AIDAN BURLEY MPAnnual Report 2011/12Your Member of Parliament
for Cannock ChaseHouse of Commons, London SW1 A
Aid an Bur ley MP
0AA
The Cannock Jobs Fayre
MPS JOBS FAYRES HELP LOCAL PEOPLE BACK INTO WORKAs part of his
mission to get Cannock Chase working, Aidan Burley organised two
local Jobs Fayres last September. Over 600 local people and 40
employers attended the two Jobs Fayres held at South Staffordshire
College in Cannock and the Rugeley Rose Theatre, where over 360 CVs
were given out to employers. As well as meeting potential
employers, local people also had the opportunity to attend a number
of free seminars and workshops aimed at improving their
employability skills, including CV workshops. The Fayres delivered
real success, with over 50 jobs being offered as aAidan welcomes a
jobseeker to the Cannock Jobs Fayre
direct result of people attending the Fayres. For example, 8
jobs were filled at Blue Bird Care, 4 jobs at HSBC, 3 jobs at Chase
Tyres, 2 jobs at the Newlife Foundation and many more, including a
good number of the 400 recent appointments at Amazon. Many
apprenticeship places were also signed up for on the days
themselves, including over 60 at Cannock, with many more candidates
filling in their application forms online at the laptops provided
at both Jobs Fayres. Local Cannock jobseeker Matt Bainborough said
after the Fayre,Aidan with some of the potential employers
exhibiting at the Fayres
Welcome to my second Annual Rep ort, provided to you at no cost
to the taxpayer. I hope you find it an interesting and informative
account of what I have been doin g on your behalf, both locally
here in Cannock Chase and dow n in Westminster. The MP Help Zone in
High Gree n Court, Cannock has gone from strength to strength. In
the last twelve months we have helped over 1,500 individual
constituents, many on several occasions. I have kept my commitment
to base the majority of my team in the constituency, with three
fulltime, dedicated staff working for you all year round. You never
need an appointment just pop in and get help and advice, Monday to
Friday, 10am-4pm. In Westminster I have continued to stand up for
you the people of Cannock Chase. I have spok en in 30 Debates,
tabled 42 Parliamentary Questions to Ministers and responded
individually to thousands of ema ils and letters. I have voted in
82% of votes in this Parliament classed as above average on the
independent website theywork foryou.com. I have tried to change the
law to help severely disabled children access high specification
wheelchairs and attempted to end the end the scandal of the
taxpayer, instead of the Unions, paying the wages of their full
time officials in the public sector. I look forward to continuing
to serve you all in the year ahead.
To sum up today in one word superb. Today has given me an added
boost of enthusiasm and hope to find a new employer.Aidan chats to
a local jobseeker at Rugeley
Aidan said: I always said if we could help one person back into
work the Fayres would be worth it. Im delighted weve helped over
50.
Aidan with three Jobs Fayre attendees who got jobs at Bluebird
Care after the Fayres
This report has not been paid for by public money. It has been
entirely funded by private donations, and printed locally in
Rugeley.
LUNTEER DAYS VOMay 2011 Aidan spent an evening volunteering at
the Aquarius Ballroom in Hednesford. Aidan felt honoured to be
volunteering on the final weekend of dancing at the ballroom,
famous nationwide for its perfect dancing floor. It was an
emotional evening, hearing people's stories of meeting loved ones
at the dance many years ago. Aidans duties for the evening included
welcoming guests and selling tickets. April 2011 Aidan joined
volunteers to conduct the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty's 2011
Visitor Survey. The survey aims to establish how many visitors
travel to the Chase, where they come from, and why they visit AONB
sites in order to continually improve the tourism offer to local
people and protect Cannock Chase.
around the ch month volunteering ends up to one day eaon his
Volunteer Days from the past year. Aidan Burley MP sp some brief
reports community. Here areJune 2011 Aidan worked in the British
Heart Foundation store in Cannock Town Centre, operating the till
and sorting out donated stock. He also spent time helping raise
money for the "Big Hearts wear Little Hearts" campaign, raising
awareness of heart problems in children and young people. Aidan was
struck by just how busy and popular the shop was and how hard the 3
paid staff and their army of more than 44 registered volunteers
work to keep things running smoothly.
August 2011 Aidan helped out at prominent Cannock charity
Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children, a great local charity
that helps to raise awareness and money to support families with
disabled and terminally ill children. Aidan started the day
spending time stocking up shelves before serving on the till at the
popular Newlife at Home store in Cannock. Aidan then moved across
to Newlife HQ where he joined their brilliant Nurse team, reviewing
equipment grant applications from families across the UK.
July 2011 Aidan spent the evening helping out at the Help for
Heroes Summer Ball at the Lea Hall Club in Rugeley. The event,
attended by more than 200 people, raised money to help and support
serving and retired armed forces personnel. Aidan helped sell
raffle tickets before presenting awards and certificates of
appreciation to soldiers who have been on active service in
Afghanistan and Iraq.
October 2011 Aidan volunteered to help with support group You
Too. This group gives parents of children with additional needs
being assessed by the Child Development Centre somewhere to go to
talk to other parents and get advice from professionals. Aidan
welcomed the parents and listened as they shared their experiences.
Later in the day, Aidan helped supervise the childrens activities,
allowing the parents the time to get the advice they need.
September 2011 Aidan joined volunteers from the Inland Waterway
Association who help campaign for the use, maintenance and
restoration of Britain's Inland waterways. After a ride down the
canal to see the impressive work already done to clean up the canal
edge, Aidan and fellow volunteers moored by the 'Bloody Steps' in
Rugeley where they cleaned up graffiti, painted railings, dug out
compacted turf and trimmed trees.
December 2011 November 2011 Aidan joined the staff and pupils at
Hazel Slade Primary School in Cannock Wood to help serve up lunch.
The school's new healthy eating policy has been a great success and
Aidan was happy to help promote their healthy eating menu and the
wider importance of healthy eating by donning a chefs hat and
serving lunch. Aidan headed over to the Cannock Campus of South
Staffordshire College to take part in a painting and decorating
apprenticeship lesson. With paintbrush in hand, Aidan set about
painting one of the training booths before being taught how to
wallpaper a room quickly and easily. These are real 'hands on'
sessions that enable the apprentices to hone their skills in a real
environment. Apprenticeships are central to the Government's
strategy to deliver growth and a sustainable economy.
February 2012 March 2012 Aidan spent time meeting and talking to
volunteers from Victim Support. They help support victims and
witnesses of crime through the court process, which can often be
daunting and intimidating. Aidan praised the valuable work they do
in supporting the local community. Aidan joined the Friends of
Norton Canes at Norton Canes Library, hand-making greetings cards,
specialising in a 'ladys apron' 3D design, which they sell at local
craft shows for charity. As well as getting stuck in making cards,
Aidan also held a 90 minute Q&A session with local residents,
hosted by Norton Canes Community Partnership.
AIDAN BURLEY MP
Annual Report 2011/12attending a care quality seminar at
Stafford Hospital and the public meeting in Cannock. During a
recent visit to Cannock Hospital (pictured with Stafford MP Jeremy
Lefroy and Occupational Therapist Alison Nunney), Aidan took the
opportunity to press the Trust to ensure sufficient services are
provided at the Hospital. He was pleased to learn that more
services for Minor Injuries will now be operated at Cannock.
Patients needing X rays and plastering for breaks or fractures will
be able to get treatment at the Hospital's Minor Injuries Unit
(MIU), to complement existing treatments. Aidan was shown around
Cannock Hospital by Mid Staffs Trust Chief Executive Lyn Hill-Tout
who has recently committed to the future of the Hospital following
a question by the Cannock Chase MP at a recent public meeting,
asking her to commit to a "two site solution" which would ensure
the futures of both hospitals.
Join over 1,700 local people. Sign up to receive Aidans regular
MPs email newsletter at www.aidanburleymp.org
News in brief...Aidan with staff at local Cannock firm Fuel
Conservation Services Limited. Aidan raising the shocking case of
Jobe Felton with David Cameron at Prime Ministers Question Time.
Aidan alongside Managing Director of local business Mailcoms Ltd,
Des McManus. Aidan at the JCB Cab Systems factory in Rugeley with
local workers. Aidan visiting growing business Key Precision Ltd in
Hawks Green.
SUPPORTING THE FELTONS AND ABDUCTED ANGELSAt Prime Minister's
Questions (PMQs) in January Aidan raised the horrific case of
constituent Jobe Felton who was kidnapped from his home in Norton
Canes and taken to Thailand by his mother in March 2010. Six months
later his father, Sean Felton, finally tracked Jobe down in a
remote village and found his son in a terrible condition. Jobe
couldn't speak, had broken teeth and bruises all over his body.
Jobe's father believes that had he not got Jobe back then, Jobe
would have been sold.Aidan with the General Manager of Cygnus
Automotive in Cannock, and Cllr Mike Sutherland.
BURLEY BACKS BUSINESSAidan Burley MP believes the best way to
get our economy back on track is to support local businesses, who
will in turn create jobs and growth. Since being elected, Aidan has
visited many local businesses, meeting with managers and staff in
order to best understand issues affecting them. For example, during
his visit to local taxi meter manufacturers Cygnus Automotive,
Aidan learnt of an issue in a 1976 law which is hampering the firm,
which he took back to Westminster to lobby to get changed. Later in
2012 Aidan will also be coorganising the first ever Cannock Chase
Business Awards along with TheBestOfCannock.
Aidan at the reopening of the refurbished Brian James Furnishing
in Cannock.
PROTECTING CANNOCK & STAFFORD HOSPITALSAidan has been
working hard over recent months to ensure the re-opening of
Stafford Accident and Emergency Unit and also to ensure that
sufficient services are provided in Cannock Hospital to keep it
economically viable. Aidan has met with Health Minister Simon Burns
MP, Trust Chief Executive Lyn Hill-Tout and PCT Chief Graham Urwin
several times to apply continuous pressure for the re-opening of
Stafford A&E as soon as possible. He has been holding the
Leadership team at Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust to account by
Aidan answering pupils questions during a visit to Moorhill
Primary School.
Aidan said: "This visit gave me the opportunity to witness some
of the vital services the hospital offers as well as enabling me to
ask questions on key issues, including ward closures and car
parking.
VISITING LOCAL SCHOOLSAidan speaking about trade union reform at
a Trade Union Reform Campaign event, which Aidan chairs.
TRADE UNION REFORMAidan has spoken multiple times in the House
of Commons over the past year calling for an end to taxpayer
funding for Pilgrims. These are people employed to do a public
sector job, like teaching or social care, only to spend all their
time on trade union and often political activities. Aidan believes
that at a time of national austerity every penny of taxpayers money
should be spent on services.
debates in the past Aidan has spoken in 30 written questions to
42 year, as well as asking ered by Aidan have Ministers. Topics cov
irs, s on powered wheelcha included regulation lear power stations,
business, housing, nuc g. foreign affairs and policin
Speaking in the House of Commons
Aidan with local constituent Charlotte Wright from Breakthrough
Breast Can Campaigns & Advocacy Network (CAN cers ) at the 12th
Annual Westminster Fly-In event to discuss how to improve breast
canc er survival rates, including Breakthrough Breast Cancer's
Bridging the Gap in Breast Cancer Survival Char ter.
Backing Breakthrough Breast Cancer
Organising Chase Community Showcase
Aidan at the Chase Community Showcase at the Premier Suite in
Cannock Town Centre in August 2011. The event, organised by Aidan
and his Help Zone team, was aimed at promoting and showing the
benefits of the Big Society here in Cannock Chase.
"Cannock Hospital should be a source of local pride and I am
keen to ensure the Hospital is fully utilised. Its hydrotherapy
pool and facilities are simply world class and I urge all local
people to ask their GP to refer them to Cannock Hospital, if
appropriate, for their ailments. We need to bang the drum for
Cannock Hospital and the quality healthcare it provides on our
doorstep."
Over the course of the past year Aidan has visited many local
schools to support their work and hear about any problems or issues
that he can help resolve. During these visits, Aidan always makes
time to spend as much time with the pupils as possible - talking to
them about his work as a Member of Parliament and also answering
their questions. Aidan at Hednesford
Research by Aidan's office has shown that each year in the UK
over 500 children are kidnapped in similar circumstances. Aidan
praised the work of Sean Felton and his charity Abducted Angels and
called on the Government to do all it can do to help other parents
in similar situations. In his response the Prime Minister said: "It
is absolutely vital we put in place the best possible arrangements.
As he knows, the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre
(CEOP) system is going to be put into the National Crime Agency. I
very much hope we will be able to legislate for the National Crime
Agency and make sure it is properly resourced. It is vitally
important that when these appalling acts happen we get on top of
them right away. The early time and early effort is absolutely
vital in saving these children."
Aidan with Sean and Jobe Felton during their visit to
Parliament.
CAPPING BENEFITS FOR FAMILIES WHO DONT WORKAidan has welcomed
the Government's welfare reforms which mean the benefit payments an
out of work household can claim are capped at 26,000 per year - to
ensure that work always pays. Under Labour, households were able to
receive up to 104,000 per year in Housing Benefit alone, which Work
& Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith MP (pictured with Aidan
in Cannock) was determined to stop. Furthermore, Labour opposed
this cap, voting to maintain a something for nothing culture.
Commenting, Aidan said: "In Cannock Chase
Aidan has also welcomed a number of schools to the Houses of
Parliament, where they have enjoyed a tour, the chance to see the
House of Commons in action, as well as time to talk to Aidan about
the burning issues of the day. If you are a teacher or school
governor and would like to arrange a visit for your Aidan at
Chadsmoor Community Infants and Nursery School, where school to
Westminster, please call Aidans office on 01543 he became a milk
monitor to celebrate World School Milk Day. 502 447.
Valley High with Head teacher Anita Rattan and pupils.
APPRENTICESHIPSThe number of people starting an apprenticeship
locally increased by 610 last year. This is thanks to the
Government's extra spending and cutting of red tape to encourage
businesses to take on apprentices. Aidan at a presentation on a new
social media apprenticeship programme run by local firms. Aidan is
also supporting a new social media apprenticeship programme run by
SSC Learning in Hednesford and Passionate Media in Bridgtown.
Aidan awarding the priz e to Charter Fair winning MO this years
Rugeley BILE float - The Royal British Legion with local councillor
Ann Allt and members of the winnin g float team.
Judging at Rugeley Char ter Fayre
Supporting 3 Battalion the Mercian Regimentrd
MPs Aidan alongside other Staf fordshire alion rd ing their
support for the 3 Batt show s) whilst the Mercian Regiment (the
Stafford tan. e service in Afghanis they were on activ
Aidan with Cannock Chase constituents Elizabeth and Philip Orm
Dystrophy Campaign me e at a Muscular eting, where Aidan pledged to
back local fam devastating muscle-wast ilies affected by ing fight
for specialist ser vic disease in their es, which they say would
change lives wh ile millions of pounds in cos saving the NHS
ts.
Combatting Muscula r Dystrophy
JOY AS SPACESHIP INCINERATOR IS FINALLY REJECTED BY COUNTY
COUNCILAidan Burley MP was appalled that Staffordshire County
Councillors initially approved planning permission for a huge new
incinerator in Cannock. The decision would have been disastrous for
public health and sent out the repellent message that it is okay
for Cannock to be the dumping ground of the West Midlands. After
intensive lobbying by Aidan and local Conservative District
Councillors the decision was finally overturned by the County
Council. This is great news for local people.
CHASE LINE SPEED UPGRADEAidan has welcomed news that Network
Rail are funding the West Midlands Line Speed Improvement scheme
for the Chase Line. The Chase Line has the second highest levels of
passenger growth in the Centro area and this important scheme will
help deliver faster journey times, allow better value for money and
facilitate better connections at Rugeley Trent Valley.
POST OFFICES SECURE IN CANNOCK CHASEA 10-year deal between Royal
Mail and the Post Office has been struck, securing the future of
services without resorting to the failed closures programme which
dominated Labour's time in government. Commenting, Aidan said: "In
opposition I campaigned tirelessly to overturn Labour's cuts to our
Post Offices here in Cannock Chase. This news means the future of
the Post Office is secured."
the average person would have to pay tax for 32 years to pay for
one household to receive 104,000 in benefits a year, which could
happen if Labour had their way. This benefit cap shows that
Conservatives are the party of fairness, standing up for hard
working taxpayers."
Sean Felton, who was in the gallery with Jobe during PMQs said:
"I cannot thank Aidan and his aide Peter enough for all the help
and support they have given me over the last two years firstly in
my fight to get my son back and then on my efforts to help other
parents like me."
Opening Little Learners Nursery
Aidan at the launch event for Little Learners Nursery at South
Staffs College in Cannock. He is pictured here alongside Chief
Executive Principle of South Staffs College Graham Morley, putting
his hand to some new art work for the nursery!
Aidan and Rt Hon Mark Francois MP visiting Briggs Equipment UK
Ltd in Orbital Way, Cannock as part of Freaky Friday to help raise
funds for local charity, Dogs for the Disabled. Aidan and Mark
brought prizes from the House of Commons and helped judge the
winning charity competition entries, which all had a dog theme,
before driving a forklift truck and meeting with local workers.
Raising funds for charity
Promoting the Staffordshire Hoard
Lefroy, Aidan with Staf ford MP Jeremy Minister John Penrose MP,
Tourism Corfield Staffordshire County Councillor Pat a briefing and
an Anglo Saxon warrior after . on the Staffordshire Hoard on
Tour
Promoted by Ian Collard on behalf of Aidan Burley MP, both at 90
High Green, Cannock WS11 1BE and printed by The Benhill Press Ltd,
Brook Square, Rugeley, Staffordshire, WS15 2DU.
AIDAN CYCLES THE TOUR DE NOCK FOR CHARITYAidan was among over
250 riders who braved freezing January temperatures to take part in
the Tour de Nock charity bike ride to raise money for local charity
The Hibbs Lupus Trust. Beginning at Hayes Green Community Centre,
the MP rode 45 miles through the Chase and Staffordshire, at one
point even entering South Derbyshire! Aidan, who was equipped for
the event with a racing bike and cycle equipment from Mammoth
Lifestyle and Fitness, was joined by Ian Kendrick, Bar Manager of
the local Conservative Club. Together they raised over 350.
Organised by local The men Neil Scriven and Matt Williams Aidan
helps present a cheque for 1744.94 of Cycle Shack and to the Hibbs
Lupus Trust from money raised sponsored by during the Tour de Nock.
Chuse Design and Cycle Shack, the event raised 1744.94 for the
trustees, friends & supporters of Hibbs Lupus Trust. The Hibbs
the charity and so relies heavily on Lupus Trust provides support
for the support of the general public. those affected by lupus and
helps raise awareness of the condition. It is run entirely by
voluntary
Aidan with Tour De Nock cycling partner Ian Kendrick
RAISING MONEY FOR WOODEN SPOON CHILDRENS CHARITYAidan Burley MP
has helped Wooden Spoon, the children's charity of rugby, raise
6,000 at a dinner prior to the opening games of the Six Nations. A
House of Commons bottle of whisky signed by the Prime Minister and
donated by Aidan raised 100 to help disadvantaged children at the
event organised by Spoon regional chairman Phil Pemble. "Aidan
provided one of our more unusual auction items," said Phil, "and
the money raised will be used to benefit less fortunate children
who need our help. We put on these events and use the fellowship of
the sport to provide help for needy children and young people out
in our communities."Aidan donating a bottle of House of Commons
whisky, signed by the Prime Minister, which was used to raise money
for the Wooden Spoon childrens charity.
How to contactBy phone: 01543 502 447 By post:
AIDAN BURLEY MPBy email: [email protected] In
person: Drop into the MP Help Zone (address left) or call for an
appointment at one of Aidans regular help and advice surgeries.To
contact Aidan Burley MP online and to read more news from your
Member of Parliament for VisitCannockBurley visit: website at Aidan
Chase MPs
Aidan Burley MP 6 High Green Court, Newhall Street Cannock, WS11
1GR
You can now follow Aidan Burley MP on Twitter -
@AidanBurleyMP
www.aidanburleymp.org
-
www.aidanburleymp.org
Promoted by Ian Collard on behalf of Aidan Burley MP, both at 90
High Green, Cannock WS11 1BE and printed by The Benhill Press Ltd,
Brook Square, Rugeley, Staffordshire, WS15 2DU.
