14 April 2010: New Holiday Tax Scrapped

“I am delighted that Conservatives have managed to halt such a damaging tax hike on an industry that employs so many people in North Devon. But if Gordon Brown clings on to power, he will re-introduce his job-destroying holiday tax. The choice at the election could not be clearer – five more years of Gordon Brown’s tired government making things worse, or real change with the Conservatives.”

8 April 2010: Philip Launches his General Election Campaign

“It will be a great honour and a privilege to represent my home constituency.  I was born here, State-schooled here (as are my children) and have built my businesses here, creating jobs.  I shall relish the potential of converting that passion into better opportunities for all of us in North Devon and after too many years in the wilderness, of being a voice of influence within the next Conservative Government”.

5 April 2010: Borough Farm

“With an agricultural background myself, I can see how valuable this diversification has been, not only to make the farm venture pay its way but as a wonderful tourism opportunity to attract and keep visitors to North Devon and also the most important out-of-season.  I hope to have a chance to help enhance and promote better the fantastic tourism potential for our area by becoming the Member of Parliament.”

5 April 2010: Oliver Letwin MP visits Ilfracombe

“It was great to be able to bring Oliver to Ilfracombe and to speak to him about North Devon’s needs.  There was a general sense that Ilfracombe and North Devon had been overlooked during two decades with a Liberal Democrat MP and that it was time for a change.”

1 April 2010: Philip visits Ilfracombe's Sure Start Children's Centre

“The Sure Start initiative is an excellent one and places like Ilfracombe have so much to gain from the tremendous facilities provided.  The staff and volunteers are so friendly yet evidently very efficient, the surroundings so welcoming and I encourage all parents to make sure they know what the Centre provides and become involved.  I endorse the Centre to all parents of young children.”

“I hope that Tiverton Parkway could be included as a stop on this service, to ensure that commuters from North Devon who use that facility have more choice than at present.” 

“This is yet more evidence that Labour are letting down some of the most vulnerable in our society. We can’t go on like this; Gordon Brown has destroyed our pensions system and failed to tackle fuel poverty. Conservatives will stand up for Britain’s pensioners and increase the value of the state pension for all by re linking the state pension to earnings. Our plans to give every household an entitlement to £6,500 worth of energy efficiency improvements will help pensioners struggling with their fuel bills.”

“I was appalled to find a vole inside one of these discarded bottles, which appears to have drowned after becoming stuck inside. This only highlights what can happen when litter is not properly disposed of, and is wholly avoidable. We all have a responsibility to dispose of our rubbish in the correct manner – whether through recycling, in designated litter bins or taken home and disposed of through our household rubbish collections. I would urge everyone to think before they just drop their litter, and instead make the small, extra effort to dispose of it in the correct manner. “

“Labour have launched endless initiatives and top-down schemes which have made little difference. Their broken promises have undermined people’s trust. We can’t go on with the police filling in forms instead of fighting crime. Our hard-working local police officers deserve the highest praise. But many people across North Devon are hugely frustrated with our criminal justice system. They feel that it’s just not on their side anymore. These major Conservative proposals will help put the law back on the side of local people in North Devon and give our police the full support they so richly deserve.”

“This is a wonderful way of people coming together to say thank you to our brave servicemen and women for all they are doing and showing that we respect the sacrifices that they make on our behalf. I am proud to be part of a Conservative Party which has taken a lead in showing how much we appreciate our armed forces and their valuable contribution in making our world a better place” 

“To move out of recession, local firms in North Devon need a strong helping hand to help create new jobs and expand their business. Conservatives will remove the obstacles in the way of new firms and stop the taxman kicking local firms when they’re down. But the message from Labour Ministers is ‘don’t start a business, don’t buy your home, don’t try and leave money to your children, don’t try and get on’.  They’ve made it so difficult to employ people, so difficult to start a business.  We can’t go on like this, and it’s time for change.”

“This is another Labour assault on the fabric of British community life. Having effectively shut down post offices and local pubs across North Devon, Labour’s Whitehall bureaucrats now have our village halls, scout huts, charity shops and churches in their sights. This is a heartless tax on community buildings and charities. The Government should think again and don’t stop the music.”

“Whilst the crime itself is merely the current manifestation of a form of fraud which dates back over five hundred years it is something that can easily affect everyone.  I was amazed that in his final years my own father, when failing in health, suddenly seemed to think that such claims could be for real and was prepared to part with previously hard earned cash in order to gain fictitious prizes.” 

“I wanted to express my deep appreciation for all the generous comments and help which so many people have offered to me.  I have been overwhelmed by the kindness of the people of North Devon and indeed further afield and come the time, it has reminded me of what a great honour it would be to represent my Constituency as the next Member of Parliament for North Devon, should the electorate so decide.  I shall have an even bigger debt of gratitude which I shall look forward to repaying with hard endeavour and hard work.”  

“Labour Ministers in Whitehall have ignored and marginalised our coastal towns like Ilfracombe. This must change. This action plan shows how Conservatives will reinvigorate our coastal towns, so that they are not just places for a great day out, but are also successful and attractive places to live and work. Conservatives will ensure that our coastal towns are no longer ‘the end of the line’.”

“The recession has put tremendous pressure on our volunteer groups and third sector organisations. Many have seen corporate sponsorship fall dramatically and we are already seeing some charities having to cut the services they offer to what are often the most needy and vulnerable people in our communities.  The Government’s third sector recession plan was designated to help, but reports are that the money is being caught up in red tape and bureaucracy. Of course we need to make sure our money is spent effectively but we need to make sure the money gets through to the front line where it’s needed.  I know many people have been affected by the downturn but I hope that everyone locally will do all they can to support our fantastic local charities through these difficult times” 

“Under Labour, local neighbourhoods in North Devon and across the country have lost too many essential local services and facilities. Gordon Brown’s Government has closed post offices and driven local pubs into the ground. People feel powerless to stop their communities losing access to vital services and facilities. So the Conservatives will give bold new powers to people in North Devon to protect and improve vital community assets and preserve the social fabric of our neighbourhoods.”

“Every family in North Devon is going to forced to pay out for years thanks to Gordon Brown’s mistakes.  Our country faces the biggest overdraft in our peacetime history, and Labour have already started to hike taxes on North Devon’s residents to pay for it. The message to aspiring families from these tax changes is clear. If you want to get on in life, own your own home or leave something to your children, then the Labour Party is not for you anymore. It’s time for change – and Conservatives will work hard to sort out the mess that Labour have left.”

“Bullying makes far too many children’s lives a misery. But the Government’s own figures show that in the vast majority of cases bullies are returned to the same school as their victims after a short punishment, rather than being expelled. The key to tackling bullying is giving Devon’s teachers the powers they need to crack down on bad behaviour. But under Labour, the balance of power in the classroom has shifted too far in favour of disruptive pupils. Conservatives would give Devon’s schools the power to take a zero tolerance approach towards serious offences such as bullying. We will give our teachers the tools they need to maintain discipline in the classroom before it spirals out of control.”

“Gordon Brown hits people with taxes, fines and bans, rather than trusting people and encouraging social responsibility. Conservatives believe in incentives to help and reward people to do their bit to help the environment. The Green Deal of insulating people’s homes for no upfront cost and rewarding people for recycling will not only protect the environment, but also help families and pensioners who are struggling to make ends meet. These practical policies show how if you vote blue, North Devon will go green and save money.”

“Gordon Brown has chosen to penalise one of the most vulnerable groups in our society for the sake of another of his eye-catching announcements. As with every Labour initiative, someone has to pay and, as with many of them, it is once again those who are least able to afford it who are hit by Brown. These benefits provide vital support for disabled pensioners, giving them the chance to lead an independent life with the freedom to tailor their care to their needs. Of course, we need to do more to help people with their care costs, but it is completely wrong to do so at the expense of disabled pensioners. Conservatives will protect North Devon’s pensioners and fight against Gordon Brown’s plan to scrap benefits for the disabled.”

“Through good times and bad, the Territorial Army has given this country a proud century of service. Thanks to Conservative pressure, Gordon Brown has been forced to abandon his damaging and ill-thought out plans to cut TA training. Common sense has prevailed.But Gordon Brown’s embarrassing U-turn cannot undo the damage to morale and trust. The TA plays an important role in our community and nation, and Conservatives will always stand up in support of their invaluable work and service. As an employer I have seen the benefits to a previous member of my own staff who was able to completed a six month tour of duty with the TA in Iraq and have since been proud that he has taken the decision to return and serve his Country as a Captain in the regular army.”

“To railroad through the move to Plymouth is unacceptable.  The “consultation” seemed instead to be an instruction series – “this is what is going to happen”.  That is unacceptable.  Real patients are affected by these proposals and the whole matter needs to be reviewed properly before decisions are taken.”

15 June 2009: Council Tax Cover Ups

“We now have clear evidence of a council tax cover-up. The Labour Government has been caught red-handed fiddling council tax to make families in North Devon and across the country pay more. Whitehall bureaucrats know that many homes across the country are wrongly banded, but have refused to correct the tax inspectors’ errors to save the Government money and save face. The whole basis of our tax system is undermined if the state conspires to over-charge the public. Labour Ministers only want to reform the council tax system if it rakes in extra cash for Gordon Brown’s coffers.”

1 June 2009: School Discipline

“Action is needed in response to the shocking news that there have been 74 arson attacks in Devon and Cornwall’s schools in the last two years alone. Teachers must have greater power to deal with violence and to remove disruptive pupils. Head teachers must be able to search for, and ban, any items that could lead to deliberate damage to school property, violent behaviour or disruption. Only Conservatives have committed to taking the action that is needed so urgently.”

27 May 2009: NHS Dentists

‘The Labour Government is leaving a terrible dental legacy which will be difficult to fix.  A million people have lost their NHS dentist in just three years, and many of the population remain without an NHS dentist.  Even my own dentist has a lengthy waiting list for prospective NHS patients. Dentists are fed up with the flawed system that Labour have introduced. As a result, local residents have to travel miles to see an NHS dentist, or else pay to go private to receive the treatment they need. Conservatives will help restore access to an NHS dentist, and spend more on preventative treatment to help avoid tooth decay. We need to tackle the worrying number of people needing to have their teeth pulled out.” 

22 May 2009: Visit by Greg Clark MP

“It is always a great opportunity when senior politicians come to North Devon.  I am always keen to showcase North Devon in such a positive way, something which can only be of benefit to the area.  Indeed I have encouraged him to bring his family here on holiday”.

21 May 2009: Visit by Philip Hammond MP

“It was a great opportunity to have time with Philip Hammond to obtain clarification of Conservative Policies and Plans for the future from a man firmly with his finger on the pulse of Revenue and Spending across the whole of Government”.

18 May 2009: Government & MP Spending

“Almost fifty years ago, Conservatives made councils hold their meetings in public. This transformed local Government for the better. In the 21st century, we should go further and use the power of the internet to shine the light on public spending and help improve value for money. Greater openness, in both local and central Government, is vital to help restore the public’s trust and confidence in our political system. At a time when the public finances are so tight, every penny counts and openness will impose a citizen-led financial discipline to  North Devon District Council, Whitehall departments and Parliament. The public should have a right to know how exactly their money is being spent.”

11 May 2009: Council Tax Freeze

“Under Labour, council tax has soared across the country, pushing up the cost of living and hiking bills in North Devon by 142%. Families and pensioners facing the economic squeeze just cannot afford yet more tax rises from Gordon Brown. If Scotland can freeze council tax for its residents, so can we south of the border. It’s time to give North Devon a fairer deal. We can fund a freeze for hard-pressed council taxpayers by cutting Whitehall spending on government advertising and unnecessary public sector consultants. These changes will also help undo Labour’s damaging culture of spin and restore the integrity of civil servants in Whitehall.”

6 May 2009: Biomass Summit

“The Conservative Party is the Party of the countryside.  Ensuring such valuable resource is provided from appropriately managed woodland particularly to help heat our homes in the South-West is not only commonsense but will help us achieve reductions in our carbon footprint and help create energy security.  Whilst developing this tremendous resource on our doorstep is imperative, it can never be the full answer to the problem and in keeping with Conservative Policy, we do not believe there is a single solution to the issues we face.  Localising the demand and the renewables’ opportunity has to be the key, empowering local communities accordingly.  On top of this, I should like to see more grant-funding directed at energy saving through viable and financially effective alternative energy solutions to encourage more people to adopt them and indeed, to use economies of scale to reduce the cost of manufacturing energy-saving / generation equipment”

5 May 2009: Whitehall makes it more expensive to move

“New figures expose how Gordon Brown’s recession has sent North Devon’s housing market into freefall. It is incredibly short-sighted for Labour Ministers to increase red tape on the housing market in the middle of a recession and make it even worse. We need action to revive the market, by reducing moving costs for home owners and giving extra help to help first-time buyers get onto the housing ladder.”

27-Apr-09: Budget 2009

“In these tough economic times, families and local firms across North Devon are going to pay the price for Gordon Brown’s failings. These aren’t taxes for the few; they are taxes for the many. At a time when people are losing their jobs or facing pay freezes, hard-working families now face smaller pay packets and a higher cost of living thanks to Labour. It’s time for change. Conservatives will work to repair our broken public finances and help lead the country out of recession.”

20-Apr-09: Government Cuts to Local Schools and Colleges

“Just a month after reassuring schools that they would be fully funded, the Government has pulled the rug from under their feet. Because of Whitehall incompetence, schools and colleges are being forced to turn away thousands of sixth formers who are desperate to learn and acquire the qualifications they need to succeed. Further education colleges have also been plunged into financial turmoil by having their building projects frozen. This is yet more proof that the Labour Government is failing to deliver and can’t be trusted with taxpayers’ money.”

07-Apr-09: Workers likely to Retain Working Choice

"Over three million people in the UK choose to opt-out of the Working Time Directive so that they can work overtime, whether paid or not. This is not only retained firefighters and doctors on call but MPs as well! In North Devon with the seasonality of hospitality and agriculture particularly, many choose to work hard in the summer to make up for the winter! Conservatives have been vociferous campaigners for the right of British workers to choose to work extra hours if they want. Meanwhile Labour MEPs have fought a campaign to impose a limit on the working week. It should never be for politicians - especially those in Brussels - to tell British people they must stop working.”

The Government is right to call upon independent and experienced advice to prevent and tackle disease outbreaks, but this plan comes with a hefty price tag for the farming industry. Is it right that farmers should pay to control disease outbreaks when the last major outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease originated in a Government laboratory and the countryside continues to suffer from Defra's dithering over TB? Given the misery already dished out to farmers across the country and indeed North Devon as a direct result of this Government's failures, it will be a real kick in the teeth for the Government to now come to them with a bill."

01-Apr-09: North Devon College’s Planned Move

“I think it is disgusting that at the most crucial hurdle, the Government has suggested that funding for the move of North Devon College could be withdrawn. At the same time that we are told that public spending infrastructure projects will be of such significant importance to the economy as a whole, we are having ours withdrawn or postponed and for us in North Devon, it appears of such significance to the local economy - as well as helping with an imperative housing need, too. When the cost of arriving at this stage is considered it is such a tremendous waste of money but to pull the rug like this is inappropriate and unethical.”

31-Mar-09: Save Our Bacon

“I have already added my support to proposals that an EU-wide ban on the use of ‘sow stalls’ should be brought forward to ensure there is a level playing field for pig farmers across the European market. The unfair commercial advantage gained by farmers in the EU who still use ‘sow stalls’ could cripple the British pork industry. I wholly support the campaign that British farmers must not face a commercial disadvantage as a result of our progressive animal welfare laws. The standard of welfare on British pork farms is considerably higher than is found on farms in many other countries where the practice is still legal and I would encourage people to ensure that when they buy meat, they buy British.”

31-Mar-09: Conservatives launch Local Newspaper Campaign

“I am fully behind the ideas put forward today by the Conservatives to help struggling local newspapers.  We are lucky to have great local newspapers the Gazette, the Journal and the Western Morning News in North Devon so it would be a travesty if bureaucracy and regulations mean they are reduced to cutbacks or even disappear altogether. In my businesses I try to do all I can to support these invaluable local media”

23-Mar-09: EU Proposal to Reduce VAT

23-Mar-09: Openness Laws Watered-Down

“It is completely unacceptable that control freak Ministers should try to water down these ground-breaking new openness laws. Labour are obsessed with trying to control everything from Whitehall. It speaks volumes that they want to stop local people finding out which areas gets a raw deal from the Government. The Sustainable Communities Act can give local communities a far greater say on how their money is spent. In this way, we can tackle ‘Ghost Town Britain’ and the ongoing loss of local shops, services and facilities. Only Conservatives will open up the books and give power and funding so local people can adopt local solutions.”

18-Mar-09: Minimum Price for Alcohol

“Whilst I am sure it is well intentioned, to consider a minimum price for alcohol, as a blanket solution to alcohol-related problems in this Country, fails totally to acknowledge the awful troubles which pubs are suffering at the moment from a slow-down of trade. People seem to forget that hospitality businesses have very high costs, too.  The welcome 60% rise in the minimum wage for the lower paid since it was created ten years ago and let alone all the ongoing costs related to burgeoning regulations means that businesses have to run really fast just to try to stand still.  The customer might not understand why his food or drink does not cost the same as he might pay at the local supermarket. If anything, provision should be brought into effect to bolster this imperative part of the British community; it is not just saving “the village pub” but as with the Post Office, it is a focal point of local communities in so many instances and once gone, it is unlikely to come back.  Surely, the attack on alcohol-related problems should start at the discounted end in supermarkets and the explosion in places which sell alcohol over the counter over the last few decades.”

16-Mar-09: Fire Fighters’ Cut in Working Hours

“Retained fire fighters do a superb service to our community, helping tackle fires, floods and road accidents. I am very concerned at the effect of these new rules which would cut back workers’ rights to work when they choose. This red tape, backed by Labour MEPs, would cut local fire services, put lives at risk and force up council tax across North Devon. It is vital that the Government stands firm on this crucial issue. Labour MEPs need to be sent a message in the European elections that their failure to protect local fire services is not acceptable. Conservatives will stand up for Britain and our fire fighters in the face of this new threat.”

06-Mar-09: Rate Relief for Small Businesses

“Small shops and businesses across North Devon are facing tough times in Labour’s recession. These firms, from our corner shops to local pubs, are the lifeblood of our local community. A responsible government would do more to help them. Yet Gordon Brown is making it as difficult for small firms to claim the tax relief to which they are entitled. He is compounding their misery by finding new ways to drive up business rates by stealth. Conservatives would ensure that small firms automatically receive rate relief, cutting their paperwork and tax bills and giving many of them a fighting chance to stay afloat.”

27-Feb-09: South West Water Surface Charges

“I am pleased to confirm that I have had an assurance that South West Water is not introducing site area charging for surface water drainage in this year. I reiterated my concerns for charities and other community groups which could be faced with significant new charges to dispose of surface water and the company notes it is watching discussions between OFWAT, United Utilities and DEFRA with interest to see how these develop, in considering a fair charging process overall.”

09-Feb-09: Councillors to Vote from the Pub

“North Devon’s councillors work really hard and they have a vital role in standing up for local neighbourhoods. But local decision-making by North Devon council must remain open, transparent and public.  At a time when council tax bills are to hit record levels and people are working harder than ever to make ends meet, it is incredible that Labour Ministers are effectively pushing for some councillors to do less work for more money. I fear that Labour’s plans for armchair voting and voting from the pub will create real cynicism amongst hard-pressed taxpayers.”

04-Feb-09: Inhumane Farming Techniques should be subject to an EU-Wide Ban

(Speaking about the comments made by Neil Parish, Conservative MEP and President of the European Parliament’s Animal Welfare Group that an EU-wide ban on the use of ‘sow stalls’ should be brought forward to ensure a level playing field for pig farmers across the European market) “I wholly support Neil Parish’s comments that British farmers must not face a commercial disadvantage as a result of our progressive animal welfare laws. “The standard of welfare on British pork farms is considerably higher than is found on farms in many other Countries where the practice is still legal and I would encourage people to ensure that when they buy meat, they buy British. Mr Oliver and Ms Lumley’s campaign is welcome and the sooner that the ban on ‘sow stalls’ is implemented, the better for British pig farmers and indeed all livestock throughout the EU.”

27-Jan-09: Temporary Road at Berrydown Cross

“I join my colleagues Councillors Paul Yabsley and Andrea Davis in the campaign to ask that the road is made a permanent one.  It is a particularly treacherous road junction there now and not only is it daft not to act when the opportunity presents itself but when the turbines need decommissioning another temporary road would be required.  Indeed, this significant improvement would help to make the road an alternative to visitors to North Devon, relieving some of the ongoing traffic problems in Braunton as well.”

27-Jan-09: West Buckland Post Office

“I was most impressed to see the innovation at West Buckland in using the Church for two afternoons a week for post office facilities. Paul Ellis is a great worker for the community there and is to be complemented for being part of this initiative, with the other volunteers.  It would be great if this opportunity was replicated elsewhere, especially following the sham of “consultation” on post office closures when it does seem the decisions had already been made in advance.”

27-Jan-09: South West Water Charges

“I was horrified to learn that South West Water is looking to move to the new system for charging for surface water. In simple terms, this would mean that churches, charities, schools and other community groups could be hit by significant new bills, hitting these organisations and Council Tax payers at what is already a very difficult time. I have petitioned South West Water to seek its view and to hope that soon it will announce a similar policy to United Utilities which is not changing its present charging structure at all.”

26-Jan-09: Create Green Jobs and Bring Down Soaring Energy Bills

“By embracing new technologies, we can keep energy bills down, reduce carbon emissions and create new green jobs. Real help will be brought to families struggling to make ends meet during Labour’s recession. It’s a great idea to allow every household to have up to £6,500 worth of insulation fitted at no upfront cost. This would mean instant reductions in energy bills and would dramatically cut the carbon footprint of every home in North Devon.”

21-Jan-09: West Buckland School Presentation

20-Jan-09: Keep North Devon Clean

16-Jan-09: Liberal Democrats’ Proposed “Supertax” is Outrageous

12-Jan-09: Nice Neighbourhoods’ Tax Increase

12-Jan-09: Tax Cuts for Savers and Pensioners

08-Jan-09: Bullying

22-Dec-08: HIV Figures

15-Dec-08: HIPs Regulations Tightened

11-Dec-08: Tourism in North Devon

10-Dec-08: Rock Park Terrace

08-Dec-08: Scandal re Government Spending

08-Dec-08: Pub Closures

02-Dec-08: Taw Vale Campaign Gathers Pace

24-Nov-08: Rocketing Energy Bills

20-Nov-2008: Declining Bee Population

“The declining bee population will not only affect the usual products of beekeepers such as honey, but also a third of all the food we eat, including most fruit and vegetables, which is pollinated by bees. “My Family always enjoys seeing the North Devon Beekeepers at the North Devon Show and to feel we could lose so much of the wonderful honeys from North Devon would be a disaster.  There are also implications for pollination as insects are low in numbers generally and this will also impact on the birdlife population.”

18-Nov-2008: Government and Civil Service Sleep Tight on Taxpayers’ Cash

“At a time when hard-pressed taxpayers are tightening their belts and forgoing luxuries, it is outrageous that Government departments and agencies are spending millions on hotel stays. “Of course, there are times when staff need to stay away from home but Government departments and agencies must make sure that any overnight stays are organised because they represent the cheapest solution when staff are travelling on business and not jollies paid for by the taxpayer.”

17-Nov-2008: Rise in Unemployment Figures in North Devon

“The trend in the unemployment figures is now becoming really damaging and will be a huge worry up and down the country but especially here in North Devon.  What Britain desperately needs now is the kind of employment policy the Conservatives announced on Tuesday (11 November) offering tax cuts for new jobs to keep Britain working.  The Government seems to have no idea of how to deal with the rising problem of joblessness.”

17-Nov-2008: Rate Relief for Small Businesses

“Small shops could be up to £1,100 better off, but the Government has failed to let them know if they qualify (for Small Business Rate Relief) and, not surprisingly, tied up the rate relief program with lots of red tape. My online tool helps small shop owners cut through the tape and get relief. “We’ve launched this effort to build awareness and actually get people to apply for relief as one part of our comprehensive plan to ensure small businesses weather this economic storm.”

13 & 17 Nov 2008: Keeping Britain Working

“Britain’s economy could be in crisis.  Far too many jobs, businesses and livelihoods are at risk, and it is clear that we cannot rely on Gordon Brown to produce the positive policies that will help us cope with recession. Change is desperately needed.   The Conservatives have already announced a comprehensive package of support to help businesses stave off job cuts and help our economy recover from recession.  An immediate tax cut for new jobs will provide the economy with even more support in a fiscally responsible way. “I am very concerned about the state of the economy. Jobs, businesses and livelihoods across North Devon are at risk, and it is clear that we cannot rely on Gordon Brown to produce the positive policies that will help us cope with recession. Change is desperately needed.  “Cutting taxes for local firms who create new jobs is one of the ways that we can support our local economy, in a fiscally responsible way.”

13-Nov-2008: Local Newspaper Threat

(In response to the threat posed by the BBC's plans to start producing local video on demand news) “The BBC should not be allowed to spend licence fee payers money damaging existing local news services and stamping out fledgling competition in local television.  In an increasingly difficult advertising market why should local newspapers have to face the additional threat of subsidised competition from the BBC? I don't think they should and I have written to the BBC Trust asking them to take a strong stance on this proposal. 

05-Nov-2008: Lynton and Barnstaple Railway: Narrow gauge railway line should be “must do” tourist attraction

“During my visit to Woody Bay Station, I was not only able to see what this exceptional team of volunteers has been able to achieve in recent years, but also some of the vision of the major project in front of it. “The thought of not only having an extended tourist attraction in the area, but a possible commuter railway from Lynton through to Barnstaple has great appeal.  The capital investment of £30 million would create many new permanent jobs and build a tourist attraction which would become an even more successful venture and a “must do” to visitors to North Devon.  “Indeed, the journey will become an attraction to people to holiday in the area itself and I am confident that other visions will build from this project. I was most impressed with all I saw and with the team members I met.”

03-Nov-2008: Government Contracts

(Talking about Conservatives demanding that Whitehall opens up the massive £125 billion Government procurement budget to small and medium firms across the Country) “This is another part of the Conservative action plan for small business, which also includes proposals to defer VAT bills, cut payroll taxes by 1p and reduce the small company corporation tax rate. “We need to open up the Government’s procurement system and get money to small businesses across the Country. It’s not just small firms that will be helped – taxpayers will benefit from the innovation and greater efficiency that small businesses can bring to government contracts. “Small firms in North Devon are facing a very difficult time and jobs are at risk. If Labour Ministers were serious about making a difference, they would adopt this action plan.”

03-Nov-2008: Braunton Traffic Update

“I am pleased to note that whilst Councillor Brian Greenslade, Leader of Devon County Council and County Councillor Jenny Jenkins were not in attendance at the meeting that both of them have received a copy of the report and have assured me of their attention to it and that full comments will follow from Highways’ Department which had its own copy of the report.  “Sadly, there has been no reply from Highways and as yet, there have been no changes – despite presentation of a pot of line-marking paint and a brush to make the easiest and swiftest alterations to the crossroads in Braunton!”

16-Sep-08: Cervical Cancer Jab

“Naturally, I am in favour of anything which could stop illness and the transmission of disease.  However, are these inoculations spreading the wrong message?  The particular virus which will be targeted by the vaccine is one which is transmitted through sexual activity I understand.  Indeed, the statistics suggest that it is through frequent sexual activity with many partners which is the cause of almost all cervical cancer.  I appreciate that a few cases are not - and no upset is intended to those who have suffered through other reasons.  However, do I want my daughters to be tainted by even a trace of the disease? Consequently, moralities which suggest that it is in girls’ best interests not to be engaging in frequent sexual activity and with numerous casual partners is lost and instead, “having the jab” might suggest it condones the behaviour as ‘normal’.  In this regard, already the incidence of STDs is surging and the message this gives will increase the problem and the very nasty side effects of several of them - which can include sterilization or even worse.”  

09-Sep-08: Fraud Scams

Certain individuals are more susceptible to the fraud than others but in a nutshell, IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO COLD-CALL ANYONE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM TO TRY TO SELL THEM SHARES.  Consequently, any telephone enquiry offering to sell shares will be from outside of the UK (even within the EU sometimes) but do not respond. There are significant opportunities on the British stock market available through regulated brokers anyway, if that is your type of investment.  “Boiler rooms” are fraudulent.  That is it.  The plausible “salesman” will spin a wonderful yarn to trap his victim.  Your details will have been sought from other sources, often a public share register and sometimes, they might offer to buy some real shares that you own for a very high price (but of course this is baloney too).  Please, please do not respond to these telephone calls.  Deal with a financial advisory firm which is regulated because that way, they have high levels of professional obligations upon them and if there is a mistake, loss of capital through insolvency or mischief or outright fraud, you will be protected. It is as simple as that.  Please contact me if you have any qualms at all – I am happy to investigate and report to you.”

05-Sep-08 Housing Benefit:

Because of the changes which came into effect on 1 April, only if there is a “change in circumstances” which demands a new application will new rates apply.  For example, I am aware of a single tenant in Braunton who is receiving £300 every calendar month and yet the latest entitlement would have given him £400 per calendar month if he was just starting his tenancy now. There are other implications for a “change in circumstances” but I wanted to make sure that long-standing tenants were aware of these changes.  The new benefit rates are published on the North Devon Council’s website or alternatively, tenants can contact the Housing Benefit Department.  There could be advantage to some people actually considering moving home if they were seriously disadvantaged under the penal old rules.  Of course, some tenants may want to stay-put because they could find that the new entitlements are less than the old ones although in theory, those would seem to be few and far between!”

04-Sep-08: Sheep Farmers

(Talking about the proposed introduction of a compulsory electronic identification tagging system for sheep) “These tags are far too expensive and offer no clear additional benefits to animal health.  Whilst this technology may be suitable for sheep on dry plains in the middle of Spain it is virtually impossible to use half way up a mountain in the middle of a storm. Britain’s 33 million sheep help shape our countryside (particularly here in North Devon) and their loss would result in a significant deterioration in the landscape. Once again, the European Union is making it more difficult for farmers to produce food, at a time when it should be supporting them.  The EU must recognise the damage these plans will cause and withdraw them immediately!”

01-Sep-08: Fire Service Cuts

“The Labour Government’s expensive plans for the regionalisation of the fire control services are mired in chaos. The shambolic project is already delayed and £400 million over budget. Costs are likely to rise even more once detailed costings are finalised. I fear that local fire services for North Devon face cuts, or the fire levy on council tax will have to rise, in order to pay for the soaring bill for fire regionalisation. Labour Ministers should follow the example of Scotland and dump these cuts to local fire services. There are better ways to improve our fire services than creating distant call centres based on the arbitrary regional government boundaries.”

28-Aug-08: Unitary Authority

(Response to Councillor Brian Greenslade’s comments in the North Devon Journal) “Brian notes that a County-wide unitary will have perhaps 100 Councillors and that this “thereby significantly increasing the number of elected members who would be responsible for most of the Local Government services people receive”. Actually, the number of Councillors representing us would drop dramatically (and I expect they’d need to become full-time on £22,000 pa ‘salaries’) and creating a Northern Devon unitary area would indeed increase democratic accountability even if the Northern idea recommends a healthy reduction in Councillor positions anyway. Raising the issue of Council Tax is also a red herring.  There is no evidence whatsoever that a single unitary authority would point to automatic reduction in Council Tax and if anything, the latest liabilities being incurred by Exeter City Council could instead be shared amongst all of us and that hardly seems right.  The new Community Boards would demand new bureaucratic infrastructure which would all cost money to maintain.  Potentially, Council Tax could drop in the new Northern area because elected representatives would have more accountability for the budget and would be rejected at the ballot box as a result of mismanagement....!  There’s a thought!  Local people would feel they have more control of local income and expenditure, too.

26-Aug-08: Saving Energy Bills

“It is totally unfair that many of the poorest households across North Devon end up paying more for their energy and water bills because they do not have bank accounts and cannot pay by direct debit. Under Labour, it is the poor who suffer most. These new Conservative proposals will help people struggling with rising household bills by letting them use their Post Office Card Account to pay their utility bills. Energy and gas bills of up to four million people could be cut by £100, helping many families at a time when the cost of living is rising fast. These plans will also bring in additional revenue for Post Offices, helping maintain our important network and stave off more Labour cuts.” 

“Last week’s headlines for developments in Barnstaple are not surprising in view of the economic downturn. However, it does demonstrate the bureaucratic morass which planning projects face and the horrendous delays from initial idea to ultimate implementation and of course the costs that go alongside those. Whilst Central Government imposes so many of the obligations and restrictions upon projects, I think locally we have to see if there is opportunity for better joined-up working to make our visions become realities in a more efficient way. Even on a much smaller scale but trying to conclude the concept of “café culture” on the Strand has been a bureaucratic nightmare where it seems easier to create new problems and obstacles as opposed to presenting solutions and practical paths for the way forwards. In this respect, a “can do” attitude rather than a “reason why not” needs to be the collective view to be adopted! Certainly, I am disappointed that projects have fallen foul of “the times” - instead, “if” Anchor Bank was further forward, instead it could be an economic oasis during potentially difficult times to come. I believe it must be time for North Devon to be given a greater voice on the national political scene to help our much-needed ongoing development to boost our economic position and the well-being of the people here.”

“I believe that urgent action is needed to kick start movement in the housing market in North Devon. But the Labour Government is dithering – and their spin and speculation over stamp duty is further undermining the market by making buyers wait and see. Here in North Devon the effect on estate agents is already evident; they are facing major difficulties, having to cut advertising savagely and also considering redundancies and branch closures. Gordon Brown only wants to talk about housing to create a distraction from Labour leadership speculation. If he genuinely wanted to help, he would use his powers to suspend Home Information Packs straight away. A future Conservative Government will scrap this unnecessary red tape completely, but a suspension now will deliver those benefits sooner rather than later!”

“I was disturbed to learn that one-in-five rescue crews are likely to be deployed to Afghanistan and that this would include one crew from RAF Chivenor. It is appreciated that the lives of service personnel being saved in Afghanistan are very important indeed but were there “spare” crews in our search and rescue facilities? And if we need to do more to save the lives of our Marines by providing more helicopter transport in Afghanistan to avoid death and injury from road-side booby-traps then why not deploy them immediately and not wait until 2011?”

“We cannot blame the weather on everything and we have a remarkable array of all-weather entertainment here in the South West. Granted, some of the visitor figures may change now because of the Pound’s weakness and the Euro’s strength but may I be so bold as to suggest that we are not selling the virtues of Great Britain anything like enough and more importantly, the South West and North Devon as a holiday destination, not only to continentals but also to the British! I believe we have a fantastic holiday offering. Our heritage awareness is exceptional and activities for holiday-makers with all interests are tremendous. We must embrace the tremendous benefits of which we are all so proud to attract more, all year-round visitors to improve the economic wellbeing of the area, not only to expect more continentals to visit but to encourage more British people to holiday at home and to begin to enjoy more of the tremendous heritage which we have literally on our doorstep.”

“As a spokesman for the Conservative group on North Devon Council in this matter, we implore the people of North Devon to rally behind us to petition the Boundary Committee for change in its stance. We find it untenable that a Devon-wide Unitary Authority would be in the best interests of the people of North Devon - let alone the rest of the County. To be the second largest Unitary Authority with 750,000 residents is a ridiculous development. Hazel Blears MP suggests that 250,000 is the ideal quantity and that is just the number represented by the Northern Devon proposal. We do not want to be ruled by such an unwieldy Devon County centred upon Exeter and sadly, where the spend would be concentrated upon the majority, which lives south of the A30. We want to have control over our own Social Services’ provision - look at what has been happening with respite care and Council-owned care homes in our area, despite local needs.”

“We need measures to tackle genuine crime and terrorism. But the abuse of surveillance powers by town halls in some parts of the Country, including North Devon, shows the real danger of ‘function creep’ by State bureaucrats. Conservatives will cut back these unnecessary powers of the State to enter homes, starting off with abolishing Council Tax inspectors’ rights of entry and reining back in the nosey parker state.”

“After having learnt of the 18% increase in the profits of South West Water, those who pay the highest water bills in the whole Country are obviously angry. Some of the increases this year have been as much as three times the rate of inflation and that is unacceptable regardless of whatever capital improvements in the water and waste systems need to be funded. Of course, with such a coastline we have to suffer significantly greater expenses for capital improvements to the sewerage system and discharge into the sea and we also have to pay for all of those tourists where not all of the water is consumed on a meter. I did protest at the time but the awful flooding which the Country suffered last year has had sizeable Central Government funds so why should those living in areas with significant coastlines have to pay for the extra costs they face to reduce the pollution, as well as paying national taxes to cover the costs of those who suffered floods?”

"What message is this giving? Only last week the Government tried to secure a UN resolution on sanctions against Zimbabwe yet the Chinese and the Russians vetoed it. Now the Chinese want to start trade with Zimbabwe in an endangered species and the Government is going to support them! I am utterly dismayed by this. Not only will it undermine all the efforts the international community has made to protect African elephants but it sends completely contradictory signals to Mugabe's regime in Zimbabwe. We need a strong Government that acts for British interests in the world, not a weak one that is easily bullied by anyone who wants to challenge it.

“I am concerned by proposals by the Government to scrap vital protection for local taxpayers from wasteful town halls and ‘jobs for the boys’ corruption. Councillors have a valued role to play in holding town halls to account, and act as champions of the local community. Yet I am concerned that the Labour Party wants to push through partisan laws that will allow them to bribe their voters, bring back jobs for the boys and slip in back-door state funding. But rather than these highly controversial changes, if Ministers were genuine about local democracy, they would hand back the powers that unelected regional assemblies and Whitehall quangos have seized from local communities. Unfortunately Labour are moving ahead with a barrage of new quangos which will take even more powers away from local communities. Only Conservatives will give these powers back to local people where they belong.”

Following publication of proposals for the EU’s ‘Small Business Act’, I feel that the ‘Act’ will put pressure on the European Commission to ease the burden of red tape on North Devon’s small businesses and enable them to get on with growing their businesses. The European Commission is right to realise that new laws place a disproportionate burden on small businesses and this latest initiative must bring about a change in the EU’s thinking. I am especially pleased that the Commission will look at late payments as many small businesses are driven to bankruptcy by larger companies who do not pay on time and it is high-time that the legislation supported them. Small businesses in North Devon are crying out for a European Union that is on their side, rather than on their backs; it’s about time it delivered and allowed local enterprise to get on with the job. Small businesses are the backbone of North Devon’s economy and, in these turbulent times for our economy, we should do all we can to encourage entrepreneurs to expand.”

“I was interested to read our MP’s update on the economic slump and its impact upon North Devon last week. Respectfully but actually we are not doing very well at all and figures released recently for the number of working age households with no-one in full time work shocked me. North Devon is the tenth worst Constituency in the whole of the country and the worst in the South West.  Indeed, the statistics have worsened in the last decade so what has been going on all these years?  North Devon is a great place to live and work - I should know.  However, we have to raise our game and improve the opportunities for those who live in North Devon, especially as one of our key industries, tourism, is being impacted by the dramatically increased cost of living upon visitors (and ourselves) and Gordon Brown’s higher taxes forced upon us all. Come the General Election, I hope that my practical experience in business and indeed of creating real jobs in the Constituency will be something which I can put to excellent use to increase opportunities for North Devonians who will then be able to improve their own prospects.  Despite the excellent infrastructure projects already in the pipeline, there will be many wondering why North Devon has slipped back in the economic statistics over the last decade although rest assured, with a Conservative Council, Conservative MP and a Conservative Government you are assured that I shall do my utmost to raise North Devon’s profile and our attraction for increased job opportunities.”

“As concerns grow about the state of the housing market, worrying new figures have revealed how family homes across the country are being hit by punitive rates of stamp duty imposed by Gordon Brown. The average detached home is now being forced to pay 3% stamp duty, and has seen its stamp duty bill rise by almost £9,000 under Labour. Gordon Brown has hiked taxes on family homes across North Devon year on year. Labour have increased the burden of stamp duty by stealth, punishing people who have invested in and improved their homes. I fear even more stealth taxes are on the way in the form of new bedroom taxes to extend your home and a sinister, intrusive council tax revaluation. At a time when the housing market is so fragile, we need practical measures to help people move home – such as abolishing the red tape of Home Information Packs and cutting stamp duty for first-time buyers who are suffering the most.”

“I recently took advantage of the opportunity to attend one of the lessons at West Down Primary School this week as I wanted to experience first-hand the invaluable service provided by the mobile Life Education Classroom. The project was seeded by the Rotary Club of Barnstaple but joined by many Rotary clubs across Northern Devon.  It continues to be supported by members of the various clubs who attend to the administration, fund raise and provide towing to transport the mobile classroom from one school to the next.  All of this help is provided without any cost whatsoever to the charity. The Classroom has visited many schools and several on more than one occasion.  The mission in schools is to help children make healthy choices by contributing to life skills and health education programmes, educating children about the effects and risks associated with the use of all drugs including alcohol and tobacco and promoting the benefits of a balanced diet and exercise and working with and supporting parents, carers, teachers and others in the community in communicating healthy lifestyle messages effectively. Steve Finlay is an excellent educator and his skill not only of communicating his subject with enthusiasm and interest to the children but the special technique of remembering each child’s name by the end of the short session is admirable!  The practical aids to communicating quite simple but very effective messages to the youngsters makes this a ‘must’ for all the children in Northern Devon of primary school age.”

“I was disturbed to see the significant schedule of Telephone Boxes listed for closure. Whilst naturally the majority now has mobile telephony and as a result, these Boxes see much less use than was the case, I did wonder if there is opportunity for amalgamating Telephone Box facilities with Post Offices in some rural areas both to reduce costs but also to help justify the ongoing existence of those Post Offices themselves. The West Down Post Office is an excellent example of what could be achieved – a telephone service within the Post Office’s foyer, open all hours and removing need for a separate infrastructure. Perhaps the Post Office and BT could talk together to see if these two services could join-up again!”

“It has been good to see the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives working together to try to Campaign to stop the ruthless closure of Post Offices in our area. I welcome such joined-up thinking. I implore everyone to take action to protect against these closures. Removal of Post Offices would not simply be a removal of postal services but the ripping-out of the heart of many communities. I have been in regular liaison with Councillor Pat Barker on the matter of the proposed closure of West Down Post Office – made even more personal to me by the fact that I plan to move to the parish soon! We have gone as far as calling a meeting outside West Down Post Office to add to the growing anger at the proposed closure of this valuable local amenity.  The West Down Post Office epitomises all that is good about a community shop.  It is a busy and imperative local amenity.”

“After having learnt of the 18% increase in the profits of South West Water, those who pay the highest water bills in the whole Country are obviously angry. Some of the increases this year have been as much as three times the rate of inflation and that is unacceptable regardless of whatever capital improvements in the water and waste systems need to be funded. Of course, with such a coastline we have to suffer significantly greater expenses for capital improvements to the sewerage system and discharge into the sea and we also have to pay for all of those tourists where not all of the water is consumed on a meter. Why should those living in areas with significant coastlines have to pay for the extra costs they face to reduce the pollution, as well as paying national taxes to cover the costs of those who suffered floods?”

“I welcome these new proposals to help boost local charities and community groups across North Devon, by cutting red tape, encouraging more charitable giving and helping social enterprise to provide local services.  On a more personal note we shall also soon be seeking volunteers to assist with the running of Doves Christian Centre, soon to be moving to its new location in St Peter’s Churchyard, Barnstaple. The social challenges we face today are every bit as serious as the economic challenges Britain faced in 1979. The big dividing line in British politics today is about the role of the state. Gordon Brown believes in top-down state control; Conservatives believe in bottom-up social responsibility.”

“The Government’s deal with big business representatives and Trade Unions to guarantee temporary workers equal pay and employment conditions after just twelve weeks of employment is bad for local businesses and bad for temporary workers.  I am strongly in favour of protecting the rights of temporary workers, however many temporary workers choose not to be full-time employees because they enjoy the flexibility that temporary work gives. In North Devon, for example, there is a high demand for seasonal temporary workers to attend beach car parks or work at seasonal caravanning sites, for example. Often these are people working whilst travelling, on holiday from university or college or even just helping out where needed to cover staffing shortfalls. Often, they do not want to be tied-down and that is why these jobs are appealing. This move by the Government threatens this flexibility and unless it is very careful, it will drive people away from seeking temporary work just at the time when the economy greatly needs the flexibility that temporary workers offer. It also risks making temporary workers an unaffordable option for many businesses, who will often employ them to cover staffing shortfalls or seasonal demand for a short period of time. The Government has already stifled businesses with never ending regulation and now, just as the economy might appear to be on the precipice of freefall, the only solution it can offer is more regulation and less flexibility!”

“I have serious concerns for the breakdown of society structure and the problems we are all facing as a result of families and relationships dissolving, demonstrating a dreadful statistic of breakdown and much worse than other developed societies. I believe that if committed relationships are better for those within them and certainly for the raising of children and for society and the benefit system generally, then greater incentives should be given to enable people to fulfil their dreams in this way. Whilst a tax incentive might be relatively small, the principle that our society really does encourage and welcomes committed relationships is imperative. It is not discriminating against those who find themselves in unfortunate circumstances and for whom safety net provision needs to be made but stable relationships are better for everyone. Labour’s treatment of fathers as “optional extras” is exacerbating difficulties for women and children and that whilst the aim has been to be non-judgemental to mothers and children in separated families, in reality the effect has been to legitimise irresponsible fathers”.

“At a time when families are feeling the pinch of the rising cost of living – because of higher fuel prices, energy bills and council tax – the Government should scrap its plans for a big increase in road tax on family cars. This is yet another slap in the face for hard-working families from Labour, on top of the 10p income tax hikes. Conservatives have consistently opposed these measures. The Government must execute a sharp U-turn. Any change in road tax should focus only on the most polluting vehicles, and be offset by equivalent reductions in family taxes. All Gordon Brown is interested in is finding new ways to push up his notorious stealth taxes even further.”

“There’s nothing wrong with adults having a good night out, but under-age and binge drinking fuels crime and anti-social behaviour. Labour Ministers talk endlessly about cracking down on alcohol-related violence, but new official figures which have revealed a soaring number of hospital admissions due to alcohol misuse, and the effect of alcohol in pushing up crime and disorder, expose Gordon Brown’s complacency and the knock-on effect on the NHS.The Labour Government’s failure to enforce the law sends totally the wrong message about under-age drinking. We need greater social responsibility, more powers for local communities over licensing, and an end to some parents turning a blind eye to their children’s drinking.”

01-Apr-08: Post Office Closures

25-Mar-08: Hike in Council Tax Bills

25-Mar-08: Chulmleigh College

25-Mar-08: MPs Salaries

20-Mar-08: Café Nero  

14-Mar-08: Blue Bags

13-Mar-08: Shelterbox   

06-Mar-08: Recycling Contract

26-Feb-08: Youth Club  

25-Feb-08: Chainsaw Massacre on Urban Trees

18-Feb-08: Dominance of Supermarkets  

18-Feb-08: Under Age Binge Drinking

14-Feb-08: Children in Benefit Households  

11-Feb-08: Sixteen New Casinos  

08-Feb-08: Lottery Funding

01-Feb-08: North Devon College

31-Jan-08: Viewpoint  

24-Jan-08: Ilfracombe Job Centre Closure

23-Jan-08: Café Nero and Costa Coffee, Barnstaple

22-Jan-08: Forches Cross Primary School, Barnstaple   

16-Jan-08: Northcott Theatre, Exeter

16-Jan-08: Housing Needs   

15-Jan-08: Oesophageal Cancer Unit Closure, Exeter

15-Jan-08: Northern Rock

20-Dec-07: Stock Lending   

18-Dec-07: Education Policy

13-Dec-07: Barnstaple’s Strand   

11-Dec-07: Do You Want A Referendum on the Current EU Constitutional Treaty?   

10-Dec-07: Oesophageal Cancer Unit Closure

06-Dec-07: Unitary Status Rejected

03-Dec-07: Campaign Fund

29-Nov-07: Braunton School Prize Giving

28-Nov-07: North Devon Promotion

26-Nov-07: New Barnstaple Bridge

21-Nov-07: Labour Policies   

21-Nov-07: Dangerous Georgeham Roads

31-Oct-07: Crime Figures   

30-Oct-07: Hedgehogs

18-Oct-07: Barnstaple Parking

18-Oct-07: Two Moors Festival

18-Oct-07: Regional Water Bills

17-Oct-07: New Tax Proposals

15-Oct-07: Conservative Conference

12-Oct-07: Post Office Services

08-Oct-07: General Election   

24-Sep-07: Postal Service    Sunday Collections  

21-Sep-07: Chulmleigh School

13-Sep-07: Pensions / Property

13-Sep-07: Braunton Traffic Campaign  

13-Aug-07: Great South West Walk

10-Aug-07: British Passports and Visas Zimbabwe

06-Aug-07: Braunton Traffic   

06-Aug-07: Exeter split from DCC   

01-Aug-07: Personal Comment

01-Aug-07: Bus Services    North Molton and East Anstey   

30-Jul-07: CARE Devon   

30-Jul-07: British Telecom  

23-Jul-07: North Devon Road Deaths

23-Jul-07: North Devon Show, Barnstaple

23-Jul-07: Flood Plains   

23-Jul-07: Crime Statistics  

18-Jul-07: Visit To The Freedom Trust

18-Jul-07: CAP (Christians Against Poverty)