areas on which I will be focusing to deliver for Orpington’s vibrant town centre. First, I will be lobbying ministers and local government to invest in broadband across Orpington and the villages. Too many residents and businesses struggle to get a strong broadband connection in our area, which means they struggle to compete online and offer shoppers a convenient service. Second, I will be championing a review of business rates. It’s simply unfair that retailers in Orpington’s town centre are burdened by taxes, while online retailers such as Amazon get off light. It’s important that businesses pay their share for the public services we all enjoy, but we need a fairer system which lifts the disproportionate burden on local retailers. There is no simple solution, but one possible reform is to shift rates from a flat property value on business premises to a proportional basis on profits. This will enable retailers to invest and
Gareth in town with Orpington 1st BID Manager, Chris Travers.
A strong voice for Orpington. cut costs for shoppers. One thing is clear, business rates which are four hundred years old are not fit for the modern, online economy Third, I would like to find consensus on regenerating the Walnuts Shopping Centre and the area beyond. While I do not have a planning remit as an MP, I would like to help bring together all stakeholders to find a common vision for Orpington’s town centre. I will be meeting with the Areli group to discuss their regeneration plans further. Finally, I want to see more visible policing in Orpington. It’s not just residents who want the reassurance of more bobbies on the beat, but businesses too. This year London will receive an additional 1,369 police officers thanks to new government funding, and I will be pushing for Orpington to get its fair share. I will also be speaking with the Borough
Commander about the creation of a new Town Team to step up policing in the town centre. I was pleased to meet with Chris and Sharon, who helped to inform this four-point plan. It is reassuring to know
that local retailers have such a strong community advocate in the Orpington 1st Business Improvement District. I look forward to working with them to deliver for Orpington’s town centre and businesses across the constituency.
2020 Surgeries As your Member of Parliament I will regularly hold surgeries to meet you and hear your concerns. If you would like to attend a surgery please email gareth.bacon.mp@parliament.uk to find out the location. • • • • •
February 28th March 13th March 27th April 24th May 22nd
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June 12th July 3rd July 17th September 11th September 18th
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October 9th October 23rd November 6th November 20th December 4th
If you would like to follow my activities in Westminster and Orpington, you can sign-up on my website www.garethbacon.com/sign-up The Orpington 1st Magazine • Spring 2020
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