Merry Christmas | Small Business Saturday | Banbury Museum | DCS Group | Banburyshire Advice Centre

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Welcome to my December Newsletter!
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Christmas and New Year is a time for celebration but also a chance to remind ourselves of what we are thankful for. We have really seen our community come together this festive period, particularly when so many turned out for the annual Banbury Christmas Tractor Run in aid of our beloved Katharine House Hospice.

Although this is a magical time for so many, I know it can also be a very difficult and lonely period for others. The Samaritans are there, day and night, on 116 123 should you need someone to talk to. For those in need of help with any provisions or somewhere to escape the cold can find friendly and welcoming places using Cherwell District Council's new interactive map here ([link removed]) .

My office will close this evening until the start of the New Year. However, my inbox be monitored should anyone require urgent help. As we come to the end of yet another busy year, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Victoria

Christmas Card Competition
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Congratulations to Kate Starkey from King’s Meadow Primary School who is the winner of my Christmas card competition this year. I was very lucky to receive over 100 entries, but it was Kate’s beautiful nativity drawing that really stood out.

I was delighted to surprise Kate on Friday at a whole school assembly where I presented her with a prize. She was really taken aback that she had won and was over the moon when I explained that even the Prime Minister had seen her design!

I would like to thank all those who took the time to submit entries. There were so many wonderful designs. A huge well done to my runners-up including Chloe Tolley, also from King’s Meadow, Alice French from Cropredy Primary and Marcelo Raczkowski Alves and Theo Wong from Queensway Primary.

Small Business Saturday
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This month we celebrated Small Business Saturday – an opportunity to show our support for all the brilliant small businesses we have across North Oxfordshire.

I was pleased to speak to some of our small business owners on Parsons Street. I popped into several shops including: Ralph & Tony’s Barbers, Banbury Bridal, Tess’ Brilliant Bakes and the Abraxas Cookshop. I also enjoyed some local produce from the Charter Market which always has so much to offer every Thursday and Saturday.

It was a useful opportunity to discuss how local businesses have been getting on and the challenges they continue to face. I know the Chancellor’s extension of business rates relief will have come as welcome news on the high street. The Government recognises the vital contribution that small businesses make to the economy and to our communities.

Do make sure you go out and support a small business over the festive period!

DCS Group
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I enjoyed returning to the DCS Group’s distribution centre in Banbury for a catchup with senior management this month. I first visited shortly after founder Denys Shortt had moved the operation to our town in 2016 to grow the business.

It was great to hear from Chief Executive Michael Lorimer and Chief Revenue Officer Simon Whitebread about how well they have been getting on since then. The company has gone from strength to strength and now stands as the UK’s largest distributor and manufacturer for leading brands such as P&G, Unilever and Colgate.

The team have lots of exciting plans for the future and hope to continue growing their workforce, which already stands at 150. I was delighted to get the chance to visit one of Banbury’s most successful operations once again!

Banbury Museum
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I was delighted to visit the marvellous Banbury Museum last week. Now situated at Castle Quay, the Museum has origins stretching back to the 1940s when exhibits were on display in the town hall.

It was good to see Museum Director Simon Townsend again along with Board Chair Rebecca Mileham. We discussed their future vision for the Museum before I got the chance to visit the current exhibitions.

We are lucky to have such a dedicated team who do such a superb job in telling the story of our town. If you haven’t already, I really would recommend visiting!

Response to Banbury 20mph Consultation
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I have been contacted by a significant number of constituents about the County Council's plans for an expanded 20mph zone in Banbury. While most residents support targeted, localised measures to improve road safety, the blanket approach of the proposals has generated considerable concern about their wider impact on traffic through the town.

Earlier this month, I submitted a formal response to the consultation, incorporating my own views and those raised with me by constituents. You can read this in full here ([link removed]) .

Launton Grange Care Home
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It was lovely to be asked back to Launton Grange Care Home in Bicester last week. I first visited three years ago when the home was first opened so it was good to be able to see how they have been getting on ahead of Christmas.

Banburyshire Advice Centre
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Earlier this month, I attended the launch of Banburyshire Advice Centre's new premises on Castle Street. I had lots of positive conversations with volunteers including founder Andy Willis who is one of Banbury’s unsung heroes.

Frank Wise School
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It was good to visit the brilliant Frank Wise School recently for a catch up with joint headteachers Simon Knight and Heidi Dennison. I enjoyed taking a looking around the school and speaking to staff and pupils. Everyone was in really high spirits ahead of the festive period!

Meeting with Ofsted's Regional Director for the South East
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I met Ofsted’s Regional Director for the South East Matthew Purves earlier this month to discuss a broad range of topics, including the recent inspection of Oxfordshire Local Area Partnership’s SEND provision, the performance of local schools and levels of school attendance.

It was a particularly important opportunity to raise my concerns regarding the recent SEND inspection. I was reassured to hear about the work Matthew and his team are doing to hold the Local Area Partnership to account, and ensure that their Priority Action Plan is of the standard required to deliver the improvements that my constituents deserve.

The Future of Primary Care
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The Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board want to hear from local people about their views, insights and experiences of primary care services.

Primary care includes general practice, dentistry, optometry and community pharmacy. These are the services many people will be familiar with using day-to-day and are considered the front door to our NHS.

It is really important that you all take the time to share your ideas as it will help to shape the future of primary care locally. The survey is open until 31 January and can be accessed here ([link removed]) . Printed copies can be requested by phoning 0300 123 4465 or by emailing [email protected].

COP 28
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The COP28 agreement represents a key moment in tackling climate change. For the first time, countries agreed to transition away from fossil fuels. I welcome the role the UK has played in the negotiations. We safeguarded the historic agreement reached under our Presidency at COP26, and secured more ambitious commitments.

Read more on this here ([link removed]) .

Inflation Falls to 3.9%
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Inflation has more than halved since October last year which is good news for everyone. I welcome that the Chancellor remains focused on easing cost of living pressures through providing a package of support worth £3,700 per household from 2022-2025.

For more information click here ([link removed]) .

Law Officers
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It is wonderful to welcome Robert Courts back to the law as Solicitor General. He is a brilliant barrister, friend and my constituency neighbour! I am looking forward to working very closely with him.
Promoted by Ben Mabbett on behalf of Victoria Prentis, both of Wykham Park Farm, Wykham Lane, Banbury, OX16 9UP.

For more information about anything you have read in this newsletter or to find out more about my work, please visit: www.victoriaprentis.com ([link removed]) .

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