It's been another busy Parliamentary session at the House of Commons. As the new Parliamentary begins with the Queen's Speech, I wanted to take a look back at some of the Bills I've voted for this session and give you an idea of what legislation I've been working on down here, most of which will affect my constituents.
The Concessionary Bus Travel Act meant that everyone in Edmonton aged 60 and over and eligible disabled people will now have free off peak bus travel, from 1 April 2008. Meanwhile, the Further Education and Training Act has given our local further education sector the means to play its part in delivering the skills Britain and Edmonton need for the 21st century.
As you know, there has been a great deal of public consultation on health in our local area this year. The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act will give a stronger voice to local communities in the commissioning and provision of health and social care services, enabling people to influence the services they use.
The over-60s in Edmonton have also gained from several changes to the state pension this year. The Pensions Act had measures in it to make the basic State Pension more generous by restoring the link with earnings during the next Parliament. It also reduced the number of years it takes to build a full basic State Pension from 44 years for men (39 for women) to 30 years for everyone. At the same time, it streamlined the regulation of private pensions, making it easier for people to plan and save for retirement.
I think you’ll agree, these are all important and far-reaching measures, which will make a real difference to many of my constituents’ lives. This year has seen many changes, with the handover from Blair to Brown, and so many new Bills coming through Parliament. But I believe that this Queen’s speech is an opportunity to bring about a period of renewed vitality and enthusiasm. I’m looking forward to the next Parliamentary year, which I’m sure will see even more positive changes!
The Concessionary Bus Travel Act meant that everyone in Edmonton aged 60 and over and eligible disabled people will now have free off peak bus travel, from 1 April 2008. Meanwhile, the Further Education and Training Act has given our local further education sector the means to play its part in delivering the skills Britain and Edmonton need for the 21st century.
As you know, there has been a great deal of public consultation on health in our local area this year. The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act will give a stronger voice to local communities in the commissioning and provision of health and social care services, enabling people to influence the services they use.
The over-60s in Edmonton have also gained from several changes to the state pension this year. The Pensions Act had measures in it to make the basic State Pension more generous by restoring the link with earnings during the next Parliament. It also reduced the number of years it takes to build a full basic State Pension from 44 years for men (39 for women) to 30 years for everyone. At the same time, it streamlined the regulation of private pensions, making it easier for people to plan and save for retirement.
I think you’ll agree, these are all important and far-reaching measures, which will make a real difference to many of my constituents’ lives. This year has seen many changes, with the handover from Blair to Brown, and so many new Bills coming through Parliament. But I believe that this Queen’s speech is an opportunity to bring about a period of renewed vitality and enthusiasm. I’m looking forward to the next Parliamentary year, which I’m sure will see even more positive changes!
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