Vince Cable

On Sunday, Hampton residents met with local MP Vince Cable and the local Liberal Democrat Councillors on Sunday to raise concerns about the recent changes in Carlisle Park: a community park that is very popular with families and dog walkers, promotes two children's play areas, has excellent tennis courts, a thriving bowling club and a cricket club in the summer.

Welcome to my second monthly email, I was pleased with the positive response the last one received. I want to continue to keep a balance between what I am doing locally in the community and in government nationally.

One achievement I do want to highlight that effects 82,000 in Richmond Borough, is raising the income tax personal allowance to £10,000 from April 2014, this will provide a £700 tax cut to ordinary workers since the start of this government. Fairer Tax was something I campaigned for during the last election and on the front page of our manifesto; it is great to see this Lib Dem policy helping thousands of people locally.

Big Bang Fair
One of my fun jobs in recent weeks was officially opening the Big Bang Fair at ExCeL. 79,000 school children visited an amazing collection of scientific and engineering exhibits by schools, colleges and companies. Teddington School had an impressive display, and the National Physical Laboratory attracted a large crowd. The aim is to excite children about a science or engineering career.

National Apprenticeship Week
I also led National Apprenticeship week and went around the country meeting young people who have decided to try a vocational rather than academic route. I want to encourage both options on an equal basis. More than 550 people were on an apprenticeship last year in the borough, and I would encourage local businesses to offer more apprenticeships.

SPEAR and Housing
One very moving event was an open day at SPEAR, the homeless charity, at their Heath Road offices. SPEAR's small hostel has rescued many people from life sleeping on the streets. I fear that ever rising rents and house prices in London are driving many low earners away or, in extreme cases onto the streets. We badly need more affordable, including social, housing locally.

Best wishes,

Vince Cable MP

PS. Local Lib Dems are leading the campaign against Heathrow Expansion. Sign our No 3rd runway petition

More than 550 people were on an apprenticeship last year in the borough thanks to Liberal Democrats, final figures reveal. That is a huge increase and more than double compared to the last year of Labour's government, with nationally 1 million apprenticeship starts since May 2010.

These figures are a big boost for apprenticeships and young people, which comes as National Apprenticeship Week is underway, which aims to raise awareness and celebrate the successes of the apprenticeship scheme.

Vince Cable MP met the managing director of the South West Trains Alliance, Tim Shoveller, in Twickenham on Friday 1st, to discuss local rail expansion plans:

• Platform 20 on Waterloo International will be open to additional and larger (10 car) trains before May 2014, on the Hounslow loop and semi-fast services on the Windsor line. With full 10 car services will be available on the Reading line by 2017.
• The station improvements at Whitton are close to final agreement with a better entrance, better cover against the elements on the platforms, and improved facilities for cyclists.
• Serious discussions are starting with Cross Rail about an extension to Twickenham via Kingston, improving journey times to many parts of London including Victoria.

On Friday 1st February Vince Cable, MP for Twickenham, opened the Gifford Lodge retirement apartments in Twickenham, offering a range of one and two bedroom apartments to enable independent living for those of retirement age.

The event was attended by current and prospective residents, and their friends. Located just off the Twickenham green, Gifford Lodge is situated in the former gardens of Twickenham Mansion.

Vince Cable MP for Twickenham has called for a fresh review on business rates after complaints from local traders.

Last year the Government announced its plan to postpose the review of buisness rates until 2017. This would leave retailers paying increased rates which have seen a 13% increase in 3 years. A revaluation in the next couple of years would mean those with decreasing rents will also see a significant saving; as business rates are brought in level.

Vince Cable, MP for Twickenham visted the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in Teddington on Friday, after it was announced that they would be receiving £25m Government investment to build a new Advanced Metrology Laboratory.

Metrology, the science of measurement, underpins virtually every aspect of our daily lives, helping to ensure quality and safety, keep us healthy, innovate and grow the economy. In industry, measurements are crucial for manufacturing, process control, communications and transport, to ensure fair trade but also to remain competitive.

Vince Cable MP has today welcomed news that the Government's 'cold weather payment' has been triggered in Twickenham - meaning that many constituents will receive extra money towards their fuel bills.

The payment is a fixed amount for each week of cold weather. For many years this was set at £8.50 per week. The Coalition Government has made the £25 rate permanent. Last year - winter 2011/2012 - 5.2 million individual payments were made, worth a total of £129.2 million.

This discussion takes place in the context of an important debate in the future of the UK in the EU. You will be eagerly looking forward to what the PM has to say tomorrow.

There is plenty of scope for debating the merits and demerits of particular aspects of the European project; there is undoubtedly scope for far reaching reform; and there is clearly a 'democratic deficit' of popular disenchantment in the UK, which the political classes have to deal with. But renegotiation is different from reform. Reform implies building up arguments and alliances for change within the EU. Renegotiation may relate to the same agenda but implies that the UK will walk if it fails to achieve its negotiating objectives.

The winners of Vince Cable's annual Christmas Card Competition, which received over a hundred entries from 19 schools, were presented with their prizes today. (Friday 14th December)

The presentation, held at the newly refurbished United Reformed Church Hall, saw 19 pupils collect their prize of a lovely House of Commons teddy bear, for their best in school entry.