Opportunityfor the MP to share his views on issues affecting the constituency.
Minutes:
The Chair welcomed MP Kevin Hollinrake to the meeting. The MP provided an overview of how things were at Westminster and his views on issues affecting his constituency. This included:
· The effect of the pandemic on local businesses, particularly in the hospitality industry and tourism;
· His weekly/monthly business calls with local companies;
· The support offered to businesses e.g. the job retention scheme and business rate grants;
· The rise in consumer savings available to boost the economy going forward;
· An increase in staycations in 2021 – a boost for the hospitality industry;
The MP acknowledged the terrible time some people had experienced because of Covid and gave thanks for the successful vaccination programme – both production and delivery. He noted the success of the vaccination hubs and confirmed he was looking forward to more things re-opening in line with the Government’s roadmap.
The MP also referenced other central Government initiatives e.g. the clamp down on illegal immigration, longer sentences for criminals and more Police on the streets.
In regard to Brexit, the MP raised his current concerns about the agricultural industry. He noted the problems with cross channel export deliveries but was encouraged that opportunities would be provided in the future for improved supply chains, and suggested an increase in the consumption of seasonal UK-grown produce was needed.
He also recognised a number of ongoing issues affecting the region e.g.:
· Adult Social Care – the need for greater funding in the system from Government;
· Business Rates – the need for reform in response to the increase in online purchasing;
· Levelling Up – the MP acknowledged the size of the task ahead and welcomed the moves towards a fairer deal for the north, which included the relocation of jobs into the area particularly in the public sector;
· Local Government Review – the MP welcomed the steps being taken and confirmed his view that on balance based on the current situation, a North Yorkshire & York split was the best solution;
In response to questions from members of the Committee, the MP confirmed:
· A £3billion investment in public transport nationally, the majority for an increase in buses in urban areas, but approximately £23m for a high-tech dial a ride solution for more rural areas. He suggested the County Council put forward a bid for some of that funding. County Councillor Gareth Dadd referenced the cut in local transport plan funding and the knock on effects for the highway authority that were likely to result in an increase in complaints from constituents. He suggested that central government should, not overlook the reliance on the road network in rural counties in respect of its economy.
· A re-siting of council headquarters as part of the introduction of two unitary authorities, would require a common sense approach based on the availability of the necessary infrastructure.;
· The rural proofing of energy supplies was needed, in order to move away from a reliance on fossil fuels and to prevent an increase in fuel poverty. He suggested the retro-fitting of rural properties would reduce demand;
· A community ownership fund was available to protect against the loss of community facilities such as village pubs, sports clubs, local shops etc;
· Development of the A64 was in the pipeline, with routes and costings being looked at. The expectation was that firm proposals would be ready by the end of this five year roads period for delivery in 2025-2030. It would likely require up to £25m investment for dualing between the Hopgrove and the Jinnah Restaurant to be secured;
County Councillor Carl Les thanked the MP for attending the meeting, and for attending the weekly Local Resilience Forum meetings along with the other North Yorkshire MPs. He confirmed the Levelling Up Fund would be driven by the District Council’s with input from the County, and the County Council would be leading on the Community Renewal Fund. It was noted that the Community Renewal Fund was the pre-cursor to what would replace the European funding streams that Council’s previously received. He also confirmed his full support for highway maintenance across the county and for the campaign to dual the A64. Finally, he acknowledged the County Council’s previous successful funding bids e.g. £50m for the A59 Kexgill, and £500m for dualing the final stretch of the A66.
The MP confirmed he welcomed the introduction of the Local Resilience Forum, recognising the opportunities it provided for bringing the right people together for collaborative working and the sharing of information.
The Chair again thanked the MP for his attendance.