Dear Resident,

Thank you for reading the latest edition of my Notes from Westminster.  I’d like to take this opportunity to say that my family and I have been overwhelmed by the messages of condolence received from friends and colleagues in the local community following the sad passing of my dear wife, Lesley. The messages I have received from across Stockport, and across party divides, amply demonstrate the abundance of kindness and mutual support in our community and I have been helped immensely by them.

Since returning to Westminster in October I have been keeping busy representing Cheadle constituency; I am pleased to tell you about what I have been up to serving as your Member of Parliament.

Last week I took a petition to Downing Street calling on the Government could bring an end to nuisance calls.  It is time marketing companies faced up to their social responsibility and stopped bombarding people with unsolicited phone calls.

The UK’s economy is on the mend; GDP figures show that the economy grew by 0.8% in the last quarter.  Thanks to the Liberal Democrats the economy is now stronger – there are now a million more people in work than in early 2010 and unemployment in Cheadle has fallen to just 2.3%.  I am now working hard to encourage local businesses to take on apprentices to help more of our young people gain experience and skills in the work environment.

Great news as crime in our area continues to fall; rates have dropped every single year since the formation of the Coalition Government.  These statistics are a testament to the fantastic work done by our police force in partnership with council agencies.

Stockport Homes, the company that manages the Council’s properties, has been named one of the top ten landlords in the country.  Fingers crossed that their professionalism will be rewarded by being named number one!

I have pledged my support to a new campaign that challenges the unacceptable stigma that still surrounds mental health.  The Mental Health (Discrimination) Act was a great start but we have much more work left to do.

The week commencing the 7th October was National Arthritis Week and I was pleased to be able to meet with some sufferers to learn more about how it impacts on their lives.  It was also a good opportunity to raise awareness of what support there is for those with musculoskeletal conditions.

I was pleased on the 29th to be able to attend the launch of a book celebrating the contribution of the Asian community to the NHS, especially as constituent Dr Sarmah, a retired local GP, is featured.  Dr Sarmah’s has an amazing story to tell and it was great to have a chance to meet with him to hear of his dedication to our communities.

An opportunity for local community groups to receive Lottery grants to explore, share and conserve their First World War Heritage as we approach the centenary anniversary of the conflict’s beginning.  If you’re a history buff like me this is a great chance to celebrate Cheadle’s past.

During the winter admissions to A&E departments increase by almost a third.  This year the Coalition Government has provided an additional £1.5 million to NHS Stockport to provide additional flu vaccines to reduce the anticipated increase of patients with flu-related illnesses.  It is of the upmost importance that those aged over 65 and those who are in at risk groups should receive their vaccine this winter.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance at all. I hold regular twice weekly surgeries in my office in Cheadle Hulme. Please call 0161 486 1359 at your convenience if you wish to make an appointment.

Mark Hunter MP

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