Dear Constituent,
As Christmas approaches, I’m delighted to share the final newsletter of the year, packed with festive updates from across Farnham and Bordon. From presenting the winning design of our first-ever Christmas Card Competition to Evelyn at Shottermill Junior School, to meeting the hardworking Royal Mail staff who (hopefully) ensure your cards and parcels arrive on time, it’s been a joy to see our community come together this season.
I’ve also had the privilege of visiting the Liphook Food Bank to witness their incredible work, joining residents at Shottermill Care Home for a lively Q&A, and hearing directly from constituents at my advice surgeries. These moments remind me of the generosity, resilience, and talent that make our area so special.
While Westminster may be winding down, I’ll remain active and available throughout the festive period. Whether it’s improving broadband in St Lucia Park, supporting local services, or raising critical issues like social care in Parliament, my work for our community continues.
Thank you for staying connected through my weekly updates. This is the sixteenth and final edition of 2024, and newsletters will resume in the first sitting week of January. If you need urgent assistance or have concerns, please don’t hesitate to email me at [email protected].
Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!
With every good wish,
WINNER OF MY CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION
I am truly delighted to announce the winner of this constituency’s inaugural Christmas card competition as Evelyn from Shottermill Junior School.
I joined Headteacher Kate Barnes, School Governor David Rose and Evelyn’s parents at the school to present her with the finished card, which has been sent to hundreds of people across our area and in Westminster. Evelyn and I jointly signed a card to King Charles III and Queen Camilla while I was there.
After the public vote I held back in November, Evelyn’s design was a clear winner. Local business Print + Design IT in Liphook printed the cards, and I later posted some of them during my visit to the Royal Mail depot.
This competition has shown the tremendous talent and skill of schoolchildren in our area; I want to thank all of the pupils who entered a design, and wish those interested in entering again the best of luck for next year.
DEADLINE FOR PENSION CREDIT
The 21 December is the final deadline to make an application and get a payment this year. The DWP tries to make payments by 29 January.
You can still receive this year's Winter Fuel Payment, which is worth from £100 to £300, if you claim by the cut-off date of this Saturday 21 December and your application is eventually approved.
Pension credit boosts weekly income to a minimum of £218.15 for single people and £332.95 for couples, and gains you access to a lot of additional help with bills.
WHAT'S GOING ON IN WESTMINSTER
THE HEALTH SECRETARY BEFORE THE COMMITTEE
This week, the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting MP, appeared before the Health and Social Care Committee to answer questions from its members.
I raised two main points during the session, particularly concerning the recent National Insurance Contributions (NICs) increase announced in the most recent budget. For example, Shooting Stars, a children’s hospice service supporting constituents across Surrey and Hampshire, now faces an additional £90,000 in national insurance costs—equivalent to the salaries of three medically trained staff.
I also raised concerns about the withdrawal of the Winter Fuel Payment, highlighting its implications for elderly social care during the colder months. Additionally, I expressed support for expanding the role of pharmacies. I called for a new contractual arrangement to properly reward pharmacies for their vital contributions—a commitment the Government has yet to make.
Recent Evidence Sessions:
Lord Darzi session: https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/81/health-and-social-care-co…
Health Secretary session: https://www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/5bff9b3b-57cd-449c-8cad-b7e08…
New Inquiry on Mental Health Provision
In addition to these evidence sessions, the Committee conducts inquiries to examine critical areas of social care that require Government attention. This week, we launched an inquiry into mental health provision in community-based services. The inquiry will focus on the experiences of adults with severe mental illness (SMI) receiving community care, as we aim to improve access to community health and social care.
To inform its inquiry, the Committee is now accepting written evidence submissions that respond to the following questions by Tuesday 4 February: https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/81/health-and-social-care-committee/news/204425/mps-to-examine-the-state-of-community-mental-health-services-in-new-inquiry/
TAKING A STAND AGAINST ANTISEMITISM
During Women’s and Equalities questions this week, I chose to acknowledge the terrible case of antisemitism at the Oxford Union in a recent debate held. The majority of students present said they would not have reported Hamas' plans to the authorities if they had known about them prior to the October 7th attacks. This is unacceptable and I called on the Secretary of State to write to the University to demand that antisemitism will never be tolerated.
As is a common trend in the Labour Party, the Minister failed to commit to writing to the Union.
DEFENCE DEALS
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced that it will be buying back over 36,000 military homes from Annington Homes in a deal worth nearly £6bn. Local people, especially in Bordon will know the issues we’ve had with Annington, so I welcome this decision. The last Conservative Government, including the now Shadow Secretary of State worked hard to begin the deals, and I believe it is definitely a wise decision by the Government to commit fully.
UK Chief of Defence Staff, Sir Tony Radakin, who I had the pleasure of meeting on Wednesday, has rightly called this an "assurance that our armed forces have the support and accommodation they deserve as they continue to serve our country with dedication and bravery.”
WHAT'S GOING ON IN FARNHAM AND BORDON
VISIT TO THE FARNHAM ROYAL MAIL DEPOT
I visited the Royal Mail Depot in our community to meet the hardworking staff who are managing the festive season’s demands. It was fascinating to see their dedication firsthand and to catch up with my local postman during the visit—a reminder of the essential role Royal Mail plays in our community.
I know some residents have faced issues with their deliveries, notably in Bordon, Hindhead, Haslemere and Liphook. This is due to staff illness, and I have contacted the Royal Mail for an update on behalf of those who have contacted me.
As Christmas nears, a helpful reminder: the last posting date for Special Delivery is Monday (23rd December). If you need to send something, this is the only guaranteed option left to ensure it arrives on time.
A big thank you to the team at Royal Mail and the Post Office for both their tireless efforts during this busy period. Their work ensures families, friends, and businesses stay connected over the holidays, and we’re all grateful for it.
SHOTTERMILL CARE HOME
At Shottermill Care Home, I joined residents for a Q&A session, discussing a range of topics that matter deeply to them. We covered Labour’s proposed family farm tax and its potential impact, the state of the NHS, and how primary care services can better meet the needs of older people in our community.
Residents were particularly interested in my role on the Health and Social Care Select Committee, where I work to hold the Government to account and advocate for improvements in health and social care services.
LISTENING TO LOCAL CONCERNS
I held an advice surgery at Haslemere Hall, meeting with residents to discuss the issues that matter most to them. Over a series of rolling appointments, we covered a range of topics, including broadband connectivity, cycling infrastructure, SEND education, and taxation.
These sessions are invaluable for hearing directly from constituents about the challenges they face and the changes they want to see. Whether it’s advocating for better local services or raising broader issues in Parliament, these conversations guide my work and priorities.
I hold advice surgeries regularly, both virtually and across the constituency, to ensure everyone has the chance to be heard. If you have concerns or ideas you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and book a slot at a future session.
TALKING ABOUT BORDON'S BROADBAND
As my Constituency Connectivity Survey is ongoing, I started addressing residents’ concerns about their broadband, this week with the St Lucia Park area in Bordon.
Building on my existing conversations around commercial connections in Liphook, I met with executives from AllPoints Fibre to talk about the path forward to bring high speed broadband to residents.
After receiving guidance in my meeting, I’ll be talking to Openreach in January about both St Lucia Park and other areas across the constituency. I recently spoke with the CEO about issues across the constituency, such as Moor Park and Dippenhall in Farnham; he is fully aware of how committed I am to seeing progress on this issue, and I was pleased to have his offer of support.
If you have already filled out my survey, I will ensure to get in touch with you to give you an update in the new year.
LIPHOOK FOOD BANK
I visited the Liphook Food Bank to meet with volunteers and learn more about the services they provide. Beyond offering essential food supplies, the team works closely with residents to develop life skills and provide guidance on financial planning.
Their efforts are aimed at helping individuals not only through immediate challenges but also in building long-term resilience. The commitment of volunteers ensures that those in need can access both practical support and the tools to establish more sustainable futures. Services like this play an important role in supporting our community.
WEEKLY CONSTITUENT EMAILS BREAKDOWN
This week, key issues raised by constituents included support for Alzheimer’s UK, concerns about assisted dying, and questions on VAT exemptions for independent schools. Residents also highlighted ongoing challenges with sewage and Thames Water. I value hearing your perspectives on these critical topics and will continue working to ensure your voices are represented locally and in Parliament.
AND FINALLY, MEETING PERCY
As your MP, I have the privilege of meeting a number of well-known faces, but one of the year's sweetest highlights has to be my encounter with Percy Pig, the beloved M&S mascot, on the Terrace. As a lifelong fan of these fruity delights, it was a real treat to meet the face of my favourite sweets.
While Percy wasn’t particularly chatty about policy, (he was there to promote apprenticeships) he certainly brightened my day!
Of course, other supermarkets are available across the constituency, but I think we can all agree Percy Pig is in a league of his own. Moments like these are a cheerful reminder that, even in the bustle of Parliament, there’s always room for a little fun—and perhaps a cheeky snack.
Wishing you a festive season filled with sweet treats and joyful moments!
