ALTHOUGH the nights are drawing out, winter weather is still with us and the storms sweeping across the country continue to leave our region prone to flooding.
We have seen successful flood defence schemes built in Upton-upon-Severn, Pershore, Uckinghall, Kempsey and Powick and I’ve spent a lot of time in recent months pressing for work to continue to deliver scheme in Tenbury Wells and Severn Stoke.
West Worcestershire’s towns were used to featuring in the news headlines as flooding struck but with successful flood schemes in place, that attention has been elsewhere.
Sadly the collapse of a wall in Tenbury Wells brought the national media back to the area and I’ve been pressing Worcestershire County Council and the Environment Agency to work together to get the wall rebuilt quickly.
I met with the Environment Agency chief executive to get his updates on the projects still at the planning stage and we all remain hopeful that Severn Stoke will get its permanent new flood bund this year.
Tenbury’s scheme is proving more challenging, with a huge funding gap evident but all parties are working together to try and make progress.
Many local people have reached out to me to share their concerns about the actions the Chancellor took to damage growth, including the hike in business rates, the cancelling of the Winter Fuel Allowance for many pensioners and the Family Farm Tax which may signal the end of many local farming businesses.
‘Rachel’s Recession’ is looking more likely by the day and businesses tell me that incoming employment regulations have undermined their confidence with many reporting that they will reduce jobs and investment.
Being a member of the Treasury Select Committee means that I can ask difficult questions of those responsible for running the economy. The Chancellor and the Governor of the Bank of England have both had to give evidence recently.
We have been hearing evidence on the acceptance of cash and I continue to advocate for in-person banking facilities for my constituents in towns like Pershore and Tenbury that have seen their bank branches disappear in recent years.
Many of you have contacted me about the Terminally Ill Adults Bill.
It’s a complex and contentious debate and the Bill is now being closely scrutinised by a small committee before coming back to the main chamber for more votes.
The Malvern Hills Bill is also in Parliament and 48 local petitions have been lodged.
I continue to work hard delivering on local people’s priorities and scrutinising the Government on its decisions both in the Commons and on the Treasury Select Committee.
As ever I am on hand to help my constituents and if you need my support, please contact my office by emailing [email protected].
Dame Harriett Baldwin MP for West Worcestershire
