WELCOME TO MY WEEKLY UPDATE NO.264
This week is local elections - including here in Surrey for our Police and Crime Commissioner and the by-election in Witley and Milford. I did a fair amount of media last night which you can catch up on Peston, LBC, and Sky News yesterday evening. I also did a wide ranging more local interview with Martin Giles of Guildford Dragon last Friday, and we had a lively public meeting in Godalming during which I was merrily grilled on a range of both local and national issues.
WHAT’S GOING ON IN WESTMINSTER
NATIONAL INSURANCE CUTS LAND This week many will have received their first pay packet since the further 2% National Insurance cut which I announced at the Budget. A reminder that it comes on top of the 2% cut that I announced in last year’s Autumn Statement, which has been reflected in take-home wages since January. These tax cuts do not fully make up for the tax increases necessary to pay for Covid and the cost of living crisis - but they are a start and are only possible because inflation has come right down and the economy is growing again. They are also pro-growth in themselves: the OBR say the equivalent of 200,000 more vacancies will be filled in the economy as a result, nearly a quarter of current vacancies. The turnaround is also why we can deliver a much-needed increase in defence spending which I wrote about in last week’s newsletter and this week’s Herald).
AND THE KING IS BACK It was really brilliant news that the King was able to return to public duties this week. I had a meeting with him the day before the Budget when he was in excellent form despite being in the middle of his treatment. I am always in awe of his dedication to public service - we politicians have a pretty intense life but our careers are famously short, unlike the Royals for whom it really is a lifetime commitment. Our thoughts remain with him and the Princess of Wales.
WHAT'S GOING ON LOCALLY
GUILDFORD DRAGON I had a great chat with Martin Giles of the Guildford Dragon last Friday. We covered a huge range of topics– from my childhood all the way through to getting to know the new constituency of Godalming and Ash that I will be standing in at the next election. Do take a moment to watch a more local and more thoughtful interview than I am normally able to give!
CONSUMER COUNCIL FOR WATER DROP-IN FOR RESIDENTS After the last public meeting with Thames Water I followed up with Mike Keil CEO of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) to ensure constituents are properly represented. Mike and his team offered to come to Surrey on Friday 3rd May from 9am to 11am at the Wilfred Noyce Centre in Godalming. If you have any questions or concerns about the service you receive from your water company, do stop by. They have said they will offer advice to anyone with unresolved issues relating to their water or sewerage services, including those affected by last November’s water supply disruption in parts of Guildford and Godalming.
SUPPORT FOR CANCER CAMPAIGN With my aches and pains now gone from Sunday’s Marathon, I’m excited to promote an altogether more relaxing evening for the Cancer and Surgical Innovation campaign. The Farnham & Bourne Choral Society’s next performance is Mozart Requiem on Saturday 8th June www.ticketsource.co.uk/fb The society is supporting the Royal Surrey Charity so please do come along if you can – it looks set to be a magical evening.
…AND MORE SUPPORT Also in June is the Rotary in Godalming’s charity dinner in support of the campaign. It will take place at Guildford Rugby Club on 21st June – tickets are £50 and include a delicious 3 course meal and some fabulous entertainment including live music, a spectacular magician and a latin dancing demonstration. Please email Anne Gray on [email protected] for more information or to buy your tickets.
CHARLIE’S PROMISE Take a look at Charlie's Promise website, launched as a charity by the Cosser family following the devastating death of their son Charlie last year. It is dedicated to helping the fight against the rising issue of knife crime:
MILFORD MINI ROUNDABOUT Great to speak to Cllr Phoebe Sullivan about the Milford mini roundabout and Station Lane. I have said I will prioritise getting the Atkins report regarding highways and will continue to stay in close contact with her about what improvements can be made for the area.
GODALMING VISITS Last Friday I attended a series of events in and around Godalming, including a brilliant public meeting in the Wilfred Noyce Centre on Friday night. Thank you all for your time and lively questions. If you didn’t make it but would like to attend the next event, please do email me on [email protected]
CHRISTIAN AID WEEK To mark Christian Aid week this year (12th - 18th May), The Rev John Plant (British Church Relation Lead for Christian Aid) will be coming to talk about the work of Christian Aid at St Alban’s Church in Hindhead, on Sunday 12th May at 10.30am. All are very welcome to come along. There will also be a cake sale in aid of Christian Aid.
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JOIN ME Want to get more involved locally? Email me at [email protected] to join my growing team supporting our work in our community.
AND FINALLY… After a long winter, there is finally some sign of sunshine with Guildford set to be as warm as Sydney next week with reports stating highs of 20 degrees! Yet another brilliant reason to join our canvassing sessions…
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