down over his links with Adam Werritty, a political lobbyist and co-founder of the now dissolved Atlantic Bridge, a charity formed to boost cooperation between Britain and United States to boost political, defence and economic cooperation. Dr Fox's integrity was compromised after he invited Mr Werritty to high-level political talks despite him having no official role. Mr Hands, who has dual American/British nationality, is known to be close to Dr Fox and defended him publicly following the furore. "I don't think it was proved that Liam did anything wrong but it was a mistake to take Adam Werritty into the meetings," said Mr Hands, who says he himself has met Mr Werritty but has 'no relationship' with Atlantic Bridge. If the circumstances surrounding the acquisition of his new role were unfortunate, the manner in which he was told about it bordered on the comical. "I was on the tube and was just about to go into a tunnel when the phone rang and I was told the Prime Minister wanted to talk to me. Just as he started speaking we got cut off. I hopped off the train at South Kensington to call him back and he himself also happened to be on a station platform in Oxford and we had a lot of difficulty getting through to each other." His appointment last month meant Mr Hands became the first MP in either Hammersmith and Fulham or Kensington and Chelsea to gain a role in government since Matthew Carrington in 1997, and he says his higher profile can be of benefit to residents. "It can make a big difference because they can now have their views represented around the government table. I can now lobby government about big issues like the Thames Tunnel 'super sewer' and important things like basement excavations with a lot more clout. "It's something I'm very excited about and I hope residents in the borough will feel the benefit."

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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