First and foremost, I have to say it has been fantastic to spend rather more time at home, in the constituency, during the parliamentary recess. It is a great privilege to represent such a picturesque part of the country and the chance to spend longer out and about in the constituency then I normally can when Parliament is in session was an opportunity I thoroughly enjoyed.
Parliament has however once again begun sitting and so it’s time to get back to the business of being your representative in the House of Commons. A number of important bills are expected to come before the House in the coming months. Parliament is required to pass an Armed Forces Bill every 5 years and this debate provides an important opportunity for MPs to express the deeply held respect for the professionalism and dedication of our armed forces. The House will also consider further the European Union Bill, the Postal Services Bill, the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill and the National Insurance Contribution Bill
The “Big” Bills however will be the Localism Bill, which will enable local people to have more of a say in what goes on in their communities, and the NHS and Public Health Bills. You may remember the White Papers were publishes last term.
Festive Politics
While however we look ahead at what the new parliamentary session has in store, it is worth briefly reflecting on some of the more important milestones and announcements made whilst the House wasn’t sitting.
Of particular interest to me was the publication of a Government paper entitled Bigger, Better Business. This document outlines how the Government intends to help those who wish to start up their own company. I have been resolute in my support for small businesses since being elected to Parliament and I welcome the news that budding entrepreneurs who meet certain criteria could receive up to £2,000 and the dedicated support of an expert mentor.
The festive period also saw, the Government announce plans to address the issue of individuals living overseas fraudulently claiming benefits, councils across the country coming under fire for not maintaining regular rubbish collections, and the Education Secretary announcing that the majority of academies in existence have been created by the Coalition Government. A busy festive period!
Out and About
I was delighted to speak at and support a group of young business women who together organised a free seminar for small local businesses at Old Forde House in Newton Abbot –“How to survive and thrive”. They tackled some of the ways businesses can help each other and some of the things small businesses need to be aware of to succeed. As you know I am determined to see local small businesses grow from strength to strength and anything we can do locally to achieve that together is very welcome.
On Saturday I had the first two surgeries of the New Year – and they were as busy as ever!
Getting Together
My next surgeries will take place on the 22nd January at 10.00am in the Manor House (Dawlish) and 12.15pm in Teignmouth Library. Please telephone 01626 368277 if you would like to book an appointment or if you need help with an issue that cannot wait until the next surgery. Alternatively, I am holding one of my regular “Face to Face” pub events on the 21st January in Ipplepen Conservative Club at 6.30pm. Please do feel free to drop by if there is something you would like to discuss with me – or just to say hello!