Dear Resident,
It has been a difficult year - particularly given the economic situation and the huge debt. We are currently paying out £120 million a day in debt interest alone - money which would be much better spent on public services or given back to taxpayers.
As MP, my job is to speak up for Harlow and support our community. I have been MP only since May, and have worked hard in Parliament and in Harlow and the surrounding villages of Hastingwood, Matching, Nazeing, Roydon & Sheering.
In the House of Commons, I have spoken in 88 Parliamentary debates, many of them directly relevant to local residents. As regular readers of my blog will know I have fought for an extra M11 junction, more police, fair benefits and support for immigration offices. I have argued - successfully - for Harlow Housing money for Harlow people. Jobs, law and order, immigration, traffic, and apprenticeships are my main areas.
Many residents contact me with difficulties they may have. I have sent nearly 550 letters to officials on behalf of Harlow residents, and tabled 59 Parliamentary Motions. I also have regular surgeries, in schools, churches, village halls, the Rainbow Services and Welfare Rights. I have held 18 surgeries and attended over 230 community events, from the official opening of Dizzy Ducks Nursery to the Downs School Carol Service.
A few weeks ago, I tabled my first ever amendment to a Bill in Parliament, calling for lower Council Tax for Special Constables.
There is also some good news on the horizon. Unemployment in Harlow is falling. The Transport Minister has confirmed to me that our East Anglia trains will have 176 extra carriages next year, to ease overcrowding.
The Energy Minister has pledged that every single Harlow home will benefit from a new "Green Deal", where energy companies will insulate our homes for free, and recoup their cost from a fraction of the savings on our bills.
Looking ahead in 2011, I want to do more to support vocational training and apprenticeships. I have employed the first ever apprentice to work for an MP, Harlow lad, Andy Huckle. He is doing a great job and also studies at Harlow College. I am working to create a Royal Society of Apprentices, to give Apprentices the prestige and support they deserve.
I am a community MP first and foremost I will always stand up for Harlow and the villages.That is why I am always out and about supporting and representing our community in every possible way.
Yours ever
Robert
P.S. You can keep up to date with all my campaigns and Harlow work at www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com and www.roberthalfon.com. If you would like a tour of Parliament, please call 0207 219 7223. For surgeries ring 01279 311451 or log on to www.roberthalfon.com.
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device
