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Tony
Colman MP for Putney writes
Busy
with Local and International aspects of life.
Education
in Wandsworth
 In
this years resource allocation formula the money going to
Wandsworth went up above the rate of inflation. The Government
has asked all councils to increase spending on education by
around 7%. Wandsworth initially decided not to pass on these
increases to schools in Wandsworth as they found they had
a shortfall. Since that time they have been offered £1.1
million by the Department of Education over and above their
basic allocation, to help cover this shortfall.
I
hope that Wandsworth will now agree to fund schools with this
extra money. I understand that they do have very significant
reserves which can cover any remaining shortfall. I am meeting
with head-teachers and governors in the next few weeks to
ensure that the Council will not leave individual schools
with a shortfall.
Also
relating to education, I have been contacted by a number of
parents and teachers who are very concerned about the proposal
currently being discussed at the Town Hall to close Chartfield
School and the Vines School, both catering for children with
special educational needs. I do believe that the principle
of inclusion is a good one however, with special educational
needs varying so greatly, parental choice must take priority.
I
would encourage parents to get involved in the consultation
and let the council know if they feel strongly about special
educational needs or about the facilities at any particular
school in Wandsworth.
Council
Tax in Wandsworth
I
am sure all residents have noticed the pattern with regard
to council tax in Wandsworth, (which has made headline news
recently); it does seem to be cut in the run up to local elections,
and then raised again the following year.
Crime
I
have also had meetings with Ministers on gun control, and
I am supporting the call for stiffer sentencing for those
caught in possession of firearms, including replicas. I have
also been lobbying the Metropolitan Police Authority to allocate
more officers to Wandsworth.
Roehampton
Library
I
must commend the Council for the refurbishment of Roehampton
Library, it now offers excellent computer facilities and a
greatly improved the working environment for the very hard
working staff there.
Iraq
Many
people have written to me regarding the very important and
difficult issue of Iraq. Some have expressed support for the
Government's position, others have made clear they disagree.
My own position is based on my belief that we are and must
remain an active member of the international community and
of the United Nations. I have made clear that I feel strongly
that the situation has to be resolved through the United Nations.
I
have also been involved in an investigation into how prepared
the international community is for the impact of any military
action on ordinary civilians. If any Putney resident wants
to know more about my position, I am happy to engage in correspondence.
Alternatively, have a look on my website: www.tonycolman.org.uk
The
Food Crisis in Southern Africa
My
duties on the International development Select Committee have
also involved me in an investigation into the causes and responses
to the food crisis in southern Africa. The report will be
releases on Tuesday the 11th of March.
On
these and any other issues I am always keen to hear the views
of Putney constituents. Please feel free to contact me via
www.tonycolman.org.uk
or by writing to me at the House of Commons.
6th
March 2003
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MP Quizzes Clare Short on
Humanitarian Planning for Iraq 13.02.2003
Christmas
in SW15 .....................20.12.02
Aviation,
finance, local hospitals and local events all in this weeks
diary........ 5.12.02
An
eventful fortnight in Putney
& Westminster........15.11.02
MP
Welcomes Queen's Speech
....1.11.02
visits
at Westminster from the
Limbless Association (based in Putney) and the tour he gave
to children from Linden Lodge School, plans to talk to the
RPA and his stance on top up fees for students..... 01.11.02
The
Garden Centre site & Richmond Park are yet again centre
stage......10.10.02
Visit
to the CCTV centre and his
concerns on crime 01.07.02
"another
small step in dragging politics in the UK in to the technological
age."
Postwatch
and London Housing Federation are under the MP's
scrutiny.
MP
for Putney announces 11 achievement
awards to local primary schools
MP
for Putney commends the work of four local community
groups
Planning
issues are top on Mr Colman's constituients' agenda
Tony
Coman explains his motion to support UNIFEM in the fight
against International Sex Trade.
MP's
response to Terminal 5 go ahead
Lister
Blasts Terminal 5 Decision
Putney
Post Office Under Threat
Local
Government in Putney
First
Putneysw15.com Diary Entry 8.11.2001
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