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.
