THE government declared west Cornwall a "severe drought" zone. It largely coincides with the constituency boundary (with smaller parts of the two neighbouring constituencies).

Minister (Emma Hardy) told me that, although the government of course urges all to conserve water, there are no current plans to impose further restrictions.

Many have reasonably pointed out that we have been let down by a private water monopoly, South West Water, which has consistently put executive bonuses and shareholder dividends above investment to deal with the leaks. Recent legislation, the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025, introduced a ban on bonuses, criminal liability on bosses, stronger enforcement powers and protected funds for investment. But is only just beginning to have effect. Of course, the government must go further. It's announced Clean Water Bill must become a vehicle for this.

You can see for yourself that reservoirs are at a worryingly low level. Though we have local supply from Stithians (on the eastern edge of the constituency) and Drift (west of Penzance) the head source is Colliford on Bodmin moor.

Please contact my office with any concerns or questions (see below).

I’m urging Ministers to do more to protect people from rogue traders who prey upon the most vulnerable…? Last week Cornwall Cllr Mike Thomas and Gary Webster from Cornwall's Trading Standards joined my meeting with Energy Minister Martin McCluskey MP. Mike has led an excellent campaign (which I’ve supported at Westminster), highlighting the criminal activity, shocking practices and fraud of rogue traders, cold calling, doorstepping and pressurising elderly people and other vulnerable people to had spray foam inappropriately installed in their roof spaces at exorbitant prices, whilst dishonestly claiming that they’re doing it under a government scheme.

This left thousands with the headache and cost of removing this when, particularly in older properties, it can do more harm than good, worsening energy efficiency and causing damp and moisture problems.

To top it all, another group of cowboys (often working with the first group) go around charging these householders through the nose to have this botched job put right; to remove the spray foam at great expense.

This can leave some homes with a risk their home could become unsaleable. Many have lost all or much of their life savings through these criminal activities.

The Minister was listening and has promised he is acting. Government schemes have been stopped because they were failing. The government has consulted on new consumer protection measures. More on this soon.

In the meantime, householders should be wary and always refuse to enter into any contracts with anyone who attempts cold-calling or doorstepping. And please pass this on to your family and friends.

Two further public events coming up:

1. Public Meeting/”People's Parliament”: Wesley Hall, Helston Methodist Church; Friday, October 23, 7pm. You can book a free place, submit a question.

2. Pop-up Surgery – at Mullion Village Hall, Saturday, October 24, from 10am.

Email [email protected] or call 01736 339526.