The Tennis has most definitely come to town and en route to the station and Westminster, I followed ball boys and girls on their way to Devonshire Park.
This tournament puts Eastbourne on the map for every good reason and it is important that attendance is every bit as high as ever.
The rail strike is about more than pay. It is ‘class war’ in the words of RMT Union boss Mick Lynch.
As just one knock-on effect, I have been very concerned about ambulance times this week with new congestion on our roads. This level of disruption just can’t be right and the government is looking at measures to further protect the public.
The cost-of-living continues to be a major concern and I understand why workers are pushing for their pay to keep pace with inflation, but the risks of recession associated with this are very real and would inflict their own pain - and for many more years to come. This potential spiral is something many economists are now pricing into the UK economy.
The Government has spent £400 billion on the pandemic response and a further £37 billion this year on helping the country cope with the rise in energy prices and inflation. It must strike a difficult balance between supporting families and public services while doing all it can to swerve recession, limit inflation and promote economic growth.
On growth, it is now nine days until Eastbourne Borough Council submits its £50 million bid to the government’s 2nd round of Levelling Up Fund.
Focussed on our seafront, the potential is there and the need for investment is very real - with the Bandstand and Redoubt both in frame- but the consultants commissioned by the Council have as yet to share their work.
One highlight from my week in Parliament was meeting a group of care-experienced young people from Eastbourne amongst a 100 strong delegation who travelled up as part of a day of action with representatives from seven major children’s charities.
We talked about what the future of children’s social care in England should look like.
It was great to spend time with them to learn from their experience and to take on board their proposals for change. I look forward to working with them.
