Peter Aldous highlights the success of contracts for difference (CfD) auctions - a government mechanism that helps reduce risk for investors - in developing the offshore wind sector in the UK, and calls for changes to maximise job creation in places such as Lowestoft and to ensure that we adopt a strategic approach to the provision of enabling infrastructure such as ports and the grid.
Speaking in a debate on an e-petition calling for an increase in the HMRC Approved Mileage Allowance Payment rate, which has not increased since 2012, Peter Aldous highlights the impact on volunteers and employees using their own vehicles for work-related travel and, particularly, on community transport providers such as BACT who provide essential services to vulnerable people in Waveney.
Peter Aldous outlines the challenges facing the fishing industry in East Anglia and, in particular, calls for a simpler ML5 medical certificate process, investment in local infrastructure, markets, and processing facilities, a national strategic plan for regional fish markets and a more strategic approach to marine planning, with the needs of the fishing industry being properly represented.
Peter Aldous highlights the importance and value of local radio such as BBC Radio Suffolk and backs calls for the BBC to reconsider its plans to replace locally-produced output with shared content after 2pm which could mean Radio Suffolk broadcasting content from as far away as Buckinghamshire or Northampton.
Peter Aldous calls on the Treasury to work with other Government Departments to ensure that the Lifelong Learning Bill gets rid of barriers preventing people on lower incomes from acquiring the new skills necessary for them to get better-paid jobs.
Peter Aldous welcomes the Bill but tables a series of amendments to improve the Bill and make business rates more effective and fair including moving to annual valuations, abolishing the duty to notify which will be a onerous burden and abolishing downwards transitional phasing, which can penalize businesses whose property values have fallen.
Peter Aldous highlights role of fish and chip shops in the revival of the domestic fishing industry, but they face an ongoing triple whammy of high energy costs, high fish prices and the high cost of cooking oil. He calls on the Government to work proactively with the sector to agree a strategy to ensure the survival and subsequent flourishing of fish and chip shops.
Peter Aldous welcomes the Government’s announcement of an additional £5.6 million for legal aid to support family members seeking guardianship of vulnerable children but calls on the Government to make that part of a wider review of the rights of family members, specifically grandparents who are very often best placed to provide a loving home, care and support.