While we are in a fundamentally different place compared to six months ago, the evidence shows that the virus has started to spread again in an exponential way and that is why the Government has acted.

I want to see us avoid returning to the types of restrictions we had in March, which is why we all need to follow the tougher measures. They include a renewed focus on the rule of six, wearing face coverings, self-isolating and booking a test if you have symptoms, washing hands thoroughly, and keeping socially distant.

Constituents have been in touch sharing a very wide range of views, some calling for much stricter rules, others more lenient. 

In my view, these are proportionate measures, informed by the science and considering the risk the virus poses, the impact on the economy, livelihoods and personal freedoms of the people of Taunton Deane.  

In terms of support for the economy, the Chancellor has announced a range of additional support which I welcome. These include: the Job Support Scheme to help businesses which can support employees doing some work during a period of depressed demand;  extending the temporary 15 per cent VAT cut for the tourism and hospitality sectors to the end of March next year; giving businesses the option to pay back VAT bills in smaller instalments; a 12-month extension for self-assessment taxpayers and extending the length of ‘Bounce Back Loans’ from six years to ten, cutting monthly repayments by nearly half.

Do download the NHS Covid-19 app to help control Covid-19 transmission – it works alongside national and local contact tracing and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions about the latest guidance or if there are other issues you want to raise.

Locally, I’m so pleased that funding I helped secure from Government means the rail station and Firepool in Taunton can now be linked, enabling work to begin on regenerating the site.

I’ve also met with local farming businesses recently to discuss the new environmental land management scheme as well as maintaining food standards. In terms of our food export market, I welcome news this week that the first exports of UK beef to the USA in 20 years are getting under way.

REBECCA POW

Taunton Deane MP