Featured

Speaking in the Queen’s Speech debate on Health and Social Care Steve pressed the government on the detail of its proposals to reform the social care system pointing out not all is what it seems. Here's what he said:

Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab):

It is a pleasure to follow the thoughtful speech of the hon. Member for Mid Derbyshire (Pauline Latham).

Steve has written to faith groups in the constituency to ask for their views on whether the UK is on target to meet the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); and what should replace the MDGs framework in 2016.

The letter comes as the international community have less than 1,000 days to meet these goals. The UN concluded in 2012 that targets had been met in ensuring parity for boys’ and girls’ enrolment in primary school; high levels of internet usage across the world; and halting and reversing the problem of tuberculosis.

Steve has written to over 200 charities and community groups who have activities in the Birmingham Selly Oak constituency to assess the health of the third and voluntary sector in the local area.

The letter comes as charities and community groups continue to struggle in a climate of public austerity; as central Government and local authority grants and funding are cut; whilst people are less able to donate to good causes as wages get squeezed.

A few constituents have contacted me to ask about the plans the Post Office has to close the Post Office in Kings Heath and ask a local business to take on responsibility for providing a post office service in the area.