UK growth now highest in the G7

Growth in the UK has shown the strongest performance among G7 countries from 2013 to 2014, according to the latest report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Liberal Democrat Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander has welcomed the fact that today’s OECD report sets out that the best way to secure the recovery in the next Parliament is to finish the job of deficit reduction and to do so fairly by selective tax increases on the wealthy.

Danny said:

“There’s a famous saying that in life ‘the past is the best guide to the future’ and that is true in economic matters too. That’s why we are committed to offering that same balanced approach in the next Parliament as we have had in this Parliament, as endorsed today by the OECD.

“This report confirms that the UK economy is returning to health and highlights the vital role of key Liberal Democrat policies in the turn around. Our dramatic increases in the personal allowance, the greening of the economy, the focus on infrastructure, and putting the financial sector back on an even keel are just a few examples of where Liberal Democrat thinking has been central to the economic turnaround.

Our commitment to continue the same balanced approach in the next Parliament is in stark contrast to the Conservatives who are abandoning fairness and the centre ground. By urging years of cuts for cuts sake, by unfairly finishing the job of balancing the books on the backs of the least well off and undermining our position in Europe they will put this hard won recovery at risk”.

With the country on the right track, a lurch to the right with the Tories or to the left with Labour has never posed a greater danger to our economic recovery.

 

Council encourages people in York to act FAST if they experience stroke symptoms

City of York Council is lending its support to the annual ‘Act FAST’ campaign, which highlights the common symptoms of stroke and mini strokes and encourages people to call 999 if they notice the symptoms in others or experience them themselves.

FAST

Since the Act FAST campaign launched in 2009, an additional 38,600 people have got to hospital within the vital three-hour window meaning that stroke sufferers receive the immediate medical treatment required. This not only results in a greater chance of better recovery, but since the campaign launch over 4,000 fewer people have become disabled as a result of a stroke.

A mini stroke has similar symptoms to a full stroke, except that these symptoms last for a much shorter amount of time. Without immediate treatment, around one in five of those who experience a mini stroke will go on to have a full stroke within a few days.

Early intervention following a mini stroke can greatly reduce the risk of having another stroke.

However, while 59% of people in England cite stroke as one of the top three conditions they are concerned about behind cancer, new research reveals that less than half (45%) would call 999 if they experienced the symptoms of a mini stroke.

The campaign urges people to Act FAST if they notice any of the following symptoms, even if they disappear within a short space of time:

  • Face – has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?
  • Arms – can they raise both their arms and keep them there?
  • Speech – is their speech slurred? If they notice any of these symptoms it is
  • Time – time to call 999 if you see any single one of these signs.

For more information about stroke and the Act FAST campaign visit http://www.nhs.uk/actfast/Pages/stroke.aspx

Civic Party to present Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards

The Lord Mayor will meet dedicated young people at a special event to commemorate them successfully completing the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

On Friday 27 February the Park Inn will host an evening event to mark the achievements of 417 young people who have achieved the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Bronze, silver and gold awards will be presented to those who have completed sections in skill, volunteering, physical and expedition activities. The award is delivered by a network of volunteers across the city.

As well as the presentation, during the ceremony groups of young people will be giving presentations on volunteering in the community, expeditions and a demonstration of musical skills to parents, carers and invited guests.

The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Ian Gillies, said: “I am delighted to be attending this event to personally congratulate the young people who have received this award. It promises to be a great evening celebrating the dedication of a number of young people across the city who have achieved something special.”
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New Sexual Health Service for the City

City of York Council has awarded the contract for a new sexual health service for the city.

The council has awarded the £1.5 million per year contract for the provision of its new Integrated Sexual Health Service to York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust following a competitive tender process.

The Trust will work with voluntary sector sexual health organisations and GP practices to provide locally based services which will be accessed through a central booking system.
The focus of the new service will include priority being given to prevention and early intervention with an emphasis on young people and “at risk” populations, quick and easy access to the service that will be available in appropriate locations in the city and all contraceptive and testing for sexually-transmitted infections (STI), diagnosis and treatment will be provided in one location.
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Bus User Group seeking new recruits

Bus users are being invited to have their say on how bus services in York are planned and delivered.

Old Pullman bus

City of York Council and local bus operators are encouraging commuters, residents and visitors to join the Bus User Group (BUSUG) on a voluntary basis to be involved in helping to improve bus travel in York.

The group has already helped to make influential decisions shaping a number of changes to the network, including:
• the design of the new all-operator bus timetables, now in use at all bus stops in York
• and, the installation of real time information screens
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Traffic “congestion commission” plan to be reconsidered

The York Council is to reconsider whether to set up a “Congestion Commission” before the Council elections take place on May 7th

The Cabinet proposal had been called in by opposition Councillors who pointed out that any decisions taken now could be overruled in little over 2 months time by what could be a completely different Council.

Concerns were also expressed about the cost of the “commission” and its membership.

The issue will be reconsidered by the “Cabinet” at a meeting taking place on 3rd March