Reporting back BRANDON S REVIEW OF 2014 MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR GREAT YARMOUTH Delivered at NO expense to the taxpayer! WORKING HARD FOR OUR COMMUNITY
3. 4. 6. 7. 8. WHAT S INSIDE THIS ISSUE OF REPORTING BACK ENGLISH VOTES FOR ENGLISH LAWS Why Scottish MPs should have less influence over English only matters. WORKING AND CAMPAIGNING FOR YOU Brandon takes time out to highlight his favourite moments of 2014. YARMOUTH GREATS! You voted for your favourite local businesses find out who won. VISIT THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT Have you ever fancied seeing behind the scenes at the House of Commons and find out what really happens there on an everyday basis? MY PLAN FOR GREAT YARMOUTH LAUNCHED Over the last five years Brandon has worked hard as our MP, delivering real change for our area. He sets out his plan for the next five years. Dear Neighbour, We only hear from you at election time! Those are words every politician must have heard at least once during their career. And it s easy to understand why. MPs and councillors can spend all that time getting elected, then get carried away with the details of Parliament or the local council. Five years ago, I pledged that I would keep in contact with constituents all year round, not just at election time. I have done that through Reporting Back my work for the community with regular newsletters and magazines like this. I have written to tens of thousands of constituents asking for their views on the issues that matter to them. Along with the team of Conservative campaigners, I take time to knock on people s doors, so they can raise issues with me. And my weekly email newsletter is extremely popular with residents, wanting to know what I have been doing for our area that week. So, I hope you enjoy this latest edition of Reporting Back with some of the latest news about my campaigns for our community. Yours sincerely, BRANDON LEWIS MP BRANDON LEWIS MP House of Commons, Westminster, SW1A 0AA P.S. If you would like to receive regular email updates about my work on behalf of Great Yarmouth, sign up by sending an email to office@brandonlewis.co. DELIVERED TO YOU AT NO EXPENSE TO THE TAXPAYER! USEFUL NUMBERS POLICE (NON EMERGENCY) - 101 JAMES PAGET HOSPITAL - 01493 452452 GREAT YARMOUTH COUNCIL - 01493 856100 ENVIRONMENTAL RANGERS - 01493 846478 RUBBISH COLLECTION - 01493 742200 ABANDONED VEHICLES - 101 DOG FOULING - 01493 846478 APPLY FOR A POSTAL VOTE - 01493 846327 02
IT S TIME FOR ENGLISH VOTES FOR ENGLISH LAWS The result of the Scottish Referendum saved the United Kingdom and prevented our great nation from being torn apart. There was a real risk that the union of our nations, which had withstood the test of time, would have been broken after 300 years of working so closely together. Commenting after the result, Brandon Lewis said, That is why I supported the pledge, made by all three political parties, to offer the people of Scotland new powers, allowing them a greater say about the level of taxes and how they fund public services. That means the amount of money transferred to Scotland will decline, as Scotland exercises its tax-raising powers under our enhanced devolution plans. It s a fundamental change in how our country is governed and our Member of Parliament agrees that change must be reflected across the country. I believe now is the time to introduce the principle of English votes for English laws, says Brandon, It would be a nonsense to allow Gordon Brown, representing a Scottish constituency, to continue to have a say on things that happen in the Great Yarmouth constituency, when he has no say over what happens in his own constituency in Fife. Why should Gordon Brown decide how much money the James Paget University Hospital receives or what is taught in our local schools? As an English MP I am prevented from having any say on how schools and hospitals are funded in Scotland, the same should happen with Scottish MPs. Yet the Labour Party is already backtracking on this issue, refusing to put party politics aside to get the best deal for the people of Great Yarmouth. During the recent referendum campaign the focus was on the views of Scotland, but Brandon Lewis is asking for our views on this important issue, you can do so by returning the opinion slip. I BELIEVE NOW IS THE TIME TO INTRODUCE THE PRINCIPLE OF ENGLISH VOTES FOR ENGLISH LAWS WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS ON MORE DEVOLUTION TO SCOTLAND? I support the new proposals for further devolution to Scotland. I support the new proposals for further devolution to Scotland, but only if England is given similar powers. I don t support the new proposals for further devolution to Scotland, it s a step too far DO YOU SUPPORT PLANS TO INTRODUCE ENGLISH VOTES FOR ENGLISH LAWS? Yes, only MPs representing English constituencies should be allowed to vote on issues affecting England only. No, I think the current arrangements allowing all MPs to vote on issues affecting England only, should remain. YOUR NAME ADDRESS EMAIL Cut out and return to Brandon Lewis MP, Sussex Road Business Centre, Sussex Road, Gorleston, NR31 6PF Sign up to my newsletter at office@brandonlewis.co 03
WORKING FOR YOU IN GREAT YARMOUTH It s been a busy year for our local Member of Parliament, as he continues to fight our corner in Westminster, so that we get the best deal for Great Yarmouth. He took a break from his busy schedule to tell us what he thought were the highlights of the last year. Both politicians and journalists took on a team of firefighters at a charity football match, organised by Brandon, to raise funds for the Norfolk Flood Appeal. Although Brandon s team suffered a heavy defeat, they raised over 1000 for the appeal. Dealing with the aftermath of the winter storms was helped by Brandon s role as a Government minister, meaning the local council benefitted from emergency funding to help with the local clean up. And a 28 million government initiative will protect 15,000 homes from future flooding. Brandon welcomed constituents to the House of Commons at the launch of his Visit Westminster tours. They have given people a unique chance to see behind the scenes, learn more about the role of a Member of Parliament and to ask plenty of questions. Apprentices from the James Paget University Hospital visited Westminster as part of National Apprenticeship Week. Brandon s backing the plans to create 3 million high quality apprenticeships, providing new opportunities for our young people. The council gave the go-ahead for work on the multi-million pound Gorleston link road to start in 2015. This followed extensive lobbying of transport ministers, by Brandon, with the government pledging 4.7 million towards this vital local project. 04 THAT S WHY OUR AREA NEEDS A LOCAL CHAMPION LIKE BRANDON LEWIS
AND WESTMINSTER THROUGHOUT 2014 Brandon likes to promote local businesses at every opportunity and persuaded the House of Commons to stock Lacons as a guest beer during a special promotion. An upgrade of the A47 remains a top priority for Brandon and he was blunt about the importance of getting this done, when Transport Minister Robert Goodwill visited the area. The Prime Minister strengthened his ministerial team, giving Brandon responsibility for housing and planning. As a senior minister Brandon is able to fight for our interests at the very heart of government. Brandon voted to cut income tax for hard-working people across Great Yarmouth. This will see people keeping even more of their people before they have to start paying tax, giving them and their families more financial security for the future. Unemployment fell steadily throughout the year, with it dropping by over 36%. Two local jobs fairs, which Brandon organised, helped get people back in to work or training. Sign up to my newsletter at office@brandonlewis.co 05
WHO WERE YOUR YARMOUTH GREATS? WINNERS OF BEST LOCAL BUSINESS COMPETITION ANNOUNCED LAUNCHED EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE YARMOUTH GREATS! COMPETITION CAPTURED THE IMAGINATION OF PEOPLE ACROSS THE AREA, WITH THOUSANDS VOTING FOR THEIR FAVOURITE LOCAL BUSINESS. Whether it is a high street shop, pub, restaurant, guest house or tourist attraction, you re bound to see the nominee proudly displaying their Yarmouth Greats! poster behind the counter. Brandon Lewis was delighted with the response to the competition, It s a recognition of how important these businesses are to our area, how customers value the choice they provide and the excellent customer service received. These businesses truly put the Great into Yarmouth and I congratulate every single nominee and, in particular, the winners. The winners were revealed at a glittering awards ceremony at the Zest Rooms in Hopton, kindly sponsored by Potters Resort. All the winners will benefit from free advertising with Splurge Card, the voucher card which provides amazing discounts across the local area. BEST HIGH STREET SHOP BRADWELL BUTCHERY Fantastic choice of products... Lovely fresh local produce... AVENUE FABRICS (Highly Commended) If you sew, this is the place to be... Really know their stuff... BEST TOURIST ATTRACTION YESTERDAY S WORLD Lots of history and beautifully presented... An excellent insight into the past... TIME & TIDE MUSEUM (Highly Commended) By far one of the most interesting museums I have ever visited Great fun for all the family BEST HOSPITALITY VENUE MOCHA Always welcoming and always smiling A wonderful local coffee shop KILBRANNAN GUEST HOUSE (Highly Commended) We always look forward to visiting They do the best cake! 06
BRANDON BACKS BUS REVIEW BRANDON LEWIS IS REGULARLY CONTACTED BY LOCAL PEOPLE SUGGESTING DIFFERENT ROUTES FOR BUSES OR WAYS TO IMPROVE SERVICES. UNSURPRISINGLY THE LACK OF A ROUTE TO THE GAPTON HALL ROUNDABOUT AREA AND THE POOR INTERNAL CONNECTIONS BETWEEN THE NORTHERN VILLAGES ARE A PARTICULARLY COMMON COMPLAINT. Brandon s regularly met with representatives of First Buses to discuss these issues. During their most recent meeting managers confirmed they are planning a large-scale review to reflect the impact of the soon to be completed link road between Gorleston and Bradwell. This will hopefully allow for better services, but it is essential that the needs of local people are reflected in any changes. Please get in touch if you have any ideas or have a transport wish list! JOIN ME HERE... VISIT WESTMINSTER Thoughout this year, I am organising coach trips to the Houses of Parliament for constituents, to give them an insight into the everyday workings of this historic building. If you would like to come on a future trip phone Hannah on 01493 652928 BRANDON LEWIS MP WORKING FOR OUR COMMUNITY SUSSEX ROAD BUSINESS CENTRE, SUSSEX ROAD, GORLESTON, NR31 6PF WWW.BRANDONLEWIS.CO OFFICE@BRANDONLEWIS.CO 01493 652928 IF YOU NEED MY HELP OR WANT TO DISCUSS A MATTER OF CONCERN, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH. I HOLD REGULAR SURGERIES IN THE CONSTITUENCY. TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT JUST CALL 01493 652928. Sign up to my newsletter at office@brandonlewis.co 07
MY PLAN TO SECURE A BETTER FUTURE FOR GREAT YARMOUTH FREE PARKING IN ALL OUR CAR PARKS Far too often, local council s use car parking charges to fill up the town hall coffers, ignoring the impact it has on the town centre. We can boost local shops, and the economy, by providing more free parking in all our car parks. Other towns already do this, why are we being left behind? 20MPH SPEED LIMIT OUTSIDE OUR SCHOOLS When worried parents at Alderman Swindell School in north Yarmouth contacted me about speeding traffic, I contacted the County Council demanding they implement a 20mph zone, on the roads surrounding the school. There are other places across the area where road safety needs improving. MORE IMPROVEMENTS TO OUR RAILWAY STATION The train companies responded to my long-term campaign to tidy up the station, but need to regenerate the whole area to create a station of which we can all be proud. Recent meetings suggest that large-scale regeneration may be on track, but they need to give the green light now. MORE APPRENTICESHIPS FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE At long-last, completing an apprenticeship and entering the workplace, isn t a second best option, instead of going to university. For example, apprentices from James Paget Hospital are learning new skills and making sure our hospital is providing the first-class care we all expect. PUT AN END TO NEIGHBOURHOOD NEGLECT Over the last year, hundreds of residents have contacted me about how the council has neglected their neighbourhood. It s unacceptable to cut back on grass cutting, rubbish clearance and weed spraying, whilst refusing to take serious action on the money they waste on bureaucracy. BUILD MORE AFFORDABLE HOMES TO HELP FAMILIES ON TO THE HOUSING LADDER Communities should decide where they would like new houses built, and what size and style fits into their area. That s why I am encouraging them to complete new neighbourhood plans. With those new houses, the council must provide new schools, GPs surgeries and transport links. Promoted by A P Baxter on behalf of B K Lewis both at Sussex Road Business Centre, Gorleston, NR31 6PF Design & Printed by H2Creative Media Ltd Beacon Innovation Centre, Beacon Park, Gorleston, Norfolk, NR31 7RA