News

Howard's Way.... a weekly column from the Rt. Hon. Michael Howard QC. MP. 

5 March 2009

As you know I continue to hold my regular fortnightly advice centres throughout the constituency, as I have done for nearly 26 years.

I have always thought that this is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job as a Member of Parliament. Although I have no magic wand to weave and, alas, too many of the problems people bring me are not within my power to resolve, there are times when I can make a difference. And the fact that people can and do bring me their concerns goes a long way to making sure that I stay in touch.

Indeed I am always struck by the variety of things which crop up. Last Saturday was no exception.

There are some problems which seem endemic – the CSA, tax credit overpayments, anti-social neighbours. There are usually a number of immigration cases.

Not surprisingly, in the current circumstances, there are concerns about unemployment and the way in which people who lose their job are dealt with at the JobCentre. But there is often something completely new.

For example, until last Saturday, I had never come across a condition known as Charles Bonnet syndrome. Those who suffer from it – and there are apparently around 100 of them in Shepway alone – have sight problems and then start to see things which they know aren’t real. It is not difficult to imagine how much distress this can cause. Yet little is known about the condition and those who experience it often don’t talk about it for fear of being thought of as mentally ill. So drawing attention to it can help; which is why I am mentioning it here.

Finally, a report back. Some weeks ago I raised with the County Council fears about the presence of asbestos in our schools. I have now been told that all maintained schools have received an asbestos survey.

Where the survey has identified the presence of asbestos based materials, encapsulation or removal work has been carried out.

Furthermore the advice of the Health and Safety Executive has been taken and is being followed. I hope this reassures those who had anxieties about this issue.