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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