Northeye Update

I have continued to hold meetings with residents and community leads to discuss the challenges of the proposed immigration centre. I will look to book a date and venue for my public meeting when, and if, the centre moves from proposal to firm plans.

I am currently awaiting detailed answers from Home Office officials on questions which I have asked, or have been asked of me. My current focus is on private discussions I am holding with the Immigration Minister as to high-level options.

The result of these discussions will be available when progress can be reported. I remain of the view that working with my colleagues in Government is the most optimal way to deliver a solution to the challenges which constituents have raised with me. I am working hard to ensure that further news will be available in the next week or so.

Supporting Local Businesses

Last week I caught with Tracey Love, Vice President of the Bexhill Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. We discussed issues impacting the town, including Northeye. I am looking forward to working closely with Tracey and the Chamber to support and create opportunities for local businesses.

Observer Article - Housebuilding

In my Observer article last week, I wrote about the fallout from the local elections and how housebuilding was a major issue raised by local residents on the doorstep.
You can read my article here.

Visit to Bexhill Academy

It was good to meet the new leadership team at Bexhill Academy last month. I am very grateful for the hard work of school staff in Bexhill and across the whole of our constituency and I look forward to working with them on some local issues we discussed.

Help with Managing Money and Debt Worries

I was pleased to meet Guy Partridge earlier this month. Guy manages the local Christians Against Poverty (CAP) team, and he provided an update on financial challenges facing local families. CAP offers friendly face-to-face advice, support and solutions for anyone with money or debt worries. You can find out more about the help CAP offer here by visiting: https://capuk.org/ or calling: 0800 328 0006.

As many of you will know, the rail line between Hastings and Tunbridge Wells was closed for nine days over Easter. This was to allow enhancements to be carried out at the Mountfield Tunnel to make rail services between Kent and East Sussex more reliable and resilient. I was pleased to meet those working on the site to thank them for all of their hard work.

£2 Single Bus Fares Cap Extended

To help people with the cost of living, the Government has announced that up to £200 million will be provided to continue capping single bus fares at £2 outside of London until the end of October 2023, and then at £2.50 until 30 November 2024.
Locally, East Sussex County Council was awarded more than £40 million last year to implement its Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) to improve services across our region. Their plan aims to provide a frequent and comprehensive choice of bus services, reduce congestion, and make a positive contribution to better air quality.
You can find out more here.

Dementia Action Week 2023

Last week was Dementia Action Week. Around 2,500 people in our constituency are living with Dementia; meaning that we have one of the highest number of residents suffering from Dementia of any Parliamentary constituency in the UK.
This year's action week focused on the importance of improving diagnosis rates. The Alzheimer's Society has produced some excellent advice and support which you can read here.

Meeting Local Nurseries

During the Budget in March, the Chancellor announced that free childcare will be expanded so that working parents of all children over the age of nine months will be entitled to 30 hours of childcare a week. It was good to meet with our early year providers recently to get their feedback so this commitment delivers for all. 

Frewen College Visit

I was joined Hastings and Rye MP, Sally-Ann Hart and County Councillor, Paul Redstone, for a visit and tour of Frewen College in Northiam. Frewen is a specialist dyslexia school which caters for all levels of ability. With Headteacher, Nick Goodwin, we discussed the Government's Green Paper on SEND and alternative provision improvement plan and the need to ensure a wide range of educational choices remain available for local students.

Delivering for Private Rental Tenants and Landlords

The Renters’ (Reform) Bill was recently introduced to Parliament. The Bill will deliver on the Conservatives 2019 manifesto commitment to abolish Section 21 evictions, also known as ‘no fault’ evictions, ensuring renters can challenge poor landlords without fear of losing their home.
New laws will also offer new protections to landlords by making it easier for them to recover properties, such as when tenants wilfully do not pay rent, and reduce notice periods where tenants have been irresponsible, such as causing damage to properties.

Wine Industry Meeting

I was delighted to join local vineyard owners at The Gallivant in Rye for a discussion on what more we can do to support the local wine industry both nationally and locally. It was really helpful to learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

Observer Article - Coronation and the Local Elections

In my Observer article last month, I wrote about the coronation of King Charles III and the recent local elections.
You can read my article here.

Improving Support for Carers

It was a pleasure to meet Shared Lives Carers Jenny, Sam, Emma and Paula last Friday. Shared Lives Carers are the unsung heroes of our communities, looking after adults who need long term support in their homes, like a member of the family.
They need more support as carers and brought me lots of ideas on this which I will be taking forward.

Churches Together in Bexhill

I am keen to engage with local groups about the proposal for an asylum centre in Bexhill. As part of this I met with representatives of Churches Together in Bexhill at St Augustine's Church. We discussed local concerns and also ideas of how to support the local community and asylum seekers should the Home Office proposal go ahead. 

Do You Need Help Finding the Right Next Step in Your Career?

The National Careers Service South East provides free, up-to-date, impartial information, advice and guidance on careers, skills and the labour market.
For more information on the support they can offer to you, visit: nationalcareers.service.gov.uk or call: 0800 100 900

Observer Article - Northeye

Last month, I used my Observer article to further update residents on the Northeye proposal.
You can read my article here.