Local MP ask is it time for a “Local List”?

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock has today spoken of his disappointment that the historic Old Rectory building in Bowers Gifford is to be redeveloped.

The building was first recorded on the 1777 Andres and Chapman Map, and for many nearby residents has become a local landmark.

Previous attempts to protect the building through the English Heritage listing have failed, and plans have now been approved to demolish the building.

Stephen Metcalfe commented: “I am, of course, disappointed by the news that development of this historic site is going ahead. It is a shame for local residents and the entire community when such a unique landmark is lost in this way”.

“However, had there been a ‘local list’ we may have been able to protect such an important and iconic LOCAL landmark. Being a predominately new town, our local heritage is sparse but our local identity is strong, that it is why it is important to protect what we do have.”

“Therefore, I will be contacting the local Council, firstly to see if every possible avenue truly has been explored to save the Old Rectory. Secondly, I will also be asking the council how we might proceed with starting the process of creating a local list, so that this can be avoided in the future.”

“As part of this process, I am asking that local people start to consider which particular buildings of interest they believe might be worthy of consideration for a local list. It is important that the views of local residents are heard on these matters and any process involved with protecting local landmarks should involve their opinions.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP signs Holocaust Educational Trust Book of Commitment

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock has this week signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment. In doing so, he has pledged his commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day and honouring those who were murdered during the Holocaust. The signing also acts as a tribute to the extraordinary Holocaust survivors who work tirelessly to educate young people.

Tuesday the 27th of January marked the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, the site of the largest mass murder in history.

In the weeks leading up to and after Holocaust Memorial Day, thousands of commemorative events will be arranged by schools, faith groups and community organisations across the country, remembering all the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. 

After the signing, Stephen Metcalfe commented: “Holocaust Memorial Day is an important opportunity for us all to remember the victims and survivors of the Holocaust and ensure that the lessons of history are not forgotten.”

“I know that my constituents will join me in marking this important occasion, and will all bear in mind the importance of tolerance in the fight against prejudice”.

Karen Pollock MBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said: “We are proud that Stephen Metcalfe is supporting Holocaust Memorial Day. As we mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the Holocaust and the liberation of the concentration camps in 2015, it is vitally important that we both continue to remember and learn from the appalling events of the Holocaust – as well as ensuring that we continue to challenge anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry.”

Local MP welcomes record levels of employment

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock has today welcomed new statistics which show that the number of people out of work in the UK has fallen, in the three months to November, to the lowest level in more than six years.

The numbers from the Office of National Statistics show that countrywide there were 30.80 million people in work.

In addition, comparing September to November 2014 with the previous year, shows that pay for employees increased by 1.7%.

For Stephen Metcalfe's constituency of South Basildon and East Thurrock, the latest data shows that the number of claimants of Job Seeker's Allowance in December 2014 had fallen to 1,183. This is 767 lower than in December the year before.

Stephen Metcalfe speaking today commented, “The evidence shows that the Conservative long-term economic plan continues to bring further security to the British people and their families.”

“We now have record numbers of people in work. And despite what Labour might claim, wages are actually growing AHEAD of inflation, with disposable income now higher than in any year under the last Labour Government.”

“It is laughable that Ed Miliband predicted that the Conservative economic plan would 'lead to the disappearance of a million jobs'. There are now 1.75 million more people in work! This is a fantastic achievement.”

“I am so pleased to see these economic benefits being felt in the local community of Basildon and Thurrock. Letting Labour get their hands on our economy, would risk all of the progress we have made so far. We cannot allow this to happen”.

Latest local school in daytrip to meet MP in Parliament

Schoolchildren from Great Berry Primary School have today met with local MP Stephen Metcalfe as part of a daytrip to Westminster.

During their visit, pupils were treated to a Parliamentary tour, including a visit to the House of Commons and House of Lords, and were given lessons on the rich history of the Westminster Palace.

Stephen Metcalfe was there to greet the pupils on their arrival, and spoke to them about the working life of a Member of Parliament and the importance of the British Parliament.

The visit is one of a number, following an invitation issued to local schools to visit Parliament. This year more than ever, as we celebrate the 800th Anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta it is important that young people understand the rich history of this country and our important role in creating global rule of law.

Great Berry Primary School has been the second school in as many weeks to organise a trip to Parliament, with schoolchildren from Kingswood Junior School being given the same opportunity last week.

Stephen Metcalfe commented: “I am so pleased to have the chance to meet local pupils from the constituency again in Parliament. It is a wonderful way to begin my week in Westminster.”

“It is so important that we teach our children about how important Parliament is, especially this year, to the lives of the British people and the wider world. I thank the staff at Great Berry Primary for giving their pupils this great opportunity.”

Local MP welcomes new figures on start-up loans for Basildon and Thurrock

Local Conservative MP Stephen Metcalfe has today welcomed figures that show the Government’s Start-Up Loans Scheme has helped 30 people in his constituency South Basildon and East Thurrock set up their own business – helping to provide growth and jobs for hardworking families across Britain.

The Start-Up Loans scheme provides loans and mentoring support to people who want to start their own businesses. Across the country, 25,000 Start-Up Loans have now been awarded, worth a total of nearly £130 million and generating more than 32,000 new jobs.

Stephen Metcalfe commented: “The Conservative Party understands the need to back the small businesses which bring jobs to our local communities. Our long-term plan is aiming to make Britain the best place in the world to start and grow a business.”

“Today’s figures show not only the huge impact these measures are having on our local community in Basildon and Thurrock, but also the entire country. In the East of England region alone, the number of loans awarded has reached 1,689; with a total value of £7,853,207. This is an incredible achievement.”

“This is helping more businesses create more jobs - and crucially, it means that potential and ideas don’t go to waste. If the Conservatives win the election, we will go even further – tripling the number of people who will get Start-Up Loans to 75,000 by 2020, so even more people have the support they need to grow their businesses and create jobs.”

“Over 99 per cent of British businesses are small in size. They really are the backbone of our economy and I am proud of the level of support they have received from the Conservatives over the last 5 years. It is vital that we continue to do this.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP welcomes new National Savings and Investments Bond for pensioners

Local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, Stephen Metcalfe, has today welcomed the launch of a new National Savings and Investments Bond for pensioners.

The new bonds for people aged 65 and over will offer market-leading rates and support people who rely on their savings in retirement. Two bonds are being launched:

• A one year bond will offer returns of 2.8 per cent gross/AER interest,
• A three year bond will pay 4 per cent gross/AER interest.

£10 billion has been made available to allow these bonds to be issued – this should ensure these bonds are on the market for a period of months, giving those pensioners who wish to take advantage of the rates plenty of time to do so.

Stephen Metcalfe commented: “The Conservatives understand that it is crucial we support savers and boost hardworking peoples’ financial security at all stages of life.”

“That’s why we’ve introduced government-backed savings bonds for people aged 65 and over that pay the best interest rates in the market. They have already been a huge success and because this is the biggest ever retail bond offer, these bonds will be available for many months.”

“This is great news for pensioners in South Basildon and East Thurrock. It is time that savers were rewarded and these bonds do that by giving older savers the certainty and comfort of a good return over the life of their investment.”

Local MP hails Basildon and Thurrock success during Prime Minister’s Questions

Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock has spoken in the House of Commons during Prime Minister’s Questions about his constituency’s economic success under the Conservative Government.

Addressing the Prime Minister, Stephen Metcalfe rose to the floor and asked: “Unemployment down 40%, youth unemployment down 45%, long-term unemployment down 44%, business start-ups up 31% and 800 apprenticeship starts—all in the last year in South Basildon and East Thurrock. What does my right hon. Friend think that says about our long-term economic plan?”

The Prime Minister, replying to Stephen answered: “I am delighted at the news that my hon. Friend brings. It is remarkable how in almost every constituency in this House the number of people claiming unemployment benefit is down and the number of young people claiming benefit is down. There are 224,000—almost a quarter of a million—more people in work in the east of England as a whole. Those are statistics, but every one of those statistics is about someone who is going out and earning a wage, supporting their family and managing to achieve a better standard of living. That is what we must continue with, and that is why we must stick to the long-term economic plan.”

Stephen Metcalfe later commented: “I was pleased to bring Parliament’s attention the good news that more people in my constituency now have the security of a regular pay packet and all the benefits that brings.”

“Following the disaster of Labour great recession, my constituents have seen dramatic changes, with their local area moving from strength to strength.”

“In many ways, South Basildon and East Thurrock has become a marker of the country’s wider economic successes. In the coming months, we cannot allow Labour to get their hands on our economy, and ruin all of the progress we have made.”