Local MP calls for greater recognition for the UK’s six million carers
The theme of Carers Week is ‘A Life of My Own’ with calls for greater understanding and support for the army of carers who provide vital care for their families, friends and communities. In doing so, many sacrifice much in their own lives, unable to do the little things that most of us take for granted. All too often, these unsung heroes also suffer ill health.
Angela met up with John Stapleton at the House of Commons to pay tribute to carers, and to urge that they receive more support in their caring roles. Angela said:
“A trip to the cinema, or even a full night’s sleep – these are luxuries for many of the thousands of carers in Barnsley and north Sheffield I am supporting Carers Week and all those helping to raise awareness of carers, and their priceless contribution they make to our local community. I hope that as a result of Carers Week, many more carers will find out about services and support that exist to help them.
John Stapleton, who has cared for both his wife and his mother, said:
"Working without pay and often with little recognition - many carers give up their lives as they once knew them, but never give up on caring. They are not the forgotten few, but the forgotten millions. This Carers Week let's speak up for carers - let's not leave them isolated and lonely, financially, physically and emotionally broke. Let's start caring for the carers, give them back a life of their own."
Other celebrities supporting Carers Week, all of whom have had experience of caring, include: Lynda Bellingham, Cilla Black, Jonathan Dimbleby, Sir David Jason, Claire King, Phyllida Law, Miriam Margolyes, Angela Rippon and Tony Robinson.
Carers Week is organised by a partnership of 7 national charities: Carers UK, Counsel and Care, Crossroads Care, Help the Hospices, Macmillan Cancer Support, Parkinson’s UK and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers.
New Penistone MP sets sail!
In a compelling contest, she succeeded in winning the new seat for Labour and will represent an area which stretches from Parson Cross in the south to the Wakefield border in the north, taking in the many villages on the western side of Barnsley as well as the north of Sheffield.
During her first couple of days as the area’s new MP she visited the Pennine Sailing Club’s open day to have a go at sailing for the first time, something she enjoyed tremendously and intends to try again.
Commenting, Angela said,
“I would like to thank all those who voted for me and Labour at the General Election. Over the coming months and years I promise to represent all the people of north Sheffield and west Barnsley to the best of my ability. There is every possibility that the next period of time will be difficult for our area and I believe more than ever we need to work together to make sure we protect people and public services, I intend to make sure that people’s voices in Penistone & Stocksbridge are heard loud and clear.”
MP’s shock at Tory threat to north Sheffield’s school rebuilds
Angela Smith was shocked to hear that the Tories are threatening to cancel some of the school rebuilds in the north of Sheffield if they win the next general election.
Conservative spokesperson Nick Gibbs has admitted that Bradfield School, which admits children from all over north Sheffield, may not be rebuilt if they win the coming election. When asked about the matter, Mr Gibb is quoting has said only schools which have reached 'financial close' with their developers would see their upgrades completed. This could mean that Bradfield would not be rebuilt.
Commenting on the news, local MP and a former Local Cabinet Member for Education, Angela Smith said,
“I find it astonishing that the Tories are talking about cancelling the rebuild of Bradfield School. Not only is it desperately needed but local taxpayers money has already been spent working up the proposals and this would have to be written off.
As a former local cabinet member for education I know how important the rebuilding of this school is for pupils in north Sheffield, what the Tories are proposing is just sheer dogmatic madness.
As the area’s local MP I will fight any proposals which stop children in north Sheffield getting the facilities they deserve. It is important this school is rebuilt, not to do so in my mind would be criminal and do a complete disservice to future generations of kids. This threat to axe the rebuilding of Bradfield is yet more evidence that we have the same old Tories and that they haven’t changed at all. They cannot not trusted”
MP DEMANDS MORE HELP FOR ELDERLY AS COLD SNAP CONTINUES
Hillsborough MP Angela Smith has called on the Government to increase cold weather payments, given the ongoing, sub-zero temperatures.
National Grid has already reported a 30% increase in energy consumption over and above normal seasonal use and there are no signs of the cold snap abating.
Angela, who represents communities which have been badly affected by snow in recent weeks, wants Treasury Ministers to take account of the impact of higher energy bills on the elderly. Although cold weather payments are made when temperatures fall below a certain level over a sustained period of time, it is her view that the situation is severe enough for the Government to consider extending its extra payments to pensioners who are not in receipt of pension credits or other benefits.
Angela said,
‘All of us will be dreading the gas and electricity bills coming through, aware as we are that we’re going to face a hike in costs as a result of all this cold weather. It is essential, however, that elderly people should feel able to turn up the temperature and keep the heating on, as they in particular feel the cold. The government needs to consider a top-up to the winter heating allowance, or extending qualification for cold weather payments to a wider group of people, if we are to avoid seeing a significant increase in fuel poverty this winter.’
More Articles...
Page 3 of 6
Main Menu
Register to Vote
Get Involved
|