N ew figures reveal that unemployment across Harlow,

Hastingwood, Matching, Nazeing, Roydon & Sheering has been slashed by half. Since Labours recession, the number of people claiming Job Seekers Allowance has fallen by 53%. This brings the local unemployment rate below the national average, despite it being significantly higher in 2010. Youth unemployment also continues to fall, with a 56% decrease since Labour left office and a 106% rise in apprenticeships. Local MP Robert Halfon said that he is especially pleased with these figures and paid tribute to Harlow College and other training providers for offering support to local young people. Robert said, This Government has invested heavily in skills and vocational education. We are giving young people the skills they need to support themselves and get on in life. This success is reflected nationally, where the number of people claiming unemployment benefit is at its lowest level since June 2008.

Three quarters of the people in work since 2010 are in full time jobs, and full time positions account for 83% of the employment created in 2014. Since being elected in 2010, Robert has worked hard to boost local businesses and help unemployed residents get back into work.

For three years in a row, he has organised an annual Jobs Fair and supported Government measures to help small and medium-sized businesses hire more staff. Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy, especially in rural areas, and I am pleased this Government has thrown its weight behind them.

Cuts in corporation tax, help with business rates and shaving 2,000 off National Insurance bills have all led to the creation of more start-ups and more jobs, explained Robert. Plus, from April this year, employers national insurance contributions (NICs) for staff under the age of 21 will be abolished altogether and from April 2016 they will not have to pay NICs for apprentices under the age of 25.

Robert Halfon is a true Essex man and an inveterate campaigner

Local MP Robert Halfon visiting successful

Matching-based joinery firm, Chordal Green

Robert Halfon meeting

Rail Minister, Clare Perry

4M FOR PRINCESS

ALEXANDRA Page 4

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L ocal MP Robert Halfon has met with the Railways Minister to

discuss improvements needed at Roydon, Sawbridgeworth and Harlow Mill Stations. Robert called the meeting so that he could push for longer ticket office opening hours, adequate shelters and proper seating at each station. The Minister said that money had already been committed to upgrade Roydon station, and she would push for further upgrades to happen as soon as possible. She also assured Robert that everything is being done to ease overcrowding, and ensure Greater Anglia are using all of their rolling stock on the route between Harlow, Stansted and Liverpool St.

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Page 3

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2 | Village Post

Community News

L ocal Councillors have spoken out in support of Epping Forest Community Transport (EFCT), a charity that has provided quality, affordable and accessible transport services for local groups and individuals since 2001.

Lower Nazeing Councillor and EFCT Trustee, Richard Bassett, wants to promote use of the service. Lower Sheering Councillor Gary Waller, who attends EFCT meetings as the Council Portfolio Holder for Transport, is backing his efforts. Richard commented, EFCT enables local people in the District, especially the elderly, the disabled and those who are rurally isolated, to achieve more independence. Since achieving charitable status, EFCT is experiencing an ever growing demand for its services and is endeavouring to expand, improve and offer new services. Fellow Lower Nazeing Councillor, Yolanda Knight added, Volunteers are needed in many areas of the organisation, especially drivers with their own cars or people that could drive a minibus or help in the office. If you have any difficulty getting around the Epping Forest District such as attending medical appointments, shopping or social outings, please call the EFCT team on 01992 579 556. Expenses are paid to volunteers to cover their costs and so if you are interested in supporting EFCT please get in touch with them directly or contact one of the Councillors.

C onservative-led Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) has frozen its Council Tax for the fifth year in a row. Council Cabinet member Gary Waller, who represents Lower Sheering, warmly welcomed the announcement, pointing out that the Council Tax standstill has not involved any cutbacks in front-line services. "Epping Forest is an efficient council that prioritises the services that really matter to people," Gary remarked. "We've avoided some of the problems that have affected many other authorities. I'm proud of what has been achieved, but we're always looking for ways of doing things even better." Gary and his fellow

Conservative Councillors are continuing to look at long-term ways to make EFDC less dependent on government grants. This is in stark contrast to the Labour-run Harlow Council. Despite alternate budgets being proposed by the Conservative opposition, the Council has just hiked taxes for residents in the town for the third consecutive year. Cllr Waller added, Thanks to the robust and prudent management of the Council's finances, support has been given to create a new Invest to Save budget of 500,000. This will be used to fund projects designed to make long-term savings.

Despite the tough economic climate, EFDC is building council houses for the first time in many years, with over 30 million earmarked for investment in new homes to meet demand from local people. Plus, in response to a proposal from Cllr Waller, the Cabinet has agreed that all council homes will be built to more sustainable standards in future.

T he next couple of years are going to be very important indeed for Roydon. That is the view of Mary Sartin, the District Councillor for the Roydon and Dobbs Weir ward of Epping Forest Council. The draft Local Plan, the document that will be the blueprint for local housing development and its accompanying infrastructure, is currently being prepared for a consultation, which will take place in a few months time. It is essential that Roydons voice is heard loud and clear, Mary commented. The areas housing needs must be addressed but in a sensitive way, ensuring that the Green Belt is protected and the character of our area is preserved. Cllr Sartin went on to say that her biggest concerns were Roydons proximity to Harlow and the towns expansion plans. She pointed out the previous

threats made by the last Labour Government to realign Green Belt boundaries, in order to push forward with housing developments.

Mary warned, I know that there are developers out there that will cast an envious eye on our area.

We are within easy commuting distance from London with plenty of open space that could become large scale housing estates.

When the consultation is published, it is important that you, the residents, make your voices heard and respond.

Your views are vital to Roydons future. The consultation is currently scheduled to be carried out between June and September this year.

There will be publicity prior to the consultation, such as through the Councils website and exhibitions will be held around the District.

Labour plans to build on the Green Belt if it wins election.

Cllr Gary Waller, who

represents Lower

Sheering on Epping

Forest District Council

Local Cllr Mary Sartin and the Roydon Green Belt A recent rise in the number of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) ignoring weight limits has been damaging local roads in Nazeing. Lower Nazeing Councillors Richard Bassett and Yolanda Knight have been pressing the Police and the Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA) to start enforcing weight limits. They are engaging with the lorry companies and letting them know that drivers will be reported if they do not obey the law. If you spot a lorry breaking one of the weight limits or being driven badly, please take note of its name, the time, the location and, if possible, the registration number and the offence you believe is taking place. You can email the details to Richard at Richard.D.Bassett@Ntlworld.com with Lorries as the subject line, or you can call him on 01992 610 519.

mailto:Richard.D.Bassett@Ntlworld.com

Village Post | 3 ..

Robert Halfon with NHS staff at Princess Alexandra

Hospital on Christmas Day 2014

O ver the past four years, Robert Halfon has fought a tireless campaign to cut the cost of fuel and support rural motorists. With thousands of people backing his efforts, Robert was able to secure a cut and a four-year freeze in fuel duty. The Conservative-led Coalition has done everything possible to make life easier for motorists, Robert remarked. By scrapping all of the fuel duty hikes that were planned by the last Labour Government, the average motorist is saving 11 every time they visit the pumps. In the last few years, the price of petrol and diesel rocketed, peaking at just over 1.40 per litre

for unleaded petrol in 2012. However, with the price of oil now plummeting, Robert is calling on oil companies to pass these savings onto customers. Figures show that prices are falling to levels not seen since 2009, with petrol and diesel at 1.06 and 1.14 per litre respectively. Robert said, The Chancellor, George Osborne, has insisted that oil companies should pass their savings onto British families. Not just at the pumps, but through utility bills and travel fares as well. Prices should reflect falling oil prices and I will continue to make the case for this in Parliament.

R etired residents over the age of 65 are set to benefit from the extension of a government-backed pensioner savings bond. More than 1bn of the bonds, which offer competitive interest rates of up to 4%, were sold in the first two days of the scheme and so Chancellor George Osborne has agreed to extend their availability for another three months. This effort to support Britains savers has been accompanied by an 800 increase in the state pension since 2010, after the Government ensured that it would rise each year in line with either wages, prices or 2.5%. The MP for Hastingwood, Matching, Nazeing, Roydon and Sheering, Robert Halfon, said he was pleased with the extension and

hoped many of his constituents would be able to gain from the scheme. He commented, This Government is doing what it can to help Britains pensioners, savers and those who just want to get on and do the right thing. Plus, from April this year, millions of people on Defined Contribution schemes will no longer have to buy an annuity if they don't want to. There will also be no punitive 55% tax rate if people want to draw down more than their tax free lump sum. That way, retired residents who have worked hard and saved all of their lives will now be able to pass on their hard-earned pension pot tax-free.

R obert Halfon MP has reaffirmed his support for the Princess Alexandra A&E unit, after it saw a sharp rise in admissions over the winter months. Figures show that PAH is one of the busiest hospitals in the country, with significantly more patients per bed than bigger London hospitals. The number of ambulances arriving at PAH has also increased, with double the number of day admissions than two years ago and one in five ambulances coming from outside the local area. Robert Halfon has raised the issue extensively in the House of Commons, with both the Health Secretary and Hospitals Minister. In response, the Government

confirmed that 4 million of winter resilience funding would be provided to West Essex. This money has already helped fund another 20 beds in Harlow. Following the announcement, Robert said, Its encouraging to hear that extra funding has been provided, as it was last year, and I hope this investment will be used to address the Hospitals current resource difficulties. However, this must translate into a visible improvement for patients and staff, and I have already met with the Chief Executive at PAH to discuss this. Since 2010, the National Health Service has seen an extra 12.7 billion put into its budget.

Robert Halfon presenting a petition for cheaper fuel

duty to 10 Downing Street with FairFuelUK

L ocal MP Robert Halfon has welcomed the 128 million that has been made available to tackle potholes in Essex. This investment is part of a 6 billion national effort to cut the number of defects on Englands roads, as well as maintain kerbs and pavements. Robert, who is campaigning on the issue of potholes and has personally reported local defects to the County Council, asserted, This is great news for rural motorists. This Government has already spent 1 billion more on road maintenance than the last Labour administration.

The Department of Transport has said there is enough money to fix up to 18 million potholes across the country over the next six years. The announcement also follows a previous funding commitment from Essex County Council, who have invested 17.5 million into highways repair, targeting 700 of the countys most damaged roads. Robert concluded by saying, I will continue to work hard on this issue. Please let me know if there are any serious potholes that you are aware of, and would like the Council to deal with.

Thank you for efforts on potholes...I think you are the best thing politically that has ever happened to Harlow - Local resident

Please continue the battle on fuel. You are doing a great job. Keep going! - Local resident

4 | Village Post

R obert Halfon has said fighting for England has been one of his top priorities as an MP. Robert has given his support to Conservative Party proposals to introduce English Votes for English Laws, control immigration and deliver an In/Out EU referendum. At the moment, Scotland, Wales and N.Ireland each have their own parliament or assembly, which make key decisions for their countries. However, there is no alternative in England. This leaves MPs from Scotland, Wales and N.Ireland able to vote on matters that only relate to England.

Robert said, Only a Conservative majority at the next election will provide English Votes for English Laws and ensure a fair deal for people in England. This is on top of our commitment to hold an In/Out EU referendum, if we win a majority at the next election. Robert is also continuing to speak out in favour of replacing the 1998 Human Rights Act with a British Bill of Rights, written and passed in the UK. Labours Human Rights Act has been highly criticised since it was introduced, for allowing prisoners to demand the right to vote and for preventing the deportation of dangerous criminals.

A British Bill of Rights would stop the European Courts forcing the UK to change its laws. Robert concluded by re-stating his belief that St. Georges Day should be a national holiday in England, as the Saints Days of Andrew and Patrick are in Scotland and N.Ireland respectively.

T he Conservative-led Government is continuing to back working people of all ages by raising the tax-free allowance again, to 10,600 in April this year.

Immigration routes have been tightened and arrivals from outside the EU are down to their lowest levels in a decade. Public services are also being protected with new rules for social housing and claiming benefits. New proposals to curb EU migration, announced by David Cameron, include preventing migrants from claiming key benefits for the first four years and removing those who do

not have a job within six months from the UK. This follows successful efforts since 2010 to reform the family visa route, crack down on bogus colleges and ensure that no-one can come to this country and expect to get benefits immediately. MP Robert Halfon has said, We are clamping down on abuses of the system and ensuring that we have an immigration system that is fair to taxpayers.

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Printed by Mortons Media Group Ltd, of Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincolnshire, LN9 6JR

This means that the typical taxpayer will be 825 better off by 2015/16 and three and a half million of the lowest paid will have been taken out of income tax altogether. It is in stark contrast to the 6475 personal allowance under the last Labour Government. This increase will also be passed on in full to higher rate taxpayers, the first increase in the higher threshold in line with inflation, for five years.

Overall, around one in four full time workers across Harlow, Hastingwood, Matching, Nazeing, Roydon and Sheering will benefit from these changes. Finally, Prime Minister David Cameron has said a majority Conservative Government would do more to cut inheritance tax, which he believes should only be paid by the very wealthy and not those on modest incomes who have worked hard and saved hard.

I t was when I was interviewed by the Harlow Conservative Association back in 1999 that I was first told that Winston Churchill had been the MP for the area between 1924 and 1945. Although it was before the construction of the New Town, he still represented Old Harlow and the Hastingwood, Matching, Nazeing, Roydon & Sheering villages. Many of us remember Winston Churchill because of his stand against appeasement and his defeat of Nazi Germany. I know, having had family members in Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp, I would not be here today, if Churchill had not taken a stand against Hitlers plans to murder all the worlds Jews. But Churchill had another side to being a great war leader. He was as compassionate in his domestic politics as he was as aggressive against dictatorships. In 1923, he spoke at a Public Meeting in Victoria Hall Theatre in Old Harlow. His powerful speech to local residents, stressed the need for more jobs, lower prices for

bread and meat, pensions for widows with children and the introduction of the penny post. When I was first elected as your MP in 2010, I wrote to former Labour MP, Stan Newens, who heads the excellent Harlow Civic Society and to the Chairman of the Victoria Hall Theatre, asking if we could commemorate his speech. To Stans enormous credit he agreed and in the Summer of 2013, alongside me and my predecessor Bill Rammell, we unveiled a blue plaque to Churchill, which now adorns the outside of this wonderful theatre, with all its heritage and history.

Returning to the subject of Churchills role against the Nazis, one of my favourite stories about Churchill in Harlow is this: When Churchill

was campaigning against Prime Minister Neville Chamberlains policies, the Party HQ tried to get him de-selected. They were upset about what they perceived as Churchills disloyalty to the Prime Minister.

However, in 1939, a letter published in the local Express & Independent stated that: At a recent public meeting at Harlow the largest I have ever seen...when I proposed a vote of confidence in Churchill, it was received with acclamation and carried unanimously. It is wonderful to know that on the eve of our darkest hour, when Churchill faced de-selection as our MP for his stance against appeasement, local residents stood tall and recognised that Mr Churchill was right to warn of our need to confront Hitler.

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S ince 2010, the Government has been working hard to control immigration into the UK and crack down on those living here illegally.

Fifty years ago, Britain said farewell to Sir Winston Churchill who, between 1924 and

1945, served as the MP for Hastingwood, Matching, Nazeing, Roydon & Sheering.

Current MP Robert Halfon, shares his thoughts on the former Prime Minister.

Unveiling the blue plague at

Victoria Hall Theatre

Visiting the Sheering

War Memorial

Robert Halfon celebrating

St Georges Day