Cllr Marc Ramsbottom

"The iconic Withington Green can be saved this week if Manchester City Council agree that this popular Green should be retained in front of the proposed MCRC development." says Withington Ward Liberal Democrat City Councillor Simon Wheale. Councillor Wheale added "The MCRC proposal is for an international Cancer Research Centre behind Withington Green. However the City Council have so far indicated to MCRC that they have no objection to Withington Green being redeveloped." Current plans from MCRC, based on the Council's lack of objection to redevelopment, involve creating a flagged walkway across most of the area that is now the Green. Councillor Wheale will be proposing a Motion at the Full Meeting of Manchester City Council this Wednesday, (13th July 2011), calling for the Council to change their position and to stop any redevelopment of Withington Green as part of the MCRC development. Councillor Wheale adds "The City Council actually own Withington Green but have indicated to the MCRC team that the Green can be redeveloped. This position needs to change." "Withington Green is an attractive lawned area with benches which are shaded by cherry trees and rhododendron. It's a popular place for local residents to sit out when the weather is good." "There is no need to redevelop the Green as part of the MCRC plan. Withington Green, preserved as it is, will continue to provide a more beautiful and tranquil lawned setting at the entrance to this part of the Christie Hospital estate. Christie fundraisers have often had excellent floral displays on the lawns highlighting campaigns. If we keep Withington Green then the eye-catching floral displays can keep up the vital momentum for Christie fundraising." "I hope that the City Council will agree to change their advice to MCRC on redeveloping Withington Green so that this lovely public green can be preserved as part of the future of the area." Published and promoted by Manchester Liberal Democrats, c/o 8 Gawsworth Avenue, M20 5NF Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Figures obtained by John Leech MP show that England's overstretched rail network has done well out of the spending review. The figures on the detailed impact of the spending review compared to the last years of the Labour Government show that by 2013 we will spend more in real terms on improving rail services compared to the last year under Labour. With the Lib Dems in Government, the capital budget for national road and rail projects will be 8% higher in real terms from 2011-2014 compared to 2008-2011. But rail is the real winner, with a much bigger slice of the funding pie going to making train journeys better rather than doing work to motorways and trunk roads. Four times as much will be spent on rail compared to road from 2011-2014. Under Labour, the proportion of capital funding for national transport projects going to rail had shrunk by 7% in its last three years in power. Motorway and trunk road projects took up a third of the budget. Given the ageing train network and the need to give people good alternatives to the car, John Leech MP welcomed the funding shift as "finally a move in the right direction". He commented: "I'm pleased that despite the economic mess we're in, the spending tap isn't being turned off for public transport. These figures show a positive picture, not the doom and gloom some painted." He added: "The Labour Government said all the right things about the need to improve public transport, but its actions didn't follow its words." "By the time they left office, they were spending less and less on track and signals, and more and more on blacktop. We need a green economic recovery." With the Lib Dems in Government, the old diesel trains between Manchester and Liverpool and out to Bolton and Preston will finally be history. With track and signal improvements, we are going to get the faster journeys we've long been waiting for. Published and promoted by Manchester Liberal Democrats, c/o 8 Gawsworth Avenue, M20 5NF Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Ashley: "How can cutting Manchester's grant more than the average be fair?" Following a briefing from the Chief Executive and Treasurer, Manchester Liberal Democrats have today offered to join with the Labour Leadership of the Council to jointly lobby ministers to make the settlement fairer to Manchester. Finance spokesperson Cllr Simon Wheale said today, "As expected, this is a very tough settlement, but we know Labour often fund their "pet projects" rather than frontline services. We knew that cuts were coming, and indeed the Council has already cut £60million and planned a further £100million of cuts over the next 3 years. We will be lobbying the Government to make the following changes." 1) To ask the government to reassess Manchester tax base, as there currently an undercounting of residents in the city, particularly students. 2) To ask for the "Supporting People" and transitional funding arrangements to be reviewed. 3) To make the cuts happen over 3 year not 2. Frontloading the cuts makes minimising their impact more difficult. Lib Dem Leader Simon Ashley added, "What no-one has managed to do is explain to me is how cutting Manchester's grant by more than average in percentage terms is fair." Cllr Ashley added, "Now is the time to put aside our political labels and do what's best for Manchester. The Lib Dems in Manchester are offering to jointly lobby Government ministers with Council Officers and the Labour Leadership of the Council to argue for changes we mention above. That will allow the Council to minimise their effect." Ends.... Published and promoted by Manchester Liberal Democrats, c/o 8 Gawsworth Avenue, M20 5NF Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Cllr Alison Firth: "I thank Russ Jackson and his team for their work today." This morning at 5am, three Lib Dem Councillors joined community reps and hundreds of police at the start of an operation to arrest over two dozen alleged drug dealers across Gorton, Levenshulme and Withington. Gorton North Councillor Wendy Helsby, Withington Councillor Alison Firth and Gorton South Councillor Simon Ashley then attended the Police HQ to get an sense of the co-ordination needed to oversee raids on this scale. Cllr Ashley said, "Cllr Firth, Helsby and I have nothing but praise for Russ Jackson and his staff for the work they have done to clean up Gorton, Levenshulme and Withington today." Published and promoted by Manchester Liberal Democrats, c/o 8 Gawsworth Avenue, M20 5NF Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Simon Ashley: "Further Scrutiny of this decision is necessary." Manchester Liberal Democrats have "Called-In" controversial proposals to sell off land in Heaton Park. Without this "Call-In" the decision to sell off the land would have been agreed today. Lib Dem Leader Cllr Simon Ashley said today, "We have 'called in' this decision following a request from our Lib Dem colleagues in Bury Tim Pickstone and Ann Garner." Cllr Ashley added "Given that 2000 residents objected to these plans originally; a complaint has been made to the Ombudsman that the Council have not followed due process, and that 6 issues have arisen through this consultation process that have not previously been addressed, we felt that further scrutiny was necessary." Ends...... Published and promoted by Manchester Liberal Democrats, c/o 8 Gawsworth Avenue, M20 5NF Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Cllr Marc Ramsbottom: "This is a real boost to our schools and young people." Manchester Schools are set to receive up to £430 per pupil a year for each poorer pupil they teach under details announced by the Coalition Government. It means that Manchester stands to gain up to £9.5m extra cash in the coming year to help towards improving teaching and learning in schools and boosting achievement. The extra cash will be given according to the number of pupils on free school meals and whose families earn less than £16,000 per year. It means that Manchester gains an estimated £9.5m. It was one of Nick Clegg's Liberal Democrats main pledges before the election. The Pupil Premium prioritises spending on boosting the chances of younger kids starting out at school, rather than those already at university. Lib Dem Children's Services Spokesperson Coun Marc Ramsbottom said, "There are over 15,000 pupils in Manchester eligible for free school meals, so this will mean a really boost for our schools and make a huge difference to the outcomes and chances for our young people. Children need the best possible start in life, and this much needed extra cash will make a real difference in schools to getting our children a better start in life". Ends Published and promoted by Manchester Liberal Democrats, c/o 8 Gawsworth Avenue, M20 5NF Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

on Leech, MP for Withington celebrated the launch of the Coalition Government's national campaign, The Big Tree Plant by braving the cold to plant trees in South Manchester on Saturday. The MP joined volunteer students, residents and councillors to plant different trees including oak, hazel and hawthorn in Ladybarn Park, Withington. This is the first of many events over the coming months that will add additional trees and woodlands as part of The Big Tree Plant. The Big Tree Plant will encourage community groups, organisations and individuals to plant and care for trees in towns, cities and residential areas across England. The event was organised by leading environmental organisation Red Rose Forest in partnership with national charity Trees for Cities, Manchester City Council and local community group Friends of Ladybarn Park. Volunteers planted over 200 trees, with funding for the event provided by Barclays, youth volunteering organisation involved, and donations from members of the public. MP John Leech said: "It's great to get out and get involved in such an important community event. Everyone here is passionate about making a difference and creating a better place to live. The Big Tree Plant is a great idea and will really help communities to come together and take responsibility for improving their neighbourhoods". Red Rose Forest is the Community Forest for Greater Manchester and works with local communities, businesses and partners, to bring more trees and woodlands into, and around, our towns and cities to improve local environmental quality for the benefit of all. Tony Hothersall, Red Rose Forest Director said: "This is great news. We welcome the plan to increase the number of trees being planted in our towns, cities and neighbourhoods. And, we at Red Rose Forest are perfectly positioned to help make this happen. "We offer local support and advice on how people can get involved in projects like this and as well as providing practical support for getting the trees in the ground and looking after them. "Getting trees in our cities and towns is vital. They shield houses from traffic noise, can help save energy, reduce the risk of flooding and also help fight the effects of air pollution and climate change. "We encourage the people of Manchester to come together and get more trees in their area." To find out more information, including how to get funding for a project, visit www.redroseforest.co.uk or www.direct.gov.uk/thebigtreeplant. Published and promoted by Manchester Liberal Democrats, c/o 8 Gawsworth Avenue, M20 5NF Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Manchester Withington MP John Leech has urged the Manchester Primary Care Trust (PCT) to reverse their decision to close Withington Walk-in-centre on Saturday's - a decision that will come into effect this week. The decision was made on Friday 26th November and the closure will come into effect on Saturday 4th December 2010. John Leech said, "The Manchester PCT should learn from the mistakes they made over the debacle that was the closure of Burnage Walk-In-Centre. Last year I raised this issue with the then Prime Minister and the Manchester PCT promised they would learn from their mistakes and they have completely ignored this. I will be making representations with the government regarding the consultation process or indeed complete lack of it. There is currently an ongoing review of all walk in centres in Manchester and this decision has been made before the process has been completed." Before the General election in May this year, the Manchester PCT's finances were measured as poor and the recommendation was made to make 20% cuts across the board regardless of who was in government after May. John Leech said, "No doubt Labour will attribute this to the new coalition government, this is simply not true, this decision has been taken by the Manchester PCT as part of the pre election cost savings measures across Manchester. I know many local residents use the walk-in-centre on Saturday's. This is another example of the PCT putting themselves before providing a service convenient for all. I shall be making strong representations within government regarding the handling of this decision." Published and promoted by Manchester Liberal Democrats, c/o 8 Gawsworth Avenue, M20 5NF Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Ashley: This month's jobless figures show that we are making progress in Manchester Manchester Lib Dem Leader Simon Ashley has welcomed figures which show a 1.7% drop in unemployment for the city, slightly higher than the UK average of 1.6%. This means that 311 more Manchester residents are in work. Cllr Ashley said, "This month's figures are encouraging because it shows Manchester jobless falling slightly faster than average. This has not be the case over the past few months." Cllr Ashley added, "Over the past year, unemployment has fallen by 4.1% in Manchester, compared with 10.5% nationally. Until this month, Manchester had not been getting its fair share of the jobs it creates in its role as the capital of the city region, or its share of the benefits of the recovery.This months figures show we are making progress and should be welcomed." Ends.... Published and promoted by Manchester Liberal Democrats, c/o 8 Gawsworth Avenue, M20 5NF Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

John Leech: This proves that policing is a top priority of the coalition Government John Leech has today welcomed the decision taken by the coalition government to fund Police Community Support Officers in Manchester for at least another 12 months. The decision was confirmed in a public meeting today by the Chair of Greater Manchester Police Authority following confirmation from the Home secretary. John Leech said, "This just proves that policing is a top priority of the coalition government. PCSO officers provide valuable support for the local police in Manchester reassuring residents and keeping our streets safe." Notes The announcement was made at today at AGMA scrutiny meeting in Manchester Town Hall by the Chair of Greater Manchester Police Authority following confirmation from the Home secretary Theresa May. Published and promoted by Manchester Liberal Democrats, c/o 8 Gawsworth Avenue, M20 5NF Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Leech: Why won't Graham Stringer condemn Phil Woolas for telling lies? "What is wrong with Labour" says Manchester Lib Dem MP John Leech as Labour MP Graham Stringer fails to condemn false allegations made by former Oldham Labour MP Phil Woolas at the General Election last May. John Leech said "It is incredible that, when judges have ruled that Phil Woolas made statements which he 'had no reasonable grounds for believing were true and did not believe were true', Graham Stringer, as a senior North West Labour MP, is now trying to backtrack and explain away Phil Woolas' actions." Graham Stringer has commented publically that it is 'easy to go over the top' and that Phil Woolas has been 'hung out to dry'. John Leech added "It doesn't get more serious for an MP than being found guilty of illegal practice in an Election Court and being disbarred with immediate effect. Friday's judgement was a victory for the people of Oldham and Saddleworth and and a victory for democracy. Graham Stringer should stop second guessing the judges' verdict and start making clear that there is no place in British politics for saying things which you know are not true. I challenge Graham Stringer to support this simple statement." Published and promoted by Manchester Liberal Democrats, c/o 8 Gawsworth Avenue, M20 5NF Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

John Leech MP is returning to his former school, Manchester Grammar School, to face current pupils in a "Question Time" style event. Taking place on November 9th, the evening is to celebrate the re-opening of the schools theatre, as well as to raise funds for the school's drama centre. Former England cricket captain Mike Atherton will be joining John on the all Old Mancunian panel. John Leech MP said "I am looking forward to taking part, although I expect the questions will be every bit as tough as on the television version! MGS has produced some fine actors in the past, and I am sure that this new theatre will offer fantastic opportunities to budding Ben Kingsley's of the future. I'm certain the audience will try and bowl Mike and I some googlies!" Published and promoted by Manchester Liberal Democrats, c/o 8 Gawsworth Avenue, M20 5NF Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Cllr Wendy Helsby: "If we had more police like Damian, Gorton and Manchester would be a safer place to live." Gorton Inspector Damian O' Reilly has been named "Community Police Officer of the Year" at Jane's Police Review Gala awards which took place last night at a swanky award ceremony at the Park Lane Hilton in London. Gorton South Councillor Simon Ashley said, "Damian has been the best Inspector we have had in Gorton for the 20 years I have lived her. This award is well deserved, and testament for all Damian's hard work in the area." Gorton North Councillor Wendy Helsby added, "If we had more police like Damian, Gorton and Manchester would be a safer place to live." Ends.... Published and promoted by Manchester Liberal Democrats, c/o 8 Gawsworth Avenue, M20 5NF Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Local MP attends Parliamentary event on hair loss support services for cancer patients. Local MP John Leech attended a parliamentary event with charity My New Hair to raise awareness of hair loss issues for cancer and alopecia patients. John met with My New Hair patients, hair professionals and nurses to find out more about the issues faced by people who lose their hair through cancer treatment or for other medical reasons. The event took place at the House of Commons on October 27th and called for improvements in NHS wig services for men, women and children affected by medical hair loss. Services vary in quality and patient experience differs widely across the country. John Leech MP says: "I am saddened that many patients who suffer hair loss as a result of cancer treatment or other medical condition are still not receiving the support that they need from the NHS. Hair loss causes significant distress to patients; the NHS must work harder to ensure that wig services are organised in the interest of the patient and include good quality wigs as well as appropriate emotional and practical support. By training hair professionals to understand the needs of patients and to help them to find a style that works for them, My New Hair is making a big difference to patients' lives. " My New Hair was founded by acclaimed hairdresser Trevor Sorbie M.B.E inspired by his own experience helping a family member during cancer treatment. Trevor now dedicates all of his salon time to offering advice and a wig customisation service to clients suffering medical hair loss. Says Trevor "This is the beginning of what will be a challenging but exciting journey with the NHS - we have helped set the precedent and encourage the rest of the country to follow our lead. My New Hair has given me a whole new dimension to job satisfaction, using my skills to give something back to society and do something truly meaningful. It isn't about hair, its psychological medicine for women who are suffering hair loss through illness." The charity provides services directly to people suffering medical hair loss and trains an independent national network of hairdressers to cut and style wigs making them more personal and natural looking. If you, or someone you know, has been affected by medical hair loss you can call the charity's information helpline on 01798 812 547 or go online for more information at www.mynewhair.org NOTES TO EDITORS Photo shows John Leech MP with Trevor Sorbie MBE, acclaimed hairdresser and founder of My New Hair. Details of the nearest Hair Salon are below: Hair Salon at The Christie Hospital, Manchester Sheena Lever Oak Road Reception Wilmslow Road Withington, Manchester M20 4BX Email Sheena Lever 0161 446 3695 For general and press enquiries please contact: Hilary Blackburn (Director, My New Hair) or Jane Sartain on 01798 812547 or e mail info@mynewhair.org Published and promoted by Manchester Liberal Democrats, c/o 8 Gawsworth Avenue, M20 5NF Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

John Leech MP for Manchester, Withington joined other Members of Parliament with the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg MP, the Opposition Leader Ed Miliband MP and the Communities Secretary of State Eric Pickles MP at the launch of the Silver Star Health Challenge on diabetes at the Houses of Commons on Wednesday 27 October 2010. At the special MPs testing event John Leech MP took the quick and simple Type 2 diabetes test to help raise awareness of the need for public testing for the condition. John Leech MP was also issued with a Silver Star Pedometer to measure the amount of steps taken during a Parliamentary Week as part of the 50 day challenge. The public can keep track of their MP on the Silver Star website and the winner of the 50 day challenge will be announced in February 2011. The key to prevent diabetes is physical activity and a healthy diet. The NHS spends £1 million an hour on diabetes related illnesses and it is estimated that more than one million people in the UK may have diabetes without knowing it. John Leech MP said 'The diabetes test was so easy. It only takes two minutes and can save lives. I hope my constituents will also take the test and I am looking forward to finding out the results of the pedometer challenge in February 2011'. Silver Star launched in January 2007 is a registered charity campaigning to provide diabetes awareness. The Charity runs Mobile Diabetes Units (MDU) that carry out important diabetes testing. They seek to promote culturally sensitive healthcare, with particular regard to the high prevalence of diabetes in the major towns and cities of Britain. The Units travel to local community centres, schools, work places and other organisations. The Chairman of the Trustees for Silver Star, Dr Modhwadia said 'The diabetes test is so quick and simple. I am delighted that so many MPs decided to take the test and be part of the Challenge. It will help raise awareness of this largely unseen health condition" Published and promoted by Manchester Liberal Democrats, c/o 8 Gawsworth Avenue, M20 5NF Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

John Thurso MP has the finest moustache in The Lib Dem Parliamentary party Manchester Withington MP John Leech and Levenshulme Councillor James Hennigan have donated their faces for the "Movember" cause this year to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer. Movember is a worldwide charity event where men are encouraged to grow a moustache for the month of November to raise money and awareness for men's health issues particularly prostate cancer. John Leech said, "Prostate cancer is the most common cancer amongst men in the UK, I will be donning a moustache in support of Movember and will be encouraging as many people in Manchester and indeed Parliament to join me". Movember began in Australia in 2003 and has now turned into a worldwide charity event with over 44,520 people in the UK taking part last year raising just short of £5million. In the UK Movember raises money for The Prostate Cancer Charity. Levenshulme councillor James Hennigan, 23, commented, "Movember is a fantastic charity event, in the UK one man dies every hour from the disease. My rugby team Old Bedians in Didsbury have joined the cause too, we are going to look an odd team but it's for a great cause!" To donate log onto www.movember.com/donate and donate to the team "Manchester Mo's". To join the team simply log onto movember.com/join and select the team "Manchester Mo's". Published and promoted by Manchester Liberal Democrats, c/o 8 Gawsworth Avenue, M20 5NF Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Manchester Withington MP John Leech is today tabling an adjournment debate on rarer cancers focussing specially on myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). MDS is one of a number of rarer cancers that suffer from a lack of public awareness and availability of drugs. Azacitidine (trade name Vidaza) the drug used to treat MDS has been at the centre of a fiasco surrounding the NICE appraisal. The process has already taken 18 months and with a solution not necessarily assured until March 2011, it may end up being a two year process in total. As many as 1,500 patients will have missed out on the opportunity to have access to Azacitidine by then. At the debate John will be urging the Department of Health to ensure that the Cancer Drugs Fund is used to help sufferers of cancers such as MDS. He is also calling on the Department of Health to reform the NICE methodology to make it more suitable for assessing medicines for rarer cancers. He said, "MDS is a life-threatening illness and one that is currently terribly served by the NICE process. The only available treatment is currently being denied to patients, and although I do hope that NICE reverses its decision, I fear that ministerial intervention may be needed to bring access to Azacitidine to MDS sufferers". The initial NICE decision not to give Azacitidine to MDS sufferers, despite it often being the only treatment, was appealed. The appeal succeeded (more information attached below) and NICE have reopened the appraisal. The refusal of NICE to recognise orphan drug status has created a great disparity in the treatment options for sufferers of rarer cancers. Adjournment Debate on Rarer Cancers and MP awareness John Leech, Westminster Hall Debate, Wednesday 27th October 2010. I want to take the opportunity in this debate to raise two issues. The first is the lack of awareness amongst MPs of the issues surrounding funding for treatment of rarer cancers in general and of a real lack of understanding of the complex processes and institutions that make decisions about the availability of drugs, especially to sufferers of rarer cancers. The second related topic, is that of the recent Health Technology Appraisal by NICE of the use of Azacitidine for the treatment of MDS, myelodysplastic syndrome, in particular. It is an appraisal and decision making process that highlights the problems and inequalities that sufferers of rarer cancers face in getting access to often life saving treatment. The refusal of NICE to recognise orphan drug status has created a great disparity in the treatment options for sufferers of rarer cancers. With the move to Value Based Pricing not due to come into effect until 2014, and indeed with the lack of details of how VBP will work it is essential that this inequality is addressed. With the initial £50m of funding from the Cancer Drugs Fund having already been distributed to the Strategic Health Authorities and with the opening today of the consultation on the main Cancer Drugs Fund, I suggest that today is the perfect day to restate the case for the need for far greater funding for rarer cancers. I will start with the need for greater MP awareness of rarer cancers and of the processes and institutions that evaluate the drugs that are needed to treat them. At the MDS UK lobby that I attended yesterday, the results of a survey were launched. Two thirds of MPs had no understanding of the term 'Health Technology Assessment' and one third had no understanding of the term 'Quality Adjusted Life Year'. Now of course MPs have many areas of knowledge and no one MP can claim a detailed knowledge of all subjects, but with large scale reforms of the NHS due to be discussed and voted on, it is vital that MPs gain a greater knowledge of these topics and particularly how they currently discriminate against those who suffer from rarer forms of cancer. In particular there is a great need for greater awareness of how the details of Value Based Pricing and decisions about how to allocate the Cancer Drugs Fund might or might not remove barriers to treatment for those with rarer cancers. I will not spend any more time on this other than to highlight the Rarer Cancers Tool Kit that MDS UK have collated and to mention that whilst I am concentrating on MDS today there are other rare cancers such as Pancreatic Cancer, Ovarian Cancer or Mesothelioma that also struggle either with a lack of access to drugs or with the need to raise awareness amongst the general public. The fiasco surrounding the NICE appraisal of Azacitidine is an excellent case in point. As many as 1,500 patients will have missed out on the opportunity to have access to Azacitidine by then. Now the mishandling of the evidence by the evaluation team as highlighted by the Appeals Committee has not helped, but the process is long and ponderous even without an appeal. More worryingly, length aside, it is the decision making process itself that is so flawed, especially NICE's refusal to recognise Orphan Drug status. The MDS Forum, the Royal College of Pathology and the British Society for Haematology, who collectively represent the UK's top haematologists, have all written to NICE to highlight the unsuitability of NICE HTAs for assessing orphan medicines. Haematologists from centres of excellence across Europe have also signed a letter echoing this view. Of the 50 orphan status drugs that are licensed by the European Medicines Authority, only 3 have been recommended by NICE. There is an exceptionally strong case for further reform to the NICE process to ensure that it captures the full value to patients with rarer cancers of new and innovative medicines. It is not news that there are problems with the NICE process and that it is unfair to those with rarer cancers. There are extremely high costs associated with the research and development involved with drugs and the relative lack of expertise means that drugs for rarer conditions cost even more. The fact that the drugs are for small patient groups means there are relatively low sales and the unit cost of these drugs is of course very, very high. Yet the innovative value added by these drugs is very great indeed. These are not 'me too' drugs with relatively low incremental clinical improvement to the patient compared to the drug that they replace. They are unique and often provide the only treatment available to the patient. This is exemplified by Azacitidine for MDS where the only alternative is usually 'best supportive care' - treating only the symptoms and not the disease. I do not know why the process cannot be adjusted to take into account Orphan Status, it seems the UK is almost unique in this decision. I am aware that the problems with the NICE process are not unknown. The decision to move to Value Based Pricing and the introduction of end of life criteria and patient access schemes is recognition of these problems. However end of life criteria and patient access schemes have not succeeded in making appraisals more flexible to innovative treatments for rarer cancers, especially ones where the very small number of patients eligible to take part in patient trials means there is often considerable uncertainty surrounding the data. A fascinating example of the current problems with NICE's methodology is that even if Azacitidine was to be given away for free to the patient, its QALY [quality adjusted life year] cost would still be £20,000! Further, Value Based Pricing is over three years away and the details of how the scheme will work will decide how effective it is at addressing the needs of small patient groups. In the meantime, short of further reform of the NICE process, the only option for MDS patients and similarly disadvantaged sufferers of other rare cancers is the Cancer Drugs Fund. Before I move on to the Cancer Drugs Fund I would like to implore the minister to ensure that Value Based Pricing is constructed in such a way that drugs such as Azacitidine do indeed become available to UK citizens, just as they are across the rest of Europe. It is a drug that provides a vast improvement to patient outcomes as opposed to current treatment and it is therefore the very definition of 'high value' that Value Based Pricing must be designed around. I would also like to urge the Department of Health to ensure that the Cancer Drugs Fund is used to help sufferers of cancers such as MDS. MDS is a life-threatening illness and one that is currently terribly served by the NICE process. The only available treatment is currently being denied to patients, and although I do hope that NICE reverses its decision, I fear that ministerial intervention may be needed to bring access to Azacitidine to MDS sufferers. It is exactly the kind of treatment that the Cancer Drugs Fund must provide for. MDS sufferers will, of course, have to wait even longer whilst NICE makes its decision before they are allowed to even apply to the fund. In summing up, I ask that the NICE methodology is reformed to make it more suitable for assessing medicines for rarer cancers or that cancers such as MDS are taken out of the NICE HTA process altogether. I ask that Value Based Pricing is constructed correctly to ensure that innovative drugs with a high benefit to patient outcome such as Azacitidine are correctly appraised. Finally I ask that in the meantime, the Cancer Drugs Fund is used to correct the inequality faced by sufferers of rarer cancers due to the disparity in the appraisal process of drugs for rarer cancers. Published and promoted by Manchester Liberal Democrats, c/o 8 Gawsworth Avenue, M20 5NF Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Shannon: Social Workers Yes! Social Networkers No! Manchester's Labour Council have been criticised for wasting money on Facebook and Twitter after it was revealed they broke their own recruitment freeze to hire a manager to work on social marketing. The Council recently agreed a recruitment freeze unless there were "exceptional circumstances." But recent advertisements in the Guardian Jobs and other recruitment websites show that Manchester Labour want to hire a new permanent full-time Communications Manager on around £37,000 per year. The work would include the "strategy and delivery of social marketing activity," which means Facebook and Twitter. Manchester Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Shannon said: "This is bonkers. Exceptional circumstances might include hiring more social workers. It does not include a new manager for Facebook and Twitter ! " "Liberal Democrats in Manchester are shocked that Labour are wasting public money on a new Manager for Facebook and Twitter. Local residents feel that this funding would be better invested in improving our public services." Ends Manchester Council are this month recruiting externally a new permanent Communications Manager on around £37,000, which is the higher-rate tax threshold, for amongst other tasks "formulating strategy and delivery of social marketing activity:" http://jobs.guardian.co.uk/job/1031752/external-communications-manager/ At Personnel Committee on 2nd June 2010 Manchester City Council agreed to freeze recruitment: http://www.manchester.gov.uk/egov_downloads/Item_5_4_.pdf The new so-called "M People" principle said: "Concentration on existing workforce - external recruitment will be restricted to exceptional circumstances and will be subject to corporate agreement." Published and promoted by Manchester Liberal Democrats, c/o 8 Gawsworth Avenue, M20 5NF Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Leech: Children have been protected in Spending Review John Leech MP welcomes the real help for families and children 5 ways in which schools, the NHS and our children IN MANCHESTER are being protected by the Comprehensive Spending Review: The Schools budget will rise from £35bn to £39bn. With £2.5bn of EXTRA money being directed to children from more deprived backgrounds. This extra money will be given direct to the schools for the headteacher to chose how to spend in the interests of the pupils at the school. Surestart 's budget is protected, and being redirected to the most disadvantaged children as it was originally intended. Disadvantages children will also now be entitled to 15 hours per week of free childcare (£300m). NHS budget will rise, above inflation, every year. Child benefit is axed for the richest 15%, but protected for the rest. £44m for a Women's and Children's Unit at the Royal Oldham Hospital in Greater Manchester to provide the highest level of neo-natal intensive care. "Children, pensioners and those on low incomes in Manchester have been protected by the measures announced in the Spending Review. We are increasing the money for schools, the NHS and to help children achieve their potential. These measures will make a real difference in Manchester to those who need our help most," said John Leech. Published and promoted by Manchester Liberal Democrats, c/o 8 Gawsworth Avenue, M20 5NF Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Chief Executives should not receive special bonuses for running elections said John Leech MP in a Westminster Hall debate in Parliament. John talked about the problems at the recent dual election in south Manchester, arguing polling stations were expected to deal with too many voters at each polling place. He also argued that sufficient capacity had not been in place to deal with the increase in turnout. The increased turnout was mainly within groups which chose to vote later, and there was not sufficient capacity in place to allow these people to vote. "Council Chief Executives should not get bonuses of around £20,000 for running elections. It should be part of their Job description. Many of them already earn over £200,000. What is certain is that they should waive the bonus if a single person was prevented from voting by these failures. The Chief Executive in Sheffield sets an example for waiving his bonus for running the election because of the problems there," said John Leech MP. Published and promoted by Manchester Liberal Democrats, c/o 8 Gawsworth Avenue, M20 5NF Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY