VAT rate cut is a game changer for Eastbourne

It is certainly a real challenge to target such huge government spending for maximum benefit to as many people as possible and I think Rishi Sunak did a great job on Wednesday doing just that.

Billions of investment in infrastructure, in jobs for 16 to 24-year-olds, in green jobs and help to bring employees back from furlough are very welcome.

However, in Eastbourne, I think the biggest announcement has to be the Chancellor’s decision to temporarily reduce VAT substantially on food, accommodation and attractions to just five per cent.

This is a game changer for our town where one in five jobs are in hospitality and tourism.

It is something I have campaigned for and something I asked the Prime Minister to do just a few weeks ago when I spoke in Parliament.

It will save jobs in our town and it will be a lifeline for many businesses. I am delighted and I now hope people will return and start spending.

Another landmark was made in Westminster this week too when the Domestic Abuse Bill was passed by the House of Commons.

It will now go to the Lords but is expected to become law.

Much of the success of this new legislation is down to the former Prime Minister Theresa May and I would like to thank her for the work she has done to make sure this is a forward thinking and sensitive law that will protect victims and, crucially, close many loopholes.

I was pleased the government has accepted an amendment designed to stop men from using a so-called ‘rough sex gone wrong’ defence in murder and manslaughter and serious violence cases.

The legislation has also future proofed many areas such tech abuse where partners use personal and home devices and smart gadgets to control their victim.

This is a growing problem in many cases and it will only increase. The law also proposes the setting up of a Domestic Abuse Commissioner – another welcome plan.

The sad fact is domestic abuse is a serious problem in our country and it has become worse during the lockdown. Eastbourne is no exception.

Nationally, there are some 2.4 million victims of domestic abuse a year aged 16 to 74 and more than one in ten of all offences recorded by the police are domestic abuse related.

Sussex Police officers came in for praise this week from the Home Secretary in recognition of their work in this area so much of which, like the crime itself, is unseen.

Stay safe, look out for each other and keep in touch.