10p Tax Rate and Workers Memorial Day

I would like to begin this week by addressing the issue which has been dominating Westminster - the 10p tax rate.  Last week in this paper I wrote that the week ahead would be a true litmus test for the influence MP’s have upon Government policy.  I, along with many of my colleagues, had grave concerns about the effect the abolition of the 10p tax rate would have upon some of the lowest paid members of our society and we raised these concerns with both the Prime Minister and Chancellor.   I am pleased to say that they were listening.  Following private meetings the Government announced last Wednesday that they would work with the Treasury Select Committee to explore ways to offset the losses of those on the lowest incomes.  Significantly, they pledged to look at backdating the payments to 1^st April 2008.  The decision to review the policy, far from being an embarrassing u-turn, is consistent with nurturing a fair and growing economy and re-affirms the commitment of the Labour Party to helping those on the poorest incomes.  It also suggests that politics does work. 

This week also sees International Workers Memorial Day to commemorate those who have died as a result of work.  My colleague Michael Clapham MP has tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons to mark the occasion.  As well as commemoration, the aim of the day is to press Government’s and employers the world over to ensure workers are protected whilst at work.  Workplace safety is a very serious issue and it is a basic requirement that employers take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of their workforce.  Coincidentally, earlier this month the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act came into force which makes it easier to prosecute companies for manslaughter where gross failures in their management of health and safety leads to a death.  This is a good start but there is more to be done. 

Importantly for our region, last week also saw a debate in Westminster Hall on the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy.  This strategy sets out housing plans for the region with ambitious plans for new build housing.  If we are to accommodate the large number of houses set out in the strategy it is important that we balance this with the need to protect our greenfield sites.  We have areas of outstanding beauty in North Staffordshire which must be protected.   For this reason I have written to Liam Byrne, Minister for the West Midlands, emphasising the need to concentrate building on the many brownfield sites in the region.  This will have the double benefit of protecting our Greenfield sites whilst stimulating the regeneration of our cities.  I hope to be making these points in further meetings with Ministers.