Welcome to my May newsletter, where I’ll be sharing updates of what I have been up to as your MP this month to support the residents of East Thanet.

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If there is anything you think I should know, or anything you think I could help you with, please do get in touch by clicking here.

My campaign for an energy social tariff

Many in Thanet are struggling with soaring energy bills, now close to £2,000 a year — forcing some to choose between heating and eating. While we know that making the transition to cheap, homegrown energy will bring down bills for good, I know that many need more support right now. That’s why I’ve launched a campaign for an energy social tariff — a fair, targeted discount for vulnerable households, applied by all energy companies. You can read more about my campaign by clicking here.

85^th anniversary of Operation Dynamo and 80^th anniversary of VE Day

It was an honour to mark the 85th anniversary of the little ships sailing from Ramsgate to rescue 300,000 men from Dunkirk during World War II, with a Royal Marines parade and a plaque unveiled by Prince Michael of Kent. It was a moving reminder of Ramsgate’s proud role in this remarkable chapter of our history.

It was also a pleasure to take part in events across the constituency to mark the 80^th anniversary of VE Day, including enjoying performances at the bandstand in Broadstairs and Margate’s procession and beacon lighting.

Changes to the winter fuel payment

Since changes to the Winter Fuel Payment were announced last year, many East Thanet residents told me the eligibility threshold was too low, meaning some pensioners who needed government help were missing out. I raised these concerns with ministers, so I’m pleased the Prime Minister has listened and announced that the threshold is expected to be raised at the next budget to ensure those who need help can get it. While the new limit hasn’t yet been set, I will continue to engage with the government to ensure that all pensioners who are struggling will be able to receive the help they need.

£1.4 million upgrades to public buildings in Thanet

I’m thrilled that the government is funding £1.4 million of energy efficiency upgrades for public buildings in Thanet that will save taxpayers money, cut council energy bills, and reduce carbon emissions. This is a huge boost to the Kent Innovation Centre in Broadstairs, Thanet Gateway in Margate, the Ramsgate Leisure Centre, and the Hartsdown Leisure Centre in Margate.

My concern about government welfare reforms

I know how concerned some residents are by the announcement of cuts to disability benefits including Personal Independence Payments (PIP). While I understand the need to bring down the unsustainable cost of the welfare bill, that does have to be done in the right way – by supporting people to find work and tackling the underlying reasons why they are out of work in the first place. I always remind everyone when discussing this that PIP is not an out-of-work benefit but intended to support people to manage their disabilities in a world not designed for them. That is why I have been raising this issue in parliament, and I will continue to voice my concerns as these plans are consulted on, because I am worried about the impact they will have on vulnerable people.

Action to stop the war in Gaza

I will continue to do everything I can to push for an end to the bloodshed and the release of the hostages. I am pleased that the Prime Minister, along with allies, has confirmed tough action will be taken against Israel if it does not halt its renewed Gaza offensive. The Foreign Secretary has also issued new sanctions against violent settlers and has suspended UK trade negotiations with Israel, something I have been calling for. I want to see targeted sanctions against Israeli government ministers who call for war crimes to be committed against Palestinians, and for the UK to recognise a Palestinian State, and I will continue to push on these issues in parliament.

Maternity unit at Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital rated ‘good’

This month I welcomed the news that maternity services at QEQM have been rated 'good' by the Care Quality Commission, and that they will be receiving £1.8 million to develop a plan for a refurbishment and the improvement of facilities. This improvement is testament to the hard work I know has been put in by hospital management and staff to turn things around.

Supreme Court judgement on sex and gender

I know the worry this judgement will have caused to transgender people, and I am concerned that the interim guidance issued by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has failed to adequately recognise their needs. Under pressure from parliamentarians like me, the EHRC consultation on the guidelines has been extended from 2 weeks to 6 weeks. I have raised this issue in parliament and would encourage all those impacted by this judgement to submit evidence to the EHRC’s consultation, to ensure their voices are heard.

Constituency visits

I have visited some fantastic local organisations and initiatives this month, including:

Hartsdown Academy in Margate, to find out about the school’s ethos and how the teachers support and empower students.
I spent time with the volunteer team who look after Draper’s Mill. It was great to learn about the history of the mill and their campaign to get it Grade II listed, which I am really happy to be supporting.

Casework successes

This month me and my team have been able to assist several residents to resolve issues that they’ve been experiencing.

I communicated with the Department for Work and Pensions to help constituents claim benefits they were entitled to.
I assisted those who were having issue with their refuse collection and ensured that all properties were both visited and provided with the correct bin storage.
I worked with East Kent NHS to ensure that those in need of urgent medical appointments were seen more quickly
I wrote to Kent County Council on behalf of parents concerned about the school placements offered to their children.

I’m always happy to support residents. If you think I could be of assistance, please email polly.billington.mp@parliament.uk and I will see what I can do to help.

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House of Commons
Westminster
London
SW1A 0AA
United Kingdom