Jeremy Browne MP’s Monthly Update - July 2008
Posted by Jeremy Browne, MP for Taunton, at 15:06, Fri 1 August 2008:
JEREMY BROWNE MP'S MONTHLY UPDATE
In July, Jeremy visited Halcon Post Office to discuss Government threats to cut the post office card account with Postmaster Ronnie Bell. He said;
“I have been overwhelmed with correspondence on this issue. The existing service is valued by thousands of people in Taunton Deane and it is essential that it is maintained.”
IN THE COMMUNITY
Jeremy’s Taunton activities this month included; - visiting Queens College, NHS Direct, Wellington Food Fair, St Augustine School, King’s College, the Open Door Project, St Margaret’s Church, Beauford Park, Western Power Training Centre, and Debenhams.
- presenting awards to Beech Grove Primary School and Little Euros.
- supporting fencer Henry Walker, Guide Dog Gala Day, Rock on the Green, Lindley House, the Gadd Group, Taunton Street Pastors, Care Focus Somerset, Magna Housing, Camelot House, and Trull’s Party in the Park Fete.
SUPPORTING OUR ROYAL MARINES
After their recent return from Afghanistan, Jeremy warmly welcomed Norton Manor-based 40 Commando home with tributes in both Westminster and Taunton. He said;
“Attending this month’s homecoming parade was a wonderful way for us all to pay tribute to the outstanding professionalism and bravery of our local Royal Marines, and I was also delighted to welcome 42 marines from Norton Manor to the Houses of Parliament.
"It was the first time that many of the Marines had visited the Palace of Westminster. So it was an ideal opportunity for them to see where the major democratic decisions are made on vital policy issues like Iraq and Afghanistan.
"It also caused quite a stir in the Houses of Parliament conducting a tour with large numbers of Royal Marines dressed in full khaki uniform!”
PROTECTING LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES
Jeremy is campaigning to prevent the closure of rural surgeries in Taunton Deane. In Milverton, he commented;
"40 per cent of the income of Milverton GP practice is from drug dispensing. It is an essential source of revenue, but new Government proposals threaten to remove this service for many patients. If they lose the revenue and shut down, Milverton residents will have to travel to Wiveliscombe to access prescription drugs.”
He also visits Musgrove Park regularly, this month spending a morning looking at support services for patients and their families. He said;
“There are many people who seek comfort and support when they are suffering a bereavement or have just been given a life-changing diagnosis.
"I was impressed by the chaplaincy and medical services and the overall efforts being made at Musgrove Park to support those who are most vulnerable."
IN WESTMINSTER
Elsewhere in Parliament, Jeremy activities included;
- meeting Taunton Deane farmers to discuss the NFU’s concerns about bovine TB.
- celebrating Proud of Pubs Week with the White Hart Pub.
- showing the Friends of Wellington Park and Dunkirk Memorial Home ‘behind the scenes’.
SPOKESPERSON'S NEWS
Jeremy is the Liberal Democrat Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, focusing on issues such as accountability in public spending, personal debt and taxation.
FIGHTING FOR A FAIRER TAX SYSTEM
During the last stages of this year’s Finance Bill, Jeremy tabled amendments to protect low earners and the rights of all tax payers.
PROTECTING LOW EARNERS
Jeremy forced a vote to try and make the Government report on compensation for the 10p rate abolition for those earning under £13,000. He argued;
“[The Liberal Democrat’s] party policy is for a basic rate of 16p in the pound. We believe that people on low incomes are paying too high a proportion of their income in taxation. We do not agree with the Conservative party policy position—that the Conservatives will match whatever level of tax the Labour Government set. That is not right or responsible, so we are in favour of lower marginal rates of tax for people on low and middle incomes.”
Read Jeremy’s speech and see the vote at; http://pubs1.tso.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmhansrd/cm080701/debtext/80701-0012.htm
BACKING TAX-PAYERS RIGHTS
Jeremy also forced a vote on his clause to create a legally binding taxpayers’ charter to protect the rights of the taxpayer. He said;
“[The individual] has little right of appeal or recourse to rectify a perceived wrong committed by HMRC.
“It should not be assumed that HMRC's powers are always superior to those of the individual citizen. Taxpayers have rights just as tax collectors do.”
Read Jeremy’s speech and see the vote at; http://pubs1.tso.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmhansrd/cm080701/debtext/80701-0016.htm
DEFYING THE CREDIT CRUNCH
Jeremy has celebrated the 25th anniversary of local firm Gadds, whom he believes can defy the current economic troubles and play an instrumental role in Project Taunton. He commented;
“Gadd’s is a very high profile and successful Taunton business.
“They are a major local employer and their new buildings are recognisable across the town. The latest construction on Corporation Street is a good example of the mixture of residential and retail development which remains in demand.
“After the boom years, we have now entered a more difficult time for the construction industry. House prices are falling and the credit crunch has restricted the ability of new buyers to arrange a mortgage.
“The challenge is to find suitable sites to meet additional housing demand while still protecting the essential character of our area. I am sure that Gadd’s will be prominent in shaping the appearance of Taunton Deane for many more decades to come.”
BACKING COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
Jeremy has supported new measures to encourage investment in disadvantaged communities. He said;
“All MP’s are enthusiasts for microfinance projects like the Community Investment Tax Relief Programme, and want people to take greater responsibility for their communities by encouraging socially desirable behaviour.
“This order will stimulate such activity, which must be a good thing. However, we must always be vigilant about the potential for fraud.”
Read the debate at; http://pubs1.tso.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmgeneral/deleg1/080707/80707s01.htm
INTERNATIONAL TAXATION
During a debate on the UK’s tax agreements with Saudi Arabia and Bermuda, Jeremy asked the Government to clarify if individuals would be liable to two tax bills. He said;
“Those individuals [to whom this applies] want some security from excessive interference in their lives from HMRC or its equivalent abroad.
“What protection exists for UK citizens where the tax laws vary between countries, or where the penalties for failing to comply with tax laws vary markedly?”
Read the debate at; http://pubs1.tso.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmgeneral/deleg13/080703/80703s01.htm
Contact Jeremy at office@tauntonlibdems.org.uk , or write to him at: Masons House, Magdalene Street, Taunton, TA1 1SG
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