Public Service Users' Bill

We have a right as citizens and as taxpayers to know that the services we rely on are value for money, and that those responsible for them are accountable to us.   Sadly, since the 1980s we’ve seen more and more vital services sold off, with massive amounts of money diverted from the front line to shareholders.  Yet we haven’t seen the promised benefits of privatisation, and there are countless examples of private companies doing a poor job of running our services. 

Last week, inspired by the fantastic ‘We Own It’ campaign, I presented  a new Public Services Users Bill which would:

·         Make public ownership the default option before any service is sold off

·         Ensure people are asked – and genuinely listened to – before any service is put out to tender

·         Give the public a right to recall private companies if they’re running our services poorly

·         Make private companies running public services more transparent

 If you’d like us to keep you posted on what we’re doing, and on how you can get involved  sign up here.

Prince’s Trust visit

As part of a tour to showcase The Prince’s Trust’s Enterprise programme, I met four talented entrepreneurs, including restaurateur Carlos Riestra, Nicola Smith, a vintage hair and beauty therapist; David Stewart, a local up-and-coming magician; and Natalie Millerchip, a recycled jewellery creative.

It was great to meet some of Brighton’s talented entrepreneurs – young people who never gave up on their ambitions -  and to talk to them about how they've been able to realise their dreams.

Seaside Homes Visit

On Monday I officially opened the new Seaside Homes property on Preston Road.  The refurbished Victorian mansion holds 16 new council flats and is an impressive demonstration of an empty property being brought back into use to provide much-needed homes.

Seaside Homes proves that innovative solutions to the lack of housing supply can be found in the not-for-profit sector.   The charity is working on other refurbishments across the city and I wish them all the best for future plans.

Lobbying Bill

The Lobbying Bill, has been a major source of concern to me and many constituents.  Last week  I questioned the Leader of the House of Commons, Andrew Lansley, on some of the concerns raised by campaigning organisations about the spending restrictions they’ll face in the run-up to elections.

Sadly, despite brilliant campaigning, and people in Brighton and across the country making clear their concerns for the future of democracy, the Bill is now set to become law.  Thanks to everyone who got in touch with me on this issue, and I’m sorry we weren’t successful.   However, the fight against this terrible law, and for freedom of speech, will go on.

EU emissions strategy

The EC  announced its new clean energy package last week.  Along with Greens across Europe, I voiced concerns that it demonstrated a lack of ambition, particularly as a research report accompanying it highlighted the many  benefits of moving to renewables, including  lower costs for industry and less fossil fuel imports.

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