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Dear John,

Thank you for reading my first newsletter of 2024.

This will be a big year for Scotland and the UK.

A General Election is coming and there’s a huge opportunity to keep the SNP out in the Borders and get more attention on the things that really matter to you.

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Strong start to 2024

I hope 2024 has started well for you and your family.

As your Member of Parliament, I'm working hard to deliver on your priorities.

I'm always available to help you with any issues - local or national - you may have. So please speak with me or contact my office if you need help with bin collections, if there's a problem with a local road, if you need support to get a GP appointment or any other issue.

I'll keep working hard to make sure the Borders is the best place to live, work and raise a family.

Let's all look forward together to a brighter future for the Borders, Scotland and the UK.

Standing up to SNP tax rises

This year, people in the Borders and across Scotland will pay more tax but get even less from the SNP Government.

The SNP’s latest budget included tax hikes for middle earners and funding cuts to essential public services.

As a result of Humza Yousaf's decisions, everyone earning over £28,850 will pay more tax than people who live south of the border earning the same wage.

That's deeply unfair to hardworking people - and it comes after years of Scotland already being the highest taxed part of the UK.

This is the consequence of Humza Yousaf using so much taxpayers' money to promote independence and wasting funds on failed projects like the ferries they can't get to float.

I'll keep campaigning for a better deal from the SNP for Borders workers and families.

UK investment in Borders secured
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The UK Government also recently gave several local organisations a major boost with news that they had won funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The fund, which forms part of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda, aims to improve local areas and increase opportunities across the UK by investing in communities and local businesses.

** Borders College ([link removed])
secured £224,161 for three projects which will increase employability opportunities for those out of work, boost skills for local businesses, and allow feasibility work to help meet the growing demand for land-based skills.

** Gunsgreen House Trust ([link removed])
has been successful in securing £45,000 to take the first step to improving the visitor experience following the completion of comprehensive feasibility work.

The Oxton War Memorial Hall has received £60,000 to help renovate the village hall, transforming it into a village hub and incorporating a shop and communal workspace.

** The Haining Charitable Trust ([link removed])
has received £287,000 to help complete refurbishments to the ground floor of Haining House, allowing it to host community and visitor events whilst enhancing the sustainability of the building.

** Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce ([link removed])
has been awarded £108,761 to help enhance the support to local businesses and to help grow the network.

This funding is really positive news that will help our local economy to grow.

Good news for motorists

One of my top priorities as your MP is to campaign for better roads for the Borders.

That's why I consistently call out the SNP Government at Holyrood for letting down motorists by cutting road budgets, failing to invest in new infrastructure, and refusing to give councils the funding they need to fix every pothole.

But this month I heard some good news for motorists from the UK Government.

The UK's proposed Pumpwatch scheme would provide drivers with real-time price data to help them shop for fuel via navigation apps, in-car devices and comparison websites.

Millions of drivers will soon be able to get the latest petrol station prices at the click of a button.

While the SNP Government keeps taxes high and leaves motorists in the lurch, the UK Government will always act to help keep costs down and ensure hardworking people are getting a fair deal.
📸 Out and about 📸

Visiting the award-winning ** Potting Shed Restaurant ([link removed])
in Duns and ** campaigning in Jedburgh ([link removed])
.

🏆👋
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Campaigning to have the ** 20mph speed limit ([link removed])
added to sat nav systems and welcoming the directors of ** Crop Services (Scotland) Ltd ([link removed])
. to Westminster.
🚗 🤝
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If I can help you with anything, please don't hesitate to get in touch and make sure you are following me on social media for regular updates 👇

You can also join my constituent's Facebook group
** here. ([link removed])
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** Email (mailto:[email protected])
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Kind regards,

John Lamont MP
Copyright © 2024 John Lamont MP, All rights reserved.
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