Local MP Welcomes Credit Card Companies Pledge to Play Fair
Labour MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North Jim Sheridan has today welcomed the news that credit card companies have agreed with the Government a new set of ‘fair principles’ that will put an end to overnight hikes in credit card charges and give much needed breathing space to borrowers struggling to repay their debts...(Read More).

Local MP calls for investigation into Mobile Charges
Labour MP Jim Sheridan has today called for an investigation into the cost of mobile phone termination rates. The Mobile Termination Rates are charges paid by one operator to another for connecting their customer's call to a friend on another network...(Read More).

Local MP Concerned by Post Office Closure
Jim Sheridan, Labour MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North has today expressed his concern at the decision by the Post Office to permanently close the branch at Burnbrae Avenue in Linwood...(Read More).

Labour MP welcomes Further Cut in Interest Rates
Labour MP Jim Sheridan has welcomed the news that the Bank of England has announced a further cut in interest rates...(Read More).

Local MP Applauds Alex Fergusons 50 Years in Football
Local Labour MP, Jim Sheridan, has tabled a motion in Parliament to recognise the 50 years that Sir Alex Ferguson has been involved in British football...(Read More).

MP Welcomes New Post Office Card Account Contract
Local Labour MP Jim Sheridan has today welcomed the news that the Post Office has secured a new contract for the direct payment card scheme which was due to expire in 2010...(Read More).

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Local MP Welcomes Credit Card Companies Pledge to Play Fair
16th December 2008

Labour MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North Jim Sheridan has today welcomed the news that credit card companies have agreed with the Government a new set of ‘fair principles’ that will put an end to overnight hikes in credit card charges and give much needed breathing space to borrowers struggling to repay their debts.

Speaking from his constituency office the Renfrewshire politician said, “The Government recently gave credit card companies an ultimatum to shape up how they practice their business or face an investigation by the Office for Fair Trading. I am pleased that the credit card companies have recognised the strength of feeling held by the Government on this matter and have now outlined a new statement of principles which will help protect borrowers.”

The new principles will come into force in the New Year and the Government plans to call on the Office for Fair Trading to monitor their implementation.

Mr Sheridan carried on to say, “The first of the new principles will allow credit card customers choose to close accounts and pay off outstanding debts at existing rates rather than pay an increased interest rate. The second limits how often credit card companies can raise a customers interest rate and requires at least 30 days notice. Finally, credit card lenders have agreed not to increase interest rates for customers who’ve failed to make their minimum payments for two months or more, or if the borrower has sought help from a debt advice agency. These measures will help making borrowing fairer for people in Paisley and Renfrewshire North and will hopefully stop people from being trapped into a debt cycle.”

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Local MP calls for investigation into Mobile Charges
11th December 2008

Labour MP Jim Sheridan has today called for an investigation into the cost of mobile phone termination rates. The Mobile Termination Rates are charges paid by one operator to another for connecting their customer's call to a friend on another network.

Speaking in the House of Commons the Paisley and Renfrewshire North MP said, “Millions of people across the UK will be receiving mobile phones as Christmas gifts this year, but also under the tree will be an unwanted gift of £3billion in unnecessary charges. I am calling on the Department for Consumer Affairs and the telecoms regulator Ofcom to investigate Mobile Termination Rates in order that consumers are only paying legitimate charges and those responsible are exposed.”

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Local MP Concerned by Post Office Closure
9th December 2008

Jim Sheridan, Labour MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North has today expressed his concern at the decision by the Post Office to permanently close the branch at Burnbrae Avenue in Linwood.

Speaking from Westminster the Renfrewshire politician said, “I am extremely disappointed that this Post Office branch has been targeted for permanent closure. However, I am encouraged to hear that this decision could well be revisited should the regeneration of the shopping centre take place. I would at this stage urge the local authority to do all they can to expedite the planning process in order that the regeneration work takes place as soon as possible. In the meantime I will continue to pursue this matter with the management of the Post Office.”

The Burnbrae Avenue Post Office was originally closed as a temporary measure prior to works being undertaken.

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Labour MP welcomes Further Cut in Interest Rates
4th December 2008

Labour MP Jim Sheridan has welcomed the news that the Bank of England has announced a further cut in interest rates.

The MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North said, “The cut in interest rates from 3% to 2% is crucial in the continuing efforts to help tackle the current worldwide economic downturn. Businesses and people across the UK are feeling the pinch and this move will hopefully help ease the burden, however, this will only happen if banks do the right thing and pass on the cuts to their customers.”

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Local MP Applauds Alex Fergusons 50 Years in Football
14th November 2008

Local Labour MP, Jim Sheridan, has tabled a motion in Parliament to recognise the 50 years that Sir Alex Ferguson has been involved in British football.

Speaking from his constituency, the Paisley and Renfrewshire North MP said, “Alex Ferguson has had a long and distinguished career and a number of those were spent with St Mirren which was a very successful period in his career and doubt set him up for even greater achievements. I am sure that the people of Renfrewshire will join me in wishing Alex every success for the future.”

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MP Welcomes New Post Office Card Account Contract
13th November 2008

Local Labour MP Jim Sheridan has today welcomed the news that the Post Office has secured a new contract for the direct payment card scheme which was due to expire in 2010.

Speaking from Westminster following the announcement the Renfrewshire MP said, “I have fully supported Post Office Ltd in their bid to retain the Card Account signing the Early Day Motion here in Parliament and lobbying Ministers. The Card Account provides a simple way for people on benefits and pensions to get their money. This decision reinforces the Labour Governments commitment to supporting a sustainable Post Office network to which £2 billion has been invested since 1999 to support the Post Office and will provide a further £1.7 billion up to 2011.”

The announcement of the termination of the procurment process was made by the Government today.

Mr Sheridan carried on to say, “The government has been clear that any replacement Card Account would need to be available on a national basis and accessible to those who need it. I have always been convinced only the Post Office could adequately meet these requirements and I am pleased that the Government seems to agree.”

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