Newspaper column 12 October 2022 - Why we should increase benefit payments in line with inflation

 

We all know that the Government will have to make some difficult decisions to balance the books due to the cost of the package of tax cuts and increased borrowing. It has been suggested that one way to do this could be by freezing benefits or increasing them by less than the inflation rate.

This week the Prime Minister has confirmed that she will not be making a decision on whether to raise benefits in line with inflation until November.

At a time when we are all in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, I am disappointed to hear this. I do not understand why the Prime Minister and her Cabinet once again seem to be set on picking another fight with its back benchers.

Earlier this year, then Chancellor Rishi Sunak and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a firm commitment that benefits would rise in line with inflation from next year. I believe that when a promise is made it should be honoured.

The way in which the current legislation works means there will always be a time lag between the announcement in Autumn of the inflation rate, and the increase to benefits at the beginning of the next financial year, the following April. I understand this does cause a reduction in real time for the lowest-income households.

In April this year benefits were uprated by 3.1%, which was much lower than inflation at the time of the increase, which was around 9%. This meant that benefit rates for 2022/23 were worth less in real terms than the 2021/22 rates, and this is why a rise in line with inflation is crucial for the next year, hence the previous PM and Chancellor’s commitment to do so.

This is a promise that I believe should be kept and I do not understand why the new Prime Minister is not fulfilling that commitment. It is not right that low-income households should be hit hardest by rising inflation when we are already facing a cost of living crisis.

If the Government is giving tax breaks to people in work, it shouldn’t then try to balance the books by taking money away from people on benefits.

Contrary to what some senior figures in Government, have said, this isn’t as simple as people needing to go out and get a job. A lot of people in Mid Cornwall on Universal Credit are in work and this is a top-up of their wages so that they can afford to make ends meet. I believe that it is very important that the Government continues to support households in St Austell & Newquay in this way. 

In fact, over the last 10 years the benefits system has undergone a radical overhaul which ensures that work always pays. It has helped those people trapped in a cycle of dependency on legacy benefits, such as Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), break free and these benefits are gradually being phased out in favour of Universal Credit, which you can claim while working and which does not stop abruptly once you earn a certain amount of money, but instead tapers off to make the transition easier.

Yes, while there will always be a small number of people who do not want to work, the vast majority of people on benefits are also on them because they cannot work due to disabilities, have low paid jobs, or are unable to work additional hours.

 

To punish the most vulnerable people is simply wrong. Of course, we want to see more people in work. We also want people to be able to work more hours and get better paid jobs, and the system is there to help them do that.

I see first-hand the fantastic work of the Department for Work and Pensions staff in the St Austell & Newquay constituency to support people into work and more people than ever are now in employment. Helping people into jobs is the best way to support families in the long term.

However, we have to acknowledge the huge pressure that everyone is feeling at the moment, particularly for households on benefits as that is where the pressure is felt the most.

I believe the right thing to do will be to continue to help and support those households through the coming months, including by fulfilling the promise to raise their benefits in line with inflation. This is something I will continue to raise with the Government.

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

Newspaper column 05/10/22 - The Government listens to criticism...

 

Earlier this week the Chancellor made the decision to scrap the abolition of the 45p tax rate. From the moment it was announced I have made my views against this plan very clear and have always maintained that I believed it was a mistake.

I have been in constant contact with Ministers raising my concerns, and those of my constituents, about the cutting of the 45% tax band for those earning over £150,000.

I made no secret of the fact that I was concerned about the scrapping of the 45p tax rate and the impact this measure may have on inflation and interest rates in the coming months. My thoughts were shared by a number of constituents.

I, and many other MPs across the country, have made representations to the Government and are pleased the Chancellor has listened to those concerns and decided against pushing ahead with this. This shows the Government is willing to admit when they have got it wrong and are prepared to listen and change, and that is something I welcome.

I know that the scrapping of the 45p tax rate has overshadowed some of the very positive announcements in the budget, especially the support for both households and businesses with energy costs.

The Energy Price Guarantee will provide further support for households by limiting the amount the billpayer can be charged per unit of gas or electricity, so the exact bill amount will continue to be influenced by how much energy is used.

The scheme will also ensure a typical household pays an average £2,500 a year for their energy, and save a household £1,400 a year on average usage.

While the Energy Bill Relief Scheme will discount wholesale gas and electricity prices for all businesses, charities, schools and hospitals, which face excessively high energy bills over the winter period.

I also welcome the reversal of the National Insurance health and care levy and cut in the basic rate of income tax which will put more money into the pockets of everyone in work.

I do believe that simplifying our tax system and removing the higher rate tax band is the right thing to do, however I want to make clear that it has got to be at the right time when our economy is growing, and public finances are in a better position.

I do believe that now is the completely wrong time when so many households are going to be facing huge financial pressures in the coming months to pay their bills. As households up and down the country face increasing bills, this is the wrong time to be cutting taxes for the wealthiest.

The fact the Government has decided to scrap this plan shows that MPs have represented their constituents and because of this the Government has changed tact. I have done my job as MP, representing constituents’ concerns, and am pleased to have been able to persuade the Government to change their policy.

I understand that some people will be frustrated by the recent events and now look forward to working with my colleagues in Westminster to gain back the public’s trust and show that we remain the best people to be able to run this country, especially in the coming months ahead.

As always, my office is available for any constituents needing help, advice or guidance. Please do get in touch if I can help – tel. 01726 829379, email – office@stevedouble.org.uk

ENDS

 

Newspaper column 28 September 2022 - The Growth Plan

 

Last week the Chancellor set out his mini budget, which I was pleased to see will give people more money in their pockets at this difficult time and allow our economy the room it needs to recover.

The Growth Plan will tackle energy costs to bring down inflation, back business and help households through a range of measures, which include cutting average household energy bills by £1,400 this year.

We are living in extraordinary times and it is clear that the cost of living increases that we have seen, brought about by Putin’s illegal war on Ukraine, require an unprecedented response from the Government.

I am glad to see the new Chancellor taking swift action to address the areas of concern around the cost of living that myself and other MPs have raised, and I will continue to do all I can to ensure the Government hears the voice of Mid-Cornwall to ensure no one struggles through the winter months.

As part of the Chancellor’s Growth Plan, there was further good news for the constituency as a number of potential Investment Zones were announced, including Cornwall Airport Newquay. Investment Zones will play a crucial role in driving growth across the UK by lowering taxes and liberalising planning frameworks to encourage rapid development and business investment.

Cornwall Airport Newquay is a vital and growing part of Cornwall’s infrastructure. The announcement from the Chancellor confirms the potential the Government sees in the airport and I am pleased to see the Conservative Administration at Cornwall Council working with the Government to realise this.

This very welcome development will build on the existing enterprise zone status of the airport and provide prospective businesses looking to invest in the area incentives to do so.

Cornwall Airport Newquay joins a number of other sites in Cornwall that could benefit from this status including lower taxes – businesses in designated sites will benefit from time-limited tax benefits, and accelerated development.

However, this announcement is not only fantastic news for the airport, but the wider constituency. I am currently working with the Government and Cornwall Council to look to extend the Investment Zone to ensure it includes other opportunities in Mid-Cornwall, such as lithium extraction. It is exciting to see the progress being made towards full-scale, sustainable lithium production right here in the constituency and the potential to create a much greener future for us all.

Businesses in designated areas in investment zones will benefit from 100% business rates relief on newly occupied and expanded premises. Local authorities hosting Investment Zones will receive 100% of the business rates growth above an agreed baseline in designated sites for 25 years.

In addition, businesses will receive full stamp duty land tax relief on land bought for commercial and a zero rate for Employer National Insurance contributions on new employee earnings up to £50,270 per year.

I look forward to seeing more details on these exciting proposals and working with all concerned to help continue the growth of Cornwall Airport Newquay and potentially the wider area.

As ever, my office is available for any constituents needing help, advice or guidance. Please do get in touch if I can help – tel. 01726 829379, email – office@stevedouble.org.uk

ENDS

 

Newspaper column 22 September 2022 - Looking back on a momentous week

In the week since the death of Her Late Majesty, I have been honoured to perform duties on behalf of my constituents, in Westminster and in Truro & Falmouth, to both commemorate the late Queen and to welcome our new sovereign, King Charles III.

Last Friday lunchtime, I laid flowers on the green at Truro Cathedral, alongside Cornwall Council’s Chair, Pauline Giles and its Leader, Linda Taylor. In the evening I returned to attend a very moving Evensong and to sign the Book of Condolence. 

On Sunday, I returned again, to attend the proclamation of the new King.  This is an ancient ceremony and wonderful to be a part of.  In an age of 24-hour news and social media, the proclamation felt like a window onto times gone by, where county towns and villages would have heard the news for the first time at the proclamation, as well as confirmed their loyalty to the new monarch, by shouting “God Save the King!”.  Truro’s proclamation was read first in English, then in Cornish.

Straight after the Truro proclamation I was back to Westminster.  On Monday morning in Westminster Hall Members from the House of Lords and the Commons welcomed the new King and Queen Consort.  Addresses were read by Speakers of both Houses and a reply made by the King.  Westminster Hall is a building that has captured my imagination since I first visited it as a teenager.  The silence of this ancient hall, broken only boots of the King’s Guard or buglers was incredibly atmospheric.  We then had the honour of being the first audience to sign the National Anthem in the King’s presence and he appeared genuinely moved.

On Tuesday I stole a couple of hours and walked through St James’ Park towards Buckingham Palace and on to the garden of flowers in Green Park.  I was able to smell the fragrance from the tributes before I could see them.  Reading cards and tributes from young and old and from all over the UK and the world was quite something.  My faith in the goodness and kindness of people was reinforced by this experience.  Away from the usual divisions that I sometimes face as part of this role, this, I felt, was a truer representation of the hearts of people.

On Wednesday I was able to sign a book of condolence on behalf of my constituents in the House of Commons Library.  As well as sending our heartfelt condolences I welcomed Their Majesties.  I also expressed our gratitude for their hard work over many years as our Duke and Duchess.  As many of you will have seen, Wednesday was also the day Westminster Hall received Her Late Majesty to lie in state.  I was honoured to be the first Member of Parliament to enter the hall, once allowed, to pay the respects of my constituents to the Queen.  Many constituents are unable to make the journey to London and it was a genuine privilege to be able to convey their respects.  The gloriously bright and vivid purple, red and gold is a sight that will stay with me forever.

Back in Cornwall I have signed the book of condolence in Falmouth and there are further services to attend ahead of Her Late Majesty’s funeral, which is a National Day of Mourning. Since the Queen’s Death the Palace of Westminster has been in formal mourning and we are unable to conduct any meetings or business.  The House is expected to resume its business on Wednesday 21^st September.

However, we are still on hand here in the constituency to answer any queries that you may have please get in touch with me by email at Cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk , or by telephone on 01872 229698. My regular constituency advice surgeries are held in a covid-safe environment at my office, so please do get in touch should you wish to meet me about any matters that I can be of assistance with.

Newspaper column 14 September 2022 - The Queen

Last week was a historic and significant week in so many ways, some of which I may write more about in the coming weeks.

But there is of course only one subject to write about this week - the sad death of our Queen Elizabeth II.

Much has been said about the length of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign and how she was a reassuring constant for our country and the Commonwealth throughout her seventy years on the throne. Parliament sat over the weekend to allow MPs to give tribute, where we spoke about her sense of duty, her wisdom, her kindness, her sense of humour and about how she touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of constituents during her lifetime of devoted service to her country. As well as showing all of these qualities, the Queen was also seen around the world as a talented and diplomatic Head of State, navigating the waters of international diplomacy with great tact and skill over the years, which were reflected in the tributes paid by rulers from around the globe. But above all of these things, Elizabeth II was a mother, grandmother and great grandmother, and we must also all pass on our sympathies to the Royal Family for their loss, at this most difficult of times.

Personally, I was incredibly honoured to see the Queen on several occasions, both at Buckingham Palace during a Garden Party, and at the State Opening of Parliament, both formal occasions in Royal Palaces. However the meeting I will remember the most, was the time the Queen came to Cornwall, for what turned out to be her last visit to the Duchy. This was on the occasion of the G7 Leaders Summit, and the Queen joined the heads of state from the G7 countries at an event at the Eden Project. In order to get there, she came down on the Royal Train and alighted at St Austell station, where I was honoured to be in the civic line up to meet her. This was, in my memory, the only time that as well as the Queen visiting, we also had the then Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, Charles and Camilla, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Katherine. Three generations of the Royal Family in St Austell at the same time. It was very clear at her visit, that this lady, while diminutive in stature and in her mid-nineties, was very much a commanding presence, who lit up the whole room and commanded our absolute respect. It is not protocol to share conversations you have with the Queen, but I will treasure them always.

We have seen further historic events this week. Over the weekend I was present at the reading of the Proclamation of Accession to the throne of our new King, Charles III, on the steps of Truro Cathedral by the High Sheriff of Cornwall. This is part of an ancient tradition, that predates the availability of mass media, so the first the general public would know of having a new monarch was when the proclamation was read out.

Then on Monday, the King and Queen Consort visited Parliament and we welcomed them to Westminster Hall, where he addressed both the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The King promised to uphold the constitution and thanked the Houses for their tributes to the Queen.

I wish King Charles III a long and prosperous reign, as well and also look forward to seeing the new Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, William and Katherine, in their new roles. Long Live the King!

 

Newspaper column 7 September 2022 - First week back

 

This past Monday saw Parliament return after the Summer Recess. It has been great spending some time with my family over the past few weeks, but also as always has been a good opportunity to get out and about and meet with people and businesses across Mid-Cornwall. Thank you to everyone who took the time to welcome me over the summer.

Monday also saw the conclusion of the leadership election with Liz Truss confirmed as the new Leader of the Conservative Party, who then also becomes Prime Minister, with this appointment taking place on Tuesday.

There were two very strong candidates for our next PM and I wish Liz Truss the very best in her new role.

While the Leadership competition has been taking place over the summer I was very clear to both candidates that top of their agenda needed to be looking at what more can be done to help families and businesses with the cost of living crisis. The increase of the costs of living, caused by Putin’s war in Ukraine, continues to be an issue I am regularly contacted about. While the Government has already put a wide number of measures in place to help, it is clear that this is a unique and rapidly evolving situation, and that the new Prime Minister will need to do more as we head into what will be difficult winter months.

As we come to the end of another summer season, I am also keen to hear feedback from residents and businesses about how it has been this year, particularly compared to the exceptional circumstances of the previous two years,

In particular we are having issues with providing affordable housing for local people in Cornwall, something which has been made worse by the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

Another contributing factor to this has been the continuing rise of short-term holiday accommodation, particularly at the detriment of full time accommodation.

The Government has launched a new review to help understand the impact short-term holiday lets are having on housing in communities in tourism hotspots.

This comes following the rise in use of rental booking websites and apps, with a large increase in the number of properties listed on platforms such as Airbnb in recent years, especially in high tourist areas like Cornwall.

I am pleased to see the Government has listened to concerns and is taking positive action to ensure short-term holiday accommodation plays a positive role in Cornwall in the future.

This is not a ban on short-term holiday lets, as we understand the important part they play in supporting our local economy. This review will give us a better understanding of how we can best support local communities in those holiday hotspots, and also the tourism industry, to ensure that they can both work together.

I have launched a survey on my website www.stevedouble.org.uk to allow you to give me both your experiences of the recent summer season, and on short term holiday let accommodation.

This will help me gather views and information on peoples experiences of the summer season this year, as well as the benefits and challenges related to short-term lets.

I will then ensure your views are heard as part of my response to the Government, so they can decide what further action to take.

As ever, of I can be of any further assistance, my office is available for any constituents needing help, advice or guidance – tel. 01726 829379, email – office@stevedouble.org.uk

Newspaper column 31 August 2022

I know the announcement last week of the increase in the energy price will be a cause of great concern for many households and businesses across mid-Cornwall. The ongoing impact of the pandemic and invasion of Ukraine continues to have a devastating effect on our economy.

The government has already announced a substantial package of support but it is clear that these latest prices mean that more needs to be done. I think most people appreciate that new policies, especially those that involve spending large amounts of public money are not allowed to be announced before a new Prime Minister and government are in place.

However, whoever wins the election to be the new Prime Minister, I will be making the case as soon as they are in office for further support to be announced and put in place as a matter of urgency.

We have now come to the end of another peak tourism season here in Cornwall. Schools are getting ready to go back and next week Parliament will return from summer recess. There is plenty to get to work on in the coming weeks ahead and I am looking forward to getting back to Westminster and representing our constituency in Parliament as your MP after spending the summer at home here in Mid-Cornwall.

The Duchy remains one of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK and across Europe. I have particularly noticed many more European visitors this summer. Whilst this summer has clearly not been quite as noticeably busy as the last couple of years, we have still seen large numbers of tourists coming to enjoy all Cornwall has to offer, many who do return year after year, and I can understand why people love coming to visit our beautiful county.

Yes, we can all agree that there are some negative impacts for residents created by the number of tourists who visit the county. The roads get busy, shops can be crowded and maybe the places we locals like to visit can become overcrowded. This is nothing new, we have always been faced with these challenges as part and parcel of people wanting to visit Cornwall.

However, I know people are also concerned about the impact the number of second homes, holiday lets and Air bnbs popping up in communities across Cornwall has, along with the pressure tourists can place on our local NHS and other services.  This is an issue that the Government is addressing and is currently reviewing the effect of short-term holiday lets in popular tourism destinations, like Cornwall. The evidence will be used to look at the ways it can protect those communities and the tourism industry to ensure they can both work together.  

Another area that we are addressing is the impact of second homes. To tackle this, the Government is giving new powers to local authorities, like Cornwall Council, to be able to double council tax on unused second homes to boost funding for local services. This is something I have long campaigned for, both during my time as MP for St Austell and Newquay and also when I was a Cornwall Councillor.

I was also pleased to receive a letter last week from the Health Minister that recognised the challenges Cornwall is facing with our health services including waiting times for ambulances, delays in discharging people from hospital and the difficulty in recruiting staff. Whilst there are no quick and easy solutions, it was reassuring to know that the minister understands the unique combination of issues we face and the steps that are being put in place to help.  

However, I think it is important, despite all the challenges tourism can bring, that we recognise just how important it is to jobs and the economy in Cornwall. I have always been a strong supporter of the tourism industry, serving as Chair of the influential Hospitality and Tourism All Party Parliamentary Group for six years, and have seen its importance to the Cornish economy. In fact, our constituency of St Austell and Newquay depends on the tourism and hospitality sector more than any other single constituency in the country.

The sector plays a huge part in the lives of so many people in Mid-Cornwall. One in three households in Cornwall relies on tourism for at least part of their income as well as supporting hundreds of businesses in the wider supply chain from food and drink producers and tradesmen to retailers and service businesses like cleaners. We need to remember the value of tourism, and that overall, the positives do outweigh the negatives for Cornwall and its residents.

It’s also important that we continue to support our local hospitality and tourism businesses in Mid-Cornwall throughout the year to ensure they can continue to thrive outside of the summer months.

During summer recess, I have visited and met with businesses in the constituency, and listened to some of the challenges the business is facing as we recover from the impact of the pandemic as well as the rising cost of energy and other business costs, recruiting and retaining staff and the availability of affordable premises.

These conversations with local businesses and residents will help me in my discussions with the new Prime Minister and Ministers when they are in place next month to ensure we do all we can to support local businesses throughout the year.

I am proud to represent and serve a constituency that so many people want to come and visit for their holidays and will always be a vocal champion for our tourism sector and the businesses it supports.

As ever, of I can be of any further assistance, my office is available for any constituents needing help, advice or guidance – tel. 01726 829379, email – office@stevedouble.org.uk