Jeremy Browne MP’s Monthly Update - August 2009
Posted by Jeremy Browne, MP for Taunton, at 14:59, Tue 5 January 2010:
Taunton Deane constituents are welcome to visit Parliament, even during the summer recess period. So far, Jeremy has arranged tours of the Palace of Westminster for over 1,000 people. If you would like to arrange a visit, please contact Jeremy’s Taunton office on 01823 337874 to find out more.
HELPING PEOPLE ACROSS TAUNTON DEANE
Jeremy has enjoyed his biggest ever summer village surgery tour. Large numbers of people came to talk about local issues with him when he visited 33 villages across Taunton Deane over four days. He said;
“Every summer I undertake a comprehensive tour of local villages to make sure that I am accessible to residents right across our area. This year’s tour was my biggest so far, reaching to large places like Bishops Lydeard as well as much smaller villages like Pitminster.
“People raise an amazing variety of different topics with me, ranging from the banking crisis to the regularity of their local bus service.
“I also like to stay abreast of any changes, including everything from extra housing developments to meeting the new owners in the village pub. I think it is important to be a visible MP who has a good knowledge of the issues that concern each community.”
SUPPORTING GOOD CAUSES IN TAUNTON DEANE
In August, Jeremy visited several charities across Taunton Deane to show support for the work they do. As well as helping to open the new Somerset Sight shop in Bridge Street and the new Salvation Army hall on Church Street, he joined Help for Hero’s campaigners at Taunton Flower Show. He commented;
“Somerset Sight and the Salvation Army are well established in our area and I enjoy visiting their members, while Help for Heroes is a fantastic new charity supporting our wounded soldiers. “We are very lucky that Taunton Deane has such a community spirit that helps local charities and support groups to thrive. Raising funds is essential for these organisations, so I was pleased to be able to do my bit and help promote their cause.”
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.
TACKLING THE RECESSION IN TAUNTON DEANE
Jeremy met with Taunton Chamber of Commerce President Chris Mitchell this month to discuss ways to help Taunton Deane weather the economic recession. He commented;
“Retail is crucial to the prosperity of Taunton Deane. We are competing with alternative centres like Bristol and Exeter so we need to have attractive shops.
“Local business leaders are telling me that we are weathering the recession better in the South West than in some parts of the country. That may be because we are not reliant on industries like car manufacturing that have been hit particularly hard by the downturn. We need a mixed range of employers and we should certainly avoid any complacency.
“Unemployment has risen, although there are still vacancies in Taunton Deane. It shows the need to continue to raise local skill levels and attract new employers to our area.
“France and Germany have just pulled out of recession and we must hope that Britain follows soon. But there will not be an immediate return to the pre-recession economy. Unemployment is expected to keep rising and Britain is still borrowing an extra £480 million every single day”
Taunton Chamber of Commerce is holding a Retail Forum at Somerset College at 5.30pm on Monday 28 September. All retailers are invited to share their views on how Taunton shops can survive the recession.
CAR CLAMPERS
Jeremy is demanding tougher regulations for car clampers in response to a formal consultation being undertaken by the Home Office. Several Taunton Deane residents have fallen victim to unacceptable behaviour by unscrupulous clampers. He said;
“The car clamping industry is not properly regulated. The fines charged are often a complete rip-off and the behaviour of the clampers is unacceptable.
“Several Taunton Deane residents have complained to me about their experiences with car clampers and I have been campaigning to clean-up this industry. I am pleased to have this opportunity to make a formal response to the Home Office consultation and I hope it results in much tougher rules for car clampers.”
Jeremy is calling for;
Lower maximum penalties, to stop fines out of proportion to the offence. Evidence being required that a parking infringement has actually taken place. Minimum standards for signage, including size and visibility. Security and location of the site where vehicles are impounded. Better licensing, with increased regularity and improved monitoring.
TAUNTON'S TEST CENTRE
Jeremy has joined with local bikers to call for a motorcycle test centre in Taunton. He argued;
“Taunton residents shouldn’t have to go to Exeter to take their test; we are the County Town and the biggest population centre for miles around. I have been in contact with the Driving Standards Agency’s Chief Executive and have called for a new centre to be opened promptly in Taunton.”
Contact Jeremy at office@tauntonlibdems.org.uk , or write to him at: Masons House, Magdalene Street, Taunton, TA1 1SG
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