As August draws to a close, I hope you have been able to join some of the many activities in and around our area, despite the weather! Parliament has been in recess, so I’ve been enjoying more time at home and in the Gosport office.
We are so lucky to have some great community organisations running fantastic family-friendly events throughout the summer holidays. There are almost too many to mention but I had the pleasure of taking part in many of the activities around the constituency.
From the [Provincial Society Bus Rally]([link removed]) in Stokes Bay to [Hampshire Search and Rescue (HANTSAR)]([link removed]) 20th anniversary fun day at Powder Monkey in Hardway. From the Gosportarian’s Summer show to the Summer in Lee celebrations and Forton Fest to Music in Bridgemary Park, there really was something for everyone this month!
I hope that, like me, you enjoyed cheering on the Lionesses in the World Cup. Although they did not go on to win, I’m sure we can all agree they played their hearts out, making it to their first ever World Cup Final - hopefully the first of many!
Along with meetings and events in the constituency, this month has also been busy in my role as Chair of the Culture, Media & Sport Committee. This month we published our [reports on Connected Technology]([link removed]) and [Artificial Intelligence]([link removed]) and I spoke in numerous [media interviews]([link removed]) about the increasing prevalence of smart tech devices in cases of domestic abuse, as well as the opportunities and risks that artificial intelligence poses to our creative industries.
As part of this role I also was invited to welcome an Indonesian trade delegation to the Historic Dockyard.
I also had the pleasure of spending a couple of days in Edinburgh. The Edinburgh Festival, The Fringe and Royal Military Tattoo are like a cultural Mecca, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world. It was fascinating to meet with some of the people behind these events and learn more about the challenges and benefits they present.
Back at home, I joined my dad to open the Gosport Community Association Gallery at Thorngate Halls. Some great artwork & pictures of local landmarks and a good space for local artists and makers to showcase their work.
I know that many constituents are concerned about the number of potholes in our area. I welcome the latest figures from Hampshire County Council in April/May which show that 155 carriageway defects were repaired in this month, as well as 32 highway emergencies attended to, and 109 metres of surface dressing and micro asphalt laid down. I know there is more to be done, but this is good progress to make our roads safer.
As ever, if you spot a highway problem, you can [report it]([link removed]) on the Hampshire County Council website.
Coming up, Gosport Heritage Open Days are returning from September 8-17, with over 65 free events. Among the first place in the country to start the Open Days, they are still a wonderful celebration of our world-class local heritage. As well as the usual magical historical talks and walking tours around sites like HMS Sultan which are usually closed to the public, there will be creative activities and music at the Stoke Road Festival. You can find out about the events [here]([link removed]).
I attended a very special birthday party this month too. On August 30th, life-long Gosport resident Reginald Plowman reached the milestone birthday of 100. The WW2 veteran and former Royal Marine Bandsman was treated to a special visit from the RM band of today. It was an honour to spend some time with him on his special day.
At the start of August I popped over to the Isle of Wight for a day during Cowes Week, sporting my ‘I was a sail’ backpack made by local youth charity[ Oarsome Chance]([link removed]) out of recycled sails!
I attended the Spring Court Residents Association meeting and was pleased that an action plan has been put in place by Southern Housing Association.
Nationally, the Office for National Statistics [published figures]([link removed]) to show that the government’s plan for the economy is working. In the month of June, economic growth was up 0.5%, with the biggest growth sectors being production and construction. Unemployment has also been reported as falling, as well as inflation figures for July having fallen to 6.4%. Although there is still more work to be done, it is a relief to see that some of the hard choices the government have made are paying off.
Good news also that the defective ['nutrient neutrality' regulations]([link removed]), which originated in the EU, have been reformed. This is good news for many redevelopments of historic or brownfield sites, including in Gosport, which were blocked by these regulations, despite achieving little environmental benefit. Coupled with new environmental measures, such as expansion of the Nutrient Mitigation Scheme and £280m funding to offset nutrient discharge, which is impacting sites like Portsmouth Harbour, these reforms will unleash our economy, rejuvinate our communities and increase housing stock. Significant progress in our ability to level up whilst also protecting the environment.
More funding was also [announced]([link removed]) to help our social care system. A national investment of £600m has been made to support recruitment and retention in the sector. I’m really pleased to see that Hampshire will be getting its fair share with over £64m announced for the County.
Action has been taken on tackling migration, part of the plan to stop the boats. [Penalties have been increased]([link removed]) for landlords and employers who house or provide work to anyone who enters the country illegally. Employers will be subject to a £45,000 fine per employee who is an illegal migrant, while landlords will face up to £10,000 per tenant. Illegal migrants are often employed and housed in exploitative conditions, and this will discourage landlords and employers from engaging in this practice.
Coupled with the Illegal Migration Act, which became law last month, this will help empower the government to take action to reduce the number of small boat crossings, and swiftly deport those who cross the channel illegally.
The government is consulting on plans to include health information in packets of cigarettes. You can contribute your thoughts about the proposed measures in the consultation [here]([link removed]).
A consultation has also been launched by Southern Railway on plans to change their services between Southampton & Portsmouth to London Victoria. This will impact both of our local stations in Fareham and Portsmouth Harbour. Find out more about their plans and contribute to the consultation [here]([link removed]).
If you’re looking for some fun activities to do in September, Yellow Edge Art Gallery are holding some art workshops. Funded by Arts Council England, this will give you the chance to learn and develop artistic skills in a variety of mediums, like painting, mosaics and woodblock printing! Find out more and book your place [here]([link removed]).
As ever, my team and I are here for any thoughts, questions or concerns you may have. Please do get in touch.
Caroline Dinenage MP
167 Stoke Road
Gosport
PO12 1SE
[email protected]
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