News from Your Local MP
Posted by Dawn Primarolo, MP for Bristol South, at 14:12, Fri 14 January 2011:
WELCOME!
Here’s the latest edition of my regular newsletter.
VAT INCREASE
Earlier this month we saw VAT rise to 20% following the Government’s decision last year to increase this tax. The VAT rise hits everyone in Bristol South and will cost the average family hundreds of pounds every year. This is the wrong tax at the wrong time, which could stifle the economic recovery and lead to job losses in the retail sector. Because VAT is charged at a flat-rate, the poorest pay proportionally more and the Treasury’s own figures indicate that those in the lowest bracket of disposable income are hit more than three times harder than those in the top. It’s extremely disappointing that the Government is pressing ahead with this unpopular and unfair tax increase.
HUNTING WITH DOGS
It was a relief to see press coverage at the end of December reporting that the Government is planning to delay its free vote on lifting the ban on hunting with dogs. I know that many local residents in Bristol South have strong views about animal welfare issues and a large number of people have contacted me since May last year to express their dismay that the 2004 Hunting Act which banned fox, stag and hare hunting with dogs, may be repealed. I voted in favour of the ban at the time and I would hate to see a return to this barbaric ‘sport’.
BANKERS' BONUSES
It is very concerning that the Government has decided not to take firm action on bankers’ bonuses. The former Labour Government introduced a levy on bankers’ bonuses that yielded £3.5 billion. Unfortunately the Coalition Government is refusing to continue the bonus tax, instead proposing a levy on banks’ holdings that will only raise £1.3 billion. In these difficult times when ordinary people are being asked to pay higher taxes and accept public spending cuts we need to be sure everyone is paying their share and it’s unfair that some bankers are receiving huge bonuses.
LEGAL AID REFORMS
Many local residents have contacted me within the past month to express concern about the Government’s proposed cuts to Legal Aid. The proposals mean that many cases currently qualifying for legal aid support would no longer be eligible, such as issues concerning education, social welfare and employment. I am concerned by the Government’s plans as I believe the right advice and support is crucial to those who would otherwise be unable to get justice and I have written to the Secretary of State for Justice to express my concerns. More information about the Government’s consultation on Legal Aid reform is available at: http://www.justice.gov.uk/consultations/legal-aid-reform-151110.htm
ENERGY SAVING ADVICE
We’ve all needed to turn up the heating to keep warm during the extremely cold weather this winter. I know from letters I receive that many local residents worry about the cost of heating their homes and how they can keep bills down. I thought it might be helpful if I listed a few sources of advice for how to save money on energy bills and introduce energy saving measures in your home:
- Home Heat Helpline (www.homeheathelpline.org.uk) 0800 33 66 99
- Consumer Direct (www.consumerdirect.gov.uk) 08454 04 05 06.
- Energy Saving Trust (www.energysavingtrust.org.uk) 0800 512 012
Don’t forget - if you are aged 60 or over you will be entitled to a winter fuel payment – if you are not already receiving a payment you can apply online at www.direct.gov.uk or call 08459 15 15 15 with any queries.
SURVEY OF WOMEN'S VIEWS
Bristol City Council is currently inviting women to complete a short on-line survey about how their voices can be heard in Bristol to influence decision-making and services in the city. The closing date for responses is 20 January. To take part or find out more about the survey, visit the following website: http://www.bristol.gov.uk/ccm/content/Community-Living/Equality-Diversity/bristol-womens-forum.en?page=6#internalSection21
ANY QUESTIONS?
If you have any queries about these issues, or have a question you would like to ask about anything else, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Just email primarolod@parliament.uk, phone 0117 909 0063 or write to me at PO Box 1002, Bristol, BS99 1WH.
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Posted by Peter Hack, 15:19, Fri 14 January 2011: (Is this post abusive?) #
Hi Dawn,
Can i draw your attention to the Sell Off of our Public Forests and National Nature Reserves; the Forest of Dean and Shapwick NNR on the Somerset Levels being the best local examples near to Bristol. This has not been consulted on according to parliamentary convention and rammed through Parliament. How can you sell a public forest and who but the rich (woodland is exempt from inheritance tax) can gain ?
It is profoundly hypocritical for Tory Lords and landowners in receipt of billions of state (European subsidy) in agricultural benefits to criticise frugal public estates such as the Forestry Commission and Natural England's National Nature reserves that give so much free pleasure.
I believe Labour's Baroness Royall is preparing an amendment this month; I urge that a spotlight be shone on the state subsidies of the landed Tory Lords of the shires and anyone that agrees to let Liberal and Tory Lords know as to their feelings.