It has been great to be back home in the constituency for an extended period with the Easter recess and I am looking forward to more time here over the next two weeks. I was pleased to accompany the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner around Crewkerne and Chard and we discussed amongst other matters, the idea of youth services being part of the National Curriculum. How do we reach out early enough to the young people who end up involved in crime? It was a most interesting discussion.
We have had some reassuringly positive potential developments with the Sunnymeade home in Chard and I have written to the CQC to support the Agincare registration in the hope that my support will encourage the CQC to recognise the urgency of this registration for the potential takeover.
I am hoping to hear back from Lloyds following my immediate intervention at the news of the Ilminster branch closing. I hope to meet with them to discuss possible reversal of their business decision but in the event that is not possible, I hope to ensure banking hubs are indeed provided and regularly enough for the customers and wider communities of Ilminster who rely on being able to do their banking in person. I recognise that the majority of individuals may well use online banking facilities, however I will always speak out, for those with limited transport or mobility and for those who simply are unable to use the online offerings, for whatever reason. These people are often our most vulnerable residents, so it is extremely important that they are not disadvantaged in any way. With all the planning for new housing developments, Ilminster continues to be an expanding market town, not a contracting one so losing these banking facilities would be the wrong decision.
Wasn’t it fantastic to celebrate Yeovil Rugby Clubs very own Marlie Packer on her 100th cap for England women’s rugby? An amazing achievement Marlie! There are a plethora of sporting camps and activity days available across the constituency for all ages and abilities over the Easter break from table tennis to cricket, dancing to golf. Why not try something new this holiday? We of course are all getting behind Yeovil Town FC for their final push to remain top of the table.
Easter is a personal time for many and whatever your beliefs I hope you all have a wonderful, blessed Easter. If, like me, have young children, the day is pretty sure to be filled with chocolate! Due to the Easter weekend our roads will naturally be busy over the bank holiday period but I am assured by National Highways that the works along the A303 will still be able to cope with the increased traffic flow. Do though allow extra time for your journey with the increased traffic.
April is the start of the new financial year and I am really pleased that this will see a drop in National Insurance taxes for many people. It’s an outdated tax but also this is a good move towards traditional Conservative values of letting people keep their own money and deciding for themselves how to use it.