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