 Today is the Spring Statement. We urgently need to tackle violent crime by boosting police numbers. Over 70% of the Met's budget comes from the Government, and so every London Labour MP co-signed my letter to the Chancellor demanding more funding for the Met Police. It is very disappointing that NO Conservative MP wanted to add their signature.
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 I spoke to The Guardian about the rising numbers of homeless people who are being admitted to hospitals with largely preventable illnesses.
Thousands of homeless people in England are arriving at hospital with Victorian-era illnesses such as tuberculosis, as well as with serious respiratory conditions, liver disease and cancer, with hospital admissions for such conditions surging over the last decade. It has been a tragedy to witness the rise in emergency department attendance and hospital admissions for the homeless. This winter, waiting rooms have been brimming with people desperate for treatment for chest infections. Furthermore, whereas previously drug and alcohol support was more readily available, long referral times and no access to a fixed address has meant many are lost in the system and unable to receive help when they reach crisis point. Read the full article here: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/feb/20/nhs-england-figures-show-soaring-homeless-patient-numbers?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other  We’ve heard some devastating stories of people in Croydon who lost priceless possessions in the Shurgard self-storage fire in Croydon. Along with local councillors, I'm pushing for better protection for local people using Shurgard on Garratt Lane.
If you are affected - or have concerns - get in touch. A constituent has been in touch to raise concerns regarding the quality of care provided at Brightwell Crescent. The care is provided by Hestia, who were awarded the contract around nine months ago.
I am told that since Hestia took over the provision, standards have dropped significantly. I understand residents are not receiving the required levels of support in undertaking basic daily tasks. I have also been informed that rooms are not cleaned to an acceptable standard and overall hygiene in the building is a major concern. I have outlined these concerns to Chief Executive of Hestia, Patrick Ryan, and I expect a prompt investigation. NHS staff were the previous care providers at Brightwell Crescent, and I have not been made aware of any such problems during this time. This raises the question: Why did Wandsworth Council award the contract to Hestia over the NHS? I have raised this query directly with Liz Bruce, Director of Adult Social Services for Wandsworth Council, and I have requested an overview of the tendering process. The decision to award Hestia this contract is indicative of the Conservative Council's commitment to privatisation of our local services.  Tooting Parkrun turned 3 today, and even the chilliest weather couldn't keep us away!
The organisers and volunteers do an amazing job of keeping the event going. It's a great, accesible way of keeping fit, so make sure you head to Tooting Common one weekend and get involved. Parkrun attracts people from all walks of life, all shapes and sizes, and you can run at your own pace with hundreds of other enthusiasts. Check out their Twitter page for more: https://twitter.com/Tootingparkrun  Multi-sector working is crucial in tackling violent crime. This is why I held a summit in Tooting, bringing together our community groups and local authorities. Today, I urged the Government to implement a similar initiative nationwide. Watch the video here: twitter.com/DrRosena/status/1087393639196774401  Many people have been in touch about unfair fines because of technical issues with Wandsworth Council's new parking system.
Recent cases show residents were notified that they had paid for their permit, but were fined for not renewing. I was glad to secure refunds. Contact me if you've had problems.  With Parliament minutes away from voting down the Withdrawal Agreement, I nipped over to Parliament Square to speak to the supporters of People's Vote. It is vital that this decision goes back to the people! 
Healthy eating and the education around keeping fit and healthy starts young. But the same time, 35,000 hours of PE are being cut from schools each year, and an increasing number of our leisure facilities are being closed. Today I spoke out against the Tory cuts depriving kids of sport in The Mirror. |