Bruce George MP today backed Government plans to introduce compulsory licensing to deal with rogue wheel clamping companies in Walsall. Bruce, who was principally responsible for the introduction of the legislation that regulated the Private Security Industry in 2001 (the Private Security Act), welcomes the proposed changes.

Bruce George MP welcomed the announcement by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith that a consultation would be published shortly on proposals for a compulsory licensing scheme for wheel clamping companies.

This consultation will look at introducing compulsory licensing and industry-wide standards for:

signage, including size and visibility;
maximum penalties charged and payment methods;
minimum time between immobilisation and removal;
providing evidence that a parking infringement has taken place;
security and location of pound where vehicles are impounded; and
complaints and appeals policy.

The measures aim to tackle the limited number of wheel clamping companies whose dodgy practices include excessive penalties for releasing clamped cars, clamping emergency vehicles and those belonging to disabled drivers, impounding cars unreasonably quickly after being clamped, hidden or missing signs warning drivers that clamping takes place, and a lack of any appeals process for drivers.

Bruce George MP said:

“The licensing of individual wheel clampers has gone a long way to reducing criminality and improving standards in the industry. I do not oppose legitimate wheel clamping companies clamping or removing vehicles when they are illegally parked, but there are too many rogue companies at the moment.”

“But I know that people in Walsall want further action against the small minority of clamping companies who indulge in sharp practices, including unclear signage and excessive fees.

“The Government is looking at introducing a scheme for compulsory licensing of clamping companies, with clear industry standards that they have to meet. I will be writing to the Home Secretary in support of these measures and urging their introduction as soon as possible.”

“Rogue wheel clampers shouldn’t be able to get away with unacceptable practices in Walsall and I’ll be working with the Government to clamp down on dodgy clampers.”

Bruce George MP today welcomed the progress made at this week’s London G20 summit and praised the achievements reached. The Leaders at the G20 agreed to:

Restore confidence, growth, and jobs: They committed to make available an additional $1.1 trillion programme of support to help the world economy through the crisis and to restore credit, growth and jobs.

Strengthen financial supervision and regulation: Leaders agreed to strengthen the financial system by putting in place a better and more credible system of surveillance and regulation

Fund and reform our international financial institutions to overcome this crisis and prevent future ones: Leaders agreed to make an additional $850 billion in resources available through international financial institutions like the IMF,

Promote global trade and investment and reject protectionism to underpin prosperity: Leaders committed not to resort to protectionism

Build an inclusive, green, and sustainable recovery: Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to meeting the Millennium Development Goals and to delivering on development aid pledges

Bruce George MP said:

“I have been raising the need for tough regulation of the financial markets for some time, so I am very happy at the G20 outcome. On the 27th January I spoke in a committee debate on Credit Rating Agencies where I called for the need for much greater global regulation of financial markets, especially these agencies. I am therefore particularly pleased to learn that the G20 yesterday to extend regulatory oversight to credit rating agencies.

We face a global financial crisis on a scale that we have never really seen before. At the end of the day to get British economy back on track we have to help get the world economy back on track too. To protect jobs and businesses in Walsall we needed to get the world leaders working together to restore confidence, growth and jobs.

“So I welcome the successes the Government has secured this week. The London Summit brought together leaders of the world’s major economies and key international institutions. They have agreed collective action necessary to stabilise the world economy and secure recovery and jobs.”

Bruce is seen here at the formal presentation of a donation to the Manor Hospital as bequeathed by the late John Samuel Leslie Bevan. The money is going to spent as follows. £22k to purchase a scan machine for the Foetal Assessment Unit; £11k will go to the Stroke unit and £16k to the Ophthalmology Fund towards the purchase of an OCT Imaging Machine.

Mrs Kath Hawker who was Mr Bevan’s niece is seen here in the photo with Chief Executive Sue James, Bruce George MP and Miles Astbury-Crimes from Hadens solicitors.

Bruce George MP today joined British Olympic swimmer Mark Foster to welcome the launch of free swimming today. As a result of government funding Walsall Council will open up its swimming pools for free for people aged 60 and over and [16 and under as well.

Four out of every five local councils in England – almost 300 - have signed up to provide free swimming for over 60s, with more than 200 councils offering it too for young people.

The £140 million Government initiative was announced last June, – delivering on a Government promise to help get two million people more active by the time London hosts the Olympics and Paralympics in 2012.

Bruce George MP said,

“It is great to see the national launch of Free Swimming today. I am happy to see that Walsall Council has backed the scheme to offer free swimming to people over 60 and under 16. This scheme will provide a fun and now accessible means of keeping fit and active.”

Sectretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport said:

“Today is the official launch of free swimming and a landmark moment as we look to build a healthier and more active nation. The take-up of this scheme has exceeded all expectations with over 81% of councils taking part. Thanks to this Government’s £140m investment millions of people in the UK will be able to swim for free which will be a boon for older people, children – and of course their mums and dads. It will also ensure that local pools are given a new lease of life in the heart of their communities. It is our hope that this is just the beginning and that in time free swimming becomes the norm across the country.”