Caroline's news

In March Nick Clegg MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats came to the Salvation Army at the Elephant and Castle to deliver a keynote speech on poverty.

Nick Clegg declared that schools are at the heart of his vision for fairness. He said: “Under our plans smaller classes won’t be a privilege reserved for the rich. Our Pupil Premium raises the funding per pupil for poorer children to the same levels as the money spent per pupil in private schools. Head teachers can use that money to have smaller classes, like in fee paying schools, taking our poorest children a huge leap towards an education they would otherwise never be able to afford.”

He also attacked the Tories for failing to spell out their plans: “The Conservatives have also promised to target funding towards disadvantaged pupils. But they have committed precisely no pounds and no pence.

The Evening Standard reports on the disruption caused to drivers and bus passengers by the major roadworks which affect thousands of roads in London every day.

Caroline Pidgeon is quoted saying:

London's road network has probably never faced so much disturbance. For too many people their daily journeys are both unpredictable and horrendously slow.

As well as bridge and tunnel closures, thousands of roads are being dug up by Thames Water, not to mention other utility companies.

In an article for the Liberal Democrat Voice website, Caroline Pidgeon strongly criticises the way Boris Johnson has chosen to put party advantage above ethical standards, by failing to remove disgraced Brent Tory councillor Bertha Joseph from the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority.

Caroline says:

Boris Johnson faced a crucial test. A test he completely failed. The Mayor should have automatically sacked her, but instead he allowed her to remain on the London Fire Authority simply to ensure that a Conservative majority was maintained. Put simply Party advantage was put before anything else. He tolerated something that would not be permitted in any other part of the country. He defended the indefensible. ...

On Tuesday a report looking into what is needed on the Brandon Estate was launched by the Blackfriars Settlement, Newington ward councillors and Simon Hughes MP. The report showed that the majority of people like living on the estate, but that improved security and more social activities would make it better still.

Newington ward councillor Caroline Pidgeon, who chaired the launch event, said:

Caroline Pidgeon, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Transport Spokesperson, commenting on a recent statement by Peter Hendy (Commissioner of Transport for London) that a firm commitment has still not been received from central Government for an additional £7 million funding contribution towards a new station being built at Surrey Canal Road said:

“This is seriously bad news for North Lewisham and for South Bermondsey.

“Despite predictions that a new station would be used by 1.3 million passengers a year and help bring significant investment to the area it seems the Department of Transport are now dithering over whether to support this much needed new station. Without a station at Surrey Canal Road many of the benefits of the second phase of the East London Line extension will be denied to many residents in North Lewisham.

“It is time the Department for Transport clarified their position once and for all. Does their previous pledge to contribute £7 million for this much needed station still stand?