Dr Phillip Lee, MP for Bracknell, visited the new Waitrose in Bracknell last Friday 9th of December to meet with Graham Oakley, Branch Manager. The John Lewis Partnership is one of the largest employers in Bracknell Constituency. The new store will create 172 new jobs for the area. The opening of the new supermarket is a significant step forward to Bracknell Town regeneration plans and with our festive season coming up the store and its employees have the busiest time of the year.

Dr Lee commented: “I am very pleased to have Waitrose as the largest employer in my constituency. The new store in Bracknell will create 172 new jobs which is a positive sign of town development. Graham Oakley and his staff are doing a fantastic job of providing a great store for everyone to use.”

New figures reveal that in Bracknell Constituency 4,000 homes, are entitled to some form of assistance with their fuel bills. That help is worth an average of £250 per household and a free helpline is available for more information.

Lending his support to the campaign, Dr Lee commented: “Around 4,000 homes in Bracknell are entitled to some form of support. Anyone who is concerned about staying warm should call the Home Heat Helpline and seek advice. I would also ask people to look out for neighbours, friends or relatives who may be in difficulty and make sure that they are aware of the Home Heat Helpline.”

The number for the Home Heat Helpline is 0800 33 66 99 or you can visit www.homeheathelpline.org.uk. It is a free service that provides independent advice to people on low incomes on how to get help with their gas and electricity bills as well as other help such as grants for insulation or a new boiler.

Christine McGourty from the Home Heat Helpline also advises people to think about what they can do around the home to reduce their energy consumption: “As well as calling the Home Heat Helpline to find out what financial assistance is available there are some other simple steps people can take. For example:  

• turn radiators down in rooms which you only use occasionally
• switch your lights off when you’re not using them
• turn appliances like TVs and phone chargers off at the wall rather than leaving them on standby when they’re not being used
• replace normal light bulbs with energy efficient ones
• regularly defrost your freezer to make sure it’s operating at full efficiency
• draw curtains over windows at night to provide insulation for the room
• move furniture away from radiators and heaters to allow heat to circulate around the room
• open internal doors of any rooms which get more sun than others and let the warm air travel around your home”

Dr Phillip Lee, MP for Bracknell, visited Crowthorne Church of England Primary School, this Monday 28^th of November 2011. The Church of England Primary School is aiming at providing an education of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief and practice. The atmosphere within the school is happy and secure, encouraging eagerness to learn, and the aspiration to achieve. The school values the contribution of every member of the school community promoting respect, tolerance and care.

Dr Lee commented: “Crowthorne Church of England Primary School is a great school with happy children. Children are our future so engaging local schools and young people is hugely important to me, and vital to the future prosperity and happiness of Bracknell constituency.”

Constituents can put their MP on the spot when he holds his second public question and answer session on Thursday, 8th of December 2011.

Bracknell MP Dr Phillip Lee, whose constituency also covers Crowthorne, Sandhurst and Finchampstead, is holding the meeting in the Driver Room at Wellington College in Duke’s Ride, Crowthorne, from 8-9pm, followed by an open trip to a local pub.

Dr Lee hopes to hold four meetings a year in the constituency and held the first in Bracknell in September. He commented: “The aim of this session is to increase the opportunities for my constituents to come along and engage in participating in political debates. I was pleased that participation was well attended in Bracknell and I hope that more people will come along to the discussion in Crowthorne”.

Dr Phillip Lee, MP for Bracknell, has welcomed new measures from the Government to ensure young people and small businesses feel the full benefits of the successful expansion of apprenticeships.

Data released last month showed that here in Bracknell:

• 510 people started an apprenticeship in 2009/10.
• 780 people started an apprenticeship in 2010/11.
• This means the number of people starting an apprenticeship increased by 270 last year

Dr Lee commented: “This is great news for the business and young people in Bracknell. The record rise in apprenticeship numbers, particularly in Advanced ‘A’ level equivalent qualifications shows the Government’s commitment to helping employers train the skilled workers they need to build a stronger economy and sustainable growth.”

He added: “I also welcome the cash bonuses for small firms who take on young apprentices and I urge companies in Bracknell to take up this opportunity.”