Stephen Metcalfe MP welcomes 18% fall in local unemployment

Stephen Metcalfe MP has today welcomed new statistics showing a fall in the number of unemployed claimants in South Basildon and East Thurrock.

The total number of claimants now stands at 2,023. This is 440 (18%) lower than in November 2012 and 110 lower than in October 2013.

Unemployment is also falling up and down the country with levels at their lowest since 2009 according to official figures.

Mr Metcalfe commented: “I am extremely pleased to see unemployment falling yet again in South Basildon and East Thurrock. We clearly have much more to do but this is another step in the right direction.” 

“As the Government continue to stick to their long term plan I hope to see these figures fall even  further.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP champions chess in schools

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, is championing the value of playing chess in schools after recently visiting the UK’s largest chess festival organised by Chess in Schools and Communities (CSC).

CSC already teaches chess to pupils at East Tilbury Primary School and the local MP is hoping that more schools will follow suit.

The formation of CSC was inspired by research demonstrating the links between the teaching of chess in schools and their pupil’s academic performance. International chess player Martin Malcolm Pein made his vision a reality in 2010, teaching chess to schools and inner city communities to improve children’s educational outcomes and foster their social development.

In three years CSC have introduced chess to over 250 schools in over 50 boroughs across England and Wales and taught the game to over 30,000 children.

Mr Metcalfe commented: “Chess is universally inclusive, crossing all barriers of class, gender, age, disability, and language. It also has a host of benefits for children and young people, encouraging them to plan ahead, strategise, and prioritise. The self esteem that can gained from learning to play is invaluable, as is the opportunity to learn good sportsmanship.”

“The educational advantages of having chess in schools are well established and I hope that more schools in South Basildon and East Thurrock will get plugged in with the great work of CSC.” 

For further information on the work of CSC and to find out how your school can be involved please visit: www.chessinschools.co.uk

Stephen Metcalfe MP presses Government on Bail House relocation

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, rose on the floor of the House of Commons today to ask the Ministry of Justice to confirm that they will relocate the Felmores Approved Premises if an alternative location is found.

The location of the Bail House has long been a source of contention with local residents objecting to sex offenders being housed in a residential area within the vicinity of a local park and two primary schools.

Mr Metcalfe was praised by the Minister, Jeremy Wright MP, for his submissions to the department on the matter and for his close engagement with the issue on behalf of his constituents.

The local MP has consistently and staunchly supported local residents who wish to see the establishment moved and the Minister confirmed that the Department would co-operate if an alternative venue can be found.

Mr Metcalfe commented: “I want to reassure my constituents that this issue has not been brushed under the carpet. If an alternative location is found I will push that the Justice Department make good on their promise to support the relocation of Bail House.” 

“I will continue to work with relevant organisations on this matter and hope that we can soon reach an agreement that suits all involved and where residents can feel safe and secure in their community.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP opens new ward at Basildon Hospital

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, and John Baron, MP for Basildon and Billericay, recently joined staff and supporters at Basildon Hospital to officially open the new 28 bed Burstead Ward.

Chief Nurse for Basildon and Brentwood Clinical, Lisa Allen, also took part in the ribbon cutting ceremony to the open the ward which forms part of the Hospital’s plan to increase the number of beds to meet the demand for emergency inpatient care this winter.

The guests were welcomed by Chief Executive of the Trust, Clare Panniker, who thanked all those involved in the speedy completion of the project. She said:  “It has been a great team effort. The additional 28 beds and the investment we have made in more staff will help to ensure our patients receive excellent and safe care, particularly during the busy winter period.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP said: “It is a credit to everyone involved that this project came together in four months, and I thank them on behalf of the people of South Basildon and East Thurrock.  We know the Trust has had its challenges, but I think it is turning a corner and I have high expectations for the future of this hospital.”

  

The Burstead Ward, which follows a tradition of naming wards after local places, is equipped with the latest equipment, all meeting the latest high clinical standards. Ward staff and patients will benefit from new portable computers, a touch screen interactive e-board, and ‘comfort cooling’ which keeps the ward warm in winter and cool in summer. 

A new treatment room where patients who have had colorectal surgery  can receive care from stoma nurses in privacy has also been welcomed by staff and patients alike. 

Mr Metcalfe was given a tour of the new ward and the opportunity to talk to patients about the care they were receiving. He added: “It was great to meet patients and hear such positive feedback about the hospital. Whilst there have been many negative reports recently, it is clear that the hospital is on the up and we must be proud of the positive changes that have been made.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP maintains opposition to Option C as Option B is discarded

Stephen collecting signatures for a petition against
Option C

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, has maintained his opposition to Option C in the Lower Thames Crossing consultation after the Department for Transport discard Option B.

It was announced recently that Option B, which would connect the A2 Swanscombe Peninsula with the A1089, would be discarded due to limited support for the plan in the feedback on the consultation and the belief that it would frustrate plans for development in the area.

The remaining options are:

·         Option A at the site of the existing A282 Dartford-Thurrock crossing;

·         Option C connecting the M2 with the A13 and the M25 between junctions 29 and 30;

·         A variant to Option C that would additionally widen the A229 between the M2 and M20.

Mr Metcalfe, listening to the views of his constituents in South Basildon and East Thurrock, has vehemently opposed Option C since its inception due to the significant local impact it would have.

He commented: “I am of course disappointed that Option C was not discarded in response to the consultation. I do not believe that either Option C, or A, are the right ones for the local area or for the country and I will continue to make the case that a wider range of alternatives are needed.”

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “We had over 5,700 responses to the consultation and we have carefully considered each of them. Ruling out the least attractive option now gives some clarity for local residents and businesses.”

“We are committed to making a decision on the location of the new crossing as soon as possible, but we recognise that whatever crossing location is chosen it will have significant impact for people in the area and the economy. These are tough decisions to be made and must not be taken lightly.”

The government is carrying out further work in the light of the consultation feedback to understand the possible impacts on the local areas of the remaining options. This work will also consider improvements to the surrounding routes and look at how impact on the environment may be mitigated.

The Department for Transport have stated that a further announcement regarding the consideration of Options A and C (including Cvariant) will be made as soon as possible.

Mr Metcalfe added: “I hope that the next announcement will come soon and that it will have taken into account the strength of feeling against these proposals.” 

In the meantime, the government remains committed to introducing ‘free flow’ charging at the Dartford-Thurrock crossing from October 2014 to alleviate congestion in the short term. The system will remove the existing toll booths and allow users to pay remotely, similar to the London congestion charge.

Stephen Metcalfe MP sings praises of Basildon Towngate Theatre’s Rapunzel

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, has heaped praise on Basildon Towngate Theatre after going to see their annual gala panto last Friday.

Following a popular audience vote the cast re-tell the much loved story of Rapunzel, trapped in a tower awaiting rescue by her Prince charming. Offering the audience an array of magical characters, popular songs, and a wonderful Christmas treat for people of all ages, it is a performance not to be missed.

The local MP commented: “The Towngate Theatre have a well deserved reputation for producing fantastic Christmas panto’s and Rapunzel does not disappoint! The cast are fantastic and you can’t help but leave with a smile on your face.”

“My congratulations go to all involved but particularly to Simon Fielding who is both the lead actor and director of a talented cast of performers.”

Basildon pantomime has grown into one of the most popular in the county, seeing over 25,000 people visit the theatre last Christmas. This year’s offering runs from 4^th December to 5^th January and is set to be a box office hit with some performances already sold out.

Mr Metcalfe added: “I would recommend this show to all of my constituents and I hope that as many people in South Basildon and East Thurrock as possible will get behind this fantastic local production.” 

To avoid disappointment, make sure you book your tickets at www.towngatetheatre.co.uk or by calling 01268 465465.

Stephen Metcalfe MP leads charge in support of Visteon Pensioners in Parliamentary Debate

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, led colleagues from across the House today in a call to Ford Motor Company asking them honour their moral responsibilities to their former employees who suffered significant pension losses when Visteon UK was spun off from Ford.

The Pensioners’ nightmare began when in 2000 when the global automotive component operation of Ford Motor Company, Visteon UK, was spun off from Ford to reduce supply chain costs. Under the separation terms, Visteon employees were promised mirrored terms and conditions and ‘lifetime protection’ of their pensions.

Visteon employees were therefore outraged and dismayed when the company went into administration in 2009 leaving 3000 employees and ex employees with heavily reduced pension rights – sometimes up to a staggering 50%. Despite ongoing links with Visteon UK, and despite the fact that pensioners were encouraged to transfer to a fund that was underfunded by some £350 million,  Ford has refused to take responsibility, claiming that Visteon was its own company, responsible for its own decisions.

Comments made by Chief Executive of the Visteon Corporation Tim Leuliette in which he stated that Visteon did not stand a chance of surviving after being spun off have only fuelled the anger of disenfranchised ex-employees. This David and Goliath battle is now the subject of legal action UK and will be tested in court at some point in 2014.

The debate, timed to coincide with the first anniversary of the Visteon debate held in Westminster Hall last year, saw a host of MP’s from across the House and across the country rally around the pensioners, urging Ford to accept their ethical responsibilities.

Mr Metcalfe, who chairs the APPG in support of Visteon Pensioners, opened the debate, calling on Ford to make good on their promises to the Pensioners, and to restore their now tarnished reputation.

He commented: “This is about getting justice for thousands of Visteon workers up and down the country who transferred their pensions into a pension scheme which ultimately collapsed. Many of the pensioners, including Dennis Varney from Basildon, worked for Ford and Visteon for over 30 years, dedicating their working lives to a company they trusted.”

“This is a moral issue, and I sincerely hope that Ford HQ in the US was listening, that they will face up to their ethical responsibilities, and that they will exercise a duty of care to their dedicated former workforce.” 

The Minister, Steve Webb assured the House that he had been in conversation with Ford, and that a meeting is scheduled to take place. MPs from across the House greeted this step forward. Mr Metcalfe concluded that this issue will not be brushed under the carpet, and that he and colleagues will continue to fight for justice on behalf of their constituents. 

Stephen Metcalfe MP announces constituency winner of national school manufacturing competition

Stephen Metcalfe MP is proud to announce Samuel Partridge from Gable Hall School as the winning pupil from South Basildon and East Thurrock in the local round of a national school manufacturing competition.

The We Made It! competition invited 11 – 14 year olds throughout the UK to let their imagination run wild and design a brand new product or gadget.

The competition aims to give children the opportunity to see that manufacturing is about design and creativity as well as hands-on making of the products. From fashion and video game consoles to cars and airplanes, there are many varied industries with manufacturing at their heart and in which exciting career opportunities exist.

Samuel’s entry is one of 23 shortlisted ideas selected from over 520 entries. The 23 shortlisted are selected by local Members of Parliament. All 23 winners and Members of Parliament are invited to an exclusive awards reception in the Houses of Parliament in March next year.

The 23 winning entries went through to the next stage of the competition, the formal judging day, where a panel of manufacturing experts whittled down the shortlist to 7 national finalists, all of which get the chance to bring their designs to life by working with some of the UK’s Fab Lab’s, (digital fabrication laboratories) based all across the UK.

The local MP praised Samuel’s idea for a set of headphones that can convert into portable speakers. He said: “It was extremely difficult to pick a winner as there were some fantastic entries. I chose Samuel for the quality of his design and because he bettered a pre-existing product.”

“Whilst Samuel did not make the national final, he should be extremely proud of his achievement.  I would like to congratulate all those in South Basildon and East Thurrock who took part and I hope that the competition might have given young people an insight into the diverse and exciting range of careers available in the technology and engineering industries.” 

The national winner’s prototypes will be revealed for the first time at the awards ceremony in March. For further information about the competition please see: www.wemadeituk.co.uk.

Stephen Metcalfe MP hits the High Street in support of Small Business Saturday

Stephen Metcalfe MP supported Small Business Saturday last weekend by shopping locally and meeting local businessmen and women in South Basildon and East Thurrock.

Consumers took to the high street in Basildon and Thurrock and up and down the country as hundreds of businesses took part in the campaign, many offering flash sales and one off promotions to reinforce the benefits of shopping locally. Small Business Saturday aims to encourage everyone in the UK to support their local small businesses and high streets on Saturday 7^th December and beyond.

The local MP expressed his support by visiting a variety of local businesses including Prime Cut Butchers in Stanford-Le-Hope, Cranberries Gift Shop and Sprogs Company in Corringham Shopping Centre, and Hooper Properties in Pitsea.

Mr Metcalfe commented: “Small Business Saturday is a fantastic initiative that has renewed people’s interest in local shops. As I have seen for myself, there are some great local businesses in South Basildon and East Thurrock and I hope that they will feel the long lasting impact of Small Business Saturday.”

“Thank you to all those who took to the streets to support businesses in Basildon and Thurrock and I would encourage my constituents to continue to support them throughout the Christmas period and into 2014!”

Small Business Saturday came after a plethora of measures were announced by Government to support business in the UK:

£1,000 off business rate bills for all retail premises with a rateable value up to £50,000 for 2014/15 and 2015/16. This includes shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants.

A 2% cap on everyone’s business rate increases.

A new reoccupation relief, which will halve the rates bills of businesses taking over premises empty for over a year.

The doubling of Small Business Rate Relief is being extended to April 2015 and expanded. 

Mr Metcalfe added: “This Government is clearly on the side of small businesses and I look forward to seeing them grow and flourish in South Basildon and East Thurrock under these new measures.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP welcomes strong Autumn Statement

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, has welcomed the strong and sensible Autumn Statement delivered today by the Chancellor, George Osborne.

In his annual statement to the House of Commons the Chancellor outlined the Government’s long term economic strategy for the coming years and reflected on progress that has already been made.

The local MP rose to the floor of the chamber to congratulate the Chancellor on his steadfast committed to keep Britain moving, stressing the Government’s moral responsibility to ensure that future generations are not burdened with the debt created by the previous Labour Government.

Mr Metcalfe commented: “The Autumn statement contained fantastic news for people in South Basildon and East Thurrock – the jobs tax on all young people under 21 abolished, real help for the high street, energy bills down, fuel duty frozen, and rail fare increases frozen.”

“For every South Basildon and East Thurrock motorist, petrol will now be 20p less than it would have been under the previous Government’s plans, saving us £11 every time we fill up our cars and £680 every year.”

“This is all welcome but we must not get complacent. As the Chancellor said the job is not done and we must keep the momentum going to keep Britain moving.”

The local MP, who has long been a champion of business in the local area, particularly welcomed the package of help for the high street and support for businesses. 44,000 business properties in Essex will benefit from:

• £1,000 off business rate bills for all retail premises with a rateable value up to £50,000 for 2014/15 and 2015/16. This includes shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants.
• A 2% cap on everyone’s business rate increases.
• A new reoccupation relief, which will halve the rates bills of businesses taking over premises empty for over a year.
• The doubling of Small Business Rate Relief is being extended to April 2015 and expanded. 

Mr Metcalfe added: "I wanted the Government to listen to calls from local businesses and they have.” 

“High street businesses are an important part of local life. We are backing local businesses all the way. With Small Business Saturday this weekend Conservatives are giving businesses in South Basildon and East Thurrock the help they need to grow and create jobs.” 

Stephen Metcalfe MP: We are one step closer to letting Britain decide

 Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, has said that we are one small step closer to an EU referendum after the European Union (Referendum) Bill passed its final stage in the House Commons last week.

The Bill, which will now move to the House of Lords, would guarantee an in-out referendum in 2017 after the Government have tried to re-negotiate a fresh settlement with the EU that better serves Britain’s interests.

Labour abstained from voting in the Bill with Shadow Foreign Secretary, Douglas Alexander MP, stating that Labour do not think “committing now to an in/out referendum up to four years from now is in the national interest because the priority must be getting growth into the economy.”

Mr Metcalfe commented: “Unlike Labour, we are committed to letting the British people determine our future in Europe. This is a decision that affects us all and it is therefore vital that we all have a say.”

“I was delighted to see the Bill pass through the House of Commons and I am also pleased with progress that is already being made by this Government in Europe.”

Among other measures, the Government have already secured the first ever real terms cut in the EU’s long-term budget; ended UK participation in EU bailout mechanisms;  vetoed a new EU fiscal treaty; and introduced a ‘referendum lock’. The Lock means that no powers can pass from Britain to Brussels without the consent of the British people in a referendum. 

The local MP added: “I have every confidence that this Conservative Government will continue to champion British interests in Europe and I look forward to seeing this Bill enshrined into the law in the near future.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP: Metal theft clampdown is working

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, has today welcomed new figures which reveal that the Government’s efforts to reduce metal theft are showing early signs of success.

Metal theft fell every quarter over the last year – and by 40 per cent overall in 2012–13. This coincides with tough new measures introduced by the Government to clamp down on the offence which causes distress and disruption to the public.

Last December the Government tightened the net around rogue sellers by:

• Banning all scrap metal dealers from trading in cash.
• Ending the practice of ‘no questions asked’ cash payments.
• Giving the police powers of entry to tackle illegal trading in metal yards.

On top of this, the Government established a National Metal Theft Taskforce to focus enforcement activity, and backed a new law introduced by Conservatives in Parliament which will:

• Require scrap metal dealers to be licensed.
• Allow councils to refuse or revoke licences if a dealer is deemed unsuitable.
• Give magistrates the power to issue rogue traders with fines of up to £5,000.

These powers under the Scrap Metal Act 2013 came into full effect on Sunday (1 December).

Mr Metcalfe commented: “Metal theft has a huge impact and costs the economy around £220 million a year.  This crime affects everyone – from the stealing of cables that delay your rail journey home to the shocking theft of war memorials.”

“That is why the Government has tightened the net around rogue sellers and funded a new taskforce to crack down on metal theft.  And from this weekend it will be illegal for people to trade in scrap metal without a licence.”

“We are on the side of people who play by the rules and are sending a strong message to rogue dealers – you will be caught.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP joins Foodbank collection at local Tesco

Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, joined volunteers at the local Tesco store in Pitsea last weekend to help collect much needed supplies for Basildon Foodbank.

The MP and local volunteers encouraged shoppers to donate non-perishable food items such as long life milk, cereals, and tinned fruit and veg to help local people facing times of crisis. The collected food will then be distributed by Basildon Foodbank to those most in need.

Collections took place in Tesco stores nationwide from 29^th November to 1^st December and Tesco have pledged to ‘top-up’ food donations by 30%, making the public’s generosity go even further. Tesco has also pledged to provide longer term support to Trussell Trust Foodbanks and Fareshare.

Mr Metcalfe commented: “I was pleased to be a part of the collection team and play a small part in Basildon Foodbanks’ drive for donations in the run up to Christmas. They provide an invaluable service to those in need in the local area and are vital in the fight against food poverty.”

In 2012-2013 Foodbanks nationwide helped 346,992 people, 218,295 more than in 2011-12.  This increase is believed to be in part due to high global food prices;  referrals from Jobcentres; a rise in the number of distribution centres; and new powers given to Local Authorities to allocate funding in direct support of food voucher schemes and Foodbanks.

The local MP added: “I would like to thank the people of South Basildon and East Thurrock for their generous donations of food and my sincere gratitude goes to all the volunteers who work tirelessly at the Foodbank to collect, sort, and distribute food to those that need it.” 

Basildon Foodbank is always in need of volunteers and food donations. If you would like to get involved or want to find out more about the services they provide, please visit:  http://basildon.foodbank.org.uk/

Stephen Metcalfe MP joins STOPAIDS campaign

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, joined UK activists at a STOPAIDS parliamentary event to mark the 25^th World AIDS Day on 1^st December.

As well as encouraging the public to ‘Fact Up’ about HIV and Aids, Mr Metcalfe was demonstrating his support for the UK’s pledge of £1bn to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, ahead of the Global Fund replenishment conference in Washington D.C. next week.

The event coincided with the launch of the Department for International Development (DFID) review of its 2011 position paper Towards Zero Infections. Mr Metcalfe spoke with activists about how far we have come in tackling the AIDS epidemic, with 9.7 million people now accessing treatment, and AIDS-related deaths declining from a peak of 2.2 million in the mid-2000s to 1.6 million in 2012.

The local MP also heard how far we have to go, with 16 million people still not accessing anti-retroviral treatment and 1.6 million people dying of AIDS-related illnesses in 2012. Mr Metcalfe joined STOPAIDS in calling upon world leaders to follow the UK’S example and fully commit to the Global Fund.

He said “I fully support the UK’s pledge of £1bn to the Global Fund and encourage other world leaders to join us in committing to bring this disease under control. I urge our government to remain focused on overcoming the challenge AIDS continues to pose to our international community.”

This Sunday 1^st December marks the 25^th anniversary of World AIDS Day, a day when activists and people living with HIV from around the world come together in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. 

In light of World AIDS Day the local MP has called for the people of South Basildon and East Thurrock to ‘Fact UP’ and become more educated about the condition. The five facts are:

1. If diagnosed and treated in time. People living with HIV live a normal lifespan.
2. There is no job, which someone can’t do specifically because they have HIV
3. Treatment can mean that people living with HIV are no longer infectious.
4. Men and Women living with HIV can become parents of a HIV-free baby.
5. People living with HIV still face stigma and discrimination.

Stephen added: “For people living with HIV in the UK one of the biggest challenges is still stigma, which is often the result of ignorance about HIV and unnecessary fear. Stigma also stops some people from taking an HIV test.”

"This World AIDS Day I am joining forces with the National AIDS Trust's campaign to encourage more people in South Basildon and East Thurrock to better understand the condition.”

For further information, please visit: http://www.worldaidsday.org/