Westminster life: A Great British summer for Peterborough
“there is a real sense of momentum as we head into the warmer months”
It was a glorious start to summer at Park Farm in Thorney last weekend, where Open Farm Sunday once again showed the best of our local countryside and community, writes Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes.
It was great to see so many families enjoying the day, meeting the animals and talking to the people who work the land. This marked the 20th anniversary of Open Farm Sunday and it was fantastic to see children learning more about the land and where our food comes from. My thanks go to Michael Sly, the NFU and everyone at Park Farm and the volunteers who made the weekend such a success.
I want this summer to be one where families in Peterborough can make memories without constantly worrying about the next bill. That is what the Government’s new Great British Summer Savings plan is designed to help with. From 25 June to 1 September, VAT on children’s summer activities, from meals out to theme parks and other attractions, will fall from 20 per cent to 5 per cent, cutting the cost of treats that often get sacrificed when money is tight. Every child aged 5 to 15 in England will also travel free on local buses throughout August, making it easier and cheaper to get to days out or visit family. This comes alongside frozen rail fares and prescription charges, and increases to the minimum wage and state pension as we continue to tackle the cost of living. More to do, but a start.
What excites me most is how these measures can boost what we are already doing locally this summer. At the Cathedral, the hit titanosaur exhibition has had its stay extended. A new yarn-based installation is also telling Second World War stories through intricate knitted figures, bringing history to life for all ages. Add in the return of the Dragon Boat Festival and a full programme of community events, and we have the makings of a fantastic summer in our city.
This goes to the heart of why I helped to bring together partners to form Discover Peterborough, our new tourist board, last year. Last week we saw progress on the new Cambridgeshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership which will help back Peterborough to bring more visitors to the city.
But I know having pride in our city goes beyond having a good offer for the summer – it’s also about the kind of place our city is. That same pride is at the heart of the Pride in Place programme, where we are now making real progress. We have secured long-term investment for neighbourhoods including Paston, Gunthorpe and parts of Dogsthorpe with new neighbourhood boards so local people can help decide priorities. With candidates being finalised and neighbourhood meetings getting underway, we are ready to deliver some real local change.
From a busy Open Farm weekend to cheaper days out through the Summer Savings plan and long-term Pride in Place investment, there is a real sense of momentum as we head into the warmer months. My job is to make sure decisions taken in Westminster deliver real benefits here, and I am always keen to hear your ideas.