Michael Tomlinson MP update

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Dear constituent,

As Parliament is now sitting again, I am in Westminster as usual Monday to Thursday. Here is a quick update on a few of the things I have been doing in the constituency recently, and some useful information and links. For more details and regular updates, please do see my website and facebook pages.

As always, if I can be of any assistance to you or your family, please don't hesitate to get in touch using the contact details at the bottom of this newsletter.

With best wishes,

Included in this update:

Michael - out & about
Having your say - government consultations
Information for parents & carers
Financial support in Dorset
Health & wellbeing

Michael - Out & About in Mid Dorset & North Poole

Michael was pleased to visit local business StarTech with Poole MP Sir Robert Syms to hear about their re-opening after lockdown, and the support for their employees.

Michael visited Wareham Forest Touring Park to see their new Covid-secure arrangements and to discuss how the coronavirus has affected their business.

Michael has regular updates and meetings with Dorset police and the Police and Crime Commissioner. He has recently chatted to the neighbourhood teams in Wareham and Canford Heath about Anti-Social Behaviour.

During Love Lamb Week Michael visited Merley Hall Farm to chat about the challenges and opportunities facing local farmers.

Michael is always keen to support local businesses, and visited Just Add Flowers in Corfe Mullen with Cllr Paul Harrison to hear about how the pandemic has affected their business.

Have Your Say - Government Consultations

Government consultations

The government runs regular consultations so that people can share their views on possible proposed changes to a wide range of legislation. You can find details about these on the www.gov.uk website, and currently there are around 65 open consultations. Some are concerning highly technical parts of law, but there are others which affect our day to day lives – food labelling, supporting veterans & school admissions. You can read more details and also respond through the website.

For example, at the moment there is a consultation about changes to the Highway Code to improve road safety for pedestrians, cyclists & horse riders which you can find here:

Changes to the Highway Code

There are also consultations about changes to the rules over parking – both Pavement Parking, which can be an issue and private parking companies

There is also a consultation about possible changes to planning policy and regulations here:

Changes to the Planning System

Local Consultations

Dorset Council and BCP Council also run more local consultations, and you can find these online here:
Dorset Council

BCP Council

Information for parents & carers

School Applications

If your child is due to start secondary school in September 2021 you need to apply now:

Apply in Poole

Apply in Dorset

Deadline is 31st October

Free School Meals

Is your child eligible for free school meals? If they are, your child can get a free meal, and the school will also get additional funding for their education.

Free school meals are available to children whose parents or carers receive financial support such as:

Income Support
income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
income-related Employment and Support Allowance
support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
the guaranteed element of Pension Credit
Child Tax Credit; this is as long as you’re not entitled to Working Tax Credit and your annual gross income is no more than £16,190
Working Tax Credit ‘run-on’ payment (paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
Universal Credit: this is as long as your household income is less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)
All children in Reception and Years 1 and 2 qualify for free school meals, regardless of their family income.

Check and apply here Dorset Poole

Financial Support in Dorset

Dorset Council are reaching out to provide support to those who have been significantly affected by the coronavirus crisis. There is a range of support available – please do have a look if you need help. Reaching Out

Health & wellbeing

NHS Covid-19 app
The new NHS COVID-19 app, now available to download for free in England and Wales, is the fastest way to see if you're at risk from coronavirus. The faster you know, the quicker you can alert and protect your loved ones and community.

The app has a number of tools to protect you, including contact tracing, local area alerts and venue check-in. It uses proven technology from Apple and Google, designed to protect every user’s privacy. You can find out more here: Covid App

Flu Vaccine
This year the flu vaccine is being offered to more people than ever before. New research shows the people who are infected with both flu and the coronavirus are more likely to become seriously ill. The eligibility for a vaccine is being widened, and you can find out more details here: Flu Jab

Prostate Cancer Checker
Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer in men, but many men don’t have symptoms. Prostate Cancer UK has developed a thirty-second prostate cancer risk checker.

You can find it here: Prostate Cancer

Support for Mothers
Michael recently met a representative from Match Mothers. They provide free confidential support to mothers who are apart from their children for a variety of different reasons. If you need their help you can find out more here www.matchmothers.org/ or by calling 0800 689 4104 9am - 1pm & 7pm - 9:30pm.

Parliament Tours

Parliament is currently closed to visitors, but virtual tours are available. A live presenter guides you through several rooms including the House of Commons chamber, sharing the history of UK democracy and the work of Parliament. These tours include a 15-minute Q & A. For further information and bookings please visit: Virtual Tours

Latest Government Covid-19 Guidance
If you want to know details about the latest advice and rules for social distancing, you can find them on the government website here:
Latest Guidance
and there are lots of FAQs here
FAQs

Surgeries

Michael is continuing to have surgeries - both in person and by telephone. To book in at one of Michael's surgeries then please do phone the office on 01202 624216 or email Michael at michael.tomlinson.mp@parliament.uk

Address:
House of Commons,
London,
SW1A 0AA

Email:
michael.tomlinson.mp@parliament.uk

Phone:
01202 624216
0207 219 5844

Website:
www.michaeltomlinson.org.uk