Annette Brooke MP listens to concerns of young Scouts at conference
September 22, 2009 12:00 AM
Local MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, Annette Brooke heard firsthand about the concerns of young people at Liberal Democrat Party conference yesterday. Annette attended the 'Scouts speak Up' event, where young people from across the country spoke about the issues they want politicians to be tackling. Top of the list came the perception of young people, followed by ways that politicians could get the interest of young people in politics in the run up to the general election.
Annette Brooke MP also received an update on the status of the 'Rain tax' campaign to reverse unfair and unaffordable increases in water charges for the Scouts and other voluntary groups. Water regulator Ofwat is in discussions with water companies to agree an acceptable new tariff structure which would take into account vulnerable low-income groups. If Ofwat fails to do this, then Annette will be campaigning with the Scouts for the Government to step in and for Ofwat's powers to be reformed.
Commenting, Annette said:
"One of the biggest privileges of being an MP is representing the views of constituents on the issue that matter to them. Too often the views of young people are forgotten, so I am delighted to have been able to hear what members of the Scouts are concerned about.
"The Scouts I met had a lot of ideas, for example, making sure that there is a balanced approach to young people. I'm keen that the ideas discussed today are brought to my colleagues' attention. "
"I will also hold the Government to account over its promise to resolve the 'Rain tax' problem. It is outrageous that in a time of recession the most vulnerable and valued groups such as the Scouts should be force to pay massively increased water bills. I have been contacted by Scouts from across the constituency, and it is clear that urgent action is needed to protect groups who give so much to our communities."
Oliver Shaw, a 17 year old Explorer Scout from Dorset said,
"It was great to meet Annette Brooke and get to discuss issues that I am concerned about as a young person in the UK. The fact she came here to hear what we had to say was fantastic."
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