News Andy Burnham MP for Leigh

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27/04/2009 - Better service and bigger grants will help thousands of people save money and keep warm says MP

Households in Leigh will have more cash to spend on heating systems and insulation under changes to the Warm Front scheme welcomed by Andy Burnham MP.

Customers will get a better deal from the Warm Front Scheme now that the Government has made changes to the service. These changes will lead to better value for money for customers as the Scheme will be opened up to greater competition.

Andy said,“I welcome the changes made by the government to the scheme that will lead to better value for money for local people.

“Costs have gone up, so now is the right time to offer real help now. I want to ensure that the number of customers asked to make a contribution will be vastly reduced. It will mean some of the most vulnerable households will get vital heating and insulation measures installed in their homes. And with low carbon heating system available for the first time, it will help some of the poorest families play their part in tackling climate change while keeping warm.”

The current maximum grant for the Scheme is £2,700 and £4,000 where an oil heating system is recommended. The proposed changes will increase these to £3,500 (up £800) and £6,000 (up £2,000) to mainly reflect changes in labour and materials costs. This also responds to the findings of the recently published NAO report which found that the maxima were inadequate.

The government is carrying out a review of all aspects of the Scheme to ensure that operationally it is as effective as possible and that we are getting value for money.

The government has taken the step of announcing changes to the grant maxima ahead of any other changes to ensure that more vulnerable households are able to get the heating and insulation they need without having to make a contribution to the cost.

This change will ensure that the number of customers asked to make a contribution will be vastly reduced. It will mean some of the most vulnerable households will get vital heating and insulation measures installed in their homes.

20/04/2009 - MP welcomes help for Miners’ Knee Victims

Thousands of miners suffering from Osteoarthritis of the knee, commonly known as ‘Miners’ Knee’, won a victory as it was announced by Andy Burnham MP that they will be able to claim help from the Government.

Following a campaign by coalfield MP’s, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, James Purnell confirmed that osteoarthritis of the knee would be added to the list of ‘prescribed diseases’ meaning that sufferers would now be able to apply for State compensation through the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.

Andy Burnham MP welcomed the victory saying, "As the 25th anniversary of the miners strike brings back painful memories in former mining communities it is fitting that the government is giving this help to those injured by their work under ground."

“This painful disease has made life very difficult for a large number of retired miners and forced others to end their working life earlier than planned so I am pleased that we are now in a position that we will be able to offer them valuable financial assistance.”

The Government estimates that thousands of former miners will now be able to benefit from this change.

Ministers have decided to act on the recommendation from the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council that coal miners who have worked underground for ten years or more should be able to claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.

Symptoms of the disease include pain, swelling, stiffness and reduced mobility. The change is expected to come into force in the summer.

20/04/2009 - MP welcomes real help through Money Advice for people in Leigh

The government is taking steps to offer real help to people on money and finances in Leigh.

A new money advice service helping people in Leigh aims to help households tackle their money worries and make informed financial decisions with confidence, whether it’s avoiding debt problems, coping with a change in circumstances, or preparing for the future.

Andy Burnham MP said, “This new money advice service will provide real help at a time when people urgently need it - clear, impartial and personalised information, education and guidance on money matters."

“I am delighted that people in Leigh will benefit from this new service which will provide guidance on money matters that shape their everyday lives."

“I know that making decisions about finances can be daunting – this service will help families now and with planning for the future.”

People can now access the service at www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk, via the Moneymadeclear helpline on 0300 500 5000. and face-to-face through regional partner organisations and charities.