Welcome to this week's newsletter.
Cheshire East's proposed increase in parking fees has sparked concerns about the impact it will have on the area. This move could discourage locals and visitors to utilise our town centres and services. You can voice your opinion before the consultation deadline on 1st November by emailing your views to carparksreview2023@cheshireeast.gov.uk.
The Government has extended the £2 bus fare cap until 2024, providing relief for those who use public transport. This includes many local routes, which is excellent news for those relying on buses.
Small Business Saturday is on 2nd December, providing a great opportunity to support local entrepreneurs. If you're a small business owner looking to expand your reach, don't miss the chance to participate. Get in touch with us for more information on how to showcase your business in my newsletter.
Transparency in sex education curricula is paramount. The Government has announced new guidance for schools that will ensure parents have access to comprehensive information about what their child is being taught about sex and relationships.
The Government has enhanced support for heat pump installations, which can help you shift to a more eco-friendly and cost-effective option. I know this is not going to be a good option for every home, but for those who may benefit, this is a great scheme to take advantage of.
Finally, do you have a pressing concern? I'm here to help. Get in touch to schedule an appointment for my upcoming surgery in Crewe on Monday, 13th November.
Have a great weekend.
Parking Charges - Have Your Say
£2 Bus Fare Cap Extended
Small Business Saturday
Sex Education in School
Heat Pump Grants
Surgery
Traffic Report
Parking Charges - Have Your Say
Cheshire East is planning to increase the cost of parking across 17 of the 21 Council Car Parks in our area.
This is another move taken by Cheshire East that will damage our town centres and local businesses. This will just discourage locals and visitors from using our shops and services, many of which have already had a tough time following the pandemic.
In other local areas, like Sandbach, Cheshire East is proposing to start charging at all their free car parks. This is also happening at three locations in Crewe. This will cut off our neighbouring communities, as it will be more expensive to visit these areas.
I think the Council should be introducing more free parking in central car parks in our towns, particularly around the shopping areas. This will help encourage footfall, giving local businesses a much-needed boost.
Cheshire East is running a consultation on these proposed changes until 1st November. Make sure you have your say by emailing your views to carparksreview2023@cheshireeast.gov.uk.
Find out more details on these proposals via the link here: https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/car-parks-and-parking/reviews_and_consultations/reviews_and_consultations.aspx
£2 Bus Fare Cap Extended
The Government has announced that the £2 cap on fares has been extended. It was due to rise to £2.50 but will now remain at £2 until 31st December 2024 - helping people save money on their journeys.
This is valid on many local routes, such as the No. 12 to Leighton Hospital, No.37 to Macclesfield and No.71, 72 &73 from Nantwich to Wrenbury and Audlem.
Find out more, including the full list of valid routes, via the link here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/2-bus-fare-cap.
Small Business Saturday
Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy and communities.
Saturday 2nd December is Small Business Saturday, which is a great opportunity for local businesses to grow their exposure through social media. I am interested in promoting local small businesses on social media and via my newsletter in the lead-up.
If you have a small business and would like to take part, please get in touch by emailing details of your business to kieran.mullan.mp@parliament.uk
Sex Education in School
Parents have a right to know what schools teach their children as part of their Sex and Relationship Education curriculum. I know that many parents have expressed concern about a lack of transparency on what their child is being taught.
That is why this week, the Education Secretary has written to all schools in England, saying that they should make all of the material available to parents and that copyright laws are not a barrier to them doing this - giving them greater confidence and transparency.
Heat Pump Grants
Last month, the Prime Minister announced that the Government would take a more pragmatic approach to reaching net zero by 2050, ensuring that families are not unfairly hit.
As part of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, eligible households will be offered up to £7,500 for installing new heat pumps - an increase of 50% on the support available. This makes it one of the most generous such schemes in Europe and can lower the cost of heat pumps than equivalent gas boilers.
I understand that this might not be the best option for all households, but for those who are, this is a great scheme to take advantage of.
You can check your eligibility and find out more via the link: https://www.gov.uk/apply-boiler-upgrade-scheme
Surgery
Do you have an issue that I could help you with? I shall be holding my next surgery in Crewe on Monday 13th November between 5pm and 7pm. If you would like an appointment, please give my office a ring on 01270583432 or email kieran.mullan.mp@parliament.uk.
Traffic Report
The following are road closures for the week ahead as reported by Cheshire east.
Annions Lane - Until 20th November
Flowers Lane – Until 26th Nov (see Leighton closures)
Smithy Lane – Until 1st Nov (see Leighton closures)
Electricity Street, Crewe - 25th October until 13th November
Manor Way, Crewe - Until 17th November
Shrewbridge Road, Nantwich - 1st November until 2nd November
For further details of the closures around Leighton hospital, please see: https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/highways_and_roads/roadworks/major-projects/north-west-crewe-package-nwcp/north-west-crewe-package.aspx