Therese Welcomes Increase in Listed Places of Worship Grant
Therese has today welcomed the Chancellor of the Exchequer's decision to increase the amount available in the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme (LPWGS) by £30 million a year. There has been some considerable concern at the proposal to abolish zero rated VAT for alterations to listed buildings and the impact this would have on churches including here in Suffolk. This Church of England calculated that this would cost churches some £20 million a year in increased VAT payments. The Chancellor has therefore decided to stick to his policy, but to add an extra £30 million into the LPWGS. Therese said "I am pleased that the Chancellor has...
Therese Welcomes Grants to Arts Organisations in Suffolk
Therese has today welcomed the Arts Council for England's announcement that a share of the £30 million Catalyst Arts match funding money is to be distributed to organisations in the East of England. The High Tide Festival Theatre and the Eastern Angles Theatre Company were awarded £150,000 and £120,000 respectively. The Catalyst Arts scheme aims to make arts organisations more sustainable, resilient and innovative by increasing their fundraising potential and attracting new money to invest in additional artistic work. Therese said: "This is great news. These awards will help the High Tide Festival and Eastern Angles to attract new...
Therese Joins Charity in call for Action Against Irresponsible Dog Ownership
Therese has joined the Dogs Trust, to call for action on tackling irresponsible dog ownership at the charity's annual House of Commons reception. Therese said: "Tackling anti-social dog behaviour in Suffolk Coastal has become a key issue for constituents where incidences of anti-social behaviour involving dogs have been increasing in many areas. "I am delighted that Dogs Trust is proactively looking to tackle the issue by getting down to grass roots. While legislation has its part to play, outreach work in local communities is vital in order to engage dog owners and to help prevent dog attacks from occurring." Dogs Trust works with...
Car Parking Trial in Halesworth gets Welcome from Council
Following on from the meeting between Waveney District Council, including Cllr Goldson and the Halesworth Town CentreGroup, local Therese was delighted by the response to her letter that Halesworth should enjoy the same free parking trial as Bungay. She supported Halesworth Town Centre Group's proposal that an hour's free parking in the town would help increase footfall. Therese said "Cllr Bruce Provan has agreed to present a proposal to council to include Halesworth in the trial, alongside the other transport issues that Councillor Goldson is already dealing with in the Town this is positive news."
Energy Bill Included in the Queen’s Speech
Therese has today welcomed the inclusion of the Energy Bill in the Queen's Speech. She said "In a week where there has been talk about EDF's ongoing investment in Sizewell it is great that the Energy Bill formed an integral part of the Queen's speech. The development of Sizewell C is essential for the future of our energy supply and will bring jobs and investment to this part of Suffolk." "I would be very surprised if there was any change in EDF's commitment to Sizewell but the Energy Bill can only help cement that. It will reform the market introducing long-term contracts that pay a steady rate of return for low-carbon energy–...
Therese Speaks out Against School Transport Proposals
Therese Coffey has today spoken out against the consultation on home to school transport published by the County Council as a result of the planned opening of a Free School in Saxmundham. The documents suggests that although parents can choose which school to send their children too they may be forced to pay to get them there depending on where they live. Therese said: "It is far too early to be carrying out a consultation on this. Saxmundham Free School hasn't even been given the final go ahead yet. We need to assess the situation in a few years after things have settled down and the Free Schools have had a chance to bed in". ""The...
Government Doubles Commitment on Water
Therese has today welcomed the Governments intention to double the commitment on water and sanitation that it made last year to the third world. Therese said "over the lifetime of this Parliament we will reach 60 million people, ensuring access to basic services such as communal water pumps as well as improved hygiene". She added "As a supporter and fundraiser of Water Aid – I know the importance of this commitment.  It is key to recognise that although we have a drought in this country, there are people in this world that don't have access to clean water and sanitation.  I am pleased that the Department for International Development...
Therese Launches Business Survey & Invites Companies to Export Seminar
Therese  is conducting a survey of all 2,800 businesses with registered offices in Suffolk Coastal to listen to their ideas, concerns, thoughts and determine how best she can continue serve them. Therese said: "The Government cannot create jobs itself but it is important the Government sets the right conditions to allow businesses to thrive. There were some important announcements in the recent Budget but I want to hear from businesses of what else they require." She went on to say: "I am also inviting them to an Export Seminar that I am running with Peter Aldous MP, designed to give some practical advice on how to start exporting goods...
Therese Welcomes Extension of Protection for Holidaymakers
Therese has today welcomed the extension to the ATOL (Air Travel Organisers' Licensing) scheme which provides moreeffective protection in today's holiday market. The current scheme provides peace of mind to holidaymakers who have brought a package holiday including a flight in which if the travel company becomes insolvent customers will receive a full refund. Therese said "Over the past few years the holiday market has changed with greater numbers of people assembling their own package holiday on the internet. The extension of the scheme is good news and ensures families are well protected." 'Flight Plus' holidays will now be protected by...
Therese Welcomes Changes made at James Paget
The Board of Directors at James Paget Hospital have today announced that its management needs strengthening to achieve the necessary changes in providing quality care at the bedside. A new Interim Director of Nursing has been appointed, who will bring in over 30 years of nursing experience to improve care at the James Paget. Therese said: "Following on from the meeting last week, we can already see a series of changes from the new Chief Executive which will shape the future of the hospital. I am greatly encouraged by these steps."
Welcome
Thank you for visiting my website. It is a great honour to represent the people of Suffolk Coastal. I keep this website updated with news and details of my various activities as a member of Parliament.
Contact
Constituency: The National Hall, Sun Lane, Woodbridge, IP12 1EG
Call: 01394 610045
Westminster: House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
Call: 0207 219 7164
E-mail: therese.coffey.mp@parliament.uk
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EDMs
Therese only signs Early Day Motions on topics that she believes deserve more attention or recognition and where the Government is not already acting.
Please click here for details of the current EDMs that Therese has signed.
