03/03/2013 Sunday Politics West Midlands

And in the Midlands: Councils get a multi-million pound government

multi-million pound government handouts for rubbish.

handouts for rubbish. handouts for rubbish.

The price of guaranteeing weekly in The price of guaranteeing weekly in

The price of guaranteeing weekly in rent while other services are dumped

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 2205 seconds

rent while other services are dumped And for our own distinctive take on

And for our own distinctive take on And for our own distinctive take on

And for our own distinctive take on politics here in our part of the

politics here in our part of the politics here in our part of the

world, this is where the Black world, this is where the Black

world, this is where the Black Country meet Elgar Country. Pat

Country meet Elgar Country. Pat Country meet Elgar Country. Pat

McFadden is the MP for Wolverhampton McFadden is the MP for Wolverhampton

McFadden is the MP for Wolverhampton and Harriet Baldwin is the

and Harriet Baldwin is the Conservative MP for West

Conservative MP for West Worcestershire, currently recovering

Worcestershire, currently recovering Worcestershire, currently recovering

from three broken fingers. This is from three broken fingers. This is

from three broken fingers. This is something that we have had coming

something that we have had coming something that we have had coming

for years. Ever since it emerged for years. Ever since it emerged

for years. Ever since it emerged that hundreds more patience than

that hundreds more patience than that hundreds more patience than

expected had died at Stafford expected had died at Stafford

Hospital because of catastrophic Hospital because of catastrophic

Hospital because of catastrophic failures of patient care. It would

failures of patient care. It would failures of patient care. It would

failures of patient care. It would be the first time a hospital had

be the first time a hospital had be the first time a hospital had

been put under the watch of administrators.

administrators. When administrators are working

When administrators are working When administrators are working

their plans out, the starting point their plans out, the starting point

their plans out, the starting point their plans out, the starting point

is, what is the best way to provide is, what is the best way to provide

is, what is the best way to provide services? This is all centred around

services? This is all centred around services? This is all centred around

how to provide patient care. how to provide patient care.

how to provide patient care. how to provide patient care.

And we say this was inevitable, but And we say this was inevitable, but

And we say this was inevitable, but And we say this was inevitable, but

Pat McFadden, what does this mean as Pat McFadden, what does this mean as

Pat McFadden, what does this mean as far as patients are concerned?

far as patients are concerned? far as patients are concerned?

far as patients are concerned? I think the people of Stafford must

I think the people of Stafford must I think the people of Stafford must

I think the people of Stafford must be wondering what is next for them

be wondering what is next for them be wondering what is next for them

and their local healthcare. This has and their local healthcare. This has

and their local healthcare. This has been a terrible story of human

been a terrible story of human been a terrible story of human

suffering in the past at this suffering in the past at this

suffering in the past at this hospital and what the regulators are

hospital and what the regulators are hospital and what the regulators are

hospital and what the regulators are seeing now is that the care provided

seeing now is that the care provided seeing now is that the care provided

seeing now is that the care provided in the hospital is coming up to

in the hospital is coming up to in the hospital is coming up to

scratch but now they have a scratch but now they have a

scratch but now they have a financial problem. I think people

financial problem. I think people financial problem. I think people

financial problem. I think people should be clear that this is not

should be clear that this is not should be clear that this is not

should be clear that this is not like new management being put in to

like new management being put in to like new management being put in to

like new management being put in to run the school, this is more serious

run the school, this is more serious run the school, this is more serious

run the school, this is more serious and is likely to have a consequence

and is likely to have a consequence and is likely to have a consequence

for the range of services supplied for the range of services supplied

in the hospital. in the hospital.

in the hospital. in the hospital.

Harriet, we will be coming to your Harriet, we will be coming to your

Harriet, we will be coming to your county a little later, and the

county a little later, and the county a little later, and the

obvious concern is mid-Staffs now, obvious concern is mid-Staffs now,

obvious concern is mid-Staffs now, obvious concern is mid-Staffs now,

but could others go the same way? but could others go the same way?

but could others go the same way? I think the Francis Report that

I think the Francis Report that I think the Francis Report that

showed the deaths happening at this showed the deaths happening at this

showed the deaths happening at this showed the deaths happening at this

hospital shows that we do need to hospital shows that we do need to

hospital shows that we do need to rethink the way in which these

rethink the way in which these rethink the way in which these

hospitals are organised, and clearly hospitals are organised, and clearly

hospitals are organised, and clearly hospitals are organised, and clearly

with the emphasis that you heard in with the emphasis that you heard in

Doctor Bennett's comments about Doctor Bennett's comments about

Doctor Bennett's comments about Doctor Bennett's comments about

patient care. It has got to be patient care. It has got to be

patient care. It has got to be focused on the patients rather than

focused on the patients rather than targets and management structure.

targets and management structure. targets and management structure.

targets and management structure. What we need to do is allow our

What we need to do is allow our What we need to do is allow our

doctors and clinicians to lead that process.

process. process.

There is the likelihood that other There is the likelihood that other

There is the likelihood that other hospitals, Stoke for a start but

hospitals, Stoke for a start but hospitals, Stoke for a start but

also some in Wolverhampton, could also some in Wolverhampton, could

also some in Wolverhampton, could take a slap from Stafford.

take a slap from Stafford. take a slap from Stafford.

take a slap from Stafford. What you are seeing around the West

What you are seeing around the West What you are seeing around the West

Midlands area is a number of Midlands area is a number of

hospitals getting into financial hospitals getting into financial

hospitals getting into financial difficulty. There are a number of

reorganisations. Sometimes reorganisations. Sometimes

reorganisations. Sometimes reorganisations make sense, even if

reorganisations make sense, even if reorganisations make sense, even if

they are politically difficult, and they are politically difficult, and

they are politically difficult, and sometimes it can make sense to

sometimes it can make sense to sometimes it can make sense to

locate specialisms in clusters of locate specialisms in clusters of

locate specialisms in clusters of consultants. But when it is

consultants. But when it is consultants. But when it is

financially driven, that is when financially driven, that is when

financially driven, that is when financially driven, that is when

people start to ask, is this the people start to ask, is this the

people start to ask, is this the best thing for patient care?

best thing for patient care? best thing for patient care?

best thing for patient care? The NHS has been targeting Sir David

The NHS has been targeting Sir David The NHS has been targeting Sir David

The NHS has been targeting Sir David Nicholson. He is now the boss of the

Nicholson. He is now the boss of the Nicholson. He is now the boss of the

Nicholson. He is now the boss of the NHS. People say he should go. Do you

NHS. People say he should go. Do you agree with them?

agree with them? agree with them?

agree with them? I do not think it is about one

I do not think it is about one I do not think it is about one

individual. We must change the individual. We must change the

individual. We must change the culture. We must preserve investment

culture. We must preserve investment culture. We must preserve investment

culture. We must preserve investment in the NHS. We must reorganise it

in the NHS. We must reorganise it in the NHS. We must reorganise it

around patients and doctors, rather than targets.

than targets. than targets.

Should Sir David Nicholson go? Should Sir David Nicholson go?

Should Sir David Nicholson go? The Francis Report was quite clear

The Francis Report was quite clear The Francis Report was quite clear

that the problem came from within that the problem came from within

that the problem came from within that the problem came from within

the hospital. It was badly run and the hospital. It was badly run and

the hospital. It was badly run and the hospital. It was badly run and

badly managed. There is a lot of badly managed. There is a lot of

badly managed. There is a lot of badly managed. There is a lot of

attention on him. I am not saying attention on him. I am not saying

attention on him. I am not saying attention on him. I am not saying

that he should go, but there are that he should go, but there are

lessons to be learned. lessons to be learned.

lessons to be learned. lessons to be learned.

Coming up, we will be talking about Coming up, we will be talking about

Coming up, we will be talking about that most hotly contested of council

that most hotly contested of council that most hotly contested of council

issues: Bins. From next month, seven issues: Bins. From next month, seven

issues: Bins. From next month, seven issues: Bins. From next month, seven

over councils will get money to take over councils will get money to take

over councils will get money to take over councils will get money to take

the bins out once per week. We will the bins out once per week. We will

the bins out once per week. We will the bins out once per week. We will

be asking if the service is rubbish. More later.

More later. More later.

More later. For the moment, we say with hospital

For the moment, we say with hospital news. In Herefordshire and

news. In Herefordshire and Worcestershire, just as in

Worcestershire, just as in Staffordshire, it is about

Staffordshire, it is about guaranteeing patient care. However,

guaranteeing patient care. However, guaranteeing patient care. However,

that requires saving money. Patients that requires saving money. Patients

that requires saving money. Patients in Redditch need to travel to

in Redditch need to travel to Worcester, meanwhile Herefordshire

Worcester, meanwhile Herefordshire Worcester, meanwhile Herefordshire

is seeking people with deep pockets is seeking people with deep pockets

to take over. to take over.

to take over. The government said it had protected

The government said it had protected The government said it had protected

NHS spending, but more Trusts are NHS spending, but more Trusts are

NHS spending, but more Trusts are slipping into the red. The

slipping into the red. The Worcestershire Trust runs three

Worcestershire Trust runs three hospitals in Kidderminster,

hospitals in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, and Redditch. It

Worcestershire, and Redditch. It Worcestershire, and Redditch. It

needs to find savings of �50 needs to find savings of �50

needs to find savings of �50 million. Many patients who arrive

million. Many patients who arrive million. Many patients who arrive

million. Many patients who arrive here will be sent to 20 miles away.

here will be sent to 20 miles away. here will be sent to 20 miles away.

here will be sent to 20 miles away. here will be sent to 20 miles away.

I do not think that is a good idea. I do not think that is a good idea.

Redditch is a big-time. Redditch is a big-time.

Redditch is a big-time. Redditch is a big-time.

If it's an emergency, you make a If it's an emergency, you make a

If it's an emergency, you make a dead before you get there.

dead before you get there. dead before you get there.

dead before you get there. I do not think it should be altered

at all. at all.

at all. Their MP thinks things will be

Their MP thinks things will be Their MP thinks things will be

different if this hospital is run from Birmingham.

from Birmingham. from Birmingham.

from Birmingham. I want the people of Redditch to

I want the people of Redditch to I want the people of Redditch to

I want the people of Redditch to I want the people of Redditch to

have a choice. If they want to go to have a choice. If they want to go to

have a choice. If they want to go to Birmingham, then I expect that this

Birmingham, then I expect that this Birmingham, then I expect that this

hospital will be transferred to the Birmingham Trust.

Birmingham Trust. Birmingham Trust.

In Herefordshire, a single Trust In Herefordshire, a single Trust

In Herefordshire, a single Trust runs nursing and the county hospital

runs nursing and the county hospital runs nursing and the county hospital

runs nursing and the county hospital runs nursing and the county hospital

but it is �15 million in the red. It but it is �15 million in the red. It

but it is �15 million in the red. It is appealing for a white knight.

is appealing for a white knight. is appealing for a white knight.

is appealing for a white knight. The difficulties that we see are in

The difficulties that we see are in The difficulties that we see are in

The difficulties that we see are in business and the changes in the ways

business and the changes in the ways business and the changes in the ways

in which hospitals are being funded. in which hospitals are being funded.

in which hospitals are being funded. in which hospitals are being funded.

By taking action to sort out their By taking action to sort out their

By taking action to sort out their finances, hospital bosses hope to go

finances, hospital bosses hope to go finances, hospital bosses hope to go

finances, hospital bosses hope to go and see the future of healthcare in

and see the future of healthcare in and see the future of healthcare in

and see the future of healthcare in their area. But it is also a warning

to others. to others.

to others. It is confusing, Harriet, because we

It is confusing, Harriet, because we It is confusing, Harriet, because we

keep hearing that your government is keep hearing that your government is

keep hearing that your government is keep hearing that your government is

ring fencing spending on the NHS and ring fencing spending on the NHS and

ring fencing spending on the NHS and ring fencing spending on the NHS and

yet more and more of these Trusts yet more and more of these Trusts

yet more and more of these Trusts are going into the red.

are going into the red. are going into the red.

I think any organisation that spends I think any organisation that spends

I think any organisation that spends public money must look at how

public money must look at how public money must look at how

efficiently it spends it. These efficiently it spends it. These

efficiently it spends it. These reviews, a game, being led by

reviews, a game, being led by reviews, a game, being led by

reviews, a game, being led by doctors, will look at how to make

doctors, will look at how to make doctors, will look at how to make

doctors, will look at how to make this patient lead. It is good news

for patients. for patients.

for patients. Is there a solution/quiz-mac and

Is there a solution/quiz-mac and Is there a solution/quiz-mac and

Is there a solution/quiz-mac and thinking more widely, is there a way

thinking more widely, is there a way thinking more widely, is there a way

to make this into a federation? to make this into a federation?

to make this into a federation? to make this into a federation?

I think my colleagues have done an I think my colleagues have done an

I think my colleagues have done an excellent job fighting for people in

Redditch... Redditch...

Redditch... But they have to travel.

But they have to travel. But they have to travel.

But they have to travel. But they have to travel.

I need to focus on my area. For my I need to focus on my area. For my

constituents, focusing some clinics constituents, focusing some clinics

constituents, focusing some clinics in Worcestershire Royal will be

better. better.

better. better.

A few years ago, it would have been A few years ago, it would have been

A few years ago, it would have been A few years ago, it would have been

toxic for any MP to countenance the toxic for any MP to countenance the

toxic for any MP to countenance the idea of people travelling from their

idea of people travelling from their area to another hospital.

area to another hospital. area to another hospital.

area to another hospital. We would like to see that no units

We would like to see that no units We would like to see that no units

would ever be transferred. I think would ever be transferred. I think

would ever be transferred. I think the government was naive in saying

the government was naive in saying the government was naive in saying

before the election that nothing before the election that nothing

before the election that nothing before the election that nothing

would close, and that makes it more would close, and that makes it more

would close, and that makes it more difficult now, because it looks like

difficult now, because it looks like difficult now, because it looks like

they are making promises they cannot they are making promises they cannot

they are making promises they cannot keep. Sometimes we organisation is

keep. Sometimes we organisation is keep. Sometimes we organisation is

necessary and will improve patient necessary and will improve patient

necessary and will improve patient necessary and will improve patient

care, but I think if it is driven care, but I think if it is driven

care, but I think if it is driven care, but I think if it is driven

purely by saving money, that is when purely by saving money, that is when

purely by saving money, that is when patients say, is this about patient

patients say, is this about patient patients say, is this about patient

patients say, is this about patient care? It has got to be about patient

care? It has got to be about patient care? It has got to be about patient

care? It has got to be about patient care. If it is just about saving

care. If it is just about saving care. If it is just about saving

money, patients will lose out. money, patients will lose out.

money, patients will lose out. money, patients will lose out.

Are we not starting to see the Are we not starting to see the

Are we not starting to see the results of what happened under your

results of what happened under your results of what happened under your

administration? One of the problems administration? One of the problems

administration? One of the problems in Herefordshire is a �60 million

in Herefordshire is a �60 million in Herefordshire is a �60 million

debt. That came from your government.

government. government.

These hospitals are running into These hospitals are running into

These hospitals are running into financial trouble and I think that

financial trouble and I think that financial trouble and I think that

financial trouble and I think that PFI projects helped us to renew the

PFI projects helped us to renew the PFI projects helped us to renew the

PFI projects helped us to renew the estate. When we came into office in

estate. When we came into office in estate. When we came into office in

1997, most of the hospitals came 1997, most of the hospitals came

1997, most of the hospitals came from before the NHS was even

from before the NHS was even from before the NHS was even

founded. I think it was a founded. I think it was a

much-needed programme of modernisation.

modernisation. modernisation.

modernisation. The other thing that is emerging is

The other thing that is emerging is The other thing that is emerging is

that people are really concerned that people are really concerned

that people are really concerned about travel times. Something like a

about travel times. Something like a about travel times. Something like a

stroke or a cardiac arrest, the stroke or a cardiac arrest, the

stroke or a cardiac arrest, the stroke or a cardiac arrest, the

ambulance service has to be up to the mark.

the mark. the mark.

the mark. If one of my constituents is on the

If one of my constituents is on the If one of my constituents is on the

If one of my constituents is on the M42 South and gets into trouble, at

M42 South and gets into trouble, at M42 South and gets into trouble, at

the moment, they would probably be the moment, they would probably be

the moment, they would probably be transferred to Birmingham. I think

transferred to Birmingham. I think transferred to Birmingham. I think

transferred to Birmingham. I think you need that rapid response I think

you need that rapid response I think you need that rapid response I think

you need that rapid response I think it is very, very important to study.

it is very, very important to study. it is very, very important to study.

it is very, very important to study. At a time of radical reform under

At a time of radical reform under At a time of radical reform under

your government, there is a real your government, there is a real

your government, there is a real crisis of confidence both in the

crisis of confidence both in the crisis of confidence both in the

health service and with the public health service and with the public

health service and with the public health service and with the public

health service and with the public to use it. Do you think it will be

rebuilt? rebuilt?

rebuilt? rebuilt?

I think that by giving power to the I think that by giving power to the

I think that by giving power to the doctors, who will focus on quality,

doctors, who will focus on quality, doctors, who will focus on quality,

doctors, who will focus on quality, that is the way we will be build

that is the way we will be build trust for patients.

Confidence? Confidence?

Confidence? Confidence?

It is one of our most cherished It is one of our most cherished

It is one of our most cherished institutions and I think the public

institutions and I think the public institutions and I think the public

institutions and I think the public have confidence in it. We must not

have confidence in it. We must not have confidence in it. We must not

damage that in the future. damage that in the future.

damage that in the future. damage that in the future.

So, to the big question: Is your So, to the big question: Is your

So, to the big question: Is your dustbin emptied every week? The

dustbin emptied every week? The dustbin emptied every week? The

government says that 1 million homes government says that 1 million homes

government says that 1 million homes across the region are about to

across the region are about to across the region are about to

benefit from guaranteed weekly bin benefit from guaranteed weekly bin

benefit from guaranteed weekly bin collections. Money from this scheme

collections. Money from this scheme collections. Money from this scheme

collections. Money from this scheme will be rolled out next month. Our

will be rolled out next month. Our political Reporter reports.

political Reporter reports. political Reporter reports.

Councils are responsible from all Councils are responsible from all

Councils are responsible from all kinds of things, from social

kinds of things, from social kinds of things, from social

kinds of things, from social services to art. But there are very

services to art. But there are very services to art. But there are very

few things that affect absolutely few things that affect absolutely

few things that affect absolutely everyone in the week rubbish does.

everyone in the week rubbish does. everyone in the week rubbish does.

With the increase in recycling, With the increase in recycling,

With the increase in recycling, nearly half of English councils have

nearly half of English councils have moved to fortnightly bin

moved to fortnightly bin collections. The government is

collections. The government is collections. The government is

convinced we do not like this. convinced we do not like this.

convinced we do not like this. convinced we do not like this.

I think it is vital that local I think it is vital that local

I think it is vital that local authorities continue to do weekly

authorities continue to do weekly authorities continue to do weekly

authorities continue to do weekly bin collections and I think it is

bin collections and I think it is unacceptable for central government

unacceptable for central government unacceptable for central government

to do anything but support local to do anything but support local

authorities in doing that. authorities in doing that.

authorities in doing that. It is important. Otherwise, it will

It is important. Otherwise, it will just pile up.

just pile up. just pile up.

Eric Pickles, the local government Eric Pickles, the local government

secretary, please grassroots secretary, please grassroots

secretary, please grassroots Conservatives by making �250 million

Conservatives by making �250 million Conservatives by making �250 million

available to counsel to guarantee weekly collections.

weekly collections. weekly collections.

This means that we can continue This means that we can continue

This means that we can continue weekly bin collections across the

weekly bin collections across the weekly bin collections across the

weekly bin collections across the area for five years. We might not

area for five years. We might not area for five years. We might not

area for five years. We might not have been able to do that otherwise.

have been able to do that otherwise. have been able to do that otherwise.

Over the next five years, seven Over the next five years, seven

Over the next five years, seven Midlands authorities will get a

Midlands authorities will get a Midlands authorities will get a

share of �54 million, ensuring share of �54 million, ensuring

share of �54 million, ensuring weekly collections for 1 million

weekly collections for 1 million weekly collections for 1 million

weekly collections for 1 million homes. But this is not just about

homes. But this is not just about homes. But this is not just about

black bags. Here at this recycling black bags. Here at this recycling

black bags. Here at this recycling centre, the process about 70,000

centre, the process about 70,000 centre, the process about 70,000

tonnes of waste every year. And tonnes of waste every year. And

tonnes of waste every year. And Malvern District Council will be

Malvern District Council will be Malvern District Council will be

Malvern District Council will be using the share of the money to

using the share of the money to maintain collections and introduce

glass recycling. glass recycling.

glass recycling. Recycling rates are down, so by

Recycling rates are down, so by Recycling rates are down, so by

changing the service and making it changing the service and making it

changing the service and making it changing the service and making it

easier, we should be able to recycle easier, we should be able to recycle

easier, we should be able to recycle more than we do just now.

more than we do just now. more than we do just now.

more than we do just now. Some people might argue that you do

Some people might argue that you do Some people might argue that you do

more to increase recycling by more to increase recycling by

more to increase recycling by getting rid of weekly bin

getting rid of weekly bin collections because then people

collections because then people collections because then people

would have to recycle more. would have to recycle more.

would have to recycle more. The dirty waste system is really

The dirty waste system is really The dirty waste system is really

highly valued here and we would highly valued here and we would

highly valued here and we would rather have it in commitment. That

rather have it in commitment. That rather have it in commitment. That

is what we're trying to recycling easier.

easier. easier.

easier. The changes will come in April. Six

The changes will come in April. Six The changes will come in April. Six

of the seven councils receiving the of the seven councils receiving the

money were already collecting money were already collecting

money were already collecting money were already collecting

weekly. With tax is set to double on weekly. With tax is set to double on

weekly. With tax is set to double on landfill in the next decade, some

landfill in the next decade, some landfill in the next decade, some

would argue that recycling should be the priority.

the priority. the priority.

My latest blog has more information My latest blog has more information

My latest blog has more information My latest blog has more information

on this. We are also joined you on this. We are also joined you

on this. We are also joined you today by the green party councillor

today by the green party councillor today by the green party councillor

today by the green party councillor on Dudley Council. He were, a golden

on Dudley Council. He were, a golden on Dudley Council. He were, a golden

on Dudley Council. He were, a golden opportunity to say thank you for the

scheme. scheme.

scheme. scheme.

I would like to say thank you very I would like to say thank you very

I would like to say thank you very much government for not cutting our

much government for not cutting our much government for not cutting our

much government for not cutting our grand. It is great to have an extra

grand. It is great to have an extra grand. It is great to have an extra

grand. It is great to have an extra �1.8 million. But it is really about

�1.8 million. But it is really about �1.8 million. But it is really about

priorities. Is weekly bin collection priorities. Is weekly bin collection

rather than fortnightly bin rather than fortnightly bin

rather than fortnightly bin collection a higher priority than

collection a higher priority than collection a higher priority than

collection a higher priority than the services to young people and old

the services to young people and old the services to young people and old

people alike? Why is central people alike? Why is central

people alike? Why is central government interfering in this level

government interfering in this level of local activity?

of local activity? of local activity?

of local activity? There is a clear message in the film

There is a clear message in the film There is a clear message in the film

there that people do value weekly there that people do value weekly

there that people do value weekly bin collections and that perhaps the

bin collections and that perhaps the bin collections and that perhaps the

bin collections and that perhaps the government is closer to the green of

government is closer to the green of opinion than you are.

opinion than you are. opinion than you are.

It is certainly true that most It is certainly true that most

It is certainly true that most people who have not experienced

people who have not experienced fortnightly collections valued the

fortnightly collections valued the fortnightly collections valued the

weekly ones. Kitchen waste need weekly ones. Kitchen waste need

weekly ones. Kitchen waste need special handling. In most places

special handling. In most places special handling. In most places

where you have weekly or fortnightly where you have weekly or fortnightly

where you have weekly or fortnightly bin collections and then recycling

bin collections and then recycling bin collections and then recycling

actually produce more recycling and actually produce more recycling and

actually produce more recycling and actually produce more recycling and

it reduces the amount of waste. Nine it reduces the amount of waste. Nine

it reduces the amount of waste. Nine of the ten top performing local

of the ten top performing local authorities in recycling operate

weekly scheme. weekly scheme.

weekly scheme. The other thing below the headline

The other thing below the headline The other thing below the headline

is that it gives authorities like is that it gives authorities like

Marlborough district Council the Marlborough district Council the

Marlborough district Council the chance to bid for improved recycling

chance to bid for improved recycling chance to bid for improved recycling

services. You must welcome that. services. You must welcome that.

services. You must welcome that. Of course, the extra money is

Of course, the extra money is Of course, the extra money is

Of course, the extra money is useful, but it should not be for

useful, but it should not be for useful, but it should not be for

central government to tell local central government to tell local

central government to tell local people how to spend their council

tax money. tax money.

tax money. Harriet, is at the business of

central government? central government?

central government? The last government that we had

The last government that we had The last government that we had

doubled your council tax. What we're doubled your council tax. What we're

doubled your council tax. What we're doubled your council tax. What we're

trying to do is keep council tax trying to do is keep council tax

trying to do is keep council tax under control but also make sure

under control but also make sure under control but also make sure

that we keep the weekly bin collection.

collection. collection.

collection. It is a positive move, is it not?

It is a positive move, is it not? It is a positive move, is it not?

The overall picture for local The overall picture for local

The overall picture for local government in Wolverhampton, where I

government in Wolverhampton, where I government in Wolverhampton, where I

government in Wolverhampton, where I represent, is huge cuts. But on this

represent, is huge cuts. But on this represent, is huge cuts. But on this

specific point about bin collection, specific point about bin collection,

specific point about bin collection, I think that weekly bin collections

I think that weekly bin collections I think that weekly bin collections

are popular and you are absolutely are popular and you are absolutely

are popular and you are absolutely are popular and you are absolutely

right to stress that the other part right to stress that the other part

right to stress that the other part right to stress that the other part

of this is recycling. I am very of this is recycling. I am very

of this is recycling. I am very surprised to hear your report that

surprised to hear your report that surprised to hear your report that

we still have local authorities to we still have local authorities to

we still have local authorities to we still have local authorities to

are still to take glass. We have are still to take glass. We have

are still to take glass. We have been able to recycle glass and

been able to recycle glass and been able to recycle glass and

cardboard and plastic for years. I cardboard and plastic for years. I

cardboard and plastic for years. I think some councils have some

think some councils have some catching up to do.

catching up to do. catching up to do.

Is there not a fundamental point Is there not a fundamental point

Is there not a fundamental point Is there not a fundamental point

about local life you? It is very about local life you? It is very

about local life you? It is very about local life you? It is very

top-down to say we will restrict the top-down to say we will restrict the

top-down to say we will restrict the top-down to say we will restrict the

money that you have for some things, money that you have for some things,

money that you have for some things, but in these very rigid and

but in these very rigid and but in these very rigid and

structured ways, we will give you structured ways, we will give you

the money back. the money back.

the money back. the money back.

It must be done locally. There are It must be done locally. There are

It must be done locally. There are two councils in my constituency and

two councils in my constituency and two councils in my constituency and

they take different approaches. It they take different approaches. It

they take different approaches. It they take different approaches. It

has taken time for them to be able has taken time for them to be able

has taken time for them to be able to do campsite glass recycling for

to do campsite glass recycling for to do campsite glass recycling for

various reasons. I think that is various reasons. I think that is

various reasons. I think that is various reasons. I think that is

what people want to be able to do. what people want to be able to do.

Let's do it voluntarily. Let's do it voluntarily.

Let's do it voluntarily. Let's do it voluntarily.

Before I bring you back in to talk Before I bring you back in to talk

Before I bring you back in to talk Before I bring you back in to talk

about what you are for and against, about what you are for and against,

about what you are for and against, about what you are for and against,

I would like to touch on council I would like to touch on council

I would like to touch on council tax. Around Christmas time, we had

tax. Around Christmas time, we had tax. Around Christmas time, we had

one Labour authority after another one Labour authority after another

one Labour authority after another talking about raising it and now

talking about raising it and now talking about raising it and now

talking about raising it and now they have now fallen into line. They

they have now fallen into line. They they have now fallen into line. They

have all frozen just like Eric have all frozen just like Eric

Pickles wanted them to. Pickles wanted them to.

Pickles wanted them to. Pickles wanted them to.

The truth that is in a system where, The truth that is in a system where,

The truth that is in a system where, The truth that is in a system where,

The truth that is in a system where, if you think of this as a piece of

if you think of this as a piece of if you think of this as a piece of

if you think of this as a piece of pie, 80% of this is controlled by

pie, 80% of this is controlled by pie, 80% of this is controlled by

central government. And putting it central government. And putting it

central government. And putting it central government. And putting it

up I1 or 2% does not really make up I1 or 2% does not really make

up I1 or 2% does not really make up I1 or 2% does not really make

that much of a difference. We are that much of a difference. We are

that much of a difference. We are having to make terrible difficult

having to make terrible difficult decisions. Wolverhampton will lose

decisions. Wolverhampton will lose decisions. Wolverhampton will lose

�60 million over the next three years.

years. years.

Whereas, Harriet, the three councils Whereas, Harriet, the three councils

Whereas, Harriet, the three councils Whereas, Harriet, the three councils

in our area that are putting it up in our area that are putting it up

in our area that are putting it up are conservative ones and one of

are conservative ones and one of are conservative ones and one of

them, Mulder and, just under 2%. Hopefully due?

Hopefully due? Hopefully due?

Hopefully due? What I will say is that from this

What I will say is that from this What I will say is that from this

What I will say is that from this year, you will be able to pay over

year, you will be able to pay over year, you will be able to pay over

12 months rather than ten months. 12 months rather than ten months.

12 months rather than ten months. 12 months rather than ten months.

For family budgets, it is easier to For family budgets, it is easier to

For family budgets, it is easier to budget over a 12 month cycle.

budget over a 12 month cycle. budget over a 12 month cycle.

budget over a 12 month cycle. I promised you the final word. What

I promised you the final word. What is your fundamental solution,

is your fundamental solution, environmentally, to these very

environmentally, to these very expensive waste problems?

expensive waste problems? Easily, environmentally, we must

Easily, environmentally, we must Easily, environmentally, we must

reduce the waste we are producing. reduce the waste we are producing.

reduce the waste we are producing. One of the things that increases

One of the things that increases One of the things that increases

recycling and reduces waste is by recycling and reduces waste is by

having alternating bin collections having alternating bin collections

having alternating bin collections having alternating bin collections

with waste and recycling. We need to with waste and recycling. We need to

with waste and recycling. We need to stop the packaging that we sell

things on. things on.

things on. things on.

Thank you. And so to our regular Thank you. And so to our regular

Thank you. And so to our regular Thank you. And so to our regular

roundup of the political week in the roundup of the political week in the

roundup of the political week in the roundup of the political week in the

Midlands in 60 seconds. Here is our Midlands in 60 seconds. Here is our

Midlands in 60 seconds. Here is our reporter. First up, planes: Luggage

reporter. First up, planes: Luggage reporter. First up, planes: Luggage

at Birmingham airport may have been at Birmingham airport may have been

at Birmingham airport may have been searched illegally. Records were not

searched illegally. Records were not searched illegally. Records were not

kept when Border officials searched bags.

bags. Next, trains. Transport Secretary

Next, trains. Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin checked on

Patrick McLoughlin checked on Patrick McLoughlin checked on

building work at Birmingham's New Street Station.

Street Station. Street Station.

Now, automobiles. The LibDem leader Now, automobiles. The LibDem leader

Now, automobiles. The LibDem leader and his deputy were at Dayton's

and his deputy were at Dayton's Heritage Motor Centre.

Heritage Motor Centre. Heritage Motor Centre.

Elsewhere in the region, MPs Elsewhere in the region, MPs

Elsewhere in the region, MPs announced a crackdown on is richer

announced a crackdown on is richer announced a crackdown on is richer

ceramics that are actually made overseas.

overseas. overseas.

And finally, no doubting the And finally, no doubting the

And finally, no doubting the Parliamentary question of the day on

Parliamentary question of the day on Parliamentary question of the day on

Monday after the Chancellor was Monday after the Chancellor was

Monday after the Chancellor was forced to abandon his claims about

forced to abandon his claims about our credit rating.

our credit rating. our credit rating.

Does the Chancellor agree with Does the Chancellor agree with

Does the Chancellor agree with Does the Chancellor agree with

himself that for the UK to lose its himself that for the UK to lose its

himself that for the UK to lose its credit rating would be 80 million

credit rating would be 80 million credit rating would be 80 million

Asian? -- ashy million Asian. Asian? -- ashy million Asian.

Asian? -- ashy million Asian. Asian? -- ashy million Asian.

Pat, he scored a hat there. Why does Pat, he scored a hat there. Why does

Pat, he scored a hat there. Why does this matter to your constituents in

Wolverhampton? Wolverhampton?

Wolverhampton? It matters politically because the

It matters politically because the It matters politically because the

government chose this as their own government chose this as their own

government chose this as their own government chose this as their own

government chose this as their own test. I think to make it the test of

test. I think to make it the test of government and economic competence

government and economic competence government and economic competence

was a mistake. It matters was a mistake. It matters

economically because it comes economically because it comes

economically because it comes together with other things. The Bank

together with other things. The Bank together with other things. The Bank

of England this week talked about of England this week talked about

of England this week talked about negative interest rates and the

negative interest rates and the negative interest rates and the

possibility of having to pay the possibility of having to pay the

possibility of having to pay the possibility of having to pay the

central bank. We have had the pound central bank. We have had the pound

central bank. We have had the pound dropping in value. All of these

dropping in value. All of these dropping in value. All of these

things are coming together with a things are coming together with a

things are coming together with a things are coming together with a

verdict that the economy is in even verdict that the economy is in even

verdict that the economy is in even weaker shape than we thought.

weaker shape than we thought. weaker shape than we thought.

weaker shape than we thought. weaker shape than we thought.

It was the be all and end all for It was the be all and end all for

It was the be all and end all for George Osborne and it has backfired.

George Osborne and it has backfired. George Osborne and it has backfired.

George Osborne and it has backfired. I think what the credit agency is

I think what the credit agency is I think what the credit agency is

I think what the credit agency is saying is that it is important to

saying is that it is important to saying is that it is important to

get your credit under control. You get your credit under control. You

get your credit under control. You get your credit under control. You

do not want to be passing on those do not want to be passing on those

do not want to be passing on those debts to your children and your

debts to your children and your debts to your children and your

grandchildren. So it is important to grandchildren. So it is important to

grandchildren. So it is important to take the tough spending decisions

take the tough spending decisions take the tough spending decisions

take the tough spending decisions that I do not see Pat's party

taking. taking.

taking. taking.

taking. Don't you need a bit of a boost, get

tax up? tax up?

tax up? tax up?

You also need to tackle the spending You also need to tackle the spending

You also need to tackle the spending You also need to tackle the spending

side of the equation. We must take side of the equation. We must take

side of the equation. We must take difficult decisions as a country. We

difficult decisions as a country. We difficult decisions as a country. We

cannot pass them on to future generations.

Final word? Final word?

Final word? Final word?

What Harriet is saying is that the What Harriet is saying is that the

What Harriet is saying is that the strategy that has not worked for

strategy that has not worked for strategy that has not worked for

three years, that has not produced three years, that has not produced

three years, that has not produced growth, is something that they will

growth, is something that they will growth, is something that they will

continue with. The economy needs a different strategy.

different strategy. different strategy.

different strategy. This week will be another big one

This week will be another big one This week will be another big one

for the hospital service here. We for the hospital service here. We

for the hospital service here. We have been considering the position

have been considering the position have been considering the position

have been considering the position of the NHS Chief Executive Sir David

of the NHS Chief Executive Sir David of the NHS Chief Executive Sir David

Nicholls. He will be questioned by Nicholls. He will be questioned by