Budget

Some very good measures in the Budget to help hard working families in places like South East Cambridgeshire.

Increase in the ISA allowances and major help to savers.

Spoke to a women whilst out campaigning today and she told me that she would vote for me as I was the first person to bother taking the time to see her.

Local Government Reform

Of to a meeting with the Boundary Committee for England today.

Unitary Council's are a good thing in general as they save the Council Tax payer money the key is not boundaries but quality cost effect public services.

Ely Market place

Just back from handing out leaflets in Ely market place meet loads of people again who I have already meet on the doorstep.

We were outside a very busy Fish and Chip Shop I resisited this time and did not break my diet despite the great smells.

Press Release sent to me the other day

Got sent this Press Release the other day might be of interest

DEREHAM & DISTRICT LABOUR PARTY

PRESS RELEASE



TOM BIDS FOR COUNTY SEAT

A 19 year old lad from Dereham could be following in his father’s footsteps after Tom Goreham was selected to contest the Dereham (North) seat in the Norfolk County Council Elections to be held on Thursday 4th June.

Tom is believed to be one of the youngest candidates in Norfolk and would become the youngest ever Norfolk County Councillor, if elected.

Tom’s parents, Robin and Linda Goreham, have given a total of 23 years’ service to the town as local councillors. Tom’s dad Robin has been Town Mayor on two occasions and is the County Councillor for Dereham (South). Now it could be Tom’s turn after the Dereham Labour Party selected him to stand in June.

Tom said: “As a younger person I will attempt to bring a fresh approach to local politics and I pledge to work hard to provide a voice for the people of Dereham and Scarning, should I be elected”.

Look out for Tom and his team when they embark on the campaign trail over the coming weeks.

Mum and Dad will not be left out, however. Linda will be contesting the Elmham & Mattishall county seat while Robin will be defending the Dereham (South) seat which he has represented for the last four years.

For further information, contact: 01362 691179.

County Council Elections

Been out today sorting out the upcoming Norfolk County Council Elections.

Looks like we will be having 84 Candidates in 84 seats which is something the Liberals, Greens and BNP will probably not manage.

The recent McBride affair has been blown out of all proportion all I can say is it must have been a slow day for news over Easter.

State of Emergency

The lastest political protests in Bankok are very worrying in my fear is instability in the far east may spread.

Help for new mums

Labour Parliamentary Candidate John Cowan urges new mums in South East Cambridgeshire to claim £190 help from Government

£190 cash boost for every new mum in South East Cambridgeshire

From today, mums will get tax-free payment from the Government to help if you're a mum-to-be who's at least 25 weeks pregnant. The payment is called a 'Health in Pregnancy Grant'.

John Cowan Labour Parliamentary Candidate is today urging mums-to-be in South East Cambridgeshire to claim their £190. Women who are not yet 25 weeks into their pregnancy can register for a handy text or email reminder, so that they do not forget to claim their £190 when they get to 25 weeks.

68 000 women in our region will benefit from this extra support.

John Cowan said:

"Having a baby is an exciting time for mums and their families. Whether it's your first time or you're having another child there is lots of planning and preparation. From getting a pushchair to stocking up on nappies, there are bills to pay.

"To get the grant mums to be will need to get a claim form from their midwife or doctor. So I would urge mums to do this as soon as possible.

"I'm proud that children and families are at the heart of Labour’s policies, but especially so during these tough times. This cash boost will make a real difference to families in South East Cambridgeshire."

Notes for Editors

1. Who can get Health in Pregnancy Grant?

You can get the grant if all of the following apply:

you are 25 weeks pregnant or more your expected date of delivery is on or after 6 April 2009 you have been given health advice from a midwife or doctor

you may not get the grant if:

you are subject to immigration control or you are not present, ordinarily resident or have a right to reside in the UK

2. How much do you get?
The grant will be a one-off payment of £190 for each pregnancy. It will not affect your tax credits or any other benefits. Everyone will get the same amount – you will not be asked about your income.

3. How do you claim?
Get a claim form from your midwife or doctor any time from 1 January 2009 onwards - as long as you're at least 25 weeks pregnant and your expected delivery date is on or after 6 April 2009. Your midwife or doctor must fill in their part of the form and sign it before giving it to you.

You will need to get your claim form to HMRC within 31 days of your midwife or doctor signing the form - otherwise you may miss out on the grant.

You can get a free text message or email reminder to help you remember to claim if you are not 25 weeks pregnant yet. This can be accessed at the following link www.campaigns.direct.gov.uk/money4mum2be/alerts.jsp

Start of a new season

Very good weekend at Brands Hatch some really talented drivers out there.

One to watch include Alice Powell, Nathan Freke and Tom Dunston