George was especially pleased with the increase to the personal allowance, that will see 29,000 people in the South-West taken out of income tax altogether by 2015/16. George said ‘The economy is recovering and we need to make sure this money reaches people’s pockets. The personal allowance increase will do just that and whilst there is still a lot more to do I was really pleased with the measures in the Budget to help hardworking people.’
George was privileged to officially open the new building at St Michael’s Free School in Camborne. The popular school is the first and only Catholic Free School in the country, and since opening its doors in September 2012 it has seen a dramatic rise in pupil numbers.
George, in his capacity as Fisheries Minister, visited the Fishermen’s Mission in Newlyn to discuss the damage caused to their gear and the days at sea lost during the terrible weather of recent weeks. He was joined by Derek Thomas, the Conservative candidate for West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
George said: ‘This has been a really tough winter for fishermen and during my visit to Newlyn I learnt first-hand of the damage incurred. The government is looking at measures to help and I hope to have positive news in the near future.’
Recently released figures show that Camborne and Redruth is leading the way in getting people back to work. Since this time last year, over 500 people have stopped claiming unemployment benefits and the number of unemployed is now below the national average.
Stormy weather has caused damage to the railway at Dawlish further up the line. The incredibly stormy seas that have hit the south west coast since the beginning of the week caused a section of the sea wall to collapse on the evening of 4th February. Initial assessments indicate that the line will take 6 weeks to repair. George said: ‘This is extremely frustrating news for all rail passengers and I will be working with Cornwall Council and my South-West MP colleagues to make sure the railway line can be repaired as quickly as possible. This is a vital link for our area and I will do all I can to help.’
George attended the morning assembly, which was followed by a Q & A session where he was able to explain the work he did as an MP. He then met with pupils on the School Council and was given a tour by the Chair of Governors and the Headmaster.
Running from Hayle’s North Quay to St Ives Harbour, the service will boost tourism and trade for the local area and will initially run for a trial period this summer. It has the full support of the Harbour authorities and organisers are hoping it will become a permanent feature for the two towns.
The campaign is hoping to gather 300 pledges in 100 days from businesses to take on an apprentice. At the launch event George was joined by various businesses and employers in the area who discussed the advantages of apprenticeships both for young people and the businesses they work for, as well as how many lead to future full time employment.
Flicka has been helping abandoned animals rebuild their lives for almost twenty years. George met with the directors of the Foundation who are currently looking after over 70 horses and donkeys and during the visit adopted a donkey named Tabitha, who had experienced devastating cruelty until she was rescued 2 years ago.
George Eustice MP appeared alongside his brother Giles on Radio 4’s ‘On Your Farm’ programme last weekend. The programme looks at the growth of their family farm, Trevaskis, and the different routes the brothers have taken in their professional lives.