To watch on BBC iPlayer click here

Jason said `The event was well received and it is excellent to see local businesses working together in their community to support each other, especially at this difficult economic time. I hope that the chamber of commerce organise more events like this and I wish everyone success with their new found local contacts’.

`Seaford Live’ is a non profit organisation which raises funds for local charities and worthy causes through the promotion of local music and arts, this year the festival was held in September in venues across Seaford and proved to be even more successful than the previous year raising over £3,600, the charities to benefit are ` The Chestnut tree appeal’ a charity supporting families with sick children, Seaford lifeguards, Seaford Scouts and the Seaford branch of St John’s ambulance.

This adds to the work already achieved by the Festival, last year they raised over £2,400 for Newhaven Lifeboat Comfort Fund, St Wilfrid’s Hospice and Macmillan Nurses’ Local Fund.
Jason Sugarman said ` If it wasn’t for events like the `Seaford Live’ Festival, local charities would really struggle to receive donations, especially in the current economy climate. I am really pleased, that yet again this event has been a great success ’.

Jason Sugarman said `This is the first `open questions ‘event that we have held in Seaford and I am pleased with the positive response from the people in Seaford and Newhaven. I think it is extremely important that local residents have the chance to ask me questions on issues that concern them. The general public currently have an appalling image of politicians; it has always been my policy to be as approachable and transparent as possible. We will be holding more of these `Open Questions ‘events and I encourage as many people as possible,  to attend.

Jason Sugarman said ` The Conservative councillors and activists have been working very hard in Newhaven to make a difference and I am determined to help with the regeneration in Newhaven.

The open day was a great opportunity to talk to local residents and listen to what they want from their MP. The people of Newhaven feel let down and left behind, in this community. The Liberal democrats have imposed a 16 percent local tax increase when other Conservative councils are cutting taxes. This is not helping in an area where Parker Pens and many local shops have closed down because of such huge lack of hope and investment.  I am determined to help with the regeneration in Newhaven. There has been a number of different positive suggestions from the Conservatives for example special Enterprise Zone Trust status, to bring investment and jobs to Newhaven. The current MP is failing to deliver not only for Newhaven, but across the constituency with the lack investment on important issues such as flood defences and regeneration in Newhaven. This will be my priority if elected for too long the town has been overlooked and real change is desperately needed.’

The event was well received with residents from Ringmer and surrounding villages attending.

Jason Sugarman said `it was a pleasant afternoon and a good opportunity to listen to village residents and discuss the issues that affect them both locally and nationally’

The proposed new ‘land raise’ sites have been put forward as the existing landfill site at Beddingham is due to be full in the near future, consultation documents say the new sites would need to be near good road or rail links and away from any conservation areas or towns of more than 1,000 homes.

But local parish and district councilors urged the County Council to think again.   Alfriston’s Conservative County Councilor Nick Bennett is fully supporting his residents and saying `No’ to the land raise debate, he has been working tirelessly to help where he can and has petitioned for the consultation period to be extended from 2th December until 15th January to give people time to review and respond to the proposals, either online at  http://consult.eastsussex.gov.uk.  or view hard copies available at council offices and libraries across East Sussex.

Councilor Nick Bennett said, ` The government’s undemocratic and poorly prepared South East Plan is not good enough to meet East Sussex’s needs. I find the prospect of land fill and land raise appalling, there are better solutions and we need to develop a sustainable plan for ourselves which properly protects our unique environment and heritage. Green fields are not dumps’.
Conservative parliamentary candidate Jason Sugarman said, `I am completely against the idea of land raise sites. We need to find alternative workable solutions that can be used in the long term. We have many areas of outstanding natural beauty and with the National Park on its way; such ideas should not even be contemplated’.

`The general public need to be aware of the proposed plans, thankfully Conservative County Councillor Nick Bennett has managed to negotiate an extension to the consultation period until 15th January. It is imperative that local residents are allowed the sufficient time to consider and comment on what has been suggested’.

Each had their own agenda, a 10% reduction in carbon emissions in 2010, funding from the National Park to allow cobblestones to be maintained rather than removed, a venue for high quality Arts events and encouraging local communities to take a pride in their area by planting flowers and shrubs on suitable verges and junctions.

Questions from the 40 strong audience included:

•    The use of satellite dishes in a conservation area (OK if out of sight),
•    Solar panels, (As above although not cost effective if added to an existing building, however – good for the conscience!)
•    What effect the National Park would have on the lives of Lewes residents – Most people did not yet realise how intrusive the regulations may be, no other town of anything like the size of Lewes has been included in a Park boundary in the UK.
•    Could the Tourist Office be more pro-active in selling tickets for arts events?
•    Could a “park and ride” be made to work for Lewes? – Many other well-intentioned schemes had come to grief because for one reason or another they were not well used.
•    Tourism was replacing many of Lewes’s traditional areas of employment, and town planning needed to recognise that change of direction.
•    Had the change in policing practices at this year’s bonfire parade worked? – the panel believed that the removal of barriers had greatly improved the feel of the event.
•    Were people aware of the vandalism being created around Lewes Castle by English Heritage’s use of modern railings, path surfaces and a modern cabin? All the Lewes conservation groups represented in the hall expressed their condemnation.

Jason Sugarman, on behalf of Lewes Conservatives who organised the event at the All Saints Centre, thanked the panel and audience for their time and expertise in highlighting a range of issues which should be addressed if Lewes is to thrive. He looked forward to discussing their projects with them in the future.

Jason Sugarman, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for the Lewes Constituency today responded to the Government’s new tax and spending proposals – the so-called Pre-Budget Report – by warning of Labour plans for higher taxes and record levels of national debt included in the small print.

The Government’s proposals include:

• National Insurance hikes on workers meaning a smaller pay packet for anyone earning £20,000 or more.
• National Insurance hikes on local firms, making it more expensive to pay staff.
• Higher income tax, pushing more middle income earners into the 40 per cent higher rate.
• Inheritance tax rises by stealth, taxing people more as house prices start to rise.
• Higher stamp duty, meaning the average first time buyer will now pay £1,475 in stamp duty.
• A new telephone tax on anyone with a phone or fax line.
• Forcing councils to make more cuts to rubbish collections and pushing up council tax.

This comes as the country’s debt is forecast to reach £1,500,000,000,000 – equivalent to £23,000 for every man, woman and child in Lewes Area. The Government will spend £64 billion a year on debt interest. This is equivalent to the amount of money raised each year from fuel duty, inheritance tax, stamp duty and council tax combined. The debt will also push up interest rates over time, meaning more expensive mortgages and credit card bills.

Jason Sugarman said:

“Every family in Lewes Constituency is going to forced to pay out for years thanks to Gordon Brown’s mistakes. Our country faces the biggest overdraft in our peacetime history, and Labour have already started to hike taxes on Lewes residents to pay for it.”

“The message to aspiring families from these tax changes is clear. If you want to get on in life, own your own home or leave something to your children, then the Labour Party is not for you anymore. It’s time for change – and Conservatives will work hard to sort out the mess that Labour have left.”