Every fortnight I send an e- bulletin, updating constituents with the latest news from Watford and Parliament. You can subscribe to the bulletin by emailing me here.
Friday 13th January 2012
Parliament resumed this week after the Christmas break, with work continuing on the busy Government agenda. After a very enjoyable week off over Christmas I was back working in Watford last week with lots of visits and meetings, starting to put into action, my plans for 2012.
Calling all Business- Have you thought about employing an apprentice?
My first big job for 2012 was to kick off the Watford Apprenticeship Programme I am running with the National Apprenticeship Scheme, West Herts College, Youth Connexions with sponsorship from Camelot ltd.
This week I have written to over 1000 Watford businesses and organisations asking them to create an apprenticeship scheme within their company for a local young person, to drastically increase the number of apprenticeships on offer in Watford and in turn, cut the very high rates of youth unemployment.
I am holding a reception for businesses on Wednesday 22nd February at the Park Inn Hotel Watford between 4.00 and 7.00 pm giving businesses a chance to learn more about the benefits that employing an apprentice can offer them and just how easy it is to do. If you or somebody you know would be interested you can find out more information by calling 02072197180 or by emailing watfordapprentices@gmail.com.
My Plans for 2012
2012 promises to be an exciting year with the London Olympics and the Jubilee celebrations. I have made my list of the key objectives that I hope to achieve this year.
Locally
- Working to see some real progress on the Watford Health Campus with Mayor Dorothy Thornhill and other stakeholders.
- To see every young person leaving school going into further education, training or employment.
- To improve the profile of Watford, working to accentuate all that the town has to offer and to make sure it makes the most of national events and policies.
Nationally
- Helping the Government to deliver its aims to rebalance the economy, cut the debt, increase growth and make sure that taxes are being spent on the services that people truly need.
- Ensure that tax payers money given in International Development is spent properly and fairly, going directly to those who need it most.
- To boost business and manufacturing industries across the country, giving them the freedoms and support to allow them to grow and succeed.
I would be interested to hear what you think are the most important issues for 2012, if there is anything else that you think needs attention, please email me and let me know.
My Diary
So far this month my diary has included
- Speaking at Rickmansworth School Sixth Form Presentation Evening
- Visiting Home Instead, a Watford based company who provide an at home carers service. Having discussed the problems the sector faces I am now working with them to look at how the Government can help increase the number of people working in the caring profession.
- Meeting with Watford Community Housing Trust to discuss general Housing issues in Watford as well as the implications of the Government’s new housing policies and in particular the ‘Right to Buy’ scheme.
- Meeting with Watford’s Palace Theatre to discuss their exciting plans for the future and their recent fundraising efforts.
Another Test for Royal Mail
Now the Christmas rush has subsided, I wanted to again test Royal Mail service levels in Watford. Again I sent out 50 letters across Watford to measure delivery times. I was pleased to see some progress with 32 of the letters being received within 24 or 48 hours. Whilst this is far from perfect it seems to be improving, I will however continue to press Royal Mail for improvements until I am satisfied that people in Watford are getting the good standard they expect and pay for.
You can read more here
As ever, if there anything that you would like to discuss or have any problems that you would like help with, my office and I are here to help. Please get in contact at any time on the details below.
Watford: 01923 296790
30 The Avenue, Watford, WD17 4NS
Parliament: 0207 2197180/ 6113
Houses of Parliament, London, SW1A 0AA
richard.harrington.mp@parliament.uk
