Jeremy Browne MP’s Monthly Update - September 2008
Posted by Jeremy Browne, MP for Taunton, at 15:30, Mon 6 October 2008:
Jeremy Browne MP’s Monthly Update
Jeremy is calling for tax cuts to help lower and middle income families. He said;
“The poorest tenth of the population already pay a higher proportion of their income in tax than the richest tenth. So I believe that taxes should be cut for people on low and middle incomes. They should keep more of their money to spend on their families and their household bills.”
FOCUS ON TAUNTON DEANE'S SCHOOLS
In September Jeremy gave a helping hand to three local schools when he presented their pupils with equipment provided through the Tesco computers for schools scheme. He said;
“Tesco has a long-running initiative to provide computer equipment for schools. Over the years, dozens of local schools have participated in this scheme.
“I was delighted to present computers and digital cameras to pupils from Bishop Fox’s community school, Archbishop Cranmer primary school and Bishops Hull primary school. I hope that hundreds of pupils at the three Taunton schools will benefit from using this new equipment.”
Jeremy also visited 9 schools across Taunton Deane this month, including Kingsmead school, where he spent the day shadowing pupils. Reflecting on the experience, Jeremy said;
“During the morning I went with Year 11 student Jonathan Barter to his German, English, Geography and Maths classes. After a much better lunch than anything I remember from school, in the afternoon I attended a History lesson with Year 8 pupils.
“It is helpful for me to gain a deeper insight into the teaching and other activities at Kingsmead. I am grateful to the head teacher and the staff for allowing me to spend a day at the school seeing their work at first-hand.”
“There are 13 mainstream institutions in Taunton Deane teaching children over the age of 11 and I try and maintain regular contact with all of them. Anyone interested in a socially mobile society where every child has the opportunity to realise his or her full potential will understand the vital importance of good quality education.
The other schools Jeremy visited this month included: Cheddon Fitzpaine primary school ▪ Selworthy school ▪ St John's CofE VA primary school ▪ Milverton Community primary school ▪ Bishops Hull Community primary school ▪ Kingston St Mary primary school ▪ Taunton school ▪ Wellsprings school ▪ Bishops Lydeard primary school
HELPING PEOPLE ACROSS TAUNTON DEANE
Jeremy’s activities in Taunton this month also included;
- visiting Robin Close Nursing Close, Ashe Farm, the Willow Gallery in Wellington, Wellington Baptist Church’s Worship Centre, Swallowfield plc, Dunkirk Memorial House and Musgrove Park’s Birthing Centre.
- meeting Wellington Town Council, the Chair of Exmoor National Park, Taunton Police Chiefs, Taunton Magistrates, Church Leaders, the Family Court User Service, First Great Western, Aardvark EM Limited in Wiveliscombe, and Wellington Tenants and Residents Association.
- talking to Rowbarton Friendship Association, Wiveliscombe 10 Radio, Taunton & District Friendship Centre, the Macmillan Coffee Morning, and young adults at Temple Methodist Church.
- opening the new sports hall at Court Fields School, the new seating at Pitts Close shops, and the new offices of Care Focus Somerset.
- attending the Battle of Britain Commemorative Service in Priorswood, Somerset Museum’s reception at Taunton Castle, England women’s match against India at the County Ground, Albemarle Autumn Fayre, the WI 'Walk of Friendship', the launch of Vision for Wellington, and Brownies at Wellsprings School.
- supporting Mecca Bingo’s energy efficiency campaign, 10Parishes Street Market and Carnival in Wiveliscombe, Light the Beacon for GM crops, Wellington Carnival, and skittles at The Hatch Inn in Hatch Beauchamp
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.
LIB DEM CONFERENCE
This month Jeremy spoke to party delegates from across the country on the economic issues Britain faces today.
ON ENERGY PRICES
Speaking to Citizens Advice and the Energy Retail Association, Jeremy argued a windfall tax on energy companies would see consumer price rises and ignore the need to turn away from non-renewable energy sources. He said;
“High fuel costs and the poor quality of housing insulation mean average and low-income households will struggle with their energy bills this winter.
“A windfall tax would only push prices up and put money into central government. Instead, we want energy companies to use their £9 billion trading scheme windfall to fund social tariffs, smart meters and a huge insulation rollout across the UK’s homes.”
ON THE CREDIT CRUNCH
Jeremy told financial powerhouse KPMG that consumer debt, irresponsible lending and high prices had all contributed to the national ‘squeeze’ on our finances. He said;
“Northern Rock was the start of the current turmoil and the collapse of Lehman Brothers and HBOS has added to peoples fears that their money – already being stretched by high real cost rises – isn’t safe.
“The danger of under-regulating the market is clear when taxpayers are forced to bail out the banks and put this country further in debt. Everyone is feeling the pinch, but instead of allowing the market to settle into a more stable and responsible state, the government uses gimmicks like the stamp duty suspension to encourage buying when we can least afford it.” ON PUBLIC SPENDING
In a speech to the conference on private finance initiatives, Jeremy warned that taxpayer value for money, not ideological opposition, should be our only concern. He said;
“PFI done well builds schools, hospitals and communities for our future.
“What is wrong with PFI is not the idea itself, but the delivery. Thirty year contracts that are badly negotiated, without any competitive tender, and then even more poorly managed. Changing a plug should not cost £25 in one community and £325 in another.
“PFI use should be frugal and disciplined. This government uses it to keep spending off the balance sheet. The value for money test should be their only motivation.”
SUPPORTING SOMERSET PRODUCE
Jeremy spent an afternoon at Ashe Farm to see the contribution pig farming makes to our local economy. He said;
“The problem for most farmers is the huge increase in costs, with oil and fertiliser prices rising particularly steeply.
“At Ashe Farm most of the pigs food is grown onsite, which helps, and the farm supports local businesses in Creech St Michael and Wiveliscombe, where the pigs are sent for slaughter.”
Jeremy got together with local cider maker Sheppy’s in Bradford-on-Tone this month to celebrate the centenary of the National Farmer’s Union. He said;
“The NFU has supported our farmers since 1908 and continues to play a huge role.
“Sheppy’s has produced a delicious new cider to celebrate the centenary: ‘Farmers Harvest’ is a traditional English cider made in Somerset from quality British ingredients.
“Sheppy’s is a traditional Somerset business which is prospering and I am sure that all cider drinkers will appreciate their latest creation.”
Contact Jeremy at office@tauntonlibdems.org.uk , or write to him at: Masons House, Magdalene Street, Taunton, TA1 1SG
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