June Newsletter

Dear Constituent,

Welcome to my latest newsletter to keep you updated on my work in Parliament and around Amber Valley.

As always, you’ll find a selection of what I’ve been up to over the last month and details of upcoming events. You’ll also find the usual information about my columns and surgeries, and how to get in touch.

Brexit Corporation Tax Changes:

Last week, I called on the Treasury to introduce a reduction in Corporation Tax to ensure the UK can capitalise on the opportunities of leaving the European Union and make sure we are an even more attractive country to invest in.

As many of you will know, I welcomed the planned reduction in corporation tax to 17 per cent by 2020 in the Chancellor’s 2016 Budget. However, following the welcome EU referendum outcome and the clear vote to leave the European Union, I believe we should look at how we change our business tax regime over that period to attract investment and highlight that Britain is open for business.

I am therefore pleased that earlier this week, the Chancellor announced that he had taken my suggestion on board and he will reduce the rate to below 15% – some 5% lower than its current 20% rate – sending a clear signal that Britain remains open for business and paving the way for the UK to prosper outside the EU.

You can read my suggestion to the Chancellor last week here and the Chancellor’s statement to the House on Monday here.

Speaking up on Multinational Tax Avoidance:

Over the past six months, tax has rarely left the public agenda. For example, the settlement reached by HMRC and Google was heavily featured on news headlines and in the emails in my inbox. As a member of the Public Accounts Committee, co-Chair of the Anti-Corruption All Party Parliamentary Group and as a former tax adviser, I am absolutely convinced that greater transparency is the best way that we can ensure companies pay their taxes fairly, fight corruption, and restore public confidence in a struggling system. This is why I supported Caroline Flint MP’s amendment to the Finance Bill, in an attempt to introduce public country-by-country reporting. This would have required the biggest multinationals to publish headline information about their profits and taxes in each country that they work in.

Unfortunately the amendment was narrowly defeated by 22 votes. However, as co-Chair of the APPG on Corruption and a member of the Public Accounts Committee, I will continue to fight for greater tax transparency. I know this issue is rightly of great concern to my constituents and I am committed to seeing the Government introduce further measures to increase the tax transparency of multi-nationals. I am reassured that the Minister pledged to look at this issue again and I hope to meet with him again in the coming weeks to discuss how this will be done.

Public Accounts Committee:

As you will know, I serve on the Public Accounts Committee which is responsible for scrutinising the value for money of public spending and generally holds the government and its civil servants to account for the delivery of public services. Most recently we have been looking at the Improving Access to Mental Health Services and Discharging Older People from Acute Care. You can find out more about upcoming inquiries and evidence sessions here.

Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee:

The Committee is currently looking at the Electricity Sector in Northern Ireland and the challenges it faces regarding its target to achieve 40 per cent renewables by 2020 and the security of supply. You can find out more about the inquiry here.

Don’t forget you can also sign up to receive notifications of my appearances in Parliament by clicking here.

Trentbarton update:

As noted in my last newsletter, many constituents have recently contacted me about changes to local bus services and routes. In light of these concerns, trentbarton are planning changes to the amberline and nines services from 17 July, including the introduction of additional evening journeys. I think this is a welcome change, and further details of the new services can be found on the trentbarton website here.

Air Ambulance Charity Shop Visit:

As part of June’s National Volunteer Week, I visited the Air Ambulance’s shop in Alfreton to meet the dedicated volunteers, and thank them for their work and the time they give. It was great to see all the things the volunteers do, and the original items offered in the shop, to help raise as much money as possible for the lifesaving Air Ambulance Charity in our area.

Euros 2016 William Hill Charity Bet:

I recently placed a £50 charity bet on the Euro 2016 England vs Wales match in aid of the Heage Windmill Society charity following a visit to the William Hill in Alfreton.

The visit was organised as part of William Hill’s ‘Close to Home’ Community Initiative that supports charities in communities throughout Britain. During the visit I met with William Hill employees and discussed the company’s approach to social responsibility, which includes player tracking using data to highlight potential problem gambling behaviour and forthcoming responsible gambling advertising campaigns.  The visit also covered the company’s approach to fair employment, including paying the Living Wage to all employees (not just over-25s) and William Hill’s great plans to introduce apprenticeships during 2016.

Unfortunately, my bet (on England to win 1-0, and Harry Kane to score the goal) wasn’t successful, but William Hill are still kindly donating the £50 stake money to the Heage Windmill Trust.

Street Watch:

If there are any street repairs in your area, such as potholes, pavement repairs or broken street lights, you can report these issues and concerns to me quickly and easily here so I can ask for the repairs to be investigated and addressed.

Latest Columns:

You can read my latest Derby Telegraph column here.

Surgeries: