Newspaper column 29 July 2020 - ASB issues

One issue has dominated the news and social media in St Austell this past week – the rise of anti-social behaviour, drugs and crime in the town centre.

For many years now this has been an ongoing issue that tends to see an increase in the summer months. However, it was quite clear from the number of people who contacted me that there had been a significant increase in cases since the beginning of this month.

Having spoken to businesses representatives, local Police and the Town Council, it was clear to me that urgent action was needed, particularly as local businesses were already facing big challenges to draw people into the town following the easing of the lockdown restrictions. Therefore, I used my position as the local MP to call an urgent meeting last Thursday. Initially Cornwall Council declined to send any representatives to the meeting but after I pressed the point with them, they did eventually agree to join us by video link.

This is particularly frustrating as last summer we saw a noticeable improvement as a result of the hard work of local businesses, the Police and council working together. However, it does feel that all that good work has been undone in just a few weeks as a result of the number of people currently being housed in the town by Cornwall Council.

I have always been of the view that this issue needed a dual approach. We need to address the symptom by having a visible Police and security presence in the town. But we cannot just go on throwing resources at the symptoms, we also need to understand what the cause of the problem is and address them.  Whilst this is a complex matter and I do not pretend for a moment there are any simple long term answers, there is no doubt in my mind that more could be done to understand and take action to deal with the causes.

Whilst all towns have their problems with anti-social behaviour, it has been true for too long that St Austell has more than its share of challenges. It is undeniable that there are a significant number of facilities around the town that provide housing to those with complex needs and chaotic lifestyles. Recent figures produced have highlighted that St Austell has a higher number of supported accommodation beds commissioned by Cornwall Council than other comparable place in Cornwall.

This is something I have been working on for more than 3 years and in fact had a meeting with senior Cornwall Council officers planned for March, which unfortunately had to be cancelled due to the lockdown.

In calling the meeting last week my aim for to first agree some immediate action in order to ensure the current situation was improved quickly. But I also wanted to ensure steps were put in place to work to find longer term solutions.

I am pleased to report that the meeting went very well. I was very pleased with the way everyone from St Austell made a robust presentation to Cornwall Council of the challenges our town faces – including the Police, Town Council including the Mayor and Deputy, and those from the towns’ businesses community. We all agreed following the meeting that for the first time we felt as though Cornwall Council ‘got it’.

The local Police were able to confirm at the meeting that they would be increasing their presence in the town centre immediately and it was good to receive reports of several arrests that were made in the following few days. Also, the outreach services from the anti-social behaviour team agreed to increase their patrols. From my visits to the town in the days that followed it was clear that this had an immediate impact and the businesses I spoke to, reported a noticeable improvement.

However, I am also determined that we address the underlying causes of this issue. It was disappointing that still, after more than two years of me asking Cornwall Council the questions, they were unable to provide us with any figures as to how many people with complex needs, the various departments of Cornwall Council are currently housing in St Austell. Those at the meeting did however commit to provide me and the Town Council with this information in the near future.

This will be the first step to ensuring that St Austell is treated fairly by the council and that we can all work together to ensure we do not see a repeat of the events of the past few weeks. I am determined that this will now happen and will continue to work with the Town Council, Police and businesses to make sure it does. 

Newspaper column 22 July 2020 - Toilets

As MPs one of our main roles is to legislate – to pass new laws and regulations that address the current and future needs of the country to improve the way we live. Most of the legislation we pass is initiated by the government which will mainly come from the Cabinet members.

However, occasional as a local backbench MP you are able to influence the government to pass legislation that they would not have ever considered without your input. Last week I had one of these opportunities.

The Public Lavatories (Non-Domestic rating) Bill will probably not go down as the most exciting or glamorous piece of legislation the House of Commons will debate in this Parliament. For me, however, it represented the culmination of an eight year personal mission.

It was in 2012 when I was the Cabinet Member on Cornwall Council with responsibility for public toilets that I first became aware of the fact that public toilets were liable for non-domestic rates, or business rates.

At that time Cornwall Council were seeking to devolve the running of toilets from the Unitary Council to Town and Parish Councils and it was one of my duties to try to enable this to happen. I quickly found that one of the biggest elements of the cost of running public toilets was business rates. This was a barrier to parish councils taking on these facilities.

In a place like Cornwall public toilets are essential for locals and tourists unlike as well as being vital for elderly people or those with health conditions that mean they need regular access to toilets. Therefore, at that time I wrote to the then Secretary of State and suggested that toilets should be made exempt from rates. He agreed and said the government would look into this.

Three years later in 2015 when I was first elected as MP, I raised this with the then Prime Minister, David Cameron, when he visited Cornwall. In one of those odd coincidences, this conversation took place on 16^th July 2015, precisely fives years to the day that the bill to enable this to happen passed its first stages in the Commons, last Thursday.

It has been frustrating over the past three years that we have not been able to find the time to put this legislation to Parliament. With the turmoil of all that has gone in that time – General Elections, Brexit, hung Parliaments, and of course the pandemic of recent months, it was good to eventually get to debate and vote this bill through.

It was quite fulfilling, that after eight years I was able to speak about my reasons for wanting this legislation passed and to feel that I had played a significant part in making this change happen. It will save our local Town Councils tens of thousands of pounds every year, and even for many of our smaller Parish Councils the savings will be a significant part of their annual expenditure. The bill also allows for this exemption to be back dated to last April which will mean these savings will apply to the current year which I know will be very welcome.

I have always been a big supporter of our local councils which within the context of local government in Cornwall play an increasingly important role in serving the communities they represent. They have of course also played a key role in recent months in supporting their communities through the pandemic and lockdown. Providing vital local support, especially to elderly and vulnerable people.

Many of them have seen their costs increase whilst some have lost income through not having revenue from car parks and other sources. One thing I have been highlighting recently is that the government has made money available to support the Town and Parish Councils in Cornwall. This money has been part of the almost £40million that the government has granted to Cornwall Council and Ministers have been very clear that they expect Cornwall Council to pass some of this on to Parish Councils to ensure they are not in financial difficulties.

Sadly, so far Cornwall Council have refused to make any funding available to our local councils. Just this last week Cornwall Council have received a further £5million from the government and I hope that they will now make some of this funding available to Town and Parish Councils across Cornwall who are in urgent need of additional support.

Newspaper column 15 July 2020 - Police, tax cuts and COVID-19

It does feel, at the moment, as though every week there is a great deal happening that I could write about – and this week is no different.

Away from COVID-19, I was able to lead a debate in Parliament last week highlighting the work of Devon and Cornwall Police. I was able to place on record my thanks, and the thanks of many of us, for the proactive and pragmatic approach they have taken to Policing over the period of the lockdown. It was also an opportunity to present the unique set of challenges our Police face in the far South West – from our geography being a peninsula, the many rural and coastal communities covered by the force, as well as the length of our minor road network. Of course, we also face the biggest seasonal influx of tourists of any UK Police Force with the additional demands this places on our local officers.

I was told this was the first time these challenges were presented to Ministers in such a comprehensive way and it gave me the opportunity to make the case for additional funding for D&C Police.

Once again it was a significant week in our progress against the Coronavirus. We saw further easing of the restrictions and more announced for the coming weeks which will allow more businesses to open. As we see the numbers of infections, hospitalisations and deaths continue to fall it is right we allow the economy to open up, whilst of course continuing to keep to the guidance on social distancing, hand washing and avoiding large gatherings.

The biggest news was of course the Chancellors financial statement on Wednesday which laid out further measures to support jobs and businesses as we begin the process of rebuilding the economy. One thing I particularly like about Rishi Sunak as Chancellor is that he does not hide the challenges we face nor that every decision and economic measure taken will have both ups and downs. There is no doubt we are in for some tough times in the coming months and possibly years. Avoiding job losses are unavoidable following the sudden shock to the economy caused by the outbreak of the virus and the lockdown that was necessary to control it. But the measures announced this week are aimed at lessening the impact as far as we can, seeking to save jobs and enable businesses to get through the coming months. Of course, at some point all this money will have to be found and repaid but that is for another day. Right now, the focus is rightly on saving as many businesses and jobs as we can.

Particularly welcome to hundreds of businesses in our constituency will be the cut in VAT for hospitality and tourism to 5%. This was something I know the sector had been calling for and it was good that the Chancellor had clearly been listening. This measure is aimed at supporting businesses and help them to increase their margins through the next 9 months. I know that some people are now expecting to see a cut in the cost of their holiday or price of a meal out but I think we need to appreciate this is not what the cut is aimed at. These businesses have lost 4 months of income in what would have been some of the busiest weeks of the year and this additional income, that they can keep rather than pay to the government, will be a big help to enabling them to make it through this winter.

The other headline grabbing announcement was the cut in stamp duty which will benefit anyone looking to buy a house until the end of March. The housing market is a key part of the economy that supports many other businesses in the supply chain from construction, trades, estate agents, home improvements, new appliances and furniture and DIY –  all are dependant on a thriving housing market. So, this step will do far more than just help people buying properties.

Along with the job retention bonus that will be paid to businesses who bring people back from furlough and keep them in jobs, the Eat Out to Help Out scheme that will encourage us all to go out to eat in August or the Kick Start programme to help young people into work, there was lots of support for businesses and jobs which is going to be crucial.

We should not be in any doubt as to the big challenges ahead of us to recover our economy. We will all have a part to play in the coming months but it was very good to see the Chancellor stepping up and playing his part.

As always my office staff and I are here to help and if any constituents have any questions or concerns about the announcements this week or any aspect of the impact of the COVID-19 crisis please do not hesitate to get in touch. You can email me of office@stevedouble.org.uk or call 01726 829379.   

Newspaper column 8 July 2020 - Tourism and new 111 Pilot

After a great deal of anticipation, by all accounts, the past weekend passed smoothly. Pubs, cafes, restaurants and holiday accommodation were all able to open.

I spent a large part of Saturday visiting local businesses who were opening for the first time. A big well done should go to everyone who worked hard to be ready to open with measures in place to keep us all safe. I saw mostly local people taking the chance to get out and enjoy themselves, all of whom were following the guidance and behaving very responsibly.

Although we did see some tourists arriving for a holiday, the great influx, many were predicting, does not appear to have happened. The A30 was not particularly any busier than it has been in recent weeks. Some pictures of queues of traffic did appear on social media but these were the result of one of a number of accidents that caused congestion. Holiday parks did report tourists arriving but not in the numbers that had been predicted.

The local police reported a fairly peaceful time with very few incidents. So, a big well done to everyone who behaved responsibly and continues to follow the guidance.

This weekend also saw another significant development in our local health services. I know for many people one of the big concerns of opening up to tourists will be the pressure this could place on our NHS in Cornwall. This is why I was delighted that Cornwall was chosen to be one of the first places the new enhanced NHS 111 service would be piloted.

One of the things I have seen in my role as PPS in the Department for Health has been the way the NHS has adapted during the COVID-19 crisis. Some of the new ways the NHS has worked to cope with this pandemic have taught us some important lessons about how the health service can work more efficiently in more normal times. Also, changes that have been planned to be introduced over the next few years have been accelerated and can now be made.

The new NHS 111 service is designed to make better use of the current 111 service and direct people needing medical advice or treatment to the most appropriate part of the NHS. This will save time of patients having to wait to see a doctor only to be then redirected to a different part of the NHS.

From now on, anyone wanting to access the NHS, for anything other than a 999 emergency, will be guided to call NHS 111 first. You will then be able to discuss your concerns with a trained member of staff who will then direct you to the appropriate service – whether that is your GP, Minor Injuries, your local Pharmacy or A&E. If you are directed to attend a hospital, or your GP, an appointment will be made for you which will save you having to just show up and wait.

Additionally, better use of GPs across the country will be made. One of the things we have seen in recent months has been GPs making better use of video and phone calls in order to hold consultations with patients. This is a much more efficient use of GP’s time. Most of the time it is not necessary to have a face to face appointment with your GP who can very often diagnose the treatment you may require on the phone of via a video call. Of course, if you do then need a face to face appointment this can be arranged much more quickly.

One benefit of this is that you can ‘see’ your own GP wherever you are in the country. The significance of this for us in Cornwall is that any visitors who call NHS 111 and are directed to see a GP will be put in touch with their own GP in their home town via a video call. This will take pressure off local GPs in Cornwall as tourists will only be guided to see them if a face to face appointment is absolutely necessary.

This is a very welcome new development in the way health services are accessed and I believe will have great benefits for us here in Cornwall in relieving much of the pressure we often experience in the holiday season. You can read more about this service here https://www.england.nhs.uk/urgent-emergency-care/nhs-111/next-steps-for-nhs-111/

So, from now on if you need medical help or advice and it is not an emergency you should call NHS 111 first for a more efficient service.

Newspaper column 1 July 2020 - Further lockdown easing

This coming weekend marks a significant step in our progress out of the lockdown. From Saturday pubs, restaurants and cafes will be able to open, along with holiday accommodation.

Whilst I understand the concerns some people have regarding the risk of an influx of tourists to Cornwall, I believe it is right that we take these steps, with sensible precautions in place, to open up our local economy. Thousands of Cornish jobs depend on us doing so.

I also understand the worries that are created by some of the scenes we have seen in places such as Bournemouth of packed beaches and clogged roads. However, I do think we need to keep these scenes in context. The vast majority of those who went to visit Bournemouth were day trippers heading to the coast on the hottest day of the year. This is not something we are likely to experience – one of the benefits of being a further three hours drive west.

Additionally, these events happened at a time when all hospitality businesses were still closed and therefore there was little for people to do other than head to the beach. The situation from 4^th July will be very different.

Our local businesses have been working hard to ensure they are ready to welcome customers in a safe way. I have spent much of the last week on video calls with different businesses and industry representatives discussing how best we can welcome tourist and give them a positive experience whilst minimising the risks. I am confident our local businesses are taking all the appropriate measures to do this.

I have been assured that local holiday accommodation providers will be reminding all their guest of their duty to behave responsibly and respect local communities – this includes taking their rubbish with them when they leave the beach! 

But inevitably we will see many more people out and about from this weekend – visitors and locals. We do all need to continue to follow the guidance – maintain social distancing, washing our hands and avoiding large crowds. We all have a responsibility to conduct ourselves in a sensible way and not do anything to put ourselves or others at unnecessary risk.

It is also going to be a challenging time for local businesses, especially our pubs and restaurants, who will have to adapt to meet the new guidance. This means that those of us who do go out for a drink or meal, to meet up with friends, perhaps for the first time in months, should be prepared that things will not be the same as they were in March.

Businesses will be having to limit the number of customers they allow in at any one time. Some people will have to sit outside – let’s hope the weather is kind. The way we order food and drink, and they way it is served to us will be different. Tables will have to be spread out, we may find screens keeping us separate from other groups and staff wearing PPE.

All of these measures are there to keep us safe. I know at times it may be frustrating, but let us all keep in mind that these businesses are following the guidance issued by the government and their trade bodies. All of these measures are in place for a reason – an important one. We should not take out our frustrations on the staff if they are too busy to allow us in or we cannot sit with whoever we like, or it takes longer than normal to get served.

Many of the staff who will be serving us have faced hugely uncertain times over the past three months.

I am confident that if we all apply common sense and abide by the new guidelines, we can all enjoy the new freedoms available. In fact, I would encourage us all to do so and get out and support local business.

Finally, my office is beginning to return to a more normal way of working. Please remember my staff and I are here to help and serve you. So if you have anything that we can help with, provide you with information or advice, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Email – office@stevedouble.org.uk tel. 01726 829379