The Big Society…
So what is the Big Society? The Prime Minister has been unequivocal in his support. I believe the Big Society is all about recognising that the vast majority of challenges we face can be resolved by all of us altruistically working together for the good of our communities. It is not about individuals acting in their own interests or the state always providing an answer, but instead communities binding together to tackle shared problems as one. Is this happening locally? Yes it is! Some things that are happening are examples of local people wanting to get stuck in and give their support and skill to the local community. Others are examples of philanthropy and donations to help and support this.
…with Grants in Devon
The Devon Community Foundation has distributed more than £923,342 to 518 small, volunteer led community groups in Devon. Of that £74,029 has been given to groups in the Newton Abbot Constituency. More than that, the Grassroots Grants Endowment Match Challenge has raised £509,238 in private donations in Devon, which has been matched by £509,238 of government funding. The Take Part Pathfinder Programme has also provided funding to train those that want to get involved locally as community leaders – Bideford in North Devon is the closest local community to have taken advantage of this scheme – and I see no reason why we should not do the same!
…and local projects like Teignbridge Business Buddies
Teignbridge Business Buddies is another example. This is an initiative that I launched together with local businesses to pass on the benefit of their experience to those just starting a business or running very small businesses which just need a helping hand to keep going in these difficult times and to grow. Together we will run a succession of business surgeries across the constituency to allow owners of newly established and very small businesses to get some help and find a “buddy”. Like me, the business owners who have volunteered to take part are doing this because they recognise that a successful business community is good news for everyone and will mean the whole community will benefit.
Water Prices…
While I am delighted at the proposal to extend the WaterSure programme which acts as a safety net for metered households in receipt of qualifying means-tested benefits, so that around 8,500 households in the South West currently on WaterSure could see their bills fall by about £180 a year by 2013 – that is not enough! A consultation on water pricing has been proposed ahead of the Water Bill expected in parliament later this year -I will be asking for that consultation to look more broadly, not just at affordability, particularly with the recent OFWAT announcement on price rises, but also at fairness. Post privatisation the capital sum allocated to South West Water was simply inadequate to deal with the huge expanse of sewers which needed repair and maintenance and then the beach clean up to ensure our beaches complied with the Bathing Water Directive.
And the cost of Fuel!
I am very concerned about our fuel prices. It is not uncommon for 130p a litre to greet us when we pull onto the forecourt and research has recently been published suggesting the average small business will need to find an additional £2,000 over the next 6 months just to keep up with the rising cost filling the tank up. Although the pain is being felt by everyone, it is especially unfair on those who live in more rural locations. I am therefore lobbying the government on this to see what can be done to reduce the cost of keeping our vehicles on the move. We need a Rural Subsidy and a Fair Fuel Stabiliser to keep fuel prices predictable and constant – particularly now with trouble in the Middle East.
Trouble Overseas
It would not be right given the headlines to ignore what is happening abroad. After events in Tunisia, Egypt and now more recently Libya, we have to ask ourselves what a future Middle East will look like. The leaders now removed were clearly a bad lot – but the real issue is what will replace them and will it provide a better future for these troubled nations and for national security – or not? I certainly support calls for Gadaffi to face a War Crimes Tribunal – it is totally abhorrent for a leader to levy war on his own people.
And New Zealand is I know in many of our hearts and minds. Such a terrible tragedy with apparently so little warning. Questions will be asked and rightly so. Our thoughts are with those struggling to deal with and come to terms with this tragedy.