Dr Phillip Lee, MP for Bracknell constituency, has welcomed Government funding to build more local affordable homes. Through the New Homes Bonus, Bracknell Forest Council has been granted £1,434,405 this year to build much-needed housing in the local area.

The New Homes Bonus is a multi-billion pound programme that rewards communities when they accept more house building in their area. The Bonus includes an extra reward for building new affordable homes, and for getting long-term empty homes back into use.

Building on the flagship Housing Strategy, the Government has today 1^st of February 2012 unveiled a range of measures to help first time buyers onto the housing ladder, provide support for millions who have been left languishing on social housing waiting lists and get construction on the move.

Dr Lee commented: “Labour led Britain into a housing crisis – the number of affordable homes fell, waiting lists almost doubled and first-time buyer numbers collapsed to their lowest level for a generation. House building is already up a quarter under the Coalition Government, but there is more to do. I am delighted to welcome this funding for new homes in Bracknell. The Government’s actions will help local people onto the housing ladder, provide more affordable housing and create local jobs”.

Dr Phillip Lee, MP for Bracknell constituency, is supporting the launch of Chance to be Chancellor 2012 and is calling on schools and young people in Bracknell constituency to take up in the challenge to learn about, and share their opinions on, Budget 2012.  Run by the Citizenship Foundation, in partnership with Aviva, Chance to be Chancellor is open to all 14-18 year olds across the UK.

Running until the 20th February, participants can enter into a national competition to win great prizes and visit HM Treasury in London.

 To find out more and get involved visit:
www.chancetobechancellor.org.uk

Dr Lee commented: “I am supporting this campaign because I would like to see more young people engage in politics.  I believe that this is a great opportunity for young politics-lovers to get a chance to experience a day as a Chancellor.”

Following last week’s Big Energy Week, Dr Phillip Lee, MP for Bracknell, supports the Consumer Focus and Energy UK campaign on how consumers can save money by better insulation and ensuring they are on the best tariff.

Taking advantage of free or discounted loft and cavity wall insulation offered by energy suppliers can save consumers an average £120 off their bill every year, and switching to direct debit alone could save around a further £100 each year.

Updated Government figures show that 9.6 million homes don’t have enough loft insulation and 7.8 million do not have enough cavity wall insulation – that’s one in every four homes.

Every major supplier is offering free or cut price deals for loft and cavity insulation, yet not enough people are claiming these deals. Currently 100,000 households are taking up these deals each month when some 200,000 households could be taking advantage of them.

Dr Lee commented: “I encourage constituents to contact their energy suppliers and ask if they would qualify for free or discounted insulation. Bracknell Constituents can also check if they are on the best tariff with their energy supplier. This can save money.”

Further to Dr Phillip Lee’s visit to Manor Farm in Finchampstead, on Sunday 22nd of January 2012, to support a campaign against siting of polytunnels over beautiful landscape, the MP for Bracknell Constituency has written a letter to the Wokingham Borough Council Planning Department to object this planning application. The letter can be read below and outlines the reasons for his objection.

Dr Lee commented: “I fully support the campaign against siting of polytunnels on beautiful landscapes here in Finchampstead.”

Dr Phillip Lee, MP for Bracknell Constituency visited Finchampstead, on Sunday 22nd of January 2012, to support a campaign against siting of polytunnels over beautiful landscape, of Manor Farm.

Dr Lee commented: “I fully support the campaign against siting of polytunnels on beautiful landscapes here in Finchampstead.”