Jake is delighted to hear that the horse chestnut tree on Holcombe Road in Helmshore is to be saved. 

Jake commented, "I was delighted to be invited to join a very determined campaign spearheaded by very passionate local residents. Strong public sentiment was published by the local news and national press which boosted the campaign and achieved immense coverage. It is important that the developers listen to people’s views and I am pleased they have acted accordingly."

Jake attended the State Opening of Parliament where her Majesty formally opened the 2012-13 Parliamentary session.

Jake said, “The first priority in the Queen’s speech is to reduce the deficit and restore economic stability.  I am delighted that the Government continues to clear up the mess that the previous Government left.

“Legislation will be introduced to reduce burdens on business.  It is crucial that we continue to cut red tape and support local businesses.

“Regulation will be strengthened in the financial sector, and we will implement the Recommendations of the Independent Commission on Banking. I am delighted that a Bill will be introduced to reduce the burden on charities, enabling them to claim additional payments on small donations.

“I welcome reform of the electricity market to deliver secure, clean and affordable electricity and ensure prices are fair.”

Jake added, “Local residents will also be delighted that the Government will bring forward measures to modernise the pension system and reform the state pension, creating a fair, simple and sustainable foundation for private saving.

“The Coalition Government will also reform public service pensions in line with the recommendations of the independent commission on public service pensions”.

24housing presented its first ever ‘Power Players’ list - a comprehensive guide to the most influential people currently working in, or impacting on, the housing sector.

The Top 50 list was compiled after polling more than 200 of the country’s most senior housing chief executives, politicians, commentators, academics, lawyers, and other movers and shakers, as well as frontline managers. We asked respondents to rank, from one to five, the people they considered to be the most influential in the sector.

Jake, who is PPS to Housing Minister Grant Shapps, and who is regarded as being the thinker behind some of the Government’s most eye catching housing policies came in at 45 on the list, being the youngest and the only politician from the 2010 intake to make the cut.

Jake commented, “I am a passionate believer in social housing and it is a privilege to work in a Government that is changing the housing chances of the most poor and vulnerable in our society.

Jake said, “I feel privileged to be included in 24housing’s ‘Power Players’ list and  Grant Shapps is correctly top of the list being the most reforming Housing Minister we have seen for a generation.”

Jake has welcomed the Government’s decision to roll out smart meters.

 Smart meters will replace existing electricity and gas meters and will also have a monitor so that consumers can see how much energy they are using. The usage can also be analysed via an encryption system which enables energy suppliers to also offer cheaper tariffs to consumers.

 It is hoped the programme of installing fifty three million meters to domestic properties and small businesses will begin in 2014 and be completed by 2019.

 Commenting, Jake said, “I have been vocally opposed to estimated billing for some time. I think the new smart meter will not only give a more accurate figures  of the gas & electricity used but I hope it will encourage suppliers to help consumers save money by switching them to more appropriate tariffs.”

The Government will set out very strict guidelines for the installation of meters, which include:

• There should be no sales during the visit
• They will need to give energy efficiency advice as part of the visit
• They will need the customers permission in advance of the visit if they are to talk to them about their own particular products
• They will be required to identify and meet the needs of vulnerable customers

Prior to any roll out the Government will be consulting on issues such as privacy and accessing data

Jake confirmed this week that businesses across Darwen are towards their 100 in 100 target

Jake told us, “Earlier this week I was able to confirm that 82 apprentices had been taken on in less than 70 days.

“We are getting close to achieving our target and I would call on all businesses in Darwen to get involved so we can help our young people and create 100 new jobs for them.”

Jake visited St Paul’s Constable Lee CE Primary School on 20 April as part of the school’s initiative to raise boy’s achievement in reading.

He attended a special assembly to celebrate World Book Night, where he was presented with a book by Foundation Stage pupils Sam O’Brien and Eleanor Butterworth, and answered questions from students.  Governor Louise Kiely explained, “World Book Night is celebrated globally to encourage reading.   As part of the event, free books for adults are being given out to encourage reading throughout the family - In addition to Jake Berry, they are being given out to parents who either don't read or who are light readers.”

Jake went on to read to a small group of children - sharing a chapter from Matilda by Roald Dahl – one of his favourite children’s authors. 

Headteacher Suzanne Howard said, “We are encouraging our primary children – particularly boys – to develop an interest in reading by inviting friends and parents to read.  We are grateful that Jake has agreed to serve as one of our role models.”

Jake Berry added, “I have really enjoyed my visit to St Paul’s.  My mother started a group of volunteer readers many years ago in Liverpool, and I have enjoyed reading from an early age.  I know how important it is for children to see adults reading and to understand the impact that the ability to read will have on their future.  I would encourage all parents to read to their children.”

 And what did pupils think of the visit?  Connor Sugden commented, “I started the book and now I am inspired to finish it.”  Rayna Daly liked ‘Matilda’ so much that she signed it out of the library.

Holly Wootton summarised the feelings of the pupils:  “I am glad that Mr Berry came to talk and to read to us.  It is good that he enjoys reading as much as we do.”

Listed below are Jake’s constituency engagements for this weekend. Your attendance would be welcomed at public open meetings (POM)

On a visit to Rawtenstall last Friday Baroness Warsi, Chairman of the Conservative Party and Britain’s first female Muslim Cabinet Minister, gave the thumbs up to Conservative Lancashire Council’s plans for a new Rawtenstall bus station.  During her visit, she met with local Conservative Councillors to discuss their Regenerate Rawtenstall plans.  The visit focussed on transport in and around the Valley, in particular the County Council’s £3.5million investment in a new bus station and Jake Berry MP’s high-profile campaign to see a rail link between the Valley and Manchester.

County Cllr Tony Winder said “I am delighted to be able to talk to Baroness Warsi about the County Council’s plans to build a new bus station in the centre of Rawtenstall.  Improving our transport links is my key priority to drive local jobs and growth here in the Valley. ”

Hareholme resident and local campaigner Michael Pickup added “We are looking for investment in Rossendale to improve transport links for the Valley.  Investment in transport across the Valley is important to attract business and tourism alike to Rossendale.   We are leading the Rawtenstall revival and it is right that we get a Cabinet Minister here to look at the progress we have made. ”

Jake is encouraging local businesses to get in involved in Manufacturing Excellence 2012, the UK-wide awards programme which not only identifies and celebrates outstanding UK manufacturing businesses but can also help companies improve.

Past winners have shown that by taking part and adopting best practice they can thrive, grow and become global players. Applications need to be submitted by 1 June 2012.

Jake said, “Local businesses should apply and take advantage of the programme. Entry is free and there is up to £20,000 free consultancy advice up for grabs as well as the chance to win at the prestigious Manufacturing Excellence Awards in November.

“Manufacturing Excellence works with all manufacturing businesses, whatever their size, age, sector or area of expertise to help improve their processes and showcase their successes and innovations.

“As well as Awards for Best Manufacturer and Best SME, categories for this year are: Business Development and Change Management; Customer Focus; Financial Management; Innovation in Products and Processes; Logistics and Operational Efficiency; Partnership with Education; People Effectiveness; Sustainable Manufacturing; and Most Improved Company.”

Jake is encouraging local businesses to get in involved in Manufacturing Excellence 2012, the UK-wide awards programme which not only identifies and celebrates outstanding UK manufacturing businesses but can also help companies improve.

Past winners have shown that by taking part and adopting best practice they can thrive, grow and become global players. Applications need to be submitted by 1 June 2012.

Jake said, “Local businesses should apply and take advantage of the programme. Entry is free and there is up to £20,000 free consultancy advice up for grabs as well as the chance to win at the prestigious Manufacturing Excellence Awards in November.

“Manufacturing Excellence works with all manufacturing businesses, whatever their size, age, sector or area of expertise to help improve their processes and showcase their successes and innovations.

“As well as Awards for Best Manufacturer and Best SME, categories for this year are: Business Development and Change Management; Customer Focus; Financial Management; Innovation in Products and Processes; Logistics and Operational Efficiency; Partnership with Education; People Effectiveness; Sustainable Manufacturing; and Most Improved Company.”

The National Careers Service will be available for everyone online, by webchat and over the telephone. For adults aged 19 and over, there will be a face to face service in FE Colleges, Jobcentres, libraries and elsewhere.

 Jake commented, “ I am very pleased that the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills has launched this new service which will take advice and guidance out across Rossendale and Darwen in as many different locations as possible. For further advice and information please contact the National Careers Service on 0800 100900 or www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk”

Jake Berry has welcomed figures which reveal that residents in Rossendale will see a real terms cut in their council tax bills.

Jake said, “Under Labour, council tax in Rossendale rose by 93% hitting local people.  These bills would have kept rising if they had clung onto power.

“In contrast over the last two years with Conservatives in Government, council tax has only changed by 0.2% providing welcome relief to local residents.

“I am sure that residents in the Valley are thankful that the council tax freeze offered by Conservatives in Government has had the effect of cutting their bills in real terms. This will be a welcome saving for hardworking families and pensioners across the local area.”

Jake Berry has welcomed figures which reveal that residents in Hyndburn will see a real terms cut in their council tax bills.

Jake said, “Under Labour, council tax in Hyndburn rose by 92% hitting local people.  These bills would have kept rising if they had clung onto power.

“In contrast over the last two years with Conservatives in Government, council tax has only changed by 0.2% providing welcome relief to local residents.

“I am sure that residents in Hyndburn are thankful that the council tax freeze offered by Conservatives in Government has had the effect of cutting their bills in real terms. This will be a welcome saving for hardworking families and pensioners across the local area.”

As Parliamentary Private Secretary to Grant Shapps MP, Minister for Housing, Jake is delighted at the recent Right to Buy scheme for council tenants.

Jake commented, “If you are a council tenant – or were living in your council home when it was sold to another landlord – this is a perfect time to think about whether buying your home is right for you. The top discount has just been increased to £75,000. And the extra money raised through the scheme is now going straight towards building new affordable homes.

 “Grant has also set up a Right to Buy facebook page, enabling tenants to swap information and get answers to any questions: www.facebook.com/righttobuy . I would encourage tenants to check out this facebook page.”

Find out whether you’re eligible, how to get further advice and what steps you should take to own your home. Contact your landlord and visit www.direct.gov.uk/righttobuy

Jake Berry, has welcomed figures which reveal that residents in Darwen will see a real terms cut in their council tax bills.

Jake said, “Under Labour, council tax in Darwen rose by 77% hitting local people.  These bills would have kept rising if they had clung onto power.

“In contrast over the last two years with Conservatives in Government, council tax has only changed by 0.3% providing welcome relief to local residents.

“I am sure that residents in Darwen are thankful that the council tax freeze offered by Conservatives in Government has had the effect of cutting their bills in real terms. This will be a welcome saving for hardworking families and pensioners across the local area.”

The National Citizen Service is a scheme for 16-year-olds first proposed by David Cameron in 2005 and has now been introduced by the Coalition Government. It brings together 16-year-olds from different backgrounds in the summer after they have taken their GCSEs to work together and give something back to their communities.

The National Citizen Service is a fantastic idea and a great thing for young people to do. I am very pleased that there are 125 places on National Citizen Service for young people in Blackburn with Darwen and I hope that eventually all children in Darwen will be able to benefit.

I recently met with Team GB Handball player Holly Lam-Moores when she took a break from training to visit me at Parliament.

Holly has the drive, passion and commitment to her sport and I wish her every success in her aim to be selected to represent Great Britain at the Olympics in July. Holly is a high achiever and I will be following her through the selection trials. Holly's success is a testament to the sporting ethos at Alder Grange and she talked about the leadership of the fantastic teachers in the school. Everyone in Rossendale should be proud of our own Olympic high achiever.

I am delighted to announce that there are 80 apprenticeships pledged with 56 apprentices already in work. Thanks to the support of the local businesses, my campaign is off to an excellent start, I look forward to visiting the apprentices in their workplaces.

In response to one of the recommendations put forward in the Portas Review, the Government is to provide funding for 12 Town Teams to promote town centre regeneration. This pilot scheme is a great opportunity for us to take charge of our town centre and use local knowledge and vision to make real improvements.

I recently met Stella English winner of BBC1’s ‘Apprentice’ in Parliament. I am spearheading a ‘100 Apprenticeships in 100 Days Campaign’ in Rossendale and Darwen and working in Parliament to promote vocational training. Learning more of how the 100 in 100 campaign is progressing, Stella thought it a brilliant scheme, designed to help young people get back into work through vocational qualifications. As Sir Alan Sugar’s former apprentice, she said she is a huge supporter of our campaign and congratulates all the local businesses who have chosen to invest in their future by training young people.

Last October Jake warned constituents to be on their guard against doorstep sellers, following an Office of Fair Trading (OFT) market study.

The Blackburn and Darwen Older People’s Forum is due to take place in the Darwen Theatre on Monday 6^th February at 13:00.

On 27 January 2012 on the Today programme Labour’s shadow Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, backed down and supported the Government’s pay freeze for police officers which will save £350 million. 

The Home Secretary announced this week that cash payments for scrap metal will be banned and penalties increased, as the Government steps up its action against metal theft.

Wednesday 1st February 2012, St Mary’s Chambers, Haslingden Road,
Rawtenstall, Rossendale, Lancashire, BB4 6QX

If you have not already registered for your place at the event and to find out how apprentices can help your business, then please confirm your place with Natalie.Fenton@parliament.uk

Thursday 2nd February 2012, Darwen Aldridge Community Academy (DACA), Sudell Rd, Darwen, Lancashire, BB3 3HD 17.30-  19.00

If you have not already registered for your place at the event or to find out how apprentices can help your business then please confirm your place with Natalie.Fenton@parliament.uk

At a reception in Westminster  to mark European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, was delighted to support ‘Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust’

Jake, together with the National Apprenticeship Service, and the Lancashire Work Based Learning Provider Forum are embarking on a significant new initiative to increase the number of Apprenticeships in Rossendale and Darwen and are calling out to local businesses to be part of it!

Jake is pleased that unemployment has fallen in the constituency over the past month. 

As Parliamentary Private Secretary to Grant Shapps MP, Minister for Housing, Jake welcomes the completion of the refurbishment of the Queen Street Hostel.

Queues of people struggled to get into the The Holocaust Educational Trust's Lord Merlyn Rees Lecture which took place on Monday evening in Portcullis House in the Houses of Parliament.

The National Lottery Fund has recently announced details of the grants which it will be providing to projects in the local area.

Jaken has thrown his support behind the Federation of Small Business’ ‘Real-Life Entrepreneurs’ campaign by making the pledge.

According to a recent report  in The Sunday Times (Source: TomTom) it is revealed that the M66 had the worst congestion in the country in October 2011. Commuters to Manchester cause queues at rush hour at the junction with the city’s ring road, the M60. It is estimated that the average number of vehicles that daily use this road is around 63,000. The longest delay is 4 hours 49.3mins.

 The National Lottery Fund has recently announced details of the grants which it will be providing to projects in the local area.

The National Lottery Fund has recently announced details of the grants which it will be providing to projects in the local area.

Jake has taken on BT on behalf of constituents who are unhappy with the current internet speed in Rossendale. 

Jake has lobbied the Ministry of Defence about the state of the war memorial and the official burial ground at Cathcart’s Hill, Sevastopol after an enquiry by a constituent.

Jake has today backed calls for candidates for the Police and Crime Commissioners elections to be held next year to put themselves forward.

Jake has spoken of his pleasure at the Government’s decision to retain the Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

Jake has welcomed the news from Standard & Poor, the credit ratings agency that the UK is set to retain the AAA status. This is the best credit rating that can be given to a borrower’s debts indicating that the risk of borrowing defaulting is miniscule.

Jake has condemned the strikes that took place today, 30^thNovember 2011.

Jake Berry has celebrated Lancashire Day.

Jake presented a cheque as part of NatWest’s CommunityForce scheme to Sylvia Lancaster and the Sophie Lancaster Foundation.

Jake attended the ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Pantomime put on by St Cuthbert’s Amateur Dramatic Society at the St Chads Theatre at St Cuthberts Primary School.

Jake was delighted to visit Avondale Primary School in Darwen last week where he met the pupils, staff and the school councillors.

Jake has spoken of his delight that Pennine Lancashire has been awarded all the funding that they applied for from the Housing Market Renewal Transition Fund. This was the result of the Government increasing the size of the fund by £5.5 million from £30 million to £35.5 million to help our area.

New figures released by local MP Jake Berry show that the property prices in Rossendale have increased in the last year which is a sharp contrast to the overall property market in the UK.

Jake has supported the Fair Fuel Motion that was debated in the House of Commons today.

Jake attended the Tesco for Schools & Clubs equipment presentation at the Tesco store in Rawtenstall.

Jake has welcomed the recent news that long overdue improvements, costing £400,000, are to be made to Darwen railway station in the next 12 months.

Please sign my petition to save the historical Rossendale Hospital.

Click on 'read more' to access the link.

Jake has welcomed the Government’s announcement that will see more dangerous criminals given life sentences, automatic prison sentences for knife criminals and more common sense brought into sentencing.

On 25 October the Government launched a consultation into whether the protection of potential victims of domestic violence could be improved by disclosing an individual’s history of violence to their partner.

Jake has welcomed an £11 million investment in new online and telephone services which will help to support parents and families.

Jake is delighted that Civic Pride has seen all its hard work in the Valley rewarded.

Jake has previously condemned the Labour-led Council’s plans to ditch the redevelopment of the swimming pool at Haslingden in favour of purchasing the Valley Centre from Ashcap.

Jake has expressed his concern at Labour’s backing for a report calling for tax hikes on family homes and single people across Blackburn with Darwen.

Jake has expressed his concern at Labour’s backing for a report calling for tax hikes on family homes and single people across Rossendale.

Jake has notched up an incredible distance on Kayaking Ergo recently in a bid help the British Canoe Union promote the sport to youngsters. 

Jake is warning constituents to be on their guard against unscrupulous traders that sell mobility aids on the doorstep.

Jake has lent his weight to a campaign to preserve the traditional, historical and geographical county boundary of Lancashire.

Jake has called on Rossendale Borough Council to restore weekly bin collections in the Valley after the government reintroduced funding for weekly bin collections. 

Jake is in favour of reform of the employment tribunal system which is currently a major cost to business.

Jake has given his backing to Government proposals to boost the house-building industry in order to produce another 200,000 homes and 400,000 jobs.

Jake did his bit for World School Milk Day 2011 by visiting the Humpty Dumpties Nursery to encourage the children to drink milk.

Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, is encouraging charities in Rossendale and Darwen to apply to Microsoft for a free software donation.

Jake recently met with Sir Jonathan Asbridge, Programme Director of Healthy Futures, and David Edwards, interim Chairman of NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale for an update on the Healthy Futures Consultation process, together with local MPs Jim Dobbin and Simon Danczuk.

Jake attended the annual Whitworth Rushcart celebrations on the afternoon of Sunday 11 September.

Jake has welcomed Government proposals for tougher community sentences that will see offenders made to do a full five-day week of hard work and job-seeking.

Jake voted in favour of the abortion proposals put forward by Nadine Dorries.

Jake has condemned the Labour led Council’s plans to scrap bin collections in Rossendale.

A petition has been launched and a 2nd reisdents' meeting organised for 31 August.

The community in Rossendale and Darwen is strong, with the glue of fantastic schools, strong churches, youth clubs and community groups binding us together.

Jake has welcomed Government proposals for tougher community sentences that will see offenders forced to spend longer in their homes, keeping the streets safer.

Jake has condemned the recent civil unrest that has swept London and other cities.

Jake gave Gladys Sandiford, the Mayor of Rossendale a guided tour of Westminster during her visit to London last week. 

Jake gave the Kandel delegation a guided tour of Westminster during their visit to the UK.

Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen attended the Bacup Carnival Day on the last weekend of June.

Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, has hosted a business lunch in Parliament for companies located in the constituency. 

Rossendale and Darwen MP Jake Berry was delighted to visit Ashleigh Primary School in Darwen last week where he met the pupils, staff and members of the school council.

Jake Berry MP has called on the local PCT to provide sufficient IVF treatment for infertile couples.

Jake Berry has hit out at the threat to Rossendale, Rawtenstall, Bacup and Haslingden Police Stations.

Jake Berry has hit out at the threat to Darwen Police Station.

Jake Berry has asked for an urgent meeting with the Chief Constable of Lancashire Constabulary and will launch a Save Darwen Police Station petition on Saturday at 2.30 in front of the Market Hall in Darwen. It is understood that Darwen police station may face closure and it has been suggested that officers at the station in Union Street will be moved to Greenbank, Blackburn.

Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, has praised the long and dedicated career of local magistrate Margaret Dunne. Mrs Dunne, a prominent member of the local community, retired from her position as a magistrate to the Rossendale Bench last Friday.

Local MP, Jake Berry, is having a follow up meeting with representatives from the NHS Primary Care Trust on Friday to maintain momentum in the campaign for an Urgent Care Centre at the Rossendale Primary Health Care Centre.

Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, has met with Ashcap Properties to review plans for the Valley Centre this week. With Rawtenstall Town Centre in need of regeneration, Ashcap have asked Jake to help ensure that progress is made and that plans stay on track. Rawtenstall Town Centre Working Group are also continuing to work closely with the Council to ensure a viable scheme is bought forward as soon as possible.

Jake Berry, local MP, today said that it was with great pride and hope that he nominated Caitlin Jones from Darwen as a Torchbearer for the 2012 Olympics.

In June Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, will meet Sir Jonathan Asbridge, the Programmes Director of the NHS Healthy Futures Assurance Board, to discuss imminent closures at Rochdale Infirmary.

Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, had the pleasure of welcoming a group of residents of Greenvale Homes to Westminster on their annual day out.

Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, welcomed the Homes for Heroes summit. Homes for Heroes is a summit set up to enable members of the armed forces to get a foothold on the property ladder.

Local MP for Rossendale and Darwen, Jake Berry, is to meet with the owner of Chatterton Hey Rehabilitation Centre to discuss proposed changes which could see the centre provide treatment for sex offenders.

Local MP, Jake Berry, met with representatives from the PCT to discuss the Rossendale Primary Health Care Centre, or the Hub as it is known locally.  Following Jake’s campaign the PCT have pledged to establish an Urgent Care Centre. There will be a follow up meeting with local GPs in June to agree the details of this new facility.

Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, is delighted to have bought a foundation brick to support Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue Team’s New Base Appeal, aiming to raise £500,000 to build a new headquarters in Haslingden.

In the House of Commons yesterday Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, praised firemen for their courageous efforts in fighting the fires which have been burning on the Moors.

A large number of Edenfield residents, local MP Jake Berry and Councillors Darryl Smith and Anne Cheetham are very concerned about the proposed expansion of Chatterton Hey Rehabilitation Centre to include a small number of low level sex offenders.

Jake Berry MP for Rossendale and Darwen: “I will be voting NO to AV on 5 May”.

Here is why you should vote NO too.

Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, has welcomed the news that the economy has returned to growth. Here in East Lancahire our strong Manufacturing base is leading the way out of recession and is growing strongly. The economy has created thousands of jobs since the turn of the year, and borrowing is down. The economy is rebalancing away from debt-fuelled consumption towards manufacturing, exports and investment. We have avoided the double dip recession that some were forecasting despite a big rise in oil prices.

Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen has welcomed new figures which show that disadvantaged children in Rossendale and Darwen are set to receive £939,000 this year under the Coalition government’s new ‘pupil premium’.

Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, welcomed the Prime Minister’s speech on immigration this Thursday. David Cameron recognised the huge contribution made by immigrants to Britain while setting out Government’s comprehensive and effective plans to cut immigration. The Prime Minister promised to control immigration and to bring net migration down to the sustainable levels we saw in the 1980s and 1990s.

HRH Prince William of Wales and Catherine Middleton will pay a visit Darwen on Monday 11 April. Local MP, Jake Berry, has been invited to join them at the official opening of the Darwen Aldridge Community Academy. The Royal visit is also expected take in Witton Country Park where Prince William will add his signature to a Deed of Dedication, to protect the park for future generations as part of the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge.

The Government’s flagship housing policy will bring direct benefits to Rossendale. Under the scheme, the Government is offering Councils in England extra money for every newly-built home by matching the council tax raised on each new house for six years. Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen and Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Housing minister, Grant Shapps, has been working directly on this policy. In 2011/12 Rossendale has been allocated £663,001, and Blackburn with Darwen has been allocated £614,835 which will be paid over the next six years.

Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, has welcomed the Government’s announcement of £200m of additional funding to help repair Britain’s roads. After years of under investment by the Labour Government and the harsh winters of the last couple of years, Lancashire’s roads have been left in a terrible state. Mr Berry and Lancashire County Council have made great efforts to improve the local road network and prevent drivers being constantly blighted by lane closures.

Local MP, Jake Berry visited Balladen Primary School last Friday to join its celebration assembly.  The school is the first one in Rossendale to win the highest accolade for physical education having won the Lancashire Physical Education Gold Mark.

Local MP, Jake Berry lent his support for Wednesday's launch of the CFEB financial education guide with Centrepoint at the House of Commons last week. The CFEB guide was launched to enhance people’s lives by helping them take control of their money. Centrepoint aims to help young people avoid homelessness. 

Last week, during questions on reform to the Civil Justice System in the House of Commons, Rossendale and Darwen MP, Jake Berry, raised an important issue for local constituents regarding proposals for the small claims court. 

Local MP, Jake Berry joined Rev Geoff Tolley to re-launch the Darwen Town Centre and Green Trails at the weekend. The Trails were originally launched a couple of years ago and advocates are keen to maintain an awareness of them and keep the community interested in using them.

Baroness Warsi, the Conservative Party Chairman, paid a visit Rossendale on Friday. The Muslim life peer had a whistlestop tour of the Haslingden Sports Centre and the Pakistan Islamic Centre in Peter Street, Rawtenstall on her trip.

Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, rededicated Hoddlesden Cenotaph on Sunday. The stone cenotaph and four matching urns were placed in the centre of the village green in the 1920s, to honour the dead from the First World War. Subsequently the names of soldiers killed in the Second World War and the Falklands War were also added.

Following the Government’s council tax freeze initiative, the final council tax figures have been released this week. Every eligible local authority in England has taken part in the Government’s council tax freeze initiative meaning average tax bills will remain frozen at £1,439 on a band D home from this April. This will mean average savings of around £79 for the people of Rossendale.

Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, was given the honour of unveiling Darwen Cricket Club’s centenary flag at Birch Hall Cricket Ground on Sunday. The Club is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year but those who missed out need not worry. The celebration will be a year-long party for players, members and spectators, past and present.

Local MP, Jake Berry will join Rev Geoff Tolley at the re-launch the Darwen Town Centre and Green Trails this weekend. The Trails were originally launched a couple of years ago and will be re-launched on Saturday April 2^nd at 10-30a.m. in Darwen Library followed by a walk around the Town Centre Trail.

Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, will be representing the constituency at the Conservative North West Conference in Bury on Saturday. William Hague will be the keynote speaker and there will be sessions on Local Government and the AV Referendum.

Following the success of the Tiffin Cup 2010, Jake Berry has been asked to nominate a restaurant in Rossendale and Darwen to compete and be named the Best Curry House in Britain. Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, is keen for his constituency to participate in this year’s competition, citing a number of local restaurants that could field a strong performance.

The recent publication of the Coalition Government’s Tourism Strategy will cut red tape, free up local businesses, and re-establish the tourism industry as a key priority for restoring the UK economy.

Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale & Darwen, stuck to his earlier promise this week by voting not to accept a recommended pay rise.

Local MP, Jake Berry has helped preserve the parcel collect service for constituents living near to Edgeworth Post Office. Mr Berry wrote to the Royal Mail to highlight the plight of his constituents who were facing a 14 mile round trip to pick up undelivered parcels from the Bolton Post Office rather than from Edgworth.

Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, has been invited to participate in the opening ceremony of the new Post Office in Rawtenstall on Monday morning. The Post Office was the last surviving shop in the Valley Centre but moved to nearby Kay Street earlier this month.

Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, will attend a breakfast meeting on Friday to be hosted by Umar Memmon of Jack Ross Accountants. A number of local businesses will be attending the meeting which will consider the effects of Wednesday’s Budget on the economy.

The Rt. Hon. Baroness Warsi, the Conservative Party Chairman, will visit Rossendale on Friday. Lady Warsi is to expected to take in the Haslingden Sports Centre and the Pakistan Islamic Centre in Peter Street, Rawtenstall on her trip.

Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, will be heading to Liverpool on Saturday to take questions from attendees at the Federation for Small Business’ (FSB) annual conference. He will be there representing the interests of both East Lancashire small businesses and the Government.

Jake Berry MP has asked the Chancellor, George Osborne, to indicate whether Rossendale and Darwen will fall within one of the 10 enterprise zones planned in the 2011 Budget.

Jake had the pleasure of welcoming Ashleigh Primary School pupils to Parliament on Wednesday.  After a guided tour of the Palaces of Westminster, Jake then took the pupils to the viewing gallery where they were able to see MPs debating in the Chamber.  In Westminster Hall, Jake then invited the pupils to take part in a question and answer session about his work in Parliament. 

During Prime Minister’s Questions in the Commons today, local Conservative MP Jake Berry said: "I'm sure all members of the House would agree that one of the most important jobs we have every year is to go and represent people who have lost their lives in war on Remembrance Sunday."

Local Darwen MP, Jake Berry, rolled up his sleeves and got stuck in on Saturday morning, packing bags in Sainsbury’s for the East Lancashire Hospice.

Shocking statistics reveal remunerations of £1.5 million for just ten officials at NHS East Lancashire. 

Jake Berry MP has joined forces with local resident Peter Cooper in order to end Rossendale’s ‘digital deprivation’.

Jake Berry MP urges Rossendale and Darwen residents to get involved in safeguarding the future of our forests.

Member of Parliament for Rossendale and Darwen, Jake Berry, is supporting Fuel Poverty Awareness Day 2011, a national campaign which aims to raise awareness of the detrimental effects that living in a cold home can have on people’s health.

Official figures have revealed that the national debt has risen above £2 trillion for the first time in our history.

Jake Berry, Member of Parliament for Rossendale and Darwen, is urging constituents who overpaid for their gas supply from npower in 2007 to get their share of more than £20 million refunds which are still left unclaimed. 

Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale & Darwen, has vowed not to accept a recommended pay rise.

Jake Berry MP has joined Twitter to enable local residents of Rossendale and Darwen to follow him in what he is doing on their behalf.

Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, has been contacted by Darwen resident Janet Forshaw about an ongoing Bridleway application between Duckworth Farm and Belgrave that has been waiting for resolution for 24 years.

Jake Berry, Member of Parliament for Rossendale and Darwen, has condemned uninsured motorists who drive up costs for residents of Rossendale and Darwen.

Rossendale and Darwen MP, Jake Berry welcomed the news that the UK Border Agency will continue their fight to have Mr Ibrahim removed from the UK. 

Jake Berry, Member of Parliament for Rossendale and Darwen  has welcomed changes to the way credit cards work and hopes residents of Rossendale  will benefit from a range of improvements but they must act now to ensure they benefit from these changes.

As we start the New Year we are all aware that the bills arrive in January.  One bill you may not have been expecting, but we all receive is the one for paying the interest on Labours debt servicing the previous Labour Government deficit. New research has shown that, the average family in Rossendale & Darwen will have to spend 27 days just paying the interest on Labour’s debts.

Rossendale and Darwen MP Jake Berry has welcomed improvements to the pool at Darwen Leisure Centre which will make it fit for use in high level swimming competitions

Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, has welcomed reassurances by the owners of the Valley Centre complex in Rawtenstall that plans for the redevelopment of the centre will be forthcoming very soon.

The Health Scrutiny Committee of Lancashire County Council has this morning backed local MPs and campaigners. The committee agreed that the decision undertaken by the Strategic Health Authority to close Deerplay Childrens Ward at Burnley General Hospital did not meet the criteria laid down by the health secretary for reconfigurations.

Come along to the East Rural Christmas Extravaganza at Ladybugs Horticulture, Roman Road, Eccleshill

Darwen's MP, Jake Berry, has backed a fundraising appeal to repair Darwen Tower, which was damaged in high winds last week

Jake Berry MP has today been confirmed as the new Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP, Minister of State for Housing and Local Government.

Jake Berry, Member of Parliament for Rossendale and Darwen, joined Jackie Budden and other cervical cancer campaigners outside No 10 Downing Street for a chat while they handed in their petition calling for further screening of young women for cervical cancer.

Jake Berry MP has been very busy in Parliament this week, tackling issues from dangerous dogs to the closure of the Deerplay Children’s Ward at Burnley Hospital

The hopes of Rossendale and Darwen parents got a shot in the arm today after a committee of Councillors agreed to review the planned closure of the Deerplay Children's Ward at Burnley General Hospital.

Jake Berry has had a very busy week in Parliament getting answers from Ministers on issues affecting his constituency such as gritting, labelling of halal food, gun licensing and Rochdale Hospital.

Lovely Lola, the Poodle belonging to Jake Berry MP came a respectable second when she entered the 18^th Westminster Dog of the Year competition today.

Jake Berry has had a very busy week in Parliament, speaking in the House of Commons about issues affecting his constituency, such as our voting system, the Royal Mail and a transport link from Rossendale to Manchester.

Jake Berry MP had a busy week in Parliament, from attending debates on historic cities to watching a constituent perform with the National Youth Theatre...

Valley MP, Jake Berry has written to Royal Mail to highlight the plight of his constituents who will now have to pick up undelivered parcels from the Bolton Post Office rather than from Edgworth.  Jake is concerned that this will result in a 14 mile round trip for some people to collect their parcels which he feels is unacceptable.

Lovely Lola, the Poodle belonging to Jake Berry MP will be hoping for a decisive Conservative victory when she enters the 18^th Westminster Dog of the Year competition on 2nd November 2010.

Rossendale and Darwen Member of Parliament, Jake Berry, hosted a group of politics enthusiasts from Whitworth Community High School in the Houses of Parliament on Friday.

Jake Berry MP and his wife Charlotte this week attended the Mum’s Café, created by The White Ribbon Alliance and supported by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Population, Development and Reproductive Health, to highlight the hundreds of thousands of pregnant women in many developing countries who find themselves at as great a risk of death in childbirth in 2010 as women in the UK did 100 years ago.

Jake Berry MP has backed a UK campaign highlighting the importance of school crossing patrols, and says that schools in Rossendale and Darwen should recognise the role lollipop people play in local road safety.

Jake Berry MP is urging the Council to consider listing the former Rossendale Hospital site. 

Valley MP, Jake Berry has written to all local schools encouraging them to take advantage of British Gas’ £15 million solar panel giveaway.

Jake Berry, the new MP for Rossendale and Darwen, has written to every school within the area inviting them to Westminster for a tour of the Houses of Parliament.  All schools also have the opportunity of a question and answer session with Jake after their tour to get a feel for life as an MP.

Rossendale and Darwen MP, Jake Berry, was named one of only twelve new MPs who have made the biggest impact in their first term in Parliament. 

In an article in The Times last Friday, Shadow Justice Secretary and Blackburn MP, Jack Straw, described how the influx of new MPs in 2010 has changed the atmosphere of Parliament for the better.  Mr Straw then named his top twelve new MPs who have contributed to this, identifying Jake Berry MP among them.