Sykes joins health expert calls for private rent reforms

Sykes joins health expert calls for private rent reforms

Leader of Oldham Liberal Democrats councillor Howard Sykes MBE has backed calls of leading health experts demanding new reforms of the private rented sector.  Directors of public health across the country have welcomed new measures aimed at improving social housing standards but called for more action to tackle poor conditions in the private rented sector. 

Councillor Sykes said, “The consequences of poor-quality housing have been made clear in recent years.  Damp and mould kills.  It is always children and the elderly who are hit hardest.”

“The problem is not just limited to social housing.  Too many people who rent privately are exposed to shameful conditions and it has got to improve.” 

New laws came into effect earlier this month (Apr) which now mean social housing landlords will be ‘routinely inspected and held to account’ to ensure they provide residents with quality homes and services.

Councillor Sykes said, “Tough new rules for the social rented sector are very welcome.  But for private renters, there are little to no protections in place.  People deserve safe homes.  And if we get this right, we can prevent people from getting sick and ending up in our struggling hospitals.”

At a meeting of Oldham Council in November last year, Oldham Liberal Democrats won a vote on proposals to ‘get tough’ on private landlords. 

Councillor Sykes said, “After a Liberal Democrat motion was passed last year, it is now Oldham Council policy to serve improvement notices to landlords where they are failing to deal with hazards like damp and mould or to meet energy efficiency standards.”   

Notes

Public Health Directors across the UK call for private rent reform (Apr 2024)

Public health directors call for better regulation of private rented sector | LocalGov

More on the Liberal Democrats private renters motion (Nov 2023)
Search Results for “private renters” – Howard Sykes (mycouncillor.org.uk)



Happy Earth Day: Give the gift of Carbon Literacy

Happy Earth Day: Give the gift of Carbon Literacy.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Sykes has marked yesterday’s ‘Earth Day’ 2024 by backing a campaign which raises funds for carbon literacy training in developing countries. 

Carbon Literacy is a term used to describe an awareness of climate change, and the climate impacts of mankind’s everyday actions. 

According to the organisation ‘Carbon Literacy Project’, “Carbon literacy is the knowledge and capacity required to create a positive shift in how mankind lives, works and behaves in response to climate change.”

Councillor Sykes said, “Everyone deserves the opportunity to become Carbon Literate.  But Carbon Literacy training is unaffordable for many businesses and governments in developing countries.  That’s why I’m supporting the Carbon Literacy Project.  Their fundraising efforts will go a long way towards raising awareness about the climate crisis and the benefits carbon literacy training can offer.”

Empower Global Communities with Carbon Literacy (biggive.org)

This week, your top-up gift will be doubled, thanks to a matching donation via the Green Match Fund

Sykes warns Northern Care Alliance not to short-change patients over staffing cuts

Sykes warns Northern Care Alliance not to short-change patients over staffing cuts

Leader of Oldham Liberal Democrats councillor Howard Sykes MBE has warned Northern Care Alliance bosses not to “short-change patients” as they prepare for a round of redundancies and cost cutting measures. 

The NHS Trust, which covers Oldham, Bury, Rochdale and Salford, has announced plans to axe a number of staff and put a hiring freeze in place for the foreseeable future.  The announcement follows news that NCA had to pay out almost £2 million to patients in damages for the misdiagnosis of cancer over the last five years. 

Councillor Sykes said, “Our NHS is collapsing because the Conservative government have run our healthcare system into the ground.  I know that Northern Care Alliance is facing budget pressures, but I strongly urge the management of the Trust to think carefully before axing roles that clearly support patients.”

“It’s all well and good promising not to cut clinical staff.  But admin and support workers are just as valuable.  If those staff are lost without thought, I predict we will see ever worsening wait lists and more anguish for patients.”

Sykes’ Liberal Democrat Group have repeatedly challenged the management and governance surrounding Northern Care Alliance.  In March, following sustained pressure from Liberal Democrat councillors, the ‘Joint Scrutiny Board’ that oversees NCA was reconvened – for the first time in four years – to probe and question the leadership of the Trust over service performance. 

Councillor Sykes said, “Northern Care Alliance faces a whole host of issues which are well documented.”

“We have a cancer crisis locally, with NCA only managing to see 48% of cancer patients for urgent treatment within the two-month target.  Last year, more than 5,000 people waited longer than 24-hours to be seen in A&E across NCA hospitals.  On top of that, last year Northern Care Alliance failed to disclose the existence of dangerous concrete in their facilities despite being asked to do so.” 

“This is not a Trust in good health.  And I worry that this latest round of cost-cutting will only hurt patients further.”

Notes

More than 5,000 patients waited mover 24-hours in A&E last year
More than 5,000 patients waited over 24-hours to be admitted to A&E across Northern Care Alliance Trust last year – Howard Sykes (mycouncillor.org.uk)

NCA fails to disclose ‘RAAC’ concrete (Oct 2023)
Reinforced Aerated Autoclaved Concrete not disclosed by Northern Care Alliance despite Freedom of Information request from the Liberal Democrats (12/09/23) – Howard Sykes (mycouncillor.org.uk)

Oldham Liberal Democrats call for scrutiny as only 48% of cancer patients seen within two months
Renewed calls for scrutiny of Northern Care Alliance as only 48% of cancer patients seen within two months – Howard Sykes (mycouncillor.org.uk)

Kooth – stressed about exams?

Kooth – stressed about exams?

Exams are a stressful time for any young person. The NHS have put together some resources for young people and parents and carers.

Kooth Talks for parents and carers:

How you can support your child to manage exam stress.

Free 45 minute virtual training session on how you can support your child to manage exam stress. The training will cover:

  • An overview of how Kooth works as a mental health service.
  • How to support your child to manage exam stress.
  • Tips when talking to young people about their feelings.
  • Q&As.

Don’t worry if you are unable to attend the session. Simply select the ‘I cannot attend’ option and Kooth will send you a recording of the session and related resources.

Thursday April 25th 6-7pm (Book here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdzCwZBLgkBAa0zO5_C3grLjWE9VGND8h7wbfODX4gIgBOgLw/viewform)

Kooth have also produced a ‘Guide to Coping with Exam Stress’ for young people which you can access on the link below:

https://frimley-healthiertogether.nhs.uk/application/files/6916/5346/4959/KOOTH_Exam_Tips_Digital_Brochure_004.pdf

If you have any questions please contact laura.blake10@nhs.net