Jeremy Browne MP’s Monthly Update - November 2008
Posted by Jeremy Browne, MP for Taunton, at 16:42, Tue 2 December 2008:
JEREMY BROWNE MP'S MONTHLY UPDATE - NOVEMBER
In November Jeremy announced that Lucy Ayres from Milverton primary school was the lucky winner of his annual Christmas card design competition. He said;
“Lucy has designed a brilliant card with a striking picture of a red-nosed reindeer. It was chosen after the judges considered dozens of excellent pictures by primary school children from across Taunton Deane and will be sent to hundreds of people and businesses in our area.”
PERSONAL SAFETY IN TAUNTON DEANE
This month Jeremy teamed up with Homestart and local police to promote Domestic Abuse Awareness Week. He said;
"Domestic abuse can take many different forms. At its worst it involves physical violence, but it can also include financial and severe emotional persecution.
"Women are mainly the victims of domestic abuse, and they should know that they are not alone. They can benefit from the support of the Taunton Women's Refuge or the police.
"Sometimes men can also suffer from domestic abuse, and that should not be overlooked either.”
Jeremy also went on the beat in Halcon to see how Taunton’s police are working in the community. He commented;
“The police put an emphasis on maintaining a high community profile. In Halcon the police hold a weekly drop-in session at the Link Centre and they conduct regular foot patrols. They also have a regular presence at Halcon primary school, Asda and other community focal points in East Taunton.
“High-profile policing helps to tackle behaviour like vandalism, graffiti and late-night noise. Every resident in every Taunton Deane deserves to feel safe.”
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Jeremy paid a visit to the Acorn Children’s Centre this month to find out more about services provided for families in east Taunton. He said;
"A network of Children's Centres now exists across Taunton Deane, including in Priorswood, Holway, Wellington, Norton Fitzwarren and Wiveliscombe.
"There is a high level of social deprivation in parts of east Taunton and the Acorns Children's Centre in Halcon is working to tackle some of the problems that arise.
"Activities at the Acorns include a baby group, a session for Dads, a post-natal group, a well baby clinic and a childminder drop-in.
"I want all children to have a realistic opportunity to make a success of their life and to realise their potential. That means addressing the severe inequalities that exist even at pre-school age.”
ALSO IN TAUNTON
Jeremy’s activities this month also included;
- Attending Wellington Music Day Live, the Scout Group Fireworks Evening, the Court Leet Law Day, Taunton Remembrance Day, the Poppy laying ceremony in Wellington Park, the Christmas lights switch-on, ASDA’s Children in Need fundraiser.
- Visiting the Royal British Legion Club, King’s College, Ladymead School, TD CVS, Somerset College, the Continental Market, and 40 Commando at Norton Manor Camp.
- Speaking at the Cotford Community Centre EGM, Fitzhead Cricket Club dinner, and Reminiscence Learning.
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.
TACKLING THE RECESSION IN TAUNTON DEANE
Jeremy has responded to the Government’s mini-budget by calling for funded tax cuts for low and middle income households. He said;
“The Government's shocking economic legacy is record public borrowing, the highest ever private debt, nationalised banks, a new top-rate tax and increased national insurance contributions for millions of employees.
“What is needed is responsible and targeted tax reductions and additional investment. A funded tax cut for low and middle income households would help stimulate consumer spending and benefit small businesses.”
He also went into the community to hear first hand how residents and businesses are coping with the economic downturn.
On the affordable housing project in Ham, Jeremy observed;
“I enjoyed visiting Ian and Laura, who bought a 60% stake in their home under the Council’s scheme.
“This project has helped Ian and Laura make a family home they otherwise could not have afforded. We should continue to encourage the development of affordable housing projects in Taunton Deane so others can benefit as Ian and Laura have.”
On meeting with Cotleigh Brewery chiefs, Jeremy commented;
“The Government’s latest duty rise on alcohol comes on top of higher alcohol taxes that were announced in March.
“These are tough times for beer brewers and publicans, with five pubs closing on average in Britain every single day. These duty increases will make hardly any difference to levels of binge drinking but they will put more pubs and brewers out of business.”
SUPPORTING WELLINGTON
On a visit to local employer Reylon, Jeremy backed development plans for north Wellington. He commented;
"Reylon is a crucial employer in Wellington and I want to see the company continuing to prosper. There is certainly potential for exciting new development in the area that would benefit local residents as well as businesses.
“Initiatives such as a new northern relief road, well tailored affordable housing schemes, and modern premises for local businesses such as Swallowfield and Reylon will all attract business and employment opportunities to Wellington. I wholeheartedly support these initiatives and will do everything I can to help them come to fruition."
EQUITABLE LIFE
Jeremy has demanded the Government compensate people who lost their savings in Equitable Life. He said;
"There have been thirteen separate reports on the failure of Equitable Life. The most recent was by the Parliamentary Ombudsman, which was published earlier this year and had the damning title 'Equitable Life - a decade of regulatory failure'.
"The Government promised to respond to that report this autumn, but so far they have failed to do so. Even this debate in the House of Commons was initiated by the Liberal Democrats rather than the Government taking the lead.
"This is an issue which has directly harmed the living standards of hundreds of people living in Taunton Deane. They were people who were acting responsibly and making sensible financial provision for their retirement.
"The Government has a moral obligation to make an announcement soon on how Equitable Life policyholders will be compensated."
Read the debate at; http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmhansrd/cm081125/halltext/81125h0007.htm#08112562000710
Contact Jeremy at office@tauntonlibdems.org.uk , or write to him at: Masons House, Magdalene Street, Taunton, TA1 1SG
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