Ever since first becoming Member of Parliament for South Swindon back in 2010, it has been an important priority of mine to support all of our excellent local businesses here in the town, both large and small. I also continue to work hard to champion the work of our local businesses in Parliament whenever I can, which is why I was glad to add my name to the list of MPs who wrote to the Chancellor last week to urge him to protect the taxi industry.
Our economy has experienced turbulence in recent years, from the pandemic to Putin’s war in Ukraine, many businesses have been struggling to get back on their feet. That is why I have joined 25 other MPs to call on the Chancellor to help protect the taxi industry from another tax that will damage those who can afford it least.
Many local people here in South Swindon rely on taxis and this includes vulnerable children, elderly people, and those with mobility issues. As well as all of those who use a private hire vehicle to visit the hospitality venues in and around the town. Stopping the Taxi Tax is another chance for the Conservative government to show it is sensitive to the pressures on consumers and businesses, protecting jobs and livelihoods, whilst also ensuring passenger safety.
It is welcome news that the government has announced that it is introducing long-term changes to make the child maintenance system fairer for children and parents.
Each year the CMS helps around 930,000 children get the financial support they are entitled to and overall, child maintenance payments help to keep 160,000 children out of poverty each year. The government has announced plans to speed up enforcement action for those parents who refuse to support their children, the removal of the application fee to the CMS and longer-term changes. You can find out more on the government website: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/child-maintenance-service-reformed-to-crack-down-on-parents-who-refuse-to-pay--2
Last week, as we marked Children’s Mental Health Week, it was even more important for us to speak out and raise awareness of children's and young people’s mental health. We often don’t speak about the impact of the Covid pandemic and various lockdowns on the wellbeing of our children. As a parent myself I witnessed the effect of the crisis on my family. Those of us like me with disabled children will have experienced even more acute effects. The government has taken vital steps to improve mental health services in our schools, but more needs to be done to keep pace with the size of the challenge, and every school needs a mental health professional.
Last week was also National Apprenticeship Week and a time to shine a light on the positive differences apprenticeships make across our country. Since first becoming MP back in 2010, there have been 9,980 apprenticeship starts here in South Swindon. With 700 training courses now available, opening up new opportunities and carer pathways, as well as playing a critical role in our local economy.
Finally, as part of my ongoing charity support scheme, I would like to shine a light on a wonderful local charity called Doing it for Dan, which was set up in memory of 11-year-old Daniel Climance. Daniel was kind, and caring and loved all kinds of sports. The charity in his name helps young people achieve their sporting dreams by awarding grants to individuals, teams, and organisations here in Swindon and beyond. You can find out more on the website here: Home - Doing It For Dan
