In Westminster
Broadband coverage in Teignmouth remains a key issue for my constituents, and is one that I am consistently pursuing both with Government and the provider, British Telecom. This week I met with senior executives from BT to seek clarity on their programme going forwards, as well as to lobby for service improvements. I am also continuing to press the case with Government ministers, so that the area receives the widest and fastest broadband coverage within a realistic timeline.
As part of my determination to help small businesses to set up and flourish I met with various business groups this week, including one which advises the Government on how to maximise women’s contribution to the UK’s economy. I am keen to see the subject of how to set up a business introduced into the education curriculum, so that we broaden children’s aspirations and career choices whilst creating a close partnership between parents and children, schools, and the careers service. This week I took part in a cross party group which aims to champion the ideas that small businesses would like to see in all of the main parties 2015 election manifestos. I also attended a meeting, supported by Government, which looked at how practical support can be provided to high growth small businesses in areas such as leadership. Following this I dropped in at a Parliamentary event attended by senior management from the BBC, at which I pressed them to make more programmes which focus on issues relating to small business and their concerns.
There has been widespread coverage in the national media recently about zero hours contracts, and the issue was debated in Parliament this week. We need to ensure that our High Streets and their businesses go from strength to strength. I believe that zero hours contracts can be useful in some cases in providing flexibility for employees. However, it is important that employers do not make them exclusive, as this can become very unfair and restrictive for workers. It is an issue that I will continue to monitor closely.
In my role on the Work and Pensions Select Committee, we looked at local partnership working in employment services, and the role that local authorities will play in assisting Jobcentre Plus to help people into work or training. I was pleased to hear great news this week as another rise was announced in the number of people who have found employment in the South West in the last three months.
The House of Commons has elected a new Deputy Speaker, Eleanor Laing MP. I was happy with this choice, and believe that she will be fair minded and efficient in her new role.
In the constituency
I was delighted to reopen the newly refurbished Manor House in Dawlish on Friday. Around £100,000 was raised by the local community to update this wonderful building, which was first owned by the taxpayers of Dawlish soon after the end of World War Two. Its newly modernised facilities will be ideal to host local functions. The Town Council are also looking into licensing the building to hold weddings and civil ceremonies, and I would encourage local groups and businesses to start making use of this impressive community centre as soon as possible.
Safeguarding the future of our local fishing community remains a high priority for me, and this week I met with a local councillor and the Director of The Shellfish Association to discuss the condition of the shell fish beds in the River Teign, and the harvesting and selling of mussels and oysters.
On Sunday it was great to join hundreds of runners to fire the starting gun for the Sibelco Dartmoor Vale marathon. Local runners were joined by competitors from all over England and Wales, and this year even further afield from Italy. As well as the Marathon, a Half Marathon and 10 Kilometre race were run from Kingskerswell out to Chudleigh, and back through the lanes of Gappah and Fosterville. Many different charities benefit as a result of the runners efforts, and I would like to express many thanks once again to the Dartmoor Vale Rotary Club for organising this terrific local sporting event.
Face to Face
My next face to face will be held at the Castle Inn, Holcombe this Friday between 6.30-7.30pm. I am always pleased to meet constituents and hear their concerns, so please come along if you can.