Newspaper column wc 26/12/22 - Looking back over a busy year

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and was able to take some time to reflect on why we celebrate this special day.

Speaking of reflection, I want to take this opportunity to look back at the year we have had as the end of 2022 approaches. 

I want to begin my column by mentioning one of the most historic and significant moments of this year, the sad death of our late Queen, Elizabeth II. I had the privilege of being involved in the many Platinum Jubilee events that were held across Mid-Cornwall in May of this year and saw people of all ages came together to celebrate her unparalleled reign.

The death of Her Majesty in September saw the nation unite once more in mourning for Elizabeth II and I was honoured to have taken part in events both locally and in Westminster around the Queen’s State Funeral and the Accession to the throne of Charles III.

Earlier this year we also saw the passing of our beloved D-Day veteran and local hero Harry Billinge, who touched the lives of so many, including mine, with his brave service to his country and tireless fundraising work to honour his fallen comrades.

I couldn’t write this column without also mentioning the big changes we saw at Number Ten as Boris Johnson stepped down as Prime Minister to be replaced by Liz Truss, albeit only briefly, before former Chancellor Rishi Sunak became our current Prime Minister. I will always be very grateful for everything Boris Johnson achieved, both for our country and for Cornwall, while in office.

On a more personal note, the change of Prime Minister saw changes for me and my role in Government. I started the year in the Whip’s office and in July was pleased to accept a role as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

I returned to the back benches in September however, I was pleased to be reappointed to the Whip’s Office by new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in October, where I remain today.

However, regardless of my role in Government, my main priority will always be working to deliver for our constituency and I look forward to continuing to do this whether or not I have a role in government.

Now to matters in the constituency where work has begun this year on a number of exciting projects this year.

We have seen the start of work on the A30 Link Road to connect the town and the A30, to provide a direct route from the A30 to St Austell and take through traffic away from the nearby villages. This is something I have lobbied Ministers on since before being elected MP and is the single biggest piece of Government infrastructure spending in Cornwall, at £85million. It has now been signed off and construction started in June.

We also saw the Government grant the first ever license for the launching of satellites from European soil at Spaceport Cornwall in Newquay, and as I write this, the launch date will be imminent. This is something that I have been involved with very closely and am excited to see happen. It is the first time anything like this has ever been done in the UK and is a huge achievement by all involved.

Speaking of achievement, I was pleased to work with Cornwall College and the Department for Education to secure a multi-million-pound funding boost that will allow Cornwall College to build a new campus in St Austell. This is ground-breaking for the town as it will support future generations and I look forward to continuing to support Cornwall College in its aspirations as a career college going forward.

I have also stood up and spoke at the Boundary Commission’s public hearing against proposals that would have seen the clay area communities split up and put in different Parliamentary constituencies, along with Par and St Blazey. I am pleased that following my representations the Boundary Commission has now withdrawn these proposals.

Housing issues have also continued to be a big part of my work. I know this is a big concern for many constituents which is why I have been pleased to work with Ministers to ensure measures are introduced to better regulating the holiday let industry through the Levelling Up Bill, such as Cornwall Council setting up a registration scheme for holiday lets in their areas and consulting on planning permission being required when a property is changed from residential to holiday use.

This year we also saw the continuation of the Government’s levelling up agenda, with confirmation of its replacement for EU funds, the Shared Prosperity Fund, worth more than £130million for Cornwall.

We also saw the Government confirm its long-awaited devolution deal for Cornwall, with an additional £360million of funding for Cornwall, as well as a new office of elected Mayor up for discussion.

I hope this has given just a glimpse of some of the work I have done on your behalf over 2022 and will continue to do.

As ever, I want to say a huge thank you to my team who have been busier than ever supporting me to assist constituents with issues. This year my team and I have received and replied to nearly 20,000 emails, dealt with nearly 9,000 individual pieces of casework on behalf of local residents and businesses, ranging from housing and benefit enquiries to visa applications and energy issues.

May I wish you all a Happy New Year and I look forward to continuing to serve our constituency and Cornwall through 2023 and beyond.

My office is now closed and will reopen at 10am on January 3, 2023. However, you can still contact me by emailing steve.double.mp@parliament.uk or calling 01726 829379 and leaving a message. I will get back to anyone requiring urgent help.

 

Newspaper column wc 19 December 2022 - Looking towards Christmas

Parliament has now risen for Recess and so I am working in the constituency and looking forward to taking some time off with my family later this week for Christmas.

I hope you will also be able to take some time to enjoy the festive season with your friends and family and celebrate this special day.

Over the last year I have been contacted about all manner of things, but something that has remained a very important issue for me and many people in our constituency, which they have expressed significant concerns about, is illegal immigration.

That is why I am pleased to see that the Prime Minster has now set out new plans to address this issue. These include a new agreement with Albania so that the vast majority of Albanian claimants can be removed; a new, permanent, unified Small Boats Operational Command in the channel with 700 new staff and tougher immigration enforcement with 200 new staff and better data sharing with banks.

They will also see cheaper accommodation sites so we can move migrants out of hotels such as the Beresford in Newquay and also clear the initial asylum backlog by 2023 by doubling the number of caseworkers and radically streamlining the process.

The Prime Minister has also announced that legislation will be introduced in early 2023 to make it clear that if you enter the UK illegally you should not be able to remain but should be swiftly detained and removed.

I fully support the Government in its efforts to tackle illegal immigration and look forward to seeing the Prime Minister’s plans in action. The UK has a proud and long history in being a safe sanctuary for those genuinely seeking refuge from war or persecution, such as we have seen recently with those from Ukraine who have come to Cornwall

However, our hospitality should not be abused as some have been doing and it is right we close these loopholes whilst continuing to provide safe routes for those that need it.

Now turning to some good news for schools in our constituency. Last week the Government announced that it will be providing extra investment for Mawgan-in-Pydar Primary School in St Mawgan and also Poltair School in St Austell to improve facilities as part of School Rebuilding Programme.

This is something that I have been working closely with the Government on as I understand that the quality of facilities in schools can have a significant impact on a student’s learning.

I am pleased to see that the two schools will both benefit from the School Rebuilding Programme, backed by £1.8 billion in 2022–34 to rebuild and refurbish 239 more schools across the country. This will see old buildings updated and modernised to create state-of-the-art sports halls, music rooms, science labs, and dining areas.

It’s great to see the Government continuing to invest in our schools to provide children with the best opportunity to succeed and helping them to learn and develop and achieve their full potential. 

Finally, I would just like to take this opportunity to thank all those who will be working over the festive period in our NHS and care sectors, those who work in retail and hospitality, our local police and other emergency services and our armed forces who keep us and others safe all over the world, all year round. Thank you for all you do

However you spend your Christmas, I hope you have a good one and I would like to take the opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year for 2023.

My office will be closed from 12 noon on December 22, 2022 and reopen at 10am on January 3, 2023. However, you can still contact me by emailing steve.double.mp@parliament.uk or calling 01726 829379 and leaving a message. I will get back to anyone requiring urgent help.

 

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