The fight for Falmouth Coastguard continues

Ensuring that senior management of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and Government Ministers consider alternative proposals for the modernisation of the Coastguard, continues to be a top priority.  The fight for the future of Falmouth Coastguard will continue.

So far, I have managed to ensure backing from members from all parties in supporting this in Parliament - from all nine political parties represented from around the UK. Following meetings with the Secretary of State for Transport and the Minister, Mike Penning MP, responsible at the Department of Transport and questions I asked in the House last week, the Government have agreed to an extension to the consultation on the MCA proposals for modernisation.  This will allow time for the alternative proposals to be fully considered.

Mike Penning will be visiting Falmouth Coastguard before the end of the consultation to discuss their alternative proposals. Last week’s rescue of the Ben My Chree serves to underline the importance of keeping Falmouth Coastguard open 24hours.  I was delighted to receive the news on Friday from James Instance that Falmouth Coastguard was awarded the Chief Coastguard’s Commendation for Exceptional and Meritorious Service 2010.

Since Vince Cable MP announced that the Post Office has lost the contract for Giro cheque payments to Paypoint, I have been making representations to him to ensure that the Post Office network is given as much help as possible to replace the loss of income.  I am also very concerned about vulnerable customers such as elderly people who do not have bank accounts and rely on friends of family cashing their Giro cheques in the local Post Office.  The change from Giro to Paypoint will not happen until next year.  During the rest of this year, I want to ensure that as many people as possible, who currently receive their pensions and benefits by Giro, sign-up to a Post Office Card Account.  This is a simple product that offers free access to cash, without credit checks and a second card if someone needs help to collect their money from the Post Office.  I will be happy to help anyone who needs information or help in opening an account.  Just call 01872 274 760.

In Parliament I will continue to push Vince Cable to implement the Coalition Agreement to enable Post Office Account holders the chance to benefit from direct debit discounts on, for example, fuel bills.  Many elderly constituents contact me as they are struggling to pay their essential bills for water or energy.  On many occasions, people are not claiming the reduced tariffs they are entitled to.  For years I have been calling on the Government of the day to ensure that Post Office Card Account holders are automatically given details of the lowest tariffs available and will work hard to make sure this Government implements the change.

I will also continue to press Vince Cable to ensure more high street banks enable their customers to access their cash from Post Offices.  With more banks closing their branches, such as Barclays in Penryn, it is more important than ever, especially for small businesses, to be able to access banking services in our vitally important village Post Offices.  As Post Offices receive payments for handling these transactions, it would provide vital income for them too.