Evening,
It has been a long day and not made any better by the news that the Prime Minister has been moved to the intensive care unit of St Thomas’ Hospital.
I can’t say that I know the Prime Minister all that well but he has always given me the time of day to talk about South Devon and listen to my concerns. He was good enough to visit Brixham in the summer of 2019 and has often commented to me on how much he enjoyed his visit.
Whatever your politics this country needs strong leadership and he provides it. We need him back and I want to see our Prime Minister returned to good health. I am sending all my best wishes to him for a speedy recovery.
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It hardly needs repeating but please stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.
I have uploaded a list of local volunteer groups and further advice by clicking the following link:
https://www.anthonymangnall.co.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-advi…
If you need further assistance please do not hesitate to contact my office via on Anthony.mangnall.mp@parliament.uk or by calling: 01803 868 378
I am here to help.
A few things:
Council Tax Support
If you need support regarding your council tax then please contact either South Hams Council or Torbay Council.
For South Hams Council, please click the following link: https://www.southhams.gov.uk/article/674/Council-Tax-
For Torbay Council, please click the following link: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/…/financial-support-for-individu…/
The council is doing all it can to support those who need it and I am in turn am pushing the Ministry for Housing Communities and Local Government to support our councils.
Financial Support for Local Support Groups
The work of the many hundreds of local partnership groups across South Devon has been astounding. Many of these groups need financial support and finances have been made available through Devon County Council.
So if you know of a group that needs financial support please direct them to the following link: https://www.devon.gov.uk/docum…/covid-19-prompt-action-fund/
£500-£5,000 are available to help support the incredible work that is going on across the county. Please make use of it.
Totnes Town Council
I joined Totnes Town Council’s weekly call today. Their work is a credit to each and every one of their members and they are doing a superb job.
A number of points were raised including:
· Supporting the foodbank,
· Sourcing local refrigerator space
· Ensuring PPE reaches every key worker.
If you can help with any of the above then please do get in touch with the town council: mayor@totnestowncouncil.gov.uk
Letters/Emails – Fighting on local issues
While lockdown remains that does not stop any MP from pushing the needs of their constituency, today was no exception and I have:
- Written to the Chancellor asking for further support for the self-employed and small businesses (including start-ups and the fishing sector)
- Spoken to local Councillors in Dartmouth regarding healthcare provisions within the town and surrounding areas
Written to the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, -
- Communities and Local Government regarding second homeowners and concern surrounding small business grants
- Spoken to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Team regarding insurance pay-outs
- Contacted national and international airlines regarding flight and holiday refunds and demanded action
I am awaiting responses and will update accordingly.
Last thoughts:
I hope the above information has proved useful. It has been a long day and one that I know sits heavy on us all.
The Queen, last night, unsurprisingly captured the nation's mood and sentiment with her words about the difficulties we have faced and are facing. However, within her message was one of optimism and hope.
Until ‘we will meet again.’
Goodnight