Jeremy Browne MP’s Monthly Update - May 2009
Posted by Jeremy Browne, MP for Taunton, at 15:02, Fri 31 July 2009:
JEREMY BROWNE'S MONTHLY UPDATE
Jeremy wants the Government to remove punitive rises in bingo tax. He argued;
“Mecca Taunton is not just a town centre business – it is also a social meeting place for residents across Taunton Deane. There is no reason why bingo should pay higher taxes than other forms of gambling and with bingo’s community role, this tax threatens the club and its members.”
Read Jeremy’s speech at; http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm090513/debtext/90513-0021.htm
TAUNTON DEANE HEALTH CARE
This month, Jeremy celebrated the successful conclusion of the lengthy campaign for fuller cancer services to be made available in Taunton Deane. On visiting the new Beacon Centre at Musgrove Park, he said;
“The opening of the Beacon Centre is the realisation of a dream for all the people who worked and campaigned for full cancer treatment services to be provided in Taunton. It is the most wonderful facility, with dedicated staff, modern equipment and a pleasant atmosphere.
“Nobody ever wants to be diagnosed with cancer, but all patients in future will know that the best treatment possible is available in Taunton.”
Jeremy has paid tribute to the dedicated and hardworking residential care staff at Popham House and The Court in Wellington. He commented;
"Britain's population is getting steadily older so there will be increasing demand in the decades ahead for residential and nursing care. That is even more true in Somerset because our population is older than the national average. The staff who work in our residential and nursing homes are wonderfully dedicated and hard working. They are often unsung heroes and I am grateful to them for the caring and professional way that they look after many elderly and vulnerable local people."
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Jeremy is supporting sensible housing projects in Taunton Deane. He commented;
“It is vital that we achieve the right balance with extra housing. Taunton Deane should not be swamped by 20,000 additional houses, but we do need sensible
“Somerton House is a good example of the type of development which benefits our community. It is built to a high standard and is providing 14 affordable flats in a good location.”
SAFER HOMES
In May, the Government confirmed that new regulations to safeguard hot water systems will be introduced on 1 October 2009. The proposals follow a campaign by Jeremy after the tragic death of Taunton baby Rhianna Hardie, who was killed when hot water from a faulty system cascaded over her cot. Jeremy said;
"It is impossible to anticipate all future accidents or risks, but these new regulations provide an important and sensible protection against death or serious injury being caused by extremely hot water.
"I am very pleased for Matt and Charlie Hardie, who have been so brave and dignified, that these regulations will be introduced in October. I am also grateful to the Government Minister for listening carefully to our representations and bringing forward new rules which will help to protect the public."
Read the new Regulations at; http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2009/uksi_20091219_en_1
IN THE COMMUNITY
Elsewhere in Taunton, Jeremy;
- Visited St Augustine school, Wellesley Park school, the Taunton Opportunity Playgroup, the NF Children’s Centre, the Bath Place Traders Association, and the Wiveliscombe Twinning Association.
- Attended the Apple AM hospital radio open day, Milverton Street Fair, the Friends of Wellington Park’s Annual May Day event, and the Summer Art Garden 10 Parishes event in Wiveliscombe.
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.
SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS
After opening the new offices of Ashfords Solicitors, Jeremy praised both the company and its Blackbrook Business Park home for their contribution to our local economy. He said;
"It is essential for our area that Taunton Deane businesses and public officials continue to be forward thinking. Now that Blackbrook Business Park is almost complete, there need to be other suitable developments, including Project Taunton in Firepool.
"We must keep successful businesses in Taunton Deane and provide them with opportunities to expand and thrive. We also need to attract new investment and jobs to the area. I was delighted to open the new Ashfords offices and I wish the company well for the future."
Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg was impressed by the potential of Wellington business Swallowfield when he visited with Jeremy this month. Afterwards, Jeremy commented;
“Nick Clegg was impressed by his tour of Swallowfield. It is an extremely important business for Wellington. I am very supportive of the major Wellington employers like Swallowfield and Relyon. Maintaining large numbers of good quality manufacturing jobs is vital for the local economy.”
AXE THE BEER TAX
Jeremy has opposed the Government’s beer tax rises in the House of Commons. Before voting against the punitive increase, he made an impassioned speech in defence of Taunton Deane’s pubs and brewers.
Jeremy commented; “VisitEngland has awarded the English pub industry its Enjoy England award for outstanding contribution to tourism. Previous winners include Sir Paul McCartney, the Queen and the Harry Potter films, so that is a measure of how much we value the traditional pubs in our society. This tax increase will damage the social fabric of Somerset life and should be scrapped.”.
Read the full speech at; http://pubs1.tso.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm090512/debtext/90512-0018.htm
FAIRER TAXATION
Jeremy is calling for council tax to be scrapped and replaced with a fairer system. He argued; "The Taunton and Wellington Pensioners' Forum campaigns energetically on behalf of retired people in our area. They gave me an excellent presentation which made the case for scrapping the Council Tax.
"I strongly agree with the Pensioners' Forum that the Council Tax is unfair. It is particularly bad for households on low or fixed incomes, which applies to many retired people in Taunton.
"Taunton Deane Borough Council has done very well to set a 0% Council Tax increase this year, and the rise at Somerset County Council is in line with inflation, but the overall unfairness of the Council Tax is a national issue.
"That is why I have spoken in the House of Commons in favour of replacing the Council Tax with a better system related to the ability to pay. That would benefit people earning typical Somerset wages as well as the overwhelming majority of local pensioners."
Contact Jeremy at office@tauntonlibdems.org.uk , or write to him at: Masons House, Magdalene Street, Taunton, TA1 1SG
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