Domestically, the big event has been the Chancellor’s budget. Whilst I am pleased about the large investment in our NHS and increase in Carer’s Allowance, there are some areas of real concern.
The government's decision to raise employer National Insurance contributions is a significant blow to businesses already grappling with challenging economic conditions.
Our vibrant tourism and hospitality sectors underpin Torbay’s economy. The National Insurance hike threatens to stifle growth and could have a devastating impact on local businesses. From our beloved restaurants, bars, and hotels to popular attractions like Splashdown and Paignton Zoo, these establishments are already facing immense pressure.
I made it my business to speak with 15 or so businesses across the Bay after the Budget to understand the impact of this new Labour budget, and I have voiced these concerns in Parliament and directly to the Chancellor, emphasising the urgent need for support for our local economy.
I am also worried about what the National Insurance increase will mean for our GP surgeries and care providers. These essential services are already stretched thin, and any additional financial burden could force them to cut back on vital services. This would be a devastating blow to our community and would further strain our already overburdened
healthcare system. I have called for these crucial health and social care providers to be exempt from the National Insurance hikes and have repeatedly urged the Chancellor to reconsider this decision.
The aforementioned additional NHS funding is welcome, but it must be used effectively to deliver tangible improvements in local healthcare services, including increased access to GP and NHS dentist appointments. And it absolutely must result in the release of previously pledged funds for the badly needed upgrades for Torbay Hospital.
Additionally, the rise in the bus fare cap and cuts to the Winter Fuel Allowance will disproportionately affect those already struggling with the cost of living crisis. These measures will hit the most vulnerable members of our community the hardest, forcing them to make difficult choices between heating their homes and putting food on the table.
Locally, I have secured a significant win in respect to opt-out options for those auto-enrolled onto South West Water’s Seasonal Tariff trial.
In early autumn, South West Water (SWW) launched a water price trial, which will see participants charged more for their water in the summer but less in the winter.
Households and businesses across Devon and Cornwall were among 3,500 customers selected by South West Water for the seasonal tariff, including many in Torbay.
Several constituents have written to me expressing concern after, to their surprise, finding themselves auto-enrolled on the tariff.
The lack of notice given to affected residents and the apparent inability for many to opt-out of the tariff had been of great concern.
However, it has been confirmed to me that people who wanted to opt-out of the Seasonal Tariff Trial for their water use have successfully done so.
This follows a clarification I received directly from the CEO of SWW after my one-to-one meeting with them in Westminster.
I'm committed to preventing similar situations. I'll be writing to ministers, urging them to ensure this doesn't happen to other residents elsewhere.
On the subject of water, I am hugely concerned at the government’s announcement that it is to scrap the £50 rebate on water bills for SWW customers. This is not right, and I will be calling on the government to change course.
Internationally, the big news has been that the recent US election results have raised significant concerns on the international stage. The election of Donald Trump, with his track record of disregarding the rule of law, human rights, and global security, is deeply worrying. His potential policies, such as tariffs on imported goods, could exacerbate the cost of living crisis here.
I have also expressed my concerns about the future of Ukraine under a Trump administration. I have written to the Defence Secretary, urging the UK government to work closely with the outgoing Biden administration to maximise support for Ukraine and ensure a coordinated approach with allies and NATO partners to counter Russian aggression.
