Newspaper column 14 December 2022 - More powers to control holiday lets

Housing, and in particular its availability and affordability, has been an issue in Cornwall for many years. However, it has grown significantly worse over the last few years due to the massive increase in demand for holiday lets and Airbnbs which I know people are concerned about popping up in communities across Cornwall.

Cornwall has seen a massive rise in the number of properties converted into Airbnbs. In January 2016 there were 17 Airbnb properties in Cornwall. According to data from holiday rental research firm AirDNA, there were 20,688 active Airbnb and Vbro rentals in Cornwall as of August 2022.

Housing continues to remain one of the biggest problems that people raise with me and is something I, and other MPs, have been working with the government to address.

That is why I am pleased to see that the government has now announced new measures to manage the number of holiday lets in Cornwall. This follows the Government consulting on a potential scheme earlier this year.

As you will know, I have been working with Ministers for many months to ensure these important measures would be included in the Levelling Up Bill as it completes its passage through the House of Commons.

I am glad to see the Secretary of State confirm that the Levelling Up Bill will include the ability for Cornwall Council to set up a registration scheme for holiday lets in the county. As an MP who represents an area with disproportionate numbers of these properties in their constituencies, I have been calling for this action for a while.

A register of holiday lets will not only allow Cornwall Council and the Government to better understand their impact on the communities they are in, but also better regulate this sector in the future.

But it does not end there. The Secretary of State has also confirmed he will be consulting on plans which would mean holiday let owners need to submit a ‘change of use’ planning application with local planning authorities having a say on whether or not they agree with the changes.

I am delighted to see these measures being proposed as they are significant steps towards enabling Cornwall Council to manage the impact of holiday lets on our local housing market.

However, I do believe that we need to remember that the housing crisis in Cornwall will not be resolved overnight. The county still faces some significant challenges, such as the high demand for houses and low supply and lack of affordable homes which was only exacerbated by the Covid pandemic.  

I understand that the rise in house prices and demand for holiday accommodation has seen many local families struggle to find homes to rent, or they have been priced out of the market, but I do believe that the measures announced by the government go some way to bringing balance back to the housing market.

The details of how the scheme would be administered will be consulted on before 2023’s summer recess, with a view to the scheme being up and running as soon as possible thereafter.

I know these measures will be something Cornwall Council will be keen to progress and look forward to working with them and my colleagues in Westminster to ensure they are in place as soon as possible.

As ever, if I can be of assistance on this matter, or any other, my office is available for any constituents needing help, advice or guidance – call: 01726 829379 or email: office@stevedouble.org.uk

Newspaper column 7 December 2022 - The Devolution Deal for Cornwall

  

On Friday we saw another important step being taken towards a new era for Cornwall with the signing of a historic £360 million devolution deal between the Government and Cornwall Council.

This historic deal, which transfers additional money and power into the hands of local leaders in Cornwall, is the first single county deal of its kind to be announced and shows the Duchy leading the way once again. This deal will now go out for public consultation before Cornwall Council makes a final decision next year.

I am pleased to see that we are now building on the previous 2015 devolution deal for Cornwall and taking the next step towards unlocking further benefits of devolution for the half a million people who live here.

 

Some of the key features of the deal include Cornwall’s first ever long-term, fully devolved investment fund of £360m guaranteed for the next 30 years; Powers to improve local skills to ensure these meet the needs of the local economy; £8.7 million to support the building of new homes on brownfield land; An additional £500,000 for transport planning to support the area to improve key transport infrastructure priorities and new powers to drive the regeneration of Cornwall and to build more affordable homes.

There is also up to £10 million for housing and heritage-led regeneration to support the delivery of locally determined priorities in Cornwall, and £500,000 of funding to protect and promote the Cornish language.

The deal also includes a commitment from government to work with Cornwall to finds ways to better manage the impact of second homes and holiday lets.

This significant deal could also mark a new era of political leadership by establishing a different relationship with the Government for Cornwall. This presents a huge opportunity for Cornwall and gives us the chance to obtain more decision-making powers and millions of pounds of additional investment to deliver on priorities for the people of Cornwall.

There has been a lot of speculation and rumour about the devolution deal, however, now that this ground-breaking announcement has been made, people can see for themselves exactly what this will mean for Cornwall rather than taking other peoples’ word for it: www.gov.uk/government/publications/cornwall-devolution-deal-kevambos-digresennans-kernow

I want to make it clear that this is the start of that journey, not the end, and what’s in the immediate deal, although very positive, is not the end of the story. The devolution deal will provide Cornwall with the basis to continue to negotiate with the government for more additional funding and powers to make the changes we want to see here happen.

There has also been much misunderstanding about what a Mayor will mean for Cornwall. Instead of 87 councillors choosing who will lead Cornwall Council, everyone living in Cornwall will be able to have a say on who will lead the Duchy.

 

This is not about creating another layer of bureaucracy, but about ensuring the Leader is elected by the people of Cornwall, who best understand what Cornwall needs. This will give the council leader a greater democratic mandate and can be directly held to account by the people of Cornwall.

The devolution deal will also give the Duchy a much higher profile and puts us around the table with people like the Mayors of London, Greater Manchester and West Midlands.

A lot has been said about what this deal will mean for Cornwall, but I hope people can now see for themselves and make up their own mind rather than listening to speculation and rumours.

There will now be a comprehensive consultation by Cornwall Council to listen to the views of people across Cornwall and I would encourage everyone to have their say and feed into that conversation. The 10-week consultation is set to begin on 9 December and if supported, the election of a Mayor for Cornwall will take place in May 2024.

I now look forward to working with my colleagues in Westminster and Cornwall Council to progress this important deal which has the potential to drive real improvements and outcomes for the people of Cornwall.

 

As ever, if I can be of assistance on any matter, my office is available for any constituents needing help, advice or guidance – tel: 01726 829379 or email: office@stevedouble.org.uk

Newspaper column 30 November - Supporting local businesses

 

After a November that has flown by, we are now heading into December and towards the Christmas season, with everything that that entails. For my column for this week I wanted to focus on my recent experiences of some of our excellent local businesses and some of the initiatives that are there to promote and support them.

Last week was Family Business Week, a week-long celebration of family businesses as a force for good. These firms are the backbone of our economy and the bedrock of our communities.  However they are often overlooked, and the scale of their impact on our lives is underestimated.  Family Business Week is a campaign designed to ensure these firms get the recognition they deserve, and to celebrate their amazing work.

After a busy time in Parliament last week I visited the Ryder family, who run several businesses including Summercourt Travel, Travel Cornwall and Merlin Vehicle Rental from Summercourt.

It was great to see a truly intergenerational team working together in a strong family business, just one of so many who operate across our constituency.

Over the weekend it was good to duck out some of the terrible weather and visit the Charlestown Christmas Market, which was held at Penrice School in St Austell. Although I am sure many people were swamped with ‘Black Friday’ ads from big businesses, it was brilliant to see so many exceptional small local businesses represented at the Christmas Market, with thousands of people visiting over the two days it was on. This sort of event was sadly missed during the COVID-19 pandemic and it is great to see them returning now across the constituency as we have got back to normal.

My visit to the market over the weekend, got me thinking towards Small Business Saturday, which takes place on this coming Saturday, 3 December.

Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and support small businesses in their communities. The day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses.

On Small Business Saturday, customers across the U.K go out and support all types of small businesses, online, in offices and in stores. Many small businesses take part in the day by hosting events and offering discounts. To encourage footfall in our towns and villages on Small Business Saturday, Cornwall Council is making all of its pays and display carparks free for the day.

We are truly lucky in Cornwall to have such an amazing array of small local businesses. As we approach Small Business Saturday, and the Christmas period, please do all you can to support them, so we can keep and grow this essential sector of our economy now and in the future.

If I can be of assistance on any matter, my office is available for any constituents needing help, advice or guidance – tel. 01726 829379, email – office@stevedouble.org.uk

 

 

 

Newspaper column 23 November 2022 - Looking back on the Autumn Statement

Last week the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced his Autumn Statement as the country continues to face significantly difficult times due to the cost of the COVID-19 pandemic and Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine.

Despite the difficult waters we are having to navigate, I was pleased to see the Chancellor’s statement include many positive announcements, including protecting the State Pension Triple Lock, confirming that benefits will be increased in line with inflation and the extension of the Energy Price Guarantee for a further 12 months as well as significant support for businesses.

The government have had to make some tough, but fair decisions to tackle inflation, balance the books and get debt falling. It is important that we get a grip on inflation as this is ultimately what makes everyone poorer. If we don’t act now, the country risks it dragging on for longer.

The Office for Budget Responsibility has made it clear that global factors are the primary cause of current inflation and expect the measures announced by the Chancellor to reduce this. The Bank of England also confirmed that it expects the package to keep interest rates lower for borrowers and mortgage holders, which is welcome news.

Nevertheless, I know that we all face very difficult times ahead and that is why I am pleased to see the government continuing to stand by those who are most vulnerable.

I was pleased to hear the Chancellor confirm that we will be keeping the State Pension triple lock. This means that in April next year, the State Pension will increase in line with inflation, which is the biggest annual cash increase in the State Pension ever. Millions of pensioners will now see an up to £870 rise in their State Pension payments and are guaranteed a pay rise every year.

This is something that concerned many of my constituents and from the start I made it very clear to the government that they should keep the promise made in our 2019 manifesto, so this is great news.

The government is also increasing benefits in line with inflation to protect the vulnerable. More than 10 million households in receipt of working-age and disability benefits will now see a much-needed increase. The average uplift for households Universal Credit will be around £600. I know many families are struggling and this will help to support them.

The National Living Wage is also going up, which will help millions of the lowest paid workers. From 1 April 2023, the National Living Wage will increase to £10.42 an hour for workers, which represents an increase of over £1,600 to the annual earnings of a full-time worker. This is the largest increase in the UK’s National Living Wage ever and shows this government is committed to helping and supporting those who need it the most.  

Putin’s weaponization of our energy has driven up our prices. The cost our country has incurred as a result is enough to have funded a second NHS. That is why the government is taking action to ensure we can become energy independent in the future. However, until that is possible, I am pleased to see the Chancellor commit to protecting all households across the country by extending the Energy Price Guarantee for another 12 months from April. This will save people another £500 and there will also be more funding for the Household Support Fund to help vulnerable households.

The Government is also acting to help businesses with an almost £14 billion business rate support package over the next five years, including an extended and increased relief for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses worth almost £2.1 billion. The relief scheme will increase from 50% to 75%, benefitting thousands of local pubs, restaurants and small high street shops in the constituency.

It is also good to see billions of pounds more funding due to be invested into our NHS and education system, to ensure people can get the start they need and access to top quality healthcare.

I acknowledge that these are tough times, but hopefully the decisive action this government takes now will see us through them as quickly as possible. As the Chancellor said: "There may be a recession made in Russia but there is a recovery made in Britain.”

 

If I can be of assistance on any matter, my office is available for any constituents needing help, advice or guidance – tel. 01726 829379, email – office@stevedouble.org.uk

Newspaper column 9 November 2022 - Home Offices actions in Newquay

 

Over the past few weeks the issues around immigration have again taken priority in the national political scene. Both the illegal channel crossings themselves, but also how those who arrive are then dealt with.

We all know that one of the biggest challenges facing our country at the moment is the number of migrants and asylum seekers coming to the UK.

This was brought home to Cornwall over the weekend with confirmation that the Home Office is using a Newquay hotel to house a limited number of migrants and asylum seekers.

This is a national issue and each part of our country must do its bit to help.

Cornwall has a long and proud tradition of welcoming people seeking refuge, most recently with the commendable efforts made by our people and communities to help those displaced by Putin’s invasion of Ukraine via the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

However the move by the Home Office does raise a number of concerns. Over the weekend I have been in touch with Home Office Ministers, the Leader of Cornwall Council and local councillors, to ensure these people both get the support they need and that the Home Office takes steps to properly process them and take further action as required.

Firstly, I have made it clear that we expect the Home Office to process applications as quickly as possible to ensure those who are genuine refugees get the support they need and are able to move on to the next stage of their lives in the UK. Equally it is important that the Home Office identify those who are not refugees and that these people are repatriated to their own countries.

Secondly I have asked that resources be made available to Cornwall Council to ensure that while these additional people are living here, there is no impact on our already stretched local services.

Thirdly I have asked for a commitment from the Home Office that no hotel in Cornwall will be used in this capacity beyond the end of winter so as to not impact on our important tourist season.

I will continue to work with all involved, including our local police and Newquay Town Council, as well as those previously mentioned, to ensure that those who need our assistance get it in a prompt and timely manner while ensuring there is minimal impact on our local communities.

If you require my assistance with this matter or any other, please do get in touch with my office on 01726 829379 or email – office@stevedouble.org.uk

Newspaper column 12 October 2022 - Why we should increase benefit payments in line with inflation

 

We all know that the Government will have to make some difficult decisions to balance the books due to the cost of the package of tax cuts and increased borrowing. It has been suggested that one way to do this could be by freezing benefits or increasing them by less than the inflation rate.

This week the Prime Minister has confirmed that she will not be making a decision on whether to raise benefits in line with inflation until November.

At a time when we are all in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, I am disappointed to hear this. I do not understand why the Prime Minister and her Cabinet once again seem to be set on picking another fight with its back benchers.

Earlier this year, then Chancellor Rishi Sunak and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a firm commitment that benefits would rise in line with inflation from next year. I believe that when a promise is made it should be honoured.

The way in which the current legislation works means there will always be a time lag between the announcement in Autumn of the inflation rate, and the increase to benefits at the beginning of the next financial year, the following April. I understand this does cause a reduction in real time for the lowest-income households.

In April this year benefits were uprated by 3.1%, which was much lower than inflation at the time of the increase, which was around 9%. This meant that benefit rates for 2022/23 were worth less in real terms than the 2021/22 rates, and this is why a rise in line with inflation is crucial for the next year, hence the previous PM and Chancellor’s commitment to do so.

This is a promise that I believe should be kept and I do not understand why the new Prime Minister is not fulfilling that commitment. It is not right that low-income households should be hit hardest by rising inflation when we are already facing a cost of living crisis.

If the Government is giving tax breaks to people in work, it shouldn’t then try to balance the books by taking money away from people on benefits.

Contrary to what some senior figures in Government, have said, this isn’t as simple as people needing to go out and get a job. A lot of people in Mid Cornwall on Universal Credit are in work and this is a top-up of their wages so that they can afford to make ends meet. I believe that it is very important that the Government continues to support households in St Austell & Newquay in this way. 

In fact, over the last 10 years the benefits system has undergone a radical overhaul which ensures that work always pays. It has helped those people trapped in a cycle of dependency on legacy benefits, such as Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), break free and these benefits are gradually being phased out in favour of Universal Credit, which you can claim while working and which does not stop abruptly once you earn a certain amount of money, but instead tapers off to make the transition easier.

Yes, while there will always be a small number of people who do not want to work, the vast majority of people on benefits are also on them because they cannot work due to disabilities, have low paid jobs, or are unable to work additional hours.

 

To punish the most vulnerable people is simply wrong. Of course, we want to see more people in work. We also want people to be able to work more hours and get better paid jobs, and the system is there to help them do that.

I see first-hand the fantastic work of the Department for Work and Pensions staff in the St Austell & Newquay constituency to support people into work and more people than ever are now in employment. Helping people into jobs is the best way to support families in the long term.

However, we have to acknowledge the huge pressure that everyone is feeling at the moment, particularly for households on benefits as that is where the pressure is felt the most.

I believe the right thing to do will be to continue to help and support those households through the coming months, including by fulfilling the promise to raise their benefits in line with inflation. This is something I will continue to raise with the Government.

If you require my assistance with this matter or any other, please do get in touch with my office on 01726 829379 or email – office@stevedouble.org.uk

Newspaper column 05/10/22 - The Government listens to criticism...

 

Earlier this week the Chancellor made the decision to scrap the abolition of the 45p tax rate. From the moment it was announced I have made my views against this plan very clear and have always maintained that I believed it was a mistake.

I have been in constant contact with Ministers raising my concerns, and those of my constituents, about the cutting of the 45% tax band for those earning over £150,000.

I made no secret of the fact that I was concerned about the scrapping of the 45p tax rate and the impact this measure may have on inflation and interest rates in the coming months. My thoughts were shared by a number of constituents.

I, and many other MPs across the country, have made representations to the Government and are pleased the Chancellor has listened to those concerns and decided against pushing ahead with this. This shows the Government is willing to admit when they have got it wrong and are prepared to listen and change, and that is something I welcome.

I know that the scrapping of the 45p tax rate has overshadowed some of the very positive announcements in the budget, especially the support for both households and businesses with energy costs.

The Energy Price Guarantee will provide further support for households by limiting the amount the billpayer can be charged per unit of gas or electricity, so the exact bill amount will continue to be influenced by how much energy is used.

The scheme will also ensure a typical household pays an average £2,500 a year for their energy, and save a household £1,400 a year on average usage.

While the Energy Bill Relief Scheme will discount wholesale gas and electricity prices for all businesses, charities, schools and hospitals, which face excessively high energy bills over the winter period.

I also welcome the reversal of the National Insurance health and care levy and cut in the basic rate of income tax which will put more money into the pockets of everyone in work.

I do believe that simplifying our tax system and removing the higher rate tax band is the right thing to do, however I want to make clear that it has got to be at the right time when our economy is growing, and public finances are in a better position.

I do believe that now is the completely wrong time when so many households are going to be facing huge financial pressures in the coming months to pay their bills. As households up and down the country face increasing bills, this is the wrong time to be cutting taxes for the wealthiest.

The fact the Government has decided to scrap this plan shows that MPs have represented their constituents and because of this the Government has changed tact. I have done my job as MP, representing constituents’ concerns, and am pleased to have been able to persuade the Government to change their policy.

I understand that some people will be frustrated by the recent events and now look forward to working with my colleagues in Westminster to gain back the public’s trust and show that we remain the best people to be able to run this country, especially in the coming months ahead.

As always, my office is available for any constituents needing help, advice or guidance. Please do get in touch if I can help – tel. 01726 829379, email – office@stevedouble.org.uk

ENDS