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VIEWPOINT FOR 22 JANUARY 2009
FROM DR RICHARD TAYLOR
The financial
crisis is appropriately taking up much time in the House
of Commons.
The hoped for party political consensus on the best remedial
actions for this country was short lived and now the parties
are at each others throats about the Government's plans.
As a
constituency member concerns raised to me include_
-
the changes
that mean that now rates are payable on empty business
premises which reduces the value of these premises as
collateral for loans, and_
-
the
difficulties of medium sized businesses who feel that
small businesses and, at the other end of the scale, large
high profile concerns are getting more help than they
are.
On the first of
these I have written to the Chancellor and await his
answer.
On the second I am talking to some of our local manufacturers
before taking their concerns to Ministers.
On a more
encouraging note I have had a letter from one bank saying that
they do have funds available for loans to small and medium
sized businesses.
________
There is bad news from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC)
about the funding for the vital developments planned
for the Sladen School site.
I have just received a letter from the relevant Minister
offering a meeting to discuss this.
Of course I have accepted this offer eagerly and now will make
sure I have all the facts at my finger tips as if this
development is delayed there are very difficult consequences
for all our secondary schools and Kidderminster College.
________
On Tuesday evening there was a special Choral Evensong
in Worcester Cathedral to celebrate and give thanks for
the Women's Land Army whose local members carried out
such sterling service in agriculture and market gardening in
Worcestershire during the Second World War.
Acquaintances of mine who attended enjoyed the service and the
subsequent Mayor's Reception immensely.
The ex-Land Girls wore their prized commemorative badges with
pride and some had photos that brought back memories of their
invaluable service. How excellent that such an event was
arranged and given the Queen's support by the presence of the
Lord Lieutenant.
________
There is some good news from the LSC.
They are holding their sixth annual Apprenticeship Awards.
These are designed to recognise and reward both employers and
apprentices and this year will culminate in the selection of a
National winner for each category. The closing date for
applications is the 27 February at the conclusion of National
Apprenticeship Week. Details can be obtained from: www.apprenticeships.org.uk/awards
________
I have learnt that Worcestershire is one of 33 local
authorities piloting a new full-time volunteering scheme
launched by the youth volunteering charity v under the
title of v talent year.
There will be 44 week volunteering placements within local
authority Children's and Young People's Services.
At least 40% of placements will be for young people who are
not in employment, education or training and volunteers will
receive support and training to improve their
employability.
Recruitment is taking place now and details can
be obtained from
Peter Sugg, psugg@worcestershire.gov.uk
RT
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