Sutton Borough Liberal Democrats

Local MP and Minister for Care Services, Paul Burstow visited Boots Opticians on Sutton High Street on Friday 27th January to find out why regular eye tests are so important in preventing blindness. 1.8 million people[1] in the UK are living with sight loss and this figure is set to increase by 115% to nearly 4 million people by 2050, largely due to the ageing population. Much of this is preventable through the early detection and treatment of eye problems. Regular eye tests are a simple and practical way to maintain good eye health and look after your eyes. Local Optometrist and Chair of the Local Optical Committee Sonal Patel explained the health benefits of regular eye tests: "An eye test is not just to check whether you need glasses but is also a means of ensuring your eyes are healthy. An eye test can also pick up other health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes, so they are an important health check for everyone. Many eye conditions such as glaucoma are treatable and sight loss can be prevented if they are detected early enough." Commenting on his visit Paul Burstow MP said: "Given that sight is one of the most vital senses, it is really important that people take good care of their eyesight, and if ever in doubt, visit their local opticians. As we update the NHS it is a good thing that opticians will be taking a greater role in the public's health alongside clinicians and their local authorities." Many groups of people are entitled to free NHS sight tests. These include those aged 60 and over, all children under 16 and those on low incomes. Optical practices are convenient and offer easy access in the local community. You can visit any practice that is either near where you live or where you work. Optical practices can see NHS patients at times that suit them. 1 Notes to Editors: 1) Access Economics, 'The Future Sight Loss UK.' 2009. This research was commissioned by the RNIB, one of the members of the Eye Health Alliance. The report is available to download here: http://www.vision2020uk.org.uk/ukvisionstrategy/page.asp?section=74 2) The visit was arranged as part of the Optical Confederation's ongoing campaign to reduce the high level of avoidable sight loss in the UK. 3) The attached photos include: 1) Paul Bustow MP with Sonal Patel Merton Sutton and Wandsworth LOC Chair. 2) LOC Chair Sonal Patel Paul Burstow MP David Hewlett. "Published and promoted by Sutton Liberal Democrats on behalf of Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrats), both of 234 Gander Green Lane, Cheam SM3 9QF. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Patients at St Helier Hospital- from newborns in the maternity unit to elderly people being treated in the specialty wards - were handed Christmas gifts from two local MPs and the hospital's dedicated charity this morning (23 December 2011). The St Helier and Sutton League of Friends purchased 350 small gifts for patients and distributed them with the help of Paul Burstow, MP for Sutton and Cheam and Minister of State for Care Services, and MP for Carshalton and Wallington, Tom Brake. Director of Nursing Pippa Hart was also on hand to help out with presenting the gifts to patients. She said: "I would like to thank Tom and Paul for coming to St Helier, and the League of Friends for buying and wrapping such a large amount of gifts. It wasn't a small task, but it has had a huge impact on our patients. "We know that our patients would rather be home at this time of year, but sadly, that's not always possible. We hope that a present from the League of Friends, along with the chance to chat to their local MPs today, has brightened our patients' stay in hospital and brought them a little more Christmas cheer." Paul Burstow MP said: "It was a privilege to join volunteers from the League of Friends and be a part of their annual Christmas ward round. "It is obvious to me just how important the volunteers ofSt Helierand Sutton hospitals truly are, and to see first hand how they lift the spirits of those around them was very touching. "I would like to wish all of the patients, visitors and staff at the hospitals all the very best for the festive season and2012." Tom Brake MP said: "It was an absolute pleasure to help the League of Friends and to meet such a large number of patients, visitors and staff. "Although I am sure it's not easy to be in hospital over the Christmas period, it's good to see the patients are being well looked after." Chair of the Friends Val Brundle: "Giving out Christmas gifts to patients is something that we do every year, and I must admit, it's usually the most heart-warming event of our calendar. "We only ever hand out small gifts, but the smiles we get back are incredible. We aim to lift the patients' spirit and I think we have definitely managed that. I would like to thank Tom and Paul for joining us, and would also like to thank the matrons, nurses and the support staff on the wards who have helped us to hand out the presents." For more information about the work of the Trust, including how you can get involved with the League of Friends, visit www.epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk/supportus. You can also keep up with all of our latest news by following us on Twitter, at twitter.com/epsom_sthelier or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/epsomsthelier. Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust Press Release (23 December 2011) "Published and promoted by Sutton Liberal Democrats on behalf of Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrats), both of 234 Gander Green Lane, Cheam SM3 9QF. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Paul Burstow has welcomed the Autumn Statement, saying it will offer practical help to those who need it most, while steering the economy towards a stable recovery. Delivered in the House of Commons today (TUE), the bi-annual economic forecast includes plans to increase the state pension and provide more free education to young children. The statement confirmed that the Coalition will raise the basic state pension by £5.30 to £107.45 a week from April next year - the largest cash increase ever. This move will benefit around 11 million pensioners nationally and more than 25,000 residents in the Sutton, Cheam and Worcester Park area. Today's statement also revealed that the standard minimum income guarantee in the pension credit system will rise by 3.9% to £142.70 a week for single pensioners and £217.90 a week for pensioner couples from April next year. Paul has championed the rights of older people for over a decade, both as a local MP and in his role as a Liberal Democrat health minister. Responding to the news, he said: "The Liberal Democrats in Coalition are doing the right thing by pensioners and all those who need that little bit of help and support through difficult times. "We are protecting the poorest people from the inflation rise connected to higher energy and food prices and will deliver on our triple guarantee to pensioners." Other key measures in the Autumn Statement secured by the Liberal Democrats working in Coalition include: An extension of free childcare up until the age of two for the poorest families. An additional 15% bank tax which will bring in an extra £300million for the economy. The cancellation of the 3p fuel duty rise in January 2012 - helping small business owners and commuters to save more. A £1bn "Youth Contract" announced by Liberal Democrat leader and Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg last week to create jobs and apprenticeships for young people. Yesterday (TUE) the Office for Budget Responsibility said growth had stalled due to higher-than-expected inflation which in turn had squeezed household incomes and consumer spending. The continuing Eurozone crisis is also likely to lead to tighter credit conditions for families and businesses. Taking this into consideration, the Liberal Democrats believe the Autumn Statement will restore stability to public finances and build the foundations for a stronger economy. "Published and promoted by Sutton Liberal Democrats on behalf of Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrats), both of 234 Gander Green Lane, Cheam SM3 9QF. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Paul Burstow has welcomed the Autumn Statement, saying it will offer practical help to those who need it most, while steering the economy towards a stable recovery. Delivered in the House of Commons today (TUE), the bi-annual economic forecast includes plans to increase the state pension and provide more free education to young children. The statement confirmed that the Coalition will raise the basic state pension by £5.30 to £107.45 a week from April next year - the largest cash increase ever. This move will benefit around 11 million pensioners nationally and more than 25,000 residents in the Sutton, Cheam and Worcester Park area. Today's statement also revealed that the standard minimum income guarantee in the pension credit system will rise by 3.9% to £142.70 a week for single pensioners and £217.90 a week for pensioner couples from April next year. Paul has championed the rights of older people for over a decade, both as a local MP and in his role as a Liberal Democrat health minister. Responding to the news, he said: "The Liberal Democrats in Coalition are doing the right thing by pensioners and all those who need that little bit of help and support through difficult times. "We are protecting the poorest people from the inflation rise connected to higher energy and food prices and will deliver on our triple guarantee to pensioners." Other key measures in the Autumn Statement secured by the Liberal Democrats working in Coalition include: An extension of free childcare up until the age of two for the poorest families. An additional 15% bank tax which will bring in an extra £300million for the economy. The cancellation of the 3p fuel duty rise in January 2012 - helping small business owners and commuters to save more. A £1bn "Youth Contract" announced by Liberal Democrat leader and Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg last week to create jobs and apprenticeships for young people. Yesterday (TUE) the Office for Budget Responsibility said growth had stalled due to higher-than-expected inflation which in turn had squeezed household incomes and consumer spending. The continuing Eurozone crisis is also likely to lead to tighter credit conditions for families and businesses. Taking this into consideration, the Liberal Democrats believe the Autumn Statement will restore stability to public finances and build the foundations for a stronger economy. "Published and promoted by Sutton Liberal Democrats on behalf of Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrats), both of 234 Gander Green Lane, Cheam SM3 9QF. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Paul has written "I'm sure you remember the large notices erected at the end of the last year in the approach roads to Central Road, warning of a lengthy programme of necessary works which various utilities companies needed to complete to improve the services running under this road. Your local Lib Dem councillors and I were alarmed to discover that if all works were to be completed independently of each other, there would be continuous road works for 18 months! Obviously, works of this length of time were something to be avoided as much as possible. However, by ensuring good co-ordination between contractors so as much work as possible occurred simultaneously, this was cut to about 10 months. Once the replacement of parts of the gas main was completed, it was felt that residents should be given a rest from the problems, and a chance of normality for a period of time. However, now the summer school holidays have hit - meaning that traffic is at its lightest - it makes sense to re-start the programme. The work to ensure the safe and effective delivery of our gas and water supply is essential. Burst water mains are even more disruptive than this work and by their nature unpredictable - and ruptured gas mains are even worse to contemplate. I realise that this seems to be a problem without end, but I'm afraid that this is a necessary exercise to ensure the smooth-running of services - which could have progressed for almost double the length of time it will. The scale of the works being undertaken is immense, and the time needed to accomplish each phase is, understandably, substantial. The required works include: Replacing 919m of water mains - to take 80 days Making 118 service connections - to take 78 days Making 12 connections to joining mains in side roads - to take 24 days Cleaning and sterilising the pipework by carrying out two chlorination procedures - to take 40 days Carrying out two flushing procedures to flush out the chlorination chemicals - to take 14 days I have been assured that the working area will be kept as small as practical, in an attempt to minimise the disturbance. The work by local councillors and others has meant that this process is as short as possible, and they continue to press to ensure that the work progresses as swiftly as possible. At the end of these works, local residents will have the benefit of confidence in their water, gas and electric services, knowing that they are up to date and recently improved." "Published and promoted by Sutton Liberal Democrats on behalf of Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrats), both of 234 Gander Green Lane, Cheam SM3 9QF. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Sutton MPs Tom Brake and Paul Burstow have today spoken out to condemn the scenes seen across London in recent days, and to assure local residents that those responsible for the chaos will be brought to justice. The town saw a number of incidents on Monday night, including damage to shop windows and shutters in the High Street and an attempted break in and looting of a mobile phone shop in Rose Hill. Police officers were also forced to clear the High Street a number of times after missile attacks from groups of youths. After many shops and local businesses closed early yesterday evening after bouts of looting hit other areas of the city, police returned to the streets with a large and visible presence to protect local residents and businesses. The police reported no incidents of note. Sutton police have already made several arrests regarding the incidents in the High Street and Rose Hill. They have pledged to continue investigating, and further arrests are anticipated. After visiting the site of the attempted break in Rose Hill yesterday, Tom said: "Luckily, the looters only managed to smash the windows. The Police reacted quickly and professionally, and were able to arrest them before they escaped. Our thanks must go out to the brave police who prevented the situation here in Sutton from escalating like in other areas across London." He continued: "These people have unmistakeably shown a complete and utter disregard not only for the law, but also for their own communities. This copycat violence is nothing more than a sickening display of vandalism and lawlessness. Let there be no doubt. These crimes will not be tolerated, and the perpetrators will be brought to justice." While Sutton and Cheam MP, Paul Burstow, is cutting his holiday short to attend Parliament and hold meetings with the Borough's Police Commander and Council Leaders. He will also be visiting the Police Station to thank police officers and staff for their 'dedication to protecting the public'. Commenting Paul Burstow MP said, "There can be no justification or excuse for what is wanton destruction and criminal behaviour. The scenes of violence and riot on our streets have been shocking. "Compared to many parts of London Sutton has been spared the worst. However, that is down to a rapid local response by the police. With good intelligence and co-ordination with the Council no effort must be spared to thwart those who would spread chaos and crime." "Published and promoted by Sutton Liberal Democrats on behalf of Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrats), both of 234 Gander Green Lane, Cheam SM3 9QF. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Paul Burstow MP has commended local football league, Surrey Youth League on their hard work after they were given the FA Charter Standard League Award, for the South East of England region, in this year's FA Community Awards, presented by McDonald's. Voted for by peers, The FA Community Awards were founded in 2010 to recognise and celebrate those coaches, volunteers, clubs and leagues in counties across England who dedicate their time to grassroots football in their local community. Regional winners are in with a chance of winning a national award, which are announced later this summer at the FA Community Shield match between Manchester United and Manchester City. Surrey Youth League has received this award in recognition of the energy devoted by the League towards improving the experience for players and volunteers through new procedures. In addition, its strategic thinking in terms of constantly developing youth football and disability football is also to be credited. Local MP and football fan Paul Burstow said: "I was delighted to hear that Surrey Youth League had won this much deserved award. Sport is a great way to bring a community together. The League's hard work and dedication to this end is to be admired, and I am pleased to see it recognised with an FA Community Award." McDonald's Director of Football, Sir Geoff Hurst, who launched the FA Community Awards 2011 search for nominations back in February, said: "The FA and McDonald's Community Football Awards were established as a way of rewarding the extraordinary number of volunteers that lend their time and support to grassroots football, simply for their love of the game." As the FA's Community Partner and the nation's biggest supporter of grassroots football, McDonald's has once again partnered with The FA to promote the Community Awards. Over the last eight years, McDonald's has helped drive the training and recruitment of over 20,000 community coaches and aims to improve standards at grassroots level to help coaches and clubs play an even greater role in community football. "Published and promoted by Sutton Liberal Democrats on behalf of Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrats), both of 234 Gander Green Lane, Cheam SM3 9QF. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

The MP for Sutton, Cheam and Worcester Park has met with company officials about the train services being provided by First Capital Connect on the Wimbledon Loop. Reacting to the latest passenger satisfaction figures, which showed that FCC received the lowest overall satisfaction rating in the country, Paul Burstow MP quizzed the company on their plans to rectify the problems regularly faced by local commuters. Mr Burstow said, "First Capital Connect must work harder to tackle the problems local commuters are facing. "Whilst I welcome the news that they are working to improve their communications with customers through social media such as Twitter, many commuters don't have access to that technology. First, they should ensure that the information boards at stations are properly working. "As someone who uses the train most days to travel into London, I share the frustration of many commuters when the information boards don't display the right information. "Sutton residents deserve major improvements to the service First Capital Connect provides, and I will continue to put pressure on to secure these improvements." "Published and promoted by Sutton Liberal Democrats on behalf of Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrats), both of 234 Gander Green Lane, Cheam SM3 9QF. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

In the last weeks, Paul Burstow has met with Sutton LINk, St. Helier's Carshalton Diabetes UK and large groups of medical professionals in Sutton, to discuss the Government's changes to the NHS. Paul spoke of the NHS Future Forum's listening exercise, saying, "Over 30,000 written comments from the public were received, and 200 public listening meetings were held. The NHS has to change to suit the 21st Century, with a rapidly aging population which must be adapted to." He added, "I received a whole range of questions from the meetings over the last two weeks, from integration of services to how the NHS will improve focus on preventative care. The views and reactions of local patients and medical professionals on these issues are vitally important." "Published and promoted by Sutton Liberal Democrats on behalf of Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrats), both of 234 Gander Green Lane, Cheam SM3 9QF. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Paul Burstow, MP for Sutton, Cheam andWorcesterPark, has strongly welcomed the news that the decision to scrap cheques has been reversed by the UK Payments Council. Paul Burstow said, "Lib Dem MPs led the campaign to save the cheque, and it was backed by thousands of people across theUK. For community groups, for small businesses and for older people here in Sutton, being able to pay by cheque is hugely important. Local Cllr Mary Burstow extended her thanks to all the local people who signed the Lib Dem petition to save the cheque, and said, "For millions of people across theUK, cheques remain a very popular way to pay. In the last year alone, over a billion transactions were made by cheque. "This is a great victory for people power and common sense, and proves that the banks cannot afford to ignore the views of their customers," added the Cheam councillor. "Published and promoted by Sutton Liberal Democrats on behalf of Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrats), both of 234 Gander Green Lane, Cheam SM3 9QF. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Local Lib Dems have accused Network Rail of turning their backs on Sutton's commuters over plans to cut a direct rail link across London. Commuters from Sutton use First Capital Connect's Thameslink service to get to work in the City and central London every day. Many other local people use it to catch the Eurostar, travel to Luton airport, and to connect to other rail services at St Pancras and Kings Cross stations. However, the future of the through line is in doubt after Network Rail said it will terminate services at Blackfriars in 2016. Local MP Paul Burstow said, "As someone who commutes most days to London by train, I know how essential this line is to local residents. Network Rail only seem to care about those commuters from outside London, who pay more. They are quite willing to leave Sutton residents stranded. Sutton will not be ignored, and I'm determined to do everything I can to reverse this decision." Local Lib Dem Cllr Simon Wales said, "The thousands of commuters in outer London who rely on this service every day are being let down by Network Rail. Many people moved to Sutton because of this direct access. We won't stand for that being taken away. "We already get a raw deal when it comes to rail services. Our trains suffer serious overcrowding, and we are having to pay for Crossrail though we don't get any direct benefit. There won't even be a direct connection to Crossrail for us if this goes ahead! Losing this lifeline is the final straw, and we'll be working to put pressure on Network Rail to change their minds." "Published and promoted by Sutton Liberal Democrats on behalf of Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrats), both of 234 Gander Green Lane, Cheam SM3 9QF. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

MP for Sutton, Cheam and Worcester Park, Paul Burstow has added his backing to a scheme that will give every adult in the UK shares in the nationally owned banks RBS and Lloyds. "It was taxpayers' money which bailed out the banks. It's only right that the taxpayers should be given a stake in those banks and a chance to benefit from their future success," said the MP. Plans drawn up by a top city firm will mean that the money paid out by the Treasury in the banking bailout will go back to the public purse. But any profits will go directly to the 45 million shareholders whose money bailed them out in the first instance. A new credit union to the borough has been welcomed by local Lib Dem Sutton Councillors. "The council backs this credit union. It will help its members save money. It will also provide loans at affordable rates so they can avoid high-interest doorstep lenders or loan sharks who cause misery," said Council Leader Sean Brennan. "Published and promoted by Sutton Liberal Democrats on behalf of Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrats), both of 234 Gander Green Lane, Cheam SM3 9QF. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Lib Dems in Parliament and locally in Sutton are leading the fight against climate change. Nationally, Lib Dem Chris Huhne recently announced the world's most ambitious legally binding limits on carbon emissions. Commenting, Sutton, Cheam and Worcester Park MP Paul Burstow said, "This gives investors the certainty needed to invest in clean energy and other green technologies. It will entirely transform Britain and allow us to lead the way in this field, which is essential both for our environment and our economy." Locally, Lib Dem Cllr Adrian Davey said, "We hope that the carbon budget will promote initiatives like the Low Carbon Zone project in Hackbridge". "The council is undertaking work to make Hackbridge the UK's first truly sustainable suburb, partly by cutting carbon emissions by 20% by 2012. This is at the cutting edge of sustainable planning, and something our Council is proud of," he added. "Published and promoted by Sutton Liberal Democrats on behalf of Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrats), both of 234 Gander Green Lane, Cheam SM3 9QF. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Lib Dem Children's Minister, Sarah Teather has been announcing extra investment in schools, which include the pupil premium, a Lib Dem manifesto commitment which will see an extra £7,648,112 in Sutton schools. As part of a shake-up of early years education, many working parents in Sutton Borough are now in line to benefit from a proposed change to their free childcare entitlement. "As a dad, I know how difficult arranging childcare can be, which is why I welcome Sarah's reforms to make childcare more flexible," said Paul Burstow, MP for Sutton, Cheam and Worcester Park. "Currently, parents of all three- and four-year olds can claim 15 hours of free childcare, but they are forced to spread it across three days. To enable many more parents to get a part-time job without paying extra to top up the free childcare, from next year, the time could be used over two days," he added. The hours in which it can be used will also be extended. At present, the hours are from 8am to 6pm. Parents will now be able to use it from 7am to 7pm, to fit in better with commuters and shift-workers. The Lib Dem Minister has suggested a number of changes, involving parents more in how children's centres are run, more focus on preparing children for school, and checks on two-year-olds to identify any problems in their development. A Lib Dem Cllr Kirsty Jerome, Member for Education, has assured that a strong partnership locally will continue between Sutton schools and their local council, even though many of the schools have sought academy status. "I can understand why many schools are making the decision to become academies. These are tough financial times, and they are being offered extra money to become academies. "All our schools are committed to continue working with each other and with the authority to benefit local children" said Kirsty. Kirsty said Sutton Council still has responsibility to ensure Sutton children are properly educated and cared for, and that would not change. She added, "This year Lib Dems on Sutton council have created over 200 extra school places for local children. We will continue to work on this success." She also added that none of the converted schools are seeking to change their admission policies, and that the council will still offer special educational support to academies. "Published and promoted by Sutton Liberal Democrats on behalf of Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrats), both of 234 Gander Green Lane, Cheam SM3 9QF. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Local MP Paul Burstow has today launched a survey to see what improvements local people would like to see in their local transport. The MP, who regularly uses both trains and buses to commute into central London, said "I hope that many Sutton, Cheam and Worcester Park residents will fill in my survey to assist me in fighting for better public transport." To give Paul your views on local transport services, please complete this online survey. "Published and promoted by Sutton Liberal Democrats on behalf of Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrats), both of 234 Gander Green Lane, Cheam SM3 9QF. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Local MP Paul Burstow has written to BT following complaints from local residents about the way in which they have installed 5ft high metal broadband cabinets across the constituency. One local resident was woken up by the sound of drilling to find BT contractors installing one of the 5ft cabinets in front of her 3ft wall - cutting her gas pipe line and damaging her wall in the process. "As a company which prides itself on good customer service BT need to get a grip on the way they place their green exchange cabinets. "It's just common sense to keep residents in the loop about work which is going on outside their homes. I think it is outrageous that the first thing someone hears about one of the cabinets being installed is when they are woken up by the sound of drilling outside" said Paul Burstow MP. "Published and promoted by Sutton Liberal Democrats on behalf of Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrats), both of 234 Gander Green Lane, Cheam SM3 9QF. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

A house in Sutton has recently been officially opened by Paul Burstow MP on behalf of The James Trust. The house is to provide quality independent living for people with mental health problems and learning difficulties. Richard James lived at Crossways in Sutton and was a prominent and very active member of Sutton Arts Council, and also received an award from Sutton Centre for the Voluntary Sector for his long contribution to the charity sector in Sutton In addition to his charitable work, Richard James also fostered under the Adult Fostering Scheme a young man names David Hunt, with whom he shared his home at Crossways for nearly thirty years until Richard sadly died in 2007. During his lifetime Richard founded the James Trust which he established to ensure that after his death David, who has schizophrenia and some learning difficulties but is very artistic, would be able to continue to live at Crossways and extend the care offered to David to perhaps one or two others. Since 2007 the Trustees have been responsible for the support of David, who is capable of independent living, and has a Support Worker who works with him during the week. Commenting on the day, Paul Burstow noted that Richard's vision of a small community had been realised with the modernisation and refurbishment of Crossways, adding that "the Trustees should be proud of this project which promotes independent living for those with mental health or learning disability issues like David, and I hope that this can be replicated across the constituency as well as up and down the country. I was honoured to attend The James Trust launch and to be able to cut the ribbon to the door at Crossways for the official opening". "Published and promoted by Sutton Liberal Democrats on behalf of Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrats), both of 234 Gander Green Lane, Cheam SM3 9QF. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Paul Burstow MP attended a parliamentary reception which also marked the launch of Mencap's report called Don't stand by. The report looks at how police forces currently tackle disability hate crime. While it highlights some examples of good practice, it shows that there is a general lack of police understanding of disability hate crime or a strategy in place to tackle it. In response, the Charity is urging police forces to sign up to a police promise of 10 ways they can stand by people with a learning disability and help to end hate crime. Speaking at the Stand by me Parliamentary Reception, Paul Burstow said: "Mencap's Stand by me campaign should assist police forces in changing the way they deal with hate crime. I welcome and offer my support for the campaign, which aims to protect people with a learning disability in Sutton and Cheam." Donal MacIntyre, the investigative journalist, also attended the launch of Mencap's report Don't stand by. Donal help to uncover the abuse of people with a learning disability in a care home in Kent 11 years ago as part of the BBC series, MacIntyre Investigates. He said: "Hate crime is a serious issue for disabled people and their families and has a major and long-lasting impact on how people live their lives. Sadly many police services are failing to support victims of disability hate crime. Without the full support from the police disability hate crime victims are left to suffer in silence." There are a number of ways that the public can get involved with the campaign to 'stand by' people with a learning disability. For more information about Stand by me, and to view a hard-hitting video which highlights the tragic consequences of hate crime, visit www.mencap.org.uk/standbyme Paul Burstow with Rt Hon Tom Clark CBE JP MP, host of the reception, Mark Goldring CBE, Chief Executive of MENCAP, and Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans MP Stand by me police promise Mencap wants all police services to promise to stand by people with a learning disability to end hate crime. The charity is asking the police to commit to ten promises that will make a huge difference for the victims of disability hate crime. By signing-up to the promises, they pledge to: 1. Make sure that information is available and presented in a suitable form. 2. Get better evidence and increase convictions by allowing more time for interviews, particularly where the victim has difficulty communicating. 3. Understand how to identify if someone has a learning disability. 4. Listen to, respect and involve families, carers and support staff of disabled people. 5. Challenge discriminatory attitudes and language among fellow officers. 6. Ensure that victims are kept up to date with the progress of the case once they have reported a crime. 7. Recognise that disability hate crime is as harmful as other types of hate crime. 8. Not label disability hate crime as anti-social behaviour - identify the crime and deal with it. 9. Hold regular beat meetings and ensure they are open to disabled people. 10. Display the Stand by me promises where everyone can see them. Don't stand by report The Office for Public Management (OPM), an independent public interest organisation, was commissioned by Mencap to conduct research exploring how police services in England tackle hate crime against people with a learning disability. The research was conducted with 14 police services across England. The report also included a focus group of people with a learning disability, who have experience of hate crime. About Mencap There are 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK. Mencap works to support people with a learning disability and their families and carers by fighting to change laws and improve services and access to education, employment and leisure facilities. Mencap supports thousands of people with a learning disability to live their lives the way they want. We are also one of the largest service providers of services, information and advice for people with a learning disability across England, Northern Ireland and Wales. People with a learning disability and their carers can find out more about our services by calling Mencap Direct on 0300 333 111 or by visiting www.mencap.org.uk. About learning disability A learning disability is caused by the way the brain develops before, during or shortly after birth. It is always lifelong and affects someone's intellectual and social development. It used to be called mental handicap but this term is outdated and offensive. Learning disability is NOT a mental illness. The term learning difficulty is often incorrectly used interchangeably with learning disability. "Published and promoted by Sutton Liberal Democrats on behalf of Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrats), both of 234 Gander Green Lane, Cheam SM3 9QF. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Paul Burstow, the MP for Sutton and Cheam and the Minister of State for Care Services, took some time out of his busy schedule recently (Wednesday 25 May 2011) to co-present a show on Radio St Helier. Paul in the studio Coming straight from Parliament, where he had just listened to President Barack Obama give a historic speech to both the House of Lords and the House of Commons, Mr Burstow joined forces with the team of volunteers who run the in-house radio station atSt HelierHospital. After meeting with Karen Breen, the Director of Operations for the Trust, matron Pippa King and two volunteers from Radio St Helier, Mr Burstow officially started his time as a presenter on hospital radio. The shift began, as usual, with a walk around the wards, collecting song requests from patients. Whilst out on the wards, Mr Burstow stopped Paul with matron Pippa King and ward manager Julia Arkell and chatted to a number of patients, collecting requests for the show as he went. He also met with ward manager Julia Arkell, who showed him around the coronary care unit. Once the requests were in, the party returned to the radio station (which is based in the main building of the hospital) where Mr Burstow was hooked up to a microphone and given a pair of headphones. He then introduced songs, such as The Rolling Stone's Ruby Tuesday which was played for patient Joan, and Nina Simone's version of Here Comes the Sun. Paul with patient Joan Neal Mr Burstow said: "Hospital radio can brighten the day of any patient, and the team at Radio St Helier do an excellent job of chatting to the patients to find out what music they would like to hear. Hospital radio is a great way to volunteer your time to make a difference for someone else." Karen Breen said: "It was both a privilege and pleasure to be able to show Paul around our hospital and watch as he talked to our patients and took part in the radio show. "We are very proud of Radio St Helier - which is now in its 41st year - and we are pleased that our patients can tune in for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. "On behalf of our patients, Radio St Helier and the Trust, I would like to say a huge thank you to Paul for taking the time to visit our hospital." To find out more about the Trust, including how you can volunteer at our hospitals, visit www.epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk/volunteer. Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust Press Release (7 June 2011) Photos courtesy of Medical Illustration at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust "Published and promoted by Sutton Liberal Democrats on behalf of Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrats), both of 234 Gander Green Lane, Cheam SM3 9QF. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Paul Burstow visited Transform Housing & Support's Sutton Team in April to find out more about the work they are carrying out in his constituency. Paul with Transform Chair Elizabeth Kennedy and Supported Housing Manager Claudette Brown Transform Housing & Support (previously known as Surrey Community Development Trust) provides accommodation and support services for vulnerable people across Surrey, Sutton and Wokingham. Mr Burstow visited two of Transform's properties in Sutton for single vulnerable people. He also met with staff, including Transform Chair Elizabeth Kennedy and Supported Housing Manager Claudette Brown, and clients to find out about the support that Transform offers. For more information on Transform Housing & Support's work, visit www.transformhousing.org.uk Photo courtesy of Transform Housing & Support "Published and promoted by Sutton Liberal Democrats on behalf of Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrats), both of 234 Gander Green Lane, Cheam SM3 9QF. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY