The Chancellor,
George Osborne delivered his latest Budget last Wednesday and I was pleased
with the measures that he announced that directly impact on Cornwall. The A391 link to the A30 was mentioned again,
as were the community-led housing schemes that will be funded out of Stamp Duty
receipts on second homes. I was pleased
with the increase in the personal allowance and the reforms to business rates. The people of our constituency are going to
benefit in a number of ways and so I welcomed the Budget.
The Chancellor
did not highlight the changes to the Personal Independence Payments in his
Budget speech and as these changes emerged I decided to speak out. On Thursday I released a short statement; “Having
looked at the proposed changes to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
benefit in the Budget, I am concerned at the impact these could have on some of
the most vulnerable people in our society. I am seeking
further clarification as to the exact nature of the changes before I decide
whether they are something I can support.”
I remain convinced that the welfare system needs
reform, for many reasons it isn’t fit for purpose. However, the necessary changes need to be
made sympathetically in a way that does not harm those most in need. A blanket reduction in benefits does not
fulfill these criteria.
This position mirrored that of my West Country
colleagues. I was then asked to appear
on both TV and radio on Friday, which I duly did, laying out my position that I
could not support cuts to the income of the vulnerable members in our society,
while simultaneously moving the 40% tax band threshold in favour of higher
earners. I stated my position clearly – that I was prepared to rebel against
this measure should it become necessary.
As many of you will be aware, Iain Duncan Smith the
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions resigned late on Friday night. His position was similar to mine, taking the
issue further and questioning the Government’s commitment to One Nation
policies. The PIP reforms and the resignation
story dominated the weekend political media and I again appeared on the radio
on Sunday evening to reiterate my position,
Monday afternoon saw the new Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions, Stephen Crabb, announce the withdrawal of the PIP reforms, a
move that I support. It gives us the chance
to re-think these changes and to focus on ensuring that the most vulnerable in
our society do not suffer.
I am pleased that the Government has listened
to my concerns, along with several of my colleagues and decided to drop these
changes. I was prepared to rebel against these changes and will speak up and do
so again if needed, if I believe the Government is wrong and there is a
requirement for me to do this, on behalf of the people of Mid-Cornwall who I
have been elected to represent.
As I write this on Monday evening, I am reminded of
the old adage that a week is a long time in politics; it certainly feels true
this week.
My team and I
are here to serve the whole constituency and seek to make a real difference to
the lives of everyone who needs help and support in any way. If there is
any issue that we can help you with then please contact us on either
01726 829379 or
on office@stevedouble.org.uk.
