May has always been my favourite month; a month of expectation of better weather, and a chance to get out on the water as we shake off the gloom of the winter, and especially so this year following a disappointing spring. Unfortunately, it has come and gone, and weather feels more like April, except the grass is growing more quickly.
It feels like I spent most of the Parliamentary week entrenched in Work and Pensions Select Committee business as we continue to quiz all parties involved in the BHS pension scheme: former and current trustees, regulators and the advisers involved in the pension scheme and in the ultimate sale of the business, which just a year on, is in administration. The sorry saga leaves 11,000 current employees in limbo and some of the 22,000 BHS pensioners facing reductions to their pensions under the Pension Protection Fund, and further, due to the size of the BHS scheme, the likelihood that all other UK schemes will have to pay additional levies to keep the Pension Protection Fund in financial health. It has been both interesting and enlightening, with wider issues for the UK pension framework and business regulation. This will be followed in national media over the weeks ahead. My Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) local conference was well supported and I offer my thanks to all who attended and spoke candidly about their experiences. A full report will be going to the Secretary of State.
My main focus for the month is to help ensure that bids are being properly prepared from the Broadstairs and Ramsgate Coastal Communities Teams to maximise the chances of success when final applications are made to the Coastal Communities Fund. You will recall that the Coastal Communities Minister, Mark Francois MP launched the new £90 million round of funding here in Thanet. I have committed the full extent of my office support to ensure that bids are as good as they can be before the 30th June deadline for applications. This is an exciting time for me to help deliver upon my election plans and promises and the time for teamwork across local political divides.
The 100th anniversary of Manston event was an exceptional day of celebration for what Manston airport has been through its years as a bulwark against invasion during the Second World War, but also a time of reflection in remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for us. I remain hopeful that an aviation future is possible, and I note with interest the continued substantial investment of time and professional fees on top flight advisers in the pursuit of a Development Consent Order by RiverOak.
I had the opportunity of visiting SAGA who have a substantial operational centre near Westwood Cross with over 500 employees. Like my recent visit to Thanet Earth, a bigger operation than I had expected and another local success story.