Coastal Scene Column - 17th February 2012

"This week I have been conducting my first constituency tour, visiting villages across Suffolk Coastal, over two days.

It was great to meet so many people to talk through a wide variety of issues, to visit businesses and sample Suffolk produce in the shops, pubs and village halls across the constituency. We were made most welcome by Howell Jenkins, along with the Chairman and Vice-chairman of Melton Parish Council, Cllr Mrs Bryony Abbott and Cllr Miss Katy Martin at Five Winds Farm at Melton Station with some delicious sausage rolls on offer. The amount of people coming to see me at my various stop off points varied from 40 to none! I wanted to visit as many villages as possible were I don't usually host regular surgeries. The main issues raised were about planning and housing, most notably flagship properties.

I have already organised an important meeting with the Chief Executive of Flagship that will take place before this article goes to print, to discuss concerns raised by residents.

Many constituents have expressed their concern about the number of empty properties (107) that exist locally, as well as comments about maintenance and repair. I will bring all of these up when I meet with them. I will also be asking why Flagship Housing hasn't bid for any grant money to build more affordable housing.

Last week saw the launch of the Coastal Communities Fund a new multi-million pound Government project to support the economic development of coastal communities.

This is great news for Suffolk Coastal and I encourage quality bids from organisations that support economic development including charities, social enterprises as well as local authorities. This has the potential to have a real and lasting impact on our local economy.

The money will be allocated using half of the revenue raised by the Crown Estate's marine activities, and is estimated to be £23.7 million in its first year. I am concerned that there is no indication that the amount of money allocated will be proportionate to the amount of money generated from Crown Estate activities in each area. Ministers previously promised this and I will be taking this up with the Secretary of State.

The big lottery fund will distribute the money and guidance on how to apply can be found at: http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/regeneration/coastalfundprospects"

The statutory consultation period has opened on East Anglia Array and will run until the 30th March. It is welcome that cabling instead of pylons is to be used to bring the power onshore but undoubtedly residents are going to have questions about the route. There is a Public Information Day in Woodbridge Library on the 21st February from 1pm – 7pm if you would like to attend."

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Coastal Scene Column - 3rd February 2012

"I have just set up the All Party Parliamentary Group on the Off-Gas Grid, working with MPs of all parties, to focus on issues affecting residents in regard to heating their homes. I have significant concern about the domestic oil market and aspects of the LPG market. Many Coastal Scene readers will have experienced difficulties with rising prices and supply problems. Prompted by my questions in Parliament the Office of Fair Trading did conduct a study into the heating oil market and found that most residents had a choice of suppliers. I accept that but I think we need a stronger voice for consumers and we hope to bring all households under the scope of OFGEM.

The consultation on the Galloper Wind Farm has started. I know many constituents are concerned about where the cables will come onshore and the further transmission via pylons or cables. As part of the consultation, there is an exhibition this weekend at Sizewell Beach Cafe on Friday from 4-8pm and on Saturday from 10am-2pm. The consultation closes on February 24th and any views should be sent direct to the IPC. More information is available online at http://infrastructure.independent.gov.uk/projects/eastern/galloper-offshore-wind-farm/.

The Marine Management Organisation is running a Marine planning drop in session on Monday 13th February from 11am-3pm at the Aldeburgh Yacht Club.

Last year I tabled an Early Day Motion and led a debate in Parliament calling for the BBC to dismiss the idea of centralising its radio programming. I was therefore pleased that the BBC has announced that they will think again about the planned cuts to local radio. The Chairman of the BBC, Lord Patten said that some aspects of their plans had a disproportionate impact on local and regional output and they are now looking at ways protect the local identity of services. Local radio is important to license fee payers and celebrating community moments is where local radio truly excels.

Parliament's recess coincides with school half-term. My team from London are coming up for a couple of days and also I will be touring villages across the constituency on 13th and 14th. Come along and say hello.

Monday 13th Friday St Farm Shop - 9am ; Campsea Ashe Auction Rooms - 9.25am; Hollesley Village Store 1105; Alderton Store 1140; Melton Station and 5 Winds Butchers -1215.

Tuesday 14th Darsham Village Hall - 9am; Middleton farm shop - 9:30am; Yoxford Post Office - 10.10am; Walpole - 11am; The Queens Head in Bramfield - 11.30am; Huntingfield Arms in Huntingfield - 12.05pm for a spot of lunch, then the Cratfield Village Hall Car Park -12:50pm and in Linstead Village Hall Car Park at 1.20pm. The programme is confirmed and although it is unlikely the timings and locations will change it cannot be guaranteed so check online to make sure (www.theresecoffeymp.com). I do hope to meet as many people as possible so if you are in the area drop by and see me."

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Coastal Scene Column - 20th January 2012

"The long parliamentary campaign to bring proper mobile broadband to rural areas has taken a huge stride forward. Theregulator OFCOM finally announced its proposals for the auction of 4G broadband to include coverage to at least 98% of the UK population. Current 3G coverage is only about 80% of the population while mobile phone companies are only currently obliged to cover 95% of the population, 90% of the time for phone calls.

As I said in the House of Commons last May, there was a risk OFCOM is being penny wise, pound foolish and that in future it could become very expensive for this country to have truly mobile broadband. My select committee challenged OFCOM's coverage target of 95% as being unambitious back in November and we re-iterated the call for a 98% coverage obligation. Thankfully in last week's announcement, OFCOM proposed options which should ensure that 98% or more of the population receives 4G mobile broadband coverage. This means that many who currently do not have a mobile signal will now receive one, and that millions more will have their signal upgraded from a 2G 'voice' signal to a 4G signal, capable of carrying broadband data.

This investment will transform the fortune of small and medium sized businesses, currently hamstrung by inadequate mobile phone and internet coverage. Homes, schools, farms and businesses will get access to decent mobile and internet coverage for the first time. I think it is also very good news for our tourism industry and hopefully we can get going quickly on the auction and deployment of the technology.

This week is Big Energy Week, the Citizen's Advice initiative to help consumers spend less heating their home. Many residents have been hit with an increase in energy bills this year and as part of the solution, uSwitch.com has launched a service called 'Send us your bill', designed to help households that are not online to get accurate and impartial information about energy prices and to switch to a cheaper deal. Constituents interested in the 'Send us your bill' service should post a copy of their latest energy bill with a contact telephone number to: FREEPOST USWITCH. Alternatively, people can call 0800 093 06 07 to speak to a customer services adviser. Send in your bill and make sure Big Energy Week works for you.

The Saxmundham Free School is carrying out its consultation and 8th February is the last day to submit your views. Go online to www.saxmundhamfreeschool.org.uk to find out more. I am supporting the Free School as there is a clear demand from parents and from people in the town for a High School. That is not to criticise Leiston Community High School and I don't. I do believe that parents having choice is good for raising standards across the board. Change and uncertainty are unsettling but have a read and give your view.

Finally, there were further disappointing results on the Ambulance Service. With other Suffolk MPs, I will continue to press the case for patients who by definition are at their most vulnerable awaiting emergency medical support."

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Coastal Scene Column - 6th January 2012

"We have a lot to look forward to in 2012; the Olympics, the torch relay coming to Suffolk, the Cultural Olympiad and of course Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee. We have a once in a lifetime opportunity not just to enjoy these events but for tourism businesses to make the most of it.

Last month I met with the Minister John Penrose MP to discuss the Government's support for tourism businesses in Suffolk Coastal. The Government has introduced a series of measures to boost the hospitality and tourism industries and the Minister explained how these would impact directly on jobs in Suffolk. The tourism industry plays such a vital part in our local economy. 2.9% of local residents are employed in this sector so it was good to have the opportunity to make the case directly to the Minister.

The Tourism Regulatory Task Force Report identified more than 60 out of the 102 Government regulations affecting the hospitality sector which will be abolished including the placing of no smoking signs. The Government have also announced plans to get rid of some of the much hated bureaucracy that discourages people from organising concerts, plays and other live entertainment. All of these measures coupled with a £150 million advertising campaign to market Great Britain at home and abroad will boost growth and jobs in the tourism sector.

Another important focus for me in 2012, and something which I have been working on for some time is the cost of fuel for those off the gas grid. A recent study, which I called for, was published by the Office of Fair Trading. It did not lead to concerns on competition grounds though the cost of heating oil is still high. As a result of this I recently set up an All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on the matter and was elected co-chairman by my colleagues. Through the group I aim to establish greater consumer protection for residents as well as focusing help on those houses hardest to insulate.

On a similar matter Suffolk has recently received £265,000 in Government funding to run a scheme to help vulnerable people keep warm and safe during the winter months. Cold weather can cause misery, avoidable illness and even death for too many older people. I am therefore delighted to welcome the funding for Suffolk from the Warm Homes Healthy People scheme. The money will enable the local authority to work alongside charitable and community organisations to help to keep vulnerable older people well during winter and ease the strain on local NHS services. Fuel poverty is a prevalent issue in Suffolk Coastal and I want to make sure it stays on the agenda in Westminster.

Finally, it is good news that the Thorpeness defences were finished before Christmas and the savings have been put to repair additional defences. This was a good partnership between residents, the Council and the Environment Agency that will act as a blueprint in Suffolk and around the UK."

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Coastal Scene Column - 23rd December 2011

"In the Bleak Midwinter is playing on the radio yet Christmas 2011 is quite mild (if not meek) compared with last year. Nevertheless, the cost of heating can have a major impact on household expenditure.

Recent figures have revealed that in Suffolk Coastal 13% of homes are entitled to some form of assistance with their fuel bills. That help is worth an average of £250 per household. You can contact a free helpline 0800 33 66 99 and receive advice on dealing with heating bills as well as other help such as grants for insulation or a new boiler. The heating oil prices are still high, though thankfully not as high as 2010. I am delighted to announce that I have set up an All Party Group with other MPs to raise key issues for those constituents who do not have access to mains gas. More on this in the New Year.

Christmas can be a tough time for those who are ill in hospital and the impact this has on their families – but it is a time of year for hope. Before the election David Cameron promised that his priority could be summed up in 3 letters N.H.S. I am proud that this Government is absolutely committed to improving our health service. Despite difficult financial circumstances we have kept to our word and the health budget is growing nationally and in Suffolk. Suffol

k PCT will receive an increase of £26 million or 2.8% increase to take the total budget to £943 million. Even still, I will be pressing for an increase in budget to reflect the rurality and proportion of elderly in Suffolk which costs a lot to support. That may help then deliver better response care for rural patients including a better ambulance and out of hours care service. I have been pressing the case and met Health Minister Simon Burns on the challenges for constituents in the IP15 postcode particularly. The good news from that meeting was that the commissioning criteria are due to be changed from April so at least the Ambulance Service will be tasked effectively county by county to respond to emergencies, as opposed to the regional target.

An important "white paper" was published by the Government concerning water. We all know in Suffolk Coastal how precious water is for our farming industry. Most production of crops in our area is undertaken with irrigation, using water quite sparingly, while water is sourced from aquifers or from rivers. I have already raised concerns with the Minister but I need more specific evidence from farmers so please do get in touch.

Last month, many constituents were disrupted by the strikes. I am delighted therefore that many of the unions have signed a heads of agreement on changes to pensions. When we are all living longer and when the co

Finally may I wish all Coastal Scene readers a merry Christmas and I hope you have great time with family, friends and neighbours."st of public sector pensions has increased by a third to £32 billion in the last decade, again it is this Coalition Government that has grasped the nettle of reform but it has, I believe, negotiated a good deal for public sector workers and the taxpayer. Not many private sector workers enjoy a defined benefit pension scheme. A lot of those were closed down when taxation changes in 1997 and other accounting changes hit pension schemes hard. I hope that union members now vote to accept this deal which should be longer lasting than before."

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Coastal Scene Column - 9th December 2011

"It was great to welcome the Prime Minister and the Cabinet on Monday to Suffolk Coastal as they held their regionalCabinet meeting at BT's research HQ in Martlesham. While at BT, the Prime Minister learned more about the broadband deployment underway and also visited the tele-health suite which shows how technology can help people enjoy healthcare at home.

David Cameron certainly heard the message that improving the transport infrastructure is key for our county, crossing Suffolk and connecting East Anglia with the rest of the country on rail and road. Business Secretary Dr Vince Cable was very complimentary about our LEP who he had met the week before. This was a positive day showcasing our county and I received many compliments later that evening.

The Chancellor's Autumn Statement contained some more tough medicine for the country. The crisis in the Eurozone is affecting us all but the Chancellor has promised to do whatever it takes to protect Britain from the debt storm whilst building the foundation for future growth. The potential downgrading of other Eurozone countries credit rating will hurt them but by keeping to our programme, we can maintain our low interest rates that really help home-owners.

The Chancellor also pledged that the Government will help businesses and families by cancelling the proposed 3p rise in fuel duty due to come into effect in January. This is really good news for us all living in rural Suffolk. I still think in gallon differentials and 14p per gallon will really help.

Talking about planning for the future it may surprise you that in the depths of winter measures are being put in place to try to prevent a summer drought. In a recent report published by the Environment Agency and backed by the Environment Secretary, farmers, businesses and water companies are being asked to plan carefully how they store, use and share water.

The drought that has affected eastern England this year could continue until next summer. We had a very dry spring this year – and back in May I highlighted the issue with the Prime Minister. If sustained rainfall does not replenish water levels that were depleted during that time then there is a high risk that we could be in drought next summer.

Water companies have been asked to step up their leak detection to make sure leakage is kept under control and to keep their customers informed, encouraging them to use water wisely. Anglian Water have been issued with a drought permit to refill one of its reservoirs and will continue to work to avoid any hosepipe restrictions next year."

Farmers have also been asked to plan ahead for their irrigation needs, including options for scheduling their irrigation, filling their winter storage reservoirs and working with others through local water abstractor groups to share water resources.

The Environment Agency will reassess the likelihood of a prolonged drought, along with any further recommendations and report in early 2012. I will continue to press for appropriate action for residents and our farmers in the coming months."

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Coastal Scene Column - 25th November 2011

"The difficult time for the global economy continues apace and the unemployment figures especially amongst young people announced last week were of course a disappointment.

The Government are taking action to try and get people into work and to create jobs, through the work programme and regional growth funds. They are also delivering record numbers of apprentices.

The creation of apprenticeships are being welcomed here in Suffolk Coastal and EDF energy recruited 16 more apprentices this year taking the current level of apprentices at Sizewell B to 50. EDF have just launched their 2012 recruitment campaign to search for talented engineers for their advanced nuclear apprentice scheme.

They are organising an apprentice information day on Saturday 3rd December at Sizewell Sports and Social Club wi

th presentations given at 10.30am and 2.30pm. So if you are thinking about a career as an apprentice go along and find out more.

I have also welcomed the Government's plans to support women's enterprise. It was announced recently that funding will be provided for 5,000 mentors to support new and existing female entrepreneurs. Currently women are only half as likely as men to become entrepreneurs. Specifically trained mentors will be able to address particular concerns of female entrepreneurs such as access to finance, building confidence, achieving a work life balance and working from home.

We already have many successful businesswomen in Suffolk Coastal like Rachel Ducker from Apparition Marketing & Design, Erika Clegg from Spring and Julia Ewart from the Cotton Tree. Unleashing women's entrepreneurial abilities could add billions of pounds to our economy every year. We just can't afford to overlook the talents, skills and experience of women across Suffolk Coastal.

This week I met with Culture, Media and Sport Minister Ed Vaizey to highlight the poor freeview reception experienced by residents in some parts of Suffolk Coastal.

For those of us not on the main transmitter we have been unable to access the full freeview service. The digital switchover has provided extra channels but some residents will be left disappointed that they are unable to access services such as ITV3 or Sky News. All of us who cannot get the full service still have to pay the full license fee so I have been pushing the Minister to rectify the situation. He was sympathetic and will look into options to resolve it. He said this is a scarce time for public resources but we have to come up with some innovative solutions."

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Coastal Scene Column - 11th November 2011

"Today is Armistice Day and at 11am the country will fall silent to commemorate the end of the Great War. It was said that it was the war to end all wars, but as I attend the service at Rock Barracks today, I will also be remembering those brave service men and women who fight for us across the world, especially in Afghanistan. British Forces fight for our freedom and liberty and it is important we pay tribute to them. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice and their memory should be respected. That is why I have tabled an Early Day Motion calling for the vigorous prosecution of those who have vandalised War Memorials up and down the country. The motion also encourages the Heritage Lottery Fund to allocate funds to restore memorials to their full glory in time for 2014.This week the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) has confirmed all the communities through which the Olympic Flame will be carried during the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay. The exciting news is out that the Olympic Relay will stop off at 10 communities in Suffolk Coastal including Kelsale, Saxmundham, Aldeburgh, Ufford, Melton and Woodbridge. Olympics fever will be reignited with this news and shows the power of sport bringing communities and humanity together. This is a power that was evidenced by the reaction of Ipswich fans last weekend when they applauded Billy Sharp after he scored at Portman Road. His goal may have put Ipswich two-nil down but the recognition of his pride and professionalism to carry on playing in memory of his late son is something that should make the community here in Suffolk very proud.

LOCOG has this week launched a new participative programmed called the 'Local Leaders' initiative. It is an invitation to people across the East of England to take the 2012 Games into their community and create their own celebrations next year. People are encouraged to sign up to the Local Leader programme at www.london2012.com/localleaders to receive further information on a range of themed celebration ideas.

As part of my Parliamentary duties I sit on the Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee. The key function of a select committee is to scrutinise departmental policy, spending and administration. We have recently reported on football governance, yesterday we again questioned James Murdoch on the phone hacking scandal and we are about to conduct an enquiry into gambling. Importantly we also published a report last week on the spectrum auction.

The spectrum auction is highly relevant for rural areas like ours in Suffolk Coastal as it will increase broadband provision. The regulator Ofcom proposes that one of the spectrum licences should have a condition of providing mobile internet coverage to least 95% of the population. On that basis, everyone in Suffolk, Cumbria and Northern Ireland could be excluded from accessing 4G coverage. However, at my request, my Select Committee pressed for greater coverage to 98% for more than one license to encourage both collaboration and competition. Ofcom has had a very difficult job adjudicating between competing and polarised interests and they are concerned that constant disagreement and special pleading from the four mobile network operators appears to have further delayed the spectrum auction. They believe that the basic rules for the auction are sensible and fair and that further delays will result in the UK falling behind in this vital area. I am not prepared to let some parts of our community get left behind in the digital age so am pushing for this to happen as soon as possible."

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Coastal Scene Column - 28th October 2011

"The Indian summer which we all enjoyed earlier this month is starting to ebb away and autumn has well and truly arrived. As we approach the winter months ahead it was timely that the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) published its report into the off-grid supply of heating oil and its findings to enhance consumer protection.

The enquiry was prompted by questions I asked in Parliament last December at the height of the heating oil price rise.

The OFT has generally indicated that the market is competitive but there are some parts of the country where gradual consolidation of suppliers has led to an uncompetitive market. It plans to go further in specific areas and has already made changes to ensure price comparison websites are not biased towards one supplier and that more transparency on ownership is given to consumers. The greater area of concern to the OFT is the supply of LPG. Complaints that people may be locked into expensive LPG contracts following an initial introductory rate and they are working with the industry to resolve this matter.

I welcome the steps the OFT have taken to improve the transparency in the market and the action it has taken against certain heating oil companies and price comparison websites to make sure this happens. In a debate in energy prices and again in Question time last week, I called for all consumers to have the protection of OFGEM rather than rely on local trading standards officers and the Minister is willing to meet with me on this matter. I will continue to raise this issue with the Government to ensure off-gas grid households are not forgotten.

Since the application for the Saxmundham Free School gained approval for next stage of the free schools process – I have had a handful of comments suggesting that I do not support Leiston High School. I always have supported Leiston High, I have visited that school on a few occasions, including last year's Open Day, and will continue to support them in its new guise of Alde Valley High School from next year. There is no contradiction in me supporting both schools. The community came together to support the school in Saxmundham, I believe in free schools and I also believe that this will provide a choice for parents and lead to improved attainment.

Last week I had the opportunity to raise the issue of the Marine Conservation Zones in a debate in the House. The sea off Aldeburgh and the River Alde estuary area have been recommended to form part of a new type of Marine Protected Area called a Marine Conservation Zone. However it seems that designations are being slapped on top of existing special protection areas simply because the data is available, rather than evaluating other parts of the coast that could easily fulfill the criteria. I understand constituents' concerns about these areas and we need to make sure decisions on future matters are taken at a local level rather than being prevented by a national 'protection'. I will be keeping a close eye on the situation and have set out the views of constituents to the Minister."

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Coastal Scene Column - 14th October 2011

"Parliament has now returned after Party Conference season and it was a conference dominated by the economic issues that affect us all. It is important for our economy that the Eurozone does not collapse. I support the Chancellor calling for resolution but not prescribing the precise medicine as we are outside the Eurozone. We now see what an important decision it was to keep the pound and tackling the economic problems of the day is this Governments first priority.

Since returning to Parliament however there has been more upbeat news in the form of some important announcements that affect Suffolk Coastal.

On Monday we heard the news that Saxmundham Free School has reached the next stage of the Free Schools process. The 540 place 11-16 secondary school is hoped to be opened in 2012. This is great news for Saxmundham and I am pleased that the Secretary of State has given the thumbs up to the bid. There is of course still lots of hard work to be done to take this application past the final stage but congratulations to parents and members of the community who have championed this so far. Of course the well established Leiston High school will continue to operate. I support the school as it will offer choice for parents. Choice is well known as a key driver in improving standards and that should be welcome for parents and children across East Suffolk.

On Tuesday the Energy Secretary presented to Parliament the findings of the Weightman report. The report described the current regulation of the nuclear industry in this country as satisfactory. I welcome these findings and the decision not to require significant changes to current procedures. This reflects the current safety standards that are rigorously enforced and clears another hurdle towards the construction of Sizewell C, which is good news for Suffolk Coastal and our Green Coast.

We have all seen the appalling images this week of the cargo ship leaking oil off the coast of New Zealand. Some constituents have voiced concern and linked this to Ship to Ship transfers off of Sole Bay, however it is important to remember this is a cargo ship not an oil tanker. Whilst I appreciate the concerns, Felixstowe has thousands of cargo ships going in and out of the port every year – and no-one is seriously proposing that that should stop. I will however be writing to the Marine and Coastguard Agency to see if there are any lessons to be learnt in the UK in terms of tightening up procedures as a result of the New Zealand Disaster.

Finally – I am looking forward to this year's Aldeburgh Docfest on the 11th – 13th November it is now in its 17th year and this season promises to be the best yet. This year's festival will provide a showcase for the latest documentary films and bring international, award-winning film-makers to Aldeburgh to talk about their work in audience Q & A sessions. It is being organised by Festival Director, Diana Quick, with award winning filmmaker Mark Kidel and top journalist Anna Ford amongst the special guests. Log on and book in at www.aldeburghcinema.co.uk – the exciting programme of events suggests it will be a festival to remember."

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