Lincoln Conservative Association

City MP Karl M^cCartney’s campaign for rural mobile coverage triumphs

The long parliamentary campaign to bring mobile coverage to rural areas ended in victory today, as OFCOM finally announced proposals to increase broadband coverage to an estimated 98% of the UK population.

Traditionally, up to 6 million people in Britain have been excluded from good mobile coverage, particularly in rural areas. (Mobile phone companies were only obliged to cover 95 % of the population, 90 % of the time).  Mr M^cCartney was one of the leaders of the campaign to increase the coverage.

Karl was very happy to support a back-bench business committee debate urging OFCOM to increase the coverage to at least 98 % of the population and was happy to see that the motion was carried unanimously at the end of a 3 hour debate.  Mr M^cCartney also spoke in a Westminster Hall debate on the issue of rural broadband on 23 March 2011.

In October, the Chancellor of the Exchequer responded to the debate by committing an extra £150 million pounds to build thousands of new mobile phone masts to cover rural areas. In November the Department of Culture, Media and Sport select committee slammed OFCOM’s coverage target of 95% as ‘unambitious’ and backed Mr M^cCartney’s call for a 98%  coverage obligation.

In today’s announcement, OFCOM proposes options which should ensure that 98% or more of the population receives 4G mobile broadband coverage. This means that millions who currently do not have a mobile signal will now receive one, and that millions more will have their signal upgraded from a 2G ‘voice’ signal to a 4G signal, capable of carrying broadband data.

This investment will transform the fortunes of thousands of small and medium sized businesses, currently hamstrung by inadequate mobile phone and internet coverage. Hundreds of thousands of homes, schools, farms and businesses will have access to decent mobile and internet coverage for the first time.

Karl said, “I am delighted that OFCOM has taken this decision and I am very grateful to them.  To the south of Lincoln are suburbs and rural areas, within my constituency but outside the city boundary, and including Bracebridge Heath and Waddington, that still have problems with a lack of suitable broadband provision.  These proposals to increase broadband coverage will transform the businesses and economy in our County and Country.”

For further information, please contact Karl M^cCartney MP at karl.mccartney.mp@parliament.uk

City of Lincoln Member of Parliament, Karl M^cCartney, heralds Transport Select Committee Report call for a crackdown on bogus whiplash insurance claims

The Member of Parliament for Lincoln, Karl M^cCartney, has voiced his support for the Transport Select Committee’s call for a crackdown on bogus whiplash insurance claims.  The cost of car insurance could be cut if the Government restricts the huge number of subjective whiplash injury claims, MPs have reported.

In addition, the Committee argues that claimants should have to prove they have suffered a whiplash injury and wants insurers to be banned from selling any form of customer information.  The government intends to ban them from receiving referral fees for this data, but only for personal injury claims.

The Committee also pointed out that there has been a 70% rise in motor insurance claims in the past six years, despite a 23% drop in the number of casualties actual caused by road accidents.

Mr M^cCartney said, “I entirely support the Transport Select Committee’s recommendations.  The cost of motor premiums has been driven up by insurers, solicitors and claims management companies who have encouraged people involved in road accidents they did not cause to claim for personal injury, car hire, and other legal costs. I also echo the Committee’s call for the insurance industry to abandon sharp practices that push up premiums such as passing drivers’ personal data to other parties or taking secretive referral fees from solicitors, garages and car hire firms.

“While we do need to improve the regulation of this, I feel very strongly that there has to be changes in the law too.  And whilst we are examining the issue of insurance, costs, claims and scans we need to address the 1.5m drivers on our roads that remain uninsured.”

For further information, please email Karl M^cCartney MP at karl.mccartney.mp@parliament.uk or call 020 7219 7221.

- NOTES -

Since conducting a motor insurance survey on his website last Autumn, Mr M^cCartney has also been arguing that low fines for uninsured drivers encourages law breaking.  Press releases issued at the time are attached.

City MP, Karl M^cCartney, urges local primary schools to help “Make IT Healthy”

MPs and e-skills UK have launched the sixth year of the Make IT Happy competition, a UK-wide technology challenge for primary school students aged 9 to 11. The competition is run by the Parliamentary Internet Communications and Technology Forum (PICTFOR) and e-skills UK, the Sector Skills Council for Business and Information Technology. It is backed by more than 60 MPs from across the UK.

The competition recognises and rewards the excellent and inspirational work primary schools do with IT, and particularly how they use it to make a positive impact on their own and others’ lives. This year’s Make IT Happy theme of “Make IT Healthy” calls for schools to use IT to improve their own physical, mental or emotional health, or to reach out to help others do the same.

The judges will be looking for entries that demonstrate innovative ways in which pupils have used technology to improve health. Projects could be as simple and local as planning a school vegetable garden online; they could involve using technology to reach out to older people or people with disabilities; or perhaps they could show the emotional benefits of building relationships across national or international boundaries.

£1,200 will be awarded to each of the regional competition finalists, with the overall winning school taking home an additional cash prize of £4,000. Winners will also be invited to attend an awards ceremony to be held at the Houses of Parliament in London in June 2012.

Mr M^cCartney, Member of Parliament for the City of Lincoln, said, “I encourage all of the local primary schools to be involved with Make IT Happy this year. The competition offers a unique way for schools to make a positive impact on their own and others’ lives, while at the same time enhancing their knowledge of IT.   As well as the cash prizes on offer, I’m confident that pupils will enjoy the chance to work together on such an exciting and relevant project. Entries should be as imaginative as possible in order to capture the attention of the judges. The competition is all about giving young people a chance to use their imagination, creativity and technology skills and show how IT can make a difference to their own health and that of others.”

The closing date for entries is April 8, 2012.

For further information and details of how to enter, visit the website at http://makeithappy.cc4g.net/

About PICTFOR

The Parliamentary Internet Communications and Technology Forum (PICTFOR) provides a forum for MPs, Peers, senior civil servants, academics and ICT professionals to exchange information and opinions. It has evening meetings in a Committee Room of the House of Commons on the policy implications of new technologies, and holds receptions and an annual dinner in the House of Lords. The Committee also provides in-depth briefing papers for Members of Parliament.

About e-skills UK

e-skills UK is the Sector Skills Council for Business and Information Technology, rated ‘outstanding’ in the relicensing of Sector Skills Councils.  We work on behalf of employers to ensure the UK has the technology skills it needs to succeed in a global digital economy. Our work covers software, internet & web, IT services, telecommunications and business change.

Find out more at www.e-skills.com

City MP, Karl McCartney, congratulates St John’s Community Primary School in Lincoln

The Secretary of State for Education, Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, has written to Lincoln’s Member of Parliament, Karl M^cCartney, informing him that he has agreed to enter into a funding agreement to allow St John’s Community Primary School in Lincoln, to convert into an Academy.

Welcoming the news Karl said, “Academies form an integral part of the Government’s education policy to raise attainment for all children and to bring about sustained improvements to all schools.  I am delighted that St John’s Community Primary School recognises the benefits Academy status will bring.”

The date of conversion will be 1 January 2012.  As a result, Mr Gove has written to the Local Authority to instruct them to cease to maintain St John’s Community Primary School from that date.

For further information, please contact Karl M^cCartney MP at karl.mccartney.mp@parliament.uk

Karl M^cCartney, Member of Parliament for the City of Lincoln, is encouraging people to use the new mobile version of the Charity Commission website, making it easy for people to check charities’ details on their phone before making a donation.

The Charity Commission, the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales, has launched the site, http://m.charitycommission.gov.uk, specifically designed for use on mobile phones. It means that when people are out and about they can immediately check if an organisation asking for donations is a registered charity.

Lots of charities fundraise over Christmas, and almost all charity collections are genuine. However, there are some people who will try to abuse the generosity of others for their own gain. The mobile site, which holds the register of over 180,000 charities, will help to give members of the public confidence that the money they donate will reach its intended destination.

As well as showing whether a charity is registered with the Charity Commission, the site includes details of what individual charities do and where they work. It also shows contact details for registered charities, so if you are still unsure whether a collection is genuine you can contact the charity directly to find out.

The site is also useful for charity trustees, providing helpful summaries of our guidance on issues including fundraising and trading.

Karl says, “The people of Lincoln are particularly generous, but I know that my constituents will want to know that their donations are going to genuine registered charities.  This new website, launched by the Charity Commission, will help ensure that the people of our City and elsewhere can give to charities in the knowledge that their money is going to a deserving cause.”

Dame Suzi Leather, Chair of the Charity Commission says, “Many charities appeal for funds over the festive period and they currently need the public’s donations more than ever. But give smartly; make sure your money is going to a genuine registered charity. The Charity Commission new mobile site will help you quickly check that the charity asking for your money is a proper registered charity. The site also provides useful information about individual charities so you can see what a charity will do with your money.”

“In addition to double-checking details of street charity collections, I would also encourage people making donations to watch out for email scams and fake websites. If you are suspicious of any appeals for donations, always check the charity registration number on the Charity Commission site or contact the charity directly.”

Bryn Parry, CEO and Co-founder of Help for Heroes says, “This is a fantastic initiative that will certainly reassure supporters that their hard-earned money is going exactly where it should. During the Christmas period it is so important to remember those that are going through a tough time, and anything that makes charitable giving a safer, more straightforward process is welcomed by Help for Heroes.”

Follow the Charity Commission’s tips to avoid charity scams this Christmas:

1. If you are in any doubt about a charity collector, collection bag or fundraising materials, check the charity’s name and registration number. You can find these on the Charity Commission’s website at www.charitycommission.gov.uk, or on the mobile version of the site http://m.charitycommission.gov.uk which makes it really easy to check this on your phone when you’re on the move.
2. Always check whether a collector is wearing a proper ID badge.
3. Check that the collecting tin seal is not damaged.
4. Ask the collector for more information – a genuine charity should be happy to answer questions.
5. Check whether a collector has authority to collect. A permit or license is usually needed if raising money in a public place. Collections in private places like train stations and supermarkets need the owner’s or manager’s permission. Collections in pubs need either a license or an exemption.
6. If you receive collection bags or fundraising materials from non-charitable organisations claiming to be charitable, and/or using a false registered charity number, you should contact the police, your local trading standards office, the Advertising Standards Agency or your local council.
7. If you want to donate online to a particular charity, visit the charity’s website – check that you have the right web address.
8. Be very careful when responding to emails or clicking links within them to ensure that they are genuine. If you have any concerns about a request for donations that appears to come from a charity, don’t hesitate to contact that charity directly.
9. If you are worried that you may have been targeted by a fundraising scam, you should contact the police and inform the Charity Commission through its website.
10. If in any doubt, send your donation directly to the charity. 

For further information, please contact Karl M^cCartney MP at karl.mccartney.mp@parliament.uk

How to check whether an organisation is a registered charity and look-up its details:

On the mobile site http://m.charitycommission.gov.uk

-          Click on ‘Search for a charity’.

-          Type in the charity’s name or registration number.

-          All charities with an income over £5,000 are required to register with the Charity Commission. If a charity is registered, it will be listed.

-          Click on the charity you want to view and open up the different sections to see what the charity does, its income and spending levels, where it operates and    its contact details.

On the normal, PC-based website www.charitycommission.gov.uk:

-          Type the name or charity registration number into the ‘Search for a charity’ box at the top of the webpage.

-          All charities with an income over £5,000 are required to register with the Charity Commission. If a charity is registered, it will be listed.

-          Click on the charity you want to view and see its entry details on the Register of Charities. For charities with an income of over £25,000 you can also    view their accounts.

-          If you are looking for particular type of charity, perhaps if you would like to make a donation but aren’t sure which charity to give to, click on ‘View  the register of charities’ then select ‘Advanced search’ on the left-hand side.

-          Here you can search for different types of charities by where they operate, the type of work they do and their income levels.

- Notes -

1. The Charity Commission is the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales. See www.charitycommission.gov.uk for further information.

2. Our mission is: to ensure charities’ legal compliance, enhance charities’ accountability, encourage charities’ effectiveness and impact and to promote the public interest in charity.

3. The Charity Commission Media Information Centre, available on the Commission’s website, provides useful and relevant background information specifically for journalists, particularly in relation to issues that regularly attract press interest.

4. Tackling the fraudulent abuse of charities is a key priority for the Charity Commission. We work closely with other agencies, including the National Fraud Authority (NFA), to deal with fraud in the charity sector and our collaborative work has led to a number of successful convictions. We are currently working in partnership with the NFA, the charitable sector and other Government Departments on the national strategy ‘Fighting Fraud Together’ . We have also produced guidance for charity trustees on how to protect their charities from fraud and regularly issue alerts to charities and members of the public about potential scams, including advice on how to donate safely.

Karl McCartney, MP for Lincoln, has heralded today’s Select Committee Report entitled Policing Large Scale Disorder: Lessons from the disturbances of August 2011.

The policing operation to tackle the summer riots across England was flawed and the perception that in some areas police had lost control of the streets was the most important reason disorder spread, according to the Home Affairs Committee.  MPs also stated that insufficient numbers of officers were initially deployed and police training for public disorder was inadequate and that flooding the streets with police was what ultimately quelled the disorder.

“If numbers could have been increased more rapidly, it is possible that some of the disturbances could have been avoided,” the Report said. “We regret this did not happen and, with the benefit of hindsight, we regard the operation to police the disorder in many towns and cities, and particularly in London as flawed.”

During a debate in the House of Commons on Public Disorder on 11 August 2011, Mr M^cCartney suggested that police training for public disorder was inadequate in Parliamentary Question (PQ) to the Prime Minister, Rt Hon David Cameron MP:

Karl M^cCartney (Lincoln) (Con): It is my understanding that public order training for police officers was reduced back in 2005. Does my right hon. Friend believe, as I do, that that might have exacerbated some of the instances that so annoyed the public who have watched the pictures on TV in the past few days, and would he like to see that trend reversed if it has not been already?

The Prime Minister: There will be lessons to learn about the extent of riot training and the balance between it and ordinary beat-based policing, and I know that we will want to learn all those lessons in the days to come.

Speaking today Mr M^cCartney said,

“I very much welcome this Report’s conclusions.  As I argued during the recall of Parliament last summer, it does seem that the reduction of public order training for police officers in 2005, presided over by the previous Labour Government, contributed significantly to the disorder that we saw in so many of our town and cities last summer.

“I am sure the Government will be considering very carefully the conclusions drawn by the Select Committee.

“I hope and believe that the present Government shall learn from the very dangerous mistakes of the last Government.”

For further information, please contact Karl M^cCartney MP at karl.mccartney.mp@parliament.uk

Karl M^cCartney MP: Don’t let central heating systems get frostbite this winter 

Frozen condensate pipes were a huge problem last year and many households were caught out during the severe cold weather spell – which in some areas went down to minus 20°C.

This resulted in a large increase in the number of calls to boiler manufacturers and heating installers from householders with condensing (high efficiency) boilers where the condensate drainage pipe had frozen and become blocked with ice. This then causes the condensate to ‘back up’ into the boiler and can cause a complete shutdown of the central heating system.

In the vast majority of cases such problems occur where the condensate drainage pipe is located outside. British Standards, Building Regulations and boiler manufacturers’ installation instructions currently allow condensate drainage pipes to be located either internally or externally, or a combination of these.

The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) has therefore issued official guidance for householders on what to do if a boiler condensate drainage pipe has frozen - providing they feel competent to take the actions described.

http://www.centralheating.co.uk/checklists/frozen-condensate-pipes/frozen-condensate-guidance-households

Karl M^cCartney MP has welcomed the publication of this guidance even though the weather so far this winter has not been as harsh as last year.   Mr M^cCartney said, “For those homes with high-efficiency condensing boilers it is worth spending a few minutes to check whether their system is potentially at risk from frozen condensate. Downloading the guidance from the HHIC website could prevent hours of misery in a home with no heating and save on repair bills too. A copy of the advice is also available from my office.”

HHIC’s Deputy Director Chris Yates said, “December temperatures have fallen every year for the last five years.  Winter 2010 was the coldest spell since 1979 with the chilliest December on record. Our changing climate has put additional pressures on householders heating systems. That is why HHIC is urging households to check their heating systems before winter really kicks in. Thanks to Members of Parliament like Mr M^cCartney who have helped to raise the awareness of the issue, this winter may not bring the misery so many people suffered last year.”

For further information, please contact Karl M^cCartney MP at karl.mccartney.mp@parliament.uk 

-NOTES - 

What is condensate and what does the condensate drain do?

High efficiency (condensing) boilers remove more useful heat from the combustion gases, resulting in additional water vapour which has to be collected within the boiler, as condensate, and taken to a suitable drainage point via the condensate drainage pipe.

Lincoln’s Member of Parliament, Karl M^cCartney urges people to think of family, friends and neighbours and not let a Carbon Monoxide tragedy wreck Christmas

Many families will sit down after their Christmas dinner and fall asleep by the fireside. But have they eaten or drunk too much, or are they suffering the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning?

That’s the question posed by Lynn Griffiths, founder and president of the charity Carbon Monoxide Awareness, whose own family suffered the debilitating effects of carbon monoxide poisoning in their home for more than a decade.

Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that is difficult to detect because it is colourless and has no taste or smell. It is produced by faulty or poorly maintained or ventilated fossil fuel burning appliances and by blocked or partially blocked flues.

Carbon monoxide poisoning causes around 50 deaths each year in England and Wales and there are numerous near misses, many of which go unreported. At lower levels, carbon monoxide causes symptoms that are similar to flu or food poisoning, including headaches, tiredness, nausea and difficulty in thinking clearly.

Karl M^cCartney, MP for Lincoln, said: “It is a tragedy that a number of families have suffered as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning.  I would urge people to think of their family, friends and neighbours this Christmas and remain vigilant of this danger.”

Lynn Griffiths said: “I want everyone to think about the health and safety of their families, friends and the old person who lives next door or down the street as we approach Christmas. If they haven’t got an audible carbon monoxide alarm, buy them one. It could be the best present you’ve ever given to anyone and it may just save a life over Christmas or New Year.”

“As I know only too well from the experience of my own family, people can have their health devastated by low levels of carbon monoxide without knowing what is causing the debilitating illness,” Lynn said.

“However, we were lucky compared to some. When there are faulty appliances or blocked or partially blocked flues, carbon monoxide will quickly build up in confined spaces to levels that kill. We’ve seen too many fatalities over the years and almost every one is a tragedy that could have been avoided.

“Audible CO alarms can be bought from any hardware store or supermarket and they don’t cost much. We all owe it to our families, friends, relatives and neighbours to ensure that they are protected.”

- ENDS -

For further information, please contact Karl M^cCartney MP at karl.mccartney.mp@parliament.uk

Notes  

Lynn Griffiths, President of Carbon Monoxide Awareness, may be contacted on 07715-899296. The charity has a new website: www.covictim.org There you can download the charities “new” Carbon monoxide Android phone app.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced when fossil fuels burn without enough air, usually as a result of poor maintenance of central heating boilers and appliances such as Liquefied Petroleum Gas, or kerosene-powered fridges, heaters or cookers. It also becomes a major problem when flues become partially or wholly blocked.

Carbon monoxide poisoning reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood and so starves vital organs of oxygen. The symptoms worsen as more carbon monoxide is breathed in and CO concentrations in the blood increase.

Anyone who suspects they may be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning should immediately turn off all appliances, go outside and seek medical help from a qualified healthcare professional or, if in the UK, call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

Do not use heaters or cooking appliances that produce yellow instead of mostly blue flames. Malfunctioning appliances should be turned off and not used again until they have been checked and made safe by a registered engineer.

People with milder symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning usually begin to recover when they leave the contaminated area and move into fresh air. Exposure to high levels of CO can kill.

General advice

• Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) powered appliances should be serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer who is qualified to work with LPG.
• Solid fuel appliances should be serviced by a solid fuel HETAS registered engineer.
• Oil fuelled appliances should be serviced by an OFTEC registered engineer. 

Useful external links

Gas Safe Register – 0800 408 5500 or visit http://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/

Solid Fuel Association (SFA) helpline – call 0845 601 4406 or visit www.solidfuel.co.uk

Heating Equipment Testing and Approval Scheme (HETAS) call 0845 634 5626 or visit www.hetas.co.uk

Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) – helpline 0845 65 85 080 or visit www.oftec.org

Karl M^cCartney MP is taking part in the second annual Parliamentary live music competition, Rock the House, and invites under-18s, solo artists, bands and live music venues in the xxx constituency to write and nominate themselves.

The competition was founded by Mike Weatherley MP in support of the UK live music sector to raise the profile of intellectual property rights issues and counts rock legends Alice Cooper and Deep Purple’s Ian Gillan as Patrons.

Musicians and live music venues within the City of Lincoln constituency can find all forms and information on the competition at www.rockthehouse2012.com and can send in their nominations to Karl M^cCartney MP at karl.mccartney.mp@parliament.uk.

Any musicians outside the Lincoln constituency can still write to their MP to nominate themselves to take part.

Prizes include music equipment; a chance to play at high profile festivals; and mingle with the great and the good of the music industry. Successful nominees will go forward to the national competition which will be judged by a panel of international music industry experts and musicians and the finalists will be announced on Friday 18^th May. The finalists will take part in a battle of the bands to determine the winner on Wednesday 30^th May and the winner in each category will perform live at a final competition reception on the Terrace at the House of Commons in the evening.

Karl M^cCartney MP said, “I am happy to once again lend my support to the Rock the House competition in 2012.  This is a great opportunity for bands and music venues in our City and I would encourage all to submit nominations.  We have a huge wealth of talent in Lincoln which this competition presents a chance to showcase.”

Founder, Mike Weatherley MP, said, “The UK has a world-leading music and creative industry and this competition aims to celebrate the very best up-and-coming artists; and to raise the profile of intellectual property rights among politicians. I urge all unsigned musicians to fill in an application form and send a copy of their music to their MP.”

The competition’s key sponsors include UK Music; Future Publishing; and ICOMP.

Other sponsors include Yamaha; Gibson; Eventim; ISM; Musician’s Union; the BPI; and Universal Music.

Musicians and live music venues can find all the material they will need to write to their MP and enter the competition by visiting www.rockthehouse2012.com; and can get daily updates on the competition by following the competition on twitter @RockTheHouseHOC; or on Facebook.

For more information, contact competition co-ordinator Kathy at kathy@rockthehouse2012.com or on 07810 716434