In March, amongst many things Julian held surgeries to discuss local and national issues that constituents are facing.
Julian is very aware that many of his constituents are still anxious about the cost of energy, therefore, Julian welcomed the Chancellors Spring Budget which extended the Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) past March 2023, for three additional months up to June 2023. As well as protecting businesses through the Energy Bills Discount Scheme, this provides all eligible businesses and other non-domestic energy users across the UK with a discount on high energy bills until 31 March 2024. Moreover, businesses in sectors with particularly high levels of energy use and trade intensity will receive an even higher level of support. Finally, both households and businesses will be helped with the rise in the cost of living through a fuel duty freeze for a thirteenth consecutive year, saving the average driver around £200, for the next 12 months.
Julian was pleased to see other announcements in the budget that will benefit the constituency. Including, Draught Relief which will bring benefits to 3,770 pubs and bars across the Yorkshire and the Humber, a £60 million Swimming Pool Support Fund, helping to relieve the immediate challenges faced by the leisure industry and £20.8 million to fix potholes across the region.
In the constituency, Julian visited Giggleswick School, a leading independent co-educational day and boarding school for children aged 2 to 18, meeting with the headmaster, Sam Hart and the Bursar, Khashi Sharifi. Julian was pleased to be able to hear an update and about plans for the school.
Separately, Julian visited Freda’s Community Playgroup and Pre-School based in Settle, which takes babies from 9 month old up until children start school. Freda’s is a registered charity run by a group of volunteer trustees, however they are wishing to relocate and move to a new purpose built building nearby. They are currently fundraising for this. Whilst on the visit Julian was given a tour of their current nursery by the Manager, Gemma Dixon, and viewed the different playrooms and the large outdoor play area. Afterwards, Julian viewed the proposed site for the new building and discussed the aims and plans for the nursery with the Trustees. Julian wished the nursery well in their fundraising efforts and he looks forward to seeing how their plans develop and progress.
This month Julian discussed Mental Health charities with constituents. Julian met with Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar who is a mental health professional. Yasmin and Julian discussed the WAVE Trust and Julian learnt more about the 70/30 campaign. This aims to reduce child abuse, neglect and other adverse childhood experiences by at least 70% by 2030. More details can be found via, https://www.wavetrust.org/7030. Secondly, James Parkes shared the work of PAPYRUS charity with Julian, including a wider discussion on the demand on mental health services in our local communities.
Julian went to Skelton-on-Ure and met with the Community Benefit Team who are trying to save the Black Lion Pub. Julian met the team at the once thriving pub and he had a tour of the site. They discussed the plans the group have for the pub, which has now been listed as an Asset of Community Value. The group are collecting pledges to save enough to buy the premises and re-open this closed building as a pub and community hub, more information can be found here, https://www.skeltonblacklion.com/.
This month saw the end of both Craven District Council and Harrogate Borough Council, along with the 5 other district and borough councils in North Yorkshire. They are being replaced with a single new authority, North Yorkshire Council on 1 April. Julian was honoured to attend the service of thanksgiving for Craven District Council, followed by a Civic lunch. Hosted by Councillor Simon Myers, the last-ever chairman of Craven District Council, this was held at the Holy Trinity in Skipton. The service marked the end of 49 years of Craven District Council and Julian paid tribute to Councillors and officials, past and present for their years of service and dedication to public duty. Julian also thanked all Councillors and officials across both Craven District Council and Harrogate Borough Council, for their constant hard work and commitment to public service.
Julian continues to hold surgeries on a regular basis and has held surgeries across the constituency and via the telephone this month. To book a surgery appointment please email or call the office, including the details of the matters you wish to raise.
