Following the Government’s announcement on social care and NHS funding, Andrew Mitchell MP spoke in a debate in the House of Commons about the new health and social care levy.

The Prime Minister recently announced tax changes to help better fund the NHS and social care across the UK. National Insurance contributions (NICs) will increase by 1.25% for one year for employees, employers and the self-employed from April 2022. This will cover both Class 1 (employee and employer), Class 1A and 1B and Class 4 (self-employed) NICs. Those above State Pension Age are not impacted by the April 2022 changes. From April 2023, a new ringfenced Health and Social Care Levy of 1.25% will be introduced which will apply to those who pay Class 1 (employee and employer), Class 1A and 1B and Class 4 (self-employed) NICs. When the new levy comes into effect, National Insurance rates will revert back to current levels.

The new levy will also apply to individuals above State Pension age with employment income or profits from self-employment above £9,568. The levy will be administered by HMRC and collected through the current reporting and collection procedures for NICs – Pay As You Earn and Income Tax Self Assessment. As with National Insurance, levy contributions will apply across all four nations of the UK. From 2023-24, levy contributions will appear as a separate item on payslips. The Government will also increase by 1.25% from April 2022 the rate of income tax which is paid by people who receive dividend income from shares.

Andrew Mitchell said:

“Our new £36 billion funding package will help to tackle NHS backlogs - providing an extra 9 million checks, scans, and operations, and increasing NHS capacity to 110 per cent of its pre-pandemic levels by 2023-24 – whilst reforming adult social care by introducing a lifetime cost cap of £86,000, covering care costs for anyone with assets under £20,000, and increasing the threshold above which state support stops to £100,000.

“It is vital that we ensure that taxpayers know exactly how the additional revenue is being spent to improve the NHS and social care. During the debate on the levy, I asked the Treasury to update the House of Commons every six months on exactly how the money is being spent. In addition, I have tabled two written parliamentary questions to the Department of Health and Social Care, asking the Secretary of State to publish on a six-monthly basis the value for money calculations made on the additional health and social care expenditure and the additional results achieved by the NHS as a result of the levy.”

Andrew Mitchell MP visited the new Lidl Store in Mere Green which opened to the public on August 5th.

The new supermarket stocks a range of over 3,000 products and offers another choice of groceries for the Mere Green area which is already well served by Sainsburys and Marks and Spencer.

Following his visit Andrew said:

“It was good to visit the Royal Town’s newest supermarket and see it so busy. During my visit I spoke to Irfan and some of his staff about how their first month has been since opening at the beginning of August. Both Sainsburys and Lidl were full of customers and it is clear that Mere Green is going from strength to strength. This new store is a welcome investment in Mere Green, offering choice to my constituents and new jobs. It is a vote of confidence in our local community and our Town’s economy.”

The Town Hall fair held in the centre of the Royal Town had an unusual guest attending this year, King Henry VIII.

The King graciously addressed his subjects drawing attention to their status as the oldest Royal Town in England and is here seen receiving fealty from the Royal Town’s Member of Parliament

Much to the delight of many, the Royal Sutton Coldfield Civic Service took place on Sunday, later than usual in the year because of the pandemic.

Civic leaders attending the church service heard a sermon from the Rev John Routh with lessons read by the Royal Town’s Mayor Cllr Terry Wood and the Town’s MP the Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell.

Photo: 

Left to right:

• Hon Alderman Judy – Watts James
• Hon Alderman John Hood
• Mrs Jennifer Roy
• Hon Alderman David Roy
• Mrs Pauline Wood
• Cllr Terry Wood, Mayor of the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield
• Dr John Craggs MBE Deputy Lord Lieutenant
• Rev John Routh
• Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell MP
• Dr Sharon Mitchell
• Cllr Simon Ward, Leader, Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council

Last Friday afternoon Andrew Mitchell MP visited the Ramada hotel, formerly Penns Hall in Walmley to meet refugees who fled Afghanistan in the recent airlift.

The 500 bed Sutton hotel is currently operating as a quarantine centre for those travelling from red zone countries. The hotel presently has approximately 200 Afghans that have been rescued following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan last month.

Following a Covid test, Andrew was shown around the hotel and met members of staff. He saw the huge number of clothes, toys and other items that have so generously and kindly been donated by Suttonians in recent days.

As part of his visit, Andrew met an Afghan family who had approached him for help following their evacuation from Kabul by the RAF on 18th August. They left Afghanistan with only the clothes they were wearing.

Andrew Mitchell said:

“I would like to thank the team at the Ramada for all they are doing to support Afghan refugees and others who are undertaking enforced quarantine. Jamie Hitchins and his team are looking after traumatised people so carefully and decently.

“The local community has been incredibly generous with their donations in particular with basic foods, clothes and games which have been so generously but unsurprisingly provided by people from Sutton Coldfield. It is a tribute to the generosity of our local community. I will be following up on a number of specific points with Birmingham City Council and the Home Office following my visit.

“I have asked the Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council to consider providing minor funds if there are needs which are not being met by the State or by other generous support from my constituents. I am very pleased by the supportive approach the Town Council is taking. ”

Simon Ward, Leader of Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council said:

“The Town Council stands ready to provide help and support, on behalf of our community, in whatever ways are needed. We are in contact with the various groups helping at the Ramada and will continue to work with them over coming weeks.”

Photos below: Our MP sees for himself the generosity and support for Afghan refugees from the Royal Town, including nappies and foodstuffs for babies and very young children.

The Mayor of Sutton Coldfield, Cllr Terry Wood officially opened the new Travis Perkins store in Minworth. The new site has led to the creation of 10 new jobs following the relocation from Erdington to secure a bigger site.

The brand new 2.25 acre site includes a tools and plant hire section, up to 50 different types of bricks and an extensive landscaping display. Boasting extensive bricks, timber and blocks, it offers a fast and convenient one hour click and collect service and next day delivery for customers.

Customers can choose to shop online, in branch or by using the new Travis Perkins app. The industry-first app has been designed in conjunction with customers to help them save time and work smarter by enabling them to check and order stock on the go at their personal trade prices in real time from their local branch.

Commenting Terry Wood said “It is great to see that Travis Perkins have opened their new store in Sutton Coldfield, bringing new jobs and investment here, which we greatly appreciate and welcome, I wish them all the success in the future”.

Branch manager Mark Burns said: “We’re really excited to be opening the doors. At 2.25 acres the site is huge and will serve as a one-stop shop for everyone’s building and construction needs. We’re situated in a really ideal location that serves Minworth, Sutton Coldfield and Erdington.

With demand for construction and building at an all-time high, the opening of our new branch couldn’t come at a better time.”

Later in the week, the Royal Town’s Member of Parliament, Andrew Mitchell MP met with Mark Burns and said: “I was delighted to visit the new Travis Perkins Branch at Forge Lane, Minworth following its official opening by our Royal Sutton Coldfield Mayor. It was great to see the investment being made by the company in our local area. It was interesting to meet the manager and staff and to understand more about the business and the opportunities it is providing through apprenticeships and kickstart as well as its efforts to attract a wider, diverse range of people into the building industry.”

Andrew Mitchell MP visited Sutton Coldfield Fire Station to discuss the importance of fire safety during the summer months.

Andrew met Omar Afridi, Georgina Lewin and Ruth Ankers during his visit and discussed local fire service provision as well as the importance of ensuring that we all stay safe during the summer months.

Illegal barbeques in public parks have been a concern in recent years with barbeques scorching grass and leaving burnt residue in public areas. It is important to ensure that outdoor cooking takes place away from flammable materials and long grass. A barbecue site should be flat and placed away from fences, trees, shrubs and sheds, with a bucket of water or garden hose nearby in case of emergencies.

For those that are camping this summer special precautions should also be taken. A fire can destroy a tent in 60 seconds, so it's essential to have an escape plan in place.

Fire safety guidance also highlights the risks of bringing barbeques into enclosed spaces which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is difficult to detect because it is colourless and has no taste or smell. People often don't realise that they are being overcome by fumes until it is too late. After cooking, it is important to make sure the barbecue is cool before moving it. Even after cooking the barbecue should remain outside, as it will still give off fumes for some time after use.

Those venturing into the wilder parts of our countryside should also be mindful of gorse fires. During the summer months there is an increase in the number of gorse fires which can be caused by discarded cigarettes, barbeques that have not been extinguished fully and even littered glass bottles reflecting sunlight onto dry leaves.

Commenting, Mr Mitchell said

“The summer holidays provide a brilliant opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors including barbeques and camping. Ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend, I would encourage everyone to enjoy themselves safely, protect our local green spaces and be mindful of the risks of out-of-control fires.”

Andrew Mitchell MP met Stephen Eaves (Pastor) and Lynn Jennings (Community Engagement Leader) at the Ark Community Church in Mere Green.

The church was formed in April 2009 and the fellowship met weekly at Mere Green Library and Community Centre until moving into their own building in 2015. Four years later, the church building was becoming too restrictive and so work began to double its original size. This development was completed in August 2020 and services recommenced last summer.

During the meeting Andrew discussed the church’s ongoing plans for their facilities including the lease of the Four Oaks Boys Club buildings as well as the purchase of the Freehold for the church building. Andrew is following up on a number of enquiries on their behalf with Birmingham City Council.

The Church has set up a new local youth club which is growing from strength to strength with 20 members. Their facilities are also currently being used as a storage facility for Hope Food and a Nigerian Church and they have worked with local schools providing access to the allotments that they have on site.

The church runs a grapevine coffee morning from 10 until 12 every Wednesday. During the coffee morning the church also operates a collection point for Hope Food where dried, tinned and long life products can be dropped off with the team.

Commenting, Mr Mitchell said

“It was good to have the opportunity to speak to Stephen and Lynn about their work with the Ark Community Church. Their community outreach is making a huge difference in Mere Green including their support for the Hope Food initiative, their weekly coffee morning and their youth group which runs on a Friday afternoon.”

On Thursday 12th August Andrew Mitchell MP officially opened Mutiny Loft, a new restaurant at 28a Birmingham Road. The business opens to the public on Monday 16th August.

Mutiny Loft aims to shake up the local food scene with a menu containing a variety of international street food including burritos, katsu curry and Lebanese wraps as well as range of craft beers, premium spirits and wines. Mutiny also features a pop-up brand space in its garden which will change on a monthly basis.

Mutiny Loft is the latest venture from the Mutiny Kitchens brand, which currently operates several food businesses serving customers via Deliveroo.

Mutiny Kitchens is led by Paul McMahon and Nathan Siekierski, from Sutton Coldfield and the Mutiny Loft site is their first restaurant venture together.

Commenting, Mr Mitchell said “It is great to see another business open in the area and our local hospitality sector continue to grow. Mutiny is a vibrant addition to Sutton’s food scene, and I am sure it will be hugely successful particularly with their innovative pop-up space and ever changing menus. It is great to see Mutiny Kitchens expand into Sutton Coldfield and I wish the team every success.”

Nathan Siekierski said “The idea behind Mutiny Loft is to create an intelligent space where people can freely think, speak and experience days & nights along with food & drinks, creating memories. The concept is simple. Pop up eats, bringing the very best of food to the neighbourhood. We want the community to be able to come together after a tough year for everyone."

Andrew Mitchell MP has backed the Love Parks Week campaign during a visit to Sutton Park.

Love Parks Week took place between 23 July- 1st August. During the Covid 19 pandemic our parks and green spaces have been a vital lifeline to many, particularly during lockdowns when travel was limited.

Around 9 in 10 people surveyed by Natural England in May 2020 agreed that natural spaces are good for mental health and wellbeing. In May 2020, 36% of people responding to the survey said they were spending more time outside during the pandemic than before. This rose to 46% in July 2020.

Commenting, Mr Mitchell said

“We are incredibly lucky in the Royal Town to have Sutton Park on our doorstep. Over the past 18 months I have received dozens of emails and letters from constituents mentioning our park. It is a much-treasured green space and we all have a part of play in ensuring that it remains clean and tidy and a tranquil space.

“On a recent walk through the park, I was glad to see that the bins had been recently emptied and this summer we do not seem to be experiencing the same level of litter and anti-social behavior that was a problem last year. We have a range of local groups that spend hours voluntarily litter picking each week and I am glad that the vast majority of park users tidy up after themselves. We can all do our bit when visiting Sutton Park and I would encourage everyone to take their litter home with them or use one of the bins provided.”