The danger of slipping into a cashless society is real. Since Covid, big banks have been closing their branches, leaving empty, dilapidated buildings in towns like Falmouth. This shift has deprived many the access to essential services, creating a growing sense of financial exclusion. Empty buildings in Falmouth where banks used to be. In December, the Treasury Select Committee launched an inquiry into the acceptance of cash in the economy, investigating the need to regulate or mandate the acceptance of physical cash in the UK and the potential costs and benefits to consumers and businesses. The call for evidence can be found  here . This January (2025), we held a roundtable in my Truro office with Truro BID (Business Improvement District), retail businesses and markets, as well as Citizens Advice Cornwall. It was argued that access to cash in the community remains a central part of a fair society.  Why is cash key? Many elderly pensioners still get paid their pension in cash. Cash can help workers on low pay to budget better (4 envelopes of cash, one for each week of the month, used as a ‘self-imposed’ pay packet). Many young people use cash because they don’t have access to a bank. Cash helps people budget and track spending to ensure that they don't go into debt. Cash is also vital for businesses. Around 10% of a shop’s takings may be cash, while market traders can see up to 50%. For some people, having cash in their wallet, purse, or pocket can help them survive in difficult times. A £5 note can be a lifesaver for many. There's also a wider economic argument to make here - if cash isn't protected, remote online shopping would increase, and many people would feel excluded from the high street. We must recognise the value of cash in the economy. For example, if you start with £50 cash and spend that in the local economy, it recycles and in simplistic terms, it remains £50 recycling around that local economy. If that £50 is spent elsewhere, it leaves that local economy.  As access to cash dwindles, we must remember that many people struggle with online banking and feel safer or need face-to-face advice and services (such as paying in cheques). Equally, at a time when those on low pay, still reeling from the cost-of-living crisis, rely on the benefits of cash, it should make us recognise and protect the role cash plays.  After meeting with Cash Access UK, as well as Falmouth BID and the town council, I have been playing a key role in securing a new banking hub for Falmouth. This hub will guarantee access to banking services and cash. I will continue to work with Falmouth BID and the town council in a bid to get the banking hub in place before Lloyds pulls out of town. Reducing access to cash may be convenient for banks, but it will be difficult for many people and the local economy.

10th-16th February marked National Apprenticeship Week. I attended the 2025 Truro & Penwith College Apprenticeship Awards - a great opportunity to celebrate apprentices and the impact they have on our community, local businesses, and the wider economy. Truro & Penwith College Apprenticeship Awards The Government marked National Apprenticeship Week not just with words but with action- announcing reforms that will create thousands of apprenticeship opportunities across the region. One standout initiative is the new ‘foundation apprenticeship’ for young people not quite ready for level 2 or 3 apprenticeships. It is an opportunity for them to gain valuable work experience and skills as they climb the career ladder step by step. The Government’s new plan removes the GCSE English and maths requirement for adults aged 19+ pursuing an apprenticeship at level 2 or higher, making apprenticeships more accessible and allowing many more capable individuals to finish their training. With support from businesses, these reforms could open doors to up to 10,000 more young people.  There will also be a boost to vital industries like the green sector, which is an initiative close to my heart. I am pushing hard for offshore wind in the Celtic Sea with knowledge of all the skilled jobs that it could bring to young people in the area.  Apprenticeships provide young people with purpose and direction. The Government’s efforts have already led to a rise in apprenticeship starts and achievements compared to the previous government. In Truro and Falmouth alone, there are 840 apprentices currently enrolled, with 50 having recently completed their courses. We rely on Cornwall’s Further Education (FE) providers to scale up in conjunction with industry. The government's recent reforms will help them shape that path. Fortunately, we have amazing local providers like Cornwall College and Truro & Penwith College - one of only five FE Colleges in the UK to have been awarded ‘Expert Apprenticeship Provider’ status by the Department for Education.  Young people are the future - let's help them get there.

Water quality is an important issue for Cornwall. Our beaches, rivers, and seas are central to our well-being, economy, and way of life. Every day, I hear from people about sewage pollution, with surfers and swimmers getting ill. Cornwall has been troubled by sewage spills for too long, and now it is time for change. As your MP, protecting our coastline and ensuring clean, safe water is a top priority of mine. The new Government is taking steps to address poor water quality. The Water (Special Measures) Bill is a key part of this plan, ensuring water companies are accountable. This Bill empowers the Environment Agency to bring criminal charges and impose fines while also giving Ofwat the authority to stop performance-related bonuses for company executives. Real-time monitoring of sewage outlets will help ensure we know exactly what is going on. In 2024, South West Water were among the worst offenders in the UK for pollution incidents. In places like Porthluney Beach, sewage contamination has made it one of the dirtiest beaches in the UK. Cornwall deserves better. I had the opportunity to question the CEO of South West Water at the Government’s Environment Select Committee.  Watch the interview here Jayne in the Government’s Environment Select Committee questioning the CEO of SWW. I pressed South West Water to allow residents to test water quality in their areas for pollution, and it seems they are willing to let us do that. I will hold them to their word and continue pushing for the changes we need. See  SWW's response   Cornwall deserves clean, safe water. It’s time for South West Water to deliver on their promises — no more excuses.