The last two weeks have, once again, proven to be very busy across Corby & East Northamptonshire and I have been working hard, listening to you on the issues that matter, and then campaigning on them for you back in Westminster. Below are some of the things I’ve been up to in the last few weeks.
As ever, if I can be of any assistance to you or your family, please don't hesitate to get in touch using the contact details at the bottom of this newsletter.
With best wishes,
Tom Pursglove MP
Member of Parliament for Corby & East Northamptonshire
Working for you across Corby & East Northamptonshire!
The ‘roadmap’ to recovery, a disappointing uptick in infection rates in Corby, vaccination success and my ongoing calls for a vaccination facility in Oundle – a busy few days of significant COVID-19 related news:
The last few days have seen a number of very significant announcements and developments in our ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic and I wanted to say something about each of these below:
The Prime Minister unveils the ‘roadmap’ back to normality:
Very welcomely, after what has been an incredibly tough year for everyone, we are now at a stage in this pandemic where we can look ahead to an easing of restrictions. Indeed, thanks to the hard work and enormous sacrifices of the British people, as well as the incredible success of our vaccination programme, I am delighted that the Government is now in a position to cautiously start easing ‘lockdown’ restrictions nationally. With that in mind, I welcome the Government’s ‘roadmap’ to guide us cautiously, but irreversibly, towards reclaiming our freedoms and way of life - something we all, without question, wish to see happen.
That means that, from the 8th March, restrictions will begin to be eased in four steps, starting with a return to face-to-face education. At all stages, any easing of restrictions will be guided by the latest data, not dates, to assess the impact of previous steps, ensuring restrictions do not have to be re-imposed. Indeed, there will be four tests that must be passed before progress can be made: the vaccine deployment continues successfully; vaccines are reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated; infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS; and the assessment of risk is not changed by new variants of concern.
This cautious approach, which considers the data and makes an assessment based on the four tests, is the right one and one that I fully support. As modelling has shown, unfortunately we cannot escape the fact that lifting ‘lockdown’ will result in more cases, hospitalisations and deaths, but this would happen whenever it is lifted. If we get the timing right, these increases can be significantly limited and I believe the cautious approach set out by the Prime Minister will achieve this. There is no credible road to a ‘Zero COVID’ Britain, or world, as some advocate, but we cannot persist indefinitely with restrictions that debilitate our economy, our physical and mental wellbeing, and the life chances of our children.
Infection rates in Corby are disappointingly creeping up again – boosting testing capacity to help break the chains of infection should be reviewed:
As local residents who have followed this will recall, a few weeks ago (see: https://www.votepursglove.co.uk/news/troubling-disproportionately-high-covid-19-case-rates-corby-still-persist-my-thoughts-and), I suggested that we ought to consider the introduction of mass testing to address the stubbornly higher rates of infection we had been seeing in Corby. At the time, it was felt by the public health experts that given the cause of the infections was generally believed to be through household related transmission, and the figures were coming down, albeit gradually, plus extra testing capacity was at that time being made available to businesses and through the lateral flow testing centre at Lodge Park Sports Centre, this was not required. Since then, the figures have generally been coming down by roughly 20% a week, but worryingly, the figures have been ticking up again slightly over the course of the past week, and the figures in Kettering and Wellingborough are slightly higher too, and the same applies in East Northamptonshire, albeit to a lesser extent. So, I have asked our local public health leaders to meet with me urgently to discuss how we best address this and have strongly suggested that the stance on requesting mass testing from the Government for our area be reviewed.
Obviously, I will provide further updates on these discussions as I have them, but I think we all want to avoid a situation whereby our area might find itself in an extended period of restrictions, if we cannot drive these infection rates down. I don’t know if that is even a realistic possibility, and this being relevant is still some way off, but I really don’t think we want to chance it. As I have maintained throughout, we must all play our part by adhering to the rules, reducing contact with others wherever possible, and isolating where necessary, but it seems to me that boosting testing capacity is a very helpful tool in identifying chains of infection, so that direct, targeted action can then be taken to break them, exactly as happened in Liverpool earlier in the pandemic. Ultimately, in the circumstances, I think we have no choice but to consider the testing option, particularly at a time when nationally the trend is that rates of infection are falling.
On a related point, ahead of the Budget next week, I have asked the Chancellor to review the support available to facilitate people being able to self-isolate, and whether sufficient resources are available locally to achieve this, so that there are absolutely no excuses for not doing so. I should add here that I have also relayed various other pieces of local feedback to him about the package of support for people and businesses in the context of the ‘roadmap’ period and I hope he will be responsive to this.
The vaccination roll-out successfully continues…
Like everyone, I am incredibly proud of the progress that the UK is making in vaccinating the population and I am delighted that the Government met the goal of offering a vaccine to priority groups 1-4, over 15 million people, by the 15th February. Globally, this means the UK has vaccinated in total a higher proportion of the population than all but three countries and two British Overseas Territories.
Our world leading vaccination programme has truly been a UK-wide effort and I pay tribute to all those who are helping to make it happen, both locally and nationally – they really are doing a remarkable job and we are all extremely grateful.
It is right that the Government’s priority is to save as many lives as possible, as quickly as possible, while also reducing the hospitalisations that are creating such pressure on the NHS. Vaccines are our way out of this pandemic, and so I am encouraged by the progress we have made towards reaching this important milestone. The next phase of the vaccine programme has now begun, and vaccinations are being offered to JCVI priority groups 5 and 6; people aged 65 to 69, and to those who are clinically vulnerable. While supply continues to be the rate limiting factor and the roll-out is not without its challenges, the Government’s target is to offer first doses of the vaccination to all priority groups in the first phase (groups 1-9) by the 15th April, and then to expand the programme so all adults can be offered a first dose by the end of July. With what we have achieved so far, I do believe this is within reach and we should go forward with confidence.
With thousands of GP services, and hundreds of hospital sites and community pharmacies offering vaccinations, alongside new large vaccination centres, capacity to deliver vaccinations is expanding all the time. I am keeping a close eye on deployment here in Corby & East Northamptonshire - with the latest update meeting on it held for local MPs earlier this afternoon - and if you have any concerns, please let me know and I will feed these back to Ministers and the COVID-19 Response Team for Northamptonshire, who are leading the remarkable effort locally.
But we need a vaccination facility in the Oundle area:
One issue that regrettably remains outstanding is that of the situation in the Oundle area, which falls within the remit of NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), rather than NHS Northamptonshire CCG. As I have maintained for some time now, I am not happy about the fact that my constituents in that part of the constituency are having to trapse all the way to Peterborough to be vaccinated and I want to see a more convenient arrangement put in place for them. To that end, I am keeping the pressure up and have asked for a further urgent meeting to discuss these concerns with the relevant public health leaders at that CCG, having given them long enough now to overcome this initial teething difficulty. So, should a solution not be forthcoming imminently, I will approach Ministers to ask them to intervene – overall, whilst the vaccination programme is going exceptionally well, I share local frustration about this particular aspect and want it sorted without delay.
A final comment:
Clearly, the scale of the challenge ahead is huge, but I am confident that the ambitious ‘roadmap’ and vaccination goals will be achieved. With the ‘roadmap’ now in place, we have a clear plan to finally throw off the shackles of these restrictions that I know have been hugely challenging for us all – and to that end, the way ahead must be gradual and irreversible. Of course, all of this work will take time, so for now we must all continue to play our part by staying at home and abiding by the restrictions to suppress the virus and protect the NHS as they carry out this vital vaccination work. Crucially, however, there is some much-needed and fresh hope that there is now meaningful light at the end of the tunnel and the end of all this is in sight. Of course, as soon as I have further updates, I will be sure to share them here.
The harrowing murder of Collette Gallacher – working with her remarkable family to keep the public safe:
Like everyone locally, I have huge respect, and great admiration, compassion and sympathy for the family of Collette Gallacher, who was murdered in Corby in harrowing circumstances thirty-five years ago. Following her family coming forward to so bravely tell their story in the Northants Telegraph earlier this week, which you can find, here:
I have already raised this distressing situation formally, and urgently, with both the Home Secretary, and the Lord Chancellor, Robert Buckland, and will continue to do all that I can to support the family and ensure that everything possible is done to keep the public safe and that any lessons around parole from this worrying and concerning case are learnt and appropriate steps taken.
It is absolutely essential that this deeply troubling set of circumstances is looked at very closely to ensure public protection is maintained. I have huge admiration for Collette’s family – what they have been through is simply unimaginable and this is a very distressing time for them. Their selfless anxiety that no other family should ever go through what they have is a moving example to us all and I will help raise their concerns in any way that I can.
Update on the situation at Peasdale Hill Field, Middleton:
Following contact from many local residents regarding the unauthorised damage to the Peasdale Hill Field on Ashley Road, Middleton, I recently called for, and held, a meeting with the Acting Head of Paid Services at Corby Borough Council, alongside representatives of Middleton Parish Council. Like residents - and as I have consistently said - I am angered by what has happened to this tranquil, picturesque spot and the meeting was a chance to get across the strength of local feeling that has been registered with me locally. I am going to be closely watching the progress of the actions to be taken to address this wholly unsatisfactory situation, which I outlined in an earlier update: https://www.votepursglove.co.uk/news/peasdale-hill-field-middleton-update.
Separately, but also relating to the village, I wrote a couple of times to Corby Borough Council supporting local residents in their objections to planning application 20/00458/COU and you can find my letters, here. Subsequently, I was really pleased that councillors listened to residents and threw these unacceptable plans out. This was the right decision on sound planning grounds.
But back to Peasdale Hill Field, and I just want to reiterate that what has happened is totally unacceptable and the damage must be made good - without delay. You can find my latest update video, on these events, here.
Big changes to local government in our area are coming - but what does it mean?
There are big changes coming to local government here in Corby & East Northamptonshire on the 1st April and I wanted to set out what it all means ahead of the upcoming elections to the new North Northamptonshire Council in May. My latest update video all about these changes can be found, here. You can also find a comprehensive written update on my website, at: https://tinyurl.com/23hsr936.
Meeting with Avon to talk about their efforts to be a ‘COVID Secure’ workplace:
I recently had an interesting meeting with representatives from Avon in Corby to talk about the comprehensive steps they have taken to ensure a ‘COVID Secure’ workplace for their dedicated and hardworking staff. You can find more details, here.
Meeting with local Royal College of Nursing representatives:
It was very valuable to meet recently with local representatives from the Royal College of Nursing to talk about their tireless work on the frontline, to say ‘thank you’ for all they continue to do, and to follow-up on a number of challenges we discussed. More details about our discussion, here.
Multi-agency meeting to discuss child safeguarding:
I recently attended a meeting between Northamptonshire County Council, the new Northamptonshire Children’s Trust and the Nene Education Trust to discuss the incredibly important topic of safeguarding young people across the county. Some interesting ideas were discussed that may lead the way nationally. More information, here.
OxCam Arc meeting:
The other week, I joined a really useful meeting regarding the Oxford-Cambridge Arc which is all about levering more investment into Northamptonshire. As I have long maintained, our infrastructure must keep pace with the new homes being built and the Arc is key to achieving this. More details, here.
Flooding update – Brick Kiln Road in Raunds:
I recently attended a further progress meeting I had arranged to discuss the regular flooding problem at Brick Kiln Road in Raunds. I genuinely think we are nearly there in getting the right solution in place in this case. More details about the meeting can be found, here.
Update call with Cambridge Weight Plan:
I had a good catch-up with Cambridge Weight Plan, a really significant local employer with a global reach, based in Corby. It was useful to hear how things are going as we look to emerge from the pandemic and secure our economic recovery. Much useful feedback!
Northamptonshire County Council providing schools with extra COVID-19 grant funding:
I was pleased to hear that Northamptonshire County Council (NCC) will be providing extra COVID response grant funding for our Corby & East Northamptonshire schools. This funding will be used to cover future costs or those already incurred from infection prevention and control measures. Well done to NCC for their work in making this happen.
Coronavirus cases in Corby – understandable worries and action is being taken:
Recently, many local people have been in touch raising their concerns about the considerably higher COVID-19 case rates we've been seeing in our community of late, and particularly in Corby, with a specific focus on worries about workplace related transmission. I've been working hard on this issue since the New Year and I have combined a number of useful links and pieces of information in a couple of my recent updates which you can find, here, and here. You can also find my latest update video on these concerns, here, and my appearance on BBC Look East recently to talk about it, here.
Unprecedented volumes of correspondence on all manner of issues and concerns – please bear with me!
My inbox is always heavy, but I've never known it this busy with all sorts of queries and concerns coming in, particularly COVID related. I just wanted to say that I am working hard to get back to everyone, but it may take a day or two longer than normal, so please bear with me.
Weekly advice surgeries are still running - but over the phone!
I'm running my regular constituency surgeries every Friday as telephone meetings, so if you have any queries or concerns please do get in touch with me via my email at pursglovet@parliament.uk to organise an appointment. As ever, it is my pleasure to be able to assist in any way that I can.
Local engagement, help and support – January & February 2021 in numbers:
To give local people an idea about the work I have been doing on the ground in recent weeks, actively raising local issues, feedback and concerns, and taking up individual cases, I thought it would be useful to include the pie chart below which includes the data for the month of January. Notably:
• Last month, my office received well over 2,900 emails from local residents and 1,208 specific new cases were created for individual constituents. This is an unusually high amount, even by the standards seen during the pandemic so far!
• While Coronavirus and the wide-ranging impacts that it is having on our society still account for a large proportion of the cases being dealt with, last month saw a continued increase in other issues being raised.
And as we approach the end of February:
• As we come to the end of this month, so far, I have received over 1,700 constituent queries, with 690 specific new cases being opened, and with more coming in all the time. Once again, almost all the correspondence received so far has been linked to topical issues around Parliament, Government, COVID-19 and other current issues, but I will provide another full update in mid-March.
Of course, if I can ever be of any assistance to you or your family, please do not hesitate to get in touch – I am always really happy to help!
A big thank you to Teresa Bates for sending in this brilliant picture of Rockingham Church!
• Given the flooding issues we have seen locally of late, the Environment Agency has developed a factsheet to explain what their responsibilities are, the maintenance activities they may carry out in local areas, and actions people and businesses can take to help address flooding. I thought it would be worth sharing it and you can find it, here. Of course, if there are flooding issues affecting you or your community, please don’t hesitate to approach me if I can be of any help, as others have had cause to do this winter.
• I was pleased to hear that the Government is providing £664,295 in support for domestic abuse victims and their children here in North Northamptonshire. It is so important that victims of this terrible abuse are well supported and kept safe, so this is very welcome news and I know this extra help will make a significant difference.
• To help families in Corby & East Northamptonshire to better manage their home energy use and save money on bills, National Energy Action (NEA) and Smart Energy GB have teamed up to collate a list of simple things we can all do to make a positive difference. For more information see, here.
• I have been informed that the National Lottery have reopened applications for heritage grants and I wanted to share this good news which may be of help to a number of organisations locally. You can find the details on their website, here.
• Thursday the 4th February was World Cancer Day and it is really important, perhaps more so than ever, that cancer patients are accessing the support they need, such as through Macmillan Cancer Support. It is also incredibly important to remember that if you suspect something is amiss with your health, you should talk to your GP. COVID-19 has been the big ‘C’ over the past year, but we mustn’t turn a blind eye to the impact cancer is still having on many people’s lives.
• In addition to the above notice, the 18th to the 24th January was Cervical Cancer Prevention Week and the ‘Smear for Smear’ campaign raises some really important issues to help ensure people know where to find support and advice about cervical screening (smear tests), and reliable information about cervical cancer. Cervical screening can undoubtedly be life-saving and to find out more information, please visit: https://www.jostrust.org.uk/.
• Can you help our local community here in Corby & East Northamptonshire? Could you be a COVID Community Ambassador? Recruitment is ongoing to find volunteers to help keep residents informed. You really can make a difference! Follow the link to find out more: http://bit.ly/3a8eYhD.
• The Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service has joined forces with Crimestoppers to set up a new service aimed at reducing the number of deliberate fires. The service is called ‘Fire-Stoppers’ and allows people to provide information about suspected deliberate fires over the phone or online anonymously, following which the emergency services can then take the appropriate action. For more information, visit: https://forms.theiline.co.uk/firestoppers.
• Cold Weather Payments were recently triggered in NN14, NN16, NN8, NN9, LE16, LE15, NN17, NN18, PE17, PE28, PE8, PE9, unlocking extra help for the most vulnerable this winter. For more information, visit: https://www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment/eligibility.
• Recently, the Football Foundation got in touch with me to highlight the latest investments made in Corby & East Northamptonshire to improve football facilities. Since 2000, they have funded over 135 projects locally, totalling over £2,200,000 in investments. This includes improvements to football facilities at West Glebe Park, Manor Sports and Leisure Centre and Islip Playing Field. Football is such an important part of so many people’s lives, particularly from the perspective of staying healthy, so this is great news locally!
• Highways England have been in touch to give advanced warning that the Chowns Mill Roundabout at Irthlingborough will be closed for resurfacing from 8pm on the 26/02/21 to 5am on the 01/03/21.
• East Northamptonshire Council are keen to remind voluntary and community organisations that they could be eligible for funding to help with their work. So any community organisation or group in East Northants that wishes to seek funding advice, or receive the regular funding updates, can contact ENC’s External Funding Manager on sdavies@east-northamptonshire.gov.uk. They’re keen and willing to help!
• I was recently contacted by Volunteer Action, a charity based in East Northamptonshire, which supports the elderly, unwell, disadvantaged and those with disabilities. The charity operates in Oundle, Thrapston and the surrounding villages from Easton-on-the Hill in the north to Titchmarsh in the south. If you would like to benefit from the support that Volunteer Action can provide, or indeed volunteer yourself, then you can find all of the details, here: http://www.volunteeractionoundle.org.uk/.
• The University of Cambridge recently got in touch to highlight the launch of their Foundation Year Programme, which is a fully-funded, year-long, residential programme, targeted at students who have experienced a range of educational disadvantages and disruptions. No tuition fees will be charged to students and they will also receive a scholarship to cover rent and other living costs. For more information about this fantastic opportunity, please visit: https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/foundation-year.
• The National Literacy Trust and Oak National Academy have launched their new ‘Virtual School Library’, which provides free access to books for children across the UK during this national ‘lockdown’. This is a fantastic resource and I would strongly recommend that parents, carers and teachers take a look. More information: https://library.thenational.academy/.
• The St John Ambulance have been in touch to highlight the crucial role they are playing in the COVID-19 vaccination programme, which includes recruiting up to 30,500 volunteers in England with a range of roles. So far, in excess of 52,000 people have expressed an interest in volunteering as part of this and you too can get involved, here: https://www.sja.org.uk/what-we-do/Coronavirus-support/coronavirus-vaccine/. And a big ‘thank you’ to all those already doing amazing work as part of the huge national effort!
• You could get £140 off your electricity bill for winter under the Warm Home Discount Scheme, if you get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, or if you are on a low income and meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme. Information at: https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme.
• With the suspension of all tours and other non-essential visits to Parliament, did you know that free tours and talks are now available to book online? These expert guided tours are a great opportunity to get to see inside the Houses of Parliament and learn more about the very heart of our democracy. More: https://www.parliament.uk/visiting/virtualtour/.
• Older people in Corby & East Northamptonshire may be understandably worrying about managing over the coming months. The ‘Age UK Winter Hub’ has information on looking after your wellbeing, how to get support, and ways to help each other get through this winter. Well worth a look! See: www.ageuk.org.uk/winter.
• Sport England have introduced a funding stream called the ‘Return to Play Fund’, which sees £16.5 million available to support groups, clubs and organisations impacted by Coronavirus. The funding is broken down into three tranches and information about applying can be found, here: https://www.sportengland.org/how-we-can-help/our-funds. I really welcome this funding and hope it can help sporting organisations here in Corby & East Northamptonshire to weather the COVID storm!
• I am pleased to be supporting Sport England in their campaign for people to keep active during these challenging times, as their research has shown that activity levels have been dropping. Getting moving is incredibly beneficial, not only for physical health, but also for mental wellbeing. Sport England has a whole host of free workouts, which can be found, here: https://www.sportengland.org/jointhemovement. So, Corby & East Northamptonshire, let’s get moving!
• East Northamptonshire Council has produced a handy guide for recycling locally, so please do take a look and help to keep your recycling clean, as well as only recycling the items shown. If we don’t, all the good work literally goes to waste – with the whole lot agonisingly going to landfill! More: https://tinyurl.com/ybv2yau6.
• SEMLEP’s ‘Growth Hub’ has joined forces with Buckinghamshire Business First, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, New Anglia Growth Hub and OXLEP Growth Hub, to deliver a series of webinars helping businesses prepare for international trading in 2021 and beyond. These webinars will run through to March and you can find out more, here: https://www.semlepgrowthhub.com/events/. A very useful opportunity for local exporters!
• In addition to the above notice, SEMLEP’s Community Grants programme is open for applications. Voluntary, community and social enterprises can apply for grants of between £10,000 and £20,000 to deliver projects that help get people back into work or training. For more information, visit: https://www.semlep.com/community-grants/.
• Northamptonshire County Council has launched its third Community Flood Resilience Pathfinder project, which allows local communities to apply for support to reduce the likelihood of flash flooding. There are a few obvious areas locally that could potentially qualify for the scheme, and to find out more and apply, visit: https://www.floodtoolkit.com/pathfinder/.
• Thanks to improvements to the Charity Commission register of charities, you can now check for registered charities based in Corby & East Northamptonshire at the click of a button. Go to the charity register now to ensure you’re giving safely to recognised charities and make sure your kind donations do exactly what you intended them to:
https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/constituency-search
• A particularly concerning aspect around our collective national effort to fight Coronavirus is the impact it is understandably having on people’s mental health. In response, I am pleased that our local councils and the NHS have launched a mental health support line, and whether you are feeling lonely, anxious, frightened, or struggling with other issues, there is friendly, professional support available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling 0300 330 1011.
• In addition to the above notice, the British Red Cross have set up a Coronavirus Support Line, open 7 days a week for anyone feeling worried or lonely. If you or someone you know is lonely, or finding it difficult to cope during these uncertain times, please call the free and confidential British Red Cross Coronavirus Support Line on 0808 196 3651, which is open daily from 10am to 6pm.
• A project that aims to remember all those who have very sadly lost their lives in the UK as a result of COVID-19 is being led by St Paul’s Cathedral in London, supported by community and faith leaders from across the country and HRH the Prince of Wales. Family, friends, or carers of those who have died can submit, free of charge, the name, photograph and a short message in honour of a lost loved one, via the ‘Remember Me’ website (www.rememberme2020.uk). Like us all, my thoughts are with all those who have sadly lost someone at this very difficult time, and this is a fitting tribute to remember them all.
• Around all the wonderful work going on in our community and the national effort to fight Coronavirus, I am really saddened to hear of the small minority of people who, disgracefully, are trying to take advantage of vulnerable people at this hugely challenging time. I am aware of several scams, and urge you to stay extra vigilant. Be suspicious around phone calls, texts and emails you weren't expecting, or people claiming to be from the Government, HMRC, or the local council. More information and advice, here: https://bit.ly/2HtMqE9.
If you have anything you would like to be featured next week, please email all the details to pursglovet@parliament.uk.
Also, if you have taken any photos of constituency landscapes or landmarks, which could be featured in my ‘Community Notices’ headers, please send them in and I will try to use as many of them as possible (and credit them accordingly!), as a celebration of the fantastic place we live and work in. I know we have many budding photographers in our community and it would be great to showcase their work!
LOBBY CAMPAIGNS:
As you might be aware, I respond to standard campaign emails via my website, here. For ease, I also wanted to share the links to the most recent replies, which you can find below:
