On Monday we saw the first steps as part of the gradual easing of the lockdown as we begin the first stage of the Roadmap to Recovery.
As well as people now being able to meet with one person
from another household, outdoors, for recreation or leisure purposes, schools
and colleges have now reopened for all students.
The Government has always said that returning face-to-face
education in schools and colleges is a national priority. The decision to
restrict face-to-face attendance in education and wraparound childcare settings
has been taken only when it has been absolutely necessary to control the virus
and save lives. Being in face-to-face education is the best place for pupils
and students and returning children and young people to face-to-face education
is, therefore, the first step in easing this lockdown.
I hope everyone returning to school and college has been
able to settle in and enjoy their return to face to face learning and
particular thanks must go to all teachers and school staff who have welcomed
them back, while also working throughout the pandemic virtually and face to
face with vulnerable pupils and the children of keyworkers.
Also, from Monday, care homes are able to allow one visitor
per resident to come, subject to some conditions, and have physical contact. I
know this will be an important relaxation of the guidance for those families
who have loved ones in care homes.
As we continue to see the number of cases fall and more
people receive the vaccine, we know the end of this pandemic is in sight. It is
still important we all keep to the rules and follow the guidance each step of
the way to ensure this is the last lockdown we have to go through.
Another important part of our road to recovery from the
pandemic was the Chancellor’s Spring Budget Statement last Wednesday, which
delivered a wide range of support for people and businesses across
Mid-Cornwall.
This is a Budget that delivers for Cornwall. The extension
to the furlough and self-employment-income support schemes are welcome, along
with particularly the raft of measures designed to further help our hospitality
and tourism industries, which I have long-campaigned for, as we look to ease
lockdown measures and re-open for what I hope will be a busy summer season.
Consumers will also join me in welcoming the continued
freezes of fuel and alcohol duty, along with new incentives to help people buy
their first homes, with government-back mortgages up to 95% of the purchase
price, and the extension of the Stamp Duty Holiday, will help those who have
been able to buy homes during the pandemic complete their purchases as planned.
There is much more to do, but I am proud to be part of this
Conservative Government that is doing all it can to help Cornwall and our
country recover and build back better.
As we begin to emerge from the lockdown my staff will at
some point return to working from the office and I will recommence face to face
surgeries. I will provide more detail in the coming weeks, but please be
assured I continue to be available to any constituents who need help or advice
by email, phone or video call if appropriate. Please do not hesitate to get in
touch if we can help in any way – email: office@stevedouble.org.uk of call:
01726 829379.
