On Thursday, we started with a debate on the BBC World Service before moving onto rural broadband. This subject is something very close to my heart and that is why I was pleased to support the motion being discussed. Particular issues for me were the need to ensure rural communities don’t miss out. It’s not just getting agreement from a provider to cover a particular area – it’s also getting providers to agree to do the hard bits in the area where the population is sparse and the job is expensive. I don’t want the providers to just be able to cherry pick the easy bits!
Lobbying for Change
I am concerned to ensure our elderly residents get a fair deal and good quality care in our residential care and nursing homes. That is why I have been talking to care homes, the County Council and the Care Quality Commission to understand what isn’t working to put it right. I was pleased to have the opportunity to put my concerns on record and hold the government to account during an adjournment debate on Tuesday. That however is just the beginning.
I was delighted also to be re-elected Secretary of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Flooding. We had our AGM this week and convened a Flood Forum to bring together the key stakeholders to raise with them our concerns and hear from them what they needed of government. The Environment Agency, the Association of British Insurers, Local Government and the Water Companies were all represented. A significant amount of work has been done ensuring the infrastructure to prevent flooding is in place, but there is still work to do to ensure joined up action and thinking between the different agencies. A mock “flood crisis” exercise has just been undertaken to test out how this would work – and be improved to better cope with the real thing.
As it happened I also had a meeting this week with the South West Water Company to discuss the current consultation on water charges. We both agreed we needed the proposed government subsidy – and the full amount – and that both household consumers and businesses should benefit. I also wanted to see what we could do to help those who want to try metered bills but are put off by the current policy – one trial and that is it. The company have agreed to look again at this so that customers can have a further trial on a meter to help them decide. Unmetered customers have seen some huge price rises and some would like to reconsider moving to a meter. A policy change could make this possible.
Westminster meetings
I had a meeting with Centrica in Westminster this week and I was delighted to hear about what they have done to look at a much wider source of energy including nuclear and renewable energy, which will make customers’ supply more sustainable and affordable. They are also taking a leading role in working with customers to help them reduce their bills and energy consumption. The Green Deal is something they are very enthusiastic about. But perhaps what surprised and pleased me the most was the efforts they were making to help those in financial difficulties.
Equitable Life Policy Holders came to Westminster again this week to talk about the payout arrangements and their concerns. It was a very useful meeting identifying a number of issues which I will be taking up with ministers.
Out and About
It’s important to keep in touch with the key organisations in the constituency, particularly at times of change. I was therefore pleased to meet up with Jeremy Christophers, the new leader of Teignbridge District Council to talk about his vision for the future. I was also pleased this week to have the opportunity to discuss the newly formed Local Enterprise Partnership – The Heart of the South West – to find out what its plans were. It is still very much getting started, but I am impressed with what they have achieved so far.
This week’s highlight was of course the Devon County Show – an annual treat! I was pleased to join the chairman of the NFU over breakfast to discuss the issues and concerns of local farmers as we approach the Common Agricultural Policy Review. It’s also always a great opportunity to meet many of you and talk to the many different agricultural groups about their plans. Best of all our village shop in Stokeinteignhead received the Prince of Wales Award for improving the lives of others through sustainable initiatives!
The Dawlish Air show is not far away and this weekend we celebrated its coming and did some fundraising for it at the Langstone Cliffe Hotel. The hotel as ever did us proud and an excellent evening was had by one and all! Two busy surgeries in Teignmouth and Kingsteignton rounded off the weekend.
Surgeries and Getting Together
My next surgeries are on the 11th June in Dawlish (Manor House) at 10am and in Newton Abbot (Courtenay Centre) at 12pm. I will also be holding a surgery at Teignmouth Library on the 18th June at 10am. Please phone 01626 368277 for an appointment or for immediate help with issues that can’t wait until the next surgery. My next Face to Face will be at The Old Church Inn (Torbryan) on the 10th June from 6.30pm. I will also be holding a Face to Face in The Dolphin on the 18th June from 6.30pm. I look forward to seeing you there!