The week was dominated by the Localism Bill. This will probably be one of the most significant pieces of legislation of this Parliament – and certainly one of the biggest Bills to come to the House for some time. The core theme is that people should be trusted, have more say and more power and local government should be treated as adults with more freedom to decide what is best for their local community –rather than be dictated to by Central Government.
Local people will have the power to ask a district council to call a referendum on a local issue that has the support of 5% of the people –and that includes challenging any Council Tax rises. Parish Councils and Neighbourhood Forums will be able to put forward Neighbourhood Development Plans setting out how they would like their community to be developed. Once these plans are agreed the framework will be set within which developers will be able to apply for planning permission. So if a community only wants one supermarket in a particular place a second supermarket will be very unlikely to succeed!
Lobbying for Change
On Tuesday in Westminster Hall we debated the Operation of the Funding Formula for England and the devolved administrations – the Barnett Formula. The formula, which dates back to the 1970s, was intended to be a quick fix to deal with how to divide up government spending between England, Scotland and Wales but also within England. The formula is population based as opposed to needs based. We live in one of the biggest geographical regions with the highest number of people on the State Pension. The formula ignores the increased travel costs and greater need for social and health care this brings– something I spoke up about - asking for change!
That was followed by a debate about the future of Post Offices in the light of the privatisation of Royal Mail. Substantial sums will be invested by the Government in those post offices that are not commercially viable to ensure we retain our current network – that is good news! I raised my concern however that our Post Offices need to be able to offer more government services, and be able to offer more facilities for the local community and local businesses. In rural communities like ours we have a number of small businesses that need a post office open in the afternoons, like the one in Broadhempston which currently shuts at noon. I have been lobbying Royal Mail to allow this afternoon opening. The solution may well be in the Mutualisation provisions for Post Offices in the Royal Mail Bill.
….I also raised my concern that we should be able to keep our traditional red post boxes with the Royal “ER” monogram which, like our stamps with the Queen’s head on, are an important part of our heritage and traditions. I am pleased to say the Minister agreed to look into this so that we can be sure there is no risk that a new owner could redesign our post boxes or paint them a different colour!
On Wednesday I spoke in a debate about the Government’s Skills Strategy. It is very important that we create the apprenticeships we need and the technical colleges to support them. Newton Abbot has a history and track record in engineering and manufacturing and we need to build on that to create some much needed jobs locally. While the Educational Maintenance Allowance is going, I am pleased that a new scheme will be introduced to help young people continue their studies. Transport is one problem and I am pleased that when I asked local Transport Charities if they could help, they were happy to work with local colleges to see what they could do.
Out and About
I was delighted to have the opportunity on Friday to visit Sibelco and see first hand the clay works in Kingsteignton and Preston. I had not appreciated quite how involved with the local community they are, using local suppliers wherever possible, welcoming school parties, organising work experience schemes and funding local community projects. They also run an apprenticeship scheme which is how most of the local management team joined the business.
Later that evening I had one of my pub meetings at the Ipplepen Conservative Club- it was great to see everyone. Then I went on to Bishopsteignton for a dinner with the local businesses in Bishopsteignton at Cockhaven Manor. One of the topics of conversation during the evening of course was the future of the local medical practice. We are all working together to do what we can to ensure we keep a medical practice in the village.
And finally on Saturday I held two very full surgeries in Dawlish and Teignmouth.
Surgeries and Getting Together
My next surgeries will be on Saturday 5th February first in Dawlish at the Manor House at 10am and then at Newton Abbot at the Courtenay Centre at 12.00 noon. 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” pub meeting will be on Friday 4th February at 6.30pm at The Wild Goose, Combeinteignhead –I should love to see you there!