|
|
|
|
Parliamentary Newsletter - November 2015
Dear Constituent
Welcome to my penultimate constituency e-newsletter of the year. There is a lot of important stuff going on at Westminster at the moment, much of it dominated by the looming prospect of a vote on whether the UK should join our allies in air strikes over Syria. Having thought about this issue a lot, I have produced a short podcast on my view now as to why I intend to vote yes having not supported military action back in 2013. I have also produced a more lengthy podcast about the implications of last week’s Comprehensive Spending Review. There was some particularly welcome news about fairer funding for Sussex schools and protecting funding for the police. Whilst the Chancellor’s decision to scrap the controversial chances to tax credits have gone down well.
Whilst unemployment locally continues to fall and currently stands at around 1.3%, there was further unwelcome news from the banks where Lloyds has decided to abandon Broadwater hard on the heels of HSBC announcing the closure of its branch there too - so much for ‘the world’s local bank!’ EDF also announced that it is to merge its Broadwater office into Hove with the transfer of 450 employees but hopefully without any redundancies. Fortunately the flow of new businesses moving into East Worthing or the Lancing Business Park in particular has been very much the other way, especially those coming from Brighton & Hove.
As usual let me know what you would like to see in future issues and in the meantime I wish everyone well with their Christmas shopping where it looks like the so-called Black Friday is going to run right up to the Christmas sales!.
Best wishes
Tim Loughton MP
Member of Parliament for East Worthing & Shoreham
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Surgeries
Street Surgery
Southwick Square
Sat 5 Dec 2015
10:00 am - 12 pm
Street Surgery
Shoreham Farmers' Market
Sat 12 Dec 2015
10:00 am - 12 pm
Street Surgery
Lancing Children's Centre
Sat 19 Dec 2015
10:00 am - 12 pm
Street Surgery
Worthing Town Centre
Sat 19 Dec 2015
12:15 pm
|
|
|
In East Worthing and Shoreham
|
|
|
|
|
My Reflections on the Air Show Memorial Service
22 November 2015
As the Chief Constable Giles York said in his reflections at Sunday’s service in the beautiful setting of Lancing College Chapel about the tragic events of August 22nd 2015:
“A day that started like any other day, and one which will now always be remembered by so many as a day like no other.”
Three months on from that terrible accident I hope that the memorial service succeeded in providing a fitting and respectful tribute to the eleven men whose lives were so cruelly cut short. It was an opportunity for the families of the victims to grieve together and find solidarity and hopefully help them on the route to some sort of closure. It was also an opportunity for the community to pay their respects and importantly to recognise the extraordinary effort and dedication of the emergency services and first responders who just got on with their very difficult job in very difficult circumstances.
The service was put together by a diverse group of people including representatives from the emergency services, local clergy, council leaders and council officers, Lord Lieutenant’s office, RAFA and Lancing College. I had the privilege and challenge to chair them. If I could single out one person for praise it would be Jo Osborne, the Events & Tourism Manager from Adur & Worthing Councils who worked tirelessly to make sure everything went just right. Every detail was considered right down to arranging a respectful no fly period from Shoreham Airport either side of the service. Lancing College, whose staff were some of the first on the scene have been also been remarkable in their generosity and hospitality towards the families of the victims.
Right from the start of our planning we were guided by the wishes and sensitivities of the families through the police family liaison officers who have done such a remarkable job standing alongside them over this last 3 months. Family members gave some of the readings, and in the most moving part of the service after a minute’s silence at 1.22pm, the time of the crash, lit a candle for each of the victims. They took them to the altar with the chapel filled with the wonderfully poignant chords from Shoreham’s classical guitarist Richard Durrant playing a piece from his new CD. I hope we did them justice and from my conversations with many of the family members after the service I think the balance was just right.
The personal reflections from the Chief Constable, Chief Fire Officer and head of the Ambulance Service gave an added emphasis to the scale of the impact that day had on so many lives and how we too often take their professionalism for granted. The Bishop of Chichester led the service and I thought with great skill and empathy spoke about the power of love for those left behind out of which comes strength. He echoed the words in one of the readings which went:
“But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.”
We were joined by the Lord Lieutenants of West and East Sussex representing the Queen and by Communities Secretary Greg Clarke MP representing the Government. Council leaders and Mayors from those areas who had lost a citizen in the crash were also dotted amongst the congregation along with the Old Toll Bridge and other volunteers, football club players, RAFA volunteers, cadets, supporting businesses, Red Cross, St John Ambulance and many more. All gave their services free and generously. But of course the service was not about them. It was about the families and the emergency service personnel, several hundred of whom filled the main body of the church.
It also was not about the media and I am very grateful to all the local papers, radio and television services who understood and respected that, with one notable exception. Some of the families had asked that their grief should not be intruded upon. Some were still raw from the crass invasion of their privacy at the funerals, and so the media were asked not to attend. Instead we were fortunate that BBC Radio Sussex were able to broadcast the service live for local people to follow, enhanced by the customary sensitive professionalism of presenter Neil Pringle. The families of the victims were able to gather before and after to see he books of condolence and a special collage of the tributes from the Bridge of Flowers’ now being preserved for posterity by the County Archivist.
I know local people understood that and the reasons that the service could not be open to the public at large simply because of the shortage of space. No one complained. It was a shame that just days before an event which had received so much goodwill and into which so much hard work and planning had been invested that one newspaper (not the Herald I hasten to add) went to great lengths to find fault and run a negative story. Fortunately in the end it did not detract from the solemnity of the occasion and the respect of the invited congregation.
I want to thank everyone who contributed so selflessly to make the service such a fitting tribute. We turn out attention now to work on a permanent memorial where the work will be led by Adur Council and after consulting with the families the input of the whole local community who have played such an impressive role will be very welcome. A day that was indeed like no other also gave rise to a day when amongst the sadness and reflection we can take enormous pride in the way that the community and our brave emergency services rallied round.
You can leave your condolences, if you have not already done so, here:
http://shorehamremembers.org/ |
|
|
|
Local Policing Changes -
Message from Chief Inspector Howard Hodges
Dear all,
The purpose of this message is to update you in relation to a key change affecting the Adur, Worthing and Horsham policing areas. With effect from Monday 2nd November 2015, I have the privilege to take command of this wider area which will encompass the two policing districts that were previously independent of each other.
This change is an integral part of the Local Policing Programme (LPP) which will deliver an affordable and effective policing service in light of the challenges faced within policing at both the national and local levels. For reassurance there will be no big bang and my priority will remain the delivery of effective, responsive and intelligence led policing. We will be focussing on the issues that matter most and prioritising our time and resource where the levels of threat, harm and risk are greatest.
These changes build upon incremental changes that we have already made in the delivery of 24/7 response policing and the sharing of resources across the wider area; for example in relation to public engagement and operational support and the tasking of our Neighbourhood Policing Teams.
I have been the District Commander at Horsham since December 2012 and prior to that have previously been both the Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector and District Commander at Worthing. I believe that this provides me with both experience and a detailed understanding of the policing issues across the wider area and the things that matter most to the local communities I will serve.
I would like to thank Chief Inspector Will Rolls for the excellent work that he has achieved at the helm of Adur and Worthing District in the past few months, and I wish him well with his future posting and career. Will has briefed me fully about key issues, contacts and the ongoing positive partnerships that have continued to develop across Adur and Worthing, which will prove instrumental in continuing to build safer communities across both districts. I look forward to working with you all in the very near future.
I will ensure that I keep both yourselves, my own staff and the wider public informed as the LPP develops. In tandem to this the Sussex Police Estates Strategy is currently being reviewed to ensure that the future decisions made around the locations of our stations and buildings are made and aligned to the LPP and that they are integrated into the communities we serve. Some of these are projects in motion; others are longer term and I will update you with further developments when decisions are made and more information is available.
Regards
Chief Inspector Howard Hodges
Adur, Worthing and Horsham District Commander
West Sussex Division
Mobile: 07768-006760
|
|
|
|
Bathing Water Quality at Lancing Beach Green
Lancing Beach Green is enjoyed by thousands of people each year. As well as contributing to the wellbeing of local residents and visitors, the seaside economy generates income for the local economy. Therefore it is vital that we safeguard water quality and encourage people to continue visit.
The Environment Agency (EA) monitored water quality throughout the summer and has classified the quality as 'sufficient' in 2015, which means the water meets minimum standards.
In 2001, surveys suggested that the River Adur was a source of contamination to the bathing water at certain states of tide under wet weather conditions. A reduction in bathing water quality in 2013 prompted the EA to investigate further. The cause of the poor bathing water quality was unclear, so the EA undertook extra sampling during the 2014 and 2015 in in order to identify possible sources of contamination. The EA’s investigations identified some possible sources of pollution which have been stopped.
Lancing steering group has been formed with key stakeholders from the EA, Lancing Parish Council, Adur and Worthing Councils and Southern Water to work together and share knowledge to improve the bathing water quality.
The EA are continuing to investigate sources of pollution with a variety of different survey techniques, in order to establish if the source of the pollution is human, dogs, birds or a number of other groups of animals.
The steering group will continue to work hard to fix any problems as and when they arise.
|
|
|
|
CQC Listening Event – Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has announced a listening event for the public to share their experience of the service and care provided in the last year by Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust ahead of an inspection in December.
These listening events are an opportunity for the people who use the services of the hospital trust (or their families and carers) to feed in to the inspection process and share their experiences of care, which can help CQC’s inspectors identify particular issues to pay attention to during inspections.
The event will take place:
Date: 2 December
Venue: Chatsworth Hotel, Steyne, Worthing, BN11 3DU
Time: 6pm
More information about the event can be found here.
You can find out more about how CQC carry out inspections here.
If you are able to share this event on Twitter, please tag @CareQualityComm.
If you have any queries, please do get in touch. |
|
|
|
West Sussex Emergency Heater Scheme
I am pleased to confirm that the West Sussex Emergency Heater scheme will continue to run this winter. The scheme supplies an oil-filled radiator to vulnerable and low income households in West Sussex who have no working heating system and may be in fuel poverty.
I am also pleased to announce that the West Sussex Affordable Energy website has now been updated. This website contains detailed information and links to sources of advice including:
- Keeping Warm
- Energy Efficiency
- Insulation
- Financial Help
- Switching Energy Supplier
- Oil Clubs
- Resources and Downloads
- Training and Events
The West Sussex Affordable Energy website will be regularly updated with news and events.
If you have any questions regarding this scheme, please do contact me.
|
|
|
|
Fantastic Sussex Choir Sings for Local Charity
Local people will be treated to a fantastic musical feast by the Seaford College Chapel Choir on Monday 7th December in Shoreham. The lunchtime concert at 1pm is to be held at St Mary de Haura in Shoreham to raise vital funds for 4SIGHT (West Sussex Association for the Blind).
Students from Seaford College will sing a range of material from traditional hymns to more modern Christmas classics. There will also be several talented musicians and soloists performing. The lovely setting of the church will contribute to the feel of Advent and the approach of Christmas.
Entry is £5 and includes tea /coffee and mince pies afterwards, with the Choir and the 4SIGHT team. Ticket can either be bought in advance by calling 01273 454343/01243 828555, or by visiting the charity’s website at http://www.4sight.org.uk. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased on the door.
All proceeds from the concert will go directly to 4SIGHT and enable them to continue their work in supporting blind and partially sighted people throughout West Sussex, enabling them to remain active and independent.
If anyone needs help with sight loss issues, or wants to become a member, they can also ring 01273 454343/01243 828555, or visit the charities website at http://www.4sight.org.uk.
|
|
|
|
Reminder of major changes to trains in Sussex this Christmas
From 1pm on Christmas Eve, train times will change as improvement work to rebuild London Bridge station continues.
The work at London Bridge will mean major changes to Southeastern services, including no trains at London Bridge, Cannon Street, Charing Cross or Waterloo East from 8pm on Christmas Eve until Sunday, 3 January 2016, this includes three working days. Normal train services will resume early on the morning of 4 January 2016. Please check the time of your last train home as there is a revised timetable from 1pm.
A revised timetable will be in place with trains starting or terminating at Victoria, Blackfriars or New Cross and some stations will not have a direct service to London terminals. Other work to improve the railway means replacement buses will be used on some services across Kent and journeys may take longer than usual.
Please plan ahead and find out how your journey will be affected by checking http://goo.gl/53OuFu.
There will also be changes to many trains across the UK as part of Network Rail’s Railway Upgrade Plan. For example, work at Purley, near Croydon, will mean major changes to Southern and Thameslink services and the Gatwick Express will not be running. To find out more visit http://goo.gl/hjqcTD.
There will also be work taking place on Transport for London services so please check before you travel at https://goo.gl/CdwBVW.
For more information about the Thameslink Programme please visit ThameslinkProgramme.co.uk or follow us @TLProgramme.
For a free reminder on planned disruption, text TLP 7 and your home station to 60777. |
|
|
|
Congratulations to Shoreham resident, Seb Tucknott, on being crowned TalkTalk Digital Hero
Shoreham-by-Sea resident, Seb Tucknott (above, centre-left), topped the public vote in his category to receive £5,000 of funding from TalkTalk. He joined nine other category winners to be crowned at the TalkTalk Digital Heroes Awards ceremony held at the House of Lords in London.
Ulcerative Colitis sufferer Seb won the award for his work on IBDrelief, a support and information platform. He created it in early 2015 after searching for many years for support to help him manage his condition alongside his medication. IBDrelief aims to support sufferers of IBD, which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease, to manage symptoms and to improve their quality of life.
Tim Loughton MP, who attended the award ceremony, along with Seb’s wife and mother, said after the ceremony:
“I was delighted to able to attend the awards ceremony to see Seb recognised for his fantastic project. It was also a great opportunity to be able to give Seb’s very proud Mum and Wife a quick tour round the Houses of Parliament.
“His hard work will benefit those suffering from IBD and will hopefully prove an inspiration to others suffering from long-term illnesses.
“I was pleased that we have been able to arrange for Seb to meet the local Clinical Commissioning Group leader to discuss how local services for sufferers can be improved.
“It is a great privilege to serve the people of East Worthing and Shoreham, never more so than when I have the chance to meet such dedicated and enthusiastic people like Seb.”
The TalkTalk Digital Heroes Awards have already invested half a million pounds into small-scale projects having a big impact on others through the use of technology. At the heart of these projects are inspirational people, like Seb, that are bringing people together, offering support to those around them and giving them the tools that make the lives of us all a little easier.
TalkTalk had 10 Digital Heroes Award categories, and one overall winner, Seb Tucknott from Shoreham, who won £10,000 for his project, IBDrelief. The Digital Heroes were decided by public vote with the overall winner chosen by an expert-judging panel comprising of TalkTalk chairman Sir Charles Dunstone, Lastminute.com founder Baroness Martha Lane-Fox and Daily and Sunday Mirror Editor-in-Chief Lloyd Embley.
Find out more information on the awards at www.talktalkdigitalheroes.co.uk.
|
|
|
|
Electric Storm Youth - Autumn Newsletter 2015
|
|
|
|
Well Done to Sompting Big Local for Installing Defibrillator
A big well done to Sompting Big Local, including Ray Downie, Chariman, and the team of volunteers, for managing to have a defibrillator installed at the pharmacy in Cokeham Road, Sompting.
A big thank you to Mr Patel of Cokeham Chemist, and Sarah & Jason at the Marquis for becoming guardians for the two new defibrillators in Sompting. Mr Patel commented that 3 of his customers in the past 2 years have suffered cardiac arrests in his Chemist shop.
Every year 60,000 people have out of hospital cardiac arrests. If a defibrillator is used within the first 3 to 5 minutes survival chances rise from 6% to 74%.
On a similar subject, as part of their ‘Care in the Community Project’, St John’s Ambulance are holding a free Defibrillator Awareness Evening for the local traders in Southwick Square at St John’s Ambulance, The Twitten, Southwick, BN42 4DB on Tuesday 1st December 7pm – 9pm. Defibrillators are an important and vital piece of equipment, which are available for anyone to and can/will be the difference between a life lost and a life saved. Work is also being carried out to have a public use defibrillator placed in the Square in a safe box.
|
|
|
|
Unemployment Down according to latest Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA) Claimant Count Statistics
The success of our country in bucking the trend in recent years has been noted in many indicators, perhaps none more so than employment, whereby we have created more jobs than the whole of the EU put together. In October 2009, unemployment in East Worthing and Shoreham stood at 4.6% i.e. 1,989 people without a job. I was delighted to see in the latest JSA claimant count figures (October 2015) out this month showing that unemployment remained below the UK average of 2.4%, standing at just 1.3% which equates to 622 people. This means 1,327 more people are in work with a pay packet, able to provide for their family.
|
|
|
|
Pocket Parks
I am pleased to see that the Government, on 7 November, launched its £1.5 million Pocket Parks programme, which you can read about here: https://goo.gl/JXGT79. I am confident this will make a huge impact on those communities where access to quality green space is not always easily available. I know we have a few pocket parks, across Adur in particular, and these are greatly valued.
I know that parks and other green spaces that are shared by lots of people are very important. They are the gateway to the great outdoors and can provide a real boost to people’s wellbeing.
Local communities should feel encouraged and empowered to play a significant role in maintaining and protecting green spaces important to them. Local projects like this can not only transform the space itself but also help local people develop their wider skills and confidence in taking greater control over their local area.
Following the success of the Mayor’s London pocket parks scheme, the Government are rolling out a programme for the rest of England. Community groups in urban areas, supported by local authorities, will be invited to apply for a slice of the funding - under-used and un-loved sites transformed into small parks for residents to enjoy right in the middle of our busy towns.
There is no one template for a pocket park. Perhaps they might create a wildlife habitat, transform run-down gardens or simply create green oases of peace and tranquillity in the midst of built-up housing.
I know that there are many green-fingered community groups out there, so please do get in touch if you would like to find out more about this programme.
|
|
|
|
Worthing Company Wins National Award
I was delighted to hear about another award winning local business at the recent BOSS Industry Awards at the NEC in Birmingham, Red-Inc Office Supplies won the prestigious Dealer Excellence Award and triumphed over the fierce competition for businesses under £2,000,000 category.
The BOSS Industry Awards recognise and reward those in the office supplies industry who can demonstrate real excellence through the successful performance of their business. Red-Inc received their award in recognition of the company’s growth, profit and customer focused concepts of 100% fulfilment rates, new measures of efficiencies and regular comprehensive reviews with their customers.
MD of Red-Inc Office Supplies, Adam Huttly, commented: “This award means the world to me and the team. Everything we do is underpinned by our commitment to customer service and we are constantly looking for ways to better support our growing customer base. I’d like to thank our wonderful, committed team at Red-Inc and great clients that support us.”
|
|
|
|
Adur and Worthing Business Awards
Local businesses were honoured at this year's Adur & Worthing Business Awards ceremony, which took place on Friday 13th November 2015 at the Pavilion Theatre, Worthing.
Nick Wallis from The One Show hosted the prestigious evening for over 300 business representatives, showcasing the wealth of local business talent across Adur and Worthing.
I would like to pass on my congratulations to all the winners and highly commended businesses, including [COULDN'T READ YOUR NOTE HERE] World of Benches, who picked up their award for Start-Up.
Full list of winners can be seen below:
Small Business: (up to 9 employees)
Winner: Warne Projects Ltd
Highly Commended: Jelly Digital Marketing
Medium Business: (10 to 49 employees)
Winner: Pixel by Pixel
Highly Commended: Piglets Pantry
Business Personality:
Winner: Andy Sparsis (Proto Restaurant Group)
Highly Commended: Jonathan Nulty (Vice Puddings)
Lifetime Achievement:
Winner: Martin Godsmark (Carpenter Box)
Manufacturing & Construction:
Winner: Seevent Plastics Ltd
Highly Commended: Tenkay Electronics Ltd
Young Achiever:
Winner: Rachel Blair (WCHP)
Highly Commended: Charlie Waring (Assystem UK Limited)
Highly Commended: Charlotte Murray (Seagull Travel)
Start-Up Business:
Winner: World of Benches
Highly Commended: Mad Hatters Tea Parlour
Highly Commended: The Beauty Island Sanctuary
Customer Service:
Winner: Seagull Travel
Highly Commended: Spicer International
Highly Commended: Sparkle Spa
Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure:
Winner: Worthing Ice Rink
Outstanding Contribution to the Community:
Winner: Kingsley Roofing Ltd
Large Business: (50+ employees)
Winner: Shoreham Vehicles Auction
Highly Commended: Ricardo Plc
Innovation:
Winner: ETI Ltd
Training & Development:
Winner: Richard John Academy
Green Business:
Winner: Red Inc
Retailer:
Winner: Mocha Furniture
Place to Eat and or Drink:
Winner: Food (Proto Restaurant Group)
Highly Commended: Efes Restaurant
Readers Choice:
Winner: Park View Acupuncture & Chiropractic Clinic
Overall Business of the Year:
Shoreham Vehicle Auctions
|
|
|
Follow Tim on Twitter, like his Facebook page or visit his website here:
|
|
|
|
Adur Outdoor Activity Centre (AOAC) - Update
I thought I would update you as to what is the latest regarding AOAC; West Sussex County Council have been leading on discussions with several prospective operators of the AOAC in Shoreham, which closed last month after the trustees of the charity operating the centre were unable to continue supporting activities financially. It is hoped that a new arrangement can be put in place and the centre reopened by next spring and I would very much welcome that.
This short and rather charming video used by a local user of the AOAC shows what a valuable asset it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSPROjKknVw
|
|
|
|
Mobile Phone Coverage in East Worthing and Shoreham
In August, Ofcom launched their online Mobile Coverage Checker to help consumers check the coverage they could expect anywhere in the UK. Using data from the four UK mobile phone network providers, their interactive map shows the predicted level of coverage both in doors and outside. It shows coverage for voice calls, 3G and 4G data connections.
It has proved to be a very popular tool for businesses and consumers: with over 286,710 people using their maps nationwide since it launched. Around 1,500 people still using the checker each day.
For those of you who haven’t already used it, I thought you might find it useful to see what the predicted mobile coverage is in your area.
Later this year, Ofcome will also be launching a mobile ‘app’ for smartphones and tablets, which will allow people to test their Wi-Fi connection. By their estimates, consumers’ home broadband experience may not be working as well as it could in around a fifth of UK homes. The new app will help identify if someone’s broadband isn’t performing as it should be, and suggest simple trouble-shooting tips to help address it.
|
|
|
|
Fair Funding for West Sussex Schools
I welcome the Chancellor’s recent commitment to introduce fair school funding as part of today’s Comprehensive Spending Review. A new funding formula will set a national rate that every school will receive for each pupil, with additional funding for those with extra needs. Crucially, from 2017-18 onwards the resources schools and local authorities will receive will be based on pupil characteristics rather than historic political calculations.
I am delighted that the Government has committed to introduce a national funding formula for English schools, ending the postcode lottery that means children in East Worthing and Shoreham lose out for no good reason. As always, the devil will lie in the detail and we will need to see the full detail of the consultation, but in principle this represents a huge step forward and is a decision of lasting significance.
The announcement signals an end to the current unfair system, which has lasted for decades and led to a situation where the ten best funded areas of England receive an average of £6,300 per pupil of schools block funding, compared to just £4,200 in the ten worst funded areas – with no objective basis for the difference.
It follows years of campaigning by the F40 Group of poorly-funded local authorities, and a concerted Parliamentary campaign to make the issue a top political priority. In October, I was one of 111 MPs who wrote to the Prime Minister to call for fairer funding to be introduced. On Tuesday 1 December, I will join colleagues in presenting petitions from over 100 constituencies calling for fair funding in the House of Commons chamber.
|
|
|
|
On My Bike to Raise Money for Poppy Appeal
On Wednesday 4th November, I took part in a charity static bike ride in Parliament to raise money for the Poppy Appeal. I managed to cycle 2.93km in 5 minutes as part of the event being hosted by the Industry and Parliament Trust (IPT) which aimed to get parliamentarians cycling for twelve 12 hours straight.
The bike ride took place from 08:00 to 20:00 in Portcullis House where MPs, Peers and Parliamentary Officials took it in turns to cycle in an effort to reach the top spot on the leader board. The event followed on from the success of the previous IPT static bike ride held in 2012 when money was raised for the Poppy Factory.
The money raised from the bike ride will help the Royal British Legion provide lifelong support for the armed forces community. The Poppy Appeal has the prestigious position of being the only charity to fundraise in Parliament.
I was pleased to be able to support the Royal British Legion and the Poppy Appeal by taking part in the charity bike ride. By giving up just 5 minutes of my day I have helped to raise money which will positively affect the lives of thousands of people across the UK.
|
|
|
|
UK Youth Parliament in the House of Commons
On Friday 13 November, Members of the UK Youth Parliament, sitting for its sixth year in the House of Commons Chamber, debated a range of topical issues, including the need for improved mental health services and tackling racist and religious discrimination. There was also a discussion on what the principles of Magna Carta mean to young people today, on this its 750th anniversary year. The representation of young people in our national political debate has been an important to be throughout my time as an MP and especially when I was Minister for Children and Young People.
This year, a record number of 11-18 year olds 969,992 voted for five campaign subjects to be debated in the House of Commons by Members of the Youth Parliament (MYPs), who themselves have been elected to represent constituencies from every part of the UK. Something that bodes really well for the future is that the young MYPs, who have worked as volunteer representatives and campaigners for over a year to earn their seat at this debate, are more representative of the country at large, in terms of gender, background and ethnicity.
The day was split into two sessions;
Morning session:
- Tackling racism and religious discrimination, particularly against people who are Muslim or Jewish. All young people should work together to combat racism and
other forms of discrimination, and ensure we know the dangers of such hatred.
- Transport. Make public transport cheaper, better and accessible for all.
- Mental health. Services should be improved with young people’s help and mental health education should be compulsory and challenge stereotypes.
Afternoon session:
- A Curriculum to prepare us for life. Schools should cover topics including finance, sex and relationships and politics in the curriculum.
- Living Wage. Everyone should be able to live comfortably. Everyone aged 16 or over should be paid at least the Living Wage of £7.85 per hour (£9.15 in London). (The ‘Living Wage’ as devised by the Living Wage Foundation.)
- ‘My Magna Carta’
|
|
|
|
Llyods Broadwater, Worthing Branch is Closing
For those who read my last newsletter, which contained the news of HSBC closing their Broadwater branch, I have some more bad news regarding Broadwater unfortunately.
Lloyds have announced that they will be closing their Broadwater, Worthing branch on the 13 April 2016. According to Llyods, this is because they have another branch close by that allows them to serve the local area.
Customers will have their accounts realighed to South Street, Worthing, aroound 1.06 miles away. During their review process, Lloyds did take into account the availability of public transport and found that in the majority of cases there are frequent services to South Street, Worthing and a local post office is within walking distance.
From my point of view, just when you waited for one bank closure 2 come along together. They may have conducted an internal review, but there was no public consultation – whatever happened to marketing promises like ‘The world’s local bank?’ (looking at you HSBC) Down the road, hopefully the announcement that EDF is to merge its Southdownview Road office into Hove will not lead to any redundancies and fortunately recently there have been more businesses moving into Broadwater rather than out.
|
|
|
|
Whizz-Kidz
This week I pledged my support for a new national campaign calling for more accessible travel and transport for young wheelchair users following the release of a report by disabled children’s charity Whizz-Kidz.
The Whizz-Kidz Get on Board report found that 70% of wheelchair users and their families and carers can’t travel as independently as they would like to and two in three do not feel confident enough to use public transport.
While access to transport has improved a great deal over the last twenty years, inaccessible transport is still preventing many young wheelchair users from living full lives. That’s why I’m supporting Whizz-Kidz’s campaign – because I believe wheelchair users should be able to travel with the same freedom and independence as everyone else. I’m calling on local travel and transport providers and my constituents to ‘Get on Board’ and think about the changes they can make to help achieve this.
To read the report and pledge support for the campaign, visit www.whizz-kidz.org.uk/
|
|
|
Remembrance Sunday
I know we seem to say it each year but the turnout at Remembrance Day parades across the constituency last Sunday seemed to be bigger than ever. I have never seen so many people standing in St Mary’s Church in Shoreham followed by some very enthusiastic marching by the many scouts, sea scouts, St John Ambulance and other uniformed youth services taking part.
It was a similar scene when I joined the crowds in Lancing paying their tribute but this year without the tank which usually heads the parade and makes sure any motorists chancing their arm to drive round the marchers think again. At least it stayed dry although that was not the case in Broadwater Cemetery the previous day where there is always a ceremony to pay tribute to the 82 military graves. It took all the efforts of the sea scouts to cling on to their banners and the gazebo shielding the speaker system as the heavens opened and gales blew – a small sacrifice to bear given the constantly appalling conditions in the trenches a century ago.
|
|
|
|
St Mary's Church Christmas Fair
I very much enjoyed judging the Snowman Cake and Christmas card competition at St May's Church Christmas Fair.
|
|
|
Eyes on Paris - Oxfam Campaign
With the important 21st Conference of the Parties - or COP 21- currently underway in Paris, it is important that the UK's commitment to securing a long-term deal to deliver real change in our efforts to prevent climate change are supported by other countries too. So for more reason than one, given the recent tragic events, all eyes are on Paris.
You can find out more about the campaign here:
http://goo.gl/2GTw97
|
|
|
|
Association of Dunkirk Little Ships Dinner
I was very happy to host a dinner for the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships – an extraordinary group of men and women who each own one of the boats involved in the incredible Operation Dynamo rescue of 1940 – in the House of Commons. The men and women of the association maintain their historic craft and return to Dunkirk in convoy every 5 years and strive to keep the ‘Dunkirk Spirit’ alive. As a sign of the importance of standing together with our allies in times of adversity and defying overbearing odds it has never been more relevant.
|
|
|
|
Splendiferous Book Project – Sussex Youth Theatre
I very much enjoyed attending the Splendiferous Book Launch and having the chance to say a few words about the wonderful achievements of the young people of Adur and Worthing becoming published authors.
The Splendiferous Book is a community youth project created and funded by Sussex Youth Theatre, to help encourage and promote the creative writing of young people within Worthing. It is the first book of its kind in the UK, with all the content of the book solely written by children ages 6-18. The book contains collections of stories, poems, monologues, games and advice all written and created by the young people of Worthing. Furthermore, all proceeds generated by the books sales will produce a Scholarship and Bursary Fund to help give disadvantaged children within Worthing access to creative arts training with Sussex Youth Theatre. If you would like more information about Sussex Youth Theatre or the Splendiferous Book project please visit our website www.sussexyouththeatre.co.uk.
|
|
|
In Westminster
|
|
|
|
Syria
After the atrocities in Paris just last week, the subject of upping military action against ISIL in the Middle East has come to the top of the pile. It is likely the Prime Minister will come back to the House of Commons in the next few weeks to try and get a vote in support of the RAF joining strikes in Syria.
We had a similar vote in the House of Commons a couple of years ago, which I did not support at the time and I abstained. I feel two years ago it was not clear what the political and military objective was and we could have ended up giving military support to anti-Assad factions, which turned out to be ISIL.
However the situation has now changed. ISIL is now very clearly the enemy. This is not just a Middle Eastern conflict. Paris showed that the tentacles of terrorism are now extending to Western European cities, meaning London and the United Kingdom are now in the frame.
It is imperative that we now act. I think we should be supporting the Kurdish Peshmerga, who have been helping the fightback on the ground, with air strikes. We can't afford not to.
ISIL only understands the language of violence, we need - I am afraid - robustly to counter them on a military level to rid the world of this absolute scourge. So when we do have a vote in the coming weeks, as it stand now, I will be voting to step up military action in Syria, hopefully alongside other nations, including Russia, and with a UN mandate do deal with this evil violence once and for all.
You can watch my podcast on my website, my Youtube channcel, or via my Facebook page:
Website - http://goo.gl/hgTHFK
Youtube - https://youtu.be/ZJwHeQXRp_U
Facebook - https://goo.gl/stzpLH
|
|
|
Comprehensive Spending Review
and Autumn Statement 2015
This afternoon, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, delivered the Autumn Statement 2015 and explained the decisions he had taken following the Comprehensive Spending Review.
It was always going to be a tricky balancing act because we need to keep reducing the deficit, which we have been doing over the last 5 years. The Chancellor laid out his spending plans up to 2020 and government departments will have to make savings, but there are also areas that have been protected. By 2020, the Chancellor will have eradicated the deficit and we will be living within our means.
We have been able to do this because we have had the fastest growing economy in the G7 over the last few years, growth is expected to continue at around 2.4% and tax revenues are forecast to grow.
There were many, many other announcements and I go into a few of them in more detail in my podcast. However I was particularly pleased to hear that as part of the Government’s continued commitment to national security there will be no cuts to the policing budget. This has been a very contentious issue and senior police officers had warned that two extensive cuts could impact on their ability to keep the public safe.
There were a few other things that came out today which are cause for celebration, including that the Chancellor has listened and decided not to go ahead with changes to Tax Credits at all. Many people wrote to me with concerns and there were fears that the cuts were too extensive and could hit those people who were going out to work, often part-time, trying to do the right thing and support their families. I know many people will welcome this and it does show the Chancellor does listen when there are intended consequences.
Overall the announcements today can be separated into 4 key priorities:
1) A modern, integrated health and social care system that supports people at every stage of their lives
2) Continuing devolution of powers to local areas
3) Closing the gap between the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’
4) National security
Please do watch my podcast for a more in-depth look at today’s announcements.
You can watch my podcast on my website, my Youtube channcel, or via my Facebook page:
Website - http://goo.gl/2yJDhS
Youtube - https://youtu.be/-eIA_4qZO2s
Facebook - https://goo.gl/U8oJrc
|
|
|
|
Children Commissioner's Report on Child Sexual Abuse
Last Tuesday in the Commons, I chaired the launch of the Children Commissioner's report on child sexual abuse. This is an important and sobering report, which I would implore you all to read.
Based on the data examined by the Commissioner, it is likely that only 1 in 8 victims of sexual abuse come to the attention of the police and children's services. Between April 2012 and March 2014, police and local authorities found 50,000 cases of abuse. The report's findings suggest the actual number was up to 450,000, with 85% of cases missed, particularly within families where 2/3 of the cases unfortunately occur. These are quite shocking statistics, each one representing a failure to protect the most vulnerable.
We still have a long way to go, so it is very important that we continue to produce important work of this kind in order to raise the profile of child sexual abuse. We must also continue to work toward more joined up agencies, greater therapeutic intervention and finally enabling prosecution.
I encourage you to read the report.
You can read the full report here:
https://t.co/54UGTJUWYh
Alternatively, you can read a helpful summary here:
https://t.co/Lpq3TjQvN3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
