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Let’s Tackle Domestic Violence
Says Jamie Reed, MP
This time of the year can often be a very stressful
period for some of us. Short days, cold weather and Christmas bills can all
make life difficult. It's a sad fact that the divorce rate soars at this
time of the year and tragically, it is often also the case that incidences
of domestic violence increase as well.
Nobody should suffer in silence, trapped in an abusive and destructive
relationship. I am informed by the Police that domestic violence is an
under-reported issue in West Cumbria and that many officers know victims of
this blight who are simply too afraid to come forward and seek help.
Domestic violence ruins lives and should not be tolerated. If you know
anyone affected by domestic violence, or are suffering from it yourself,
please seek help and take action as soon as you can. As always, my office is
on hand to help in whatever we way we can on 01946 62024.
World's First Commissioner for Older People
Congratulations to Rhodri
Morgan, Labour's First Minister of Wales for creating the world's first
Commissioner for Older People. Late last year I called for a Minister for
Older People but the Government of Wales has beaten the Westminster
Government to the punch. Some believe that such a post is patronising or
condescending to older people, but I disagree. I see an Older People's
Minister as someone who can advocate the issues older people care about the
most and co-ordinate government policy with regard to the effects it has
upon older people. In today's youth-obsessed culture, such a role is more
important than ever before and would be of real importance to a huge swathe
of our society.
Pressure Fetches Bigger Hospital as PCT listens
After more long negotiations with the PCT and Acute
Hospitals Trust over the Christmas period, the new acute hospital for West
Cumbria will not now consist of 192 beds, but 220 beds. This has, again,
been hard won, but the PCT would appear to be listening to local concerns
and acting upon them. These improvements wouldn't be possible without the
impassioned support of the community for the hospital and for health service
improvements.
Remember, the PCT consultation on local health services closes on February
1st. Don’t miss your chance to be involved.
Recognition for Copeland's National Service
The Government’s agreement to set up a Community Fund to
recognise the service the Copeland Community provides to the nation is a
great Christmas present for the local community. £1.5 million pounds is to
be paid into the fund every year the Repository is receiving waste, and an
initial endowment of £10m will be made to start the fund off. The fund could
represent a value of £75 million over the operating lifetime of the
facility.
This has not been an easy process. Negotiations have been very testing and
difficult, , but we have received the right result and I'm very grateful for
that. I have worked with Ministers and senior civil servants around the
clock for a long time to achieve this and Copeland Borough Council and
Cumbria County Council worked in an extremely close and collegiate way which
has been vital. This partnership approach is essential and should be the
bedrock of our future approach to such issues and our future success.
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