Housing
Before Parliament went into Recess, I met with Minister Stuart Andrews MP, the Housing Minister. Since arriving in the post, he has been conscious of the problems facing South Devon when it comes to Airbnb, property prices and long-term rental markets. He shares the view of myself and fellow Devon MPs that a balance can be struck to ensure there is equilibrium between holiday homes, the rental market and how we develop further.
Simon Jupp MP (East Devon) and I have been invited to take part in regular meetings to discuss how we can find the right balance when it comes to providing affordable homes and a secure rental market. Both of these areas are essential if we are to continue to have vibrant and active communities that attract investment and provide an opportunity for all.
Food Security
We are home to an incredible variety of food sources. Whether it comes from our land or seas, South Devon can boast of an abundance of world-class quality food. Throughout the pandemic, as supply chains faltered, people across the country took to supporting their farm shops, their butchers, their fishmongers, their greengrocers and their baker - an estimated increase of 64%. High streets boomed for the first time in years and the local economies thrived.
These outcomes are to be welcomed but with the Ukraine crisis surging, we must ensure that we maintain this approach. Heightening our food security target and adopting a “buy local” approach is essential, not just to support those who work our land and seas but to ensure the UK has better self-sustainability.
Learning from our mistakes and recognising some of the positive outcomes will only ensure we are better prepared to face the future.
Down Syndrome Bill
An event recently took place in Westminster to mark World Down Syndrome Day. I was pleased to attend, not least because I was an early signatory and supporter of Dr Liam Fox MP’s Down Syndrome Bill.
The Bill, which passed its third and final reading in the House of Lord’s last Friday, will require the Government to publish guidance on the specific needs of people with Down’s Syndrome and how those should be met. This means that authorities providing healthcare, education and housing services will have to act to deliver on the requirements laid out by the Government.
While this soon-to-be Act of Parliament is focussed on Down Syndrome, it offers a template for other conditions to be included and I will be working with a number of constituents to discuss how we can go further on this legislation.
Constituency surgeries
My constituency surgeries are up and running as usual. If you have an issue you would like to discuss, please email anthony.mangnall.mp@parliament.uk to book your slot.