Stephen Metcalfe MP: Students studying core subjects in South Basildon and East Thurrock rises by 50%

Local MP Stephen Metcalfe has welcomed the news that the number of students in South Basildon and East Thurrock studying core academic subjects has risen by 50% since 2010 thanks to the Government’s English Baccalaureate (EBacc).

In 2010 only 23% of pupils in the local area studied for the EBacc, but this rose to 35% in 2013, an increase of 50%. The number of students achieving the qualification has risen accordingly and currently stands at 21%, a rise of 80%.

Pupils achieve the EBacc if they get a C or better in the core subjects of English, maths, history or geography, the sciences, and a language. These are the subjects most valued by universities and employers. This is the first year that the effects of the EBacc are fully reflected in the tables.

Mr Metcalfe commented: “Under the last Labour Government the number of students sitting exams in these crucial academic subjects halved. Thanks to this Government’s reforms, the number of young people in South Basildon and East Thurrock studying the core subjects has soared.”  

“This is part of our long-term plan to create an education system that gives young people who want to work hard the skills they need to prosper and fulfill their potential.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP supports Big Energy Saving Week

 Kathy Peach, Manager - CAB Basildon and Stephen Metcalfe MP

Local MP Stephen Metcalfe recently lent his support to Big Energy Saving Week, which will help people in South Basildon and East Thurrock cut hundreds of pounds from their energy bills.

The campaign, which runs from 27 -31 Jan 2013, gives practical advice on how to save money by checking, switching and insulating your home. The Citizens Advice Bureau are running over 500 events to help consumers get advice on how to cut their bills during this week.

Run by Citizens Advice, Big Energy Saving Week is also supported by charities, the Government, and the energy industry who have come together to provide advice to consumers which could save:

•    An average of £100 by paying by direct debit rather than cash or cheque
•    Up to £200 for switching tariff or supplier if you have never switched before
•    An average of £320 from insulation and other energy saving measures

The local MP commented:  “Big Energy Saving Week is a great opportunity to take action and cut your energy costs. I encourage everyone to see what they could do to reduce their bills and make sure they aren’t paying more than they need to.”

“I am pleased with the measures taken by this Government to aid this process. Among other measures we have delivered a £50 saving on energy bills, cut over 400 tariffs to just 4 per supplier, and secured £135 off bills for two million vulnerable households under the Warm Homes Discount.”

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of national charity Citizens Advice added: “We know that people are finding it hard to make ends meet. This week we’re helping as many people as possible make sure they are not paying a penny more than they have to for a warm home or to keep the lights on.”

“Through Big Energy Saving Week Citizens Advice is helping consumers to check, switch and insulate.  Citizens Advice Bureaux up and down the country will be out and about to help consumers find better deals, make the most of extra help available and vote with their feet if they can get a better deal.”

To help people take control of their bills Citizens Advice has released ten top tips to help you check, switch and insulate.

1. Check your bills carefully and read your meter regularly. This will allow you to check how much energy you use and make sure you’re paying the right amount
2. Talk to your supplier if you think your bill is wrong or if you have problems paying. They’ll be able to give you advice about available support or talk you through repayment options.
3. If money is tight, contact your local CAB. They can check to see if you are getting the benefits you are entitled to, or if you can get help paying your bills.
4. Make sure that you’re on the cheapest tariff.  Check with your supplier and use an accredited switching website to see who’s offering the best deal. Tariffs are changing in 2014 so it is important that you are aware of your current deal and any changes your supplier is planning.
5. Most energy suppliers offer fixed price tariffs, where the price of a unit of energy will stay the same for the length of the deal. These can work out cheaper in the long term and make it easier to budget – although you might need to pay by direct debit and your bills will still go up if you use more energy. 
6. If you use a pre-payment meter, remember that standing charges will be added daily - even when you aren’t using energy. Check how much they are and keep your meter topped up even during warm weather to avoid unexpected charges
7. If you use heating oil as your main fuel, buy before winter and see if there are any local oil buying clubs you can join. If not, you might want to start your own.
8. Make your home energy efficient – insulate lofts and walls, double glaze or use thick curtains to keep the heat in, and get your boiler serviced or replaced to ensure it is energy efficient. There are schemes to help with this.
9. Save money and energy – don’t leave appliances on standby or leave laptops and mobile phones on charge unnecessarily. Fix leaking taps and always turn off the light when you leave a room.
10. Do a home energy check to find out about savings of up to £250 a year on household energy bills. Visit the Energy Saving Trust home energy check at hec.est.org.uk. Use this check to get a full report with details of your home’s energy use and the savings you could make. 

Consumers can also get help and advice online at www.bigenergysavingweek.org.uk or from their local CAB. You can see a full list of events at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/besw_events.htm.

Stephen Metcalfe MP is hopeful for Woodlands School after visiting new state of the art building

Last week Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, visited the new building for Woodlands School and met with the Executive Headteacher, Mrs Karen Kerridge.

Students are due to move in to the new site on 10^th February and the local MP hopes that the move will signal a new start for the school.  Mrs Kerridge, will oversee the transition to the new site and is committed to driving up standards at the school which was put into special measures last year.

Mr Metcalfe discussed an action plan with the Executive Head and also spoke to students to get their perspective and to find out about their hopes for the future.

He commented: “I was extremely impressed by the pupils and their desire to succeed. Both students and staff are pressing forward and I am confident that under this new leadership we see improvements in the near future. The new building can only help this process.”

As it currently stands, Woodlands is divided into a cluster of buildings leaving staff and students with lengthy and time consuming walks between lessons. The new building will unite the school, alleviating this problem whilst also providing staff and students with an impressive array of facilities including fantastic science labs, a spectacular gym, and new creative arts facilities that can house the 1500 pupils.

Mr Metcalfe commented: “This £25 million investment is brilliant news for Woodlands. I was extremely impressed by the new site and I very much look forward to visiting it again when it if full of students. The importance of a positive learning environment cannot be underestimated and I hope that Woodlands pupils and staff will be enthused and excited by their new facilities and all that they offer.” 

“Woodlands is going through a difficult time but I am confident that it can emerge as a stronger and better school with the new facility signalling a fresh start.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP: huge local investment shows long term plan is working

Stephen Metcalfe MP rose on the floor of the House of Commons yesterday to highlight the billions of pounds worth of investment flowing into South Basildon and East Thurrock and to ask the Chancellor if he agreed that this shows that the Government’s long term economic plan is working.

In the local area alone, £1.5billion is being invested in London Gateway, £500 million is on the table for a new power station, £180 million is being ploughed into Lakeside, and the regeneration of Basildon town centre is about to begin. All bring jobs and growth to South Basildon, East Thurrock and the wider area and are clear signs that the economy is heading in the right direction.

The Chancellor, George Osborne, congratulated the local MP on the work he has done to bring the investment to his constituency, and to create jobs and opportunities for his constituents. 

Mr Osborne stated: “It is important for us to send a message to the world that we are open for business and open to investment, and because we are doing that, we are now a go-to destination for world investment. Can my hon. Friend imagine the impact on jobs and investment in his constituency if we adopted the Labour party’s approach?”

Mr Metcalfe commented: “I am delighted that so many investors are choosing South Basildon and East Thurrock and the wider South Essex area. It will bring more jobs and growth to the local area and this can only be a good thing.”

Recent statistics show that unemployment has already fallen by 20% in South Basildon and East Thurrock since December 2012. Nationwide, growth forecasts have been raised by the IMF which now expects the UK economy to grow 2.4% this year – faster than any other major European economy. 

“Our economy is on the up, growth is rising, and unemployment is falling – clear signs that our long-term economic plan is working. It is vital that we stick to this plan to ensure that this growth is sustained for the benefit of all those living and working in South Basildon and East Thurrock.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP takes a step against prejudice by signing Holocaust Memorial Day Book of Commitment

Last week Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, marked Holocaust Memorial Day by signing the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment in the House of Commons.

The book honours those who died during the Holocaust as well as honouring the extraordinary Holocaust survivors who work tirelessly to educate young people about what they endured.

Holocaust Memorial Day, which fell on Monday 27^th January marked the 69th 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.

Mr Metcalfe commented: “Holocaust Memorial Day marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau – and is an important opportunity to remember the victims and survivors of the Holocaust. It’s not too late to mark the day and join members of your community in the fight against prejudice and intolerance.” 

Karen Pollock MBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, added: “We are proud that Stephen Metcalfe MP is supporting Holocaust Memorial Day.  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.” 

Stephen Metcalfe MP visits Basildon Academy to see Clare Balding, Samantha Cameron, and others inspire the next generation of women

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, visited the Basildon Upper Academy today to see a host of inspiring women imparting their knowledge and wisdom to girls at the school.

Among those in attendance were Samantha Cameron, writer and broadcaster Clare Balding, former Royal Air Force fast jet pilot, Mandy Hickson, and Miriam Gonzalez Durantez, partner of Dechert law firm.

The event, organised by the charity ‘Inspiring the Future’ aims to break down pervasive gender stereotypes in the job market and to provide girls all over the country with the chance to meet women from all backgrounds and gain first-hand experience into different jobs and routes into them.

The first part of the event saw sixth formers ‘speed networking’ as their guests moved around from table to table. In a next door hall, employers from all walks of life gathered for a careers fair, providing girls at the school with an opportunity to meet women from science, engineering, hospitality, and Government backgrounds to name just a few.

The local MP commented: “75% if women still work in the five Cs of employment: Cleaning, catering, caring, cashiering, and clerical. There is of course nothing wrong with these professions but if girls want to choose maths, science, engineering, or any other career path, they should not be put off from doing so by stereotypes and misconceptions.” 

“As was shown today, women can excel and are excelling in a whole range of careers, from fighter jet pilots to broadcasters. This event was about making this known to the girls, to inspire them, and to encourage them to broaden their horizons. I hope that it did this and that they were encouraged to go on and fulfil their huge potential.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP highlights plight of Syrian refugees in Parliament

Stephen Metcalfe MP at the Nizip 2 refugee camp on the Turkey/Syria border

 presenting warm winter clothes to those displaced by the conflict.

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, rose on the floor of the House of Commons today to highlight the plight of Syrian refugees and to call upon the Government to work tirelessly to help resolve the conflict so that Syrians can return home.

The local MP saw firsthand the tragic impact of the civil war after recently visiting a refugee camp in Turkey which offers shelter and accommodation to some of the 2.4million Syrian men, women, and children who have been externally displaced by the conflict.

Well over 150,000 people have been killed in Syria as a result of the fighting with 9 million people having lost their homes. With a population of 22 million, the civil war is one of the worst humanitarian disasters in modern times.

In the debate, the opposition called upon the Government to allow Syrian refugees into the UK. Drawing on his experiences in Turkish refugee camps, Mr Metcalfe suggested to the Minister for Immigration, Mark Harper MP,  that many refugees don’t want to come to the UK they want to return home if only it were safe to do so. He therefore called upon the Government to work tirelessly to bring all sides involved in the conflict together to try and find a resolution that would allow displaced refugees to return to their home country and suggested that support for the most vulnerable refugees was best delivered on the ground; in the region and close to their own community.

Mr Metcalfe commented: “My recent trip to Turkey to visit Syrian refugee camps was a deeply moving one. These people have been forced from their homes through no fault of their own and many who I spoke to want nothing more than to return to their friends and families in Syria. Whilst it is unsafe for them to do so at this time, I am pleased that the Government are committed to helping this process.”

In addition to £600 million pledged in humanitarian aid, the UK Government is working through the UN to secure unfettered humanitarian access inside Syria. This includes securing priority humanitarian routes to ensure convoys can get through safely, humanitarian pauses to ensure aid reaches most war-torn areas and that the sick and wounded can be evacuated safely, and lifting bureaucratic obstacles like customs rules which make it hard for aid workers to deliver swift relief on the ground. 

Mr Metcalfe added: “I would also like to highlight the fantastic work taking place in Turkey. They are working tirelessly to provide a safe haven for refugees coming from across the border and I know the international community are grateful for their efforts.”