by Paul Scully | Feb 9, 2017 | News |
I joined fellow MPs in signing a letter to Chancellor Philip Hammond saying there are better ways of tackling air pollution that do not punish drivers.
The letter sent by Dover MP Charlie Elphicke, chair of the FairFuelUK parliamentary group, calls for a fair replacement scheme that encourages the adoption of electric cars. I am backing this campaign to make sure drivers of diesel vehicles get a fair deal – not higher taxes
There are fears local authorities will copy a revenue raising scheme proposed by Westminster City Council to charge diesel vehicles 50% more to park.
I believe there are better ways of tackling air pollution that do not punish drivers. The letter argues that local transport authorities should be required to tackle highly polluting buses and taxis.
The letter also suggests that the Government should support drivers in places like Sutton, Cheam and Worcester Park to be part of the change to cleaner fuels and a more successful, greener economy.
It’s clear older diesel engine vehicles are polluting and action is needed to make sure we have clean air in places like Sutton, Cheam and Worcester Park.
Yet demonising drivers of diesel cars by hitting them with higher taxes or parking charges is not the answer. It smacks of opportunistic greed and turning motorists into cash cows.
That’s why I’m backing this campaign – to get a fairer deal for drivers in Sutton, Cheam and Worcester Park.
by Paul Scully | Feb 8, 2017 | News |
Maggie’s is looking for residents views on their planned new centre at the Royal Marsden and are having a public consultation for people to find out more and share their views.
Maggie’s is a charity that offers people with cancer, their families and friends, a place and space to explore tough questions and difficult emotions that can range from anxiety, to loneliness and isolation.
The drop-in session is taking place at the California on Tuesday 21st February, between 4-8pm. There will also be a short information talk about the history and work of Maggie’s, which will be taking place at 6:30pm. You can read more about this here.
by Paul Scully | Feb 7, 2017 | News |
Yesterday I had the pleasure of visiting the Crossrail site at Bond Street alongside another London MP and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP.
Crossrail, or the Elizabeth Line as it will be known once completed, is the new high frequency, high capacity railway for London and the South East. When the service opens Crossrail trains will travel from Reading to Brentwood, with branches to Heathrow Airport and Greenwich.
Whilst Sutton will not be having a Crossrail station coming here (but will benefit from Crossrail 2), Sutton has still enjoyed many benefits from the construction of Crossrail. 16 local people have been taken on by Crossrail and 2 Sutton residents are currently on an apprenticeship.
Crossrail has also benefitted local businesses. The project has created work for G4S and Lerch Bates Ltd, two big companies with offices in Sutton, but also for eight small and medium sized businesses based here:
- Activ-Air Automation Ltd on the Kimpton Industrial Estate,
- Armadillo Safeguards Ltd based in Lower Road, Sutton,
- ENOTRAC UK Ltf based in Sutton Town Centre,
- IRIS Group based in Upper Mulgrave Road, Cheam,
- JR Hoarding based on Reigate Avenue, Sutton,
- S D Engineering based in Upper Mulgrave Road, Cheam,
- and Transitions London C.I.C. based in Willis Avenue, Sutton.
Crossrail will bring huge benefits to London and whilst Sutton may not be getting a Crossrail train coming here yet, I am glad that we are benefitting in other ways.
by Paul Scully | Jan 30, 2017 | News |
The Sutton Job Centre is being moved to Wallington as the lease is coming to an end on their current site.
Currently based at Helena House on Sutton High Street, the Job Centre will be moved to Carew House by Wallington station before March 2018.
In a letter from Damian Hinds MP, Minister for Employment, I was advised that:
“I am writing to let you know about a proposal to relocate the Jobcentre at Helena House, 348-352, High Street, Sutton, SM1 1PX to Carew House, Railway approach, Wallington, SM6 0DX.
“This move is part of DWP’s continued drive to deliver public services in more innovative and cost effective ways. We have sought to ensure that the estate from which we operate continues to meet the changing needs of our business and our claimants.
“This proposal supports the on-going transformation of our services, providing us with the opportunity to deliver an improved customer service in close partnership with local services. It will also reduce costs to the taxpayer by making better use of the space we occupy.
“Subject to further consideration of the proposal we hope to relocate all 96 staff and services from the current Jobcentre to Carew House, Railway Approach, Wallington, SM6 0DX by a date to be agreed before March 2018. Moreover, we are recruiting and expect to have more Work Coaches in every nation and region of the UK in March 2018 than we have today.
“The new site is just 2.7 miles from the existing site. As you will hopefully already be aware, Jobcentre Plus is able to reimburse travel costs for those claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance or the equivalent claimants in Universal Credit for any attendance above their fortnightly signing appointment. In addition, those claiming Employment and Support Allowance and Income Support are not generally required to attend their local Jobcentre regularly.”
Following my meeting last year at the Sutton Job Centre (pictured above), I have written to the local Jobcentre Plus District Manager to hear more about how they will be handling the move, and how they will be helping their customers with the transition.
by Paul Scully | Jan 24, 2017 | News |
I welcome the clarity that we have following the decision in the Supreme Court 8-3 in favour of Parliament having to approve the invoking of Article 50. I hope we all respect the independence of the judiciary and not attack the judges who delivered their verdict.
Now let us get on and have a vote quickly so that we can get on with the job on delivering on the will of the people. I’m concerned by the rhetoric from some MPs who are clearly trying to frustrate the result which will only cause prolonged uncertainty for business and migrants, both EU citizens here and British citizens in the EU.
I remain focused on making Brexit work for everyone as per the PM’s 12 principles, rather than causing divisions by replaying the referendum.
by Paul Scully | Jan 9, 2017 | News |
Today the Justice Minister was responding to an urgent question in the House of Commons regarding the government’s emergency review into domestic abuse in family courts.
This is something I raised in a debate in Parliament last year.
I used this opportunity to ask the Justice Minister, notwithstanding getting the review right, to ensure that legislation is brought forward quickly after the review is completed to ensure that no-one has to go through this again.
You can watch my question and the Minister’s response here.
