Craig meets local school during the National Governance Association’s ‘Week of Action’ on school funding

Craig Mackinlay MP has visited Worth Primary School as part of the National Governance Association’s (NGA) ‘Week of Action’ on school funding. During the visit, the Chair of Governors, the Executive Head Teacher and Head of School, as well as staff and pupils, pressed Craig on the importance of additional funding to help the School.  

The national formula for school funding for local authority maintained schools, routed through Kent County Council in this case, is allocated on a per pupil basis. Worth Primary School, having just ten pupils in each class year suffers under this formula against larger schools. Physical restraints limit further expansion at the school despite demand from local residents in Worth, which is itself expanding after recent modest housing developments.

Craig Mackinlay MP, commented:

“More money is going into our schools and school funding is at a record high. The core schools budget has increased to £42.4 billion this academic year and is set to rise to £43.5 billion in 2019-20. In fact, figures from the independent Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) show that real terms per-pupil funding in 2020 will be more than 50 per cent higher than it was in 2000.

“I recognise that the funding formula does not fit well for smaller village schools. There is some recognition of this at KCC’s discretion when considering annual budgets, but the Head and Governors explained to me that budget settlements are agreed just weeks before the financial year starts, and there is no ability to plan forwards, particularly for capital projects and planned maintenance. I offered to do all that I can to ensure that this exceptional school, well loved by its community, gets its voice heard and plan more effectively for a successful future.”

The Executive Head Teacher and Head of Worth Primary School, Tracey Sandy, added:

“The children were very interested and engaged in Mr Mackinlay's visit. They enjoyed the opportunity to find out more about our democratic system and how funding issues are a part of Mr Mackinlay's role in the community.”  

My regular update - 4 March 2019

This is likely to be a week of ‘lull’ before the Brexit storm lands in Parliament again next week, with three days of debate and votes planned. As ever in this fast-moving drama, all is subject to last minute change.

Canvassing for the local elections on 2nd May across Thanet has commenced in earnest and it has been good to be back on the streets speaking to residents; always the best way to really gauge the public mood on issues. It is clear the majority of local people do not want this half-in, half-out Brexit deal, that we must leave on 29th March as promised, and if that means a managed ‘no deal’ under WTO terms then so be it.

The issue of Port Ramsgate continues to receive local and national media attention. In some ways, with the likelihood of Seaborne or others coming to Ramsgate now vanishingly small, despite government support, this is an opportunity to bring closure to this long-running saga despite aspirations across many Thanet District Council administrations. It cannot be said that all have not tried. I was pleased to note the 2019/20 budget passed by the Council reflecting this reality with a commitment for a feasibility study as to the way forwards. We have a unique asset of 32 acres of prime waterfront land that other areas would regard as a gold-plated gift for positive regeneration. I would recommend we get together as a community and look to a new future that would benefit the area, it is something I’ve been encouraging for four years.

As the national Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Civic Societies, I was pleased to lead an event in Parliament to further the discussion on the future of our High Streets, and how changing purchasing habits, with a rapid rise in internet shopping, means that the traditional view of High Streets as simply a place to shop will not hold into the future. They must be attractive places to visit and enjoy as a leisure activity as well if they are to have a future, and I’m pleased to see that Thanet District Council will be putting in a bid for their share of the £675 million Future High Street Fund.

With the transfer of stroke services to the William Harvey hospital, Ashford coming out as the preferred option under the review, this has understandably caused alarm amongst Thanet residents. I have had numerous meetings with the clinical professionals and campaigners and can agree the need for Hyper Acute Stroke Units, particularly as the six-unit configuration we currently have across Kent has poor ratings compared to the rest of the country. The question to be properly answered is ‘where should they be?’ I have launched a Parliamentary petition which I will present in the Chamber which asks for the decision to be reviewed by the Secretary of State for Health, to make sure the recommendation is sound, and whether the third HASU (or fourth) would not be best at the QEQM because of geography and time. Details on social media and my website. Do take part so that your voice is heard.

Parliamentary petition – Maintenance of stroke services at QEQM

The decision by the Joint Committee of Clinical Commissioning Groups for Kent & Medway Stroke Review, endorsed by the Joint Health and Overview Scrutiny Committee in Kent recommending a three Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (HASU) option for Kent has caused understandable local concern. Whilst I have written about this decision at some length, and remain uncomfortable about it, I can understand the rationale behind the conclusions, but worries remain about geography, distance and time from Thanet to The William Harvey Hospital, Ashford which would become, by 2021, the relevant HASU to serve Thanet and Dover District residents.

What has become very clear, across the huge amount of data, reports and statistics presented by the NHS body, and campaigners, is that stroke services across Kent, having some of the lowest national ratings of ‘D’ and ‘E’ need urgent reform because we deserve the best. HASUs elsewhere in the country have raised standards, improved recovery and saved lives so the concept has my support.

In response to the online campaigns, emails and letters that I have received it is now only right to present local views to Parliament, by means of a Parliamentary petition. This will be read out in the House of Commons Chamber, becoming part of the Parliamentary record and is designed to elicit an appropriate response from appropriate government Ministers.

Please feel free to print the petition out and obtain local signatures. Petitioners must physically ‘wet sign’ the petition for their view to be properly recorded. Please send completed forms back to me at my constituency office – 4 The Broadway, Broadstairs, CT10 2AD by Friday 15th March. I will then be able to present your petition to Parliament in the following week.

The petition can be found here.

Craig is briefed on Rethink Mental Health’s work supporting people in Thanet with mental health conditions

Craig has met with representatives of Rethink Mental Illness Employment Service to be briefed on a project in operation throughout Thanet under Live Well Kent that assists the recovery of people with mental health conditions. 

Rethink Mental Illness Employment Service, commissioned by Porchlight under the partnership of Live Well Kent supports individuals in all aspects of employment - from finding a job to liaising with employers on issues such as mental health disclosure.  And also works with different services with the overarching aim of supporting wellbeing and aiding recovery, and tackles issues such as mental health, housing, homelessness and isolation.

The service is free to anyone who is over 18 and registered to a GP and suffers from Mental Health difficulties.

Craig Mackinlay MP commented:

“At least 1 in 4 people in the UK experience a mental health problem each year.

“That’s why the work of Live Well Kent and recovery-based services such as Thanet Way are so important.

“If you want to improve your everyday living, become more independent and confident, meet new people, get better skills or find a job, Live Well Kent are able to provide free support in confidence on 0800 567 7699.”

New figures show 10 million more people are saving for their retirement through a workplace pension

Craig has welcomed new figures showing that, due to changes to workplace pensions, 10 million more people are now saving for retirement - 13,000 people in Thanet. 

Auto-enrolment was introduced so that workers can save more and have greater financial security and independence in their retirement.

Craig Mackinlay MP commented:

“By introducing automatic enrolment, we’ve enabled 13,000 more people in Thanet to save for their future.

“This balanced approach to the economy – as well as important changes to help people save more for their retirement – means more families can plan for the long-term with the security of a pension.

“For a whole generation, workplace pension saving is now the new normal, but there’s more to do to help more people than ever before build an enjoyable and secure retirement.”

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Amber Rudd, added:

“Automatic enrolment is an extraordinary success story. Thanks to this revolutionary reform, 10 million people can look forward to a more secure future and a better retirement.

“That is a remarkable achievement. Workplace pensions had fallen out of fashion and were seen as the preserve of older, wealthier people. Now saving is the norm across the UK, wherever you work.

“As we reflect on this milestone, we will of course be considering how we can reach even more people – with our ambition to bring in younger workers and enable everyone, particularly part-time and lower earners and the self-employed, to save more.”

Craig welcomes an additional £136,362 of funding for Ramsgate Port

Craig Mackinlay MP has today welcomed the news that Ramsgate’s Port is set to receive an additional £136,362 in Brexit planning funding.

Expected to be confirmed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government later today, the news comes just days after the termination of a contingent £13.8m contract with Seaborne Freight to provide a ferry service between Ramsgate Port and Ostend in Belgium.

Craig Mackinlay MP commented:

“We’ll have to await full details of this new funding in the next 24 hours, but my understanding is that extra funding is being specifically targeted at areas, like Ramsgate Port, that will potentially have to deal with border management issues.

“I’ve always considered the likelihood of delay at the Dover-Calais crossing to be remote no matter what the outcome of the Brexit negotiations, but Thanet will do what’s in the national interest to assist with Brexit preparedness and we are proud to do so.

“That said, it wouldn’t be right to expect Thanet taxpayers to pay for it, so this money will be very welcome.”

Craig supports work of Chilton Primary School pupils on United Nations' Global Goals

Craig Mackinlay MP has visited Year 6 pupils at Chilton Primary School in Ramsgate after being invited by the School’s Enrichment Leader, Alexander McAuley, to assist their learning on the United Nations Global Goals.

The children have been struck by their recent learning about activist and Nobel Prize winner, Malala Yousafzai who suffered appalling injuries in Pakistan that they want to join her campaign for equality in education around the world.

The pupils produced radio broadcasts, speeches, posters and letters to Parliament (which they handed to the South Thanet MP) arguing that the UK must strive to meet the UN Global Goals by 2030.

Craig Mackinlay MP commented:

“We enjoyed an excellent discussion about ending poverty, supporting growth and education for generations to come.

“The Year 6 pupils at Chilton Primary are an enthusiastic and intelligent group, passionate about the future of our planet, and ably led by their teacher, Mr McAuley.

“I will take their letters back to my office at the House of Commons to read and ensure their concerns and suggestions are heard at the highest levels of government.”

Statement on the decision of Joint Committee of Clinical Commissioning Groups for Kent and Medway Stroke Review

“The decision of the Joint Committee to approve a 3 HASU model for Kent & Medway with Darent Valley, Maidstone and The William Harvey hospitals emerging as the final option is a huge disappointment to the residents of Thanet, and to campaigners who argued strongly that the QEQM at Margate should be a preferred third site, and a personal disappointment to me; the outcome I had been campaigning for was for a fourth HASU at the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother hospital (QEQM, Margate).

“The Stroke Review team put their case strongly, backed up with clinical evidence. The fact is that stroke care across Kent and Medway has been shamefully poor for too long. All of the current six sites rate poorly at the lowest ‘D’ and ‘E’ ratings. This includes close to half of patients not receiving a scan within the hour of arrival, and mixed, generally poor statistics on waiting times, after arrival, for clot-busting drugs. In some ways, more is the pity that we must wait until 2021 for the new configuration which will have better health outcomes, despite the issues of local accessibility.

“The obvious concern is the travel time from Thanet to Ashford, with published journey times showing that even a blue lighted journey is rarely less than an hour. We have heard much about the ‘golden hour’ and indeed the government’s own advertisements over many years have always highlighted that speed is key. I am somewhat reassured that the HASU formula ensures that specialist stroke teams are likely to be better prepared for arrival of patients, will have dedicated stroke staff 24/7 and with the team, the very best of equipment meaning more rapid scans and treatment once at the hospital. This stands in some contrast to the situation now, whereby journey time might be short, but patients enter the waiting queue of ambulance arrivals and delay during triage assessments.

“As part of the process I had a number of meetings with the senior transformation team; they have given a commitment to improved local rehabilitation facilities, with the HASU being the centre for initial high level care, and anticipated transfer back locally once the initial treatment has been given and the condition stabilised. Improvements to the ambulance pool are also proposed so that the time from call to pick-up can be minimised and improved for Thanet. The most serious cases of brain bleed will result in transfer to specialists in London, as now.

“The Joint Committee recognises that should a new Canterbury hospital emerge, then it would be likely that HASU facilities would move there from Ashford; all would welcome this proposal.

I think it is now time to keep calm down the political rhetoric from some quarters and consider the many positive improvements that will flow from the HASU formula. In other parts of the country where the move to HASUs has been made, they typically receive an ‘A’ rating, meaning better outcomes and recovery.

“The NHS should not be used as a political football. I am not a stroke specialist but do have confidence that clinicians and healthcare professionals have considered the options fully and fairly, and have created a defendable plan that has been rigorously and critically tested with the overall expectation of improvements to current stroke services across Kent and Medway.”

My regular update - 18 February 2019

High drama in Westminster starts the week with the defection, just declared as I write, of seven Labour MPs to form a new Independent group, citing concerns about anti-Semitism, anti-business policies, the hard-left takeover of Labour and how Jeremy Corbyn is unfit for office. I know all of them to varying degrees, as they are the type of MPs, obviously not of my political flavour, who go about their business with a smile to others rather than a snarl. They represent what I would call more ‘traditional’ Labour values, and the more centrist wing of Labour ideals. As an aside, it should be noted that all are ‘perpetual remainers’ who have attempted at every turn since the 2016 referendum to frustrate Brexit.

Many of them support a second referendum as part of that process to stop Brexit; I wonder if they’ll each offer their electorates a ‘second vote’ by calling by-elections? I’m guessing but I bet I know the answer: no. I don’t think they’ll be the last to abandon the leaky ship of Labour.

I’ve enjoyed a high degree of media attention over the past couple of weeks. The failure of the Seaborne contract before it had even started made Ramsgate, once more, the centre of national attention. The Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt Hon. Chris Grayling MP has received an unfair amount of criticism and I have defended him, as the withdrawal of Arklow Shipping as backers of Seaborne was a commercial decision for them alone, and nothing to do with the Department for Transport. The Secretary of State is in a position of being damned if he does, and damned if he doesn’t. It is right that contingency planning for all Brexit outcomes is planned for, much as I have never believed that the important Dover to Calais pinch-point will ever be impeded. On this I believe Jean-Marc Puissesseau, Calais Port President who said “..so where is the problem?”

I also had the opportunity to raise my concerns, in an extended Adjournment debate on the floor of the House, on election law following my trial and the fitness for purpose, or otherwise, of the Electoral Commission. This received coverage across local and national broadcast media. I also had to put the leader of the Opposition right on his statement at Prime Minister’s Question time, when he quoted the cost to local Thanet taxpayers of keeping Ramsgate Port at a state of readiness for commercial shipping at £2m over a seven week period which is wrong by some multiples, and was designed to mislead for a cheap soundbite.

I’ve had some fascinating local meetings. It was good to meet the increasing number of groups under the ABC (A Better Cliftonville) umbrella at their AGM. I’ve met the Council Leader Bob Bayford for a wide-ranging discussion, obviously with Port operations taking centre ground. I had a fascinating meeting with Rethink – a national charity working with those suffering from mental illness with a focus on getting those affected into work. I had a wide-ranging discussion with one of our major local language schools to discuss Brexit and how that may affect them. I recognise the huge value coming to Thanet from this valuable sector. I was much taken with the year 6 pupils at Chilton Primary School and their project looking at ‘courage’ with a focus on Malala Yousafzai the young girl who suffered appalling injuries on her way to school in Pakistan.

This was meant to be a Parliamentary recess week, but this has been cancelled, primarily to use limited Parliamentary time effectively for Brexit related secondary legislation. Good – it’s warming up to be another lively week.

Craig gets behind National Apprenticeship Week 2019

Craig Mackinlay MP is supporting National Apprenticeship Week 2019 (NAW2019), highlighting the benefits of apprenticeships to employers, individuals, local communities and the wider economy in a week-long celebration of apprenticeships.

The Blaze a Trail themed week, running from 4 to 8 March 2019, is the 12th annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW2019) and will see a range of activities and events being hosted across the country, aimed at challenging the outdated views many people still have about apprenticeships. 

Craig Mackinlay MP, commented:

“Apprenticeships allow people to earn while they learn, and open doors to highly skilled, rewarding careers.

“That’s why I am so pleased there were 540 apprentice starts in my South Thanet constituency last year, with East Kent College playing a key role in providing structured training relevant to local employers.

“This Government’s reforms are driving up the quality of apprenticeships, meaning they have real value in the jobs market.

“We must continue to work hard to ensure everyone can get on in life, and go as far as their talents and hard work can take them.”

Apprenticeships and Skills Minister, Anne Milton MP, said:

“Throughout National Apprenticeship Week people from industry, employers and across the public sector will be celebrating their apprentices and the amazingly positive impact they bring to the organisations that employ them.

“Apprenticeships are for people of all ages and backgrounds, and this is a good time to kick start their career, maybe return to work or change direction and get on the road to a really great job.

“Blaze a Trail is the theme for the week so we are calling on employers to step up, take the lead and show how apprenticeships bring new energy and enthusiasm.

“The benefits are immeasurable for both business and individuals.”