Edward Davey MP - Press releases

Issued by: Keith Reed
Embargo: Immediate, 23/08/99

"Government failing pensioners with computer failure" - Edward Davey

MP’s visit to Kingston’s Benefits Agency shows need for more support to unpick computer muddle over pension applications

Following his visit to Kingston’s Benefits Agency on 30th July, local MP Edward Davey, believes the Government is not tackling fast enough the delays facing new pensioners applying for their pensions for the first time.

Mr. Davey discovered that the Government sent out guidelines that pension applications are only due to be completed by the end of December. This is in direct contrast to the Government’s promise to deal with the problem as quickly as possible.

The delays facing new pensioners were originally caused by problems with the National Insurance Recording System (NIRS II). The new system could not find years of information about national insurance contributions paid in by people during their working lives. So new pensioners had to wait to get their full pension awards, and sometimes had to provide the DSS with their employment history going back decades.

The Government has refused to comply with Liberal Democrats calls for an inquiry into the way the NIRS II contract has been handled.

Commenting on the ongoing problems, Edward Davey said,

"During my visit it became clear that with the resources available to them, the staff at the Kingston Benefits Agency can do no more."

"Contrary to the Government’s promises, this problem is set to continue for many months placing many local pensioners in an uncertain financial position."

"The Government must be mature enough to admit that it has made a mistake and learn from their errors."

"They should then provide the necessary back-up to the hard-pressed staff, so that local pensioners receive the service they deserve."

Ends

School nurses

Issued by: Keith Reed
Embargo: Immediate, 27/08/99

"Local children’s long term health will be at risk if the school nurses’ service is reduced." - Edward Davey

Kingston & Surbiton’s MP warns Health Authority of the dangers of cutting the school nurses’ service.

As the new school term approaches, Edward Davey MP has written to the Chair of the local Health Authority, Julie Reay, to ask whether or not the Health Authority will be cutting the school nurse service, following their review and the uproar at the end of the last school year.

In response to local nurses’ requests for assistance, Edward has written to Julie Reay to ask for an urgent meeting if service reductions are still likely to be implemented. The consequences of this would be the loss of one full time and one part time member of the team leaving the number of annual check ups and services that the team provides to local schools severely restricted.

Commenting on the potential consequences of these cuts, Edward Davey MP said,

"At the end of last term, these nurses discovered that two local pupils had hearing difficulties and that if they did not received immediate treatment the impact could have been devastating for these young children.

"Regular health checks are the only way that many of these problems are identified and the consequences of the school nurse service being reduced are frightening."

"I know that many parents and teachers are gravely concerned by these proposals and I intend to make the Health Authority fully aware of the local community’s concern."

"I have offered to meet with the Chairperson of the Health Authority to discuss this issue. I feel it is in everyone’s interests to recognise the strong sense of support and the good value for money that this service provides, and keep it."

ENDS

Cllr. Julie Reay,
Chair, Kingston & Richmond Health Authority
22, Hollyfield Rd,
Surbiton
Surrey
KT5 9AL 27th
August 1999

You will, no doubt, recall the recent concern locally with the Health Authority’s proposals for the provision of school nurses. I understand the Authority is currently reviewing this proposal pending a review of the services provided to local schools to be compiled by the nurses themselves.

As we approach the start of the new school year, it would be extremely helpful for local schools, parents and the employees involved if the Health Authority would clarify the future of this service and announce the review’s conclusions.

I strongly believe that the authority should continue and develop this vital service instead of reducing the number and role of school nurses. I believe this service represents good value for money and plays a major role in catching children’s health problems at an early stage.

If reducing this service in any way is still being considered as a realistic option by the Health Authority, I would be grateful for a meeting in early September to be able to explain why I believe this would be an extremely bad decision.

I look forward to your reply.

Yours sincerely,

Edward Davey MP

TV Licences

Issued by: Keith Reed
Embargo: Immediate, 30/08/99

"BBC must not hit pensioners by scrapping cheap TV licences"

Edward Davey responds to the BBC’s consultation paper by calling for retention of concessionary TV licences

Fearful pensioners have contacted Edward Davey MP calling for his assistance in trying to prevent the BBC from removing the TV licence concession they receive for living in sheltered accommodation. As a result, he has written a strongly worded response to the BBC consultation team responsible for producing these proposals, backing local pensioners’ concerns. Mr Davey said,

"The BBC’s view that this concession is no longer needed is completely false."

"TV licences cost almost the equivalent value of two weeks’ worth of state pension entitlement and it is hard to see how pensioners in sheltered accommodation will meet this extra cost."

"In fact, as a Liberal Democrat, I would like to see TV licence concessions extended in order to offset some of the financial difficulties pensioners face. I believe that free TV licences should be made available to all pensioners over the age of 75."

Commenting on the many problems faced by pensioners who have contacted him in connection with this issue, Edward said,

"From my conversations with many older residents, the issue of concessionary TV licences is just the tip of the iceberg."

"I was aware that local pensioners found it hard to survive under the last Tory Government but I was surprised to find out that this Government’s new Minimum Income Guarantee will leave over a million of the poorest pensioners no better off."

"I am proud to say that the Liberal Democrats are calling for the Government to pay an extra £3 a week to the over 75’s and an extra £5 a week to the over 80s to be implemented immediately."

"Our calculations have shown that this changes would provide real improvements in the standard of living for many of the poorest people in our society."

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