Welcome to the latest newsletter which has arrived a little late!
I had the honour of attending the Remembrance Service in Nantwich last weekend, laying a wreath on behalf of our community. The turnout was fantastic, thank you to all who helped organise it. A special thanks to Councillor James Pratt for representing me in laying a wreath in Crewe.
Fantastic news that the government is investing £8.3 billion to fix and resurface over 5,000 miles of roads across the country. Right here in Cheshire East, we're getting £110 million for our roads – the most significant funding boost for road repairs ever. It's great to see improvements in our local transport network alongside other projects.
It is also positive news that inflation has dropped to 4.6%, meeting the government's target of cutting it in half. This is good progress in easing the financial strain many of us have felt. While challenges persist, this is a welcomed step towards recovery.
The government has signed a trade agreement with Florida, making it easier and cheaper for businesses in the UK and Florida to work together. These deals with various U.S. states open up new opportunities for our businesses, and it's great to see these possibilities unfold post-Brexit.
As winter approaches, it's essential to keep our homes warm. I understand concerns about rising energy costs, so I want to highlight the Home Energy Advice Team (HEAT), who are offering tips on saving energy and keeping your home warm. Thanks to Councillor James Pratt for bringing these resources to my attention.
Find out more here:
https://www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/help-with-staying-warm-this-winter-home-energy-advice-team/
Finally, I want to spotlight the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023. This new law ensures that tips go directly to the hardworking staff in the hospitality industry. It's a positive move that puts over £200 million a year back into the pockets of those who deserve it.
Have a great weekend.
Remembrance Day
£110 Million for Local Roads
Inflation Halved
UK - Florida Trade Agreement
Help With Energy Costs and Keeping Homes Warm
Private Members Bills - Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023
Traffic Report
Remembrance Day
It was an honour to be able to attend the Remembrance Service in Nantwich this year and lay a wreath on behalf of my constituents. As you can see from this fantastic picture, it was very well attended. Thank you to all those that organised it, and thank you also to Councillor James Pratt for laying a wreath on my behalf in Crewe.
£110 Million for Local Roads
The Government has announced £8.3 Billion to repair and resurface over 5,000 miles of road across the country - including £110 million for roads right here in Cheshire East.
This represents the biggest ever uplift in funding for road repairs and maintenance.
Obviously, I supported HS2, but at least we are getting other improvements, such as this, to our local transport network.
Inflation Halved
It is great news that inflation has dropped to 4.6%, meaning that the Government has met their target, set earlier this year, of halving inflation.
High inflation has been a global issue, arising from the pandemic and Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. This has been, effectively, a tax on people's pockets - raising the cost of everything from filling up your car to the weekly food shop. That is why getting inflation down has been a priority and meant we had to take difficult decisions around public sector pay and taxes.
I understand that the situation for many families remains difficult, and there is still more we need to do to, but this news is a welcomed step on our road to recovery.
UK - Florida Trade Agreement
Fantastic news that the Government has signed a new agreement with Florida that will boost trade and investment.
This week, the Trade Secretary signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Governor of Florida which will make it easier, faster and cheaper for businesses in the UK and Florida to do business with each other.
This is the latest such agreement we now have with US states, having already signed others with Indiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Utah and Washington. These agreements together give us access to a market with a GDP of over $3.3 Trillion - just under that of Germany. We are also in the process of signing other such agreements with states such as Texas, California, Colorado, and Illinois.
These agreements are now only possible since leaving the EU - giving UK business new opportunities in markets from across the world.
Help With Energy Cost and Keeping Homes Warm
As we approach winter, and temperatures drop, it is important that we ensure that our homes are kept warm. I do understand that many people and families are also concerned about the price of energy and the effect that this might have over the next few months.
The Home Energy Advice Team (HEAT), an independent energy advice and advocacy service, has brought together some advice and tips on how to reduce your energy bills and keep your home warmer for longer.
Thank you to Councillor James Pratt for bringing these resources to my attention.
Find out more here:
https://www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/help-with-staying-warm-this-winter-home-energy-advice-team/
Private Members Bills: Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act
The Private Members Bill I will highlight this week is the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 - brought in by Ynys Môn MP Virginia Crosbie.
We rightly reward hospitality staff with well earned tips. Previously, however, these would not necessarily go directly to staff and instead, there was nothing to stop businesses holding back service charges. This act made this practice unlawful and ensures that all tips go directly to workers - putting over £200 million a year back into the pockets of hardworking staff.
Traffic Report
The following are road closures for the week ahead as reported by Cheshire east.
Flowers Lane – Until 24th Nov (see Leighton closures)
Mill Lane, Oakhanger - Until 15th July 2024
Radway Green Road - Until 25th November
Shavington Bypass - Until 18th November
Main Road, Wybunbury - 21st until 24th November
Station Road, Nantwich - 19th 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