Derek Kennedy

Liberal Democrat Councillor for Hexham West ward

Help us to cut tax for working people

Friday, February 17th, 2012 by aldcadmin

In tough times, the Liberal Democrats believe you should keep more of the money that you earn. That’s why the Liberal Democrats have long called for the tax-free threshold raised to £10,000 – giving you a tax cut when you need it most.
Liberal Democrat plans would save working people £700 a year –that’s an extra £60 in your wages every month. And more than 3.5million older and low-paid people will be freed from paying any income tax altogether.  This is a plan we put on the front page of our General Election manifesto and it went into the Coalition Agreement.
We have already started putting this in to practice.
In April last year, millions of ordinary working people were given a £200 annual tax cut and since last April 800,000 low paid people no longer pay any income tax at all.  But we believe our tax cuts need to happen faster and go further.  And we want your help in making it happen.
Ahead of the Budget next month, Nick Clegg and Liberal Democrats in the government will be pushing to speed up our tax plans.  Please join this campaign and sign the petition which is on the Number 10 website here.
Liberal Democrats want tax cuts for working people, not the rich.  Please help us to make that happen.

Hexham Town Council – Monday 6 Feb

February 4th, 2012 by derekkennedy
Comment?

Hexham Town Council monthly meeting is on Monday 6th February at 6:45, Prospect House, Hexham.  Residents have the opportunity to ask the Councillors any questions.

Getabout – voluntary car scheme

January 22nd, 2012 by derekkennedy
Comment?
Derek Kennedy writes about…… – Northumberland’s Getabout voluntary car scheme has become one of the first organisations to sign up to a new web resource that can help it to find more volunteer drivers.  The Getabout scheme is run by the WRVS with funding support from Northumberland County Council.  Through the scheme volunteer drivers offer to take those who don’t have access to public transport to places such as the doctors, to visit friends or relatives or to go shopping or to social activities.  Getabout has signed up to the new volunteering section of the Northumberland Life website which has been developed as part of the LOVE Northumberland campaign.  The site allows groups to advertise the opportunities they have for volunteers to get involved – with links to the organisation’s contact details and further information so that they can find out more.  Residents who have some time on their hands and want to get involved can see what might be of interest to them at www.northumberlandlife.orgCllr Derek Kennedy said: “The Getabout scheme is a superb resource for those residents who don’t have access to public transport. The council provides funding for the scheme as it gives good value for money where supported bus services cannot be justified on cost or usage grounds.  There is a great link between schemes like Getabout and LOVE Northumberland because the campaign celebrates and supports volunteering, which is where the new web resource is a superb tool.  The Getabout scheme is run by the WRVS in Northumberland, with funding from the county council.  Carol Nevison, service delivery manager from the WRVS said: “We are always looking for new drivers, and anyone who has a valid driving licence and some spare time on their hands can help us by offering their services. The scheme offers a fantastic opportunity to use your skills and time to the benefit of other people within your community.”

For more information about volunteering in Northumberland go to www.northumberlandlife.org

If you think you might be able to get involved in the Getabout scheme and want to find out more call Rachelle Atchison on 0783 475 3387 or 0845 266 8906.

Blue Badge scheme – changes

January 17th, 2012 by derekkennedy
Comment?
Blue badges are issued to eligible people of any age, based on lack of mobility, to improve their quality of life through allowing them to park close to where they need to be.  The reforms are designed to address a number of issues including increasing demand for badges, inconsistent eligibility assessment and high levels of abuse and misuse of badges. The new badge is much improved with a new look and feel, making it more secure, durable and difficult to forge.  At a cost of £10 the badge will last for 3 years. Northumberland residents will be able to apply for a badge by telephone, email, post and in person.  All residents in Northumberland who have a Blue Badge that is due to expire after 1 January 2012 will need to apply under the new modernised scheme. Customers only need to apply for the new style badge when their old one expires, or if it’s been lost or stolen.

Councillor Derek Kennedy said ‘The scheme will improve and be more accessible and fairer service for those people who have severe mobility issues. The £10 fee for three years represents great value for money as it allows freedom of ‘on street’ parking across the whole of the country.’

If customers have any queries about the new process they can email the Blue Badge Team at Northumberland County Council at: bluebadges@northumberland.gov.uk, or telephone: 0845 600 6400.

iNorthumberland – High speed broadband

January 17th, 2012 by derekkennedy
Comment?

Lib Dem run Northumberland County Council has now submitted a final bid to the Government as part of the drive to bring superfast broadband to the county.  The council has made a commitment to improve the broadband services across Northumberland and submitted a Local Broadband Plan to the Government funding body, BDUK.  In August 2011 the Government allocated an ‘indicative’ amount of £7 million to Northumberland towards the costs of broadband improvements, but this was conditional on the Council contributing an equivalent amount and agreeing to fund a long term improvement programme alongside a commercial partner.  The council has signalled its intention to meet these requirements and has set out an outline roadmap for future improvements in the Local Broadband Plan, but local people are being warned that these changes will take time.  The plan calls for a ‘whole county’ approach in developing and supporting innovative solutions to overcome some of the specific barriers faced in the county. It emphasises the scale and cost of the challenge Northumberland faces because of its existing broadband infrastructure, relatively small population, large geographic area and difficult terrain.  The project is vital to the future economic prospects of Northumberland but parts of the county have the lowest levels of broadband usage in the UK and it’s estimated (ONS May 2010) that there are more than 1 in 5 people who have still not yet used the internet.

 Councillor Derek Kennedy said  “The Council is determined to improve broadband service. It is a key component in the economic recovery of Northumberland.  We will still need additional investment to ensure Northumberland has the world class broadband services. The costs of upgrading telephone exchanges and cabinets and replacing existing copper cabling with the fibre optic cable needed to deliver ‘superfast broadband’ – particularly in rural areas – are enormous.  In order to deliver the improvements we have to secure a commercial partner willing to match the potential contribution from ourselves and the Government. Discussions have already started and will be formalised later in 2012.  Everyone in Northumberland will need to work together to raise additional capital, share resources and develop lower cost solutions which is why we have emphasised our ‘whole county’ approach in our Plan.  We will also keep everyone informed and engaged in this vital project that is so important to local people and the future success of Northumberland.”  The council has launched an awareness programme under the banner of ‘iNorthumberland’ and will recruit a dedicated programme delivery team to drive the Local Broadband Plan scheme forward. For more information go to: www.inorthumberland.org.uk

Surgery – Saturday 7th Jan 9:30

December 28th, 2011 by derekkennedy
Comment?

Derek Kennedy is holding his regular surgery on Saturday 7th January at 9:30 – 10:30 in the Library, Queens Hall, Hexham.  All welcome.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas

December 28th, 2011 by derekkennedy
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Derek Kennedy and family out for a stroll at Tyne Green Hexham.

Derek Kennedy and his family would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Free car parking in Hexham this Christmas

December 7th, 2011 by derekkennedy
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Derek Kennedy, County Councillor for Hexham, is delighted to announce that the Liberal Democrat run Northumberland County Council is providing free car parking in Hexham this Christmas.  Derek said “We recognise these are tough times for the people of Northumberland including shoppers and traders.  That is why we as a Council have decided to provide a boost to the Market Towns of Hexham, Berwick and Alnwick.  Drivers will be able to park for free in the car parks all day on Sunday 18th December and from 9:00 – 11:00 and 3:00 – 5:00 on Monday 19th December and every day until Christmas Eve.  This is our little Christmas present to the people of Northumberland.”

Hexham Hydro wins national vote and secures £100,000

December 4th, 2011 by derekkennedy
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Derek Kennedy with members of Hexham Community Partnership, Transition Tynedale and Fiona Hall MEP.

Councillor Derek Kennedy welcomes the  news that Hexham Hydo river project has won the national vote and will receive a grant of £100,000 toward the scheme.  Derek who is a County Councillor for Hexham and a member of Hexham Community Partnership said “This is wonderful news.  I know a lot of people put a lot of effort into organising the campaign and the whole town got behind the project.  Particular mention to Gillian Orrell the lead campaigner for the efforts she has put in.”

Hexham Hydro vote by Friday 2nd Dec

November 30th, 2011 by derekkennedy
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Councillor Derek Kennedy with Fiona Hall MEP at a promotion event for the Hexham Hydro.

Derek Kennedy states “Time is running out to vote in favour of the Hexham Hydro.  Please support our campaign, if we win the vote we will get £100,000 toward the project.  We are currently just in 1st place with 26.8% of the votes cast.  The deadline is Friday 2nd December.  Fingers crossed.”

Vote at ——>>>>> www.energyshare.com/hrh

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