MPFree

Michael Foster’s Parliamentary Bulletin

August 2009

I always find living on the Coast really comes into its own in the Summer time and the last month has served as a reminder of how lucky we all are to live here. Like many of you I have had the opportunity to take a few days off and have enjoyed seeing the family and taking the grand kids out.

However, as I emphasised in my last MPFree, the Parliamentary recess doesn’t mean MPs stop working and jet off on holiday so time to get on with this month’s round up:

Tory plans to bring back Fox Hunting

A couple of weeks ago it emerged plans to reintroduce hunting foxes, stags and other animals have been drawn up with the backing of senior Conservatives.

The plans, drawn up by the Countryside Alliance, are being supported by influential Tories including William Hague MP (shadow Foreign Secretary) and Edward Garnier (shadow Justice Minister). The Conservatives have previously suggested that if they took power they would offer a fresh vote on the ban and this new plan appears to be a blueprint for the reintroduction of hunting with dogs across the British countryside.

The Tories have repeatedly tried to re-brand themselves as progressive, yet they keep pushing for the re-introduction of this barbaric bloodsport. Indeed, local Tory parliamentary candidate Amber Rudd has been clear in her support for hunting and a repeal of the ban. I worked to get it banned in the first place and the thought of fox hunting being reintroduced horrifies me.

You can see the full story online by clicking HERE.

Out and about in the countryside

The summer recess has given me more time away from Westminster and has given me more time to spend in the constituency. During August I held a series of public meetings in the rural area: surgeries have been held in Rye Harbour, Iden, Pett, Udimore, Brede, Camber and Westfield.

I am pleased to say the meeting were well attended and everyone was welcome to ask questions, raise issues or simply enjoy a cup of tea and a chat. From broad policy issues to specific matters relating to healthcare and court issues local residents expressed their views. We had a fantastic turnout and I have had the chance to meet a whole range of people who maybe wouldn’t come to my office in St Leonards.

Having surgeries like this where people can come to me to ask for help or quiz me on any aspect of my work is an important part of how I can respond to my constituents’ aspirations. These meeting have been great and I hope I helped some people but if anyone couldn’t make it I can always be contacted at my office on Bohemia Road.

Victory for Swimmers

Freedom Leisure, who operate the Summerfields swimming pool, confirmed that the small pool, which had been closed to swimmers until 8.30am will now once again be opened from when the centre opens at 6.15am. 

The management had introduced new opening hours for the small pool, which is mainly used by older and disabled swimmers in the morning, claiming it could not be open until 8.30am due to insufficient staff. I contacted them to remind them that under the Disability Discrimination Act they were obliged to make reasonable adjustments to provide for those with disability and happily they have now agreed.

I think ensuring fair access for everyone is a very important issue and I am delighted local swimmers can now use the pool again.

New business rate support begins

As of 31^st July businesses all over England can apply to their local council to defer part of their 2009-10 business rates bills thanks to a new government scheme. I feel this is another sign of the Government’s willingness to invest to help businesses through the global downturn.

Special provisions mean:

·        all business ratepayers can apply to their local council to put off 3 per cent of their whole year's 2009/2010 business rates bill

·        those who accrued a rise in their bill because transitional relief has come to an end can now defer 60 per cent of the increase

Hastings and Rother Councils are now sending out a simple one page application form with details of how to apply for this scheme and small business rate relief to every ratepayer. I would urge you apply as soon as possible to make sure you get the most out of the scheme.

The business rates deferral scheme will provide real help now to businesses facing financial pressures in the current climate. This is on top of other help for business from Government, including free business health checks, skills training, and help for almost 100,000 large businesses to defer over £1.7bn in other taxes.

Up to £100,000 to help small retailers protect against crime

A new grants programme will help small businesses in Hastings protect themselves against crime.

The town is in line for up to £100k of funding as part of the new Retail Crime Action Plan (RCAP), which has been drawn up in partnership with the retail industry to help small businesses prevent crime.

The money will provide grants of up to £3000 per individual business in 50 key areas, and can be used to buy security devices such as alarms, UV markers, and security grills. Groups of businesses in a certain area, such as a parade of shops, can also team up to bid for bigger grants of up to £50K. These can be used to improve a neighbourhood with landscaping or additional lighting.

Small businesses play a vital role in our communities and I am determined to ensure that small businesses are not taken advantage of during these hard economic times.
 

You can apply online: www.grantsadmin.co.uk/smallretailerscapitalfund or Call 0845 223 5454 – an application form and guidance can be sent out

The action plan also includes a new online questionnaire, which allows businesses to assess how secure they are. The tool, developed by crime prevention experts, also provides advice on simple things you can do to improve the security of your business, and who you can contact for more help. It can be accessed at: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/secureyourbusiness/