The Budget statement

The Chancellor’s Budget Statement on Wednesday was yet another missed opportunity to tackle fuel poverty and climate change – and invest in a green, jobs rich economy. It also did nothing to address the housing crisis. I’ve long argued that the Treasury should both lift current caps on council borrowing for house building and provide direct capital spending to allow councils to build a mass programme of sustainable council housing.

Over time this would help ease the chronic housing supply problem and begin to address high rents. A cut in VAT rates for housing renovation and repair would have helped get empty homes back into use and help small local businesses thrive.

There was also a worrying silence on the need for all new homes to meet the highest possible water and energy efficiency standards to ensure the lowest possible utility bills for families who will live in them.

With current spending only half of what is needed to meet the government’s own climate targets, the Chancellor failed to get serious on climate change and I managed to briefly intervene in the debate to this effect: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm140319/debtext/140319-0002.htm#140319-0002.htm_spnew17

In my media work ahead of the budget I also repeated my call for a cut in VAT on tourism to 5%, a move that would allow hotels and attractions to compete on a fairer footing with our European neighbours, and would help create more jobs in Brighton and Hove.

And I also chaired the launch of a new pre-budget report by CND, highlighting the costs of Trident replacement and making the case for the £100 billion to be spent in other ways instead. You can download the report here.

Fair Tax Mark

The day before the budget I secured a debate on the Fair Tax Mark, to make the case for a positive scheme that awards companies who pay the tax they owe in the UK – and to argue once again for a more robust approach from Government to tackling tax evasion and avoidance.

The Minister welcomed the Fair Tax Mark in principle, but failed to reassure me the Coalition is genuine about clamping down on tax dodging.

You can read my comments and the Minister’s response here.

Deaf Lobby

I met two local women last week, who were participating in a deaf lobby of Parliament. Westminster Hall was much quieter than usual, despite being packed full of people, as much of the communication happening was via signing. One of my constituents told me about the impact that cuts to funding for interpreting via Access to Work would have on her – she works as a teacher and is contracted to do 37 hours a week. Under the changes she’s only entitled to 30 hours of support, putting her job at risk. I’ve lobbied the Minister at the DWP about this and hope the Government will see sense.

EDL march

Given that in previous years many of those taking part in the EDL march have not been local, and appear to have chosen to come to Brighton precisely to be provocative – presumably because of our strong opposition to racism and longstanding commitment to diversity - I believe that there must be a better way to manage the situation in future. The authorities need to find a way of better preventing local residents and traders experiencing so much disruption, without curtailing the right to peaceful protest.

I spoke to Superintendent Steve Whitton, during the week as he is in charge of policing the forthcoming EDL march. He is currently consulting local business representatives and others to explore ways to minimise disruption. I understand the police have sat down with council leaders to talk about alternative routes, but have concluded the seafront is the least disruptive route in the city.

The police have brought together representatives from local traders, hotels, tourist attractions, buses, the ambulance service, Business Improvement Districts and the council. Superintendent Whitton assures me that the group is working really well and that the police are learning lessons from last year, especially about vehicle access and which roads to keep open.

Surgery in Asda Hollingbury

My surgery as Asda Hollingbury was a great success. I tend to hold weekly surgeries with pre-bookable appointments but also think it’s important to be as accessible as possible and get out and about to meet people. It was great to speak with so many residents outside the supermarket, and I am busy following up the issues raised. We covered a wide variety of topics - the need for more affordable housing being a key concern.

My next surgery will be this Friday (March 28^th) at 6pm in the constituency office in Middle Street. If you would like to make an appointment please call 01273 201130 or you can email brightonoffice@parliament.uk

Other news

It was a pleasure to accept an invite from Whoopsadaisy to visit them at Preston Park. There’s a photo and a blog about the visithere.

I joined a People’s Assembly Rally on budget day and you can watch a video of my speech here.

And I took part in a panel debate to coincide with the local screening of Breaking The Taboo, a film about the damage caused by current drugs laws and the case for reform.

I am in court this week, following my arrest at Balcombe last August for taking part in a peaceful protest against fracking. Please read my statement ahead of the trial here.

Contacting Me

If you are a local resident and want help with case work or to find out more about my activities locally please contact me at the office of Caroline Lucas MP, Brighton Media Centre 15-17 Middle Street, Brighton BN1 1AL. Tel: 01273 201 130. Email: brightonoffice@parliament.uk

I hold regular surgeries across the constituency. If you want to book an appointment at a forthcoming surgery please call Liz Collis on 01273 201130. She coordinates my constituency office and is able to help with most local enquiries.

If you want to know about my parliamentary work please get in touch at the House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA. Tel: 020 7219 7025. Email: caroline.lucas.mp@parliament.uk