Quick Links
YEP
BRAMLEY & RODLEY COMMUNITY ACTION
Rachel is not responsible for the content of external sites
Priorities for our Community
The best local schools:
Education is the best way to ensure that young people fulfil their potential. The transformation of our schools, especially primary schools, in the last ten years has been fantastic. Schools like Five Lanes in Wortley and Hollybush in Bramley, totally rebuilt. As a school governor I can see the difference investment. But still too many young people leave school without the qualifications they need.
The best local health services:
From January 2008 St James's Hospital will have the largest cancer unit in Europe - thanks to huge investment by our Labour government. The specialist unit is a really exciting development and will allow St James's to offer world class standards of patient care. But we also must ensure that we have excellent facilities in our neighbourhoods. That's why I'm campaigning to get the Lift Project at the Kirkstall District Centre built. And I will continue to put pressure on the PCT to build a Children's Hospital in Leeds.
Affordable housing for rent and to buy:
The boom in house prices across Leeds means that some young people and families are being priced out of housing in our communities. I have been putting pressure on the council to honour their commitment to ensure that every new development includes affordable housing, and to build more social and council housing - and ensuring that Leeds West North West Homes put in the investment to existing council homes.
High quality housing with space for children to play and people to relax is so important for people's well-being and development.
A strong economy with local jobs:
The UK has enjoyed strong economic growth, low inflation and low mortgage rates for a decade. However, the problems in the US sub-prime mortgage market have impacted economies around the world - including the UK. While higher world oil prices and food prices have pushed up inflation, the credit crunch is pushing down on economic growth, making decisions on interest rates, tax and spending harder than ever. The UK remains in a strong position, with record levels of employment, Bank of England independence and still one of the lowest debt ratios in Europe. But there will be difficult times ahead. Nationally, we need to ensure that hard working families are supported through these challenging times. In west Leeds we need to ensure that local people get access to good jobs, training and advice for people who are struggling with their bills and finances.
Decent pensions and support in retirement:
With an ageing population we need to do more to help people stay active and independent in old age. Groups like Bramley Elderly Action, Armley Helping Hands and the Hawksworth Wood Community Association do an excellent job that we should all be proud of.
Affordable care and pension provision will be even bigger issues in the coming years these are Labour issues and ones at the centre of my agenda.
A first class transport infrastructure:
Our roads are clogged up - not least the A65 and other roads through west Leeds to the city centre. At the same time, Leeds has not had the transport investment that we need.
Basic things - like re-opening our railway stations in Kirkstall and Armley would make a real difference, as would an extension of park and ride schemes to keep us moving and to help us reduce greenhouse gas emissions too.