News Andy Burnham MP for Leigh

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06/11/2007 - MP welcomes growth of Child Trust Fund in the Leigh area

The second annual Child Trust Fund (CTF) statistical report shows that 4,099 children in Leigh have received £250 to start saving for their future.

The report shows that three quarters of parents have already set up their child’s account and a quarter of children have had additional money saved into their accounts. In the Leigh area, 2,955 parents and guardians are already topping up their children’s savings.

Andy Burnham MP said, “The Government is helping children save for their future through the Child Trust Fund - £250 for children at birth, and an additional £250 at age 7.”

“Already 2,955 parents in the Leigh area are topping up the government investment. Every contribution helps build real savings for children to invest in their aspirations when they reach 18 and I hope that all parents, grandparents, friends and family will contribute if they possibly can.”

The CTF was introduced by the Government for all children born in the UK on or after 1 September 2002, with a £250 voucher from the Government to start off each child's account, and a further £250 paid into the account at age 7. Children from lower-income households receive an extra £250 top-up at birth and at age 7.

The latest figures show that for vouchers issued to 15 September 2007, a total of 3.02 million accounts were opened: 2.36 million by the parents themselves and the remainder opened by HMRC on behalf of eligible children. HMRC are targeting marketing at areas that have shown low take-up and are furthering their work with voluntary and community organisations to reach parents who are less financially confident.

29/08/2007 - UK to lead the way with picture warnings on tobacco packets

Graphic images illustrating the devastating effects that tobacco can have on health will be printed on all tobacco packets from next year the government have announced.

The 15 images to be used were chosen following a consultation in 2006, market research and a public vote. The move makes the UK the first country in the EU to introduce such visual warnings on all tobacco products aimed at raising awareness, helping smokers who want to quit and further reducing smoking related illnesses.

Andy Burnham MP is backing the visual warnings. Andy said,"Picture warnings are the next vital step in reducing the number of people who smoke. I am committed to continuing to drive down smoking rates in the Leigh area as smoking remains the number one cause of ill health and early death across the country."

"We have already made a lot of progress with stark written warnings on cigarette packs. Today's announcement, together with the introduction of the smokefree law last month and our plans to raise the legal age of sale for tobacco products will potentially save thousands of lives and others will be spared the misery of watching family and friends die prematurely from smoke related illnesses."

The announcement comes out of a commitment in the Choosing Health White Paper to introduce picture warnings on cigarette packs. The bank of images were developed by the European Commission in line with the 2001 Labelling Directive. This allowed member states to choose which images should be used and when they should be introduced.

The new warnings will appear on cigarette packets from Autumn 2008 and other tobacco products the following year.

23/08/2007 - Record achievements for Primary Schools

Wednesday, 08 August 2007

Record achievements in English, Maths and Science for Primary School children

Primary school children have produced the best set of national Key Stage 2 results ever with record numbers of 11 year olds reaching the expected level for their age in English, Maths and Science. Boys have continued to catch up girls with record results in English, reading and writing.

English at Level 4+ has improved by one percentage point to 80 per cent. This represents a 17 per cent increase since 1997. Mathematics has risen for the fourth year in a row by one percentage point to 77 per cent, with improvements for both boys and girls. Science at Level 4+ rose for the second year by one percentage point to 88 per cent and is now at the highest level ever.

Commenting after the publication of the 2007 Key Stage 2 results, Leigh area MP Andy Burnham said:
"Today's primary school children have achieved excellent Key Stage 2 results, and I congratulate all pupils and teachers for their hard work and achievements across the Leigh area.

"Over the last ten years there has been substantial and sustained improvement at Key Stage 2, with more 11 year olds achieving the target level for their age in English and Maths.

"But there is still more to do. That is why from this September further measures to accelerate the pace of learning will be introduced. There will be a renewed emphasis on phonics in early reading teaching and in Maths children will focus more on mental arithmetic including learning times tables one year earlier."

"The literacy hour and daily Maths lesson, now a familiar feature in every classroom, have had a real effect on improving the attainment of primary school pupils. As a result, thousands of local children are achieving more and are better equipped for secondary school."

The percentage of pupils achieving Level 4 or above in the Key Stage 2 Wigan Council LEA. (2007 figures are provisional, 2006 figures are revised) are detailed below:

2007 English 81 Maths 80 Science 89

2006 English 79 Maths 78 Science 88