28th September 2000

"New allowance scheme a huge success" claims Foster

Worcester MP tells of student support for pilot study.

Michael Foster, MP for Worcester, today claimed the Government's new Education Maintenance Allowance scheme to be a huge success, following a meeting with a group of County students. Mr Foster met with a group of health studies students from Worcester College of Technology to get a first hand assessment of how the scheme was working. The EMA scheme pays students for attending further education and helps pay travel costs as well. It is aimed at giving support particularly to low and middle income families.

Mr Foster said:
" It was great to hear how well this new scheme has gone down. To some students this weekly cash payment was the difference between staying on or dropping out of education."

" The students who spoke to me all sought a career in nursing or other health services, so to have lost them would have been a crime. They are now rewarded for attendance and for their achieving their course work targets. The new scheme will not only keep them in college, but also help them to succeed. It is great."

" Even those students who did not qualify for any allowance thought the scheme was good. In fact, I asked them to say whether the scheme should be rolled out to the rest of the country, every single student said yes."

" The students all hoped that this pilot would become a permanent feature of educational opportunity within Worcestershire."

" I asked the students to let me know what problems there were as well. I will feedback their comments to the Minister, who I know will be interested in them."

Mr Foster thanked the students for their honesty and for giving up their time to talk to him.

He said:
" Having such a dialogue ensures that as MPs we never forget that it is what happens at the sharp end that counts, and these students represented just that."

21st September 2000

"New technology proof of Labour delivering on NHS" claims Worcester MP

" New technology, invested in our hospital, is proof of Labour delivering on the NHS" today claimed Michael Foster, MP for Worcester. He made this claim as he officially opened the new CT body scanner facility at Ronkswood. The scanner cost over £400,000 and will enable faster and more complex examinations to be carried out.

Mr Foster said:
" People in Worcester should be in no doubt that our NHS is getting better. This new scanner is faster, and provides better images for medical staff to help treat patients."

" One of the most significant things about this scanner is who paid for it. In 1988, under a Tory Government, the hospital had a new scanner, paid for by public appeal. Through charitable donations and street collections. Under Labour, the Government pays for this new one. A real difference. People in Worcester should be aware of this very real difference in how the NHS is being run."

Mr Foster also toured the Accident and Emergency Department and the new Medical Assessment Unit. He discussed with staff how the changes were working following the changes being made at Kidderminster.

" I was delighted to see how the new facilities were working. The new Medical Assessment Unit, in operation for just over a week, is adding to the capacity of the hospital, and the Minor Injuries Unit will mean shorter waits for many patients in the future."

" All of this new investment is in addition to the new hospital which is being built by the Labour Government."

Mr Foster presented a bouquet of flowers to the first patient to use the new CT scanner, to mark the event.

20th September 2000

Foster sees court in action

Michael Foster, MP for Worcester, visited the City Magistrates Court to see at first hand how magistrates hand out their punishment. Mr Foster met the magistrates on duty, discussed the future move to a new building at Castle Street, and observed several cases being heard.

Mr Foster said:
" Law and order issues are high on most people's agenda for political action. Earlier this summer, I joined Worcester police on the night shift, today I observed how justice is handed out."

" When Labour came into power we said that the Government would be tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime. Spending time with police officers and magistrates has helped me to experience how this is working in reality. It is a vital learning experience for any MP."

" Observing the cases heard, and talking to magistrates, gave me a greater insight into the nature of crime in the City."

" Talking today to magistrates and seeing how cases were dealt with, has certainly highlighted areas that need to be further addressed. For example, moving to a new magistrates court away from the current building, will certainly give greater protection for witnesses that are called to give evidence, because the room design will create more space in the court."

" I was delighted to be asked to visit the courts, and I always take from such visits considerable amounts of newly gained knowledge."

" Labour promised to cut the time between arrest and sentencing for persistent young offenders. Seeing the courts in action today I appreciated how this pledge is being met, and also in some cases, the difficulties in meeting this target."

11th September 2000

"More good news for those seeking work," says MP.

Michael Foster, MP for Worcester, hailed the Jobsfair in Worcester as "more good news for those seeking work", as he cut the ribbon to officially open the three-week programme.

Worcester Jobsfair is organised by the Employment Service to match up workers with the 1000 vacancies that exist within Hereford and Worcester. In Worcester alone there are 500 seasonal vacancies in a variety of industries.

Speaking at the opening of the Jobsfair, Mr Foster said:
" With unemployment at very low levels here in Worcester, it is going to be difficult to fill vacancies. I welcome this innovative way in which the Employment Service has gone about their task. They are bringing employers and vacancies out into the heart of Worcester's busy shopping centre to attract staff to fill these vacant posts."

" There has never been a better time to get back into the labour market. The Minimum Wage and Working Families Tax Credit mean that work pays better than ever before. The New Deal has helped hundreds of people in Worcester back into work already, this Jobsfair will help even further."

" These vacancies are within well-known companies, and those seeking work should take advantage of the opportunities that exist."

After the official opening Mr Foster then spoke to staff from the Employment Service, including Rosemary Thew, Regional Director of the Employment Service, and also to representatives from local employers about the types of jobs that are currently vacant.

The aim of the Jobsfair is to fill at least 1000 seasonal job vacancies that will be available in Hereford and Worcester. Jobsfair is organised by the Employment Service.

4th September 2000

Foster welcomes moves to deal with problem hedges

Michael Foster, MP for Worcester, today welcomed Government moves to deal with the problem of 'High Hedges', notably from Leylandii Cypress conifers.

Last November the Government published a consultation paper on possible options available to deal with the problem, which causes misery to many thousands of people, including Mr Foster's constituents. Over 3000 people responded, showing the strength of feeling on the issue. Typically, such consultations generate hundreds, not thousands of replies.

The results showed that 94% of respondents want new laws to deal with the problem. 72% wanted the option that gave local councils the ability to determine complaints.

As a result of the responses, the Government has decided to introduce legislation in England to allow local councils to determine complaints about nuisance garden hedges.

Mr Foster said:
" I warmly welcome this decision. Nuisance hedges can cause absolute hell for people. I have seen at first hand in Worcester the problems caused by such high hedges, and I'm glad the Government is acting on this."

" Local councils would be given the power to decide whether the owner of such hedges would have to cut them back. This solution is clearly what people want, and this Government will soon be delivering this."

" However, I believe that using this new law, and involving the local council should be a last resort. People should first try to resolve the problem themselves, but they can do so in the knowledge that unreasonable behaviour in such disputes can be dealt with by statutory powers given to local councils."

The Department of the Environment, Transport, and the Regions said:
" The Government have always taken these neighbourhood problems very seriously and we have considered all the responses to the consultation very carefully."

" We are committed to legislation when Parliamentary time can be found."

23rd August 2000

Foster urges school leavers - Don't quit now

Michael Foster, MP for Worcester, today urged 16-year-olds that are tempted to leave education or training not to quit now.

His plea was made the day before GCSE results are announced. Mr Foster called on all school leavers to stay on in college or apprenticeships.

Mr Foster has already helped to secure Educational Maintenance Allowances, of up to £30 per week in a pilot project for Worcestershire which will start this September. These allowances are paid weekly to students from low-income families.

Mr Foster said:
" Today there are 170,000 young people who are neither in a job, school and college or training. It is a scandal. I want to see young people stay on in learning until at least 19. It could be in full time education, at school or college, an apprenticeship or other vocational training. There are plenty of opportunities for young people to progress to higher qualifications and a more secure future. There is no excuse for doing nothing."

" Dropping out of learning and work between 16 and 18 often leads to unemployment later in life or unskilled jobs with a low wage. And there are other social consequences such as poorer health and unplanned parenthood."

" It is vital that we try to persuade young people not to quit learning after leaving school. Even if they have few or no qualifications, what is on offer is a route for each young person to carry on learning and building up their skills."

The Government has run a DON'T QUIT NOW campaign over the summer, consisting of TV, Radio and print advertising.

17th August 2000

MP sends congratulations to successful students

Michael Foster, MP for Worcester, today congratulated Worcester students upon their A level success. Former A level teacher, Mr Foster, took time out from his family holiday to personally speak to senior staff at both the Sixth Form College and the College of Technology. He asked for teaching staff to be thanked for their contribution to the student's success.

Mr Foster said:
" Students will today either be celebrating their success, and that of their friends, or contemplating what to do next. For those with the results they wanted I offer my warmest congratulations. It is a tribute to the hard work of students and teachers alike that have earned this reward."

" Last year we heard some commentators moaning that exams were getting easier. This is an insult to the students and staff. I hope we do not hear the same moaning minnies again this year. We should not be frightened of celebrating success, and allowing congratulations to be the order of the day, rather than criticism. Today, for many, will be a day of celebrating. Let people enjoy it, because they deserve it."

9th August 2000

Free bus passes for Worcester pensioners

Michael Foster, MP for Worcester, welcomed yesterdays announcement by John Prescott that pensioners in Worcester will from next April be entitled to a free bus pass.

It had been planned that a £5 charge would be made, nation-wide, for pensioner bus passes. Instead, Mr Prescott announced that the current cost of £8 per year will be scrapped.

Nation-wide, the scheme will benefit five and a half million people. In Worcester, over 14,500 pensioners will gain.

Mr Foster said:
" For decades pensioners have campaigned for a national concessionary bus pass scheme. In Worcester, a Labour Council meant that reduced prices were charged for pensioners with a bus pass, but this pass had to be paid for. Now, with a Labour Government, bus passes will be free."

" Last month the Government published plans for the long term commitment to investment in transport. This announcement is part of these plans."

" The challenge for the Tories is will they match this financial commitment. They have promised £16 billion of public spending cuts. That is £24 million here in Worcester. What pensioners will want to know, is will Portillio's axe fall on their cheap bus fares and free bus passes?"

" It is time for the Tories to tell the truth about their plans. Will they back Labour's spending plans or hit the pensioners?"

The concessionary bus fare scheme will also apply to one and a half million disabled people nation-wide. The Government will amend the current Transport Bill to allow this to take effect. This move has been warmly welcomed by RADAR, the disability network.

7th August 2000

MP slams "dangerous" plans for racecourse
Michael Foster, MP for Worcester, has called plans for a drainage ditch around the racecourse at Pitchcroft, "dangerous" and "stupid". He has also called for councillors to throw out these plans.

Plans, currently before the City Council, involve a four-foot deep and wide drainage ditch to be dug around the racetrack, as well as an access road around the course. Local residents have contacted Mr Foster, asking for help to stop these plans going ahead. The racecourse currently enjoys free public access, and this will be reduced by such plans.

Mr Foster said:
" To build an open drainage ditch four foot deep is asking for trouble. It is dangerous. After flooding, this ditch will fill with water long after the course itself is dry. Youngsters playing are going to drown if this plan is not stopped."

" Why can't the drainage ditch consist of a gravel bed, allowing water to drain off the course, but safely? If the answer is because a ditch is cheaper, then people in Worcester will be outraged by this."

" The plans show no crossing points over the ditch, so access which has been enjoyed for years will be stopped. This is the people's racecourse, and local residents quite rightly want to continue to enjoy this amenity."

" The ditch also divides the football pitch, from the changing rooms. This is just stupid. There appears to be little thought about what the plans actually achieve."

" I urge local people to write to the City Council, before 17th August, outlining their objections to these ill-thought out plans."

" In particular, Derek Prodger, who sits on the Planning Committee and is on the Management Board at the racecourse, should be told how wrong these plans are. He is in an ideal place to stop them."

27 July 2000

LABOUR's BIG NHS OPERATION - the National Plan for a bigger and better NHS
Labour MP Michael Foster outlines how the extra investment in the NHS is to be spent

Labour MP Michael Foster today welcomed the impact Labour's National Plan for the NHS will have for patients and staff in Worcester.

"This is the most fundamental and far-reaching reform programme in the history of the NHS. It ensures the step-change in resources announced in the budget are accompanied with step-changes in reform."

"Labour knew that the principles of the NHS were solid. But its practices along with its equipment had become outdated. We've faced up to the breadth and depth of problems in the NHS and addressed them all in turn. From the state of hospital food to the doctor's contract, no issue has been ducked."

"Over the next ten years it will mean not just a bigger, but a better NHS, with patients seeing direct improvements. There will better facilities - 100 new hospitals 7,000 extra beds, 3,000 GP surgeries refurbished or rebuilt and a new modern matron system to oversee cleaner wards and better hospital food."

"There will be extra staff - 20,000 extra nurses, 6,500 extra therapists, 7,500 more consultants and 2,000 more GPs."

"Waiting times for treatment will be cut for GP appointments, at A&E and for both inpatient and outpatient appointments."

"We'll see new mental health rapid response teams. Cancer and heart disease services will be expanded and the 'postcode lottery' will be ended once and for all."

"There'll be better services for pensioners including free nursing care in nursing homes and new intermediate care, allowing them to live more independent lives."

"And for the first time, patients will have real say in the NHS and the way it works. Thousands of patients told us their priorities in drawing up this plan. Now we want them to continue having their say with new patients' forums and surveys, patient advisors in every hospital and a proper redress system. The NHS Plan will make the patient the most important person in the health service."

"This isn't just a prescription for a quick-fix. This is long-term investment and reform to ensure the health of the NHS well into the future."

"But make no mistake. As Labour builds up the NHS, the Tories would break it up. Only this week, William Hague has confirmed his party's plans. Instead of funding the NHS, he will slash the budget by £500 million to subsidise tax relief on private health insurance at the expense of NHS patients and staff. His so-called 'Patient's Guarantee' means forcing patients to pay thousands of pounds for operations like cataract removal and hip replacements. And he wants a return to the internal market which created the lottery of care. And that's before his £16 billion of cuts to public services has taken its toll on the NHS. A pretty bleak prognosis."

"It is quite clear that the Tories are more concerned with the health of private insurance company bank balances than the health of patients."

"Labour created the NHS. Now we are rebuilding it for the 21st century."

27 July 2000

Foster steps in to help break deadlock in Lower Wick

Michael Foster, MP for Worcester, has stepped in to help break the deadlock surrounding the state of disrepair around the shops and car park on the Lower Wick estate.

Mr Foster was asked for help by the City Council, to bring together all of the potential partners who could be involved in a redevelopment scheme.

Mr Foster has contacted the reluctant party, Willow Management Ltd, who are based in London. They have agreed to look at plans for redevelopment. Mr Foster said:

" I have recently circulated my Resident Survey in the area. Overwhelmingly, the response was to get something done about the shopping area car park. I immediately contacted the City Council to find out what was happening. They explained the situation, and how their efforts were being held-up by the lack of interest of the London based property management company."

" I was asked to help the City Council break this deadlock."

" I have spoken to the company concerned, who will not give a commitment yet to act, but have promised to look at the proposals for redeveloping the area."

" Without doubt it is a major concern for local residents, and I am only to happy to get involved acting on their behalf."

" The current state of the car park is a disgrace. It lowers the tone of the neighbourhood, and is an encouragement to vandalism and crime. Redevelopment will not only be good for the local community, but the shops and the pub."

Mr Foster is making a site visit on Friday 28th July, at 10.30 am, where he will meet City Council planner Mr Peter Yates.

25 July 2000

New figures show schools budget boost and fairer funding gets closer

New figures from the County Council reveal the boost Worcester schools have received in the last year. Michael Foster, MP for Worcester, asked for the analysis of year-end cash balances held by all Worcester schools for last year and this. The figures show that Primary school cash balances have increased by 21 per cent, to a massive £1,007,947. The corresponding figures for the City's Secondary schools show an increase to £783,261.

Mr Foster said:

" Schools are really seeing the benefit of the extra money allocated by this Government. Their year-end balances are certainly healthy, and such an increase means their job is made easier. Rather than scrimping and saving, they can not plan to spend. To buy much needed books and teaching materials, employ more staff or invest in new computers, all are possible given their sound financial footing."

" The County Council should also be congratulated. By agreeing to spend money on education to their full allowance, and not divert it elsewhere, sends a signal to schools that education is a priority of the local authority."

" The Government has also helped schools by directly granting cash from the Budget this year, and also announcing annual cash bonuses of up to £70,000 for schools."

Mr Foster is also encouraged about the news regarding the formula used to calculate Worcestershire's spending allowance, the Standard Spending Assessment. For years, schools and governors have criticised the unfair way this formula allocates money. Worcestershire has historically been a low funded authority. Mr Foster has used his position on the Education Select Committee to pursue change. In his role, he has lobbied David Blunkett the Secretary of State, Michael Bichard the Permanent Secretary, Chris Woodhead the Chief Inspector, as well as the leaders of teaching unions, and headteachers organisations.

In a response to the latest Select Committee Report, out Wednesday 26th July, Schools Minister Estelle Morris states that the Government is issuing a Green Paper on local authority funding soon, and regarding education funding:

" The objective is to remove the worst disparities which exist across the country: we will be looking to level up not down."

Mr Foster welcomed this statement, saying:

" It has been a long haul for those of us campaigning to get a fairer settlement for Worcestershire. For years we have been penalised. Now we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. New money has been made available to schools, now we will get a fairer distribution of that money as well. It promises to be more good news for Worcestershire."

17th July 2000

Worcester still a safe place to live
MP Foster responds to new crime figures

"Worcester is still a safe place to live and work", despite a small increase in recorded crime, claims Worcester MP, Michael Foster. Recorded crime has risen by 3.7per cent in West Mercia, the rate lower than the national increase in recorded crime.

Mr Foster, who earlier this month observed a Friday night shift in Worcester, said his claim was not complacent, but an objective view of the reality of life in the City.

Mr Foster said:

" Crime has risen slightly this year, but Worcester still remains one of the safest places in Britain to live. Since the General Election, crime in this area has fallen by over 12 per cent, even allowing for this year's small increase."

" But we are not complacent. This year, Worcester has benefited from a £640,000 Home Office grant towards more CCTV in the City. I saw for myself the value of CCTV on a Friday night and I am convinced this extra investment will help to cut crime and reduce disorder."

" The Government has also recently announced increases in police numbers for the local force, reversing a seven-year decline in their numbers. Combined with reform of the justice system, criminals are more likely to be caught and swiftly dealt with, than under the previous government."

" This Government is also promoting the use of anti-social behaviour orders, to help local communities deal with particular neighbours from hell. The Tories would scrap these."

" The Tory Public Spending Guarantee will mean fewer police officers, and we all remember that under the Tories, crime doubled." " Having been on patrol with the Worcester force, I can vouch for their professionalism and ability to respond to 999 calls. With more officers on the way, with more CCTV, with a faster justice system and less bureaucracy, Worcester will become an even safer place to live. However, a return to the Tories would put all this at risk."

12th July 2000

Foster hails "massive take-up" of free eye tests by local pensioners

Michael Foster, MP for Worcester, today welcomed the take up of free eye tests by local pensioners since they were re-introduced in April 1999 having been stopped by the Conservatives ten years earlier. New figures show that nationally an extra 2.5 million pensioners had a free eye test between April 1999 and April 2000 - and increase of 34%.

Worcestershire Health Authority recorded a rise of 37,353 or 58 per cent.

Welcoming the new figures, Michael Foster MP said: "Labour's free eye tests for pensioners mean that people do not need to live with poor eyesight because they can't afford the examination. There has been a massive take up here in Worcestershire. As a result more cataracts and glaucoma will be spotted earlier and less of our local pensioners will have to suffer in silence."

"The NHS is now getting the largest sustained increase in funding in its whole history. As a result by 2004 the NHS will grow by one third in real terms. With these extra resources and the reforms contained in the National Plan for the NHS we can have a bigger and better health service serving people here in Worcestershire."

Health Secretary, Alan Milburn, said:

"It is right that pensioners living in Worcestershire and right the way across the country have the opportunity to lead healthier lives. Now every pensioner can have a free eye test on the NHS. It was a disgrace that the Conservatives ever took free eye tests away from pensioners. My worry is that if they ever got the chance, the Conservatives would take these free eye tests away again. That would hit 37,353 pensioners living in Worcestershire very hard indeed. It would be nothing short of another new Tory tax on old age."

27th June 2000

Foster urges school leavers - Don't quit now

Michael Foster, MP for Worcester, today joined the Education Secretary David Blunkett, in urging 16-year-olds that are tempted to leave education or training not to quit now.

The call comes following the announcement of an advertising campaign, to be run over the summer called 'DON'T QUIT NOW'. Mr Foster called on all school leavers to stay on in college or apprenticeships.

Mr Foster has already helped to secure Educational Maintenance Allowances, of up to £30 per week in a pilot project for Worcestershire. These allowances are paid weekly to students from low-income families.

Mr Foster said:
" Today there are 170,000 young people who are neither in a job, school and college or training. It is a scandal. I want to see young people stay on in learning until at least 19. It could be in full time education, at school or college, an apprenticeship or other vocational training. There are plenty of opportunities for young people to progress to higher qualifications and a more secure future. There is no excuse for doing nothing."

" Dropping out of learning and work between 16 and 18 often leads to unemployment later in life or unskilled jobs with a low wage. And there are other social consequences such as poorer health and unplanned parenthood."

" It is vital that we try to persuade young people not to quit learning after leaving school. Even if they have few or no qualifications, what is on offer is a route for each young person to carry on learning and building up their skills."

The DON'T QUIT NOW campaign will consist of TV, Radio and print advertising starting in August, prior to exam results becoming known.

26th June 2000

Up to £442 a year extra for Worcester families.

As Inland Revenue claim forms are dropping through Worcester letterboxes this week, City MP Michael Foster today called for hard working parents in Worcester to make sure they claim their share of an extra £153 million being made available for 450,000 families in the West Midlands through the new Children's Tax Credit. The credit will be worth up to £442 a year, when it comes into force in April 2001.

Five million families are set to gain from this Labour tax cut, giving an extra boost to family incomes of £1.7 billion.

Michael Foster said:
"I want every parent in Worcester to claim this extra help, which could be worth an extra £8.50 a week to families with children, whether couples or lone parents. Here in Worcester, thousands of families stand to gain when the new credit comes on stream next April."

"Labour wants every child to have the best start in life. This extra help comes on top of the biggest ever increase in child benefit, the National Minimum Wage and the recently announced £4.5 million start-up grants for childminders. We're determined to build a fairer tax system and to make work pay for hard working parents".

14th June 2000

Foster moves on lorry noise
Quieter roads for Warndon Villages, thanks to local MP

Warndon Village residents will benefit from quieter roads thanks to intervention by local MP, Michael Foster.

Mr Foster received a complaint from a constituent concerning the noise from lorries along Cotswold Way and Woodgreen Drive, both close to residential properties. Mr Foster immediately contacted the haulier who responded very positively and has directed all drivers along the by-pass, avoiding the built up roads.

Mr Foster said:
" Problems such as these are the bread and butter issues for a constituency MP. My regular surgeries and local surveys bring forward many areas of everyday live that could be made better."

" I am delighted that Taylors of Martley responded so quickly and effectively to my letter of complaint. They have shown real concern over the matter and I thank them for this. I hope that local residents also join me in expressing their gratitude that life will be better for hundreds of people living in Warndon Villages."

" I have written to Taylors of Martley thanking them for taking such actions."

" I am determined that where possible I will get the improvements in the quality of life that people demand. Be it improved sewers, reducing flood risk or less traffic noise I will continue to work tirelessly for my constituents."

" I have forwarded correspondence to Warndon Parish Council so that they also have the opportunity to thank Taylors for their response."

13th June 2000

New figures show New Deal working for young people in Worcester, says local MP

Figures just released to Parliament show that the Government's New Deal programme for the young and long-term unemployed has moved 472 people in Worcester off benefit and into work.

Worcester MP, Michael Foster, today welcomed the figures and said that steps were being taken to increase still further the New Deal's preparation of young people to meet employers' needs.

Michael Foster said:
" The Labour Government has been waging war on youth unemployment and New Deal has been at the heart of that crusade. The number of people aged 18-24 who have been out of work and claiming benefit for 6 months or more has fallen by 71% since the election here in Worcester."

" Nationally, 210,000 young people have been moved off welfare and into work through the New Deal. This is a major achievement but the Government is determined to press on towards the eradication of long-term youth unemployment. By contrast, the Tories would scrap New Deal and with it the hopes of thousands of young people."

" Starting this month, all participants in the New Deal for Young People will benefit from an intensified introductory stage to the programme. The new 'Gateway' will involve more contact with Employment Service advisers and will focus n intensive job-search and on qualities like punctuality, team-working and communication - the skills employers are increasingly looking for when they recruit."

" The commitment of employers and young people in Worcester to New Deal has been outstanding. I have met many young people who have benefited from the scheme. They will not understand the Tories wanting to scrap New Deal. Under the Tories we would return to the days of large numbers of young people living on benefit when they want to work."

7th June 2000

Michael Foster MP backs benefits drive to get pensioners to claim their entitlement

Michael Foster, MP for Worcester, today added his support to a new Government publicity campaign featuring Dame Thora Hird and 'Last of the Summer Wine' actor Peter Sallis which aims to help pensioners.

A major TV campaign is aiming to reach around ½ million pensioners who the Government believes have been missing out on what they are entitled to.

Michael Foster said:
"This will reach those pensioners who are just getting by when they should be getting more. Too many don't claim their entitlement to the Minimum Income Guarantee which Labour has introduced and I want that to be put right."

Claiming is being made much easier. A pioneering electronic claim form will mean that pensioners can phone a special line from the privacy of their homes and an adviser will complete the form for them over the phone. No longer will they have to fill in lengthy claim forms or go to local benefit offices.

The hotline number is 0800 028 1111.

Mr Foster added:
"This campaign is a major step forward in tackling pensioner poverty. Too many pensioners in Worcester have been let down by the system in the past."

22nd May 2000

"Once in a lifetime chance to rebuild the NHS"
MP urges people to use consultation process.

Michael Foster, Labour MP for Worcester, today welcomed the start of a massive consultation exercise on the future of the NHS.

Michael Foster said:
" Health Secretary, Alan Milburn, has launched this nation-wide process to ask the British people how they think the record extra money for the NHS should be spent."

" In the Budget we announced the biggest ever sustained spending increase in the history of the NHS. It will mean that over the next four years the NHS will grow by a third."

" Now we want you to have your say on how best we can make the NHS even better. With this extra money for the NHS we have a once in a lifetime chance to create a 21st Century health service which really puts people first."

" A lot has been done. We're already seeing many changes - 5,000 more nurses last year, 38 new hospitals, including one in Worcester, are being built, 3,000 more heart operations and extra money for cancer services."

" But we know there is lots more to do and we want people to have their say in what they want from the NHS - for them, their families and everyone in Worcester."

" That is why we are launching a nation-wide process for people to have their say on how this record investment in the NHS should be spent. There will be leaflets available for people to feedback their views on the NHS in every hospital, every GP surgery, as well as local chemists and supermarkets. These will be available from today."

" The Tories have said what they want - they want people to pay for major operations like hip replacements and cataracts, even to see a GP. That's not what people tell me they want for Worcester."

" But we need to hear what the people of Worcester really think. For the first time in the history of the NHS, every member of staff and every citizen will have the chance to speak up for the NHS they want to see for themselves, their families and everyone in Worcester."

11th May 2000

Victory in lollipop battle
Foster secures change in law

MP for Worcester, Michael Foster, claimed a victory for common sense, after the Government accepted his amendment to the Transport Bill, which gives greater freedom to School Crossing Patrols. Mr Foster has been campaigning for this move since the autumn of 1997, following a successful lobbying campaign led by Roger Woodward, Road Safety Officer at Worcestershire County Council, and local lollipop lady Tricia McFee.

Mr Foster had tried to change the law in April, by introducing a Private Members Bill. But Tory MP David Maclean objected it to and the Bill made no progress. Late last night, Mr Foster placed an amendment to the Transport Bill, identical to his Private Members Bill, and the Government accepted the change.

This means that when the Bill completes it Lords stages later this year, the long awaited law change will be made. The Government accepted Mr Fosters' amendment, following lengthy and persistent lobbying from the Worcester MP.

Mr Foster said:
" It is a wonderful feeling to change a law, even in what might appear to be a small way. It is an important change because it will have such a huge impact upon people's everyday lives. Crossing the road will be safer when this Bill becomes law. It really is a victory for common sense because the old law was in need of amendment, and after 16 years change has been made."

" I have been conscious that this change is down to people like Tricia McFee and Roger Woodward, two local heroes who brought this problem to my attention. I'm really pleased for them. I have also had tremendous support from the County Council, hundreds of people in Worcester and the Evening News who have all drawn public attention to the need to change this law."

" It is something that Worcester can rightly claim to have given the rest of the country."

" I was bitterly disappointed when my first attempt was blocked by a maverick Tory MP, but I was determined not to give up. It was clear I needed to seek another avenue, and I took the first opportunity that presented itself."

" The Roads Minister, Keith Hill MP, should also be thanked for listening to me, and being patient with my persistent nagging over the last few weeks. It is always an easy accusation to say that Governments don't listen, but I'm glad to say that this is not the case."

" For nearly three years Worcester has been the focus of attention for this issue, thanks to people like Tricia and Roger. I hope when this Bill becomes law, with their change part of it, people in England and Wales will remember this. It is a further example of Worcester's voice being heard in Whitehall."

Editors note: The School Crossing Patrol (Amendment) Bill was presented on April 7th. It allows SCPs to cross pedestrians across the road, with or without accompanying school children.

12th April 2000

Foster writes to Straw ahead of NF march

Michael Foster, MP for Worcester, has written to the Home Secretary Jack Straw urging him to ban any proposed march in Worcester by the National Front.

Mr Foster has written ahead of the City Council meeting that will discuss the issue, on Friday.

Mr Foster has urged the Home Secretary, upon receiving an application to ban a march, to support the ban and make the decision to do so speedily.

Mr Foster said:
"Last year, the police had no grounds to apply for a ban. This year they have, and should the City Council support the police in this matter, they will have my full support."

" It is always difficult to balance free speech and freedom to express an opinion, however objectionable, against the offence that certain views cause to ordinary people. The police believe it necessary to seek a ban, the local community do not wish to see the National Front in Worcester, and I think their opinions carry greater weight than those of the National Front."

" Worcester does not need marches and counter demonstrations on Easter weekend when people just want to go about their everyday business. Why should the majority of people in the City suffer disruption to their lives because of the wishes of the racist few?"

10th April 2000

Michael Foster welcomes child benefit increase for 11,600 Worcester families.

Michael Foster, MP for Worcester, has welcomed a record rise in Child Benefit this week for 11,600 families in Worcester and he backed a further rise from 2001.

Child Benefit will rise for the eldest or only child to £15 this week - a record rise. From April next year it will rise again to £15.50 - it's highest level in real terms. For subsequent children it will rise to £10 this April and to £10.35 next year.

For families on income support we're increasing the child allowances for the under 11s by £1 above inflation from this April. And for all children under 16 whose parents are on income support, there will be an extra £4.35 from October.

Michael Foster said: " Labour has made a commitment to giving children the best start in life, and these record rises in Child Benefit will go some way towards achieving that. These are record rises for 11,600 families in Worcester."

" And we will do more to help the poorest families by committing an extra £4.35 for children under 16 whose parents are on income support."

" No child should be born into poverty or left without the support they need to make the most of their talents and that's why I'm determined to help families with children."

" And we must do more to help parents in the first days after the birth of a new child. We have already announced that the new Sure Start Maternity grant, which helps expectant mothers or new parents on low incomes to buy essentials for their new baby, will be doubled to £200 from April. It will now increase further to £300 from this autumn. Over 200,000 parents across the country will benefit."

" Labour is committed to extending this help to children and hard working families because we recognise the importance of giving all kids the best start to life."

" Labour is on the side of hard working families and I am determined that we give every possible help to parents and children when they need it most."

The Royal Infirmary and GP practices in Worcester are to receive an immediate cash boost as part of an extra £6.323 million allocation to Worcestershire Health Authority. This new money comes as a result of the record NHS spending unveiled in last week's Budget.

The NHS is to receive the largest sustained increase ever - up 35% above inflation over five years. The extra money announced today is the first part of a major increase in money for the health service.
Michael Foster, MP for Worcester, welcoming the new money today said:
" This is real extra money for Worcester's health services. It will make a big difference to our local hospital and GP services."
" Patients expect faster, more convenient health services, these resources will help us to build the modern NHS Worcester needs. Daily we see our new hospital being built, after 40 years of waiting, being delivered by a Labour Government. This new cash allocation will mean more doctors, more nurses and the right number of beds, available in the right places."
The new money will put local health services back on a sound financial footing. The cash boost is expected to be used to develop new services for elderly people in preparation for winter, reduce waiting lists and waiting times for in-patients and out-patients and help to pay for new drugs and treatments as the NHS tackles the post code lottery of care.
This new NHS money is to be fast-tracked through to front line hospital and GP services. This means every penny will benefit patient services rather than pay for red tape. Over the lifetime of the Government, £1 billion is being saved from bureaucracy to pay for NHS services.
Alan Milburn, Secretary of State for Health, said:
" With this new money we have the chance to modernise the NHS for the 21st Century. It must be spent on real services, not red tape."
" In return for rising resources the NHS must raise its game. We will reward those primary care groups and trusts that do well. We will support and intervene where they do not. That will make sure these extra NHS resources are spent where they are needed most, to improve frontline services for patients."
" We are trying hard to build up the local health services people expect. It takes time but we can use the biggest cash boost in the history of the health service to make a real difference to hospital and GP services in Worcester".

9th February 2000

Michael Foster, MP for Worcester, expressed his delight with the Government announcement confirming that pen needle and re-usable insulin pens will be available on prescription for the first time.
Over 400,000 people could benefit from the Government’s decision, which takes effect from March 1st 2000.
Michael Foster said:
" I have received many letters on this matter, and the local City Council have usefully kept up the pressure to get this change. It is really good news to get this change in policy, after many years of campaigning."
" People with diabetes deserve access to top quality standards of care and treatment. Many have to give themselves insulin injections every day of their lives. The comfort and convenience of their injections are therefore more than usually important."
" Injection pens are easier and more convenient to use than syringes, and the needles which fit them are smaller and more comfortable."
" I will be writing to everyone in Worcester who contacted me about this matter, and hopefully they will join me in congratulating the Government on yet another transformation to people’s lives."
" The decision has been warmly welcomed by the British Diabetic Association, who called this ‘excellent news’. I’m sure people in Worcester agree."

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More Bobbies for Worcester

Foster welcomes above average increase in police numbers Michael Foster, MP for Worcester, today welcomed the news that West Mercia police are to get an extra 89 police officers, over and above what they had planned to recruit over the next three years.
The extra officers are funded from the Government’s Crime Fighting Fund, which was announced at last year’s Labour Party conference.
Overall, 5000 extra police officers will be recruited.
Michael Foster said:
" It is great news that an extra 89 police officers will be recruited over the next three years. It will help in the fight against crime and disorder."
" I am even more pleased that West Mercia police, which covers Worcestershire, received an above average increase in police numbers. The police bid for an extra 108 officers, and received 89, compared to average funding increases which would have given only 66. I’m sure this is down to the quality of the bid but also to the recent lobbying of the Minister by local MPs."
" I’m sure that residents up and down Worcester will be delighted that they are likely to have even more police officers operating in the City. Police numbers are higher now than when we formed the Government."
" Effective policing is not just about numbers of officers, but how the police best use their time, technology and resources."
" Labour said it would be tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime. In Worcester, we now have more police officers, more CCTV, new laws to deal with anti-social behaviour and community safety partnerships. Worcester should be an even safer place to live and work."

20th January 2000

Michael Foster, MP for Worcester, today welcomed the decision by Worcester City Council to go ahead with the Safe Routes to School initiative for Redhill Primary School. The scheme will mean a 20-mph speed limit in parts of the Battenhall area, with traffic calming measures keeping speeds down. Mr Foster said: " I am delighted that the scheme has been approved by the City Council. It is a sensible scheme, which could be a life-saver as well creating a better environment for those in Battenhall."
The three local Conservative councillors, two of whom actually voted against it last night, opposed the scheme.
Mr Foster said: " I am shocked and bewildered that the Leader of the Conservative Group on the City Council voted against this scheme. It is an appalling act, when young people’s lives could be at stake."