Jeremy Browne MP’s Monthly Update - April 2009
Posted by Jeremy Browne, MP for Taunton, at 15:00, Fri 31 July 2009:
JEREMY BROWNE'S MONTHLY UPDATE
Jeremy is gearing up to run this year’s Wellington Ten in support of the Albemarle Centre. After receiving his race number from organiser Steve Johnson, he said;
“I am looking forward to the day, although it is a bit further than I would normally run! I hope the weather will be good without being too hot. There will be plenty of entertainment for both the racers and spectators, including a samba band, and it is all for an excellent cause.”
SAFETY AT HOME
The Government has agreed to introduce safer regulations for heating and hot water systems by autumn 2009, following a campaign by Jeremy and the parents of Rhianna Hardie, Matt and Charlie. Responding to the Minister’s letter, Jeremy commented; "Matt and Charlie suffered a terrible and traumatic loss when Rhianna died in such appalling circumstances. Nothing can change that fact, but they wanted to prevent other parents from having to experience such an awful tragedy.
"The courage and dignity of Matt and Charlie has been remarkable. They are an amazing couple and I am thrilled that the Government has agreed to improve the safety of heating and hot water systems. The details of the new regulations have yet to be finalised, but this is clearly a very positive announcement."
CLAMPING DOWN
Jeremy is calling for tougher laws to govern car clampers. He argued;
“The fines are often absolutely extortionate and out of all proportion. The money is also often demanded in a manner which intimidates people.
“I have managed to help some local residents who have been innocent victims of car clampers and I am pleased that there is a growing public demand for tighter regulation of this industry.”
HEROES OF THE HOLOCAUST
Jeremy has welcomed the Government’s announcement that that courageous Britons who helped to save persecuted groups during the Holocaust are to be recognised in a new honour. He observed;
“The financial cost to us of recognising the contributions of the individuals in question is extremely modest, yet to do so is valuable, partly because it is greatly appreciated by the relatives and surviving associates of the individuals, although they are fairly few. More importantly, perhaps, is the symbolic value.
“The holocaust is a reminder to us of mankind’s ability for greatness, as well as mankind’s ability for evil. These stories are an inspiring example, because they tell everybody that there is capacity within us all to be exceptional, to make history and to do good.”
Read the Debate at; http://pubs1.tso.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm090429/halltext/90429h0007.htm
IN THE COMMUNITY
Elsewhere in Taunton, Jeremy;
- attended the Francis Clark business lunch, the Blessing of the Easter Crosses, the Taunton Vale Sports Club annual awards, and the launch of Wellington in Bloom 2009 at Sheppy’s Cider.
- visited Rockwell Green School, Milverton School, Taunton Police Station, Abbeyfield Care Home, Parkfield School, and SCAT.
- met with the UK Hydrographic Office, WPA, the Brewhouse, Somerset Care, Somerset CCC, and church leaders at the United Reform Church.
- supported the Italian Market, and the open day at Taunton Vale Sports Club.
- spoke to the lunch forum at Trull Memorial Hall, and at the opening of the Parkinson’s Disease Society Fair.
- presented certificates to Prince’s Trust students at The Exchange.
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, taxation and affordable housing.
CUTTING INCOME TAX
Jeremy has responded to the 2009 Budget with new proposals to cut income tax by £700 for the average earner. He commented;
"This Budget took place against the backdrop of enormous levels of Government borrowing. Public debt is now rising by over three billion pounds a week.
"The immediate priority is to return the economy to growth. That is vital to raise prosperity, create jobs and reduce Government debt. Then difficult decisions will need to be taken to bring the public finances under control, including cuts in wasteful or unnecessary Government spending.
"The Government should have abandoned the temporary VAT cut straight away. It is costing a billion pounds a month and that money would be better spent on improvements to housing and public transport.
"Even in a recession, it is still possible to make the tax system fairer. The Liberal Democrats are proposing that no income tax should be paid on annual earnings under £10,000. That would lift four million people out of tax altogether and cut income tax by £700 a year for most workers. It would be paid for by closing tax loopholes and preventing tax avoidance by the wealthiest.
"Allowing people on low and middle incomes to keep more of the money they earn will help improve the financial incentives to work and make life more affordable for ordinary households."
SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL ECONOMY
Jeremy has visited Cadeside Caravan Park to promote British Tourism Week. He commented;
“Tourism is Britain’s fifth biggest industry. Cadeside Caravan Park provides visitors with a great base to explore Somerset and helps our local economy by bringing in revenue for our shops, pubs and restaurants.” He is also urging the development authorities to get Wellington’s Cornhill shops up and running as soon as possible. He said;
"The fire devastated the buildings along Cornhill and clearing up the mess is obviously a major task, but there comes a point when people change their shopping habits: that means local business could then be lost. "It would be great if Cornhill realised its potential and became the Bath Place of Wellington, but the immediate task is for it to reopen quickly for access and the shops to start trading again."
BUSINESS LEADERS SUMMIT
Business leaders in Taunton Deane met with Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg to inform his budget response to the Prime Minister at Easter. Jeremy said;
“This was an important opportunity for Nick Clegg to hear the opinions of major business figures in Taunton Deane. Britain is in a deep recession and we need enterprising companies to create new jobs and prosperity for local people. I was delighted that leading companies like Gadds, Swallowfield, AC Mole and Debenhams attended the discussion and provided the benefit of their insights and experience.”
Contact Jeremy at office@tauntonlibdems.org.uk , or write to him at: Masons House, Magdalene Street, Taunton, TA1 1SG
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