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Welcome to this latest edition of my newsletter, where you can read about all my work as a Member of Parliament for Stoke-on-Trent South.
Since my last newsletter, we have seen some very big changes for the United Kingdom. As your local Member of Parliament want to provide you with an update on the work I have being doing over the summer. Firstly, earlier this month we learnt with deep sorrow of the death of our Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth. She has been a shining example to all of us,70 years of dedication and love towards her people and, more than that, an inspiration to countless millions across the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the world.
At the start of the month, our late Queen performed one of her final duties and appointed Liz Truss to be our new Prime Minister. I look forward to working with the new Prime Minister in continuing our efforts to level up Stoke-on-Trent, improve our transport networks and ensure families and businesses have the help and support they need with the cost of living throughout this winter.
I would like to let you all know about a new arrival in my family. My wife Laura and I were very pleased to welcome the birth of our new baby daughter, Phoebe in July. Our son has been keen to be a hands-on big brother and help his mum and dad with baby duties. Whilst this has meant a busy home life, the hard work hasn't stopped in Stoke-on-Trent.
Thank you Ma'am, for everything.
Like everyone across the country, and in Stoke-on-Trent, I was heartbroken to hear the news that our Queen, Elizabeth II, had passed away.
For most of us, including myself, we have not known a time without Her Majesty, and it is right that we should reflect on the inestimable contribution she made during 70 years as monarch. The world today is greatly transformed from the world in 1952 and the Queen, throughout, has been a beacon of continuity and steadfastness. Whilst laying my flowers and signing the book of remembrance at the Kings Hall to thank Her late Majesty, I was touched to see so many other Stoke-on-Trent residents have done the same. The messages were also heart-warming to read.
Congratulations Prime Minister!
I would like to say congratulations to Liz Truss who has become our new Prime Minister and Leader of the Conservative Party. I look forward to working with her to deliver for our country and the people of Stoke-on-Trent. The top priorities will be supporting households and businesses with the increased cost of living, helping grow our economy to support skilled well-paid jobs and continuing the work to level up opportunities for people in our city.
The Growth Plan and Energy Support
The Government is stepping in to help protect jobs and livelihoods by cutting energy bills for businesses, charities and public-sector organisations, there will now be a cap on commercial energy bills alongside the new cap already announced on household bills.
On energy bills — there will be a price cap set at £2,500 a year for a typical home from 1st October. This alone will save a typical household £1,000 a year - and is in addition to the £400 energy bills discount that households will already be getting. The most vulnerable households will also be getting an additional £650 cost of living payment, pensioner households will receive an additional £350 and people in receipt of disability benefits an additional £150. And we’re providing the equivalent help for businesses, charities, and the public sector by reducing wholesale energy costs.
Over the past week, the Chancellor has also outlined a bold Growth Plan. This includes the largest tax cuts since the 1970. With this Growth Plan, we are reversing the planned increase on National Insurance and cutting the basic rate of income tax to 19 pence next year. This will cut the taxes of millions of working people in Stoke-on-Trent, making them hundreds of pounds a year better off.
There is also similar tax cuts for local businesses and Stoke-on-Trent has been named as one of the areas set to benefit from the creation of an Investment Zone. The sites included in the zone will have reduced taxes and planning rules, incentivising development of derelict brownfield sites to create new skilled employment and homes, helping level up opportunities locally.
If you need any further information on domestic or business energy, please click HERE
My campaign and petition to crack down on Monkey Dust
It is concerning to see Monkey Dust production and consumption on the rise again. This drug is ruining lives and blighting our city.
The horrific drug is too cheaply and readily available in Stoke-in-Trent. It is hallucinogenic and extremely dangerous with reports of people jumping off buildings, starting fires, eating through glass, and even dropping dead immediately as a result of taking it. I know the police and others are taking robust action to target those who think they can get away with plying this trade.
I have started a campaign to reclassify this horrific drug to Class A. Currently, Monkey Dust is a Class B drug which means you’d get a sentence of 14 years and a fine if you make it or supply it. If it becomes a Class A drug, you’d face up to life in prison, meaning that those supplying and producing Monkey Dust can receive the harshest of sentences. We need a rounded approach to kick drugs out of our city, and that includes a combination of treatment and recovery support alongside harsher sentences for dealers.
I want to hear from you and need your support to reclassify Monkey Dust. Sign my petition HERE
MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING THIS FRIDAY
Would you like to join me for a cuppa and some cake in support of Macmillan Cancer Support ?
Feel free to pop into my office in Longton on Friday morning.
WHEN?
Friday 30th September - 10am-12pm
WHERE?
Jack Brereton MP's office, The Strand, Longton
Let's do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer!
NEW CCTV FOR LONGTON
I was delighted to hear the excellent news that 5 new High-Definition cameras are going to be installed as part of the "Safer Streets Funding". The lack of CCTV in the town centre has been a significant problem in catching criminals, the new cameras will deter crime and ensure criminals no longer get away committing offences.
Staffordshire Police, local Councillors and I have been working closely together to deal with ongoing ASB concerns in Longton. We are all keen to cut crime in our area and ensure residents can feel safe in the town centre. This is part of a number of actions being taken to tackle anti-social behaviour and crack down on crime in Longton.
You can read more about my efforts to tackle crime HERE
Thank you for the visits!
Over the summer recess, I have managed to visit many local residents, businesses, service providers and organisations across Stoke-on-Trent.
As your local MP one of my main aims is to level up Stoke-on-Trent. I have visited local success stories such as Café number 7 or Ali's Kitchen, in our city. We are seeing local residents share in Stoke-on-Trent's rising success and this is just the beginning.
I have been meeting with other businesses and organisations in our area. During my visit to Dougie Mac, it was good to catch up with the team to hear about their incredible dedicated work and how they are going from strength to strength following the merger of the Donna Louise into Dougie Mac. It was also fantastic to see the new young adults facility which was funded by the Denise Coates Foundation and has enabled them to provide a far greater range of services to young adults with life-shortening conditions.
One of our larger fast growing local businesses, Solidor, employs over 200 local people. It was great to visit the new Solidor factory at Meir Park and see the fantastic investment they have made. This state-of-the-art facility has made a massive difference for the business, and it is great to see successful industries like this investing in our city.
There were many other visits throughout the summer period. The Hub Foundation, Foley Meir FC, Closer to Home Stoke East walking group in Fenton, Blurton Community Hub and many more are just a small handful of local businesses and community organisations I would like to thank for their hospitality. Please see below some photos from the summer period...
