David Ruffley

David Ruffley MP has spoken out today in support of independent and rural newsagents across Suffolk and attacked Office of Fair Trading (OFT) recommendations that could pose a threat to their viability.

In a report to the OFT Professor Paul Dobson has suggested that nationally as many as 8000 newsagents could 'exit the market', with Suffolk newsagents in the firing line. Opponents of the proposals include the National Federation of Retail Newsagents.

Proposals from the OFT will alter arrangements for the distribution of magazines.

David Ruffley has been sent a petition with over 200 signatures from local residents in the Stowmarket area who are campaigning to keep the Violet Hill Day Hospital open.

Cuts in Suffolk mental health budgets have threatened it with closure.

David has forwarded the petition to Mark Halladay, Chief Executive of the Suffolk Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust.

David Ruffley MP today spoke out against the proposed merger of local Police forces following the publication of the Government's Police Performance Assessments 2004/05 on 27th October.

The results show that whilst Suffolk has performed well in this assessment other nearby forces such as Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire have not. Cambridgeshire is also going through a period of restructuring following the Soham enquiry whilst Bedfordshire has an unsound financial outlook.

David said:

The Examination in Public (EiP) of the draft East of England Plan began today in Ely, Cambridgeshire and is due to last four months.

The draft Plan, developed by the East of England Regional Assembly includes controversial proposals on house building. The Plan includes proposals for a staggering 478,000 new homes across the region, including another 58,000 in Suffolk within the next 16 years.

David said:

David Ruffley MP has given his backing to local authorities across Suffolk who have been shortlisted by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for recycling beacon status.

Beacon status is an award given to councils who demonstrate excellence and innovation in Local Government. Suffolk County Council is the lead body in Suffolk's bid to gain beacon status in the area of Waste and Recycling.

David Ruffley MP has today heavily criticised Government plans that could see taxes increased on homes with features such patios, conservatories, parking spaces or even scenic views.

David Ruffley MP has voiced his concern for Suffolk's elderly as The Local Government Association published their Pre-Budget submission today. It warns of a '£2.2 billion black hole in the funding for local government, equivalent to an increase of 10 per cent- or around £100- a year in council tax bills'.

David said:

David Ruffley MP has today written to Tony Blair, enclosing a copy of the Evening Star's article of 27 September, urging him in the strongest possible terms to respond to the crisis in Suffolk's health service.

David said:

'The Evening Star is right to call Tony Blair to account on the state of our health service and I give them my full support.

'The NHS in Suffolk receives nearly 20 percent less per person per year than the national average. This is inexcusable. Our hard working nurses and doctors are simply not getting the resources they need to do their job.

David Ruffley MP has reacted with dismay to Suffolk West Primary Care Trust's report for 2004/05 that was published yesterday.

David Ruffley MP has welcomed confirmation today from Royal Mail that Fornham All Saints Post Office will reopen on 28 October 2005. Following the closure of the branch in July, local residents had been concerned that it would spell the end of this valuable service. The new proprietor is successful newsagent Trevor Whitehouse of Court News in Bury St Edmunds.

David said:

' I have actively campaigned on the need for rural post offices and it gives me great pleasure that my constituents in Fornham All Saints will not be losing this essential service after all.